Tag: china

  • G7 Summit 2024: World leaders accuse China of ‘enabling’ Russian war in Ukraine |

    New Delhi: In a significant escalation of diplomatic rhetoric, the Group of Seven (G7) leaders stand strongly against Beijing and warned China to stop sending weapons components to Russia against the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Global leaders asked China to follow the world trade rules.

    As the annual Group of Seven (G7) summit held in Italy concluded successfully, the world leaders warned China and said that their support for Russia is enabling its war in Ukraine, CNN reported.

    According to Al Jazeera, the United States is increasing its diplomatic efforts to persuade Europe to take a firmer position on China regarding its support for Russia’s military-industrial complex.

    This steps out after the United States increased its diplomatic efforts to convince Europe to adopt a tougher stance on China regarding its support for Russia’s military-industrial complex, as reported by Al Jazeera.

    “China’s ongoing support for Russia’s defence industrial base is enabling Russia to maintain its illegal war in Ukraine and has significant and broad-based security implications,” the G7 leaders said, ANI reported.

    The world leaders took a call on China to cease the transfer of dual-use materials, including weapons components and equipment, that are major inputs for Russia’s defence sector.

    The leaders also warned further actions including sanctions to punish Chinese entities that they say are helping Russia circumvent Western embargoes.

    “We will continue taking measures against actors in China and third countries that materially support Russia’s war machine, including financial institutions, consistent with our legal systems, and other entities in China that facilitate Russia’s acquisition of items for its defence industrial base,” the joint statement read, as per ANI reports.

    Earlier, American officials have accused China of helping Russia to expand military manufacturing which includes the exports of semiconductors, materials and machine tools they say are enabling Moscow to ramp up production of tanks, munitions and armoured vehicles, Al Jazeera reported.

    Beijing refuted the allegation and said that it has not provided weapons to either side and maintains tight export controls on dual-use goods.

  • Defence News: China preparing for modern warfare – not humans, robotic soldiers, dogs to be used in combat next |

    China has been holding military exercises around Taiwan. It has also entered into skirmishes with India on multiple occasions. China’s People’s Liberation Army recently carried out a two-day large-scale military exercise surrounding Taiwan. During a recent joint military exercise with Cambodia, the PLA displayed the capabilities of its robotic dog which has been equipped to handle and shoot using high-end guns.

    The video of the robotic dog participating in the military drill has gone viral on social media. Chinese state media Global Times reported that the technical sophistication of the intelligent equipment shows that it can greatly enhance combat efficiency and reduce casualties. As per reports, countries like China, America, and other developed countries are working to develop human like robots that can be deployed in wars.

    Robot Dog Soldier

    The robotic dog weighs 15 kilograms and is equipped with a 4D super-wide-angle sensing system. As per the reports, the robotic dog has a battery and power system that allows it to operate for two to four hours. It can also perform manoeuvres such as forward and backward movement, jumping, crouching, and independently arranging movement routes to avoid obstacles to close in on its target in less time. It’s operated using a remote control and sends data to the command centre in real-time.

    Chinese PLA armed robot dogs demonstrate their capabilities in military exercises in Cambodia. https://t.co/SMU9ScixAP pic.twitter.com/OKeTwMDdlx — Clash Report (@clashreport) May 26, 2024

    During the recent drill, the robot was using QBZ-95 assault rifle. As per Chinese media reports, another bigger version of the robot dog weighs more than 50 kilograms and can conduct armed assault missions. The Global Time said, “The drills show that the PLA has been intensively testing multiple types of robot dogs in terms of technologies and tactics….Capable of accompanying troops in high-risk tasks, robot dogs can greatly enhance combat efficiency and reduce casualty.”

    Chinese PLA soldier walking with his armed robot dog. pic.twitter.com/KPsA2oL1eT

    — Clash Report (@clashreport) May 23, 2024

    The world is already witnessing the extensive use of explosive drones by Ukraine against Russia. The drones are so lethal that it doesn’t give time to soldiers or tanks to escape.

    Where does the Indian Army stand?

    Countries across the globe are increasingly using modern warfare equipment including drones and robots. The Indian Army is still behind China or the United States in this. At present, the Indian Army has been spotted only with the reconnaissance robotic dogs. However, as per reports, the army is looking to procure or develop AI-enabled tactical combat robots also called a tactical Unmanned Ground Combat Vehicle (UGCV), similar to one being used by China.

  • Putin Arrives In China To Strengthen Strategic Alliance With Xi | world news

    Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Beijing early on Thursday for talks with Xi Jinping that the Kremlin hopes will deepen a strategic partnership between the two most powerful geopolitical rivals of the United States.

    China and Russia declared a “no limits” partnership in February 2022 when Putin visited Beijing just days before he sent tens of thousands of troops into Ukraine, triggering the deadliest land war in Europe since World War Two.

    By picking China for his first foreign trip since being sworn in for a six-year term that will keep him in power until at least 2030, Putin is sending a message to the world about his priorities and the depth of his personal relationship with Xi.

    In an interview with China’s Xinhua news agency, Putin praised Xi for helping to build a “strategic partnership” with Russia based on national interests and deep mutual trust.

    “It was the unprecedentedly high level of the strategic partnership between our countries that determined my choice of China as the first state that I would visit after officially taking office as president of the Russian Federation,” Putin said.

    “We will try to establish closer cooperation in the field of industry and high technology, space and peaceful nuclear energy, artificial intelligence, renewable energy sources and other innovative sectors,” Putin said.

    Putin, 71, and Xi, 70, will take part in a gala evening celebrating 75 years since the Soviet Union recognized the People’s Republic of China, which was declared by Mao Zedong in 1949.

    Reuters reported exclusively in March that Putin would travel to China in May.

    Xinhua confirmed his arrival for what China’s state press has described as a state visit from an “old friend”.

    The United States casts China as its biggest competitor and Russia as its biggest nation-state threat while US President Joe Biden argues that this century will be defined by an existential contest between democracies and autocracies.

    Putin and Xi share a broad world view, which sees the West as decadent and in decline just as China challenges US supremacy in everything from quantum computing and synthetic biology to espionage and hard military power.

    Putin will also visit Harbin in northeastern China, a city with strong ties to Russia. It was not immediately clear whether or not Putin would drop in on any other capitals in Asia after Beijing.

    Xi And Putin

    China has strengthened its trade and military ties with Russia in recent years as the United States and its allies imposed sanctions against both countries, particularly against Moscow for the invasion of Ukraine.

    The West says China has played a crucial role in helping Russia withstand the sanctions and has supplied key technology which Russia has used on the battlefield in Ukraine.

    But China, once the junior partner of Moscow in the global Communist hierarchy, remains by far the most powerful of Russia’s friends in the world.

    Putin’s arrival follows a mission to Beijing late last month by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, in part to warn China’s top diplomat Wang Yi against deepening military support for Russia.

    Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov said that the two leaders would hold informal talks on Thursday evening over tea and that they would touch on Ukraine, Asia, energy and trade.

    Putin’s newly appointed defense minister, Andrei Belousov, as well as Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu and foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov, will also attend, along with Russia’s most powerful CEOs.

    It was not immediately clear if Gazprom CEO Alexei Miller would go to China as he was on a working visit to Iran on Wednesday.

  • US President Biden Increases Tariffs On Imports Of Electric Vehicles, Other Goods From China | world news

    New Delhi: US President Joe Biden has directed his Trade Representative to increase tariffs on USD 18 billion of imports from China, including semiconductors, solar cells, batteries, and critical minerals to ‘protect’ American workers and businesses, the White House said in a statement on Tuesday.

    The White House said that the decision has come in response to China’s ‘unfair trade practices’ and to counteract the resulting harms.

    “China’s unfair trade practices concerning technology transfer, intellectual property, and innovation are threatening American businesses and workers. China is also flooding global markets with artificially low-priced exports. In response to China’s unfair trade practices and to counteract the resulting harms, today, President Biden is directing his Trade Representative to increase tariffs under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 on USD 18 billion of imports from China to protect American workers and businesses,” the White House statement read.

    The statement on hiked tariffs on imports from China also noted that the Chinese government has used unfair and non-market practices for too long now.

    “China’s forced technology transfers and intellectual property theft have contributed to its control of 70, 80, and even 90 percent of global production for the critical inputs necessary for our technologies, infrastructure, energy, and health care–creating unacceptable risks to America’s supply. chains and economic security,” the White House said.

    “Furthermore, these same non-market policies and practices contribute to China’s growing overcapacity and export surges that threaten to significantly harm American workers, businesses, and communities,” it added.

    The US and the European Union have often expressed their concern over “industrial overcapacity” in China that is impacting their domestic companies.

    US Treasury Secretary Janet L Yellen met with the Economic Working Group (EWG) and Financial Working Group (FWG) between the US and China in April this year following her trip to Beijing and Guangzhou. “The US delegation continued to express concerns about China’s non-market practices and industrial overcapacity,” the US Treasury Department had said after the meeting.

    “Both sides agreed to further discuss these issues,” according to a readout on the meeting.

    In a meeting between Xi Jinping and President Emmanuel Macron of France, Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission president, urged the visiting Chinese President to address “the wave of subsidized exports flowing from his nation’s factories into Western countries,” NYT reported.

    “These subsidized products — such as the electric vehicles or, for example, steel — are flooding the European market,” von der Leyen said. “The world cannot absorb China’s surplus production,” von der Leyen was cited in the US daily.

  • Planning A Holiday In Maldives? Think Twice As Crime Against Tourists On A Rise, Indians Attacked |

    Maldives was a favourite tourist destination for Indians. However, things have taken a bitter turn of events since the pro-China government led by Mohamed Muizzu came to power in Maldives. Muizzu came to power riding on ‘India Out’ campaign. The relations between India and Maldives turned sour in January this year after Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Lakshadweep in a bid to promote domestic tourism. However, Maldivian leaders mocked India and made insulting remarks against PM Modi. Since then, the number of Indian tourists visiting the Maldives has declined but still, many Indians are visiting the island nation.

    However, the country doesn’t look safe as radical elements have become more active there, show some recent incidents and various reports. In a recent incident, a couple of Indians were attacked by Maldivians after a minor altercation near Central Park in Hulhumale. In another incident, an Israeli woman was targeted in the Maldives and was forced to leave the country, according to reports. 

    Israeli tourist tried to enter one of the islands in the Maldives for a holiday while her country commits genocide. She was kicked out by local island community and last reports indicate she was on her way back to the airport after realizing humanity does not welcome them anymore pic.twitter.com/PsKcUYp9UB
    — Muad M Zaki (@muadmzaki) April 30, 2024

    While the tensions between India and Maldives have increased, Maldivian foreign minister Moosa Zameer is likely to visit India next week. If Zameer visits India, it will be the first high-level tour by either side since Muizzu took office last year. Muizzu has already visited China but is yet to visit India. As per reports, a request regarding his visit is pending with New Delhi. 

    According to reports, Zameer is likely to take up debt payment issues with India seeking leniency on the repayment term. Successive Maldivian governments have taken loans from India from time to time. Muizzu, since taking over power, has limited defence ties with India while leaning towards China. 

  • ‘China-Pakistan Economic Corridor’ Under Threat? 5 Chinese Nationals Killed By Terrorists; Turbat Naval Air Base Attacked | world news

    Pakistan today witnessed a series of terrorist attacks and anti-terrorist operations in many parts of the country. Several terrorists attacked the Turbat naval air base in Balochistan while in another suicide bombing attack, five Chinese nationals were killed at Besham city of Shangla district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. In another anti-terror operations details of which was released earlier today, Pakistani security forces killed at least four terrorists during an intelligence-based operation in the restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province yesterday. The operation took place on Monday in the Dera Ismail Khan district.

    Suicide Bombing

    As per reports, five Chinese nationals were killed in Besham city. The Chinese nationals were traveling in a vehicle when another explosive-laden vehicle rammed into it killing all the occupants. Both the vehicles fell into the gorge. The videos that have gone viral on social media show plumes of smoke and fire rising from the valley. The Chinese engineers were on their way from Islamabad to their camp in Dasu.

    Visuals by Pakistan media:pic.twitter.com/sFZ2aMA7k6 — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) March 26, 2024

    Pakistan’s privatization Minister Abdul Aleem Khan termed the attack ‘incredibly upsetting’. “The enemy is targeting Pak-China friendship and China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) under a well-thought conspiracy but the nation, along with the Pakistan Army, will thwart all evil plots,” he said on X.

    The suicide attack on Chinese residents traveling from Islamabad to Pakistan is extremely regrettable and worthy of condemnation. The enemy is targeting Pak-China friendship and other peaks under a well-planned conspiracy, but the people, together with the Pak Army, will foil all the evil conspiracies. I have all my sympathies…

    — Abdul Aleem Khan (@abdul_aleemkhan) March 26, 2024

    Attack On Turbat Naval Air Base

    Baloch militants armed with weapons attempted to breach a key naval air base in Pakistan’s volatile Balochistan province on the intervening night of March 25–26. However, security forces successfully thwarted the assault, resulting in the elimination of all four terrorists. The incident occurred on Monday night in Turbat, a district known for its unrest within the scarcely inhabited province. Makran Commissioner Saeed Ahmed Umrani informed the media that security forces effectively prevented an armed terrorist incursion at the PNS Siddique Naval Air Base, one of the largest naval air stations in the nation.

    The banned Balochistan Liberation Army claimed that its Majeed Brigade was behind the attack. This is the third major attack on security forces and installations this year in Balochistan claimed by the BLA with the first two attacks being also being repulsed by security forces.

  • Xi Jinping Pleased As China Gains Veiled Control Of Pakistan With New Government: Reports |

    New Delhi: In a twist that surprised few, Pakistan, long seen as China’s compliant disciple, has danced to Beijing’s tune once again. With whispers of election manipulation echoing through the political corridors, the world watched as Pakistan made a mockery of democracy. China, long frustrated by Pakistan’s audacity in governance, finally succeeded in branding the Pakistani government with its own ‘Made in China’ stamp.

    The elevation of  Asif Ali Zardari to the presidency only solidified China’s grip. Zardari, a known sycophant of China, joins the ranks of Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and General Asim Munir, all serving as Beijing’s faithful stooges.

    China’s delight at Zardari’s victory was palpable, with President Xi Jinping extending warm wishes as if crowning a ‘Made in China’ president. Jinping hailed the friendship between the two nations as a cherished treasure, conveniently ignoring the scent of conspiracy lingering in the air.

    China’s Plan To Use Pak Against India

    Pakistani experts, however, aren’t so easily swayed. They see China’s congratulatory gestures as part of a larger strategy, one that involves leveraging Pakistan against India’s growing military might. As tensions simmer on the Himalayan border, Pakistanis are waking up to the reality that China’s friendship comes with strings attached.

    जानिए.. चीन की चाल में फंसे जरदारी, शहबाज और मुनीर!#Deshhit #China #Pakistan #WorldNews | @anchorjiya pic.twitter.com/Va80cTeaQP
    — Zee News (@ZeeNews) March 10, 2024

    Skepticism abounds regarding China’s intentions, particularly concerning the stalled China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project. With little progress to show for years of investment, ordinary Pakistanis are questioning whether China has their best interests at heart.

    Despite mounting evidence of China’s ulterior motives, some Pakistanis remain blinded by anti-India sentiments, placing undue trust in Beijing’s promises. However, as the truth unravels, more Pakistanis are realizing that they’ve been duped by China’s cunning schemes.

    With Balochistan languishing and promises of prosperity unfulfilled, the cracks in China’s facade are becoming harder to ignore. As Pakistanis awaken to the reality of China’s exploitation, the once-unwavering allegiance to Beijing may soon falter, revealing the true cost of China’s puppetry.

  • China's 'Two Sessions' Begin Amid Economic Challenges And Political Shifts, Here's What To Expect | world news

    BEIJING: China's prestigious “Two Sessions” commences in Beijing on Monday where thousands of delegates from across the country will signal how they plan to steer the world's second-largest economy in the year ahead and try to dispel deepening concern about the challenges it faces. Chinese leader Xi Jinping and his top Communist Party officials are expected to focus on projecting confidence during the “two sessions,” a highly choreographed event where China's rubber-stamp legislature and top advisory body convene.

    The largely ceremonial political gathering is taking on heightened importance this year as China's economy has been roiled by a property sector crisis, hefty local government debt, deflation, a stock market rout and tech friction with the US — all fueling questions about whether the country will lose steam before it reaches its goal of becoming a developed global power.

    Economic Focus And Premier's Projections

    Xi faces scrutiny amid economic difficulties and rising skepticism. The past year saw him embark on an unprecedented third term, marked by economic struggles, job uncertainties, market losses, and small business challenges. Premier Li Qiang's report will unveil a 5% economic growth target for 2024 and address pressing issues from declining birth rates to tech regulation.

    Global Impact And Political Implications

    China's economic troubles reverberate globally, especially in a year where the US presidential election may strain Sino-American relations further. Leaders aim to showcase the government's ability to handle economic issues and provide confidence in China's economic trajectory.

    The “Two Sessions” serve as a platform for the government to announce strategies and key indicators, including economic growth targets and military spending. However, the space for open exchanges has diminished as Xi tightened control, raising questions about the direction of China's economic and social policies.

    Economic Debate Restrictions And Leadership Challenges

    Recent controls on economic debates, including social media restrictions on analysts, highlight the government's efforts to control narratives. Xi's political shakeup and challenges faced by the new administration raise questions about the future direction of China and its impact on the global economy.

    Crucial Topics And Global Relations

    The sessions will shed light on China's stance on Taiwan, relations with the US, and efforts to bolster innovation amid tech export controls. Observers anticipate a possible shift in tone towards a more conciliatory stance, temporarily easing the confrontational 'wolf warrior diplomacy.'

    Leadership Appointments And Foreign Minister's Role

    The unexpected removal of officials, including the foreign minister and defense minister, adds an element of uncertainty. A new foreign minister's appointment and potential high-ranking cabinet posts fillings will be closely monitored, as they signal shifts in China's leadership and foreign policy.

    NPC Dynamics: Ousting And Appointments

    The NPC's Standing Committee witnessed the removal of 11 members, including key figures linked to China's military apparatus. The departures, particularly of Foreign Minister Qin Gang and Defense Minister Li Shangfu, prompt questions about military dynamics and leadership judgment.

    Deciphering NPC And CPPCC Roles

    Although technically independent from the CCP, both the NPC and CPPCC are significantly influenced by it. While the NPC is China's primary legislative body, the CPPCC operates as a political advisory entity, fostering collaboration and extending CCP influence.

    NPC's Significance Beyond Formality

    Despite being colloquially labeled a “rubber stamp,” the NPC holds importance beyond formality. Limited public input and occasional displays of dissent showcase its role in representing citizen interests on less sensitive issues.

    Influence of Non-Party Actors And Global Market Skepticism

    China's political landscape accommodates diverse interest groups, including advocates for women's rights and environmentalists. Their influence, however, remains constrained by the CCP's dominance. Market skepticism prevails as observers await the impact of confidence projections and measures announced during the “Two Sessions.”

  • What Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wants To Achieve By Enhancing Ties With Greece |

    The diplomatic relations between India and Greece were established in May 1950 while India opened its resident Embassy in Athens 28 years later in March 1978. Five years later, then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi visited Greece in 1983. But, the bilateral relations between the two nations progressed gradually with no successive Prime Ministers visiting the European nation for the next 40 years until 2023 when Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the country on his Greece counterpart Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ invitation. Since then, the two nations have been working to develop closer and stronger ties. To further bolster ties and combat regional challenges, India invited Greece’s PM on a state visit. 

    PM Modi On Greece Ties

    Greece PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis is currently on a state visit to India. India and Greece have formed a working group to increase mutual coordination on common challenges like defence, cyber security, counter-terrorism, and maritime security. The joint working group on defence could lead to India’s larger presence in the Mediterranean Sea, thus making India the third key partner in the Sea along with Italy and Egypt. In the words of Prime Minister Modi, “New opportunities for co-production and co-development are being created in defence manufacturing in India, which can be beneficial for both countries. We have agreed to link the defence industries of both countries. India and Greece have common concerns and priorities in the fight against terrorism. We discussed in detail how to further strengthen our cooperation in this area.”

    Had a productive meeting with PM @kmitsotakis earlier today. Our talks covered key areas like technology, pharmaceuticals, skill development, space and innovation. We also agreed to boost cooperation in areas like shipping, connectivity and defence. pic.twitter.com/cYzj3OtMHQ
    — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 21, 2024

    India A Great Power, Says PM Mitsotakis 

    On the other hand, PM Mitsotakis termed India as a great power on the world stage. He said that India is an important ally in the pursuit of peace and security. “Greece’s geographic and strategic proximity makes it an interlocutor between India and Europe, and between the Global North and the South….Greece presents vast opportunities as a logistics centre and international gateway, facilitating connectivity and trade between India, the Middle East, and Europe,” said PM Mitsotakis. He added that India and Greece must work together to promote peace and stability through projects like the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor, which can bring about prosperity for all participating countries.

    Why Does Greece Matter To India?

    India is currently the world’s fastest-growing major economy and if it wants to maintain the pace of its growth, then foreign trade becomes a crucial factor. With China growing its influence in the Indian Ocean as well as in the Mediterranean Sea, India cannot sit back and watch the developments like a wallflower. 

    Counter To China

    China has extended its influence in the region, notably by fostering connections with Greece. Through its Belt & Road Initiative, China has invested in infrastructure projects such as Greece’s Piraeus port, ranking among the world’s largest ports. Concurrently, India is actively pursuing an increased presence in the area, with reports indicating that companies like Adani are exploring investment opportunities in Greek ports.

    Unpredictable Turkey

    The relationship between India and Greece with Turkey, a regional heavyweight, is marked by complexity. Turkey’s proximity to Pakistan and its opposition to India’s Kashmir policy have acted as obstacles to closer ties between India and Ankara. Similarly, Greece has a historically challenging relationship with Turkey, characterized by conflicts over maritime boundaries and energy resources. The two nations have faced tensions as they contend for control in these strategic areas. These intricate dynamics contribute to the nuanced geopolitical landscape involving India, Greece, and Turkey.

    Growing Trade, Solidifying Presence

    Greece stands as one of the significant maritime forces bordering the Mediterranean Sea. This sea serves as a vital conduit for global trade, linking Europe and America with key economies such as India, China, and Japan. Approximately 12-15% of the world’s maritime traffic traverses the Mediterranean Sea, underscoring its strategic importance. Notably, Russia, the United States, and France uphold robust military presences in this region, contributing to its geopolitical dynamics.

    With India’s growing economy, European markets have gained heightened significance. In response, India is actively progressing with the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, establishing a connectivity network linking New Delhi to these regions via a combination of ship and rail routes. In this ambitious project, Greece assumes a pivotal role as a crucial link.

    A shared objective is to double bilateral trade between India and Greece by the year 2030. Additionally, reports indicate that India is seeking Greece’s collaboration in the modernization efforts within its shipping sector, further strengthening the ties between the two nations.

  • Amid Chinese `Spy` Vessel`s Movement Towards Maldives, Indian Navy Sends Its Submarine To Sri Lanka

    INS ‘Karanj’ – a submarine of the Indian Navy arrived at the port of Colombo yesterday on a formal visit. The visiting submarine was welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in the precision of naval traditions.