News Analysis India

Tag: China

  • Could China’s Growing Nuclear Arsenal Become a Concern for Other Countries? ,

    SOLNA: The Chinese nuclear arsenal has increased from 410 warheads to 500 warheads within a year, claimed The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) in its 55th yearbook 2024. SIPRI, an independent international institute dedicated to research into conflict, armaments, arms control, and disarmament in its report stated that “the estimated size of China’s nuclear arsenal increased from 410 warheads in January 2023 to 500 in January 2024, and it is expected to keep growing.”

    It further mentioned that for the first time, China may also now be deploying a small number of warheads on missiles during peacetime. Depending on how it decides to structure its forces, China could potentially have at least as many intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) as either Russia or the USA by the turn of the decade.

    ‘China is expanding its nuclear arsenal faster than any other country, but in nearly all of the nuclear-armed states there are either plans or a significant push to increase nuclear forces.” stated, Associate Senior Fellow with SIPRI, Hans M. Kristensen.

    China is likely to have a significantly smaller total nuclear weapons arsenal than either the United States or Russia, but due to its rapid deployment, it may eventually catch up to them in terms of active armament in the years to come, according to SIPRI.

    According to SIPRI, there are over 2,100 nuclear missiles that are thought to be in use and under control at any given time, practically all of which are possessed by the United States or Russia.

    China is increasing its weapons at a time when tensions across the world are rising due to the hostilities in Taiwan and the ongoing wars in Gaza and Ukraine. China has been holding more military exercises close to Taiwan in the past year, which some observers interpret as preparation for an invasion of the disputed territory, The Hill reported.

    According to SIPRI, the majority of nations are expanding or modernising their stockpiles at the same time as the nuclear buildup. According to the institute, Israel, which does not formally recognise that it possesses nuclear weapons, is said to have moved to modernise its stockpile, while North Korea, France, and India have taken steps to increase their armaments in the past year.

  • China Blames Philippines For Ship Collision In South China Sea; Manila Reacts |

    TAIPEI: A Chinese vessel and a Philippine supply ship collided near the disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea on Monday, China’s coast guard said, in the latest flare-up of escalating territorial disputes that have sparked alarm. The coast guard said a Philippine supply ship entered waters near the Second Thomas Shoal, a submerged reef in the Spratly Islands, part of a territory claimed by several nations.

    The Philippines says the shoal falls within its internationally recognised exclusive economic zone and often cites a 2016 international arbitration ruling invalidating China’s expansive South China Sea claims based on historical grounds. The Chinese coast guard said the Philippine craft “ignored China’s repeated solemn warnings … and dangerously approached a Chinese vessel in normal navigation in an unprofessional manner, resulting in a collision.” “The Philippines is entirely responsible for this,” the Coast Guard said in its statement on the social media platform WeChat.

    Meanwhile, the Philippine military called the Chinese coast guard’s report “deceptive and misleading,” and said it would “not discuss operational details on the legal humanitarian rotation and resupply mission at Ayungin Shoal, which is well within our exclusive economic zone.” It used the Philippine name for the shoal, where Filipino navy personnel have transported food, medicine and other supplies to a long-grounded warship that has served as Manila’s territorial outpost.

    “We will not dignify the deceptive and misleading claims of the China coast guard,” military spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad said. “The main issue remains to be the illegal presence and actions of Chinese vessels within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, which infringes on our sovereignty and sovereign rights.” “The continued aggressive actions of the CCG are escalating tensions in the region,” Trinidad said.

    Two speedboats — attempting to deliver construction materials and other supplies to a military vessel stationed at the shoal — accompanied the supply ship, according to China’s Foreign Ministry, which described its coast guard’s maneuver as “professional, restrained, reasonable and lawful.” The Foreign Ministry did not expand on the extent of the damage to the Chinese or Philippine vessels.

    Several incidents have happened in recent months near the shoal which lies less than 200 nautical miles (370 kilometers) from The Philippines coast and where it maintains an outpost aboard the BRP Sierra Madre, which had been encrusted with rust since it was deliberately grounded in 1999 but remains an actively commissioned military vessel, meaning an attack on it could be considered by the Philippines as an act of war.

    China has increasingly become assertive in pressing its claim to virtually the entire South China Sea, which has led to a rising number of direct conflicts with other countries in the region, most notably the Philippines and Vietnam. A new law by China, which took effect Saturday, authorizes its coast guard to seize foreign ships “that illegally enter China’s territorial waters” and to detain foreign crews for up to 60 days. The law renewed a reference to 2021 legislation that says China’s coast guard can fire upon foreign ships if necessary.

    At least three coastal governments with claims to the waters — the Philippines, Vietnam and Taiwan — have said they would not recognize the law. The territorial disputes have strained relations and sparked fears the conflict could bring China and the United States, a longtime treaty ally of the Philippines, into a military confrontation. Washington lays no territorial claims to the busy seaway, a key global trade route, but has warned that it’s obligated to defend the Philippines if Filipino forces, ships and aircraft come under an armed attack in the South China Sea.

    Aside from China, the Philippines, Vietnam and Taiwan, Malaysia and Brunei are also involved in the long-seeing territorial disputes, which are regarded as a flashpoint in Asia and a delicate fault line in the longstanding US-China rivalry in the region. Indonesia has also confronted Chinese coast guard and fishing fleets in the past in the gas-rich waters off the Natuna islands in the fringes of the South China Sea where it blew Chinese fishing boats it had taken under custody. Its navy also fired warning shots at Chinese vessels straying into what Jakarta regards as its exclusive economic zone.

  • 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.

  • Modi ki Chinese guarantee”: Congress Chief Kharge alleges Centre of putting country’s territorial integrity “at risk

    Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday alleged that the Central government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has put the country’s territorial integrity and national security “at risk” in dealing with its neighbouring country, China.

    Kharge, in a post on X, also accused the Modi government of “attacking the constitutional rights of our own citizens of Ladakh”.

    “Modi Ki Chinese Guarantee! In Ladakh, there is a strong wave of public support, with unified calls for protection for tribal communities under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution,” he said, adding that the Congress remains committed to protecting Ladakh and securing national interests at the borders.Kharge comments come as climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike in support of statehood and constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule for the Union Territory of Ladakh continues.

    “But like all other guarantees – ‘Modi Ki Guarantee’ to assure constitutional rights to the people of Ladakh remains a colossal betrayal. It is nothing but fake and Chinese in nature,” the Congress chief said.

    Kharge also alleged that the Modi government wants to exploit the eco-sensitive Himalayan glaciers of Ladakh and benefit its “crony friends”.”PM Modi’s CLEAN CHIT to China after Galwan Valley, post the sacrifice of our 20 bravehearts, has emboldened the expansionist nature of China at our strategic borders (sic),” he added.”On one hand, Modi government has put our territorial integrity and national security at risk, and on the other hand, it is attacking the Constitutional Rights of our own citizens of Ladakh,” the Congress chief added.

    He also claimed that China continues to occupy Indian territory at Depsang Plains, Hot Springs and Gogra regions.

    He also said that the Modi government failed to ensure status quo ante before 2020 despite at least 19 rounds of one-on-one talks between PM Modi and his Chinese counterpart since 2014.

  • 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.”