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Jaishankar's visit to China reflects a thaw in ties — there will be challenges
Jaishankar's visit to China reflects a thaw in ties — there will be challenges

Indian Express

time7 days ago

  • Politics
  • Indian Express

Jaishankar's visit to China reflects a thaw in ties — there will be challenges

Five years after the military standoff between India and China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's meetings with China's President Xi Jinping, Foreign Minister Wang Yi, and Liu Jianchao (head of the International Department of the Chinese Communist Party) signal an intent to repair the relationship with Beijing. Minister Jaishankar's visit to China this week — his first since the 2020 skirmishes — for the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers meeting, taken alongside recent instances of widening engagement, reflects a thaw in bilateral ties. Recall that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Xi met on the sidelines of the BRICS summit last October, shortly after a new border patrolling arrangement was announced and a few days before the disengagement process officially concluded. Since then, NSA Ajit Doval, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri have all visited China. Other signs that the India-China relationship has been moving in a positive direction include an understanding to expedite the restoration of direct flights and easing of visa restrictions, and resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. While Jaishankar has said that 'a far-seeing lens' should be used for rebuilding ties, some key issues remain unresolved. Post-disengagement, the de-escalation process — the withdrawal of troops from forward positions — hasn't begun at the border. China's restrictive trade practices, such as curbs on critical exports like rare earth magnets and high-tech manufacturing machinery, continue to be a stumbling block. These concerns were conveyed by Jaishankar to Wang, along with a pointed reminder that the SCO was founded to fight 'three evils': Terrorism, separatism, and extremism. At the same time, in an increasingly turbulent world order, and especially with an unpredictable occupant of the White House, re-engagement with China, or what Wang recently described as a 'cooperative pas de deux of the dragon and the elephant', is pragmatic policy. For example, the US and NATO threatening to sanction countries doing business with Russia — a move that would hit India and China hardest — underscores the need for a partnership. The fact, however, is that China continues to view its relationship with India primarily through a lens of competition, not cooperation. The most recent example is China's growing military cooperation with Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. The power gap is also widening. India runs a trade deficit of over $100 billion with China. The latter continues to scale up its defence budget and capabilities. China also leads in critical technologies like AI, quantum computing, and rare earths. And Beijing is steadily strengthening its influence across South Asia, luring countries strategically important to India into its own fold — Bangladesh, most recently. India must, therefore, remain vigilant. Alongside dialogue, to increase its leverage, New Delhi must focus on getting its own house in order: Accelerate economic reform, bolster technological capacity, and foster social and political unity. Some members of the Opposition have criticised Jaishankar's China outreach. His calibrated diplomacy, however, was necessary. The China question demands long-term, strategic clarity at the domestic level as well. And on the foreign policy front, New Delhi must widen its engagement across the neighbourhood and beyond, to prevent Beijing from gaining a decisive upper hand in the region.

Dr Wee: Unite to fight fake news
Dr Wee: Unite to fight fake news

The Star

time11-07-2025

  • Politics
  • The Star

Dr Wee: Unite to fight fake news

BEIJING: Established media outlets across nations must join forces to combat fake news and disinformation, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong. The MCA president noted that while the media holds tremendous power, it is also a double-edged sword. 'It can educate, enlighten and unify, but it can also be exploited to spread falsehoods, deepen misunderstandings and fuel divisions. 'Today, fake news, disinformation and sensationalist reporting can cross borders in seconds, turning civilisations that have co-existed for centuries into adversaries,' he said in his keynote address at the Contemporary World Forum here yesterday. Themed Exchange and Mutual Learning Among Civilisations and the Role of the Media, the forum was also attended by MCA secretary-general Datuk Chong Sin Woon, forum organiser Contemporary World Magazine's director-general and editor-in-chief Lue Xuejun, foreign dignitaries and media delegates. Dr Wee stressed that in an age where information can either unite or divide, the media must act as a bridge between civilisations rather than a barrier. 'The media is not merely a mirror of society, but a bridge that connects people, cultures and ideas across distances,' he said. Dr Wee is visiting China at the invitation of the International Department of the Chinese Communist Party Central Committee's Contemporary World Magazine, leading a delegation of 23 media professionals from 12 Asian and African nations under the theme Media Empowerment and Shared Prosperity. The delegation is visiting key sites and companies to gain deeper insight into the historical foundations of Chinese civilisation as well as the major achievements and global opportunities arising from China's path to modernisation. One of the highlights of the visit was the Ministerial Meeting of the Global Civilisations Dialogue, where delegates engaged with Chinese leaders and international representatives, led by CPC Political Bureau standing committee member Cai Qi and CPC International Department Minister Liu Jianchao. Also joining Dr Wee were Chong as well as former Dewan Negara president and Star Media Group Bhd chairman Tan Sri Wong Foon Meng. Dr Wee said some 600 delegates from 144 countries participated in the inaugural two-day event, which featured leaders and dignitaries in plenary sessions. 'The dialogue was mooted by Chinese President Xi Jinping two years ago. I'm happy to be here to share my views,' he said. Among the prominent former global leaders who spoke at the meeting yesterday were former Indonesian president Megawati Sukarnoputri, former Japanese prime minister Yukio Hatoyama and former Belgian prime minister Yves Camille Desire Leterme. Today, Dr Wee is scheduled to speak on Inter-Civilisation Exchanges and Mutual Learning: Global Development and Prosperity, while Wong will share his views on Inter-Civilisation Exchanges and Mutual Learning: Cultural Inheritance and Innovation. Reflecting on Malaysia's multicultural identity, Dr Wee said the media has a special responsibility to foster understanding and accurately portray society's complexity, a duty that extends beyond borders when reporting on other cultures and civilisations. In this regard, he called for stronger collaboration between Malaysian and Chinese media through shared reporting methods and cultural exchanges. 'The media must not be viewed solely as a commercial enterprise, but as a social institution that fosters dialogue, corrects misconceptions and amplifies the stories that unite us,' he said. Dr Wee noted that MCA, through initiatives like the MCA Belt and Road Centre, has long promoted media collaboration between Malaysia and China. He said recent joint projects have highlighted shared values, including coverage of Belt and Road Initiative projects and educational exchanges, which demonstrate how infrastructure and youth engagement can strengthen civilisational bonds. Looking ahead, Dr Wee called for media partnerships to promote mutual learning, such as journalist exchange programmes, joint productions in Mandarin and English, as well as more youth-focused media literacy initiatives. He noted that Malaysia, as a country of many cultures, religions and languages, is uniquely positioned to show how different civilisations can co-exist and prosper. 'Our media institutions, like The Star, reflect this diversity by telling stories that connect, not divide,' he said. In his speech, Chong highlighted the media's evolving role in a fractured information landscape. Drawing inspiration from Admiral Zheng He's historic voyages to Melaka, Chong likened the press to a modern 'treasure fleet' navigating the digital seas. 'It carries truth, cultural wisdom and empathy, which are the building blocks of a modern Information Silk Road,' he said. Chong also cautioned that digital manipulation and AI-generated content are turning the global information space into a battlefield. 'These tools are increasingly weaponised to marginalise non-Western narratives. Media empowerment is now a geopolitical necessity.' He called for ethical AI in fact-checking, stronger digital literacy and the protection of independent journalism. 'Above all, we must dismantle media hegemony and amplify voices from the Global South. When one worldview dominates, truth itself becomes collateral damage.' As Malaysia and China celebrate 51 years of diplomatic relations, Chong urged both nations to lead the way toward a fairer and more pluralistic media order.

Top Chinese Official Says War With US Unimaginable in Tone Tweak
Top Chinese Official Says War With US Unimaginable in Tone Tweak

Mint

time03-07-2025

  • Business
  • Mint

Top Chinese Official Says War With US Unimaginable in Tone Tweak

A senior Chinese official said he was 'optimistic' about the future of his nation's ties with the US, among the most upbeat comments given by Beijing in recent weeks about a relationship upended by Donald Trump's tariffs. Both the Chinese and the Americans are hoping for a 'friendly, good' relationship between their countries, and politicians are expected to heed the will of the people, Liu Jianchao, head of the Communist Party's International Department, said at the government-backed World Peace Forum on Thursday. Speaking in Beijing, Liu called a war between China and the US 'unimaginable' but highlighted Taiwan and the South China Sea as possible flashpoints. He urged America to respect the One China principle, which dictates that Taiwan is part of China's territory. Liu urged America to respect China's sovereignty and honor its commitments on Taiwan. 'We will decide at what time to take what kind of measures to achieve China's reunification based on the development of the situation, our needs, and movements of Taiwan's separatist forces,' he said. China is adopting a less confrontational tone with the US days after confirming details of a trade framework with Washington, as the world's two largest economies finalized an understanding reached in Geneva. But while the trade truce may be holding for now, Beijing is increasingly wary about US efforts to forge deals that could isolate Chinese firms from global supply chains. 'China is keenly aware of what it's gained from China-US cooperation,' Liu said. 'Our cooperation is mutually beneficial. The act of putting up barriers will hurt the other and ourselves as well.' The Chinese official also struck a critical note, recalling US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's message of 'peace through strength' — delivered a month ago during the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore — and calling it 'a rebranding of hegemonism.' 'Such rhetoric is about flexing muscles instead of encouraging dialogue,' Liu said. 'It will only stir up confrontation and conflicts instead of promoting peace and harmony.' The diplomat additionally addressed some of the territorial disputes China has with its neighbors, sketching out an approach to solving its border issues with India and Bhutan that he said will rely on dialogue. 'China is not leveraging its size and national strength to oppress others,' Liu said. 'Instead, we're trying to find solutions to control and address the South China Sea issue through negotiations.' This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.

UAE, China strengthen cooperation in energy, renewables, industry
UAE, China strengthen cooperation in energy, renewables, industry

Sharjah 24

time26-06-2025

  • Business
  • Sharjah 24

UAE, China strengthen cooperation in energy, renewables, industry

The visit aimed to strengthen bilateral relations and expand cooperation in energy, renewable energy, industry, and infrastructure. During the visit, Dr. Sultan Al Jaber met with Lan Fo'an, China's Minister of Finance, and Liu Jianchao, Head of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party (CPC) of China, and Zou Jiayi, President of AIIB in the presence of Hussain bin Ibrahim Al Hammadi, UAE Ambassador to China. Dr. Al Jaber emphasised the UAE's unwavering commitment to strengthening and expanding the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with China, and the importance of launching new initiatives that support the development goals of both nations, with a focus on empowering national companies and enhancing collaboration between the public and private sectors, in a way that supports mutual sustainable economic growth and prosperity. Dr. Sultan Al Jaber held a series of meetings with senior leaders from major Chinese companies, including Wang Yuetao, Chairman of ZhenHua Oil, Liao Zengtai, Chairman of Wanhua, a leading chemicals manufacturing company; Liu Haoling, President of the China Investment Corporation (CIC); Dai Houliang, Chairman of China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), one of the world's largest energy and petrochemical companies; Zhang Chuanjiang, Chairman of China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC); Zhang Lei, Chairman of Envision, specialising in renewables and smart energy management solutions; Song Hailiang, Chairman of China Energy Engineering Corporation (CEEC), active in energy and infrastructure projects; and Chen Guanfu, Chairman of POWERCHINA International. The meetings focused on the latest developments in cooperation across energy sectors, including renewables, oil and gas, LNG, refining, and petrochemicals, as well as strategic shipping and storage. They also explored ways to enhance investments in priority areas of mutual interest and potential industrial infrastructure projects, in line with both countries' shared interest to advancing industrial and technological partnerships that support sustainable development, facilitate knowledge transfer and localisation, and boost global competitiveness. China remains the UAE's largest trading partner, with total bilateral trade exceeding US$100 billion in 2024, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 7%, driven primarily by an 18% increase in imports. In the first quarter of 2025, non-oil trade between the two countries grew by approximately 18% compared to the same period last year, supported by a 32.5% rise in exports, a 20.2% increase in re-exports, and a 12.7% growth in imports.

Pakistan, China discuss regional stability post-ceasefire
Pakistan, China discuss regional stability post-ceasefire

Business Recorder

time20-05-2025

  • Politics
  • Business Recorder

Pakistan, China discuss regional stability post-ceasefire

Pakistan and China discussed on Tuesday regional situation following the ceasefire between Pakistan and India, and stressed adherence to the principles and purposes of the UN Charter and international law for maintaining regional peace and stability. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar met with Minister of International Department of the Communist Party of China Liu Jianchao, in Beijing, said a statement released by the Foreign Office (FO). During the meeting, FM Dar appreciated China's firm support to Pakistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and reiterated Pakistan's commitment to a 'peaceful neighbourhood while affirming its right and capability to defend its territory and people'. 'The DPM/FM underlined the need for the international community to take note of India's unilateral and illegal decision to place the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in abeyance,' said the FO. The deputy PM also stressed that the resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions, remains vital for lasting peace in South Asia. During his visit, FM Dar will hold in-depth discussions with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the evolving regional situation in South Asia and its implications for peace and stability. The two sides will also review the entire spectrum of Pakistan-China bilateral relations and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest.

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