china

OnePlus slipped to third position in India's premium smartphone segment in Q1 2020, iPhone 11 was the top selling device - gizmochina

  1. OnePlus slipped to third position in India's premium smartphone segment in Q1 2020, iPhone 11 was the top selling device  gizmochina
  2. Samsung releases One UI 2.0 update for Galaxy A20s  NewsBytes
  3. Features we want and don’t want from the Galaxy Note 20  SamMobile
  4. Leaked Samsung Galaxy A21s render shows a familiar design - GSMArena.com news  GSMArena.com
  5. Samsung is Now the Top Brand for Premium Smartphones in India  Gizchina.com
  6. View Full coverage on Google News






china

LORD PATTEN: China's nasty, lying, bullying Communist regime must face judgment over coronavirus

Pin the blame where it belongs. This is not the fault of the Chinese people. It is the Chinese Communist dictatorship which hold the responsibility for the spread of the coronavirus.




china

When did China know about coronavirus

One study found this virus spreads so fast that if officials had acted three weeks sooner, they would have reduced cases by 95 per cent. Even one week faster could have cut numbers by two-thirds.




china

China flexes its military muscle: Beijing exploits Covid crisis to assert control of South China Sea

Deeply worried about Beijing's insatiable desire for land and the way its military has occupied areas by stealth, Washington has sent three warships to the region.




china

China's president Xi Jinping 'personally requested WHO delay a COVID-19 pandemic warning'

German publication Der Spiegel published the bombshell claims that come from their country's Federal Intelligence Service known as the 'Bundesnachrichtendienst', or BND.




china

Australian family in Coronavirus epicentre Wuhan in China refuse to come back home

Public servant Malcolm Scriber and his family, who live in Hobart, were on holiday visiting relatives in the coronavirus epicentre of Wuhan when the city was put under quarantine on January 23.




china

Qantas suspends China all flights amid coronavirus fears

Qantas has suspended all of its flights to China as the deadly coronavirus becomes a global emergency.  




china

Qantas worker is SACKED for being 'too vocal' about safety concerns over the flights from China

A union delegate from the Transport Workers Union (TWU) told other Qantas employees that it was unsafe to work on any planes that had come from Beijing or Shanghai.




china

Coronavirus: Australians stranded in Wuhan are rescued by Qantas as second jet departs China

A flight aimed at evacuating the Australian citizens and permanent residents from Wuhan to and old mining facility in Darwin has left China after it was delayed.




china

Qantas threatens to draft China pilots to fly non-stop from Sydney to New York and London

Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce has hinted his flying kangaroo carrier could hire foreigners for non-stop New York and London services, as Australian pilots object to 19-hour journeys.




china

Alan Jones blasts Qantas and CEO Alan Joyce for not stopping the planes to China earlier

The 2GB morning show host slammed the airline boss as Qantas continues international flights before they're suspended next week, despite the outbreak growing to 2,675 cases in Australia and 11 deaths.




china

Pauline Hanson slams purchase of Australian water by China as 'disgraceful'

One Nation founder Pauline Hanson said the ability of foreign owned companies to access water and set the market price was crippling farmers, and called on the government to step in.




china

LORD PATTEN: China's nasty, lying, bullying Communist regime must face judgment over coronavirus

Pin the blame where it belongs. This is not the fault of the Chinese people. It is the Chinese Communist dictatorship which hold the responsibility for the spread of the coronavirus.




china

When did China know about coronavirus

One study found this virus spreads so fast that if officials had acted three weeks sooner, they would have reduced cases by 95 per cent. Even one week faster could have cut numbers by two-thirds.




china

China flexes its military muscle: Beijing exploits Covid crisis to assert control of South China Sea

Deeply worried about Beijing's insatiable desire for land and the way its military has occupied areas by stealth, Washington has sent three warships to the region.




china

China's president Xi Jinping 'personally requested WHO delay a COVID-19 pandemic warning'

German publication Der Spiegel published the bombshell claims that come from their country's Federal Intelligence Service known as the 'Bundesnachrichtendienst', or BND.




china

China reports 34 new coronavirus cases

China has reported 14 new coronavirus cases including one from the first COVID-19 epicentre of Hubei province, taking the number of infections in the country to 82,901, while over 4,630 people have succumbed to the disease, health officials said on Sunday. According to China's National Health Commission (NHC), 12 cases were domestically transmitted, with 11 reported from Jilin Province and one in Hubei Province, the first COVID-19 epicentre which has remained free from coronavirus infections for the last 35 days. A total of 14 new confirmed COVID-19 cases were reported in the country on Saturday. Also on Saturday, 20 new asymptomatic cases were reported. As of Saturday, 794 asymptomatic cases, including 48 from overseas, were still under medical observation, the NHC said. Hubei province has 628 asymptomatic cases, the highest in the country. Asymptomatic cases refer to people who are tested COVID-19 positive but develop no symptoms such as fever, cough or sore throat. However, they ...




china

Taking stock of China-Pak economic corridor

Pakistan has decided to lift lockdown to kick-start its tottering economy. The growth engine of Pakistan’s economic revival is powered by CPEC, flagship project of the Belt Road Initiative (BRI). It is tempting to conjure...




china

Special effects and virtual guests: China weddings go online

Coronavirus lockdowns and travel restrictions have forced people around the world to delay their nuptials or adapt to the unusual times by celebrating via web link. But in China -- where livestreaming is extremely popular -- some young couples are allowing anyone to watch their big day and even send them gifts.




china

China conducts first successful coronavirus vaccine test on monkeys




china

Special effects and virtual guests: China weddings go online

Like many couples in the era of social distancing, Ma Jialun and Zhang Yitong held their wedding ceremony online -- but they added a twist by livestreaming the event to more than 100,000 strangers. Coronavirus lockdowns and travel restrictions have forced people around the world to delay their nuptials or adapt to the unusual times by celebrating via web link.




china

Coronavirus Has Created a Rift Between US and China That May Take a Generation to Heal

In recent weeks, the Donald Trump administration has repeatedly lashed out at China over its handling of the outbreak, questioning its death toll and criticising its early response to the virus.




china

China 'Shocked' by US Reversal on UN Coronavirus Action, Says Diplomat

Washington has halted funding for the WHO, a UN agency, after President Donald Trump accused it of being "China-centric" and promoting China's "disinformation" about the outbreak, assertions the WHO denies.




china

China Reports First Coronavirus Case in Wuhan Since April 3 Among 14 New Infections

While China had officially designated all areas of the country as low-risk last Thursday, the new cases according to data published on Sunday represent a jump from the single case reported for the day before. The number was lifted by a cluster of 11 in Shulan city in northeastern Jilin province.




china

China trying to consolidate position in Tibet by highlighting Mt. Everest on Tibetan side, says expert

As per experts, Nepal and China had signed a border dispute resolution agreement in 1960 according to which it was decided that Mount Everest will be divided, and southern part of it will belong to Nepal and Northern part to Tibet Autonomous Region which China claims as its own.




china

Coronavirus Pandemic LIVE Updates: Don't Walk Back Home, Kejriwal Appeals to Migrant Workers; 5 Air India Pilots Who Operated Cargo Flights to China Test Positive

Coronavirus Pandemic LIVE Updates: India's Covid-19 tally crossed the 62,000-mark today as the country recorded 62,939 cases with the death toll rising to 2,109.




china

As States Race to Woo MNCs Shifting Out of China, Will Beaureacuracy Rise to Occasion?

The Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government is of the opinion that the negative image of China in the international community may help in getting investment worth Rs 25 lakh crore, if the cards are played well.




china

India, China Troops Clash In Sikkim, Pull Back After Dialogue

Indian, Chinese soldiers in physical fight near high altitude picket in North Sikkim




china

China’s COVID-19 tally now at 82,881

Beijing, May 06: China has reported 16 new coronavirus cases, including 15 asymptomatic ones, taking the total number of infections in the country to 82,881, health officials said on Tuesday. The National Health Commission (NHC) said that one confirmed




china

Show 'enormous evidence' of COVID-19 originating from Wuhan lab: China asks Pompeo

Beijing, May 06: China on Wednesday dared US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to show "enormous evidence" he claimed to have to prove that the novel coronavirus originated from a lab in Wuhan and said he has no evidence to back




china

China 'shocked' by U.S. reversal on U.N. coronavirus action - diplomat 

China and the United States both supported a draft United Nations Security Council resolution confronting the coronavirus pandemic on Thursday and it was "shocking and regretful" that Washington changed its mind on Friday, a Chinese diplomat said.




china

China reports first coronavirus case in Wuhan since April 3 among 14 new infections

China's National Health Commission reported 14 new confirmed coronavirus cases on May 9, the highest number since April 28, including the first for more than a month in the city of Wuhan where the outbreak was first detected late last year.




china

China reports first coronavirus case in Wuhan since April 3 among 14 new infections

China's National Health Commission reported 14 new confirmed coronavirus cases on May 9, the highest number since April 28, including the first for more than a month in the city of Wuhan where the outbreak was first detected late last year.




china

China reports first coronavirus case in Wuhan since April 3 among 14 new infections

China's National Health Commission reported 14 new confirmed coronavirus cases on May 9, the highest number since April 28, including the first for more than a month in the city of Wuhan where the outbreak was first detected late last year.




china

China's Animal Crossing gamers use code words, middlemen to enter virtual world

Chinese fans of Nintendo's Animal Crossing: New Horizons are paying a premium on foreign consoles and finding ways to skirt limits imposed by local regulators on a game that has become both a breakout worldwide hit and political flashpoint.




china

China reports first coronavirus case in Wuhan since April 3 among 14 new infections

China's National Health Commission reported 14 new confirmed coronavirus cases on May 9, the highest number since April 28, including the first for more than a month in the city of Wuhan where the outbreak was first detected late last year.




china

China central bank to step up counter-cyclical adjustments, deepen lending rate reforms

China's central bank said on Sunday it will make prudent monetary policy more flexible and step up counter-cyclical adjustments to support the real economy and fend off financial risks.




china

Return to an address of the Honourable the House of Commons, dated 5 May 1868, for: copy of correspondence and papers relating to the establishment of telegraphic communication between India, Singapore, China and Australia, since the 21st day of February

Archives, Room Use Only - HE8374.G74 1868




china

China's Xi responds to Kim's congratulatory message




china

China reports 16 new COVID-19 cases, majority are asymptomatic




china

China trying to consolidate position in Tibet by highlighting Mt. Everest on Tibetan side, says expert

As per experts, Nepal and China had signed a border dispute resolution agreement in 1960 according to which it was decided that Mount Everest will be divided, and southern part of it will belong to Nepal and Northern part to Tibet Autonomous Region which China claims as its own.




china

AI flies back 324 from China, another plane departs

The first plane -- Air India's jumbo B747 aircraft carrying 211 students, 110 working professionals and three minors-- reached Delhi around 7.30 am and another flight of the airline would leave the national capital for the Chinese city in the afternoon.





china

Coronavirus: Indians from China, Japan brought back

All the evacuees will undergo a 14-day quarantine at a medical facility.




china

China halts to honour coronavirus victims, 'martyrs'

With flowers pinned to their chests, Xi and other Chinese leaders paid a silent tribute in front of the national flag to the victims of the COVID-19, which is regarded as the worst public health disaster in China's history.




china

China admits ‘shortcomings’ in response

The COVID-19 outbreak exposed “shortcomings” in China’s public healthcare system, a top health official admitted on Saturday, saying that reforms are




china

China overcomes India

Adhiban’s loss proves decisive




china

Buying ‘China-made’ dreams in Nepal

With China taking greater interest in the internal politics of Nepal and funding several projects in the country, all eyes in the neighbourhood are on the Himalayan nation. However, as most of the projects awarded to Chinese firms lie in limbo and mired in cost-overrun, it is time that Kathmandu pauses to evaluate its engagement with the dragon Nestled in between two gigantic neighbours—India and China—Nepal has often found itself mired in situations when it has to juggle the primacy it places on its ties with the two nations. The Himalayan nation’s allegiance to either an assertive New Delhi and an imperial Beijing has shifted back and forth over the years depending on the powers that be. There is much talk lately about China and its funding to infrastructure projects that would ostensibly bring prosperity to Nepal. A new narrative spun by sections of Nepalese society and political class says that the renewed Chinese support would reduce Nepal’s dependence on its southern neighbour, India. This narrative received an increased impetus subsequent to Madhesi blockade in 2015 against the newly promulgated Constitution that was perceived to be non-inclusive and anti-federalism. The protest movement was projected as India-sponsored ‘economic blockade’ by a section of Nepalese media holding anti-India views and also the then ruling political party, Communist Party of Nepal, (CPN (UML). The attempts thereafter have been to cosy-up to China to attract investments and provide them as much space as they want in Nepalese economy, society and also polity. But one must pause to see the direction the Nepalese are headed in? Are these efforts to seek investment from China actually resulting in robust infrastructure in Nepal, except few cosmetic changes here and there? All major China-supported projects in the Himalayan nation are mired in cost overrun, delayed implementation and compromise on quality, like the West Seti, the Kulekhani 3 and the Budhigandaki hydropower projects. Various projects taken over by Chinese companies continue to remain incomplete as neither the agreed terms and conditions were honoured by the Chinese nor the time schedule on which they were supposed to be completed. A study of the actual on-the-ground situation in each of the five mega infrastructure projects funded by the Chinese is highly revelatory. It was not only the norms of awarding a project to a foreign entity that were flouted in favour of China but also major compromises were made in the process. Nepal’s impatience to grab Chinese investments has been fully exploited by China, which has been trying to wean them away from India’s sphere of influence like a pied piper. Take the example of West Seti hydropower project which was awarded to a sub-group of China, Three Gorges International Corporation (CTGC), in 2012 without any international bidding. The plan was to create a 750MW power generation unit but the project did not see any progress till 2016. Last year, after the Nepalese government threatened to scrap the deal, CTGC signed a framework agreement with Nepal Electricity Authority in January 2017 but the project still hangs in limbo because the agreement is yet to be ratified. The original idea of the project was to export the electricity generated from the plant to India. However, at the behest of China, Nepal eliminated that clause and inserted one which said that the electricity will be consumed domestically. It was not only the norms of awarding a project to a foreign entity that were flouted in favour of China but also major compromises were made in the process. Nepal’s impatience to grab Chinese investments has been fully exploited by China Another instance of delayed implementation relates to Kulekhani 3 hydropower project which has missed its fourth revised completion deadline set for July 2017. It was awarded to awarded to Chinese companies Zhejiang Jiahi and Sino Hydro in 2008 and was scheduled to be completed in 2012. The project faced not only time overruns but also cost escalation due to delays. The Initial estimated cost which was NR 2.43 billion is now doubled to NR 4.22 billion. The inordinate delay in the completion of the project prompted the National Planning Commission of Nepal to declare Kulekhani 3 a “troubled hydropower project.” The fate of Gautam Buddha Airport upgradation project, awarded to North West Civil Aviation Airport Construction Group of China in 2014, appears to be steeped in uncertainty just like the others. The airport infrastructure was to be improved as part of Nepal’s national pride project so that it could function as an international airport to serve the fast-rising business and industrial hub of Bhairahawa and facilitate international pilgrimage tourism to Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha. The upgradation work which was to be completed by December 2017 is now revised to be finished by 2019. Nepalese authorities have attributed slow progress on the project to very low bidding price and the weak cash flow situation in the Chinese company which grabbed the tender. Exasperated at the lack of desired progress, the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal is contemplating measures to terminate the contract of the Chinese firm. They have also hired international contract management experts to resume the upgradation work at the airport. After remaining mired in troubled relating to funding problems, Pokhara Regional International Airport witnessed some progress in August 2017 when the Chinese company, which was awarded the contract, started the construction work. The project, which was formulated at the cost of NR 22 billion, will be financed by China’s Export and Import Bank under a loan agreement with Nepal government. The airport, which was to be ready by July 2020, is now planned to be completed by July 2021 on paper at least. Whether it will happen or not remains to be seen. Likewise, Solar Power Project has run into controversy with the PAC directing the government to scrap the contract awarded to a Chinese company. The committee contended that the decision was against procurement law. On May 16, China’s Risen Co Energy Limited had bagged the contract from the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) management at the price of approximately NR 3.88 billion, despite the fact that the bidder ranked fourth in the financial proposal. An English daily in Nepal quoted PAC chairman Dor Prasad Upadhyaya as saying, “There (were) other bidders with equally good technical qualifications as that of the selected bidder, but the contract was given to this company in a premeditated way.” The committee has now asked the authorities to start a fresh tender to install solar power plants in the premises of Kulekhani reservoir in Makwanpur district and Devighat Hydropower Project in Nuwakot district. The project is already one and a half year behind its schedule and the NEA has stated that it could be abandoned if the World Bank decides to withdraw from financing due to overrun. The Budhi Gandaki hydropower project, awarded in June 2017 to China Gezhouba Group Corporation without any international bidding, has also run into troubles. A joint meeting of the parliament’s Agriculture and Water Resources Committee (AWRC) and Finance Committee has instructed the government to scrap the contract awarded to the Chinese firm to build the 1,200-megawatt hydroelectric project because the tender was awarded without bidding in violation of the Public Procurement Act. An English daily quoted Prakash Jwala, chairperson of the Finance Committee, as saying that the government made a blunder by awarding the project to a firm whose track record has been abysmal. He had said, “This project was handed over to a controversial Chinese company whose track record is so bad in Nepal by flouting various laws like Public Procurement Act. The intention behind selecting this Chinese firm is only to hold the project. How can a company, which could not build even a 30-megawatt project (Chameliya), build such a mega project?” Opposition to the project has also come up from political parties citing provisions in the Nepalese Constitution which ensures compulsory local investment in the development of natural resources. Experts are of the view that if the Chinese company proceeds with the development of the project, the cost is bound to inflate. Taking into account this viewpoint, the PAC of Nepal has summoned the concerned government officials involved in the deal. Opposition to the project has also come up from political parties citing provisions in the Nepalese Constitution which ensures compulsory local investment in the development of natural resources After the two-month-long standoff with India in Doklam plateau, China has accelerated its engagement with Nepal. The country’s foreign minister Wang Yi has promised to take the ties between Kathmandu and Beijing to a new level and the sentiment got a major boost when Nepal’s deputy prime minister Krishna Bahadur Mahara visited Beijing in September first week and met several high-level officials, including Premier Li Keqiang. To show that China approved of Nepal’s neutral stand during the Doklam standoff, Li had also said, “China is ready to provide support within its due capacity toNepal’s economic and social development.” Because of the growing bonhomie between the two nations, quite obviously, the developments in Nepal are being watched keenly by the neighbourhood. With the Left parties coming together to form a pre-poll alliance in October first week, the rumour mill is churning various kinds of news as to how the tieup will impact India and China. While some experts allege India’s role in forging the alliance, others claim that the tieup had received Beijing’s nod. The opinion is divided over how it will benefit or harm India’s interests. Considering that New Delhi has had its share of troubles with the CPN (UML) chief K.P. Sharma Oli in the past, a unity government under Oli’s leadership will be in Beijing’s favour. However, Nepal needs to tread the ground carefully. While seeking closeness to and investments from Beijing, Nepal will have to seek answers to a few questions: Why is China interested in Nepal? By helping Nepal, is Beijing serving its own nationalistic interests? Could the funds coming in from China land Nepal in a debt trap like Sri Lanka (which was forced to lease its Hambantota port to China for 99 years in order to pay back the debt)? Nepalese must ask themselves what are the commonalities between China and Nepal, in terms of religion, language, food, dress, culture and identity? China, as of now, is like a new toy being held in high esteem. Once its glitter is gone and it shows its true nature, it might be too late for Nepal.  
From HardNews print issue: 
Lead Image: