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China’s Kinmen Coup: Experts Decode Tactical Intrusion

Chieh Chung, a researcher at the Taiwan-based Association of Strategic Foresight, highlighted Beijing’s intentions to create a scenario of “shared jurisdiction” with Taiwan, ultimately seeking exclusive control over the area….reports Asian Lite News

China’s persistent encroachment into the waters surrounding Taiwan-held Kinmen is a strategic maneuver aimed at establishing “de facto” jurisdictional control in the area, Central News Agency Taiwan reported, citing Taiwanese experts.

According to Taiwan’s Coast Guard Administration (CGA), on both Friday and Saturday, four Chinese Coast Guard patrol vessels entered Kinmen’s waters. The CGA closely monitored these incursions, issuing warnings until the Chinese ships departed.

In response, the China Coast Guard justified its actions on Friday, stating that its patrols in the waters off Kinmen were “legal,” CNA Taiwan reported.

Chieh Chung, a researcher at the Taiwan-based Association of Strategic Foresight, highlighted Beijing’s intentions to create a scenario of “shared jurisdiction” with Taiwan, ultimately seeking exclusive control over the area.

Chieh dismissed any connection between China’s actions and its handling of a recent incident involving the deaths of two Chinese nationals in a speedboat collision. He drew parallels to past events, notably Chinese Coast Guard activities around the disputed Diaoyutai Islands, claimed by Taiwan, China, and Japan.

However, Chieh emphasised that China has exercised restraint, understanding the potential for regional conflict arising from provocations over territories like the Diaoyutai Islands or Kinmen.

Su Tzu-yun, a research fellow at Taiwan’s Institute for National Defense and Security Research, contextualised the recent intrusions as part of Beijing’s broader strategy employing non-military tactics against Taiwan, including cognitive warfare and economic coercion.

Regarding the Kinmen incident, Su characterised Beijing’s actions as part of gray zone operations, aimed at undermining the sovereignty of the Republic of China, Taiwan’s official designation.

Su warned that while Beijing may limit its use of new tactics against Taiwan, it is likely to increase the frequency of employing existing strategies. He urged the Taiwanese government to enhance its risk management capabilities to address potential conflicts effectively, Focus Taiwan reported. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Wildfires: China Activates Level-IV Emergency in Sichuan

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Wildfires: China Activates Level-IV Emergency in Sichuan

Around 3,396 people have been affected by the fire so far, however, they have been evacuated safely….reports Asian Lite News

China has initiated a Level-IV emergency response after a forest fire broke out in Yajiang, Southwest China’s Sichuan Province, on Friday, according to the Global Times.

The fire broke out in Yajiang on Friday around 5 pm.

Around 3,396 people have been affected by the fire so far, however, they have been evacuated safely.

Moreover, there have been no reports of casualties so far, according to the Global Times.

The fire quickly spread and expanded as of around 3 pm on Saturday due to a sudden increase in wind force at the fire scene.

In response, China activated a Level-IV emergency response and dispatched a working group composed of specialists from relevant departments to the site of the blaze to guide the firefighting efforts, according to China Central Television (CCTV) on Sunday.

Reportedly, a total of 1,259 personnel from the national comprehensive fire rescue team and local professional firefighting teams are actively involved in firefighting efforts, and five helicopters have been deployed to conduct firefighting operations on site.

Additionally, the local forest fire brigade has sent 831 personnel and three helicopters for emergency reinforcement, reported Global Times.

Another 750 personnel have been urgently dispatched from Southwest China’s Yunnan Province to provide additional support.

Moreover, 3,396 individuals from 11 villages affected by the forest fire have been safely evacuated from the fire spot.

Strong winds suddenly broke out at the fire scene at 2:30 pm on Saturday, with an instant wind force of over eight levels, the Global Times reported, citing CCTV News.

The eastern line of the fire scene reignited due to the strong wind and quickly spread over multiple mountain ridges.

The meteorological department said that the average wind force at the fire scene is four to five levels, with gusts reaching between levels nine and ten.

The Sichuan Forest Fire Brigade used drones to survey the fire scene in Yajiang at 12 am on Sunday, with firefighters assessing the situation of the fire scene and making preparations for the following firefighting operation, according to Global Times. (ANI)

ALSO READ: India goes to poll

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Decline in Chinese Labour Force Across Africa

Earlier in 2015, 263,696 workers were recorded on the continent, which drastically declined to 88,371 in 2022….reports Asian Lite News

The number of Chinese workers across Africa has dropped significantly to its lowest level in more than a decade, Voice of America reported, citing data from China’s National Bureau of Statistics.

Earlier in 2015, 263,696 workers were recorded on the continent, which drastically declined to 88,371 in 2022.

The China Africa Research Initiative at Johns Hopkins University analysed data from 2009 to 2022 and attributed the drop in numbers partially to the pandemic, as Chinese workers left during that period and the country only reopened in early 2023, VOA reported.

However, the drop in numbers is also due to a variety of other factors, according to the experts, including oil prices and the downscaling of Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s global Belt and Road Initiative, which initially saw thousands of Chinese sent out across the continent to work on large infrastructure projects.

When asked whether the numbers could have rebounded last year and might continue to do so, Deborah Brautigam, director at the China Africa Research Initiative, said, “We have no data for 2023, but anecdotally, we hear that more postponed projects are resuming. Yet we are unlikely to see the high numbers of the past.”

Yunnan Chen, a researcher at ODI Global, a UK-based research group, said, “It might be that some construction has restarted since 2022, but we know the number of overall Chinese-financed projects has been in decline for a number of years, and the last few years have put a damper on any new project deals. So I wouldn’t expect any dramatic increases in these numbers anytime soon.”

According to the statistics, the five countries with the most Chinese workers in 2022 were Algeria, Angola, Egypt, Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, reported VOA.

While still leading in the number of workers, Algeria and Angola also saw the biggest drops.

Algeria had more than 91,000 Chinese workers in 2016, while Angola had a peak of 50,000. However, by 2022, only about 7,000 workers remained in each country.

The director of the China Africa Research Initiative further said that the huge drops “are explained by the price of oil. They’re both highly reliant on oil exports and they use this oil to pay for nearly all government spending.”

Moreover, China has been criticised for failing to aid job creation in Africa or equip local residents with new skills, despite its massive projects, as reported by VOA.

While large numbers of local workers have indeed been employed, it’s often been in the most basic of roles, whereas more senior jobs have been reserved for Chinese.

“Generally, Chinese projects do hire local labourers,” said Chen.

Even though China sends fewer of its people to Africa, hiring Africans for higher-paid, skilled jobs by Chinese companies may not happen immediately, Brautigam added. (ANI)

ALSO READ: India goes to poll

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India Should Stay Patient with China, Says Jaishankar

Jaishankar Minister agreed that the relationship became much more complicated after 2020…reports Asian Lite News

 Asserting that India has a ‘very challenging’ and ‘competitive neighbour’ in China, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar said on Saturday that New Delhi needs to be patient but persevering while dealing with the East Asian nation.

Speaking at a media conclave, the Minister agreed that the relationship became much more complicated after 2020 but said that “it was building up over a period of time”.

“I agree (that) since 2020, the relationship has become much more complicated. I accept that. But it was building up over a period of time… We weren’t honest about it even to ourselves. We weren’t really articulating it, and frankly, even strategising accordingly,” Jaishankar added.

On being asked how he intends to tackle the challenge as the country gears up for its April-May general elections, the EAM said that the first thing India needs to do vis-a-vis China is to “stop pretending that everything is nice, stop being worried to express what we feel, and stop using terminology, which doesn’t work for us”.

“The first thing is we’ve got to recognise today that we have a very challenging, competitive neighbour. There are serious issues… over a period of time in our history. Many of those issues have not been resolved, some have aggravated,” the Minister added.

He further highlighted that in addition to boundary issues, the two nations have major economic issues as well, and while dealing with China, “you got to have an economy which is geared up for it”.

Following the June 2020 clash of troops in Galwan Valley, India and China have held several rounds of military talks, seeking complete disengagement in the areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh as a basis for restoring peace and tranquillity in the border areas.

Army Chief General Manoj Pande has called the situation along the LAC “stable” but “sensitive,” adding that the Indian troops have been maintaining a “very high state” of operational preparedness to deal with eventualities.

As a counter-deployment, India has amassed a large number of troops along the LAC to guard the strategically important India-China border.

EAM Jaishankar told the media conclave that the focus in the military discussions has been on disengagement, followed by de-escalation.

“… there are all the dangers associated with that. Both of us are very forward-deployed. This is not where, in the last many decades, was a natural deployment,” he said.

“… when you are deployed that close-up, there are patrolling issues, obstruction issues, workaround issues — all of which add up to very complicated metrics,” he said, adding that it “clearly is something where we have to be patient but also very persevering”.

ALSO READ: China Condemns US Move Against TikTok

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Chinese, Angolan presidents hold talks

China is also willing to strengthen exchanges of governance experience with Angola, upgrade bilateral strategic relations, and jointly promote the modernization process of each country, Xi noted…reports Asian Lite News

Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with President of the Republic of Angola Joao Lourenco, who is on a state visit to China, in Beijing on Friday.

The two heads of state announced the elevation of bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.

Noting that China and Angola jointly celebrated the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations last year, Xi said relations between the two countries have stood the test of international vicissitudes and benefitted the two peoples.

China-Angola cooperation is South-South cooperation and cooperation between developing countries, which is about mutual help between good friends, reciprocity and win-win cooperation, Xi said.

In a world that is undergoing both transformation and upheaval, the two sides should continue their traditional friendship, strengthen solidarity and cooperation, firmly support each other, and achieve common development, Xi noted.

China supports Angola in safeguarding its national sovereignty, security and development interests, exploring a modernization path suited to its national conditions, and realizing national development and revitalization, he said.

China is also willing to strengthen exchanges of governance experience with Angola, upgrade bilateral strategic relations, and jointly promote the modernization process of each country, Xi noted.

He stressed that cooperation between China and Angola enjoys a sound foundation, large scale and high complementarity, endowing huge potential and bright prospects for mutually beneficial cooperation. The two sides should advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, synergize their development strategies, and improve the quality and effectiveness of their pragmatic cooperation.

China is ready to work with the Angolan side to implement key infrastructure projects, support competent Chinese enterprises to carry out various forms of cooperation in Angola, and help the country advance agricultural modernization, industrialization and economic diversification, Xi said.

It is hoped that Angola will take more effective measures to ensure the legitimate rights, interests and safety of Chinese citizens and enterprises, Xi said, adding that Angola is welcome to introduce more quality products to China through platforms such as the China International Import Expo and China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo. China will continue to send medical teams to Angola and implement other projects, provide scholarships to Angolan students, and enhance people-to-people exchanges and friendship, he said.

Noting that at present, the collective rise of developing countries is unstoppable, Xi said the Global South must not be absent from global governance, or development and prosperity. “China is a reliable friend and sincere partner for African countries in their efforts to safeguard independence, and promote development and revitalization.”

Xi said China supports African countries and the African Union in solving African issues in the African way, and safeguarding regional peace and stability. China stands ready to strengthen multilateral coordination with Angola and other African countries to safeguard the common interests of developing countries, jointly advocate an equal and orderly multipolar world and an inclusive economic globalization that benefits all, and promote the building of a community with a shared future for humanity, he added.

ALSO READ-China Condemns US Move Against TikTok

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China Condemns US Move Against TikTok

The US House of Representatives on Wednesday passed legislation with an overwhelming bipartisan vote that could lead to the banning of the popular social media platform TikTok….reports Asian Lite News

China on Thursday called on the US to stop the “unreasonable suppression” of companies from other countries, following a US bill targeting the short-video app TikTok.

The US side should earnestly respect the market economy and the principle of fair competition, and provide an open, fair, just and non-discriminatory environment for enterprises from all countries, said He Yadong, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce, Xinhua news agency reported.

In a press briefing, He Yadong said relevant parties should strictly abide by Chinese laws and regulations, and China will take all necessary measures to resolutely safeguard its legitimate rights and interests.

Earlier this week, the US House of Representatives approved a bill that would require TikTok to divest from its parent company, Chinese tech giant ByteDance, or face a nationwide ban in the US.

The US House of Representatives on Wednesday passed legislation with an overwhelming bipartisan vote that could lead to the banning of the popular social media platform TikTok.

The fate of the app, which is used monthly by 170 million Americans, now rests with the Senate where some lawmakers have vowed to prevent the law’s speedy passage.

President Joe Biden, who will have the final say, has said he will sign it into law.

The legislation passed with 352 affirmative votes to 65 negative and one vote marked as present.

It was introduced by the bipartisan duo of Mike Gallagher, a Republican, and Raja Krishnamoorthi, a Democrat, who head the select committee on China as the chair and ranking member, respectively.

“Today we send a clear message that we will not tolerate our adversaries weaponizing our freedoms against us,” said Cathy McMorris Rodgers, the Republican chair of the House Commerce Committee who advanced the TikTok bill.

The legislation requires TikTok’s parent company ByteDance, which is based in China and is alleged to have links to the Chinese government, to divest its stake in the company within 180 days of the enactment of the law.

On June 29, 2020, TikTok, controlled by Chinese giant ByteDance, was banned in India.

ALSO READ: China’s Defence Budget Defies Economic Woes

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China’s Defence Budget Defies Economic Woes

China’s 2024 defence budget will rise 7.2 per cent to Chinese Yuan (CNY) 1.66554 trillion, which equates to USD 231.4 billion….reports Asian Lite News

At the 14th National People’s Congress, China announced its defence budget for 2024 and interestingly maintained the growth rate of its military expenditure at precisely the same percentage as last year, as Chairman Xi Jinping continues to prioritize the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) at the expense of other sectors of government funding.

Indeed, according to figures released on the opening day of the Second Annual Session of this formal gathering of China’s political leaders, the 2024 defence budget will rise 7.2 per cent to Chinese Yuan (CNY) 1.66554 trillion, which equates to USD 231.4 billion.

In contrast, the Chinese central government allocated just a 5 per cent rise in education spending to RMB 22.9 billion, and a 1.4 per cent rise in public security investment to RMB 31.6 billion. China predicted 5 per cent growth in GDP for the coming fiscal year. However, in the last fiscal year, the government experienced a deficit of RMB 4.9 trillion (USD 690 billion) as economic realities bite.

Last year, the defence budget grew 7.2 per cent too, compared to a 7.1 per cent jump in 2022, 6.8 per cent in 2021 and just a 6.6 per cent increase in 2020. The latter coincided with the first impact of COVID-19. Even though the pandemic hit China hard like the rest of the world, Beijing did not significantly decelerate spending on defence. Even though the PLA is not enjoying the double-digit percentage increases it had a decade ago – its defence budget growth has been single digits for the past nine years since 2016 – Xi continues to splurge more and more on the military each successive year. Since Xi came to power, the defence budget has risen by a factor of 2.3.

Putting China’s spending in proper regional perspective, it is twelve times what Taiwan spends, and four times as much as Japan’s defence expenditure.

Andrew Erickson, Professor of Strategy and Research Director in the China Maritime Studies Institute of the US Naval War College, commented on China’s budget: “This incomplete figure is well above even the dubious official Chinese economic growth rate. Bottom line: Xi continues to prioritize Chinese Communist Party security goals – including pursuing control of Taiwan, while belt-tightening elsewhere.”

Erickson also quoted something President Joe Biden said last year, “Don’t tell me what you value. Show me your budget, and I’ll tell you what you value.” In other words, China’s continued prioritization of the PLA continues unabated, despite rhetoric to the contrary.

In the lead-up to the National People’s Congress (NPC), Chinese talking heads were hinting that the increase would be reasonable and low. This is likely because the government wanted to send the message that it was not overspending at the expense of other sectors. However, in the end a 7.2 per cent rise in defence expenditure is a significant amount.

Delivering the budget at the staid NPC meeting, Premier Li Qiang said, “In the new year, we must thoroughly implement Xi Jinping’s thoughts on strengthening the military, implement the military strategic guidelines for the new era, adhere to the party’s absolute leadership over the people’s military…and fight hard to achieve the 100-year goal of the founding of the army.”

The aforementioned centennial occurs in 2027, by which time Xi aims to have created “a modern military”. Qiu Zhiming, representing the scientific research community at the NPC, said: “Now there are only three years left to achieve the 100-year goal of the founding of the army. Time is tight and the tasks are heavy. We must not have the slightest idea of taking a breath or resting. We must maintain a fighting spirit, a strong pace and a fighting attitude.”

The work report presented by Premier Li failed to mention “peaceful reunification” in relation to Taiwan. This is worrying, and reflects Xi’s increasingly coercive attitude towards Taiwan. Xi has encouraged the PLA to act more aggressively against Taiwan, with 1,709 aircraft sorties into the neighbour’s air defence identification zone recorded last year, compared to just 792 in 2021.

PLA delegation spokesman Wu Qian dangled both a carrot and stick for Taiwan’s benefit. “We are willing to work with the utmost sincerity and endeavour for the prospect of peaceful reunification, but we the PLA will never give the slightest room for separatist acts of ‘Taiwan independence’. The PLA will continue to strengthen its training and preparation for war, and resolutely fight independence and promote unification.”

China continues to paint a narrative that it is merely reacting to events and to neighbours around it, that it is an unfortunate victim of strategic circumstances. This ignores the fact that it is inexorable Chinese spending that is ringing alarm bells across the world.

A recent editorial in the PLA’s official website claimed, “The Chinese people do not follow the outdated logic that a country will invariably seek hegemony when it is strong enough, nor will they impose the suffering they once endured on others. Since its establishment, the Chinese PLA has never initiated external wars or armed conflicts, never invaded any country or occupied an inch of foreign territory. In fact, China has not threatened any country.”

Such claims are laughable, as its violent antics in the South China Sea demonstrate, as Chinese government vessels deliberately tussle and collide with Philippine boats, for example. There is no denying that China’s defence splurge continues to alarm neighbours, and its denial of any culpability are falling on increasingly sceptical ears.

Wu Qian said on 9 March that the goal is to “comprehensively improve strategic capacity to defend national sovereignty, security and development interests”. The PLA delegate added, “The instability and uncertainty of the security situation we face has increased, and the task of the military struggle is arduous and burdensome.”

He also said China’s domestic anti-separatist struggle was “complex and grim”. He noted that the increased funds would go mainly to strategic programs under the five-year plan, in order to “fully strengthen the combat readiness and preparation for war”. Investment would also be enhanced for advanced technologies, science, logistics and key weaponry and equipment.

Representative Lu Yuncheng sang the praises of PLA reforms and progress at the NPC session: “The army’s mobile combat and three-dimensional offensive and defensive capabilities have been significantly enhanced, the navy has accelerated its transformation from offshore defence to far-sea defence, the air force has accelerated its transformation into air and space integration, both offense and defence, and the Rocket Force has continued to strengthen its nuclear and conventional capabilities and its ability to deter war in all areas.”

Lu continued: “With the deepening of reform, new combat forces such as air assault, offshore defence, strategic delivery and precision strike are active in the military exercise field. The allocation of forces in different strategic directions has become more complete, the scale has become more capable, the structure has been more optimized, and the organization has become more active. The results have become more scientific, and the concept of all-arms preparation for war has been further strengthened.”

The work report pledged to improve defence industrial capacity and coordination. China is now moving beyond civil-military integration to something it calls an “integrated national strategic system and capabilities”. This is more than just pooling military and civilian technological and industrial resources to create synergies that benefit the PLA, for it extends to strategic capabilities stretching across China’s entire economy.

China’s economy is weakening, and this means the government can no longer give the PLA a blank check. It therefore wants to reduce the cost of weaponry by exploiting efficiencies, which would permit it to continue fielding significant quantities. Beijing is probably learning from Russia’s experience in Ukraine, where it sees how Russia has ploughed through vast quantities of equipment and ammunition in its battle of attrition. This policy will likely result in the PLA fielding higher volumes of low-cost weapons – such as cheaper missiles – in order to maintain inventories and stretch its budget as much as possible.

Indeed, Wu noted, “The PLA will keep in mind the idea of living with a tight budget, strengthen the concept of high efficiency and low consumption, and adhere to the principle of doing everything diligently and frugally.”

Other areas of investment are improved living and working conditions for PLA personnel, as well as an overhaul of internal military governance. The latter relates to high-profile people caught up in corruption probes, including two defence ministers and numerous PLA generals in recent months. Naturally, the work report emphasized political loyalty.

Using canards from previous years, Wu said China’s military spending was “transparent, reasonable and appropriate”. He added that the world would benefit from this spending, because of China’s commitments to peacekeeping, naval escorts and humanitarian assistance.

China was also at pains to point out that its defence budget as a percentage of GDP is far lower than that of the USA. It claims defence spending has remained steady at just over 1 per cent of GDP. However, such assertions must be taken with a grain of salt, because China’s actual defence spending is not accurately reflected in official figures. It is widely recognized that the defence budget does not include many categories that other countries typically place in their defence budget. For instance, China’s space program that is managed by the PLA is not included in official figures, nor are defence mobilization funds, provincial military base operating costs, military pensions and benefits, or civilian/dual-use research and development. Other glaring absences are major paramilitary organizations like the People’s Armed Police and China Coast Guard. Far more than law enforcement organizations, these forces supplement the PLA.

It is unclear just how large the discrepancy is between China’s reported and actual defence spending. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute estimated in 2022 that China’s actual budget was 27 per cent higher, and the UK-based International Institute of Strategic Studies calculated it to be 39 per cent higher than what Beijing claimed.

As for the PLA itself, it strenuously asserts, “There is no hidden expenditure problem at all.” When others dispute its lack of budget transparency, China simply accuses them of “stirring up trouble,” a catch-all phrase that seems to make it magically exempt from having to offer any further explanation.

Representative Li Hanjun told reporters at the NPC: “If you don’t advance, you will retreat, and if you advance slowly, you will retreat. The current and future period is a critical period or the modernization of national defence and the army. We must keep up with the world’s military and war development trends, keep up with the modernization development process of our army, grasp the new situation and task requirements, and focus on preparing for war. Fight wars, be brave in pioneering and innovative, strive to create a new situation in reform and strengthen the army, and constantly win new victories in deepening the reform of national defence and the army.”

As the aforementioned PLA editorial declared, “On the matter of defence expenditure, the Chinese people have the final say. They will not base their decisions on others’ opinions, nor will they ever be swayed by other people’s words.” Except it is the party and Xi, not the people, that have the final say. (ANI)

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Russia, China, Iran Conduct Joint Naval Drill

The joint maneuvers mark the fourth collaboration among China, Iran, and Russia since 2019…reports Asian Lite News

China, Iran, and Russia have kick started a joint naval exercise, dubbed “Marine Security Belt 2024,” in the Gulf of Oman, a strategic waterway adjacent to the Persian Gulf. The drill involves significant maritime assets, with China deploying the guided-missile destroyer Urumqi and guided-missile frigate Linyi, while Russia’s contingent is led by the Varyag, a Slava-class cruiser. Over 20 vessels, including support craft, combat boats, and naval helicopters, are participating from the three nations.

Covering an expansive area of 17,000 square kilometers (6,600 square miles) of water, the exercise aims not only to bolster maritime security but also to enhance trade, combat piracy and terrorism, facilitate humanitarian efforts, and promote information exchange in rescue operations, according to Adm. Mostafa Tajaddini, the spokesperson for the drill.

The joint maneuvers mark the fourth collaboration among China, Iran, and Russia since 2019. This heightened military cooperation aligns with Iran’s response to escalating tensions with the United States. Notably, Iran’s military collaboration includes supplying military drones to Russia, which are currently utilized in Russia’s conflict with Ukraine.

Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Oman, Pakistan, and South Africa are observing the exercise, underscoring its regional significance. The Gulf of Oman, amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions, has witnessed a series of attacks and ship seizures, predominantly attributed to Iran by the U.S. Since the breakdown of the nuclear deal between Iran and world powers, tensions in the region have escalated. Given that a substantial portion of global oil trade passes through the Strait of Hormuz, situated at the mouth of the Persian Gulf, securing these waters remains a critical priority for international stakeholders.

ALSO READ: Ukraine Based Russian Paramilitary Groups Enter Russia

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Beijing calls for full UN membership for Palestine

Hamas launched a massive terror attack on Israel on October 7 last year, killing more than 1200 people and holding over 250 hostages…reports Asian Lite News

Affirming strong support for Palestine amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, China has termed the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza as a “tragedy for humanity” and a “disgrace for civilization,” Xinhua reported.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday also voiced Beijing’s support for Palestine to be made a full member of the United Nations.

Wang Yi was speaking at a press conference on the sidelines of the country’s annual meeting of its parliament on Thursday.

“We support Palestine’s full membership in the UN, and urge certain UN Security Council members to stop laying obstacles to that end,” Wang said, adding that China calls for a more broad-based, more authoritative, and more effective international peace conference to work out a timetable and road map for the two-state solution.

Noting that failure to end the humanitarian disaster caused by the Palestinian-Israeli conflict today in the 21st century is a tragedy for humanity and a disgrace for civilization, Wang called on the international community to act to give priority to an immediate ceasefire, as reported by Xinhua.

The foreign minister said the Palestinian people “have the right to live” in the world, calling for the release of all those held captive.

Wang further said that restoring justice to the Palestinian people and “fully implementing the two-state solution” is the only way to break the vicious circle of Palestinian-Israeli conflicts.

Hamas launched a massive terror attack on Israel on October 7 last year, killing more than 1200 people and holding over 250 hostages.

Israel declared war against Hamas and launched a strong counter-offensive in the Gaza Strip. According to the Gaza health ministry, over 30,000 Palestinians have been killed in the attacks.

Speaking further, Wang said that amid the complex and volatile international environment, China will firmly be a “force for peace, stability and progress in the world.

The Chinese FM also said that the United States should take an “objective and rational view” of China’s development, and match its words with actions to honour the commitments on China-US relations.

“Our position is the three principles proposed by President Xi Jinping — mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation,” Xinhua quoted Wang as saying. (ANI)

ALSO READ-India’s Semiconductor Surge Rattles China

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India’s Semiconductor Surge Rattles China

Industry experts predict India’s chip design prowess will expand into fabrication, intensifying competition with China…reports Asian Lite News

As India embarks on its ambitious semiconductor journey with a likely groundbreaking ceremony of three new semiconductor projects worth $15.14 billion, including two from the Tata Group, next week, the bold initiative under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership has started to jolt China’s dominance in the global silicon market.

The groundbreaking for three chip plants is likely happening in less than two weeks after the Union Cabinet, chaired by PM Modi, approved the establishment of these units that are set to generate direct employment of 20,000 advanced technology jobs and nearly 60,000 indirect jobs.

The new units, including Tata’s fab with Taiwan’s Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corp (PSMC) in Dholera, Gujarat targeting 50,000 wafers per month for high-performance chips; Tata’s assembly, testing, monitoring, and packing (ATMP) unit in Assam for advanced packaging technologies; and CG Power’s Gujarat unit with Renesas Electronics and Stars Microelectronics, mark India’s commitment to building a strong semiconductor ecosystem through substantial investments and global partnerships.

India already has deep capabilities in chip design. With these units, the country will develop capabilities in chip fabrication too, thus further challenging China’s market share in the coming years, say industry experts.

According to a latest Moody’s Analytics report, new investments in the semiconductor industry seem to be moving away from China and electronics production will “continue to remain in Asia for the foreseeable future”.

“The global semiconductor shortage, influenced by the pandemic, led tech companies in various fields — from manufacturing to design — to seriously consider diversification strategies like the ‘China plus one other nation’ approach. Capitalising on this, the Indian government provided significant incentives and solid policies for these tech firms,” Neil Shah, Vice President, Research at market intelligence firm Counterpoint, told IANS.

This strategic move is aimed at establishing a thriving semiconductor ecosystem in the country.

“Given India’s existing reputation as a centre for cutting-edge research, a robust software industry, and a wealth of English-speaking talent, the choice for tech companies to invest in India becomes an obvious and attractive one,” Shah added.

Additionally, some conglomerates saw this as an opportunity to enhance vertical integration and join the competition.

The first India-made chip from the Rs 22,500 crore Micron semiconductor plant in Gujarat is set to arrive in December this year.

Other than the Micron plant, Tata’s semiconductor fab with Taiwan’s PSMC will be constructed with an investment of Rs 91,000 crore. This fab will cover high-performance compute chips with 28 nm technology, and power management chips for electric vehicles (EVs), telecom, defence, automotive, consumer electronics, display, power electronics, etc.

The chip assembly, testing, monitoring, and packing (ATMP) unit with a capacity of 48 million per day by Tata Semiconductor Assembly and Test Pvt Ltd (TSAT) in Morigaon, Assam, will be set up with an investment of Rs 27,000 crore.

The third semiconductor ATMP unit for specialised chips will be set up by CG Power, in partnership with Renesas Electronics Corporation, Japan and Stars Microelectronics, Thailand in Sanand, Gujarat, with a capacity of 15 million per day and an investment of Rs 7,600 crore.

“Together, we are on a journey to firmly position Bharat on the global semiconductor map, fuelled by our unwavering commitment,” said Pankaj Mohindroo, Chairman of India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA).

The setting up of new chip units will catalyse job creation across the automotive, electronics, telecom, and industrial manufacturing sectors, accelerating employment opportunities in industries dependent on semiconductor technologies.

Lt Gen Dr SP Kochhar, Director General, Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), said that with the output from these new units being poised to benefit various sectors and segments, “it is expected to provide a fillip to the ‘Digital India’ mission through increased technological prowess and advancement of the indigenous industrial ecosystem, besides generating employment and attracting more investments in the country”.

India is already a dominant force in the global electronics manufacturing supply chain, led by mobiles. The nation has become the second-largest manufacturer of mobile phones in the world (in volume terms).

According to latest government figures, “The export of mobile phones has also increased from an estimated Rs 1,566 crore in 2014-15 to an estimated Rs 90,000 crore in 2022-23, making an impressive increase in exports by more than 5,600 per cent.”

After the success of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for mobile phones, the government is expecting that PLI for IT hardware and servers will lead to expanding the investments in the component ecosystem in the country to develop the supply chain.

“Verticals other than mobile phones will also come into their own, like IT hardware manufacturing which is expected to cross $15 billion by 2029,” said Mohindroo.

The government’s strategy to reach the $300 billion level in production of electronics from the current level of about $75 billion is built on broadening and deepening electronics manufacturing in the country, according to industry bodies.

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