Asianet Newsable

Viral Video: 7 dogs Escape Traders, Walk 17 Km Home in Heartwarming Clip (WATCH)

Gargi Chaudhry — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:23:53 +0530

Seven abducted rural dogs were discovered travelling together along a main highway in northeastern China after fleeing suspected dog meat dealers. They embarked on a 17-kilometer trip back to their hometown, as captured in a moving video that has gone popular on social media.

Lu, a Chinese citizen, captured video of a pack of dogs marching in formation along a roadway in Changchun, Jilin province, on March 16, according to the South China Morning Post. Lu first saw them on the highway, which was around 17 km from their village.

The footage showed the dogs approaching slowly, with some keeping close to an injured German shepherd. A Corgi looked to lead the group, often turning back to check on the others. Lu told the Chinese publication Dahe Daily: "They resemble a band of little brothers in distress, moving in unison - nothing like stray dogs."

According to Lu, he attempted several times to direct the dogs away from traffic and into safety, but they would not respond. After posting a video of the dogs on China's social networking platform Douyin, he urged local authorities to intervene.

Watch Video

Seven dogs stolen from their owners have gone viral after escaping from an illegal transport truck and making their way home.They traveled around 17 km together, led by a corgi across highways and fields, now safely back with their respective owners..❤️ pic.twitter.com/H5VB9BQkGB

— o̴g̴ (@Yoda4ever) March 23, 2026

Volunteers from a local rescue organization, the Bitter Coffee Stray Dog Base, eventually recognised the dogs as being from the same town, where they were known to wander freely and build tight ties over time. Following the complaints, the organization organised a rescue mission, sent volunteers, and employed a drone to find the dogs and safely escort them back home.

According to the South China Morning Post, one of the volunteers said that the animals were stolen by persons associated with a dog meat industry and might have escaped while being transported. However, no one has independently confirmed how the dogs ended up on the roadway.

On March 19, a volunteer notified Jimu News that all seven dogs were safely returned and were reunited with their owners. One of the owners expressed relief that his missing German shepherd and Golden Retriever had been returned, noting that they were fortunate to have avoided such a destiny. Another owner described her Corgi as exceptionally clever and known for finding its way home.

What Is The Nuclear Missile Pakistan Is Developing That The US Has Warned About?

Divya Danu — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 21:33:27 +0530

The United States has raised fresh concerns over the rapid development of long-range missile systems by several countries, including Pakistan and China. Speaking before the Senate Intelligence Committee, Tulsi Gabbard said that both nations are working on advanced ballistic missile technology that could one day target the United States. Her remarks came during the presentation of the 2026 Annual Threat Assessment report, which reviews major global risks to US national security.

Multiple countries expanding missile capabilities

The report highlights that several countries are developing powerful missile systems. These include Russia, China, North Korea, Iran, and Pakistan. According to Gabbard, these nations are working on both conventional and nuclear-capable missiles. Many of these systems are designed to travel long distances and avoid defence systems.

She warned that the number of missiles capable of threatening the US could rise sharply in the coming years.

North Korea already capable of reaching US

Among these countries, North Korea already has missiles that can reach American territory. Gabbard said that Pyongyang is committed to expanding its nuclear weapons programme. She also pointed to closer ties between North Korea, Russia and China.

Experts believe this growing cooperation could make it harder for the US to control global security risks.

Pakistan’s potential ICBM development

One of the key concerns raised in the report is Pakistan’s possible move towards developing Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs). An ICBM is a missile that can travel more than 5,500 kilometres and carry nuclear warheads across continents.

At present, Pakistan does not have a tested ICBM. However, Gabbard warned that if its current efforts continue, it may develop such a system in the future. This would mark a major shift in Pakistan’s defence strategy, which has mostly focused on regional threats.

How far is the US from Pakistan

The distance between Pakistan and the US is around 10,000 kilometres. To reach that far, Pakistan would need to significantly improve its missile range and propulsion systems.

At present, only a few countries, such as Russia, China, France and the United Kingdom, have missiles capable of covering such long distances.

This shows how big a technological leap Pakistan would need to make.

Evidence of ongoing development

US officials believe Pakistan is working on larger rocket motors, which are key for building long-range missiles. Satellite images studied by the International Institute for Strategic Studies suggest that Pakistan has built a large testing facility at its National Defence Complex in Attock.

This facility is believed to be used for testing powerful rocket motors that could support future missile development.

Past US warnings and sanctions

This is not the first time the US has raised concerns about Pakistan’s missile programme. In recent years, American officials have warned that Pakistan’s technology is becoming more advanced.

In 2024, the US imposed sanctions on a Pakistani company and several Chinese firms for allegedly helping develop missile systems. Officials also pointed to the role of a Chinese research institute in supporting Pakistan’s programme.

Despite these concerns, Pakistan has maintained that its weapons are meant only for defence.

Pakistan’s current missile arsenal

Pakistan’s current missile systems are mostly short-range and medium-range. One of its most powerful missiles is the Shaheen-III, which has a range of about 2,750 kilometres. It can carry both nuclear and conventional warheads.

Another important system is the Ababeel missile. It has a range of around 2,200 kilometres and uses MIRV technology. MIRV allows a single missile to carry multiple warheads that can hit different targets at the same time.

These systems are mainly designed with regional security in mind, especially in relation to India.

Why the US is concerned

The US believes that if Pakistan develops an ICBM, it could expand its reach beyond South Asia. This would mean the country could target areas far outside its current focus.

Some experts suggest that Pakistan’s aim may not be to target the US directly, but to act as a deterrent.

By developing long-range missiles, Pakistan could try to prevent the US from intervening in any future conflict.

Comparison with India's missile programme

Pakistan has often compared its capabilities with those of India. India’s longest-range missile, Agni-V, can travel more than 5,000 kilometres. This allows it to reach parts of Europe and northern China.

However, currently it cannot reach the US mainland. This is one reason why Washington does not see India’s missile programme as a direct threat.

Iran threat assessment differs

Gabbard also made comments about Iran. She said US strikes last year had disrupted Iran’s nuclear programme. According to her, Iran has not tried to rebuild it since then.

This statement was different from the views expressed by Donald Trump, who has argued that strong military action is still needed. Her remarks drew criticism from lawmakers, including Senator John Ossoff, who said it was important to clearly define the threat to the US.

Global risks likely to increase

The report also warned that even if major powers avoid direct war, smaller countries may still use force to achieve their goals. It mentioned that countries like Egypt, Israel, Pakistan, Turkey and the UAE are using proxy forces to influence regional conflicts.

This trend could make global security more unstable in the coming years.

A shifting security landscape

The 2026 threat report shows that the world is entering a more complex and risky phase. Missile technology is advancing quickly, and more countries are gaining access to powerful weapons.

For the US, this means dealing with multiple threats at the same time. For countries like Pakistan, it raises questions about future defence strategies and global responsibilities.

While Pakistan does not yet have the capability to strike the US with an ICBM, the concerns raised by the US highlight the fast-changing nature of global security. As technology improves and tensions rise, the risk of long-range missile threats could grow.

Experts say careful diplomacy and strong international cooperation will be key to avoiding future conflicts.

Viral Post: Puppy Goes to Kindergarten in China—Fees ₹1.6 Lakh, Internet Shocked

Gargi Chaudhry — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 14:53:39 +0530

A lady in China has gone viral after spending 12,000 yuan (approximately Rs 1.6 lakh) to register her six-month-old Samoyed in a dog school for training due to her hectic schedule. The lady selected a package that includes testing, behaviour training, social events, and even a school bus for pick-up and drop-off.

The woman, known by the moniker Taotao, is from the 1990s generation and lives in Shanghai, according to MoneyControl report. She stated that owing to her hectic schedule and limited time, she enrolled her six-month-old Samoyed in a dog kindergarten for training. "I am usually too busy with work and do not have much time to keep it company," Taotao told Cover News.

The service costs 12,000 yuan a month (roughly Rs 1.58 lakh), according to Taotao, and includes daily boarding at 188 yuan, 368 yuan for parent-child sessions, and a school bus pickup and drop-off service, with meals being charged separately.

The facility also offers a comprehensive service that includes personality assessment, behavioural training, daily cleaning, health check-ups, and pet socialisation. Pet owners can watch their animals in real time online, and a Shanghai-based creator called Chen claimed such services are in great demand, with registration taking two to three weeks.

While the facility maintains between 20 to 30 dogs during the off-season, numbers exceed 100 during peak demand periods like as the Chinese New Year.

How Did Social Media React?

One user asked, “How much do you have to earn to cover your pet's tuition? They must be quite well-off.” Another person said, "Some people would be enraged viewing this. They would not even invest 12,000 yuan every semester in their own child's kindergarten."

A third commenter commented, “I once witnessed a pet owner in Shenzhen spending 5,500 yuan (US$800) per month merely to hire someone to walk their dog, and I was stunned. Poverty severely restricts my imagination.”

Return of Western Hemisphere to US Grand Strategy

Asianet Newsable English — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 19:46:47 +0530

By Dr Aparaajita Pandey

The Western Hemisphere or more accurately the Americas, have found themselves surprisingly not as a priority for much of the post – Cold War era. NATO and the US’ attention has been commanded by crises around the world, more often than not, of their own making. China, West Asia, Europe, and South Asia; have all found themselves being priority for the US; Latin America and the Caribbean even after being the so-called American Backyard have found it difficult to be a priority for the US.

However, that phase of neglect seems to be on its way out. A mixture of great-power competition, migration pressures, energy politics, and the growing presence of China has forced Washington to remember the significance of its immediate neighborhood.

This shift mirrors one of the oldest principles of American foreign policy. In 1823, the Monroe Doctrine declared the Americas were a domain of the US and any intrusion by European powers would be considered a threat to the US. This move established not just the idea that stability in the Americas was central to U.S. security but, also set a precedent that would allow US an entry into Latin America. Over the next century this established and acknowledged principle shaped American interventions across the region, from the -Spanish-American War of 1898, which underlined U.S. influence in the Caribbean, to Cold War policies aimed at preventing Soviet penetration of the hemisphere to the Banana Republics of Central America.

The Cold War gave the Americas a clear strategic relevance, the collapse of the Soviet Union however, became a threshold and let Washington redirect its attention elsewhere. Latin America was largely assumed to be politically stable and firmly embedded within the U.S.-led economic order. The embeddedness of the US, however, is now being questioned.

China and the New Hemispheric Competition

One of the most critical factors of renewed American concentration to the region is China’s vast economic presence across Latin America which surely has the potential to become political in the coming future. Beijing has become one of the region’s most crucial trading partners and investors. Chinese investment has sponsored major infrastructure projects, including ports, energy facilities, mining ventures, and telecommunications networks.

Several Latin American states have joined China’s Belt and Road Initiative, while Chinese companies have gained access to strategic sectors ranging from lithium extraction to digital infrastructure. For the US, these developments are worrisome as they carry consequences that extend beyond economics. Infrastructure and technology networks are increasingly viewed through the lens of geopolitical competition. The Latin American region is therefore becoming an addition to the larger strategic rivalry between the United States and China.

Energy and its Compulsions

Latin America is home to some of the world’s most significant reserves of critical minerals. The lithium triangle of Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile holds more than half of the world’s known lithium reserves, while countries such as Peru and Chile dominate global copper production.

New hydrocarbon discoveries are reshaping the energy geography of the hemisphere. The crude oil boom in Guyana is rapidly converting the South American state into one of the fastest-growing energy producers in the world. Meanwhile, Venezuela’s vast oil reserves persist in shaping regional geopolitics in spite of the years of turmoil.

These advances are taking place at a time when global supply chains are becoming increasingly politicized. Access to strategic resources has become a core component of geoeconomic competition between major powers.

Migration and Domestic Politics

Pressures within the United States have also promoted the strategic importance of the Americas. Migration from Central America and Venezuela have become a distinguishing factor in American politics, linking domestic debates about border security directly to political and economic conditions across the region.

This dynamic is reinforcing the argument among policymakers that the Western Hemisphere cannot be treated as a secondary theatre in American strategy.

A More Autonomous Hemisphere

The return of the Americas to American strategic thinking should not be confused with a return to the geopolitical conditions of the past. Unlike during the Cold War, Latin American countries at present pursue more diverse foreign policies. Governments tend to maintain economic and diplomatic ties not only with the United States but also with China, the European Union, India, and other emerging powers.

This is also reminiscent of the broader of the broader change in the world and the shift towards multipolarity. For the US this means influence in the hemisphere must depend on diplomacy, economic engagement, and technological cooperation than the hierarchical dominance that characterized earlier periods.

Geography Returns to Strategy

For decades, American strategy was influenced predominantly by events in distant theatres. But as geopolitical competition intensifies and supply chains become strategic assets, geography is once again asserting itself. Influence over resources, infrastructure, migration routes, and technological networks is progressively becoming intrinsic to regional stability and alignment. The US is remembering a truth it once understood well; global influence begins at home.

But contrasting to the era of the Monroe Doctrine, the Americas today are rooted in a profoundly interconnected world. External powers are already cemented economically, and Latin American states themselves have greater agency than ever before.

The Western Hemisphere is again central to American strategy. The challenge however, for Washington is fundamentally not entirely new but one that they have never been able to overcome; to essentially hold a region that is no longer willing to be held.

The author is a Professor at the department of Defence and Strategic Studies at Amity University, NOIDA

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not reflect the views or stance of the organization. The organization assumes no responsibility for the content shared.

Is China Set to Gain From Donald Trump’s Middle East Muddle?

Asianet Newsable English — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 11:26:59 +0530

China will be in a stronger position to extract concessions from Donald Trump when the US president finally visits Beijing after becoming entangled in his Middle East war, analysts say. Trump had been due in the Chinese capital at the end of this month for talks with President Xi Jinping, but has delayed his trip by several weeks to deal with the fallout from the war.

His decision last month to join Israel in strikes on Iran has plunged the Middle East into violence, pushed energy prices to years-long highs and seeded fears of global supply shortages due to Iran's effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

With Trump struggling to define how the intervention will end and traditional allies reluctant to back him, the US leader may come to China needing a diplomatic win.

"A show of US force that was meant to intimidate Beijing has instead served to puncture the illusion of US omnipotence," said Ali Wyne, a senior adviser focusing on US-China ties at the International Crisis Group think tank.

"Unable to reopen the Strait of Hormuz alone, Washington now needs its principal strategic competitor to help it manage a crisis of its own making," Wyne said.

Trump said on Tuesday he expects to travel to China in "five or six weeks".

The prospective summit would aim to formalise a truce on tariffs that Trump and Xi shook hands on at a meeting in South Korea in October.

But Trump's weakened position could help Beijing argue for deeper tariff cuts and limit Washington's ability to push for change on other trade issues like access to critical minerals.

New leverage

Top Chinese and American trade officials held what they called "constructive" talks in Paris last weekend that were seen as setting the stage for a Xi-Trump summit.

Any chances of major breakthroughs on trade "seem limited", according to Dan Wang, a director on Eurasia Group's China team, with bilateral trust low after years of disputes over trade, technology and rights.

New US trade investigations into excess industrial capacity in 60 economies including China have also drawn Beijing's ire.

The Chinese leader will benefit from more strategic leverage over Trump as the war drags on -- at least in the near term, analysts told AFP.

Beijing has so far ignored Trump's call for help in reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global oil and gas shipments.

Nor has it relaxed its tight control on exports of rare earths, an industry that China dominates and provides certain critical minerals needed in US weaponry.

US military demand for certain "heavy" rare earths far exceed commercial needs, Jason Bedford, visiting senior research scholar at the National University of Singapore's East Asian Institute, told AFP.

They are used for equipment including drones, jet fighters, missile guidance systems and radar, said Bedford.

While the size of US military stockpiles is a "closely guarded secret", he said, "in theory, (China) could certainly disable new weapons production".

The absence of announcements on Hormuz or rare earths suggests "no concrete results were made during the trade talks" in Paris, said Wang of Eurasia Group.

Xi and Trump "have other chances to meet this year", but "the prospects of getting breakthroughs beyond lower tariffs seem limited", she told AFP.

‘Not reliable’

China could also calibrate its actions to make Trump's domestic position shakier at a time when a majority of Americans already oppose military action in the Middle East.

Trump and his negotiators "want China to buy US agricultural products, which is important to the midterm elections for the Republicans", said Wu Xinbo, director of the Center for American Studies at Shanghai's Fudan University.

"If you cannot stabilise relations with China, you have to face some big challenges," Wu said.

Any Xi-Trump summit is unlikely to succeed in changing either side's broader geostrategic aims.

On Thursday, the Trump administration announced that it is considering easing certain sanctions targeting Iranian oil to curb rising prices -- a move experts say could benefit China.

China is believed to be the main buyer of sanctioned Iranian oil, making it Tehran's "main economic lifeline", Henry Tugendhat, a China expert at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, said at a forum on Wednesday.

Beijing also has "no incentive" to stop selling weapons to Iran as long as the United States continues to provide arms to self-ruled Taiwan, Tugendhat said.

On the streets of Beijing this week, locals were circumspect about a visit from the US president.

"Trump's personality is that he changes every day," a 50-year-old IT worker surnamed Huang told AFP.

"Even if he comes, he may have reached agreements with you, but he will change his mind," he said.

"He is not reliable."

Still, Trump's willingness to come to Beijing is a positive sign for 32-year-old finance worker Yang, who said: “I think the United States still hopes to maintain a positive and friendly attitude towards China.”

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

SHOCKING! Dancing Robot Hits Child During Public Show in China, Video Goes Viral (WATCH)

Gargi Chaudhry — Sat, 28 Mar 2026 18:42:50 +0530

A humanoid robot inadvertently smacked a little child in the face during a public dance display in China's Shaanxi province on March 21, in an event that has since gone viral on social media. The video shows the robot doing twirls and kicks inside a cordoned-off area before swinging its arms toward a toddler standing nearby. Handlers quickly stepped in to pull the machine away, but it resumed its preset routine in the center of the ring. The robot is thought to be the G1 humanoid model developed by Chinese technology company Unitree Robotics. The machine, which weighs around 35 kilogrammes and costs roughly $13,500, is intended for research, teaching, and commercial usage. It has 23 degrees of freedom in the joints.

Watch Viral Video

Robot uprising also start small, maybe a slap here, a kick there. All to desensitize humans.pic.twitter.com/qpa8yfkIcF

— The Great Translation Movement 大翻译运动 (@TGTM_Official) March 22, 2026

How Did Netizens React?

The video sparked a quick reaction online. "What a dangerous performance," said one commenter. Another person mentioned that the youngster had seen it coming but couldn't get out of the path in time. A third person commented that being struck by metal is actually painful.

Some people expressed broad worries about public safety. One X user stated that a humanoid robot hitting a toddler demonstrated that such robots are far from ready for unsupervised public usage.

This is not the first safety incident utilising Unitree robots. Earlier this year, one of the company's robots accidently kicked a human operator. Earlier this month, authorities in Macau apprehended another Unitree robot after it terrified an elderly woman enough to necessitate hospitalisation. The occurrences have raised new concerns about what safeguards should be in place before humanoid robots are deployed in public settings.

Viral 'Neck-Hanging' Trend In China Sparks Fear As Experts Warn Of Serious Risks

Divya Danu — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 16:01:13 +0530

A new and unusual trend in China is gaining attention online and worrying many people. Young people are hanging themselves by their necks from trees in parks. They believe this helps reduce neck pain caused by conditions like cervical spondylosis. Videos of this 'neck-hanging exercise' have gone viral. Many users online have said they feel scared just watching it, according to South China Morning Post report.

What the exercise involves

The practice is meant to copy cervical traction therapy, a medical treatment used in hospitals. In this trend, a person ties a rope around their head and hangs from a tree branch, often with their feet off the ground. Some even swing slightly like a pendulum.

This idea is not completely new. It has been seen for years among older people in Chinese parks. Many elderly people believe it helps ease neck pain and improves blood flow.

Why people are trying it

Neck problems are common in China. According to the 2024 China Cervical Spine Health White Paper, more than 200 million people suffer from cervical spine disorders. Over 40 per cent of patients are under 30.

Because of this, many young people are now trying simple or home-based methods to find relief. Social media has also helped spread the trend quickly.

Experts warn of serious dangers

Doctors have strongly warned against trying this exercise without proper medical supervision. They say it is very different from real cervical traction therapy.

In hospitals, traction is carefully controlled. The force used is only about 10 to 15 per cent of a person’s body weight. Patients remain still, and doctors adjust the treatment based on each case.

In contrast, the viral exercise often uses full body weight. The body may also swing or twist, which increases the risk.

Shen Ya, a senior therapist, said such uncontrolled suspension can affect blood vessels and nerves. In mild cases, it may cause dizziness and nausea. In serious cases, it can lead to spinal cord injury or even paralysis.

Past incidents and public reaction

There have already been dangerous cases linked to this trend. A 57-year-old man died in 2024 while attempting a similar exercise, the South China Morning Post report added.

Online reactions show growing concern. One user said, “It is honestly terrifying. My blood freezes just watching it.” Another added that risking long-term health for short relief is not worth it.

Growing concern over risky trends

Experts say this trend shows how easily unsafe ideas can spread online. While people are looking for relief from pain, they may unknowingly put themselves at greater risk.

Doctors strongly advise that any treatment for neck problems should only be done under medical guidance.

China: Companies Using Smart Seats, WiFi Tracking to Monitor Employees

Gargi Chaudhry — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 16:55:37 +0530

Certain Chinese corporations have started watching their staff using Wi-Fi, cameras, and smart seating systems. An employee in Guangzhou discovered a camera above her desk after refusing a work trip due to illness, according to Worker's Daily. In January, she stated that her boss had warned her about utilising private group conversations during office hours. She then examined the camera's storage and discovered that it had captured text and photos from her phone and PC, according to SCMP.

In another occasion, Southern Metropolis Daily reported on a similar incident involving a tech business employee in Hangzhou. According to her, a manager expressed worry over her absence from her desk each morning between 10 a.m. and 10.30 a.m., and warned that her bonus may be impacted. The employee described the surveillance as "creepy and uncomfortable".

An advertising agency in Fuzhou reportedly curtailed restroom breaks, requiring employees to log in and out using fingerprint scans and fining anyone who over the time restriction.

Similar Instance Last Year

Last September, a start-up fired an employee called Wu for allegedly ignoring orders and slacking off. The form utilised CCTV video and his computer surfing history as evidence in court.

According to the logs, Wu grumbled about the employer on social media, browsed shopping websites, and read online books. Wu was astounded at the extent of monitoring. She asked the mainland magazine Vista: "Where exactly is the line between personal privacy and corporate management?"

As workplace surveillance becomes more prevalent, some Chinese workers are seeking for methods to fight back.

Chinese Workers Push Back

As workplace monitoring spreads, some Chinese workers are pushing back. Some have bought chat privacy software for 19.9 yuan, while others use 50 yuan screen protectors for phones and computers. Anti-tracking tools designed to block monitoring of browser activity are also gaining popularity. On mainland social media, posts sharing tips have proliferated, with related topics drawing more than 50 million views.

Meanwhile, analysts think Chinese legislation permits some kind of surveillance, particularly on work gadgets. Companies frequently defend monitoring as a means of safeguarding corporate secrets and mitigating internal dangers. In certain circumstances, courts have concluded that tracking surfing behaviour on workplace computers does not breach privacy because the machines are used for business.

However, legal experts warn that borders are still uncertain. Employees must be notified of surveillance techniques, and monitoring should not include private information irrelevant to work.

What Happened In Xinjiang In 2008? The Uyghur Voices China Tried To Silence

Anish Kumar — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 18:21:54 +0530

New Delhi: In March 2008, hundreds of Uyghur demonstrators gathered in the oasis cities of Hotan and Karakax in China’s Xinjiang region. Their protests followed the death in police custody of Mutallip Hajim, a respected Uyghur businessman whose burial had been ordered in secrecy.

The demonstrations came just days after unrest in Tibet had shaken China ahead of the Beijing Olympics. As police surrounded the marchers and arrested hundreds, information from the region became scarce, offering only a fragmented glimpse into tensions that had long been building beneath Xinjiang’s surface.

What Happened In Xinjiang 2008?

The protests were not spontaneous. By 2008, Uyghur culture had been under sustained pressure for years. The Chinese government had placed strict restrictions on Islamic practice, limiting the right to fast during Ramadan, banning certain religious texts, and placing mosques under state supervision.

Uyghur-language schools were being phased out in favour of Mandarin-only education. The mass migration of Han Chinese into Xinjiang, actively encouraged by Beijing through economic incentives, had progressively pushed Uyghurs to the margins of their own homeland, economically and culturally.

When the protests broke out, the demonstrators were not asking for independence. They were asking to exist on their own terms. To speak their language. To observe their faith. To pass their history on to their children.

The Uyghur Voices China Tried To Silence

China's response was swift and revealing. Security forces moved in immediately. Foreign journalists who attempted to reach Xinjiang were turned back or detained at checkpoints. International media coverage was thin, fragmented, and heavily filtered.

Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International documented the crackdown in subsequent reports, noting that dozens of Uyghurs were arrested and that the full scale of events was deliberately kept from public view.

What made the state's reaction significant was not only its speed but its blueprint. The media blackout imposed in March did not lift in the weeks that followed. Instead, it became a template.

China had learned that it could suppress an event of this magnitude and face little lasting international accountability. The silence that descended on Xinjiang in March 2008 was not the silence of resolution. It was the silence of preparation.

In the years between 2008 and 2017, security spending in Xinjiang grew exponentially. Surveillance infrastructure was expanded. Algorithms were developed to flag Uyghurs based on their religious practice, travel history, and social connections. When the mass detention programme was activated after 2017, it slid into an apparatus that had been quietly assembled over nearly a decade.

The 2008 Uyghur Protests The World Overlooked

The international community's muted response to the protests gave Beijing early confirmation that the world was willing to look elsewhere. China was the host of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, and political caution dominated Western foreign policy circles. Economic interdependence was already too deep for governments to risk a rupture over what many chose to frame as an internal security matter.

That framing has since collapsed. Leaked Chinese government documents, including the China Cables published by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists in 2019, confirmed what survivors had been saying for years: the detention system was not remedial. It was punitive, systematic, and deliberate.

March 2008 was when Uyghur voices broke through. It was also the day Beijing decided those voices had to be permanently silenced. The world heard them, however faintly, and then moved on. That decision carries consequences that are still unfolding.

How Chinese Cloud Helped Pakistan's ISI Spy On Indian Army Movements Using CCTV

Divya Danu — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 21:18:30 +0530

A major operation by the Delhi Police has uncovered an alleged espionage and terror network that used CCTV cameras to track sensitive military movements. The cameras, sources said, were powered by a Chinese system called EseeCloud. Security agencies believe this network was part of a larger plan linked to Pakistan's intelligence agency, Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). The aim was to monitor Indian Army and paramilitary movements in key areas.

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How the network was set up

The Special Cell of Delhi Police carried out two coordinated operations and arrested 11 people. Officials said the group was involved in espionage, arms smuggling and gathering information about defence sites.

The accused had installed solar-powered CCTV cameras in important locations. These cameras used SIM cards and could send live video footage directly to handlers based in Pakistan through mobile apps.

Where the cameras were placed

Police said the cameras were installed in areas with regular movement of security forces. These included Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Pathankot, Patiala and Moga in Punjab.

Other locations included Ambala in Haryana, Kathua in Jammu and Kashmir, and Bikaner and Alwar in Rajasthan. These places are considered sensitive because they are close to borders, have army camps, or are used for troop movement.

Link to terror outfit

Investigators found links between the group and Babbar Khalsa International, a banned Khalistani terror organisation, according to India Today report.

Officials said the group was trying to build a network that could help in future attacks by giving real-time information about defence activities. This raised serious concerns for national security.

Also Read: Third Case Against Ashok Kharat: Court Grants Judicial Custody, Police Seek More Time

Similar cases found earlier

This is not the first such case. A similar module was recently uncovered in the Delhi-NCR region. In that case, the group planned to install cameras at around 50 locations, including railway stations and army routes.

At least two cameras were already working, one at Delhi Cantonment Railway Station and another at Sonipat Railway Station. The Sonipat camera had been sending live footage for more than two weeks before it was removed.

How the plan was exposed

The operation began after the BSF’s Punjab unit received information in January. A source inside Pakistan reportedly alerted officials about the plan to install surveillance cameras.

After this, Indian agencies began tracking the network and finally busted it through coordinated raids.

Also Read: Woman Dies By Suicide In Karnataka Village After Ex-Lover Shares Private Photos With Groom's Family

Why these cameras are a concern

Experts say such CCTV systems are dangerous because they are cheap, easy to install and difficult to trace. By using fake identities to get SIM cards, the accused could operate the cameras without raising suspicion.

The use of Chinese-linked systems has also raised concerns. Officials fear that such technology can be misused if it is not properly checked.

Link to earlier military operation

Sources as quoted by India Today, said that during Operation Sindoor, Pakistani intelligence tried to collect data about Indian convoys from toll plazas.

After losing some of their earlier methods, they may have turned to civilian CCTV systems to rebuild their surveillance network.

Also Read: Ghaziabad HORROR! 4-Year-Old Girl Raped and Killed, Body Found Under Car, Uncle On The Run

Action by security agencies

After the case came to light, security agencies have started checking CCTV systems more closely, especially in and around Delhi.

Government installations already follow a 'Made in India' rule for security equipment. However, officials are worried about private cameras installed near military areas that may use foreign technology.

Authorities are now reviewing both internal and external security systems. The focus is on making sure that no unauthorised cameras are operating near sensitive locations.

Investigations are still ongoing, and more details may come out in the coming days. Officials have said that strict action will be taken against anyone involved in such activities.

(With inputs from agencies)

Why China's Military Restructure Is Challenging Global Arms Control Rules

Anish Kumar — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 22:03:12 +0530

New Delhi: When China dissolved the Strategic Support Force and created the Information Support Force in April 2024, it simultaneously restructured the PLA's entire service architecture around categories that existing arms control frameworks were never designed to cover.

The PLA now formally lists the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Rocket Force as its four theater-grade services, with the Aerospace Force, Cyberspace Force, ISF, and Joint Logistics Support Force sitting below them as deputy-theater-grade arms directly subordinate to the Central Military Commission. The structural categories that most existing international treaties are built around do not map cleanly onto this new architecture.

'Brand-new strategic arm'

The official language used to describe the ISF reinforces the problem. A PLA spokesman characterised it as "a brand-new strategic arm of the PLA and a key underpinning of coordinated development and application of the network information system" - a phrase that sounds administrative rather than military. It describes an infrastructure function, which is substantially harder to classify as an offensive capability under international law than a new missile regiment or carrier strike group. The phrasing may be technically accurate and simultaneously misleading, which is precisely its utility.

Arms control verification depends on transparency: declared force sizes, identified capabilities, inspectable assets. The ISF's mandate spans satellite communications, AI-enabled command platforms, and network integration across services, while the separately constituted Cyberspace Force carries primary responsibility for offensive cyber operations and computer network attack. Both sit under a broader organisational umbrella that covers civilian technology transfer through military-civil fusion. No existing treaty framework was built to cover that combination simultaneously, and Beijing has not volunteered any clarification.

Xi Jinping's December 4, 2024 inspection of the ISF, reported by Xinhua, confirmed its domestic political importance without addressing its external military role. The visit generated significant coverage inside China, framing the force as a modernisation achievement, with Xi calling for leapfrog development of the PLA's network information system. Its actual capabilities, operational chain of command, and relationship to the Cyberspace Force's offensive operations were not disclosed to international observers and have not been since.

What research bodies say?

SIPRI and comparable research bodies have identified this as a structurally difficult monitoring problem. Cyber capabilities are not visible the way armoured divisions or carrier groups are. AI systems do not carry serial numbers that can be counted.

Quantum cryptography programmes exist inside national laboratory systems with civilian as well as military applications.

Monitoring any one of these in isolation is already difficult; monitoring all of them in a country that treats military-civil fusion as a stated national strategy borders on impossible under current verification frameworks.

The ISF's creation drew considerable international attention in 2024, but the ambiguity surrounding its purpose has made it difficult to characterise conclusively in policy discussions. That ambiguity is its own form of strategic utility. The harder verification challenge may lie not with the ISF's labelling but with the structural decision to constitute offensive cyber as its own independent arm - the Cyberspace Force - equally opaque and equally outside existing treaty definitions.

Together, the two forces conduct functions that Beijing has no obligation to declare, in domains that no current verification regime can monitor, under organisational labels that provide no foothold for negotiated constraint.

Viral Alert! China Woman Takes 5-Hour Nap at Work Over Low Salary, Internet Reacts

Gargi Chaudhry — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 12:55:45 +0530

A woman became viral in China after taking a five-hour sleep at work as a form of protest—and then posting an emotional video online after being chastised for it. According to the South China Morning Post, the anonymous lady stated in her video that her manager had threatened to terminate her if she slept at work again. However, she stated that she was concerned about her low pay and opted to take a sleep at work.

According to reports, the woman works for a firm in Shangqiu, Henan Province, China. She stated that she was dissatisfied with her low wage and resolved to work harder to compensate by sleeping at her desk. When her supervisor threatened to fire her for taking a five-hour nap, the lady stated she felt mistreated by him. She responded to her manager’s threats to sack her in an online video where she said, “I will not leave. I will make him understand the concept of what you get is what you pay for.”

Another twist was added to the story when the manager noticed the woman had grabbed a chocolate from his desk after waking up. The boss, who has glucopenia, nearly fainted in the workplace as his blood sugar dipped dangerously low. Glucopenia is defined as an unusually low concentration of glucose in the circulating blood.

“My boss became enraged. He said I meant to kill him. He gave me a warning, threatening to fire me,” the woman said in the video. “For those who criticise me, you do not understand people like me who have such a low salary,” she added.

How Did Netizens React?

Internet users were astounded by the woman's blatant deed and subsequent confession.

"Any boss would not tolerate such an employee," one individual wrote. "My God, I did not expect that one day I would support a boss, ha," another said.

Some compared her act of resistance to silent resigning, a practice in which employees coast along by completing the bare minimum at work. Instead of resigning openly, overworked and burned-out employees opt to disconnect and withdraw from full engagement.

Another person wrote, “The Labour Law stipulates that a worker works eight hours a day. So, deducting five hours for nap, time for lunch and going to the toilet, you have less than two hours for sitting in front of your desk to work.”

Another said, “Set an alarm before you take a nap next time, so you will not miss the time to get off duty.”

World’s First Robot Arrest? Police Escort Humanoid After It Scares Elderly Woman in Macau (WATCH)

Asianet Newsable English — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 20:22:59 +0530

What looked like a scene straight out of a science fiction thriller briefly played out on a quiet street in Macau when police officers were called in to deal with an unlikely suspect — a humanoid robot. The incident, captured on video and widely shared on social media, shows officers escorting a small robot away after it reportedly startled a 70-year-old woman who believed it was following her.

Elderly Woman Startled by Silent Robot

According to local authorities, the woman had stopped outside a residential complex around 21:00 local time to check her phone. When she turned around, she suddenly noticed the robot standing directly behind her.

Police said the robot had simply paused on the pathway, waiting for the pedestrian to move aside. But the unexpected presence of the machine left the woman shaken.

Footage circulating online shows the elderly woman shouting at the robot while waving her bag at it as the small machine repeatedly raises its arms in the air.

In the video, according to a translation by the Macau Post, the woman can be heard yelling:

"You're making my heart race!"

She then continues:

"You've got plenty to do, so what's the point of messing around with this? Are you freaking crazy?"

This is wild, police just arrested a humanoid robot > in Macau a 70-year-old woman noticed a humanoid robot following her at night> the robot was a Unitree G1> she panicked and started yelling> people gathered and filmed> police showed up and escorted the robot away> it… https://t.co/YJ18hC7yIS pic.twitter.com/tRJ6X1mhUC

— CG (@cgtwts) March 16, 2026

Police Remove Robot From Scene

The clip then shows two police officers escorting the Unitree G1 humanoid robot down the road. One officer appears to guide the robot by holding its shoulder while walking it away from the area.

Authorities clarified that the robot was not formally arrested, but officers removed it from the scene and returned it to its operator — a man in his 50s.

The woman later told police she felt unwell after the encounter and was taken to hospital for a check-up. Doctors later confirmed there had been no physical altercation between her and the robot.

After receiving treatment, the unnamed woman said she would not file a complaint against the robot’s operator.

Robot Was Part of Promotional Activity

Authorities later revealed that the robot belonged to a nearby education centre that had been using it as part of a promotional campaign.

Towin Mak, a spokesperson for the centre, told local broadcaster Teledifusão de Macau (TDM) that the robot had been leaving the area when it encountered the elderly woman.

Mak explained that the machine was being guided by a combination of autonomous programming and remote supervision at the time.

The operator later apologised for the distress caused.

Robots Already Being Used in Policing

Although the Macau incident may have looked unusual, robots are already becoming part of law enforcement strategies around the world.

Professor Ivan Sun from the University of Delaware has previously predicted that robotic police officers could begin patrolling streets within the next five years.

These machines could eventually detect, pursue and apprehend suspects while working alongside human officers.

Several countries have already begun experimenting with robotic policing.

In Singapore, the Xavier robot patrols public areas and detects “undesirable social behaviours” such as smoking, alerting human officers when necessary.

China has also introduced security robots such as AnBot, which can conduct surveillance, verify identities and patrol transport hubs.

Elsewhere, including in the UAE, robots are already being deployed in more service-oriented roles such as greeting tourists or assisting visitors in multiple languages during large events.

After Kabul Massacre, Pakistan’s ‘Iron-Clad Friend’ China Calls For Dialogue With Afghanistan

Asianet Newsable English — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 14:44:17 +0530

China — widely regarded as Pakistan’s closest strategic partner — on Tuesday called for “calm and restraint” after a devastating Pakistani air strike on a drug rehabilitation centre in Kabul reportedly killed hundreds of people. The strike, which Afghan authorities say targeted a treatment facility for drug addicts in the Afghan capital, has triggered outrage and deepened tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Despite its long-standing alliance with Islamabad, Beijing signalled concern over the escalating violence, urging both countries to halt hostilities and seek a diplomatic solution.

China’s foreign ministry urged the two countries to "swiftly implement a ceasefire" and resolve their differences through dialogue.

BREAKING: More videos from tonight's Pakistani airstrikes which hit a drug rehabilitation hospital in Kabul, killing or wounding an unspecified number of people, according to an Afghan Taliban spokesperson. Pakistan’s government rejects this, claiming they targeted "military… pic.twitter.com/GtRmnicTLW

— Yalda Hakim (@SkyYaldaHakim) March 16, 2026

This is not Iran, Lebanon or Israel.This is Kabul, Afghanistan, after airstrikes by it's nuclear armed neighborpic.twitter.com/ZHXzISpNyy

— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) March 17, 2026

#WATCH | At least 400 people were killed and 250 injured in an air strike by Pakistan on a rehabilitation hospital in Kabul(Video Source: Reuters) pic.twitter.com/f4k48rPOTz

— ANI (@ANI) March 17, 2026

China’s Message To Its Closest Partner

Responding to the latest escalation, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said Beijing was actively trying to ease tensions.

"China... will continue to leverage its own channels to play a constructive role in de-escalating tensions and facilitating the improvement of bilateral relations," he told reporters on Tuesday.

"Dialogue and negotiation constitute the only effective means of resolving issues between the two countries."

China also revealed that a special envoy had recently spent a week mediating between the two sides, reflecting Beijing’s growing concern over instability in the region.

Pakistan's airstrikes on Afghanistan on Monday night, which reportedly hit a medical center in Kabul, raise concerns about potential heavy casualties. Asked whether China is still mediating between the two countries, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Tuesday… pic.twitter.com/NFRDM05bME

— Global Times (@globaltimesnews) March 17, 2026

Hundreds Killed In Kabul Strike

Afghan officials say the scale of the tragedy is enormous.

"The toll is not final as the rescue operation is still going on but we have around 400 martyrs and more than 200 wounded," health ministry spokesman Sharafat Zaman told a news conference.

Interior ministry spokesman Abdul Mateen Qani gave a similar figure during the same briefing, saying there were "408 killed and 265 wounded".

The strike hit a drug rehabilitation centre — a place meant to treat addiction and provide shelter to some of Kabul’s most vulnerable residents. Instead, it has now become the site of one of the deadliest attacks in the capital in recent months.

Authorities say the number of victims is so high that families have been asked to allow their loved ones to be buried together in a communal grave, particularly as the tragedy unfolded during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Pakistan Denies Civilian Targeting

Pakistan, however, denied deliberately striking civilians.

Islamabad said its military operation targeted militant infrastructure and insisted it had carried out precision strikes on "military installations and terrorist support infrastructure".

The Pakistani military has carried out multiple strikes in Afghanistan in recent weeks, claiming the Taliban government is harbouring extremists responsible for attacks across the border.

Kabul has consistently rejected those accusations.

Kabul Grieves As Questions Mount

For Kabul residents, the attack has turned a centre meant for recovery and treatment into a place of mass death.

With rescue operations still ongoing and hundreds feared dead, the strike has left the Afghan capital reeling — and has raised fresh questions about Pakistan’s cross-border military campaign.

Even as Islamabad insists the strikes were aimed at militant targets, the mounting civilian toll is fuelling anger — and forcing even its closest ally, China, to call publicly for restraint.

(With inputs from AFP)

Birthright Citizenship Row: Donald Trump Reposts 'India, China Hellhole' Slur; Sparks Fury

Divya Danu — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 14:18:11 +0530

Donald Trump is facing strong criticism after sharing a controversial post on his social media platform, Truth Social. The post included remarks describing countries like India and China as 'hell-holes'. The comments were originally made by Michael Savage, a political commentator, during his podcast Savage Nation. Trump reposted both the video and a written transcript, bringing the remarks to a much wider audience.

The incident has sparked anger online and raised concerns about its impact on international relations, especially with countries like India, which is a key partner of the United States.

What the controversial post said

In the reposted content, Savage criticised the idea of birthright citizenship in the United States. This is a law that gives automatic citizenship to anyone born in the country.

While arguing against this policy, Savage used harsh and offensive language. He claimed that people from countries like India and China come to the US to have children so they can gain citizenship.

He wrote that a baby born in the US becomes an 'instant citizen', and then families move from “China, or India, or some other hell-hole on the planet”.

He also made other claims about immigrants, calling some of them “gangsters with laptops” and accusing them of harming the US economy. These statements were widely criticised as racist and unsupported by evidence.

Why Trump shared the post

Trump reposted the content just a day after speaking about birthright citizenship in an interview with CNBC. In that interview, he claimed that the US is the only country that offers such a system.

However, this claim is incorrect. Around three dozen countries, including Canada and Mexico, also provide automatic citizenship to people born on their land.

By sharing Savage’s views, Trump appeared to support calls for changing the current law in the US.

What is birthright citizenship

Birthright citizenship in the United States is based on the 14th Amendment to the Constitution. This amendment says that anyone born in the US is a citizen.

This rule has been in place for more than a century and is seen as a key part of American law.

Critics like Trump argue that the system is being misused. They claim some people travel to the US late in pregnancy to ensure their child becomes a citizen. This practice is often called “birth tourism”.

Supporters of the law say it protects basic rights and prevents discrimination.

Trump’s push to change the law

Trump has long opposed birthright citizenship. After returning to office in 2025, he signed an executive order to limit automatic citizenship in certain cases.

However, many legal experts believe such changes may not be valid without altering the Constitution.

The issue is now being reviewed by the US Supreme Court. The court recently heard arguments in a case challenging Trump’s order.

Trump has said that if the court rules against him, it would harm the country financially and affect its “dignity”.

Attacks on rights groups

In the same post, Trump also criticised the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). He called the group “criminal” and suggested action against it under strict laws used for organised crime.

The ACLU is known for defending civil rights such as free speech, voting rights, and equality. It often challenges government policies in court, especially on immigration issues.

Trump’s comments against the organisation have added to the controversy.

Claims about jobs and immigration

The repost also included claims that immigrants from India and China dominate jobs in the technology sector, especially in California.

Savage suggested that this limits opportunities for others. However, no clear evidence was provided to support these claims.

Experts say the US job market is complex and shaped by many factors, including education, skills, and global demand.

Political and public reaction

The remarks have drawn criticism from many people online. Some users said the language used was offensive and harmful. There are also concerns about how such statements could affect ties between the US and countries like India and China.

President Donald Trump just called our INDIA a "hellhole" & Indian and Chinese immigrants as "gangsters with laptops" who have "stepped on our flag" . Sick to the core! Enough of this ..seriously! pic.twitter.com/CbFK7bpvSt

— Tehseen Poonawalla Official (@tehseenp) April 23, 2026

TRUMP CALLS INDIA A HELL HOLE. BREAKING: Donald Trump reposts a letter referring to India and others as “hellholes” “A baby here becomes an instant citizen and then they bring in their entire family from China, or India or some other hellhole on the planet.”Indians are… pic.twitter.com/CZlk8eLOle

— Danish Nawaz (@DanishNawaz2773) April 23, 2026

By reposting that hellhole slur, trump has officially traded his Namaste for a knife in the back, proving he’s a desperate hypocrite who fears Indian success more than he respects the global partnership he once begged forhttps://t.co/eVxJkTmKZg

— The Sacred Scroll (@SacredScroll) April 23, 2026

Trump reposting Michael Savage calling #India a hellhole. Enough is Enough. #DonaldTrump #DumpTrump pic.twitter.com/sB1rH59uBi

— Rajpal Singh Shekhawat (@Rajpal_BJP) April 23, 2026

India, in particular, is an important strategic partner for the US in areas like trade, defence and technology. Strong language against such countries can create tension.

This issue is not just about one post. It reflects a larger debate in the US about immigration, identity, and law.

Supporters of Trump say stricter rules are needed to control immigration. Critics argue that such views can divide society and spread misinformation.

The final decision on birthright citizenship will likely come from the Supreme Court. Until then, the debate is expected to continue.

China’s AI Restaurant Scans Faces, Tongues to Serve ‘Perfect’ Meal: Report

Gargi Chaudhry — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 18:05:56 +0530

Several restaurants in eastern China are deploying artificial intelligence (AI) robots to cook up to 100 meals to save money, generating a heated debate on social media. Zhejiang TV stated that at least three such eateries had been open in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, for months. According to South China Morning Post, one of them, 24 Jieqi Robot Restaurant in the Xihu district, employs eight robots to handle ordering, serving, cleaning, and cooking. According to the research, they share 60% of kitchen staff' entire workload.

Before customers place orders, the robots do a "AI analysis" by scanning their faces and tongues and prompting them to answer a basic questionnaire. The robots then generate a report on the customer's lifestyle, emotions, and digestive condition before offering seasonal health-focused foods.

According to the restaurant's manager, Cai Haitang, the robots can prepare over 100 meals, including Three Cup Chicken, which is stewed chicken with three cups of important sauces, Crab Roe Tofu, and Braised Pork Trotter.

Some robots are also capable of creating Pian Er Chuan, a Hangzhou speciality soup noodle with preserved veggies, sliced pork and bamboo shoots.

Zhu Qi, an engineer who created the culinary robots, explained that they retain data on stove fire settings from human chefs' work and emulate the chefs' moves for stir-frying and turning the pot. As a consequence, Zhu believes that robot chefs will be able to standardise the quality of the cuisines they make. Deng Xuhui, a chef at Madayunhe Community Canteen in Gongshu District, says he used to have to make dozens of meals during peak hours every day.

However, since they began employing the robots, his employment has primarily involved manipulating two of them.

A 70-year-old man and his wife, who frequent this canteen, were astonished to learn that their meals are made by robots. "The foods taste no different than those cooked by humans. They are neither salty nor oily. It's just what we senior citizens enjoy," remarked the guy, surname Yu.

He also stated that the use of robots has resulted in lower meal prices at the restaurant. Such robots are generally used to cook fast food, group meals and spicy Hunan cuisine and Sichuan cuisine. Such AI robot restaurants are becoming popular in China. But it has left the online community divided.

Global Military Spending Explodes to $2.9 Trillion Amid Wars: What Is the World Preparing For?

Asianet Newsable English — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 11:01:11 +0530

Global military spending reached nearly $2.9 trillion in 2025, marking an 11th consecutive year of growth, researchers said Monday, as insecurity and rearmament fuelled defence budgets.

The three top spenders -- the United States, China and Russia -- spent a combined total of $1.48 trillion, just over half of global expenditure.

Spending rose by 2.9 percent compared with 2024, despite a reduction by the US, the world's biggest spender, according to a report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).

Researcher Lorenzo Scarazzato told AFP the decrease from the US was more than offset by increases in Europe and Asia, as the world marked "another year of wars and increased tensions".

Scarazzato said this was also reflected in the global "military burden" -- the share of worldwide GDP devoted to military spending -- which reached its highest level since 2009.

"Everything points to a world that feels less secure and is spending on its military to compensate for the global landscape," he said.

The US spent $954 billion, 7.5 percent less than in 2024, largely because no new financial military aid to Ukraine was approved. By contrast, Washinhton pledged a total of $127 billion to Kyiv over the previous three years.

But the decrease is expected to be short-lived as the US Congress has approved spending of over $1 trillion for 2026, which could rise to $1.5 trillion in 2027 if US President Donald Trump's budget proposal passes.

The main driver of the global increase was Europe -- including Russia and Ukraine -- where spending surged 14 percent to $864 billion.

"That is driven by two major factors. One is the ongoing war in Ukraine, and the other is the decreased US engagement with Europe," Scarazzato said.

He explained that the US is "pushing for Europe to take more care of its own defence".

Germany, the fourth-largest spender, raised expenditure by 24 percent in 2025 to $114 billion.

Spain also recorded a 50 percent jump to $40.2 billion, pushing military spending above two percent of GDP for the first time since 1994.

Middle East tensions

The ongoing war in Ukraine saw both Russia and Ukraine increase their military spending, with each recording the highest share of government spending allocated to the military.

Russia's spending rose 5.9 percent to $190 billion, equivalent to 7.5 percent of GDP.

Ukraine meanwhile boosted spending by 20 percent to $84.1 billion -- a staggering 40 percent of GDP.

Despite persistent tensions in the Middle East, expenditure in the region rose only marginally, by 0.1 percent, to $218 billion.

While most countries in the region increased spending, Israel and Iran actually recorded declines.

In Iran, it fell 5.6 percent to $7.4 billion, but this was mostly due to high annual inflation of 42 percent. In nominal terms, spending actually rose.

Israel's 4.9 percent drop to $48.3 billion reflected a reduced intensity in the Gaza war after a January 2025 ceasefire deal, the researchers explained, while noting Israeli spending was still 97 percent higher than in 2022.

In Asia and Oceania, spending reached $681 billion, an 8.5 percent increase from 2024 -- the region's largest annual increase since 2009.

Scarazzato said the "major player" in the region was China, which has been increasing spending every year for the past three decades, and spent an estimated $336 billion in 2025.

"But perhaps what's interesting is the reaction of some other states, such as South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan, reacting to the threat perception," he said.

Japan raised military expenditure by 9.7 percent, to $62.2 billion in 2025, equivalent to 1.4 percent of GDP -- its highest share since 1958 -- while Taiwan increased its spending by 14 percent to $18.2 billion.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Uyghur leaders slam China's 'breathtaking' anti-Islamophobia post

Asianet News Central — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 13:00:18 +0530

A sharp exchange unfolded on social media platform X following a post by the Chinese Mission to the United Nations marking the International Day to combat Islamophobia. In its message, the mission emphasised the importance of opposing all forms of Islamophobia, promoting dialogue among civilisations, and respecting religious and cultural diversity, adding that China would continue to work closely with Islamic countries.

Uyghur Leaders Condemn 'Breathtaking' Hypocrisy

The statement, however, drew strong criticism from Uyghur activists and leaders. Rushan Abbas, Chairwoman of the Executive Committee of the World Uyghur Congress, condemned the post, calling it "breathtaking" in its audacity. She accused the Chinese government of systematically targeting Islamic practices, alleging the destruction of thousands of mosques, restrictions on religious participation, including banning children from places of worship, and the detention of millions of Uyghur Muslims in what Beijing describes as "vocational training" centres.

Personal Toll and State-Sponsored Campaign Allegations

Abbas also highlighted the personal toll of these policies, drawing attention to the continued detention of her sister, Gulshan Abbas. "My sister has been in a CCP prison for over 7.5 years for the crime of being related to me," she said, questioning China's claims of respecting religious and cultural identity. She described the situation as evidence that China is not combating Islamophobia but rather conducting what she termed "the world's most aggressive state-sponsored campaign against Islamic life".

Accusations of Deflection and Deception

Echoing these concerns, Salih Hudayar of the East Turkistan Government in Exile criticised Beijing's statement as deeply hypocritical. He argued that such messaging is a calculated attempt to mislead Muslim-majority countries and the broader international community while deflecting attention from allegations of genocide, crimes against humanity, and ongoing repression in the Uyghur region. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Xuzhou Victim and Zhang Zhan: How China’s Censorship Buried Justice for Two Brave Women

Anish Kumar — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 16:16:12 +0530

New Delhi: Some stories trend for a week. Then they disappear. The people inside those stories do not. The Xuzhou chained woman (later identified as Xiao Huamei) is still living with what happened to her. Zhang Zhan is still dealing with the consequences of what she chose to document.

International Women's Day comes every year. Their situations have not resolved.

Eight Children and Years of Captivity

The Xuzhou chained woman came to global attention in early 2022. Videos showing a visibly distressed woman chained inside a run-down structure in Xuzhou, Jiangsu province, spread rapidly online before Chinese censors moved in.

Reports that followed identified her as someone who had been trafficked, forced into marriage, and made to have children against her will. Eight children. Years of this. All while living in conditions that no person should ever have to endure.

When authorities finally responded publicly, the answers they provided were widely seen as incomplete. Local officials were punished to a degree, but the larger questions about how trafficking and forced marriage and repeated childbirth operate in parts of rural China were never seriously taken up. The public was upset. The censors were faster. The conversation ended.

The Xuzhou chained woman did not get justice. She got a story that was closed before anyone finished reading it.

A Citizen Journalist in Wuhan

Zhang Zhan was a lawyer from Shanghai who gave up her practice to report independently. In early 2020, she travelled to Wuhan during the early Covid-19 outbreak and did something straightforward: she showed what she saw. Crowded hospitals. Frightened people.

Officials managing a situation that was clearly worse than what was being officially acknowledged.

For reporting this, she was arrested in May 2020. At trial, she was handed a four-year sentence on charges that human rights groups described as politically motivated.

During her imprisonment, she reportedly refused food at various points to protest her detention. Concerns about her health were raised by international observers repeatedly.

She was released in May 2024. The freedom was conditional in practice. Surveillance continued.

Her ability to speak publicly remained restricted. People who tried to reach her described difficulty making contact. She was later detained again and reportedly sentenced to another prison term.

Why Their Stories Still Matter

The word 'forgotten' applies to both of these women not because their stories were never known, but because the systems around them ensured those stories could not grow into the accountability they deserved. One woman survived captivity and forced marriage and repeated childbirth. The other reported a public health crisis and went to prison for it. Both are still dealing with the fallout.

International Women's Day is supposed to be about honouring women and pushing for the protections they still lack. That push should include names. Specific ones. Not just themes and hashtags but the actual women whose cases remain unresolved.

The Xuzhou chained woman. Zhang Zhan.

Their defiance deserves to be remembered. Their cases deserve to be finished properly.

China denies military aid to Iran, threatens US with countermeasures

Asianet News Central — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:01:10 +0530

China Denies Iran Military Aid, Warns US

Spokesperson of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, Lin Jian on Wednesday busted media reports saying that China is providing military aid to Iran. Lin said that if the US tariffs China on the basis of these reports, China will take countermeasures.

In a post on X, he said, "Media reports accusing China of providing military support to Iran are purely fabricated. If the U.S. goes ahead with tariff hikes on China on the basis of these accusations, China will respond with countermeasures." Media reports accusing China of providing military support to Iran are purely fabricated. If the U.S. goes ahead with tariff hikes on China on the basis of these accusations, China will respond with countermeasures. pic.twitter.com/QwETjpJEyY — Lin Jian 林剑 (@SpoxCHN_LinJian) April 15, 2026

Trump Responds, Warns Beijing

Earlier on Monday (local time), US President Donald Trump said that Chinese President Xi Jinping has not reached out to him yet, but he would like to see the war ended. Talking to reporters while receiving a DoorDash delivery at the Oval Office, Trump said, "No, but we have a very good relationship with China. He would like to see this ended also. He certainly wants it ended. Everyone, I want to see it ended too, but we can't give a nuclear weapon to a group of people that have caused nothing but havoc for 47 years."

Responding to a question from CNN regarding US intelligence inputs and possible communication with the Chinese leadership, Trump clarified that he had not directly spoken to Xi on the matter, but cautioned that Beijing would face consequences if it extended military support to Tehran. "If China does that, China will have big problems, OK?" Trump said.

Trump-Xi Meeting Rescheduled

Amid these developments, Trump confirmed that his previously postponed visit to China has been rescheduled for next month. In a detailed post on Truth Social, Trump confirmed the revised schedule and outlined plans for reciprocal diplomatic engagement between Washington and Beijing. "My meeting with the Highly Respected President of China, President Xi Jinping, which was originally postponed due to our Military operation in Iran, has been rescheduled and will take place in Beijing on May 14th and 15th. First Lady Melania and I will also host President Xi and Madame Peng for a reciprocal visit in Washington, D.C., at a later date this year," he stated. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)