China’s Top Diplomat in Moscow Surprise U.S. Talks

 Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s four-day trip comes on the back of weekend meetings with White House officials in Malta.

SINGAPORE—China’s top diplomat was set to begin a four-day visit to Russia after a surprise stopover in Malta for weekend talks with White House officials, as Beijing lays the groundwork for separate meetings between Chinese leader Xi Jinping and his U.S. and Russian counterparts.

Russia’s Vladimir Putin is expected to visit China in October—his first trip abroad since the International Criminal Court in March issued an arrest warrant over his role in the forced deportation of children from Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine. Anticipation is growing that Xi and President Biden could meet at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in San Francisco the following month.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s trip follows on the heels of several meetings with White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan in Malta this past weekend.

The previously unannounced Malta talks came after the pair held a secret meeting in Vienna in May. That meeting followed months of tensions over a suspected Chinese surveillance balloon that drifted across the U.S., derailing plans by Secretary of State Antony Blinken to make his first visit to China in February.

The Vienna talks helped set the stage for the revival of high-level contacts that unfolded over the summer with the Beijing visits by Blinken, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, special climate envoy John Kerry and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo despite criticisms from Republican lawmakers, who say Biden appears to be making concessions without any response in kind from China.

“Beijing should recognize that the Biden administration is continuing efforts to remain engaged with China despite domestic pushback," said Paul Haenle, a China expert at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

The only time Biden and Xi have met as heads of state was at the G-20 summit on the Indonesian island of Bali last November.

The Malta talks showed that U.S.-China ties remain a “work in progress," said Wu Xinbu, dean of the Institute of International Studies at Shanghai’s Fudan University, adding that although the lack of detail showed many issues remained unresolved, the two sides were on “the right track."

The meetings covered an array of topics, including Ukraine as well as other global security issues, statements from both sides said. Sullivan stressed the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, according to the U.S. statement. The Chinese readout said that Wang had warned that Taiwan, the self-ruled island China claims as its own territory, is the “first insurmountable red line of Sino-U. S. relations."

China sent more than 100 warplanes on sorties near Taiwan between Sunday and Monday mornings, a recent high for such flights, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense said, with 40 of those entering the Taiwanese air-defense identification zone. Nine Chinese naval vessels were also detected in nearby waters, it said.

Both sides also noted that they intended to expand high-level engagement in the coming months, with China’s readout saying that the U.S. and China had agreed to hold bilateral consultations on Asia-Pacific affairs, maritime affairs and foreign policy. Beijing had suspended various communication channels following former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan last summer.

The timing of Wang’s back-to-back meetings appeared to reflect a growing strategic relationship and increased coordination between China and Russia, said Carnegie Endowment’s Haenle.

Fudan University’s Wu said that the Russia trip had most probably been scheduled a long time in advance to discuss preparations for Putin’s visit.

Wang’s meetings with his American and Russian counterparts are taking place as Beijing is struggling with a slowing economy and dealing with what appears to be turmoil among top-ranking party personnel. Wang returned to his job as China’s foreign minister in July after Qin Gang was removed from the post without explanation.

In August, China’s Defense Minister Li Shangfu visited Russia and Belarus and called for closer military cooperation. This month, Li was taken away by authorities for questioning, The Wall Street Journal reported, while U.S. officials said he is being removed from his post.

A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, asked at a routine briefing on Friday to comment on whether Li was under investigation, said she wasn’t aware of the situation.

The recent meetings and engagements between China and the U.S. were important for gaining visibility into China and figuring out how it is dealing with the various challenges, said Haenle. “It is become harder and harder to know what China wants to do. It is becoming more and more like a black box."

Joyu Wang in Taipei contributed to this article.

Vivek Ramaswamy to change H-1B Visa Program: how it affects Indians?

 Vivek Ramaswamy has promised to replace the existing system with meritocratic admission.

Republican candidate of the 2024 US Presidential elections, Vivek Ramaswamy has stirred the hornet's nest with his annoucment that he would "gut" the H-1 B visa programme if elected to the office. He has promised to replace the existing system with meritocratic admission.

“The lottery system needs to be replaced by actual meritocratic admission. It’s a form of indentured servitude that only accrues to the benefit of the company that sponsored an H-1B immigrant. I’ll gut it,” Ramaswamy said in a statement accessed by Politico.

“The people who come as family members are not the meritocratic immigrants who make skills-based contributions to this country," he continued.

What's the H-1 B visa programme and its significance for Indians?

H-1 B visa programme allows companies in the US, to hire nonimmigrant foreigners as workers in specialty occupations. According to the official website of US Department Of Labor, "a specialty occupation is one that requires the application of a body of highly specialised knowledge and the attainment of at least a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent."

The H-1 B visa programme is a win-win for both the employers and the workers as the former get to hire talented workforce which might not be available locally while the latter get to work in the US legally. Moreover, as per the guidelines on the official website of US Department Of Labor, employers have to pay wages to the H-1B nonimmigrant workers that are " at least equal to the actual wage paid by the employer to other workers with similar experience and qualifications for the job in question, or the prevailing wage for the occupation in the area of intended employment – whichever is greater."

Reportedly, Indians are the biggest beneficiaries of the H-1 B visa programme. As per reports, Indians made up to 73% of the 4.42 lakh H-1B workers in the 2022 fiscal year. Therefore, any change in the existing system will surely affect Indians.

Rifle, fur hat, drones: Kim returns with gifts from Russia

 Kim was presented with five one-way attack drones and a Geranium-25 reconnaissance drone, which is widely used in the war in Ukraine.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is heading home on Monday, most likely with gifts from his Russian hosts including a rifle, a cosmonaut's glove, and military drones - which on their own are a violation of UN sanctions.

Following are some of the items he is bringing back to the "friendship" museum, where gifts received by the North's three generations of leaders are kept.

GIFTS FROM RUSSIA

After his summit with Russian President Putin, Kim received a Russian-made rifle "of the highest quality," according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. Kim reciprocated with a rifle for Putin "made by North Korean craftsmen".

Putin also presented a glove from a spacesuit worn in space, Russia's TASS news agency said.

Oleg Kozhemyako, the governor of the Primorsky region, presented Kim with a set of modern, lightweight body armour designed for assault operations that protects the chest, shoulders, throat and groin, Russia media said.

Kim was also presented with five one-way attack drones and a Geranium-25 reconnaissance drone, which is widely used in the war in Ukraine, TASS said.

That violates at least two UN Security Council resolutions against the North - which Moscow voted to approve - imposed for its banned missile and nuclear activities.

Kim received a fur hat from Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu in Vladivostok, where he inspected Russian nuclear bombers, fighter jets equipped with hypersonic missiles and a warship.

There had been a scramble to determine the right size of the hat, Russia's RIA news agency reported. Russia's ambassador to Pyongyang, Alexander Matsegora, suggested a size slightly smaller than his own "very large head", which turned out to be just right.

"It’s also important that this is a gift from the heart. And Comrade Kim Jong Un liked it,” Matsegora said.

Kim began his visit with a stop in Russia's border town of Khasan, where he was presented with a photo of Yuri Gagarin, the cosmonaut who was the first human to orbit the Earth.

'COMPARABLE TO THE LOUVRE'

North Korea has put much effort into showcasing the gifts that Kim, as well as his father, Kim Jong-il, and grandfather and state founder Kim Il Sung, received from foreign dignitaries, dedicating a special museum for them.

Nestled in the hills of the Myohyangsan mountain 160 km (99 miles) from Pyongyang, the International Friendship Exhibition is two imposing concrete structures built in the traditional architectural style with blue tiled roofs.

Opened in 1978, the museum comprises more than 100 showrooms with more than 115,000 items from more than 200 countries, according to the North's state media.

The scale and importance of the collection make it comparable to the Louvre in Paris, North Korea's state media have said.

WHO ELSE SENT GIFTS?

The collection includes crystalware sent from former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, tea cup set from French President Francois Mitterrand, a basketball signed by Michael Jordan given by former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright on her visit in 2000 and a rifle given by the late Cuban leader Fidel Castro.

Propaganda plays heavily into how gifts from South Koreans are displayed, with the large-screen television set from former President Kim Dae-jung, who engaged Pyongyang with peace policies, receiving prominent showing.

The Dynasty sedan, which was Hyundai Motor's flagship, was gifted to Kim Jong Il by the North Korean-born founder of the Hyundai Group, Chung Ju-yung, who spearheaded investment in the North after the 2000 inter-Korean summit.

No ‘median line’ in Taiwan Strait: Chinasending 103 warplanes around Taiwan

 The number of incursions marked a new high in recent times, posing a "serious challenge" to security in the Taiwan Strait and wider region, the ministry said.

China on September 18 dismissed the existence of a "median line" in the volatile Taiwan Strait after Taiwan's defence ministry said it detected a record 103 Chinese warplanes flying around the self-ruled island in a 24-hour period.

"First of all, this is not a question about foreign affairs. I suggest you refer to competent Chinese authorities for specifics," Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning said without commenting on Beijing's latest military provocation.

"Let me say that Taiwan is part of China's territory. There is no so-called "median line" in the Taiwan Strait," Ms. Mao asserted when a reporter sought her response to Taiwan's defence ministry's statement that 40 of the 103 Chinese People’s Liberation Army warplanes crossed the "median line" on the Taiwan Strait in a 24-hour span between Sunday and Monday.

China views Taiwan — a democratically governed island of 24 million — as part of its territory, despite having never governed it.

The ruling Communist Party of China has long vowed that the island must be unified with the Chinese mainland, by force if necessary, while Taiwan strongly rejects China's territorial claims over it.

According to a flight map provided by Taiwan's defence ministry, 40 of the 103 Chinese warplanes crossed the "median line" on the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan’s self-declared air defence identification zone (ADIZ).

Those 40 incursions were made by 10 Su-30 fighter jets, 12 J-10 fighter jets, four J-11 fighter jets, 10 J-16 fighter jets, two Y-20 aerial refuelling aircraft, and two KJ-500 airborne early warning and control planes, it said.

The ministry said it had tasked combat air patrol aircraft, navy vessels and land-based missile systems to respond.

The number of incursions marked a new high in recent times, posing a "serious challenge" to security in the Taiwan Strait and wider region, the ministry said.

"Continued harassment by the Chinese military is likely to cause a sharp rise in tensions and deteriorate regional security," it said, calling on Beijing to "immediately cease such destructive and unilateral behaviour." The latest military action from Beijing came days after China decided to impose sanctions on two US defence companies - Lockheed Martin Corporation and Northrop Grumman - for their involvement in arms sales to Taiwan.

In disregard of China's firm opposition, the U.S. government deliberately supplies weapons to China's Taiwan region, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Ms. Mao said.

The United States is going further down the wrong and dangerous path of arming Taiwan, Mao said at a press briefing.

The Chinese government never wavers in its resolve to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity, Mao said.

"We call on the United States to earnestly abide by the one-China principle and the stipulations of the three China-U.S. joint communiques, stop arms sales to Taiwan, stop military collusion with Taiwan, and stop arming Taiwan, otherwise it will be met with China's resolute response," she warned.

Shantiniketan-UNESCO World Heritage Site

 Shantiniketan, founded by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore in West Bengal, was earlier added to the list.

Santiniketan was established in 1901 by the famous poet Tagore. It has functioned as a residential school and centre for art which has its roots embedded in ancient Indian traditions and carries a vision of the unity of humans across religious and cultural boundaries.

In 1921, a ‘world university’ was set up at Santiniketan which called for unity of humanity or “Visva Bharati”.

For a long time, India has been trying to get a UNESCO tag for this cultural site.

The inclusion of the Hoysala Empire temples and Shantiniketan in the UNESCO World Heritage list is a reminder of India's legacy as a repository of rich and diverse cultural treasures.

Hoysala empire temples in India listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site

 Hoysala empire temples in India's southern state of Karnataka have been inscribed in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites on Monday (September 18). This is the 42nd addition of India to the heritage list. The announcement comes after Shantiniketan in West Bengal received the UNESCO world heritage status on Sunday (September 17).

Among the nations who supported India's bid for listing of Hoysala Temples in Karnataka as UNESCO heritage site are Japan, Nigeria, Oman, Greece, Italy, Russia, Ethiopia, Zambia, South Africa, Qatar, Mali, St Vincent & gradients, Belgium, Argentina, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and Thailand.

The UNESCO World Heritage Committee, at its 45th session, recognised the cultural significance and historical importance of these temples and through a vote arrived at the decision to add the site to the list. The session was held in the capital city of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh.

The Hoysala Empire, which flourished between the 10th and 14th centuries, is renowned for its contributions to art, architecture, and culture in the southern region of India.

The Hoysala dynasty, which was founded by King Nripa Kama in the 10th century, gained prominence during an era of cultural revival in southern India.

Their reign was signified by substantial advancements in culture and the arts. They laid strong emphasis on building temples. 

The Hoysalas' architectural accomplishments, particularly in temple construction, showcase a fusion of diverse South Indian architectural influences.

Karnataka is already home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Hampi ruins, Pattadakal monuments, and the Western Ghats.

Hardeep Singh Nijjar-Khalistani Terrorist At Centre Of India Vs Canada

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau informed Parliament that there were "credible allegations" linking Indian agents to the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June in British Columbia.

On Monday, Canada accused the India involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar last June and expelled an Indian diplomat in Ottawa in retaliation.

Hardeep Singh Nijjar was gunned down on June 18, 2023, in Canada. He was shot multiple times outside a Gurudwara in Surrey.

Nijjar was a native of the village Bhar Singh Pura in Jalandhar. He relocated from Punjab to Canada in 1997 and worked as a plumber. He was married and had two sons. 

He had a long tryst with Khalistan militancy since migrating to Canada. He was the "mastermind" of the Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) - a banned terrorist group. He was also part of the banned separatist outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ). He was declared a designated terrorist by India in 2020.

Nijjar was wanted in several cases, including the 2007 blast that killed six and injured around 40 people in Ludhiana, Punjab. He was also involved in the assassination of Rashtriya Sikh Sangat President Rulda Singh (Patiala, 2009). 

Last July, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) had announced a cash reward of ₹ 10 lakh on Nijjar in connection with the murder of a Hindu priest in Jalandhar, Punjab. It is also probing the recent attacks on Indian diplomatic missions in Canada, UK and US.