KJM Varma In Islamabad

Stories by KJM Varma In Islamabad

Hong Kong busts $1.8-bn money laundering syndicate with India links, 7 held

Hong Kong busts $1.8-bn money laundering syndicate with India links, 7 held

Rediff.com   16 Feb 2024

The syndicate used "stooge" bank accounts and shell companies to transfer the largest amount linked to a single case recorded in the city, the Customs and Excise Department of Hong Kong said.

China's concerns heightens as population drops for 2nd year

China's concerns heightens as population drops for 2nd year

Rediff.com   17 Jan 2024

China's population growth has been slowing since 2016 as the high cost of raising children, a greater pursuit of individualism and a diversified lifestyle dampen enthusiasm to start a family.

China appoints naval commander as defence minister 2 months after Li's ouster

China appoints naval commander as defence minister 2 months after Li's ouster

Rediff.com   29 Dec 2023

Dong, whose age is not known, has served in all major naval divisions in the PLAN.

India-Philippines South China Sea drill irks Beijing amid Manila face-off

India-Philippines South China Sea drill irks Beijing amid Manila face-off

Rediff.com   28 Dec 2023

The Philippines Navy this month alleged that the Chinese ships used water cannons to attack its ships.

China to host Indian Ocean forum to expand influence in India's backyard

China to host Indian Ocean forum to expand influence in India's backyard

Rediff.com   6 Dec 2023

CIDCA is headed by Luo Zhaohui, the former vice foreign minister and ex-ambassador to India.

Xi's spl envoy meets new Maldivian Prez amid call to withdraw Indian troops

Xi's spl envoy meets new Maldivian Prez amid call to withdraw Indian troops

Rediff.com   18 Nov 2023

China is also ready to promote high-quality Belt and Road Initiative cooperation, and push for new progress in the future-oriented, all-round friendly and cooperative partnership between the two countries, she added.

China braces for return of Covid, vax for elders advised

China braces for return of Covid, vax for elders advised

Rediff.com   13 Nov 2023

China's top respiratory disease expert Zhong Nanshan warned of a small COVID-19 spike in the winter and reminded the elderly and vulnerable populations to get vaccinated as soon as possible, state-run Global Times reported.

Dalai Lama successor must be from within China, needs govt nod: Beijing

Dalai Lama successor must be from within China, needs govt nod: Beijing

Rediff.com   10 Nov 2023

Though Beijing asserts the Dalai Lama's successor needs its approval, observers say it remains concerned as the present Panchen Lama, the number two spiritual leader who was appointed by it after unseating the boy nominated by the Dalai Lama, has not gained much traction in Tibet.

China ends embarrassing drama, sacks 'missing' FM Qin Gang, reappoints Wang Yi

China ends embarrassing drama, sacks 'missing' FM Qin Gang, reappoints Wang Yi

Rediff.com   25 Jul 2023

Qin, 57, was made the foreign minister in December last year, superseding many seniors, earning the distinction of a rising star in the ruling Communist Party of China.

Forge a 'great wall of steel', Xi tells China's border troops

Forge a 'great wall of steel', Xi tells China's border troops

Rediff.com   9 Jun 2023

Xi has called on Chinese border troops to enhance their capabilities in border defence and control to forge a "great wall of steel" along the country's borders, it said.

China makes first ChatGPT arrest over fake train crash news

China makes first ChatGPT arrest over fake train crash news

Rediff.com   8 May 2023

The police in northwestern Gansu province said in a statement on Sunday that a suspect surnamed Hong had been detained for "using artificial intelligence technology to concoct false and untrue information".

Tension eases as China concludes 3-day military drills 'encircling' Taiwan

Tension eases as China concludes 3-day military drills 'encircling' Taiwan

Rediff.com   10 Apr 2023

The eastern theatre command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army successfully completed all tasks of its combat readiness patrols and exercises around Taiwan Island, official media in Beijing reported.

China silent on reports of skipping G20 meet in Arunachal Pradesh

China silent on reports of skipping G20 meet in Arunachal Pradesh

Rediff.com   27 Mar 2023

The question and her reply did not figure in the official transcript of the media briefing posted on the Chinese foreign ministry website hours later.

Xi Jinping names his close aide Li Qiang as China's new Premier

Xi Jinping names his close aide Li Qiang as China's new Premier

Rediff.com   11 Mar 2023

The annual session of the National People's Congress, a ceremonial body that routinely passes the proposals of the ruling Communist Party of China, approved Li Qiang's candidature after his name was proposed by Xi himself.

China slams Quad meet, says talks should contribute to mutual trust, peace

China slams Quad meet, says talks should contribute to mutual trust, peace

Rediff.com   3 Mar 2023

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said China believes that state-to-state interactions should be in line with the trend of the time which is peace and development rather than exclusivity.

Value our ties with India: China ahead of G20 FMs' meet on Thursday

Value our ties with India: China ahead of G20 FMs' meet on Thursday

Rediff.com   1 Mar 2023

Qin, who is visiting New Delhi to attend the G20 Foreign Ministers meeting on Thursday, is expected to meet Jaishankar on its sidelines though the foreign ministry here is tight-lipped about it.

Covid-hit China welcomes international passengers after 3 years

Covid-hit China welcomes international passengers after 3 years

Rediff.com   8 Jan 2023

Officials said 387 passengers were aboard two flights from Toronto and Singapore on the day the country ended its strict COVID-19 restrictions for travellers.

China warns of countermeasures for Covid curbs on its travellers abroad

China warns of countermeasures for Covid curbs on its travellers abroad

Rediff.com   3 Jan 2023

Foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning went on the offensive saying "we do not believe the entry restriction measures some countries have taken against China are science-based".

Xi Jinping warns of 'tough challenges' in China's 'new phase' of Covid

Xi Jinping warns of 'tough challenges' in China's 'new phase' of Covid

Rediff.com   31 Dec 2022

Xi said that China's extraordinary efforts have helped it prevail over unprecedented difficulties.

Former US envoy becomes China's new foreign minister

Former US envoy becomes China's new foreign minister

Rediff.com   31 Dec 2022

The announcement was a surprise as the new administration to be headed by the new Premier is scheduled to take over during the annual Parliament session slated to be held from March 5 next year.