India's Indigenous Cruise Missile A Force Multiplier in Its Arsenal of Missiles

India has made rapid strides in augmenting its vast fleet of missiles in recent months, and a successful test of an indigenous projectile last week enhances its growing prowess in this domain. Sputnik India examines how the country's Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM) would impact its defense technology sector.

India's recent test of an Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile will be a "big force multiplier" for its arsenal of missiles, a military veteran has said.

India's thrust on accomplishing "Atmanirbharta (Self-Reliance)" in this domain got a big boost after the flight test of the ITCM conducted off Odisha's coast earlier this month.

While this successful test was carried out for a land-based variant of the missile, reports have emerged in the last few days that an air launch of the missile is being planned by the nation's defense establishment soon.

The development comes in the aftermath of India previously testing a submarine-launched cruise missile (SLCM), and an air variant will complete its triad as far as indigenous cruise missile technology is concerned.

It is being said that the air variant of the ITCM would give the Indian Air Force (IAF) more teeth given that ITCM has a much larger reach than compared to conventional missiles.

Domestically Produced Engines For Missiles: A Shot in the Arm For Indian Defense Tech Sector

"The ITCM is going to be a big force multiplier for India. Most importantly, all components of this missile are Indian because earlier the biggest problem for the Indian defence tech sector used to be getting the engine for missiles," Major General (Retd) Shashi Bhushan Asthana told Sputnik India on Thursday.

However, the test of ITCM conducted on April 18 was conducted with an Indian engine, which is a small turboprop engine. The indigenous engine gives the Indian Armed Forces a tremendous amount of capability in a manner that the country can produce more missiles, secondly, it doesn't have to depend on the components sourced from abroad, and thirdly it can produce different variants, he added.

ITCM: A Major Headache For India's Adversaries

"Furthermore, the ITCM enhances the capability of the Indian Defence Forces in many ways - firstly the cruise missiles are less prone to enemy detection as these are sea-skimming cruise missiles, which fly very low, making it extremely difficult for the enemy air defence systems to intercept them," Asthana pointed out.

That is why having cruise missiles of longer ranges in its arsenal is important for India, the retired Indian Army officer highlighted.

India also has Prithvi, a short-range cruise missile. Compared to the ITCM's 1000 km range, the Prithvi-II can hit targets within a 350 km radius.

"The ITCMs are an add-on to India's arsenal of missiles because for any country to defend itself, it needs all types of missiles. We have achieved a fair amount of expertise in ballistic missiles, with the Agni-V having a range of 8,000 km while the Agni-VI, which would have the capability to hit targets beyond 10,000 km is under development," the defence expert summed up.

(With Reporting by Sputnik News)

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IAF Revolutionizes Its Functioning, Introduces First-of-A-Kind Digital Documentation

IAF Chief VR Chaudhari with pilots after his sortie in a Sukhoi Su-30MKI air superiority fighter

Indian Defence Forces have been modernizing themselves in every domain and the IAF has now brought reforms in a critical sector, which affects all of its workforce.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has transformed the way it functions as it has introduced a flagship initiative to digitize its critical records under the aegis of the government's Digital India program.

"This pioneering integration will revolutionize the way critical service documents of IAF personnel, both serving and retired, are issued, accessed, and verified digitally. By harnessing the power of cutting-edge technology, the IAF reaffirms its commitment to data security, operational efficiency, and seamless access to information," the IAF said in a statement on Friday.

It is worth noting that the defense sector in India is yet to be fully digitalized and many senior personnel from the tri-services find it difficult to access the various facilities available to them due to lack of digital records.

However, with the landmark move, these personnel will now have a one-stop digital destination where they can access all the information related to their service records - including pensions, financial perks, and other post-retirement benefits like medical care.

"IAF officers will have direct access to their crucial documents, such as the Certificate of Service (COS) and Service Book Officers (SBO), through their personal DigiLocker wallets, enabling convenient retrieval and verification," the statement explained.

It added that the "IAF's integration with DigiLocker signifies a significant stride towards comprehensive digital transformation, aligning with the nation's technological prowess and the armed forces’ modernization efforts."

(With Reporting by Sputnik News)

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India's Breakthrough In Indigenous Missile Engines

In addition to the Intermediate-Range Tactical Cruise Missile (ITCM) with a range of 1,000 km, India also possesses the Prithvi-II, a short-range cruise missile capable of striking targets within a 350 km radius

by Girish Linganna

India has rapidly improved its arsenal of missiles in recent months, with a recent successful test of a homegrown missile further showcasing its advancement in this field. Sputnik explores the potential impact of India’s Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM) on its defense technology sector.

A military expert has expressed that the recent test of India’s Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile will significantly enhance its missile capabilities.

India’s focus on achieving self-reliance in this field received a major boost following the successful flight test of the ITCM off the coast of Odisha earlier this month.

After successfully testing the land-based version of the missile, recent reports suggest that the country’s defense authorities are now preparing for an upcoming air launch of the missile.

This development follows India’s prior test of a submarine-launched cruise missile (SLCM), with the air-launched variant completing the nation’s indigenous cruise missile technology triad.

The introduction of the air-launched version of the ITCM is expected to significantly enhance the capabilities of the Indian Air Force (IAF) due to its extended range compared to traditional missiles.

The ITCM will greatly enhance India’s military capabilities as it is entirely composed of Indian components. Previously, the major challenge for India’s defence technology sector was obtaining missile engines. Major General Shashi Bhushan Asthana (Retd) shared this insight with Sputnik on Thursday (25th April 2026) .

The recent test of the ITCM on April 18 utilized a small turboprop engine of Indian origin. This indigenous engine significantly boosts the capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces in three key ways: allowing for increased missile production, reducing reliance on foreign components, and enabling the development of various missile variants, as mentioned by Major General Shashi Bhushan Asthana (Retd).

A small turboprop engine refers to a type of aircraft engine that combines a gas turbine with a propeller. It is typically used in light aircraft, providing efficient power for short to medium distance flights, and is known for its reliability and lower operational costs compared to pure jet engines.

Asthana highlighted that the ITCM boosts the Indian Defence Forces’ capabilities by utilizing sea-skimming cruise missiles that fly at very low altitudes. This characteristic makes it challenging for enemy air defence systems to detect and intercept them.

A sea-skimming cruise missile is designed to fly at extremely low altitudes over water, often just a few meters above the surface, to avoid radar detection and increase the likelihood of reaching its target undetected. These missiles are typically used for naval warfare and are capable of carrying various payloads, including conventional or nuclear warheads.

The retired Indian Army officer emphasized the significance of having long-range cruise missiles in India’s arsenal.

In addition to the Intermediate-Range Tactical Cruise Missile (ITCM) with a range of 1000 km, India also possesses the Prithvi-II, a short-range cruise missile capable of striking targets within a 350 km radius.

ITCMs are considered important additions to India’s missile arsenal because a country needs various types of missiles for self-defence. India has developed significant expertise in ballistic missiles, exemplified by the Agni-V with an 8,000 km range and the ongoing development of Agni-VI, which will be able to target distances exceeding 10,000 km, as highlighted by the defence expert.

Disclaimer: This story is auto-aggregated by a computer program and has not been created or edited by IDN. Publisher: Business Upturn

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Alarming Surge In Unwarranted Claims By Indian Leaders Over Azad Kashmir: Pak Media

The Foreign Office (FO) on Friday said that there had been an “alarming surge in provocative statements from Indian leaders asserting unwarranted claims over Azad Jammu and Kashmir”, adding that Pakistan rejected such claims, reported Pakistan based publication DAWN.

The remarks by the FO spokesperson did not mention any specific statement by an Indian leader.

However, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said that the “people of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir will demand to be with India” due to the development taking place in the neighbouring country, according to NDTV.

Earlier this month, India’s foreign minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar stated that India “would never accept that Pakistan-occupied Kashmir is not part of India”, The Economic Times reported.

The development also comes after Iran and Pakistan, in a joint statement, highlighted the need to resolve the long-standing issue through “dialogue and peaceful means based on the will of the people of that region and in accordance with international law”. In response, India said it had taken up the matter with Iranian authorities, according to The Print.

It should be mentioned that India is currently in the process of conducting a mammoth election, in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi is widely expected to win a third term.

Addressing a weekly press briefing in Islamabad today, FO spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said, “We are witnessing an alarming surge in provocative statements from Indian leaders asserting unwarranted claims on AJK. Pakistan rejects these claims.

“Fuelled by hyper-nationalism, this inflammatory rhetoric poses a grave threat to regional peace and susceptibility,” she added, urging “Indian politicians to cease their reckless practice of dragging Pakistan into India’s populist public discourse for electoral motives”.

“Historical and legal facts as well as ground realities refute India’s baseless claims over AJK. Despite India’s rhetoric and assertions, Jammu and Kashmir remains an internationally recognised disputed territory,” the spokesperson asserted.

Zahra noted that the UN Security Council resolutions on the region “clearly outline that the final status of Jammu and Kashmir shall be determined by the will of the people through a free and impartial plebiscite under the UN auspices”.

“India would be wise to help implement these resolutions instead of harbouring delusions of grandeur,” the FO spokesperson stressed.

(With Reporting By DAWN)

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India-Bound Oil Tanker Hit By Missiles In Red Sea, Say Yemen's Houthis

The UK-owned oil ship was en route from Primorsk, Russia, to Vadinar, India

Los Angeles: Yemen's Houthis said on Saturday their missiles hit the Andromeda Star oil tanker in the Red Sea, as they continue attacking commercial ships in the area in a show of support for Palestinians fighting Israel in the Gaza war.

The ship's master reported damage to the vessel, British maritime security firm Ambrey said.

Houthi spokesman Yahya Sarea said the Panama-flagged ship was British owned, but shipping data shows it was recently sold, according to LSEG data and Ambrey.

Its current owner is Seychelles-registered. The tanker is engaged in Russia-linked trade. It was en route from Primorsk, Russia, to Vadinar, India, Ambrey said.

Iran-aligned Houthi militants have launched repeated drone and missile strikes in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab Strait and Gulf of Aden since November, forcing shippers to re-route cargo to longer and more expensive journeys around southern Africa and stoking fears the Israel-Hamas war could spread and destabilize the Middle East.

The attack on the Andromeda Star comes after a brief pause in the Houthis' campaign that targets ships with ties to Israel, the United States and Britain.

The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier sailed out of the Red Sea via the Suez Canal on Friday after assisting a U.S.-led coalition to protect commercial shipping.

The Houthis on Friday said they downed an American MQ-9 drone in airspace of Yemen's Saada province.

(With Agency Inputs)

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India Presses For 'Zero-Tolerance Approach Towards Terrorism' At SCO Meet

Defence secretary reiterated India's steadfast commitment towards maintaining peace

New Delhi: India on Friday emphasised on the need to adopt a "zero-tolerance approach" towards terrorism in all its forms for prosperity and development of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states, officials said.

Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane put forth New Delhi's assertion in this regard as he participated in the SCO Defence Ministers' meeting in Astana, Kazakhstan.

"During the meeting, a protocol was signed by the defence ministers of all SCO member states. A Joint Communique was issued after the meeting, in which the SCO defence ministers agreed, amongst other initiatives, to developing the idea of 'One Earth, One Family, One Future', which is rooted in the ancient Indian philosophy of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam'," the defence ministers said in a statement.

During the meeting, the defence secretary reiterated India's steadfast commitment towards maintaining peace, stability and security in the SCO region, it said.

He emphasised on the "need to adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards terrorism in all its forms for prosperity and development of the SCO member states".

Giridhar Aramane mentioned about India's long-standing proposal of Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism at the United Nations.

He also highlighted the concept of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR), proposed by India for the Indo-Pacific.

This report is auto-generated from a syndicated feed

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IAF Chief Confers 51 Air Warriors With Presidential Awards

New Delhi: The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal V.R. Chaudhari, conferred Presidential awards on 51 air warriors on Friday.

The recipients included three Yudh Seva medallists, seven Vayu Sena medallists (Gallantry), 13 Vayu Sena medallists, and 28 Vishisht Seva medallists.

The awards were conferred during the Air Force Investiture Ceremony held near the Param Yodha Sthal, a part of the National War Memorial (NWM) complex in Delhi.

The ceremony began with the awardees paying homage to the country's fallen heroes by laying wreaths at the Amar Chakra of the NWM.

This ceremony was followed by the conferring of Presidential awards on 51 air warriors.

The CAS complimented each awardee for their gallant actions and distinguished service in the truest traditions of the Indian Air Force.

The IAF said this is the first time any service conducted its Investiture Ceremony at the NWM complex.

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Russia Asks India, Other Members of SCO To Ramp Up Joint War Games

Russia has asked its Asian allies to ramp up military exercises, claiming “direct threat” from the U.S.-led West in the region. At an SCO meeting, Russian defence minister Sergei Shoigu tried to convince member states India, China, Iran, Pakistan and others for its proposal.

“I believe that everyone present shares the opinion that the deployment of military infrastructure in the region by the United States and its allies is unacceptable,” he said at the meeting, Reuters reported.

(With Agency Inputs)

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One of The Two Slain terrorists Identified As Saifullah, Says IGP Kashmir On Sopore Encounter

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir police Friday said that one of the two slain terrorists killed in Nowpora, Sopore gunfight has been identified as Saifullah and the identity of second one is being ascertained.

Talking to reporters, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir V K Bhirdi said that two terrorists were killed in Nowpora encounter. ” As per the documents recovered from the slain, one terrorist has been identified as Saifullah, ” he said, adding that identity of second one is being ascertained.

He said the successful operation reflects the alertness of security forces ahead of the Lok Sabha polls in Kashmir.

“We are committed to provide safe and secure environment for Lok Sabha polls,” he said. The IGP said that arms, ammunition and incriminating material has been recovered from the slain terrorists.

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Companies of India, Russia To Take Over Management of Sri Lanka's Mattala Airport

Colombo: The Sri Lankan cabinet on Friday gave a green light to the proposal to hand over the management of Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport to a selected private sector company which has submitted Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the purpose, Sri Lankan based-Ada Derana reported on Friday.

Accordingly, the Cabinet approval has been received to hand over the management of Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport to Shaurya Aeronautics Pvt. Ltd of India and Airports of Regions Management Company of Russia or an affiliated company thereof for a period of 30 years.

Earlier during a Cabinet meeting held on 09 January 2023, approval has been granted to invite EOIs from interested parties for utilizing the facilities of the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport.

Accordingly, EOIs have been called, for which 05 institutions have submitted offers for the purpose, Ada Derana reported.

Thus, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal submitted by the Minister of Aviation to hand over the management of Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport to Shaurya Aeronautics Pvt. Ltd. of India and Airports of Regions Management Company of Russia or an affiliated company thereof for a period of 30 years, as per the recommendation of the Consensus Negotiating Committee appointed by the Cabinet of Ministers.

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'China Is Willing To Cooperate, But Cooperation Should Be A Two-Way Street': President Xi Tells Secretary Blinken

Beijing: China is willing to cooperate with the United States, but the cooperation should be a "two-way street", Chinese President Xi Jinping told US Secretary of State Antony Blinken during the meeting in Beijing on Friday.

Stating that the multiplicity and complexity of the challenges globally require the US and China to work together, President Xi affirmed that Beijing and Washington should be partners rather than rivals.

"China is willing to cooperate, but cooperation should be a two-way street. China is not afraid of competition, but competition should be about progressing together instead of playing a zero-sum game. China is committed to non-alliance, and the US should not create small blocs. While each side can have its friends and partners, it should not target, oppose or harm the other," the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

China welcomes a confident, open, prosperous and thriving US, and hopes the US will also look at China's development in a positive light, it added.

"Over the past 45 years, the relationship has gone through wind and rain, and the two sides can draw a few important lessons: China and the United States should be partners rather than rivals; help each other succeed rather than hurt each other; seek common ground and reserve differences rather than engage in vicious competition; and honour words with actions rather than say one thing but do another," the statement further read.

President Xi further affirmed hope that both countries will continue working actively to truly stabilize, improve and move forward the bilateral relations.

"As a Chinese saying goes, "No progress means regress." It also applies to China-US relations. It is hoped that the two teams will continue working actively to follow through on the San Francisco vision, so as to truly stabilize, improve and move forward the bilateral relations," Xi was quoted as saying.

Blinken noted that since President Biden and President Xi met in San Francisco, the US and China have made good progress in their cooperation in such areas as bilateral interactions, counter-narcotics, artificial intelligence and people-to-people exchanges. The multiplicity and complexity of the challenges the world faces require the "US and China working together," the statement added.

The visit aims to shore up the fractious relationship between the two countries despite disputes over the economy, national security, and geopolitical frictions, according to the New York Times.

The US State Department in its statement, said that the US and China had "in-depth, substantive, and constructive discussions" on key priorities in the bilateral relationship and on a range of regional and global issues.

Secretary Blinken emphasized that the US will continue to use diplomacy to make progress in areas of difference and areas of cooperation that matter to the American people and the world as part of responsibly managing competition with the PRC (China).

He also pressed for continued progress in implementing the leaders' Woodside Summit commitments on key issues, including advancing counternarcotics cooperation to disrupt the global flow of synthetic drugs - including fentanyl and their precursor chemicals - into the United States, enhancing military-to-military communication to avoid miscalculation and conflict, and launching talks on managing the risk and safety challenges posed by advanced forms of artificial intelligence, the State Department added.

Earlier on April 24, Blinken, who is on his second visit to China this year said that he was in China "to make progress on issues that matter most to the American people, including curbing fentanyl trafficking."

Blinken's visit follows a visit to China by US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen earlier this month.

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European Parliament Adopts Rule For Banning Goods Produced Using Forced Labour In Move Targeted Mainly At China

Brussels: The European Parliament in its recent sessions gave its final approval to halt the sale, import, and export of goods made using forced labour.

Although the rule has been applied to products manufactured anywhere in the world, the law is seen as a move targeted against nations like China and Turkmenistan, where there is reported evidence of state-sponsored forced labour, Euro News reported.

The regulation was adopted with 555 votes in favour, 6 votes against and 45 abstentions. The text now has to get a final formal approval from the EU Council, according to the press statement. It will then be published in the Official Journal. EU countries will have to start applying it in 3 years.

This law has enabled member state authorities and the European Commission to investigate suspicious goods, supply chains, and manufacturers, the European Parliament said in a press release.

According to the press statement from the EU released on Tuesday, if a product is deemed to have been made using forced labour, it will no longer be possible to sell it on the EU market, including online and shipments will be intercepted at the EU's borders.

The decision to investigate will be based on factual and verifiable information that can be received from, for example, international organisations, cooperating authorities and whistle-blowers, according to the statement. Several risk factors and criteria will be taken into account, including the prevalence of state-imposed forced labour in certain economic sectors and geographic areas.

The EU Parliament in the press release said, "Manufacturers of banned goods will have to withdraw their products from the EU single market and donate, recycle or destroy them. Non-compliant companies could be fined. The goods may be allowed back on the EU single market once the company eliminates forced labour from its supply chains."

In the press release, Rapporteur for the Internal Market Committee, Maria-Manuel Leitao-Marques stated, "Today, worldwide, 28 million people are trapped in the hands of human traffickers and states who force them to work for little or no pay. Europe cannot export its values while importing products made with forced labour. The fact that the EU finally has a law to ban these products is one of the biggest achievements of this mandate, and a victory for progressive forces."

The Rapporteur for the International Trade Committee, Samira Rafaela stated, "This is a historic day. We have adopted a ground-breaking piece of legislation to combat forced labour worldwide. This regulation fosters EU and international cooperation, shifts power from exploiters to consumers and employees, and offers possibilities for remedies for victims. It also transforms trade policies into a greener and fairer future."

A recent report found a connection between dozens of major European clothing brands and forced labour in detention camps in China's Xinjiang, where there is documented evidence of systemic abuses against Uyghurs and other minority ethnic groups, according to Euro News report.

The report said that brands like Sweden-based H&M and Zara could be sourcing materials made by Uyghurs in the notorious detention camps in Xinjiang, Euro News reported. This Chinese region accounts for an estimated 90 per cent of Chinese cotton and some 20 per cent of the total world supply.

In 2021, the US introduced a law that banned goods manufactured in Xinjiang, with importers legally obliged to provide evidence any products related to Xinjiang are made without forced labour.

In 2022, US lawmakers launched a probe into Chinese-owned retail giants Shein and Temu - which have witnessed growth in the European market, Adidas and Nike for potential links to Uyghur forced labour.

Earlier in March, the US Customs and Border Patrol head announced that the agency has blocked nearly USD 500 million worth of imports from entering American ports this year as it was made "wholly or in part" by Uyghur forced labour, Radio Free Asia reported. Miller made the announcement in an event in Washington.

The decision comes as more Western governments are taking action against companies whose products and supply chains involve forced labour by the Uyghurs in Xinjiang, as per the news report.

In an event at the Forced Labour Technical Expo at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Centre, Troy Miller launched a website that keeps a track of shipments blocked due to forced labour.

Miller said that 3,605 shipments worth USD 816 million had been blocked due to suspected forced labour across all of last year, as per the Radio Free Asia report.

Troy Miller stressed that the value of blocked shipments this year had already reached nearly two-thirds of last year's figure, with some USD 496 million worth of imports across 1,910 shipments blocked before February 26 due to December 2021 Uyghur Forced Labour Prevention Act.

"That being said, shipments identified for further examination under UFLPA represent 0.01% of all shipments entering the US since the implementation of the act," Radio Free Asia quoted Troy Miller as saying."

Overall, this obviously a very small number of shipments subject to CBP's enforcement actions," he added. US Customs and Border Patrol's acting head said that he wished to see the number of intercepted shipments reduced as US businesses learn they risk losing their shipments.

"As required by law, we continue to take enforcement action to inspect and detain goods when we receive credible allegations that goods are connected to Xinjiang," he said as per the Radio Free Asia report, but "importers must take responsibility to know their supply chains and address the risk of forced labour." 

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Locals Face Survival Challenges Due To Floods, Landslides & Backbreaking Economic Decline

Muzaffarabad: The Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) region has been facing several landslides and a flood-like situation in villages surrounding Muzaffarabad has made it difficult for them to commute during emergencies.

Apart from these natural disasters the region is facing a severe economic decline for the past 5 years. On the economic front, the Islamic state has been dealing with backbreaking inflation, a depreciating currency, and precariously low foreign reserves.

These landslides and flood-like situations have now damaged both public and private property causing major financial losses not only to individuals but also to the government. A resident from the PoK area named Kashif mentioned that even a little rain causes major damage to roads because of repeated landslides.

He added that "there are no safety nets in the area which safeguards roads, and because of landslides, the roads get damaged, which causes problems for us when we desire to reach Muzaffarabad in case of emergency. The damaged roads are now causing major traffic jams and the government is also not taking any initiative for clearing these roads after landslides.".

"Rarely dozers come to clear these roads but soon after they get blocked again because of repeated landslides. We live in regions that are away from the main cities of POK. These traffic jams and damaged roads delay essentials that are needed for our survival".

Another local from the Chunar area named Abdul Wahab Kiyani living near the Jhelum River stated that " The entire POK has been suffering from rains and thundershowers due to which the river water is very almost at the flood level, making our lives difficult".

On the other side, Gilgit Baltistan has seen significant climatic changes over the past recent decades, such as a considerable increase in annual mean temperature and shifts in precipitation patterns, influencing the vegetation in the region.

The effects of climate change are now affecting the cycle of seasons and the natural habitat of wildlife in GB, eventually leading to a rise in average temperatures and the destruction of the natural ecosystem and wildlife. This also affects the lives of locals who depend on natural resources for survival.

"Climate change not only affects humans but also creates problems for wildlife. If the snowfall does not occur during a set time, the entire environmental cycle gets shifted. Last year, the snowfall had shifted towards March and April. This not only changes and affects the migration cycle of the local animals, but also creates problems in their feeding cycles and habitats of migratory species." said Sayed Yasir Abbas, an ecological expert from Gilgit-Baltistan.

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Discussed China's 'Dangerous Actions' In South China Sea: Antony Blinken

Beijing: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said that he discussed China's "dangerous actions" in the South China Sea, including against routine Philippine maintenance operations, and maritime operations near the Second Thomas Shoal, adding that US defence commitments to the Philippines remain "ironclad."

Speaking to reporters in Beijing, he said, "In today's meetings, I discussed the PRC's dangerous actions in the South China Sea, including against routine Philippine maintenance operations, maritime operations near the Second Thomas Shoal."

"Freedom of navigation and commerce in these waterways is not only critical to the Philippines, but to the US and to every other nation in the Indo-Pacific and indeed around the world. That is why so many nations have expressed concern about the PRC maritime maneuvers. I made clear that while the US will continue to work to de-escalate tensions, our defence commitments to the Philippines remain ironclad," he added.

During his meeting with Chinese leaders, Blinken raised concerns about the cases of American citizens, who are wrongfully detained and those who are subject to exit bans. He raised concerns about erosions of Hong Kong's autonomy, democratic institutions and transnational repression, ongoing human rights abuses in Xinjiang and Tibet and individual human rights cases.

Antony Blinken said, "I raised the cases of American citizens who are wrongfully detained and those who are subject to exit bans. President Biden and I will not rest until they are back with their families, where they belong. I also raised concerns about erosions of Hong Kong's autonomy, and democratic institutions as well as transnational repression, ongoing human rights abuses in Xinjiang and Tibet, and a number of individual human rights cases. We spoke about press freedom and access."

"I appreciate that the PRC granted short-term visas to a number of the foreign journalists who are here so that they could cover this visit. In my meetings. I encourage my PRC counterparts to fulfill the commitment that they made in 2021 to provide equal access to our two countries' media organisations. The United States will continue to insist on reciprocity on this issue just as we do for our businesses, cross-cultural exchanges, and many other areas," he added.

He stated, "We also discussed a range of regional and global crises where China can play a constructive role. I encouraged China to use its influence to discourage Iran and its proxies from expanding the conflict in the Middle East and to press Pyongyang to end his dangerous behaviour and engage in dialogue."

Blinken reiterated serious concerns of the US about China providing components that are powering Russia's war against Ukraine. He noted that China is the top supplier of machine tools, micro-electronics, and nitrocellulose which is critical to making ammunitions and rocket propellants that Moscow is using to ramp up its defence industrial base.

Blinken said, "Even as we seek to deepen cooperation where our interests align, the United States is very clear-eyed about the challenges posed by the PRC and about our competing visions for the future. America will always defend our core interests and values. In my discussions today, I reiterated our serious concern about the PRC providing components that are powering Russia's brutal war of aggression against Ukraine."

"China is the top supplier of machine tools, microelectronics, nitrocellulose - which is critical to making munitions and rocket propellants, and other dual-use items that Moscow is using to ramp up its defence industrial base, a defence industrial base that is churning out rockets, drones, tanks, and other weapons that President Putin is using to invade a sovereign country, to demolish its power grid and other civilian infrastructure, to kill innocent children, women, and men. Russia would struggle to sustain its assault on Ukraine without China's support," he added.

Blinken noted that fuelling Russia's defence industrial base threatens Ukrainian as well as European security.

He stated, "In my meetings with NATO Allies earlier this month and with our G7 partners just last week, I heard that same message: fueling Russia's defence industrial base not only threatens Ukrainian security; it threatens European security."

"Beijing cannot achieve better relations with Europe while supporting the greatest threat to European security since the end of the Cold War. As we've told China for some time, ensuring transatlantic security is a core U.S. interest. In our discussions today, I made clear that if China does not address this problem, we will," he added.

Earlier in the day, Blinken held a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The meeting followed Blinken's over-five-hour-long meeting with China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing.

The top US diplomat also met with China's Minister of Security Wang Xiaohong, who serves as the country's police chief. During the meeting, Blinken and Wang Xiaohong reviewed the implementation of commitments made by the two leaders at the Woodside Summit in November 2023, including progress on bilateral cooperation to combat global illicit drug manufacturing and trafficking.

Blinken stressed the need for continued, sustained, and increased progress on counternarcotics cooperation. He also raised concerns regarding China's human rights abuses both within and beyond the borders.

In a statement, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said, "Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met today with PRC State Councilor and Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong. They reviewed implementation of commitments made by the two leaders at the Woodside Summit in November 2023, including progress on bilateral cooperation to combat global illicit drug manufacturing and trafficking."

"The Secretary stressed the need for continued, sustained, and increased progress on counter narcotics cooperation. The Secretary raised a range of concerns regarding PRC human rights issues, both within and beyond the PRC's borders. The two sides reaffirmed the importance of maintaining open channels of communication to responsibly manage competition and to discuss key issues in the relationship," he added.

(With Agency Inputs)

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US State Secretary Blinken Reaffirms Peace, Stability Across Taiwan Strait During China Visit

Washington: Reiterating the US' support for Taiwan, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken underscored the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait during his visit to the People's Republic of China. He asserted that there has been no change to the US one China policy, according to a statement by US State Department spokesperson, Matthew Miller.

During his visit, Blinken also expressed concern over Chinese military actions at Second Thomas Shoal and reaffirmed the US commitment to the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

"The Secretary underscored the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and reiterated there has been no change to the U.S. one China policy, which is guided by the Taiwan Relations Act, the three Joint Communiques, and the Six Assurances," Miller said in his statement.

"He expressed concerns over destabilizing PRC actions at Second Thomas Shoal and the importance of upholding the rule of law and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea. The Secretary discussed the need to prevent an escalation of the crisis in the Middle East. He underscored the U.S. enduring commitment to the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula," he added.

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken travelled to China's Shanghai and Beijing for meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Director of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) Central Foreign Affairs Commission and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong, and Shanghai Party Secretary Chen Jining from April 24-26.

The two sides had in-depth, substantive, and constructive discussions on key priorities in the bilateral relationship and on a range of regional and global issues. The Secretary emphasized that the United States will continue to use diplomacy to make progress in areas of difference and areas of cooperation that matter to the American people and the world as part of responsibly managing competition with the PRC, the US State Department Spokesperson said.

The Secretary pressed for continued progress in implementing the leaders' Woodside Summit commitments on key issues, including advancing counter narcotics cooperation to disrupt the global flow of synthetic drugs - including fentanyl and their precursor chemicals - into the United States, enhancing military-to-military communication to avoid miscalculation and conflict, and launching talks on managing the risk and safety challenges posed by advanced forms of artificial intelligence.

The two sides also discussed the importance of strengthening ties between the people of the United States and China. The Secretary emphasized the importance of responsible and reciprocal policies to facilitate expanded exchanges between students, scholars, and businesses.

The Secretary addressed the PRC's non-market economic policies and practices that distort trade or threaten our national security and raised concern about the global economic consequences of PRC industrial overcapacity. He advocated for fair treatment and a level playing field for U.S. workers and businesses.

The Secretary reiterated that the United States will continue to take necessary actions to defend our interests and values, and those of our allies and partners, including preventing advanced U.S. technologies from being used to undermine our national security and economy without unduly limiting trade or investment.

The Secretary underscored that it remains a top priority to resolve the cases of American citizens who are wrongfully detained or subject to exit bans in China. He raised concerns about the erosion of Hong Kong's autonomy and democratic institutions and the PRC's human rights violations in Xinjiang and Tibet, as well as transnational repression and individual cases of concern.

Specifically, while meeting Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi in Beijing, Blinken discussed concerns about the PRC support to Russia's defence industrial base.

The two sides had in-depth, substantive, and constructive discussions about areas of difference as well as areas of cooperation as part of responsibly managing competition between the United States and the PRC. The Secretary discussed concerns about PRC support to the Russian defense industrial base, the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, PRC activities in the South China Sea, and the need to avoid further escalation in the Middle East and on the Korean Peninsula, Miller said in a statement.

Blinken also held a meeting with the Chinese Minister of Public Security, Wang Xiaohong and raised the issue of human rights violations within China and beyond its borders.

"Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met today with PRC State Councillor and Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong. They reviewed implementation of commitments made by the two leaders at the Woodside Summit in November 2023, including progress on bilateral cooperation to combat global illicit drug manufacturing and trafficking," Matthew Miller said in a statement.

"The Secretary stressed the need for continued, sustained, and increased progress on counter narcotics cooperation. The Secretary raised a range of concerns regarding PRC human rights issues, both within and beyond the PRC's borders. The two sides reaffirmed the importance of maintaining open channels of communication to responsibly manage competition and to discuss key issues in the relationship," he added.

This report is auto-generated from a syndicated feed

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