KJM Varma

Stories by KJM Varma

Dalai Lama's successor must get China's nod, says Beijing; US rift likely

Dalai Lama's successor must get China's nod, says Beijing; US rift likely

Rediff.com   2 Jul 2025

His successor issue is also expected to flare up fresh tensions between Beijing and Washington as China's policy comes in conflict with the US Tibetan Policy and Support Act of 2020, which reaffirmed America's steadfast support for the Dalai Lama and Tibetan Buddhism.

Trump, Xi hold talks, agree to resume trade negotiations

Trump, Xi hold talks, agree to resume trade negotiations

Rediff.com   6 Jun 2025

The call lasted approximately one and a half hours, and resulted in a very positive conclusion for both countries.

Afghanistan joins CPEC amid strengthening India-Kabul ties

Afghanistan joins CPEC amid strengthening India-Kabul ties

Rediff.com   21 May 2025

The announcement on expansion of CPEC was made following a meeting among Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, his Pakistani counterpart Ishaq Dar and Afghanistan's Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in Beijing, according to a Pakistani readout.

China defends Brahmaputra dam, says project won't affect riparian states

China defends Brahmaputra dam, says project won't affect riparian states

Rediff.com   27 Dec 2024

China has defended its plan to build the world's largest dam on the Brahmaputra River in Tibet, assuring that the project will not affect riparian states and safety issues have been addressed through decades of studies. The dam, estimated to cost USD 137 billion, has raised concerns in India and Bangladesh, but Chinese authorities maintain that the project has been thoroughly studied and safeguards are in place. The dam is part of China's efforts to develop clean energy and respond to climate change.

Steady progress in implementing LAC pact: Chinese military

Steady progress in implementing LAC pact: Chinese military

Rediff.com   26 Dec 2024

He said that in recent times, based on the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, China and India have maintained close communication on the border situation through diplomatic and military channels and achieved great progress.

China to build world's largest dam near India border

China to build world's largest dam near India border

Rediff.com   26 Dec 2024

China has approved the construction of the world's largest dam on the Brahmaputra River in Tibet, close to the Indian border. The USD 137 billion project, which is expected to dwarf even China's own Three Gorges Dam, has raised concerns in India and Bangladesh, the downstream riparian states. Concerns in India are centered around China's potential to control water flow, potentially enabling the release of large amounts of water to flood border areas in times of hostilities. The dam is part of China's 14th Five-Year Plan, and the Chinese government claims that the project is safe and prioritizes ecological protection.

Pakistan to Buy 40 Chinese Stealth Fighters

Pakistan to Buy 40 Chinese Stealth Fighters

Rediff.com   23 Dec 2024

Pakistan plans to procure 40 jets of advanced Chinese stealth fighter J-35, which, if materialised, will mark the first export of China's latest jet. The sale would mark Beijing's first export of fifth-generation jets to a foreign ally and is expected to recalibrate regional dynamics, particularly in relation to Pakistan's rival India. The acquisition of new aircraft was pursued despite the serious economic crisis faced by Pakistan. China has helped Pakistan to jointly develop and operate the J-17 Thunder fighter jet, the mainstay of the PAF. China has delivered four advanced naval frigates to the Pakistan Navy in the last few years to enable it to play a bigger role along with its navy in the Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea.

India, China to hold talks in Beijing on Wednesday to restore ties

India, China to hold talks in Beijing on Wednesday to restore ties

Rediff.com   17 Dec 2024

According to informed sources, Doval will arrive in Beijing on Tuesday to attend the crucial talks, which were expected to provide a way forward for the two countries to normalise the relations.

Why have thousands of kindergartens shut down in China?

Why have thousands of kindergartens shut down in China?

Rediff.com   27 Oct 2024

In 2023, the number of kindergartens fell by 14,808 to 274,400, the annual report by the Chinese education ministry stated. It is the second consecutive annual decline in the latest indicator of China's falling birth rates.

Disengagement of troops going on 'smoothly' in eastern Ladakh: China

Disengagement of troops going on 'smoothly' in eastern Ladakh: China

Rediff.com   26 Oct 2024

China has said that the disengagement of troops in eastern Ladakh by the Chinese and Indian armies is going on "smoothly" following a recent agreement between the two nations.

Day after ICBM launch, China vows to abide by no first use of N-weapons

Day after ICBM launch, China vows to abide by no first use of N-weapons

Rediff.com   26 Sep 2024

On Thursday, the Chinese military published its ICBM launch photos, shedding its secrecy.

Troops disengaged at Galwan Valley, 3 other Eastern Ladakh spots: China

Troops disengaged at Galwan Valley, 3 other Eastern Ladakh spots: China

Rediff.com   14 Sep 2024

Her comments come a day after External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said in Geneva that roughly 75 percent of the "disengagement problems" with China are sorted out but the bigger issue has been the increasing militarisation of the frontier.

Two killed, 92 hurt as super Typhoon Yagi wreaks havoc in China

Two killed, 92 hurt as super Typhoon Yagi wreaks havoc in China

Rediff.com   7 Sep 2024

Yagi, the 11th typhoon of this year, made two landfalls in China on Friday, first striking Hainan and later Guangdong province.

Protect our CPEC workers from terror attacks, China tells Pak

Protect our CPEC workers from terror attacks, China tells Pak

Rediff.com   16 May 2024

Pakistan's deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, who is in China on a four-day visit, and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi co-chaired the fifth round of the foreign minister-level China-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue.

Xi appoints new envoy to India after 18-month delay amid frozen ties

Xi appoints new envoy to India after 18-month delay amid frozen ties

Rediff.com   7 May 2024

Xu, 60, is expected to travel to New Delhi soon to take over his new posting.

President Xi launches cyber warfare wing for Chinese military

President Xi launches cyber warfare wing for Chinese military

Rediff.com   20 Apr 2024

The Information Support Force was regarded as the revised version of the PLA's Strategic Support Force, established in 2015 by the Chinese military to deal with space, cyber, political and electronic warfare to fight what was described as "informationised wars".

Days after Modi's visit, Chinese military reiterates claim over Arunachal

Days after Modi's visit, Chinese military reiterates claim over Arunachal

Rediff.com   17 Mar 2024

Zhang made the remarks in response to India's enhancement of its military readiness through the Sela Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh, according to a report posted on the Chinese defence ministry's website on Friday.

No dispute with neighbours, but shared future with BRI, says China

No dispute with neighbours, but shared future with BRI, says China

Rediff.com   4 Mar 2024

Lou also spoke about China's tensions with neighbouring countries without directly mentioning the eastern Ladakh border standoff with India since May 2020 which resulted in the Galwan Valley clash in June of that year.

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.