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Xi’s visit triggers clashes in Hong Kong

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Xi’s visit triggers clashes in Hong Kong

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Pro-Beijing Lam sworn as Leader

Hong Kong witnessed clashes between pro and anti China protesters on Saturday when President Xi Jinping swore in Carrie Lam as new leader marking the 20th anniversary of its handover by the last British governor to Chinese rule.

Security was tightened near the harbor front convention centre, the venue for the oath ceremony, where on this day in 1997, Chris Pattern, the last colonial governor handed back Hong Kong to Chinese rule.

While addressing a packed hall of dignitaries and mostly pro-Beijing establishment figures at the swearing ceremony, Chinese President Xi Jinping said “Any attempt to endanger China’s sovereignty and security, challenge the power of the central government and the authority of the Basic Law of the HKSAR (Hong Kong Special Administrative Region) or use Hong Kong to carry out infiltration and sabotage activities against the mainland is an act that crosses the red line and is absolutely impermissible”.

Carrie Lam took oath of office as Chief Executive of Hong Kong under Chinese national flag before shaking hands with President Xi Jinping. She was chosen by 1200 person “election committee” having pro-China and pro-establishment loyalists in March this year.

Lam spoke in Mandarin, mostly spoken in Northern China, instead of Cantonese dialect used in Hong Kong. She expressed her desire to create harmonious society and explore new land supply in a city where the sky high cost of housing has triggered discontent.

Lam’s swearing in by President Xi is considered to be deeply symbolic for frustrated activists who have been pushing for fully free leadership elections for the city.

Under Hong Kong’s mini-constitution, the Basic Law, the financial hub is guaranteed its freedoms for “at least 50 years” after 1997. HKSAR is run under a “one country, two systems” formula which allows wide-ranging autonomy.

The event was followed by declaration by Chinese Foreign Ministry on Friday that the document signed by Britain and China which initiated the handover “is no longer relevant”.

The 1997 Sino-British Joint Declaration gave Hong Kong rights which are not seen in mainland China through a semi-autonomous “one country, two systems” agreement lasting 50 years.

The pro democracy activists fear that those freedoms are now under threat from an assertive Beijing with growing interference in affairs ranging from politics, media and education. Many believe that Carrie Lam was a China stooge in Hong Kong where Beijing is tightening grip on the freedom of nearly eight million people.

The protesters were seen clashing each other while engaged in rival sloganeering. Pro democracy activists were holding banners with “Democracy, Self determination” while pro Beijing crowd was shouting “Long live China”. Scores of pro-democracy protesters were taken away by police, while several pro-China groups remained, cheering loudly and waving flags.

The pro democracy protesters were also seen supporting the victims of Beijing’s 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown. They took out a symbolic coffin towards convention centre, which was kicked by a pro-Beijing activist.

In 2014, “Umbrella Movement” pro-democracy protests brought Hong Kong to standstill. At that time Beijing’s refusal to grant universal suffrage to the city triggered three month long protests. Beijing had announced political reforms proposing public vote for leader with mandatory vetting of the candidates. The proposal was stalled after pro-democracy law makers’ stiff opposition.

Having failed in getting democratic establishment in Hong Kong, some young campaigners started supporting call for self determination or even independence for the mainland China. This caused a lot of frustration in Beijing.

President Xi Jinping’s visit to Hong Kong amidst heightened tension due to pro democracy protests was considered to be a major development. The opponents allege that China is violating “one country, two systems” arrangement by encroaching on city’s freedom in areas ranging from politics to media and education.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Latest world news

PM Modi arrives in France for G7 Summit 2026, Trump meeting scheduled on Wednesday

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in France for the G7 Summit 2026. A bilateral meeting with US President Donald Trump is expected during the summit as leaders discuss major global economic and security challenges.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Évian, France, on Tuesday to participate in the G7 Summit 2026, marking the final leg of his two-nation Europe visit. World leaders have gathered in the French town for discussions on major global challenges, including economic growth, security, technology and international cooperation.

The summit comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions, with developments related to Iran, Ukraine and global economic stability expected to feature prominently in discussions among leaders.

A bilateral meeting between PM Modi and US President Donald Trump is expected on Wednesday on the sidelines of the summit. According to reports, the two leaders are likely to discuss trade, investment, energy cooperation, supply chains, artificial intelligence and broader strategic issues.

Ahead of the summit, PM Modi had said India would represent not only its own interests but also the aspirations of the Global South. India has consistently used international forums to raise issues affecting developing nations, including sustainable development, economic resilience and equitable global growth.

French President Emmanuel Macron is hosting the three-day summit in Évian, where leaders from G7 nations and invited partner countries are taking part in a series of formal sessions and bilateral engagements. India is among the invited outreach partners attending the gathering.

The expected Modi-Trump meeting is attracting significant attention as it would be their first face-to-face interaction since recent discussions over trade and strategic cooperation. Officials have indicated that economic ties, visa-related matters and regional security issues could feature in the talks.

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Trump says Iran agrees to never have nuclear weapons, rejects $300 billion fund claim

Donald Trump said Iran has agreed to never possess nuclear weapons under a proposed framework, while dismissing reports that the US would provide Tehran with a $300 billion reconstruction fund.

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Donald Trump statement

US President Donald Trump has said that Iran has agreed to a commitment that it will never develop or possess nuclear weapons, describing it as a central element of a proposed understanding between Washington and Tehran.

Speaking about the ongoing diplomatic efforts, Trump also rejected reports suggesting that the United States planned to provide Iran with a reconstruction or investment package worth $300 billion. He described such claims as false and said no such arrangement had been agreed.

The remarks come as discussions continue over a broader framework aimed at easing tensions between the two countries. According to Trump, the understanding would ensure that Iran remains without nuclear weapons while opening the door for future engagement if the terms are respected.

Questions remain over final agreement details

Despite Trump’s comments, several aspects of the proposed arrangement remain unclear because the full text of the agreement has not yet been made public.

Reports indicate that negotiations have involved discussions on sanctions relief, access to frozen assets and potential economic measures linked to Iran’s compliance with future commitments. However, the exact scope of these provisions has not been officially confirmed.

Another key issue is how compliance would be monitored. Details regarding inspections, verification mechanisms and the handling of Iran’s existing nuclear materials have yet to be fully explained.

Further negotiations expected

Officials have suggested that discussions on technical nuclear matters could continue even after the signing of an initial memorandum of understanding. Such talks would likely focus on implementation and verification measures.

The proposed framework is being closely watched internationally, as any agreement between the United States and Iran could have significant implications for regional stability and global non-proliferation efforts.

For now, Trump has maintained that the core objective remains clear: ensuring that Iran never acquires a nuclear weapon while denying reports that Washington has committed to a multibillion-dollar reconstruction fund.

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USA start FIFA World Cup 2026 with dominant 4-1 victory over Paraguay

The USA opened their FIFA World Cup 2026 journey with a dominant 4-1 victory against Paraguay, earning three valuable points in Group D.

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The United States kicked off their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign in impressive fashion, securing a commanding 4-1 victory over Paraguay in their Group D opener at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.

Playing in front of a passionate home crowd, the hosts delivered an attacking display to collect all three points and make an early statement in the tournament. The match also marked a significant occasion as the USA hosted part of the World Cup opening festivities before turning attention to the action on the pitch.

The Americans took control early and maintained pressure on Paraguay throughout the contest. Their attacking movement and clinical finishing helped them establish a comfortable lead, while Paraguay struggled to contain the hosts’ pace and creativity in the final third.

USA seize control after fast start

The United States settled quickly and found success going forward, creating several opportunities through quick passing and aggressive pressing. Their attacking approach paid off as they built momentum and gradually stretched Paraguay’s defence.

Paraguay attempted to respond and managed to get on the scoresheet, but the South American side found it difficult to match the intensity shown by the hosts. The USA continued to create chances and added further goals to put the result beyond doubt.

With the victory, the United States moved to the top section of Group D and gained an important boost in confidence ahead of their upcoming fixtures in the tournament.

Strong opening result for hosts

A winning start is particularly important in a World Cup campaign, and the USA achieved exactly that with a comprehensive performance. The result gives the hosts valuable momentum as they prepare for the next stage of group play.

For Paraguay, the defeat means they will need a strong response in their remaining group matches to keep their hopes of progressing to the knockout rounds alive.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is being jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, with the tournament featuring an expanded format and more participating teams than previous editions.

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