The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has denied Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Vice President Maryam Nawaz, who is currently in its remand, to have home-made food.&nbsp;

A source told Dawn that the accountability watchdog on Friday had withdrawn the facility of allowing home-made food to Maryam on the order from the "top" (authorities).

"From now on she will have food prepared at the NAB headquarters at Thokar Niaz Beg," he said, adding that she would be given meal in prison as per jail manual.

The daughter of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif has also criticised Prime Minister Imran Khan for not allowing her to eat home-made food.&nbsp;

This week, the government also denied Maryam`s cousin Hamza Shahbaz, who is also facing corruption charges in Lahore`s Kot Lakhpat jail, the facility of home-made food.

"By denying home-made food to Maryam and Hamza in prison, selected Prime Minister Imran Khan has again proved that he is a small man," PML-N Information Secretary Marriyum Aurangzeb said.

Maryam and her cousin are in physical remand by NAB in Chaudhry Sugar Mills (CSM) case.

Maryam had appeared before the NAB on July 31 to record her statement in the CSM reference.

The statement was regarding `dubious` business transactions of the CSM of which she was one of the major shareholders.

On August 8, she was taken into custody by NAB from Kot Lakhpat Jail, where she had been visiting her imprisoned father.&nbsp;

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has denied Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Vice President Maryam Nawaz, who is currently in its remand, to have home-made food.

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has denied Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Vice President Maryam Nawaz, who is currently in its remand, to have home-made food. A source told Dawn that the accountability watchdog on Friday had withdrawn the facility of allowing home-made food to Maryam on the order from the "top" (authorities). "From now on she will have food prepared at the NAB headquarters at Thokar Niaz Beg," he said, adding that she would be given meal in prison as per jail manual. The daughter of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif has also criticised Prime Minister Imran Khan for not allowing her to eat home-made food. This week, the government also denied Maryam`s cousin Hamza Shahbaz, who is also facing corruption charges in Lahore`s Kot Lakhpat jail, the facility of home-made food. "By denying home-made food to Maryam and Hamza in prison, selected Prime Minister Imran Khan has again proved that he is a small man," PML-N Information Secretary Marriyum Aurangzeb said. Maryam and her cousin are in physical remand by NAB in Chaudhry Sugar Mills (CSM) case. Maryam had appeared before the NAB on July 31 to record her statement in the CSM reference. The statement was regarding `dubious` business transactions of the CSM of which she was one of the major shareholders. On August 8, she was taken into custody by NAB from Kot Lakhpat Jail, where she had been visiting her imprisoned father.

NAB denies home-made food for Maryam Nawaz

A Taliban delegation held talks with Russian officials in Moscow after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/the-now-dead-us-taliban-talks-lacked-strategic-vision-248969">US negotiations with the Afghan insurgents</a> collapsed, the Russian foreign ministry said Saturday.

"The Russian president's special representative for Afghanistan ... , Zamir Kabulov, hosted a Taliban delegation in Moscow," a ministry spokesman said, quoted by RIA Novosti state-funded news agency.

No date for the talks was given.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/american-trust-in-pakistan-and-taliban-difficult-to-comprehend-249470">American trust in Pakistan and Taliban difficult to comprehend</a>

"The Russian side stressed the need to relaunch negotiations between the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/wion-edit-us-taliban-talks-cancelled-impact-on-india-248667">United States and the Taliban </a>movement," the spokesman said.

"For their part, the Taliban confirmed their willingness to pursue dialogue with Washington," he added.

Until a week ago expectation had steadily mounted of a US-Taliban deal that would see the US drawdown of troop levels in Afghanistan and the Taliban offer security guarantees to keep extremist groups out.

But last Saturday, Trump revealed he had cancelled an unprecedented meeting between the Taliban and himself in the United States and declared the talks with the militants "dead".

With more than 13,000 US troops still in Afghanistan, Trump has been eager to end America's longest war, launched 18 years ago after the September 11 attacks.

But fears are now growing of increased violence with presidential elections set for September 28 in Afghanistan.

The vote, the fourth since the fall of the Taliban in 2001, has already been delayed twice this year.

Government forces and Taliban have been engaged in heavy exchanges across the nation, with the militants vowing to continue fighting and make the US regret walking away from talks.&nbsp;

Russia has been trying to influence the peace negotiations and staged two meetings in Moscow with Afghan political leaders at the start of the year.

A Taliban delegation held talks with Russian officials in Moscow after US negotiations with the Afghan insurgents collapsed, the Russian foreign ministry said Saturday.

A Taliban delegation held talks with Russian officials in Moscow after US negotiations with the Afghan insurgents collapsed, the Russian foreign ministry said Saturday. "The Russian president's special representative for Afghanistan ... , Zamir Kabulov, hosted a Taliban delegation in Moscow," a ministry spokesman said, quoted by RIA Novosti state-funded news agency. No date for the talks was given. Also read: American trust in Pakistan and Taliban difficult to comprehend "The Russian side stressed the need to relaunch negotiations between the United States and the Taliban movement," the spokesman said. "For their part, the Taliban confirmed their willingness to pursue dialogue with Washington," he added. Until a week ago expectation had steadily mounted of a US-Taliban deal that would see the US drawdown of troop levels in Afghanistan and the Taliban offer security guarantees to keep extremist groups out. But last Saturday, Trump revealed he had cancelled an unprecedented meeting between the Taliban and himself in the United States and declared the talks with the militants "dead". With more than 13,000 US troops still in Afghanistan, Trump has been eager to end America's longest war, launched 18 years ago after the September 11 attacks. But fears are now growing of increased violence with presidential elections set for September 28 in Afghanistan. The vote, the fourth since the fall of the Taliban in 2001, has already been delayed twice this year. Government forces and Taliban have been engaged in heavy exchanges across the nation, with the militants vowing to continue fighting and make the US regret walking away from talks. Russia has been trying to influence the peace negotiations and staged two meetings in Moscow with Afghan political leaders at the start of the year.

Moscow holds talks with Taliban as US peace deal collapses: Russian foreign ministry

On again, off again: Erratic history of US talks with the Taliban

It was a remarkable evening for singer Rihanna when scores of Hollywood A-listers came out to show support at Fifth Annual Diamond Ball, held at New York's Cipriani Wall Street, profiting the superstar's Clara Lionel Foundation. Though the singer donned a Givenchy Haute Couture and stole the limelight, one of her guests commanded similar attention: Barbados'&nbsp;Prime Minister Mia Mottley. 
 
Mottley- who made history in 2018 after she was elected as the first woman Prime Minister of the Caribbean nation (where Rihanna was born and raised) - was honoured with the 2019 Diamond Ball Award for breaking barriers. However, when talking to the news agency&nbsp;ahead of the charity gala, hosted by Seth Meyers, Mottley sidestepped her own achievements to focus on Rihanna's contributions to their beloved island. 
 
Barbados is one of the areas that receive assistance from CLF -&nbsp;founded by Rihanna in 2012 and named after her grandparents Clara and Lionel Braithwaite -- which benefits impoverished communities across the globe, with an emphasis on health, education, arts, culture, emergency response and combatting climate change. 
 
"It's so special what she's been able to do. Barbados is a place where we believe in helping those who cannot help themselves or who are not strong enough to carry themselves. And Rihanna has been able to exhibit that so beautifully in all that she's done. She carries with her the DNA of the country," said Mottley. 
 
"When we became an independent nation [in 1966], our prime minister at the time said that we should be friends of all satellites of men. That requires nobility of spirit, that requires an ability to also recognize that you are as strong as the weakest among you. That's what Rihanna represents for us," she added. 
 
Applauding and praising the efforts of the singer was actor Naturi Naughton who believed that the multi-hyphenate is doing everything to give back with her cosmetics company, Fenty Beauty, and her lingerie line, Savage x Fenty. 
 
"The people that she is servicing, they are no longer the last thought. It isn't her being reminded that she has to do this, that she needs to make any last-minute additions to placate a certain community," said Kehlani. 
 
"Rihanna's so inclusive when it comes to colour and size. The people that are typically not represented in fashion and beauty are the first people she's thinking of. That's so dope." Some other prominent stars who attended the big event include Cardi B, Normani, 2 Chainz, G-Eazy, Megan Thee Stallion, Karlie Kloss, Shanina Shaik, Slick Woods, YG, and a recently de-jailed A$AP Rocky among others.

It was a remarkable evening for singer Rihanna when scores of Hollywood A-listers came out to show support at Fifth Annual Diamond Ball, held at New York's Cipriani Wall Street, profiting the superstar's Clara Lionel Foundation.

It was a remarkable evening for singer Rihanna when scores of Hollywood A-listers came out to show support at Fifth Annual Diamond Ball, held at New York's Cipriani Wall Street, profiting the superstar's Clara Lionel Foundation. Though the singer donned a Givenchy Haute Couture and stole the limelight, one of her guests commanded similar attention: Barbados' Prime Minister Mia Mottley. Mottley- who made history in 2018 after she was elected as the first woman Prime Minister of the Caribbean nation (where Rihanna was born and raised) - was honoured with the 2019 Diamond Ball Award for breaking barriers. However, when talking to the news agency ahead of the charity gala, hosted by Seth Meyers, Mottley sidestepped her own achievements to focus on Rihanna's contributions to their beloved island. Barbados is one of the areas that receive assistance from CLF - founded by Rihanna in 2012 and named after her grandparents Clara and Lionel Braithwaite -- which benefits impoverished communities across the globe, with an emphasis on health, education, arts, culture, emergency response and combatting climate change. "It's so special what she's been able to do. Barbados is a place where we believe in helping those who cannot help themselves or who are not strong enough to carry themselves. And Rihanna has been able to exhibit that so beautifully in all that she's done. She carries with her the DNA of the country," said Mottley. "When we became an independent nation [in 1966], our prime minister at the time said that we should be friends of all satellites of men. That requires nobility of spirit, that requires an ability to also recognize that you are as strong as the weakest among you. That's what Rihanna represents for us," she added. Applauding and praising the efforts of the singer was actor Naturi Naughton who believed that the multi-hyphenate is doing everything to give back with her cosmetics company, Fenty Beauty, and her lingerie line, Savage x Fenty. "The people that she is servicing, they are no longer the last thought. It isn't her being reminded that she has to do this, that she needs to make any last-minute additions to placate a certain community," said Kehlani. "Rihanna's so inclusive when it comes to colour and size. The people that are typically not represented in fashion and beauty are the first people she's thinking of. That's so dope." Some other prominent stars who attended the big event include Cardi B, Normani, 2 Chainz, G-Eazy, Megan Thee Stallion, Karlie Kloss, Shanina Shaik, Slick Woods, YG, and a recently de-jailed A$AP Rocky among others.

Hollywood A-listers walk out to support Rihanna's charity event

Police have arrested the Greenpeace climate protesters who closed part of a key oil export waterway for 18 hours by tying themselves to a bridge and dangling over the water.

The closure of one portion of the Houston Ship Channel, which stretches 53 miles (85 km) from its entrance in the Gulf of Mexico to the Port of Houston, blocked tanker ship traffic to and from five major oil refineries as well as chemical and oil-export terminals.

Twelve people were taken into police custody shortly after 5pm, Thursday, according to spokesmen for Greenpeace and the Harris County Sheriff's office. The other 11 who were dangling by ropes and attached to one another were arrested late on Thursday and early Friday, police said.

Sheriff's deputies rappelled down to the 11, cut the ropes tying them to one another and lowered each individually to police boats, spokesman Jason Spencer said.

The protesters timed the event to coincide with the nationally televised debate in Houston by 10 Democratic White House contenders, one member said.

Mike Herbert, 36, a protester reached by phone while he dangled about 100 feet from the bridge, said the group wanted to "force the hand of the political hopefuls to address the elephant in the room: climate change."

The east Texas native who now lives in Maryland said members of the group were experienced climbers and had planned to continue the protest until Friday morning. They risked arrest because political leaders "aren't taking climate change seriously," he said.

Greenpeace spokesman Ryan Schleeter said that the protesters did not resist arrest and were prepared to face whatever charges were be leveled.

"We'll know more about the charges in the morning," Schleeter said. "Although they were prepared to stay for 24 hours, we feel that we have achieved our goal and sent a powerful message."

He said that now is the time for lawmakers to take climate change seriously.

A sheriff's representative was not available early Friday to comment on charges that the protesters face.

Briscoe Cain, a Texas state lawmaker whose district includes part of the ship channel, said the protesters would be the first to be charged under a recently enacted state law that makes disrupting critical infrastructure a crime.

Federal prosecutor Ryan Patrick earlier tweeted that his office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation were working with local police. His office did not respond to requests for comment.

Two vessel arrivals and seven departures were disrupted by the protests at mid-afternoon on Thursday, said Steven Nerheim, director of the Coast Guard Vessel Traffic Service for Houston-Galveston. The service normally sees 65 ships and 378 towing vessels per day.

The area affected by the closing is near Exxon Mobil Corp's 560,500-barrel-per-day refinery in Baytown, which is 26 miles (42 km) east of Houston.

Operations were normal at the plant on Thursday, said Exxon spokesman Jeremy Eikenberry. The refinery is the fourth-largest in the United States and Exxon's largest in the country.

Other refiners along the channel affected by the shutdown included Valero Energy Corp's 205,000-bpd Houston refinery, LyondellBasell's 263,776-bpd Houston refinery, Chevron Corp's 112,229-bpd Pasadena, Texas, refinery and Royal Dutch Shell Plc's 340,000-bpd Deer Park, Texas, refinery.

Shell and LyondellBasell said operations were not affected. Chevron declined to comment.

All of the refineries are able to ship motor fuels by pipeline, and most have enough crude on hand to operate for several days. J.J. Plunkett, port agent for the Houston Pilots Association, whose members guide ships in and out of the channel, said delays caused by the protest could be cleared within a day.

The channel was closed from Light 102A to Light 104, the Coast Guard said. Ship traffic to Texas City, Texas, where two refineries and several chemical plants are located, was not affected by the closure.

Police have arrested the Greenpeace climate protesters who closed part of a key oil export waterway for 18 hours by tying themselves to a bridge and dangling over the water.

Police have arrested the Greenpeace climate protesters who closed part of a key oil export waterway for 18 hours by tying themselves to a bridge and dangling over the water. The closure of one portion of the Houston Ship Channel, which stretches 53 miles (85 km) from its entrance in the Gulf of Mexico to the Port of Houston, blocked tanker ship traffic to and from five major oil refineries as well as chemical and oil-export terminals. Twelve people were taken into police custody shortly after 5pm, Thursday, according to spokesmen for Greenpeace and the Harris County Sheriff's office. The other 11 who were dangling by ropes and attached to one another were arrested late on Thursday and early Friday, police said. Sheriff's deputies rappelled down to the 11, cut the ropes tying them to one another and lowered each individually to police boats, spokesman Jason Spencer said. The protesters timed the event to coincide with the nationally televised debate in Houston by 10 Democratic White House contenders, one member said. Mike Herbert, 36, a protester reached by phone while he dangled about 100 feet from the bridge, said the group wanted to "force the hand of the political hopefuls to address the elephant in the room: climate change." The east Texas native who now lives in Maryland said members of the group were experienced climbers and had planned to continue the protest until Friday morning. They risked arrest because political leaders "aren't taking climate change seriously," he said. Greenpeace spokesman Ryan Schleeter said that the protesters did not resist arrest and were prepared to face whatever charges were be leveled. "We'll know more about the charges in the morning," Schleeter said. "Although they were prepared to stay for 24 hours, we feel that we have achieved our goal and sent a powerful message." He said that now is the time for lawmakers to take climate change seriously. A sheriff's representative was not available early Friday to comment on charges that the protesters face. Briscoe Cain, a Texas state lawmaker whose district includes part of the ship channel, said the protesters would be the first to be charged under a recently enacted state law that makes disrupting critical infrastructure a crime. Federal prosecutor Ryan Patrick earlier tweeted that his office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation were working with local police. His office did not respond to requests for comment. Two vessel arrivals and seven departures were disrupted by the protests at mid-afternoon on Thursday, said Steven Nerheim, director of the Coast Guard Vessel Traffic Service for Houston-Galveston. The service normally sees 65 ships and 378 towing vessels per day. The area affected by the closing is near Exxon Mobil Corp's 560,500-barrel-per-day refinery in Baytown, which is 26 miles (42 km) east of Houston. Operations were normal at the plant on Thursday, said Exxon spokesman Jeremy Eikenberry. The refinery is the fourth-largest in the United States and Exxon's largest in the country. Other refiners along the channel affected by the shutdown included Valero Energy Corp's 205,000-bpd Houston refinery, LyondellBasell's 263,776-bpd Houston refinery, Chevron Corp's 112,229-bpd Pasadena, Texas, refinery and Royal Dutch Shell Plc's 340,000-bpd Deer Park, Texas, refinery. Shell and LyondellBasell said operations were not affected. Chevron declined to comment. All of the refineries are able to ship motor fuels by pipeline, and most have enough crude on hand to operate for several days. J.J. Plunkett, port agent for the Houston Pilots Association, whose members guide ships in and out of the channel, said delays caused by the protest could be cleared within a day. The channel was closed from Light 102A to Light 104, the Coast Guard said. Ship traffic to Texas City, Texas, where two refineries and several chemical plants are located, was not affected by the closure.

Climate protesters arrested at Texas port during US presidential debate

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-says-us-north-korea-will-restart-dialogue-soon-244718">South Korean</a> President Moon Jae-in and US President Donald Trump are expected to hold a summit at the United Nations this month, Moon's office said on Friday, amid hopes for a restart of talks aimed at dismantling <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-says-ready-for-dialogue-or-confrontation-with-us-244911">North Korea</a>'s nuclear weapons programme.

Seoul and Washington are working to fix a date for the meeting during Moon's trip to New York for the UN General Assembly from September 22-26, Moon's spokeswoman Ko Min-jung told a briefing.

The announcement came days after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-could-warm-up-to-talks-after-removal-of-war-maniac-bolton-248959">North Korea</a> said it was willing to reopen denuclearisation talks with the United States within the month.

The negotiations stalled after a failed summit in February between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, but the two agreed to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/would-be-glad-to-see-north-korea-us-resuming-talks-on-schedule-china-249155">revive talks </a>when they met in June at the inter-Korean border.

Watch: US-North Korea relations back on track ?

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Trump said on Thursday he would be willing to have another meeting with Kim at some point later this year which would be their fourth since an unprecedented summit in June 2018.

Trump's removal of John Bolton, his hard-line national security adviser, earlier this week could facilitate the revival of the talks though it will hardly make the US goal of persuading Pyongyang to give up its nuclear weapons any easier, analysts say.

Pyongyang has also repeatedly called for US concessions on sanctions, warning that dealings between both sides could end unless Washington takes a fresh approach.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in and US President Donald Trump are expected to hold a summit at the United Nations this month, Moon's office said on Friday, amid hopes for a restart of talks aimed at dismantling North Korea's nuclear weapons programme.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in and US President Donald Trump are expected to hold a summit at the United Nations this month, Moon's office said on Friday, amid hopes for a restart of talks aimed at dismantling North Korea's nuclear weapons programme. Seoul and Washington are working to fix a date for the meeting during Moon's trip to New York for the UN General Assembly from September 22-26, Moon's spokeswoman Ko Min-jung told a briefing. The announcement came days after North Korea said it was willing to reopen denuclearisation talks with the United States within the month. The negotiations stalled after a failed summit in February between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, but the two agreed to revive talks when they met in June at the inter-Korean border. Watch: US-North Korea relations back on track ? × Trump said on Thursday he would be willing to have another meeting with Kim at some point later this year which would be their fourth since an unprecedented summit in June 2018. Trump's removal of John Bolton, his hard-line national security adviser, earlier this week could facilitate the revival of the talks though it will hardly make the US goal of persuading Pyongyang to give up its nuclear weapons any easier, analysts say. Pyongyang has also repeatedly called for US concessions on sanctions, warning that dealings between both sides could end unless Washington takes a fresh approach.

Trump, South Korea's Moon, expected to meet at UN amid hopes for new North Korea talks

Indian shares ticked up on Friday led by auto stocks, while gains in broader Asia on improving Sino-US trade relations and a rate cut from the European Central Bank eased fears of a global economic slowdown, boosting investor confidence.

The broader NSE Nifty was up 0.29 per cent&nbsp;at 11,015.35 as of 0400 GMT, while the benchmark BSE Sensex was 0.29 per cent&nbsp;higher at 37,213.93.

Asian shares inched higher after the European Central Bank delivered bigger-than-expected stimulus on Thursday and US President Donald Trump did not rule out the possibility of an interim pact with China ahead of talks between senior trade negotiators in early October.

MSCI`s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan ticked up 0.3 per cent though mainland China and South Korea were closed for public holidays.

"Internationally, there is good news. Central banks are doing whatever they need to do to revive growth," said Saurabh Jain, assistant vice-president of research at SMC Global Securities in New Delhi.

"People are hoping against hopes that government will take steps to help revive demand."

In domestic markets, the NSE auto index rose as much as 1.06 per cent.

The automobile sector is seeking a Goods and Services Tax (GST) cut to help revive demand for products. Markets await the outcome the GST council`s Sept 20 meeting where it is expected to decide on the matter.

The NSE IT index was up as much as 0.49 per cent, with shares of Wipro Ltd adding about 1.17 per cent.

Meanwhile, core inflation, which excludes food and fuel, moderated to 4.2 per cent&nbsp;in August 2019 from 4.25 per cent&nbsp;in July, suggesting that demand conditions remain sluggish, data showed on Thursday.

A slowdown in Asia`s third-largest economy has dampened demand for everything from cars to underwear, with the crucial automobile manufacturing sector hit particularly hard.

The India volatility index was down 1.2 per cent&nbsp;at 0401 GMT.

Among the losers, the NSE public sector bank index, which tracks state-owned lenders, shed about 0.59 per cent, with State Bank of India falling as much as 1.06 per cent.

Indian shares ticked up on Friday led by auto stocks, while gains in broader Asia on improving Sino-US trade relations and a rate cut from the European Central Bank eased fears of a global economic slowdown, boosting investor confidence.

Indian shares ticked up on Friday led by auto stocks, while gains in broader Asia on improving Sino-US trade relations and a rate cut from the European Central Bank eased fears of a global economic slowdown, boosting investor confidence. The broader NSE Nifty was up 0.29 per cent at 11,015.35 as of 0400 GMT, while the benchmark BSE Sensex was 0.29 per cent higher at 37,213.93. Asian shares inched higher after the European Central Bank delivered bigger-than-expected stimulus on Thursday and US President Donald Trump did not rule out the possibility of an interim pact with China ahead of talks between senior trade negotiators in early October. MSCI`s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan ticked up 0.3 per cent though mainland China and South Korea were closed for public holidays. "Internationally, there is good news. Central banks are doing whatever they need to do to revive growth," said Saurabh Jain, assistant vice-president of research at SMC Global Securities in New Delhi. "People are hoping against hopes that government will take steps to help revive demand." In domestic markets, the NSE auto index rose as much as 1.06 per cent. The automobile sector is seeking a Goods and Services Tax (GST) cut to help revive demand for products. Markets await the outcome the GST council`s Sept 20 meeting where it is expected to decide on the matter. The NSE IT index was up as much as 0.49 per cent, with shares of Wipro Ltd adding about 1.17 per cent. Meanwhile, core inflation, which excludes food and fuel, moderated to 4.2 per cent in August 2019 from 4.25 per cent in July, suggesting that demand conditions remain sluggish, data showed on Thursday. A slowdown in Asia`s third-largest economy has dampened demand for everything from cars to underwear, with the crucial automobile manufacturing sector hit particularly hard. The India volatility index was down 1.2 per cent at 0401 GMT. Among the losers, the NSE public sector bank index, which tracks state-owned lenders, shed about 0.59 per cent, with State Bank of India falling as much as 1.06 per cent.

Nifty, Sensex track broader Asia higher; auto stocks lead gains

Some 1,300 people are still unaccounted for in the Bahamas following Hurricane Dorian, officials said Thursday, down from the 2,500 previously reported.

The Bahamian National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) attributed the drop to cross-referencing names of missing persons with those in shelters.

"It's very fluid," NEMA spokesman Carl Smith told reporters at a press conference in Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas. &nbsp;

The Bahamian authorities have put the death toll from the devastating Category 5 storm at 50 so far.

But they have said they expect that number to rise significantly and a former prime minister said he feared the final toll could be in the hundreds.

"Based upon information I have, based on my knowledge, there are hundreds of people who died," the Nassau Guardian newspaper quoted former premier Hubert Ingraham as saying on Wednesday.

"I pay no attention to 50," Ingraham said after touring hurricane-ravaged Abaco Island.

"Hundreds of people have died in Abaco, and significant numbers in Grand Bahama," the other island severely damaged by the storm, he said.

"And I don't make wild statements," he said. "I don't make uninformed statements."

Bahamian police commissioner Anthony Ferguson was asked at the press conference about the search for victims of the storm.

"It's a slow process," Ferguson said. "We have to go through all of that rubble, take our time and search.

"It's going to take a long time before you can really say (final) numbers," he said.

Search operations could be impacted by approaching weather.

The Miami-based National Hurricane Center said in its 5:00 pm (2100 GMT) bulletin that a weather system in the Atlantic was expected to become a tropical storm and bring strong winds and heavy rainfall to the northwest Bahamas in the next 36 hours. &nbsp;

Smith, the NEMA spokesman, said 150 people were currently in shelters on the island of Grand Bahama and 2,000 on New Providence, where Nassau is located.

"We are no longer receiving a lot of displaced persons from Abaco," he added.

The NEMA spokesman also said the authorities were suspending deportations of illegal immigrants who were affected by the storm. The Bahamas has a large community of Haitians and some who are in the archipelago illegally have expressed fears of being sent home.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres announced meanwhile that he would go to the Bahamas on Friday to express his "deep solidarity" with the Atlantic archipelago.

Besides solidarity, Guterres said he wanted to encourage the international community to "increase the support to the Bahamas people and to the Bahamas government."

Guterres also said the hurricane is a warning of the dangers of climate change.

"All this is a demonstration of what we have all been saying in the recent past," he said. "Climate change is running faster than we are and we need to have a much more ambitious approach in what we do in order to defeat climate change."&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Some 1,300 people are still unaccounted for in the Bahamas following Hurricane Dorian, officials said Thursday, down from the 2,500 previously reported. The Bahamian National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) attributed the drop to cross-referencing names of missing persons with those in shelters.

Some 1,300 people are still unaccounted for in the Bahamas following Hurricane Dorian, officials said Thursday, down from the 2,500 previously reported. The Bahamian National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) attributed the drop to cross-referencing names of missing persons with those in shelters. "It's very fluid," NEMA spokesman Carl Smith told reporters at a press conference in Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas. The Bahamian authorities have put the death toll from the devastating Category 5 storm at 50 so far. But they have said they expect that number to rise significantly and a former prime minister said he feared the final toll could be in the hundreds. "Based upon information I have, based on my knowledge, there are hundreds of people who died," the Nassau Guardian newspaper quoted former premier Hubert Ingraham as saying on Wednesday. "I pay no attention to 50," Ingraham said after touring hurricane-ravaged Abaco Island. "Hundreds of people have died in Abaco, and significant numbers in Grand Bahama," the other island severely damaged by the storm, he said. "And I don't make wild statements," he said. "I don't make uninformed statements." Bahamian police commissioner Anthony Ferguson was asked at the press conference about the search for victims of the storm. "It's a slow process," Ferguson said. "We have to go through all of that rubble, take our time and search. "It's going to take a long time before you can really say (final) numbers," he said. Search operations could be impacted by approaching weather. The Miami-based National Hurricane Center said in its 5:00 pm (2100 GMT) bulletin that a weather system in the Atlantic was expected to become a tropical storm and bring strong winds and heavy rainfall to the northwest Bahamas in the next 36 hours. Smith, the NEMA spokesman, said 150 people were currently in shelters on the island of Grand Bahama and 2,000 on New Providence, where Nassau is located. "We are no longer receiving a lot of displaced persons from Abaco," he added. The NEMA spokesman also said the authorities were suspending deportations of illegal immigrants who were affected by the storm. The Bahamas has a large community of Haitians and some who are in the archipelago illegally have expressed fears of being sent home. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres announced meanwhile that he would go to the Bahamas on Friday to express his "deep solidarity" with the Atlantic archipelago. Besides solidarity, Guterres said he wanted to encourage the international community to "increase the support to the Bahamas people and to the Bahamas government." Guterres also said the hurricane is a warning of the dangers of climate change. "All this is a demonstration of what we have all been saying in the recent past," he said. "Climate change is running faster than we are and we need to have a much more ambitious approach in what we do in order to defeat climate change."

1,300 still missing in hurricane-hit Bahamas: Officials

The US House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee said on Thursday it will subpoena <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/trump-says-taliban-talks-dead-us-military-to-ramp-up-afghanistan-operations-248707">President Donald Trump</a>'s special Afghanistan envoy, Zalmay Khalilzad, to testify on September 19, after the abrupt cancellation of talks with the country's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistans-taliban-sends-warning-to-us-president-donald-trump-in-bitter-exchange-249252">Taliban militia</a>.

Representative Eliot Engel, the committee's Democratic chairman, said he signed the subpoena after the US State Department ignored numerous requests for briefings by Khalilzad about the Afghanistan peace plan and the administration's path forward in the country.

Engel released a letter last week expressing frustration with the administration's failure to arrange briefings by Khalilzad. He said the State Department had refused requests in February, April and earlier this month for briefings or testimony.

“More than 2,000 American troops have died in Afghanistan, and I’m fed up with this Administration keeping Congress and the American people in the dark on the peace process and how we’re going to bring this long war to a close," Engel said in a statement.

"For months, we haven’t been able to get answers on the Afghanistan peace plan, and now the President is saying the plan is dead. We need to hear directly from the Administration’s point person on Afghanistan to understand how this process went off the rails. I expect to see Ambassador Khalilzad in our hearing room next Thursday at 10 o’clock sharp,” Engel said.

The State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the subpoena.

Trump proclaimed negotiations with Afghanistan's Taliban leaders dead on Monday after scrapping talks with the group planned for Camp David, Maryland, during the weekend after a US soldier was killed by a suicide bomber in Kabul.

The abrupt announcement - and news that Trump had planned to bring Taliban leaders to the American presidential retreat - angered many in Congress.

Bringing US troops home from Afghanistan has been one of Trump's main foreign policy objectives, and the Republican president said his administration was still thinking about a drawdown of the 14,000 US soldiers in the country.

It was the first subpoena issued by the committee since Democrats took control of the House in January and Engel became chairman.

The US House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee said on Thursday it will subpoena President Donald Trump's special Afghanistan envoy, Zalmay Khalilzad, to testify on September 19, after the abrupt cancellation of talks with the country's Taliban militia.

The US House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee said on Thursday it will subpoena President Donald Trump's special Afghanistan envoy, Zalmay Khalilzad, to testify on September 19, after the abrupt cancellation of talks with the country's Taliban militia. Representative Eliot Engel, the committee's Democratic chairman, said he signed the subpoena after the US State Department ignored numerous requests for briefings by Khalilzad about the Afghanistan peace plan and the administration's path forward in the country. Engel released a letter last week expressing frustration with the administration's failure to arrange briefings by Khalilzad. He said the State Department had refused requests in February, April and earlier this month for briefings or testimony. “More than 2,000 American troops have died in Afghanistan, and I’m fed up with this Administration keeping Congress and the American people in the dark on the peace process and how we’re going to bring this long war to a close," Engel said in a statement. "For months, we haven’t been able to get answers on the Afghanistan peace plan, and now the President is saying the plan is dead. We need to hear directly from the Administration’s point person on Afghanistan to understand how this process went off the rails. I expect to see Ambassador Khalilzad in our hearing room next Thursday at 10 o’clock sharp,” Engel said. The State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the subpoena. Trump proclaimed negotiations with Afghanistan's Taliban leaders dead on Monday after scrapping talks with the group planned for Camp David, Maryland, during the weekend after a US soldier was killed by a suicide bomber in Kabul. The abrupt announcement - and news that Trump had planned to bring Taliban leaders to the American presidential retreat - angered many in Congress. Bringing US troops home from Afghanistan has been one of Trump's main foreign policy objectives, and the Republican president said his administration was still thinking about a drawdown of the 14,000 US soldiers in the country. It was the first subpoena issued by the committee since Democrats took control of the House in January and Engel became chairman.

US House panel to force testimony from Trump's Afghan envoy

President Donald Trump on Thursday warned that the exit of his hawkish <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-asked-nsa-john-bolton-to-resign-tweets-us-president-donald-trump-248901">national security advisor</a> won't bring a softening of the US position on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/left-behind-venezuelas-kids-growing-up-without-parents-247914">Venezuela</a>.

Bolton, a prominent hardliner in Washington's attempt to pressure Venezuelan strongman President Nicolas Maduro from power, was sacked Tuesday.

This sparked speculation in some media outlets that Trump might seek a more conciliatory line.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/colombias-armed-forces-on-alert-over-venezuela-military-exercises-249164">Colombia's armed forces on alert over Venezuela military exercises</a>

However, the president indicated on Twitter that his policies could instead harden.

"In fact, my views on Venezuela, and especially Cuba, were far stronger than those of John Bolton. He was holding me back!" he said.

The United States already imposes sanctions on Venezuelan officials and its oil industry.

Washington has also recognised opposition leader Juan Guaido as the legitimate president, but with little success in shifting Maduro's grip on power.

Millions of Venezuelans have left the country as a result of political unrest and economic collapse, with food and medicinal supplies often scarce.

More than 50 countries recognise Guaido. However, Maduro still enjoys support from Russia, China and Cuba. 
&nbsp;

President Donald Trump on Thursday warned that the exit of his hawkish national security advisor won't bring a softening of the US position on Venezuela. Bolton, a prominent hardliner in Washington's attempt to pressure Venezuelan strongman President Nicolas Maduro from power, was sacked Tuesday.

President Donald Trump on Thursday warned that the exit of his hawkish national security advisor won't bring a softening of the US position on Venezuela. Bolton, a prominent hardliner in Washington's attempt to pressure Venezuelan strongman President Nicolas Maduro from power, was sacked Tuesday. This sparked speculation in some media outlets that Trump might seek a more conciliatory line. Also read: Colombia's armed forces on alert over Venezuela military exercises However, the president indicated on Twitter that his policies could instead harden. "In fact, my views on Venezuela, and especially Cuba, were far stronger than those of John Bolton. He was holding me back!" he said. The United States already imposes sanctions on Venezuelan officials and its oil industry. Washington has also recognised opposition leader Juan Guaido as the legitimate president, but with little success in shifting Maduro's grip on power. Millions of Venezuelans have left the country as a result of political unrest and economic collapse, with food and medicinal supplies often scarce. More than 50 countries recognise Guaido. However, Maduro still enjoys support from Russia, China and Cuba.

Trump says national security advisor restrained him on Venezuela

Embattled <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hope-extradition-bills-withdrawal-will-help-solve-crisis-in-hong-kong-chief-executive-carrie-lam-247672">Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam</a> has promised to prioritise housing and people’s livelihoods to appease deep-rooted discontent about the way the Asian financial hub has been governed, as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-protesters-call-on-donald-trump-to-liberate-the-city-248366">protesters</a> gear up for fresh demonstrations.

Lam, who said she caused "unforgivable havoc" by igniting the political crisis and would quit if she had a choice, said in a Facebook post late on Thursday her government would increase the supply of housing with more policies to be announced.

While the spark for the protests that have rocked Hong Kong was a now-withdrawn extradition bill and concern Beijing was eroding civil liberties, many young protesters are also angry at sky-high living costs and a lack of future job prospects.

Hong Kong has some of the world's most expensive real estate and many young people say the city's housing policy is unfair, benefiting the rich, while forcing them to live with their parents or rent "shoe box" apartments at exorbitant prices.

Lam's comments come as activists plan the latest in a series of protests in the former British colony, which is grappling with its biggest political crisis in decades.

Watch: Is Hong Kong China's Berlin?

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The demonstrations started more than three months ago in response to an extradition bill that would allow people to be sent to mainland China for trial in Communist Party-controlled courts, but have broadened into calls for greater democracy.

On Friday, demonstrators are set to carry lanterns and form human chains on the scenic Victoria Peak, popular with mainland tour groups, and on Lion Rock, separating the New Territories from the Kowloon peninsula.

Sit-ins at shopping malls and another "stress test" of the airport are also planned over the weekend. The international airport has in recent weeks seen the blocking of access roads, street fires and vandalism of a nearby subway station.

Activists also plan to gather outside the British consulate on Sunday to demand that China honours the Sino-British Joint Declaration that was signed in 1984, laying out the former British colony's future after its handover to China in 1997.

China says Hong Kong is now its internal affair. Britain says it has a legal responsibility to ensure China abides by its obligations under the Joint Declaration.

Hong Kong returned to China under a "one country, two systems" formula that guarantees freedoms not enjoyed on the mainland, including an independent legal system.

China denies meddling and has accused the United States, Britain and others of fomenting the unrest.

Police have responded to violence with tear gas, pepper spray, rubber bullets, water cannon and baton charges, as well as firing several live shots in the air, prompting complaints of excessive force.

On Thursday Hong Kong's government rejected a warning from a Canadian think tank that the city's position as one of the world's freest economies is threatened by China's "heavy hand" as anti-government protesters gear up for fresh protests.

Hong Kong is facing its first recession in a decade as a result of the protests.

The Fraser Institute, an independent public policy research organisation, said Hong Kong was one of the most economically free jurisdictions in the world but "interference from China including the violent crackdown on pro-democracy protests - severely threatens Hong Kong's rule of law."

Hong Kong's government said the comments were "entirely ungrounded and not borne out by objective facts", with human rights and freedom fully protected, according to a statement released late on Thursday. 
&nbsp;

Embattled Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam has promised to prioritise housing and people’s livelihoods to appease deep-rooted discontent about the way the Asian financial hub has been governed, as protesters gear up for fresh demonstrations.

Embattled Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam has promised to prioritise housing and people’s livelihoods to appease deep-rooted discontent about the way the Asian financial hub has been governed, as protesters gear up for fresh demonstrations. Lam, who said she caused "unforgivable havoc" by igniting the political crisis and would quit if she had a choice, said in a Facebook post late on Thursday her government would increase the supply of housing with more policies to be announced. While the spark for the protests that have rocked Hong Kong was a now-withdrawn extradition bill and concern Beijing was eroding civil liberties, many young protesters are also angry at sky-high living costs and a lack of future job prospects. Hong Kong has some of the world's most expensive real estate and many young people say the city's housing policy is unfair, benefiting the rich, while forcing them to live with their parents or rent "shoe box" apartments at exorbitant prices. Lam's comments come as activists plan the latest in a series of protests in the former British colony, which is grappling with its biggest political crisis in decades. Watch: Is Hong Kong China's Berlin? × The demonstrations started more than three months ago in response to an extradition bill that would allow people to be sent to mainland China for trial in Communist Party-controlled courts, but have broadened into calls for greater democracy. On Friday, demonstrators are set to carry lanterns and form human chains on the scenic Victoria Peak, popular with mainland tour groups, and on Lion Rock, separating the New Territories from the Kowloon peninsula. Sit-ins at shopping malls and another "stress test" of the airport are also planned over the weekend. The international airport has in recent weeks seen the blocking of access roads, street fires and vandalism of a nearby subway station. Activists also plan to gather outside the British consulate on Sunday to demand that China honours the Sino-British Joint Declaration that was signed in 1984, laying out the former British colony's future after its handover to China in 1997. China says Hong Kong is now its internal affair. Britain says it has a legal responsibility to ensure China abides by its obligations under the Joint Declaration. Hong Kong returned to China under a "one country, two systems" formula that guarantees freedoms not enjoyed on the mainland, including an independent legal system. China denies meddling and has accused the United States, Britain and others of fomenting the unrest. Police have responded to violence with tear gas, pepper spray, rubber bullets, water cannon and baton charges, as well as firing several live shots in the air, prompting complaints of excessive force. On Thursday Hong Kong's government rejected a warning from a Canadian think tank that the city's position as one of the world's freest economies is threatened by China's "heavy hand" as anti-government protesters gear up for fresh protests. Hong Kong is facing its first recession in a decade as a result of the protests. The Fraser Institute, an independent public policy research organisation, said Hong Kong was one of the most economically free jurisdictions in the world but "interference from China including the violent crackdown on pro-democracy protests - severely threatens Hong Kong's rule of law." Hong Kong's government said the comments were "entirely ungrounded and not borne out by objective facts", with human rights and freedom fully protected, according to a statement released late on Thursday.

Hong Kong leader to prioritise housing, livelihoods to appease protesters

US trade negotiators want to make "meaningful progress" in upcoming talks with China, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Thursday, one day after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-goodwill-gesture-us-will-delay-5-boost-in-tariffs-on-chinese-imports-trump-249102">conciliatory gestures by both sides</a> boosted hopes of an eventual resolution.

Mnuchin said on CNBC he is "cautiously optimistic" about chances for a deal to resolve the conflict, while President Donald Trump hinted at a watering down of his position with the possibility of an interim deal.

Washington and Beijing will first hold talks at the deputy level to ensure senior officials who meet later can advance towards an agreement.

Also read--&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explainer-us-china-trade-war-the-levers-they-can-pull-224809">US-China trade war: The levers they can pull</a>

"We don't want a trip that's just a series of discussions. We want to make meaningful progress," Mnuchin said.

However, he again warned that Trump will only accept a good deal, and is willing to raise tariffs if necessary.

Trump told reporters he preferred to seal a complete deal, but that he might be willing to consider an interim agreement.

"I'd rather get the whole deal done," he said, but noted analysts have been discussing the possibility of an interim deal "meaning we'll do pieces of it, the easy ones first."

"There's no easy or hard, there's a deal or there's not a deal. It's something we would consider I guess," he said.

There have been positive signs this week in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explaining-the-us-china-trade-war-which-grabbed-spotlight-in-2018-185043">trade conflict</a>, now entering its second year, as Trump agreed to Beijing's request to delay one round of tariff increases on $250 billion worth of goods for two weeks, until October 15, after China agreed to spare some US products from its retaliation.

China added Thursday that it was "making enquiries" about buying American farm products including big-ticket items like pork and soybeans, not on its previous list of spared goods.

Watch: US-China trade friction hurting world economic chain: Chinese scholars

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"It is expected that China will be buying large amounts of our agricultural products!" Trump tweeted early Thursday.

American farmers have borne the brunt of the US-China trade spat, especially after US soy exports collapsed last year, virtually wiping out foreign markets farmers had spent years cultivating.

Trump has previously accused Beijing of backsliding on promises to increase purchases of US farm goods and has offered billions in aid to farms badly damaged in the trade war.

'Cautiously optimistic'

Senior US and Chinese officials are due to hold preliminary talks later this month, in preparation for meetings in early October led by Mnuchin and US Trade Representative Bob Lighthizer.

Mnuchin said "we clearly didn't make the progress we wanted to" at the last meeting in Shanghai in late July, but he added: "I'm cautiously optimistic. I take the Chinese in good faith that they want to come here with a deal now."

But he said Trump "is prepared to keep these tariffs in place. He's prepared to raise tariffs if we need to raise tariffs."

Trump's hardline trade advisor Peter Navarro said on CNN Thursday that the US is focused on addressing "seven acts of economic aggression" by China including "cyber-hacking of our computers to steal our business secrets, intellectual property theft" and "manipulation of the currency."

However, Mnuchin said Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement "is definitely not on the table," as "that is an issue for the secretary of state to deal with."

Millions of people have demonstrated over the last 14 weeks in the biggest challenge to China's rule of the financial hub since its handover from Britain in 1997.

Hong Kong's pro-Beijing Chief Executive Carrie Lam warned the United States on Tuesday not to "interfere" with her government's response.

'Eating the tariffs'

Reducing America's soaring trade deficit with China has long been a principal aim in Trump's trade battle with Beijing, but so far it has not led to a reduction in the trade imbalance. In 2018, the US goods trade deficit with China was $419.52 billion.

Trump has long viewed deficits as a defeat for the United States, arguing that they amount to stealing -- a position rejected by most economists.

Meanwhile, the US president maintains that the protracted trade war is damaging China more than the United States, and China is "eating the tariffs."&nbsp;

The US Treasury has taken in $66 billion in customs duties in the 11 months through August, 73 per cent more than in the same period of the prior fiscal year -- tariffs paid by American importers.

Experts have warned there are signs the US is also feeling the pinch, with job creation slowing across major industries last month, and manufacturing seeing a decided slowdown.

 
&nbsp;

US trade negotiators want to make "meaningful progress" in upcoming talks with China, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Thursday, one day after conciliatory gestures by both sides boosted hopes of an eventual resolution.

US trade negotiators want to make "meaningful progress" in upcoming talks with China, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Thursday, one day after conciliatory gestures by both sides boosted hopes of an eventual resolution. Mnuchin said on CNBC he is "cautiously optimistic" about chances for a deal to resolve the conflict, while President Donald Trump hinted at a watering down of his position with the possibility of an interim deal. Washington and Beijing will first hold talks at the deputy level to ensure senior officials who meet later can advance towards an agreement. Also read-- US-China trade war: The levers they can pull "We don't want a trip that's just a series of discussions. We want to make meaningful progress," Mnuchin said. However, he again warned that Trump will only accept a good deal, and is willing to raise tariffs if necessary. Trump told reporters he preferred to seal a complete deal, but that he might be willing to consider an interim agreement. "I'd rather get the whole deal done," he said, but noted analysts have been discussing the possibility of an interim deal "meaning we'll do pieces of it, the easy ones first." "There's no easy or hard, there's a deal or there's not a deal. It's something we would consider I guess," he said. There have been positive signs this week in the trade conflict, now entering its second year, as Trump agreed to Beijing's request to delay one round of tariff increases on $250 billion worth of goods for two weeks, until October 15, after China agreed to spare some US products from its retaliation. China added Thursday that it was "making enquiries" about buying American farm products including big-ticket items like pork and soybeans, not on its previous list of spared goods. Watch: US-China trade friction hurting world economic chain: Chinese scholars × "It is expected that China will be buying large amounts of our agricultural products!" Trump tweeted early Thursday. American farmers have borne the brunt of the US-China trade spat, especially after US soy exports collapsed last year, virtually wiping out foreign markets farmers had spent years cultivating. Trump has previously accused Beijing of backsliding on promises to increase purchases of US farm goods and has offered billions in aid to farms badly damaged in the trade war. 'Cautiously optimistic' Senior US and Chinese officials are due to hold preliminary talks later this month, in preparation for meetings in early October led by Mnuchin and US Trade Representative Bob Lighthizer. Mnuchin said "we clearly didn't make the progress we wanted to" at the last meeting in Shanghai in late July, but he added: "I'm cautiously optimistic. I take the Chinese in good faith that they want to come here with a deal now." But he said Trump "is prepared to keep these tariffs in place. He's prepared to raise tariffs if we need to raise tariffs." Trump's hardline trade advisor Peter Navarro said on CNN Thursday that the US is focused on addressing "seven acts of economic aggression" by China including "cyber-hacking of our computers to steal our business secrets, intellectual property theft" and "manipulation of the currency." However, Mnuchin said Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement "is definitely not on the table," as "that is an issue for the secretary of state to deal with." Millions of people have demonstrated over the last 14 weeks in the biggest challenge to China's rule of the financial hub since its handover from Britain in 1997. Hong Kong's pro-Beijing Chief Executive Carrie Lam warned the United States on Tuesday not to "interfere" with her government's response. 'Eating the tariffs' Reducing America's soaring trade deficit with China has long been a principal aim in Trump's trade battle with Beijing, but so far it has not led to a reduction in the trade imbalance. In 2018, the US goods trade deficit with China was $419.52 billion. Trump has long viewed deficits as a defeat for the United States, arguing that they amount to stealing -- a position rejected by most economists. Meanwhile, the US president maintains that the protracted trade war is damaging China more than the United States, and China is "eating the tariffs." The US Treasury has taken in $66 billion in customs duties in the 11 months through August, 73 per cent more than in the same period of the prior fiscal year -- tariffs paid by American importers. Experts have warned there are signs the US is also feeling the pinch, with job creation slowing across major industries last month, and manufacturing seeing a decided slowdown.

US wants to make 'meaningful progress' in China trade talks: Treasury Secretary

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