Britain's&nbsp;Prince&nbsp;Andrew&nbsp;has said he was "appalled" by allegations of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jeffrey-epsteins-autopsy-report-finds-broken-bones-in-his-neck-washington-post-243104">sexual&nbsp;abuse surrounding Jeffrey&nbsp;Epstein</a>&nbsp;after a video was released purporting to show him at the home of the convicted paedophile in 2010.

"The&nbsp;Duke of York&nbsp;has been&nbsp;appalled&nbsp;by the recent reports of Jeffrey&nbsp;Epstein's alleged crimes," Buckingham Palace said in a statement on Monday.

"His Royal Highness deplores the exploitation of any human being and the suggestion he would condone, participate in or encourage any such behaviour is abhorrent," the statement said.

The grainy video published by the Mail on Sunday&nbsp;claims&nbsp;to show the&nbsp;prince&nbsp;waving goodbye to a woman as she leaves&nbsp;Epstein's New York mansion in 2010.

Epstein&nbsp;had pleaded guilty in 2008 to procuring for prostitution a girl under the age of 18 and served 13 months in prison before being released on probation.

The video was the latest in a string of revelations about&nbsp;Prince&nbsp;Andrew's friendship with&nbsp;Epstein&nbsp;in British tabloids.

The Mail on Monday said the&nbsp;prince&nbsp;had hosted&nbsp;Epstein&nbsp;at Balmoral, Queen Elizabeth II's home in Scotland, in 1999 at a time when the monarch may have been in residence.

He also reportedly hosted&nbsp;Epstein&nbsp;at Sandringham, another royal residence in eastern England, a year later.

Britain's Prince Andrew has said he was "appalled" by allegations of sexual abuse surrounding Jeffrey Epstein after a video was released purporting to show him at the home of the convicted paedophile in 2010.

Britain's Prince Andrew has said he was "appalled" by allegations of sexual abuse surrounding Jeffrey Epstein after a video was released purporting to show him at the home of the convicted paedophile in 2010. "The Duke of York has been appalled by the recent reports of Jeffrey Epstein's alleged crimes," Buckingham Palace said in a statement on Monday. "His Royal Highness deplores the exploitation of any human being and the suggestion he would condone, participate in or encourage any such behaviour is abhorrent," the statement said. The grainy video published by the Mail on Sunday claims to show the prince waving goodbye to a woman as she leaves Epstein's New York mansion in 2010. Epstein had pleaded guilty in 2008 to procuring for prostitution a girl under the age of 18 and served 13 months in prison before being released on probation. The video was the latest in a string of revelations about Prince Andrew's friendship with Epstein in British tabloids. The Mail on Monday said the prince had hosted Epstein at Balmoral, Queen Elizabeth II's home in Scotland, in 1999 at a time when the monarch may have been in residence. He also reportedly hosted Epstein at Sandringham, another royal residence in eastern England, a year later.

Britain's Prince Andrew 'appalled' by Epstein abuse claims

Congress should move quickly with an $8&nbsp;billion&nbsp;sale&nbsp;of F-16&nbsp;fighter jets to&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;as the self-ruled island faces pressure from China's increased military presence in the region, leading US&nbsp;Democratic&nbsp;and&nbsp;Republican&nbsp;lawmakers&nbsp;said on Friday.

China denounced the planned&nbsp;sale, one of the biggest yet by the United States to&nbsp;Taiwan, which Beijing considers a renegade province. It warned of unspecified "countermeasures."

Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Jim Risch, a&nbsp;Republican, welcomed the proposed&nbsp;sale&nbsp;of the Lockheed Martin Corp F-16V jets.&nbsp;

"These fighters are critical to improving&nbsp;Taiwan's ability to defend its sovereign airspace, which is under increasing pressure from the People’s Republic of China," he said in a statement.

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The chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Jim Inhofe, and fellow&nbsp;Republican&nbsp;Senator John Cornyn said&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;"remains an important pillar of security and stability" in the region.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;sale&nbsp;of the jets would "deter aggression given Beijing's increasing assertiveness and military buildup," they said in a joint statement.

Similarly, the&nbsp;Democratic&nbsp;chairman of the House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee, Eliot Engel, and the panel's ranking&nbsp;Republican, Michael McCaul, said in a joint statement that the deal "sends a strong message" about US commitment to security and democracy in the region.

Senators Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz, both&nbsp;Republicans, also issued statements&nbsp;backing the deal.

Washington has no formal ties with self-ruled and&nbsp;democratic&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;but is bound by law to help provide it with the means to defend itself.

It is the main arms supplier to&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;and there is broad support for this in Congress.

China has never renounced the use of force to bring&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;under its control and has repeatedly denounced US arms&nbsp;sales to the island.

Friday's New York Times quoted unnamed US officials as saying that the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/to-survive-trade-war-some-us-importers-embark-on-major-revamps-of-product-lines-238323"> Trump administration, which is engaged in a major trade war with China</a>, was moving forward with the&nbsp;sale and said the State Department gave informal notification of the plan to the House and Senate foreign affairs committees on Thursday.

The paper said once those committees gave the go-ahead, which would probably come within days or weeks, there would follow a formal notification to Congress, which would trigger 30 days for objections.

The State Department and the White House declined to comment. China's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said Beijing had made solemn representations to the United States over the planned&nbsp;sale.

China's state-run Xinhua news agency quoted Hua as saying that it was a serious violation of the "one-China principle," under which Washington recognise Beijing and not Taipei, and undermined China's sovereignty and security interests.

Hua urged the US to stop arms&nbsp;sales to and military contact with&nbsp;Taiwan, otherwise, the Chinese side would "certainly take countermeasures," Xinhua said.

After the United States approved&nbsp;sales of tanks and Raytheon Co's &nbsp;anti-aircraft Stinger missiles to&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;in July, China said it was "ready to go to war" if people "try to split Taiwan&nbsp;from the country."

Beijing said it would impose sanctions on US companies involved in any deals.

On Thursday,&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;unveiled its largest defence spending increase in more than a decade, to T$411.3&nbsp;billion&nbsp;($13.11&nbsp;billion.)

Congress should move quickly with an $8 billion sale of F-16 fighter jets to Taiwan as the self-ruled island faces pressure from China's increased military presence in the region, leading US Democratic and Republican lawmakers said on Friday.

Congress should move quickly with an $8 billion sale of F-16 fighter jets to Taiwan as the self-ruled island faces pressure from China's increased military presence in the region, leading US Democratic and Republican lawmakers said on Friday. China denounced the planned sale, one of the biggest yet by the United States to Taiwan, which Beijing considers a renegade province. It warned of unspecified "countermeasures." Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Jim Risch, a Republican, welcomed the proposed sale of the Lockheed Martin Corp F-16V jets. "These fighters are critical to improving Taiwan's ability to defend its sovereign airspace, which is under increasing pressure from the People’s Republic of China," he said in a statement. The chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Jim Inhofe, and fellow Republican Senator John Cornyn said Taiwan "remains an important pillar of security and stability" in the region. The sale of the jets would "deter aggression given Beijing's increasing assertiveness and military buildup," they said in a joint statement. Similarly, the Democratic chairman of the House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee, Eliot Engel, and the panel's ranking Republican, Michael McCaul, said in a joint statement that the deal "sends a strong message" about US commitment to security and democracy in the region. Senators Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz, both Republicans, also issued statements backing the deal. Washington has no formal ties with self-ruled and democratic Taiwan but is bound by law to help provide it with the means to defend itself. It is the main arms supplier to Taiwan and there is broad support for this in Congress. China has never renounced the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control and has repeatedly denounced US arms sales to the island. Friday's New York Times quoted unnamed US officials as saying that the Trump administration, which is engaged in a major trade war with China, was moving forward with the sale and said the State Department gave informal notification of the plan to the House and Senate foreign affairs committees on Thursday. The paper said once those committees gave the go-ahead, which would probably come within days or weeks, there would follow a formal notification to Congress, which would trigger 30 days for objections. The State Department and the White House declined to comment. China's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said Beijing had made solemn representations to the United States over the planned sale. China's state-run Xinhua news agency quoted Hua as saying that it was a serious violation of the "one-China principle," under which Washington recognise Beijing and not Taipei, and undermined China's sovereignty and security interests. Hua urged the US to stop arms sales to and military contact with Taiwan, otherwise, the Chinese side would "certainly take countermeasures," Xinhua said. After the United States approved sales of tanks and Raytheon Co's anti-aircraft Stinger missiles to Taiwan in July, China said it was "ready to go to war" if people "try to split Taiwan from the country." Beijing said it would impose sanctions on US companies involved in any deals. On Thursday, Taiwan unveiled its largest defence spending increase in more than a decade, to T$411.3 billion ($13.11 billion.)

Democratic, Republican lawmakers back F-16 sales to Taiwan

After US President Trump warned that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tiananmen-square-style-crackdown-in-hong-kong-would-harm-trade-deal-with-china-donald-trump-243953">China's crackdown on pro-democracy</a> protesters may harm trade talks between the two countries, China's foreign affairs spokesman said Hong Kong doesn't need "suggestions".

"We have noted this. President Trump has previously said that Hong Kong is part of China and they must solve their problem by themselves. They don't need any suggestions," foreign affairs spokesman Geng Shuang said.

"We hope the US side can live up their word," Shuang added.

Hong Kong has been engulfed by protests for the past eleven weeks with citizens demanding China should drop the extradition bill&nbsp;altogether&nbsp;after it was taken off the table in the country's legislature, the pro-democracy protesters have also turned the heat on their leader Carrie Lam demanding her resignation with several protests triggering violent reactions.

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On Sunday, in a silent protest which was largely "tear-gas free" nearly 1.7 million citizens turned up at the city's Victoria Park after three days of protests once again kept authorities on alert.

As the protests gathered momentum, President Trump waded into the debate, declaring: "I think it'd be very hard to deal if they do violence, I mean, if it's another Tiananmen Square," adding," I think it's a very hard thing to do if there's violence." Trump signalled that trade negotiations could be hampered if China dwelt with protesters with a heavy hand.

China had infamously deployed tanks during the Tiananmen Square crackdown in 1989 which led to escalation of violence leading the deaths of several hundred protesters as the Chinese Communist Party sought to quell the student-led protests.

"If such a situation was repeated in Hong Kong, I think there'd be... tremendous political sentiment not to do something," Trump said, referring to the trade negotiations with China. &nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

After US President Trump warned that China's crackdown on pro-democracy protesters may harm trade talks between the two countries, China's foreign affairs spokesman said Hong Kong doesn't need "suggestions".

After US President Trump warned that China's crackdown on pro-democracy protesters may harm trade talks between the two countries, China's foreign affairs spokesman said Hong Kong doesn't need "suggestions". "We have noted this. President Trump has previously said that Hong Kong is part of China and they must solve their problem by themselves. They don't need any suggestions," foreign affairs spokesman Geng Shuang said. "We hope the US side can live up their word," Shuang added. Hong Kong has been engulfed by protests for the past eleven weeks with citizens demanding China should drop the extradition bill altogether after it was taken off the table in the country's legislature, the pro-democracy protesters have also turned the heat on their leader Carrie Lam demanding her resignation with several protests triggering violent reactions. Watch Video: On Sunday, in a silent protest which was largely "tear-gas free" nearly 1.7 million citizens turned up at the city's Victoria Park after three days of protests once again kept authorities on alert. As the protests gathered momentum, President Trump waded into the debate, declaring: "I think it'd be very hard to deal if they do violence, I mean, if it's another Tiananmen Square," adding," I think it's a very hard thing to do if there's violence." Trump signalled that trade negotiations could be hampered if China dwelt with protesters with a heavy hand. China had infamously deployed tanks during the Tiananmen Square crackdown in 1989 which led to escalation of violence leading the deaths of several hundred protesters as the Chinese Communist Party sought to quell the student-led protests. "If such a situation was repeated in Hong Kong, I think there'd be... tremendous political sentiment not to do something," Trump said, referring to the trade negotiations with China.

Hong Kong doesn't need 'suggestions', says China after Trump's Tiananmen comment

The United States called Wednesday for journalist Austin Tice, who disappeared in Syria in 2012, to be freed, reiterating the belief that he remains alive and is being held against his will.

Seven years to the day after Tice was forcibly detained near Damascus, State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said US officials were working actively to bring him home.

"We believe he is alive and remain deeply concerned about his wellbeing," Ortagus said.

"We strongly urge Austin's captors to release him and to end this painful ordeal," she said.

"We call on anyone who may have information about Austin's whereabouts -- governments and individuals -- to work cooperatively with us to secure his safe release and to bring him home".

Tice was a freelance photojournalist working for AFP, McClatchy News, The Washington Post, CBS, and other news organizations when he was detained at a checkpoint near Damascus on August 14, 2012.

Thirty-one years old at the time he was captured, the former marine appeared blindfolded in the custody of an unidentified group of armed men in a video a month later.

Since then, there has been no official information on whether he is alive or dead.

In 2018, US authorities announced a $1 million reward for information that would lead to his recovery.

In December, his parents, Debra and Marc Tice, praised the efforts of President Donald Trump's administration in obtaining the release of several other Americans kidnapped or detained abroad. 
&nbsp;

The United States called Wednesday for journalist Austin Tice, who disappeared in Syria in 2012, to be freed, reiterating the belief that he remains alive and is being held against his will.

The United States called Wednesday for journalist Austin Tice, who disappeared in Syria in 2012, to be freed, reiterating the belief that he remains alive and is being held against his will. Seven years to the day after Tice was forcibly detained near Damascus, State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said US officials were working actively to bring him home. "We believe he is alive and remain deeply concerned about his wellbeing," Ortagus said. "We strongly urge Austin's captors to release him and to end this painful ordeal," she said. "We call on anyone who may have information about Austin's whereabouts -- governments and individuals -- to work cooperatively with us to secure his safe release and to bring him home". Tice was a freelance photojournalist working for AFP, McClatchy News, The Washington Post, CBS, and other news organizations when he was detained at a checkpoint near Damascus on August 14, 2012. Thirty-one years old at the time he was captured, the former marine appeared blindfolded in the custody of an unidentified group of armed men in a video a month later. Since then, there has been no official information on whether he is alive or dead. In 2018, US authorities announced a $1 million reward for information that would lead to his recovery. In December, his parents, Debra and Marc Tice, praised the efforts of President Donald Trump's administration in obtaining the release of several other Americans kidnapped or detained abroad.

US urges release of reporter Tice, missing in Syria since 2012

The United States said Wednesday that it was concerned about movements of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-intelligence-has-informed-china-moving-troops-to-hong-kong-border-trump-242841">Chinese forces on the border</a> with Hong Kong and urged Beijing to honour the territory's autonomy as pro-democracy protests continued.

A day after President Donald Trump appeared to take a hands-off position on the protests, a State Department spokesperson voiced concerns about the "continued erosion" of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/from-silence-to-terrorism-beijings-evolving-rhetoric-on-hong-kong-242926">Hong Kong's autonomy</a> and expressed "staunch" support for freedom of expression and peaceful assembly in the territory.

"The United States is deeply concerned by reports of Chinese paramilitary movement along the Hong Kong border," the spokesperson, who would not be named, told AFP in a statement.

"The United States strongly urges Beijing to adhere to its commitments in the Sino-British Joint Declaration to allow Hong Kong to exercise a high degree of autonomy."

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The spokesperson said the protests, which forced the partial closure of Hong Kong's international airport on Tuesday, reflect "broad and legitimate concerns" among Hong Kong's citizenry over the loss of autonomy, which was agreed in the deal between London and Beijing over returning the former British colony to China in 1997.

"We condemn violence and urge all sides to exercise restraint, but remain staunch in our support for freedom of expression and freedom of peaceful assembly in Hong Kong," the US official said.

"We categorically reject the false charge of foreign forces as the black hand behind the protests," the official added.

Trump, who is locked in a tense showdown with Beijing over trade relations, said Tuesday that US intelligence had reported that the Chinese government "is moving troops" to the Hong Kong border.

He called the situation "very tricky," adding: &nbsp;"I hope it works out for everybody including China. I hope it works out peacefully, nobody gets hurt, nobody gets killed."

The United States said Wednesday that it was concerned about movements of Chinese forces on the border with Hong Kong and urged Beijing to honour the territory's autonomy as pro-democracy protests continued.

The United States said Wednesday that it was concerned about movements of Chinese forces on the border with Hong Kong and urged Beijing to honour the territory's autonomy as pro-democracy protests continued. A day after President Donald Trump appeared to take a hands-off position on the protests, a State Department spokesperson voiced concerns about the "continued erosion" of Hong Kong's autonomy and expressed "staunch" support for freedom of expression and peaceful assembly in the territory. "The United States is deeply concerned by reports of Chinese paramilitary movement along the Hong Kong border," the spokesperson, who would not be named, told AFP in a statement. "The United States strongly urges Beijing to adhere to its commitments in the Sino-British Joint Declaration to allow Hong Kong to exercise a high degree of autonomy." Watch Video: The spokesperson said the protests, which forced the partial closure of Hong Kong's international airport on Tuesday, reflect "broad and legitimate concerns" among Hong Kong's citizenry over the loss of autonomy, which was agreed in the deal between London and Beijing over returning the former British colony to China in 1997. "We condemn violence and urge all sides to exercise restraint, but remain staunch in our support for freedom of expression and freedom of peaceful assembly in Hong Kong," the US official said. "We categorically reject the false charge of foreign forces as the black hand behind the protests," the official added. Trump, who is locked in a tense showdown with Beijing over trade relations, said Tuesday that US intelligence had reported that the Chinese government "is moving troops" to the Hong Kong border. He called the situation "very tricky," adding: "I hope it works out for everybody including China. I hope it works out peacefully, nobody gets hurt, nobody gets killed."

We urge China to adhere to Sino-British Joint Declaration on Hong Kong: US State Department

On the eve of India's Independence Day, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/repeal-of-art-370-not-communal-was-need-of-the-hour-vice-president-naidu-242922">President Kovind addressed</a> the nation today asserting that recent changes in Jammu &amp; Kashmir including Ladakh would be of immense benefit to the region.

"The changes will enable the people to access and enjoy the same rights, same privileges and same facilities as their fellow citizens in the rest of the country," President Kovind said.

The Parliament had earlier this month adopted a resolution to repeal Article 370, which provided special powers to Jammu and Kashmir. It also passed a bill to reorganise Jammu and Kashmir into two union territories - Jammu and Kashmir (with legislature) and Ladakh without a legislature.

The reorganization bill was signed by the President after it was passed by the two Houses of Parliament and it was notified by the government on August 9.

"We are at a special juncture," the president said adding that the government was enabling all basic provisions including progressive, egalitarian laws and provisions related to RTE, accessing public information through RTI, reservations in education and employment and other facilities for deprived communities.

It also includes justice for our daughters by abolishing unequal practices such as instant Triple Talaq, the President added.

"This year also marks the 550th birth anniversary of one of the greatest, wisest and most influential Indians of all time Guru Nanak Devji. He was the founder of Sikhism but the reverence &amp; respect he commands go far beyond just our Sikh brothers and sisters."

"We complete 72 years as a free nation at a very special juncture. In a few weeks from now, on October 2, we will celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of the father of our nation Mahatma Gandhi, the guiding light of our successful effort to liberate our nation," President Kovind said while addressing the nation.

"India's tradition has been live and let live," he said, adding," small towns are being connected by air."

"When we design and deliver welfare programmes for our disadvantaged fellow citizens and families when we seek to harness the power of the Sun as renewable energy, we put Gandhian philosophy into action," he said.

The President thanked the people for taking part in the 17th general election and congratulated the voters for turning up at polling stations enthusiastically in large numbers.

President Kovind also recalled the sacrifices of freedom fighters and revolutionaries who made sacrifices for the country's freedom from colonial rule.

On the eve of India's Independence Day, President Kovind addressed the nation today asserting that recent changes in Jammu & Kashmir including Ladakh would be of immense benefit to the region.

On the eve of India's Independence Day, President Kovind addressed the nation today asserting that recent changes in Jammu & Kashmir including Ladakh would be of immense benefit to the region. "The changes will enable the people to access and enjoy the same rights, same privileges and same facilities as their fellow citizens in the rest of the country," President Kovind said. The Parliament had earlier this month adopted a resolution to repeal Article 370, which provided special powers to Jammu and Kashmir. It also passed a bill to reorganise Jammu and Kashmir into two union territories - Jammu and Kashmir (with legislature) and Ladakh without a legislature. The reorganization bill was signed by the President after it was passed by the two Houses of Parliament and it was notified by the government on August 9. "We are at a special juncture," the president said adding that the government was enabling all basic provisions including progressive, egalitarian laws and provisions related to RTE, accessing public information through RTI, reservations in education and employment and other facilities for deprived communities. It also includes justice for our daughters by abolishing unequal practices such as instant Triple Talaq, the President added. "This year also marks the 550th birth anniversary of one of the greatest, wisest and most influential Indians of all time Guru Nanak Devji. He was the founder of Sikhism but the reverence & respect he commands go far beyond just our Sikh brothers and sisters." "We complete 72 years as a free nation at a very special juncture. In a few weeks from now, on October 2, we will celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of the father of our nation Mahatma Gandhi, the guiding light of our successful effort to liberate our nation," President Kovind said while addressing the nation. "India's tradition has been live and let live," he said, adding," small towns are being connected by air." "When we design and deliver welfare programmes for our disadvantaged fellow citizens and families when we seek to harness the power of the Sun as renewable energy, we put Gandhian philosophy into action," he said. The President thanked the people for taking part in the 17th general election and congratulated the voters for turning up at polling stations enthusiastically in large numbers. President Kovind also recalled the sacrifices of freedom fighters and revolutionaries who made sacrifices for the country's freedom from colonial rule.

Changes in J&K will enable people to enjoy similar rights as others in India: President Kovind

Cathay Pacific on Wednesday said two pilots had been sacked, as the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-state-media-urge-action-voice-support-for-hong-kong-police-after-overnight-clashes-242898">Hong Kong carrier comes</a> under huge pressure from Beijing to clamp down on staff supportive of anti-government rallies.

"Cathay Pacific confirms that two pilots have been terminated in accordance with the terms and conditions of their employment contracts," the airline said in a statement.

"One is currently involved in legal proceedings. The other misused company information on Flight CX216/12 August."

Cathay Pacific has flown into a storm of controversy generated by the Hong Kong protests that has left it trying to appease an angry Beijing while not alienating its home market.

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Over the past week the airline has emerged as a target on the mainland after some of its 27,000-strong workforce took part in, or voiced support for, the protests.

China's aviation regulator demanded that the airline prevent such staff from working on flights to the mainland or those routed through Chinese airspace.

It also ordered the carrier to hand over identity information for employees on mainland-bound flights -- declaring unapproved flights would not be allowed in.

Executives scrambled to reassure authorities that the company has no truck with the demonstrators, vowing to sack any employee who takes part in an "illegal protest".&nbsp;

Swire Pacific -- a Hong Kong-based conglomerate and Cathay's largest shareholder -- released a statement saying it "strongly supports" the Hong Kong government and "(shares) the vision of the Chinese Central government".

"We resolutely support the Hong Kong SAR Government, the Chief Executive and the Police in their efforts to restore law and order," the company said, adding that it would comply with any regulations Beijing placed on it.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Cathay Pacific on Wednesday said two pilots had been sacked, as the Hong Kong carrier comes under huge pressure from Beijing to clamp down on staff supportive of anti-government rallies.

Cathay Pacific on Wednesday said two pilots had been sacked, as the Hong Kong carrier comes under huge pressure from Beijing to clamp down on staff supportive of anti-government rallies. "Cathay Pacific confirms that two pilots have been terminated in accordance with the terms and conditions of their employment contracts," the airline said in a statement. "One is currently involved in legal proceedings. The other misused company information on Flight CX216/12 August." Cathay Pacific has flown into a storm of controversy generated by the Hong Kong protests that has left it trying to appease an angry Beijing while not alienating its home market. Watch: Over the past week the airline has emerged as a target on the mainland after some of its 27,000-strong workforce took part in, or voiced support for, the protests. China's aviation regulator demanded that the airline prevent such staff from working on flights to the mainland or those routed through Chinese airspace. It also ordered the carrier to hand over identity information for employees on mainland-bound flights -- declaring unapproved flights would not be allowed in. Executives scrambled to reassure authorities that the company has no truck with the demonstrators, vowing to sack any employee who takes part in an "illegal protest". Swire Pacific -- a Hong Kong-based conglomerate and Cathay's largest shareholder -- released a statement saying it "strongly supports" the Hong Kong government and "(shares) the vision of the Chinese Central government". "We resolutely support the Hong Kong SAR Government, the Chief Executive and the Police in their efforts to restore law and order," the company said, adding that it would comply with any regulations Beijing placed on it.

Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific sacks two pilots amid protests

Prime Minister Imran Khan in a speech to PoK Assembly on the occasion of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-warmongering-over-scrapping-of-article-370-president-alvi-calls-for-jihad-against-india-242906">Pakistan's Independence Day</a> said India internationalised the Kashmir issue.

"People regard India as a tolerant country but ongoings in India contrary to belief," the Pakistan prime minister said, adding,"there is no rule of law in India."

"Spoke to President Trump and others, we will retaliate," he said.

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Pakistan prime minister equated the RSS ideology with Hitler's Nazi party during his speech.

Tensions between India and Pakistan spiked after the government decided to scrap Article 370 which gave special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan downgraded relations with India and cut off trade ties. Subsequently, it also sent back India's High Commissioner to Pakistan back home.

"It will cost India," the Pakistan prime minister said during his speech.

Prime Minister Imran Khan in a speech to PoK Assembly on the occasion of Pakistan's Independence Day said India internationalised the Kashmir issue. "People regard India as a tolerant country but ongoings in India contrary to belief," the Pakistan prime minister said, adding,"there is no rule of law in India.

Prime Minister Imran Khan in a speech to PoK Assembly on the occasion of Pakistan's Independence Day said India internationalised the Kashmir issue. "People regard India as a tolerant country but ongoings in India contrary to belief," the Pakistan prime minister said, adding,"there is no rule of law in India." "Spoke to President Trump and others, we will retaliate," he said. Watch Video: Pakistan prime minister equated the RSS ideology with Hitler's Nazi party during his speech. Tensions between India and Pakistan spiked after the government decided to scrap Article 370 which gave special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan downgraded relations with India and cut off trade ties. Subsequently, it also sent back India's High Commissioner to Pakistan back home. "It will cost India," the Pakistan prime minister said during his speech.

India internationalised the Kashmir issue, says Imran Khan in PoK Assembly

President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-hope-it-works-out-peacefully-nobody-gets-hurt-nobody-gets-killed-trump-on-hong-kong-protests-242836">Donald Trump in a tweet</a> said that US intelligence had informed him that the Chinese government was moving troops to the border with Hong Kong.

"Many are blaming me, and the United States, for the problems going on in Hong Kong. I can’t imagine why?, the US president said in a tweet, adding,"Everyone should be calm and safe!"

Earlier, Trump had said that that it was a "very tricky situation" <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/clashes-erupt-between-riot-police-protesters-outside-hong-kong-airport-242832">in Hong Kong</a> and hoped that it ends peacefully.

"I hope it works out peacefully, nobody gets hurt, nobody gets killed," the president told reporters in New Jersey.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Our Intelligence has informed us that the Chinese Government is moving troops to the Border with Hong Kong. Everyone should be calm and safe!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1161325870516264961?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-dispatch-erin-hale-correspondent-on-protest-in-hong-kong-airport-242805/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Trump's comments come even as violent clashes erupted outside Hong Kong airport on Tuesday evening as riot police tried to disperse protesters as authorities suspended check-ins at the international airport.

Reports said police used pepper spray in scuffles with protesters at Hong Kong airport. At least two protesters were detained, reports said.

Several police vehicles were blocked by protesters, and riot police moved in, pushing some protesters back and using pepper spray at times.

The airport authority said in a statement that a public assembly had blocked passageways to the airport's restricted area, blocking passengers from proceeding to immigration.

In the second day of unrest at the airport, thousands of black-clad protesters jammed the terminal, chanting, singing and waving banners.

Scuffles broke out after an injured person was taken out of the main terminal by medics after he was held by a group of protesters. Some activists claimed he was an undercover mainland Chinese police officer.

Protesters also barricaded some passageways in the airport with luggage trolleys, metal barriers and other objects. At least two protesters were taken away by police.

The situation calmed down after a few hours without the violence worsening.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

President Donald Trump in a tweet said that US intelligence had informed him that the Chinese government was moving troops to the border with Hong Kong. "Many are blaming me, and the United States, for the problems going on in Hong Kong.

President Donald Trump in a tweet said that US intelligence had informed him that the Chinese government was moving troops to the border with Hong Kong. "Many are blaming me, and the United States, for the problems going on in Hong Kong. I can’t imagine why?, the US president said in a tweet, adding,"Everyone should be calm and safe!" Earlier, Trump had said that that it was a "very tricky situation" in Hong Kong and hoped that it ends peacefully. "I hope it works out peacefully, nobody gets hurt, nobody gets killed," the president told reporters in New Jersey. Our Intelligence has informed us that the Chinese Government is moving troops to the Border with Hong Kong. Everyone should be calm and safe! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 13, 2019 × Watch Video: Trump's comments come even as violent clashes erupted outside Hong Kong airport on Tuesday evening as riot police tried to disperse protesters as authorities suspended check-ins at the international airport. Reports said police used pepper spray in scuffles with protesters at Hong Kong airport. At least two protesters were detained, reports said. Several police vehicles were blocked by protesters, and riot police moved in, pushing some protesters back and using pepper spray at times. The airport authority said in a statement that a public assembly had blocked passageways to the airport's restricted area, blocking passengers from proceeding to immigration. In the second day of unrest at the airport, thousands of black-clad protesters jammed the terminal, chanting, singing and waving banners. Scuffles broke out after an injured person was taken out of the main terminal by medics after he was held by a group of protesters. Some activists claimed he was an undercover mainland Chinese police officer. Protesters also barricaded some passageways in the airport with luggage trolleys, metal barriers and other objects. At least two protesters were taken away by police. The situation calmed down after a few hours without the violence worsening.

US intelligence has informed China moving troops to Hong Kong border: Trump

Radiation levels were up to 16 times the norm in a nearby town after an explosion at a Russian missile testing site, the national weather service said Tuesday.

The explosion at the Arctic facility on Thursday killed five scientists with&nbsp;Russia's nuclear agency, which later confirmed they were involved in testing<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russians-killed-in-missile-test-blast-were-working-on-new-weapons-242543"> new weapons</a>.

More victims were hospitalised.

Rosgidromet, the weather monitoring service, said its sensors in Severodvinsk, a town about 30 kilometres (20 miles) from the Nyonoksa test site, registered gamma radiation exceeding background levels by "four to 16 times".

Rosgidromet said the levels were higher at six out of eight of its stations in Severodvinsk and that levels returned to normal after 2.5 hours.

One of the sensors registered a level of 1.78 microsieverts per hour, well above the local average but far below dangerous levels.&nbsp;

Russia's Rosatom nuclear agency has said its staff were providing support for the "isotope power source" of a missile and were thrown into the sea from the testing platform by the force of the explosion.

US experts have linked the incident to the 9M730 Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise&nbsp;missile touted by President Vladimir Putin earlier this year.

Local authorities in Severodvinsk last week initially published information about the spike in radiation, but later deleted it and a local official said that radiation levels were not above the norm.

US President Donald Trump on Monday said the United States <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-has-advanced-weapons-than-the-failed-russian-skyfall-missile-donald-trump-242558">"learning much"</a> from the explosion and claimed that Washington has "similar, though more advanced, technology."

Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Tuesday did not confirm that the accident was linked to the Burevestnik project.

Peskov added however that Russian research and development in the sphere of nuclear-powered missiles "significantly surpass the level reached by other countries and are rather unique''.

Radiation levels were up to 16 times the norm in a nearby town after an explosion at a Russian missile testing site, the national weather service said Tuesday. The explosion at the Arctic facility on Thursday killed five scientists with Russia's nuclear agency, which later confirmed they were involved in testing new weapons.

Radiation levels were up to 16 times the norm in a nearby town after an explosion at a Russian missile testing site, the national weather service said Tuesday. The explosion at the Arctic facility on Thursday killed five scientists with Russia's nuclear agency, which later confirmed they were involved in testing new weapons. More victims were hospitalised. Rosgidromet, the weather monitoring service, said its sensors in Severodvinsk, a town about 30 kilometres (20 miles) from the Nyonoksa test site, registered gamma radiation exceeding background levels by "four to 16 times". Rosgidromet said the levels were higher at six out of eight of its stations in Severodvinsk and that levels returned to normal after 2.5 hours. One of the sensors registered a level of 1.78 microsieverts per hour, well above the local average but far below dangerous levels. Russia's Rosatom nuclear agency has said its staff were providing support for the "isotope power source" of a missile and were thrown into the sea from the testing platform by the force of the explosion. US experts have linked the incident to the 9M730 Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile touted by President Vladimir Putin earlier this year. Local authorities in Severodvinsk last week initially published information about the spike in radiation, but later deleted it and a local official said that radiation levels were not above the norm. US President Donald Trump on Monday said the United States "learning much" from the explosion and claimed that Washington has "similar, though more advanced, technology." Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Tuesday did not confirm that the accident was linked to the Burevestnik project. Peskov added however that Russian research and development in the sphere of nuclear-powered missiles "significantly surpass the level reached by other countries and are rather unique''.

Radiation up to '16 times' the norm near blast site: Russian weather service

Wall Street stocks bounced early Tuesday after the US government announced it was<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-delay-china-tariff-increase-trump-199444"> delaying tariffs</a> on key consumer electronic goods imported from China.

Major indices rallied more than one per cent after Washington pushed back the imposition of the 10 per cent tariffs until December 15 for products that included cell phones, laptops and video game systems.

About 25 minutes into trading, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 1.6 per cent at 26,305.14.&nbsp;

The broad-based S&amp;P 500 also climbed 1.6 per cent to 2,928.68, while the tech-rich Nasdaq Composite Index jumped 2.1 per cent to 8,030.81.

Stocks have been pressured since US President Donald Trump earlier this month announced plans to impose tariffs on $300 billion in Chinese imports on September 1.

Beijing retaliated by halting purchases of US agricultural goods, spawning talk the economic powers may not resolve the longstanding conflict until after the 2020 US presidential election.&nbsp;

US stocks lost more than one per cent on Monday amid worries over slowing global growth, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/us-china-trade-war-in-10-dates-241155">US-China trade war </a>and turbulence in a number of international hot spots, including Hong Kong.

On Tuesday, protests at the Hong Kong airport forced the cancellation or suspension of hundreds of flights at the busy hub for a second day, while state-run media broadcast videos of security forces gathering across the border.

US economic data showed a jump in inflation in July, while a German investor confidence index sunk to its lowest level in almost eight years in August, bolstering expectations the European Central Bank will soon enact measures to provide more stimulus.

Wall Street stocks bounced early Tuesday after the US government announced it was delaying tariffs on key consumer electronic goods imported from China. Major indices rallied more than one per cent after Washington pushed back the imposition of the 10 per cent tariffs until December 15 for products that included cell phones, laptops and video game systems.

Wall Street stocks bounced early Tuesday after the US government announced it was delaying tariffs on key consumer electronic goods imported from China. Major indices rallied more than one per cent after Washington pushed back the imposition of the 10 per cent tariffs until December 15 for products that included cell phones, laptops and video game systems. About 25 minutes into trading, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 1.6 per cent at 26,305.14. The broad-based S&P 500 also climbed 1.6 per cent to 2,928.68, while the tech-rich Nasdaq Composite Index jumped 2.1 per cent to 8,030.81. Stocks have been pressured since US President Donald Trump earlier this month announced plans to impose tariffs on $300 billion in Chinese imports on September 1. Beijing retaliated by halting purchases of US agricultural goods, spawning talk the economic powers may not resolve the longstanding conflict until after the 2020 US presidential election. US stocks lost more than one per cent on Monday amid worries over slowing global growth, the US-China trade war and turbulence in a number of international hot spots, including Hong Kong. On Tuesday, protests at the Hong Kong airport forced the cancellation or suspension of hundreds of flights at the busy hub for a second day, while state-run media broadcast videos of security forces gathering across the border. US economic data showed a jump in inflation in July, while a German investor confidence index sunk to its lowest level in almost eight years in August, bolstering expectations the European Central Bank will soon enact measures to provide more stimulus.

US stocks jump as Trump delays some key China tariffs

US President Donald Trump said Tuesday he hoped no one would be killed in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/clashes-erupt-between-riot-police-protesters-outside-hong-kong-airport-242832">Hong Kong amid</a> new protests capping 10 weeks of unrest in the semi-autonomous southern Chinese financial hub.

The crisis, which has seen millions of anti-government activists take to<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/all-check-ins-suspended-at-hong-kong-airport-as-protests-escalate-242706"> Hong Kong's</a> streets, was a "very tricky situation," the president told reporters in New Jersey.&nbsp;

"I hope it works out peacefully, nobody gets hurt, nobody gets killed," he said.

Trump's comments come even as violent clashes erupted outside Hong Kong airport on Tuesday evening as riot police tried to disperse protesters as authorities suspended check-ins at the international airport.

Reports said police used pepper spray in scuffles with protesters at Hong Kong airport. At least two protesters were detained, reports said.

Several police vehicles were blocked by protesters, and riot police moved in, pushing some protesters back and using pepper spray at times.

The airport authority said in a statement that a public assembly had blocked passageways to the airport's restricted area, blocking passengers from proceeding to immigration.

US President Donald Trump said Tuesday he hoped no one would be killed in Hong Kong amid new protests capping 10 weeks of unrest in the semi-autonomous southern Chinese financial hub.

US President Donald Trump said Tuesday he hoped no one would be killed in Hong Kong amid new protests capping 10 weeks of unrest in the semi-autonomous southern Chinese financial hub. The crisis, which has seen millions of anti-government activists take to Hong Kong's streets, was a "very tricky situation," the president told reporters in New Jersey. "I hope it works out peacefully, nobody gets hurt, nobody gets killed," he said. Trump's comments come even as violent clashes erupted outside Hong Kong airport on Tuesday evening as riot police tried to disperse protesters as authorities suspended check-ins at the international airport. Reports said police used pepper spray in scuffles with protesters at Hong Kong airport. At least two protesters were detained, reports said. Several police vehicles were blocked by protesters, and riot police moved in, pushing some protesters back and using pepper spray at times. The airport authority said in a statement that a public assembly had blocked passageways to the airport's restricted area, blocking passengers from proceeding to immigration.

I hope it works out peacefully, nobody gets hurt, nobody gets killed: Trump on Hong Kong protests

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