Residents in majority-Hispanic El Paso told <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-to-visit-el-paso-tomorrow-following-mass-shooting-mayor-241082">US President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;on&nbsp;Tuesday to stay away amid fury over his anti-immigration rhetoric as he struggles to unite the country in the wake of back-to-back mass shootings that killed 31 people.

Trump is scheduled to stop off in the Texan border city where 22 died in a weekend gun massacre on Wednesday, after first visiting Dayton, Ohio, where another gunman shot nine dead.

The president called on Americans in a nationwide address Monday to condemn bigotry -&nbsp;but community leaders say his words rang hollow set against a longstanding refusal to call out white supremacy and a history of tweets widely condemned as racist.

"This president, who helped create the hatred that made Saturday's tragedy possible, should not come to El Paso," tweeted Beto O'Rourke, a Democratic presidential hopeful and former congressman who grew up in the city.

"We do not need more division. We need to heal. He has no place here."

Before opening fire at a Walmart superstore in El Paso, the 21-year-old suspected gunman, who is white and from the Dallas area, reportedly posted an online manifesto railing against a "Hispanic invasion of Texas."

Critics pointed out that the language echoed much of Trump's rhetoric on Twitter and at rallies, where he has frequently framed Hispanic migrants as part of an "invasion."

Trump has also characterised Mexicans and Central Americans as criminals, gang members and rapists, and described the communities of African American lawmakers on several occasions as "infested" with crime and filth.

Congresswoman Veronica Escobar, whose district includes the area targeted by the El Paso gunman, urged Trump "to consider the fact that his words and his actions have played a role in this."

"From my perspective, he is not welcome here," Escobar told MSNBC. "He should not come here while we are in mourning."

Presidential advisor Kellyanne Conway accused Democrats of politicising a moment of acute pain while Trump was trying to "bring the country together, heal a nation."

She was backed by the chairman of the El Paso County Republican Party, Adolpho Telles, who defended Trump's visit but told CNN he needs to be more careful about his language.

In his nationwide address, Trump spoke out against racism but blamed mental illness, video games and the internet for fueling gun violence, sidestepping the fact that other countries with these issues do not have mass shootings.&nbsp;

He had nothing substantial to say about gun control measures, drawing expressions of disappointment from those hoping for a healing moment.

"He mentioned gun issues one time," said Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley, describing the president's comments as "unhelpful."

"I think, watching the president over the past few years on the issue of guns... I don't know if he knows what he believes, frankly."

Residents in El Paso, unimpressed by Trump's tightly scripted appeal for unity, told AFP they were fearful of a rise in white nationalism and said the president was part of the problem.

"I do blame our president. Since the moment he got into office the rhetoric, the hate that he's got towards people that are just different color skin, he has no right," said Silvia Rios.

Adding to the backlash, Washington-based non-profit the Center for Public Integrity questioned Trump's self-professed "unfailing support" to El Paso, pointing to $570,000 in unpaid police and public safety-related bills it said he owed the city dating back to a campaign visit in February.

The president began Tuesday apparently irritated by veiled criticism from former president Barack Obama, who called on Americans to "soundly reject language coming out of the mouths of any of our leaders that feeds a climate of fear and hatred."

Trump responded with a tweeted quote from Fox News anchor Brian Kilmeade, who said Obama had seen 32 mass shootings during his presidency, yet "not many people said Obama is out of control."

Legislation to overhaul gun control under Obama failed in 2013 when the Republican-controlled Senate rejected a ban of assault-style weapons and expanding background checks.

He told the BBC that gun control was "the one area where I feel that I've been most frustrated and most stymied." 
&nbsp;

Residents in majority-Hispanic El Paso told US President Donald Trump on Tuesday to stay away amid fury over his anti-immigration rhetoric as he struggles to unite the country in the wake of back-to-back mass shootings that killed 31 people.

Residents in majority-Hispanic El Paso told US President Donald Trump on Tuesday to stay away amid fury over his anti-immigration rhetoric as he struggles to unite the country in the wake of back-to-back mass shootings that killed 31 people. Trump is scheduled to stop off in the Texan border city where 22 died in a weekend gun massacre on Wednesday, after first visiting Dayton, Ohio, where another gunman shot nine dead. The president called on Americans in a nationwide address Monday to condemn bigotry - but community leaders say his words rang hollow set against a longstanding refusal to call out white supremacy and a history of tweets widely condemned as racist. "This president, who helped create the hatred that made Saturday's tragedy possible, should not come to El Paso," tweeted Beto O'Rourke, a Democratic presidential hopeful and former congressman who grew up in the city. "We do not need more division. We need to heal. He has no place here." Before opening fire at a Walmart superstore in El Paso, the 21-year-old suspected gunman, who is white and from the Dallas area, reportedly posted an online manifesto railing against a "Hispanic invasion of Texas." Critics pointed out that the language echoed much of Trump's rhetoric on Twitter and at rallies, where he has frequently framed Hispanic migrants as part of an "invasion." Trump has also characterised Mexicans and Central Americans as criminals, gang members and rapists, and described the communities of African American lawmakers on several occasions as "infested" with crime and filth. Congresswoman Veronica Escobar, whose district includes the area targeted by the El Paso gunman, urged Trump "to consider the fact that his words and his actions have played a role in this." "From my perspective, he is not welcome here," Escobar told MSNBC. "He should not come here while we are in mourning." Presidential advisor Kellyanne Conway accused Democrats of politicising a moment of acute pain while Trump was trying to "bring the country together, heal a nation." She was backed by the chairman of the El Paso County Republican Party, Adolpho Telles, who defended Trump's visit but told CNN he needs to be more careful about his language. In his nationwide address, Trump spoke out against racism but blamed mental illness, video games and the internet for fueling gun violence, sidestepping the fact that other countries with these issues do not have mass shootings. He had nothing substantial to say about gun control measures, drawing expressions of disappointment from those hoping for a healing moment. "He mentioned gun issues one time," said Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley, describing the president's comments as "unhelpful." "I think, watching the president over the past few years on the issue of guns... I don't know if he knows what he believes, frankly." Residents in El Paso, unimpressed by Trump's tightly scripted appeal for unity, told AFP they were fearful of a rise in white nationalism and said the president was part of the problem. "I do blame our president. Since the moment he got into office the rhetoric, the hate that he's got towards people that are just different color skin, he has no right," said Silvia Rios. Adding to the backlash, Washington-based non-profit the Center for Public Integrity questioned Trump's self-professed "unfailing support" to El Paso, pointing to $570,000 in unpaid police and public safety-related bills it said he owed the city dating back to a campaign visit in February. The president began Tuesday apparently irritated by veiled criticism from former president Barack Obama, who called on Americans to "soundly reject language coming out of the mouths of any of our leaders that feeds a climate of fear and hatred." Trump responded with a tweeted quote from Fox News anchor Brian Kilmeade, who said Obama had seen 32 mass shootings during his presidency, yet "not many people said Obama is out of control." Legislation to overhaul gun control under Obama failed in 2013 when the Republican-controlled Senate rejected a ban of assault-style weapons and expanding background checks. He told the BBC that gun control was "the one area where I feel that I've been most frustrated and most stymied."

After Walmart shooting, residents, lawmakers urge Trump not to visit El Paso

A large explosion occurred in&nbsp;Kabul on Wednesday morning, sending massive plume of smoke over the capital and shattering shop windows far from the blast site.

The blast occurred around 9:00 am(local time) during morning rush hour in western Kabul, interior ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi told AFP.

The Taliban said a "recruitment centre" had been attacked by one of their suicide bombers while claiming responsibility for the attack.

"A large number of soldiers and police were killed or wounded," the Taliban said in a statement.

The bomb went off when a vehicle was stopped at a checkpoint outside the police station, said interior ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi.

Health ministry spokesman Wahidullah Mayar said at least 95 people, mostly civilians and including women and children, had been taken to hospital.

On August 4, two people were killed in a bus bomb attack in the Afghan capital. The interior ministry had said homemade&nbsp;"sticky bomb" was used to carry out the attack.

The blast targeted local TV station employees, the ministry had said.

No group had claimed responsibility for the attack. 
&nbsp;

(Inputs: AFP, Reuters)

 
&nbsp;

A large explosion occurred in Kabul on Wednesday morning, sending massive plume of smoke over the capital and shattering shop windows far from the blast site. The blast occurred around 9:00 am(local time) during morning rush hour in western Kabul, interior ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi told AFP.

A large explosion occurred in Kabul on Wednesday morning, sending massive plume of smoke over the capital and shattering shop windows far from the blast site. The blast occurred around 9:00 am(local time) during morning rush hour in western Kabul, interior ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi told AFP. The Taliban said a "recruitment centre" had been attacked by one of their suicide bombers while claiming responsibility for the attack. "A large number of soldiers and police were killed or wounded," the Taliban said in a statement. The bomb went off when a vehicle was stopped at a checkpoint outside the police station, said interior ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi. Health ministry spokesman Wahidullah Mayar said at least 95 people, mostly civilians and including women and children, had been taken to hospital. On August 4, two people were killed in a bus bomb attack in the Afghan capital. The interior ministry had said homemade "sticky bomb" was used to carry out the attack. The blast targeted local TV station employees, the ministry had said. No group had claimed responsibility for the attack. (Inputs: AFP, Reuters)

At least 95 people injured in Kabul blast; Taliban claims responsibility

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) cut repo rate by 35 basis points to 5.40 per cent on Wednesday.

Repo rate is the rate at which the RBI lends money to commercial banks. A repo rate cut allows banks to reduce interest rates for consumers on loans, and lowers equal monthly instalments on home loans, car loans and personal loans.&nbsp;

The current cut in rates would mean loans would get cheaper.

India's central bank adjusted the country's GDP projection to 6.9 per cent for the current fiscal year from the earlier projection of 7 per cent.

The RBI said in a statement that the cut would help "address growth concerns by boosting aggregate demand" and target private investment as a "priority".

In June, the RBI had cut the repo rate by 0.25 per cent while also cutting down&nbsp;India's GDP growth forecast for FY20 from 7.2 per cent to 7 per cent.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) cut repo rate by 35 basis points to 5.40 per cent on Wednesday. Repo rate is the rate at which the RBI lends money to commercial banks.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) cut repo rate by 35 basis points to 5.40 per cent on Wednesday. Repo rate is the rate at which the RBI lends money to commercial banks. A repo rate cut allows banks to reduce interest rates for consumers on loans, and lowers equal monthly instalments on home loans, car loans and personal loans. The current cut in rates would mean loans would get cheaper. India's central bank adjusted the country's GDP projection to 6.9 per cent for the current fiscal year from the earlier projection of 7 per cent. The RBI said in a statement that the cut would help "address growth concerns by boosting aggregate demand" and target private investment as a "priority". In June, the RBI had cut the repo rate by 0.25 per cent while also cutting down India's GDP growth forecast for FY20 from 7.2 per cent to 7 per cent.

RBI cuts repo rate by 35 basis points to 5.40%; loans to get cheaper

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at ex-foreign minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/president-kovind-mayawati-pay-tributes-to-sushma-swaraj-at-her-residence-241276">Sushma Swaraj's residence</a> at New Delhi on Wednesday morning&nbsp;to pay his last respects as the nation mourned her sudden demise on Tuesday night.

A visibly emotional prime minister met Sushma Swaraj's family as visitors and political leaders thronged her residence.

Earlier, the Indian prime minister in a tweet had said that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-was-waiting-to-see-this-day-in-my-lifetime-said-sushma-swaraj-in-final-tweet-241263">Sushma Swaraj's demise</a> was a "personal loss",&nbsp;while adding that she would be remembered for everything that she had done for India.

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"A glorious chapter in Indian politics comes to an end. India grieves the demise of a remarkable leader who devoted her life to public service and bettering lives of the poor. Sushma Swaraj ji&nbsp;was one of her kind, who was a source of inspiration for crores of people," PM Modi had said in his tweet.

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Sushma Ji’s demise is a personal loss. She will be remembered fondly for everything that she’s done for India. My thoughts are with her family, supporters and admirers in this very unfortunate hour. Om Shanti.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1158802378998419457?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Sushma Swaraj had served in PM Modi's cabinet as external affairs minister throughout the NDA government's first term from 2014 to 2019. Swaraj had decided not to fight the general elections in 2019 due to ill health.

PM Modi while paying tribute to Sushma Swaraj said that she was an "excellent administrator", "prolific orator" and an "outstanding Parliamentarian" who "worked tirelessly" even when her health was not good.

"My thoughts are with her family, supporters and admirers in this very unfortunate hour," PM Modi added.

The BJP announced late on Tuesday night that the former external affairs minister would be cremated on Monday afternoon with full state honours at Lodhi crematorium in New Delhi.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at ex-foreign minister Sushma Swaraj's residence at New Delhi on Wednesday morning to pay his last respects as the nation mourned her sudden demise on Tuesday night.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at ex-foreign minister Sushma Swaraj's residence at New Delhi on Wednesday morning to pay his last respects as the nation mourned her sudden demise on Tuesday night. A visibly emotional prime minister met Sushma Swaraj's family as visitors and political leaders thronged her residence. Earlier, the Indian prime minister in a tweet had said that Sushma Swaraj's demise was a "personal loss", while adding that she would be remembered for everything that she had done for India. Watch Video: "A glorious chapter in Indian politics comes to an end. India grieves the demise of a remarkable leader who devoted her life to public service and bettering lives of the poor. Sushma Swaraj ji was one of her kind, who was a source of inspiration for crores of people," PM Modi had said in his tweet. Sushma Ji’s demise is a personal loss. She will be remembered fondly for everything that she’s done for India. My thoughts are with her family, supporters and admirers in this very unfortunate hour. Om Shanti. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 6, 2019 × Sushma Swaraj had served in PM Modi's cabinet as external affairs minister throughout the NDA government's first term from 2014 to 2019. Swaraj had decided not to fight the general elections in 2019 due to ill health. PM Modi while paying tribute to Sushma Swaraj said that she was an "excellent administrator", "prolific orator" and an "outstanding Parliamentarian" who "worked tirelessly" even when her health was not good. "My thoughts are with her family, supporters and admirers in this very unfortunate hour," PM Modi added. The BJP announced late on Tuesday night that the former external affairs minister would be cremated on Monday afternoon with full state honours at Lodhi crematorium in New Delhi.

PM Modi bids emotional farewell to Sushma Swaraj

Nepal Prime Minister&nbsp;KP Sharma Oli expressed condolences at the death of former external<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-was-waiting-to-see-this-day-in-my-lifetime-said-sushma-swaraj-in-final-tweet-241263"> affairs minister Sushma Swaraj</a> on Tuesday.

"Deeply shocked to learn of the passing away of Sushma Swaraj, a senior political leader of India and former external affairs minister," the Nepal prime minister said, adding,"heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies to the government and people of India as well as to the bereaved family members."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sushma-swarajs-demise-is-a-personal-loss-pm-modi-241253">Sushma Swaraj</a> passed at All India Institute of Medical Sciences(AIIMS) on Tuesday night after she was rushed to the hospital when her condition suddenly deteriorated. The doctors tried to revive her for over an hour but failed. The doctors at AIIMS declared her dead at 10:50 pm.

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PM of Nepal, KP Sharma Oli: Deeply shocked to learn of the passing away of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SushmaSwaraj?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SushmaSwaraj</a>, a senior political leader of India&amp;former External Affairs Minister. Heartfelt condolences&amp;deepest sympathies to the Govt&amp;people of India as well as to the bereaved family members.(file pic) <a href="https://t.co/wrXnxuoAqN">pic.twitter.com/wrXnxuoAqN</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1158920813904564230?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Earlier, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had expressed her condolences at Swaraj's sudden demise as the nation grieved.

"She (Sushma) was a good friend of Bangladesh. With her death Bangladesh has lost a good friend," the Bangladesh prime minister said.

"Bangladesh will recall her contributions in taking the relationship between the two countries to a new height," the Bangladesh prime minister said in a statement.

Maldives foreign minister Abdulla Shahid while tweeting a video of a meeting with Swaraj, in a message said Sushma Swaraj was a "stateswoman extraordinaire" and "diplomat par excellence".

Sushma Swaraj will be cremated on Wednesday afternoon at Lodhi road crematorium with full state honours, the BJP announced late on Tuesday night.

Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli expressed condolences at the death of former external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj on Tuesday. "Deeply shocked to learn of the passing away of Sushma Swaraj, a senior political leader of India and former external affairs minister," the Nepal prime minister said, adding,"heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies to the government and people of India as well as to the bereaved family members.

Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli expressed condolences at the death of former external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj on Tuesday. "Deeply shocked to learn of the passing away of Sushma Swaraj, a senior political leader of India and former external affairs minister," the Nepal prime minister said, adding,"heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies to the government and people of India as well as to the bereaved family members." Sushma Swaraj passed at All India Institute of Medical Sciences(AIIMS) on Tuesday night after she was rushed to the hospital when her condition suddenly deteriorated. The doctors tried to revive her for over an hour but failed. The doctors at AIIMS declared her dead at 10:50 pm. PM of Nepal, KP Sharma Oli: Deeply shocked to learn of the passing away of #SushmaSwaraj, a senior political leader of India&former External Affairs Minister. Heartfelt condolences&deepest sympathies to the Govt&people of India as well as to the bereaved family members.(file pic) pic.twitter.com/wrXnxuoAqN — ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2019 × Earlier, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had expressed her condolences at Swaraj's sudden demise as the nation grieved. "She (Sushma) was a good friend of Bangladesh. With her death Bangladesh has lost a good friend," the Bangladesh prime minister said. "Bangladesh will recall her contributions in taking the relationship between the two countries to a new height," the Bangladesh prime minister said in a statement. Maldives foreign minister Abdulla Shahid while tweeting a video of a meeting with Swaraj, in a message said Sushma Swaraj was a "stateswoman extraordinaire" and "diplomat par excellence". Sushma Swaraj will be cremated on Wednesday afternoon at Lodhi road crematorium with full state honours, the BJP announced late on Tuesday night.

Deeply shocked to learn of the passing away of Sushma Swaraj: Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli

China's film regulator on Wednesday said it was suspending mainland Chinese movies and their personnel from participating in Taiwan's annual Golden Horse Awards this year, without giving a reason.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/suspended-individual-travel-permits-to-taiwan-due-to-current-cross-strait-relations-china-239659">China Film Administration </a>made the announcement in a statement on its official WeChat account.

The move comes after the event, the Chinese-speaking world’s <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-holds-military-drills-in-south-china-sea-near-taiwan-239171">version of the Oscars</a>, last year became a lightning rod for questions about Taiwanese independence, sparking a debate between Taiwanese and mainland stars as well as netizens.

The state of ties between Beijing and the self-ruled island has since become more tense, with China announcing that it would stop issuing individual travel permits for Taiwan to Chinese travellers last week.

"From an industry point of view, the Golden Horse was a good platform for exchanges on films among mainland, Taiwan and Hong Kong," said Dong Shu, a Shanghai-based film critic.

"But some people in Taiwan had to get politically sensitive content on it, things that crossed red lines for mainland China, thus the nature of this award has been changed."

Taiwan is self-governed and has a democratically elected leadership, but China claims the island as a breakaway province and has not ruled out the use of force to ensure unification. The question of Taiwanese independence is one of Beijing's most sensitive political concerns.

China's content regulator has also been taking an extra-cautious stance over its media industry in the run-up to the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic, on October&nbsp;1, pulling off a few blockbusters and banning "entertainment-driven" historical dramas and idol dramas.

Reports of the suspension soon became a trending topic on China's Weibo, a Twitter-like microblogging service, with one related hashtag receiving more than 68 million views Wednesday morning.

"Taiwan made this award political first, don't we have a right to punch back?" said a Weibo commentator.

Others expressed disappointment at the decision.

"Politics aside, this is a lose-lose situation. There isn't an impartial and matchable award in mainland China, what a pity!" said another commentator.

Reuters was not immediately able to reach the organisers of the Golden Horse Film Festival for comment. &nbsp;

China's film regulator on Wednesday said it was suspending mainland Chinese movies and their personnel from participating in Taiwan's annual Golden Horse Awards this year, without giving a reason.

China's film regulator on Wednesday said it was suspending mainland Chinese movies and their personnel from participating in Taiwan's annual Golden Horse Awards this year, without giving a reason. The China Film Administration made the announcement in a statement on its official WeChat account. The move comes after the event, the Chinese-speaking world’s version of the Oscars, last year became a lightning rod for questions about Taiwanese independence, sparking a debate between Taiwanese and mainland stars as well as netizens. The state of ties between Beijing and the self-ruled island has since become more tense, with China announcing that it would stop issuing individual travel permits for Taiwan to Chinese travellers last week. "From an industry point of view, the Golden Horse was a good platform for exchanges on films among mainland, Taiwan and Hong Kong," said Dong Shu, a Shanghai-based film critic. "But some people in Taiwan had to get politically sensitive content on it, things that crossed red lines for mainland China, thus the nature of this award has been changed." Taiwan is self-governed and has a democratically elected leadership, but China claims the island as a breakaway province and has not ruled out the use of force to ensure unification. The question of Taiwanese independence is one of Beijing's most sensitive political concerns. China's content regulator has also been taking an extra-cautious stance over its media industry in the run-up to the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic, on October 1, pulling off a few blockbusters and banning "entertainment-driven" historical dramas and idol dramas. Reports of the suspension soon became a trending topic on China's Weibo, a Twitter-like microblogging service, with one related hashtag receiving more than 68 million views Wednesday morning. "Taiwan made this award political first, don't we have a right to punch back?" said a Weibo commentator. Others expressed disappointment at the decision. "Politics aside, this is a lose-lose situation. There isn't an impartial and matchable award in mainland China, what a pity!" said another commentator. Reuters was not immediately able to reach the organisers of the Golden Horse Film Festival for comment.

China suspends movies, stars from participating in Taiwan's Golden Horse Awards

Former external affairs minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sushma-swaraj-former-external-affairs-minister-passes-away-at-age-67-241220">Sushma Swaraj who passed away</a> on Tuesday night will be cremated with full state honours, BJP working president Jagat Prakash Nadda said.

Sushma Swaraj was rushed to All India Institute of Medical Sciences(AIIMS) late on Tuesday evening after her health deteriorated.

According to ANI sources at AIIMS, the 67-year-old was feeling restless at 9 pm and reached the hospital at around 9:30 pm in an ambulance. A team of doctors tried to revive her for 70 to 80 minutes but failed in their attempt. Swaraj was declared dead at 10:50 pm.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/a-glorious-chapter-in-indian-politics-comes-to-an-end-tweets-pm-modi-on-sushma-swarajs-demise-241233/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Sushmaji&nbsp;is no more with us, it is a sad incident for not only for the BJP but the whole country," Jagat Prakash Nadda said, adding, "she inspired us, her last tweet tells us how she was involved in serving the nation in an emotional way."

"Her mortal remains will be kept at her residence for people to pay last respects. Around 12 pm tomorrow, her mortal remains will be brought to the BJP headquarters. At 3 pm, she will be taken to Lodhi road crematorium, where her last rites will be performed with full state honours," the BJP working president informed.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari while expressing his condolences said the former external affairs minister played a key role in the party's expansion.

"Passing away of Sushmaji is a personal loss for me&nbsp;and the country. Since the inception of the party, she played a key role in its expansion. When I was the president of the BJP, she gave me guidance like an elder sister," Gadkari added.

Former external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj who passed away on Tuesday night will be cremated with full state honours, BJP working president Jagat Prakash Nadda said.

Former external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj who passed away on Tuesday night will be cremated with full state honours, BJP working president Jagat Prakash Nadda said. Sushma Swaraj was rushed to All India Institute of Medical Sciences(AIIMS) late on Tuesday evening after her health deteriorated. According to ANI sources at AIIMS, the 67-year-old was feeling restless at 9 pm and reached the hospital at around 9:30 pm in an ambulance. A team of doctors tried to revive her for 70 to 80 minutes but failed in their attempt. Swaraj was declared dead at 10:50 pm. Watch Video: "Sushmaji is no more with us, it is a sad incident for not only for the BJP but the whole country," Jagat Prakash Nadda said, adding, "she inspired us, her last tweet tells us how she was involved in serving the nation in an emotional way." "Her mortal remains will be kept at her residence for people to pay last respects. Around 12 pm tomorrow, her mortal remains will be brought to the BJP headquarters. At 3 pm, she will be taken to Lodhi road crematorium, where her last rites will be performed with full state honours," the BJP working president informed. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari while expressing his condolences said the former external affairs minister played a key role in the party's expansion. "Passing away of Sushmaji is a personal loss for me and the country. Since the inception of the party, she played a key role in its expansion. When I was the president of the BJP, she gave me guidance like an elder sister," Gadkari added.

Sushma Swaraj to be cremated with full state honours on Wednesday afternoon: BJP

Bangladesh Prime Minister&nbsp;Sheikh Hasina expressed her condolences <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sushma-swaraj-former-external-affairs-minister-passes-away-at-age-67-241220">on the death of former external affairs</a> minister Sushma Swaraj&nbsp;on Tuesday night as the nation grieved her death.

"She (Sushma) was a good friend of Bangladesh. With her death Bangladesh has lost a good friend," the Bangladesh prime minister said.

"Bangladesh will recall her contributions in taking the relationship between the two countries to a new height," the Bangladesh prime minister said in a statement.

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Deeply grieved to hear the demise of my good friend Smt <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SushmaSawraj?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SushmaSawraj</a>; Stateswoman extraordinaire, diplomat par excellence; A warm human being. Key architect of renewed Maldives-India friendship. Sincere condolences to bereaved family and people of India. May she rest in peace! <a href="https://t.co/kcxbdsimxI">pic.twitter.com/kcxbdsimxI</a>
— Abdulla Shahid 🎈 (@abdulla_shahid) <a href="https://twitter.com/abdulla_shahid/status/1158811966393028608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Maldives foreign minister Abdulla Shahid in his message said Sushma Swaraj was a "stateswoman extraordinaire" and "diplomat par excellence".

"A warm human being. A key architect of renewed Maldives-India friendship. May she rest in peace!, he said.

Former Afghanistan president while expressing his condolences said: "Deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Behinji Sushma Swaraj. She was a tall leader and a great orator and people’s person."

"My profound condolences to the people of India and her family and friends," the former Afghanistan president said.

The former external affairs minister passed away after a cardiac arrest on Tuesday night. Sushma Swaraj will be cremated on Wednesday afternoon at Lodhi road crematorium with full state honours, the BJP announced late on Tuesday night.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed her condolences on the death of former external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj on Tuesday night as the nation grieved her death.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed her condolences on the death of former external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj on Tuesday night as the nation grieved her death. "She (Sushma) was a good friend of Bangladesh. With her death Bangladesh has lost a good friend," the Bangladesh prime minister said. "Bangladesh will recall her contributions in taking the relationship between the two countries to a new height," the Bangladesh prime minister said in a statement. Deeply grieved to hear the demise of my good friend Smt #SushmaSawraj; Stateswoman extraordinaire, diplomat par excellence; A warm human being. Key architect of renewed Maldives-India friendship. Sincere condolences to bereaved family and people of India. May she rest in peace! pic.twitter.com/kcxbdsimxI — Abdulla Shahid 🎈 (@abdulla_shahid) August 6, 2019 × Maldives foreign minister Abdulla Shahid in his message said Sushma Swaraj was a "stateswoman extraordinaire" and "diplomat par excellence". "A warm human being. A key architect of renewed Maldives-India friendship. May she rest in peace!, he said. Former Afghanistan president while expressing his condolences said: "Deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Behinji Sushma Swaraj. She was a tall leader and a great orator and people’s person." "My profound condolences to the people of India and her family and friends," the former Afghanistan president said. The former external affairs minister passed away after a cardiac arrest on Tuesday night. Sushma Swaraj will be cremated on Wednesday afternoon at Lodhi road crematorium with full state honours, the BJP announced late on Tuesday night.

Sushma Swaraj was a good friend of Bangladesh, says PM Sheikh Hasina

China's ruling Communist Party once again underlined its wholesale support for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/people-impertinently-proposing-to-reclaim-hong-kong-chief-executive-carrie-lam-240740">Hong Kong's embattled leader </a>&nbsp;Carrie Lam on Tuesday as it struggles to contain increasingly violent anti-government unrest.

The two-month crisis has become the biggest threat to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-100-flights-cancelled-as-hong-kong-protesters-launch-city-wide-strike-240696">Beijing's rule of the semi-autonomous</a> southern Chinese city since its handover from the British in 1997.

One of the protesters' key demands is for Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam to stand down.

But, a day after a series of rallies that included bloody clashes between protesters and pro-government men brandishing poles, the Communist Party's mouthpiece published a front-page commentary in Beijing defending Lam.

"All kinds of evildoing go beyond peaceful demonstrations. No civilisation or society governed by law will tolerate this," said the commentary in the People's Daily.

"The (party's) central committee has full confidence in chief executive Carrie Lam and fully affirms her work."

Officials from China's cabinet-level State Council were also due to hold a press conference on Tuesday afternoon in Beijing about the unrest.&nbsp;

Such media briefings are normally very rare but Tuesday's will be the second in as many weeks.

The demonstrations were triggered by opposition to a planned law that would have allowed extraditions of criminals to mainland China.

They evolved into a wider movement for democratic reform and a halt to eroding freedoms, with protesters' anger fuelled by Lam's refusal to publicly acknowledge their grievances.

In a press conference, Lam on Monday warned the city was nearing a "very dangerous situation" as she framed the protests as a challenge to China's sovereignty.

China's ruling Communist Party once again underlined its wholesale support for Hong Kong's embattled leader Carrie Lam on Tuesday as it struggles to contain increasingly violent anti-government unrest.

China's ruling Communist Party once again underlined its wholesale support for Hong Kong's embattled leader Carrie Lam on Tuesday as it struggles to contain increasingly violent anti-government unrest. The two-month crisis has become the biggest threat to Beijing's rule of the semi-autonomous southern Chinese city since its handover from the British in 1997. One of the protesters' key demands is for Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam to stand down. But, a day after a series of rallies that included bloody clashes between protesters and pro-government men brandishing poles, the Communist Party's mouthpiece published a front-page commentary in Beijing defending Lam. "All kinds of evildoing go beyond peaceful demonstrations. No civilisation or society governed by law will tolerate this," said the commentary in the People's Daily. "The (party's) central committee has full confidence in chief executive Carrie Lam and fully affirms her work." Officials from China's cabinet-level State Council were also due to hold a press conference on Tuesday afternoon in Beijing about the unrest. Such media briefings are normally very rare but Tuesday's will be the second in as many weeks. The demonstrations were triggered by opposition to a planned law that would have allowed extraditions of criminals to mainland China. They evolved into a wider movement for democratic reform and a halt to eroding freedoms, with protesters' anger fuelled by Lam's refusal to publicly acknowledge their grievances. In a press conference, Lam on Monday warned the city was nearing a "very dangerous situation" as she framed the protests as a challenge to China's sovereignty.

Communist Party has full confidence in Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam: China

An emotional Steve Smith said his brilliant contribution to Australia's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-win-first-ashes-test-against-england-by-251-runs-240911">first-Test humbling of England </a>was a dream come true after the pain of his ball-tampering ban.

Smith hit 144 and 142 as Australia beat England by 251 runs at Edgbaston to win the opening game of the five-match Ashes series.

It was a personal triumph for the 30-year-old, who was playing in his first Test since a 12-month ban for his role in last year's shocking ball-tampering scandal on Australia's tour of South Africa.

"It feels pretty special, winning the first Test in England is really special. It feels great, I'm loving being back playing cricket for Australia, doing what I love and contributing to wins," Smith said.&nbsp;

"To score two tons&nbsp;in a match - the first time I've done that in any form of cricket in my life - is very special and I'm very proud."

Smith's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/steve-smith-hailed-as-best-test-batsman-weve-seen-by-australias-tim-paine-240929">appetite for runs </a>is such that he is being compared to Australia sporting icon Don Bradman, widely regarded as the greatest-ever Test batsman.

Bradman, in a career spanning the years either side of World War II, averaged a staggering 99.94 in 52 Tests including 29 centuries.

Out of the batsmen to have played at least 20 Test innings, Smith's career average of 62.96 is second only in the all-time list to that of 'the Don'.

And by becoming just the fifth Australian to score hundreds in both innings of an Ashes Test, Smith has an achievement that eluded even Bradman.

Smith, who has now scored 25 tons&nbsp;in 65 Tests, revealed he had lost his passion for cricket as a result of his ban and an elbow injury, but he is now fully motivated again and reaping the rewards.

"I didn't dream about how I would come back. I was just letting time pass and when I got my elbow brace off after surgery something clicked and I was ready to play cricket again. I did lose that love for a little bit but I'm back doing what I love now and it's great," he said.

Smith changed the tone of the match, leading Australia to 284 all out in their first innings from a perilous 122-8.

"When I got that first hundred I was just thinking, 'don't burst into tears.' That was as special as my first hundred back in 2013. It was a relief to get it out of the way," he said.

"I copped a bit of stick out there (over the ball-tampering incident) but I'm not paying much attention to that and fortunately we've got a good Aussie contingent here. They're creating a good atmosphere for us and we're grateful for it." 
&nbsp;

An emotional Steve Smith said his brilliant contribution to Australia's first-Test humbling of England was a dream come true after the pain of his ball-tampering ban.

An emotional Steve Smith said his brilliant contribution to Australia's first-Test humbling of England was a dream come true after the pain of his ball-tampering ban. Smith hit 144 and 142 as Australia beat England by 251 runs at Edgbaston to win the opening game of the five-match Ashes series. It was a personal triumph for the 30-year-old, who was playing in his first Test since a 12-month ban for his role in last year's shocking ball-tampering scandal on Australia's tour of South Africa. "It feels pretty special, winning the first Test in England is really special. It feels great, I'm loving being back playing cricket for Australia, doing what I love and contributing to wins," Smith said. "To score two tons in a match - the first time I've done that in any form of cricket in my life - is very special and I'm very proud." Smith's appetite for runs is such that he is being compared to Australia sporting icon Don Bradman, widely regarded as the greatest-ever Test batsman. Bradman, in a career spanning the years either side of World War II, averaged a staggering 99.94 in 52 Tests including 29 centuries. Out of the batsmen to have played at least 20 Test innings, Smith's career average of 62.96 is second only in the all-time list to that of 'the Don'. And by becoming just the fifth Australian to score hundreds in both innings of an Ashes Test, Smith has an achievement that eluded even Bradman. Smith, who has now scored 25 tons in 65 Tests, revealed he had lost his passion for cricket as a result of his ban and an elbow injury, but he is now fully motivated again and reaping the rewards. "I didn't dream about how I would come back. I was just letting time pass and when I got my elbow brace off after surgery something clicked and I was ready to play cricket again. I did lose that love for a little bit but I'm back doing what I love now and it's great," he said. Smith changed the tone of the match, leading Australia to 284 all out in their first innings from a perilous 122-8. "When I got that first hundred I was just thinking, 'don't burst into tears.' That was as special as my first hundred back in 2013. It was a relief to get it out of the way," he said. "I copped a bit of stick out there (over the ball-tampering incident) but I'm not paying much attention to that and fortunately we've got a good Aussie contingent here. They're creating a good atmosphere for us and we're grateful for it."

After ton, I was thinking don't burst into tears: Ashes centurion Steve Smith

China on Tuesday warned it would take countermeasures if the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-withdraws-from-inf-missile-treaty-clears-way-for-new-arms-race-with-russia-240039">US goes ahead with plans </a>to deploy ground-based missiles in the Asia-Pacific region.

"China will not stand idly by and will be forced to take countermeasures should the US deploy intermediate-range ground-based missiles in this part of the world," said Fu Cong, the director of arms control at the Chinese foreign ministry.

"And we also call on our neighbours, our neighbouring countries, to exercise prudence and not to allow a US deployment of its intermediate-range missiles on (their) territory," he added, naming Australia, Japan and South Korea.&nbsp;

On Saturday, US Defense Secretary Mark Esper had said Washington wants to quickly deploy <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/suggested-us-nato-to-consider-announcing-moratorium-on-deployment-of-missiles-russia-240155">new intermediate-range missiles </a>in Asia.

The new Pentagon chief had said that the US was now free to deploy the weapons following its withdrawal Friday from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty with Russia.

"Yes I would like to," Esper said when asked if the US was considering deploying new medium-range conventional weapons in Asia.

Esper, however, did not specify where the US intended to deploy the weapons.

"We would like to deploy a capability sooner rather than later," Esper told reporters on a plane to Sydney at the start of a week-long tour of Asia.

"I would prefer months... But these things tend to take longer than you expect."

The INF treaty was considered a cornerstone of the global arms control architecture but the United States said the bilateral pact had given other countries -- namely China -- free rein to develop their own long-range missiles.

Under the pact signed in 1987 by then US president Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, Washington and Moscow agreed to limit the use of conventional and nuclear medium-range missiles (with a range of 500-5,000 kilometres, 300-3,000 miles).

But its unravelling had been on the cards for months amid worsening ties between Russia and the US.

The rise of a militarily more assertive China in the region has worried traditional US allies such as Australia and New Zealand, and Beijing's actions in the South China Sea have alarmed neighbours with competing territorial claims to the strategic waterway.

China on Tuesday warned it would take countermeasures if the US goes ahead with plans to deploy ground-based missiles in the Asia-Pacific region. "China will not stand idly by and will be forced to take countermeasures should the US deploy intermediate-range ground-based missiles in this part of the world," said Fu Cong, the director of arms control at the Chinese foreign ministry.

China on Tuesday warned it would take countermeasures if the US goes ahead with plans to deploy ground-based missiles in the Asia-Pacific region. "China will not stand idly by and will be forced to take countermeasures should the US deploy intermediate-range ground-based missiles in this part of the world," said Fu Cong, the director of arms control at the Chinese foreign ministry. "And we also call on our neighbours, our neighbouring countries, to exercise prudence and not to allow a US deployment of its intermediate-range missiles on (their) territory," he added, naming Australia, Japan and South Korea. On Saturday, US Defense Secretary Mark Esper had said Washington wants to quickly deploy new intermediate-range missiles in Asia. The new Pentagon chief had said that the US was now free to deploy the weapons following its withdrawal Friday from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty with Russia. "Yes I would like to," Esper said when asked if the US was considering deploying new medium-range conventional weapons in Asia. Esper, however, did not specify where the US intended to deploy the weapons. "We would like to deploy a capability sooner rather than later," Esper told reporters on a plane to Sydney at the start of a week-long tour of Asia. "I would prefer months... But these things tend to take longer than you expect." The INF treaty was considered a cornerstone of the global arms control architecture but the United States said the bilateral pact had given other countries -- namely China -- free rein to develop their own long-range missiles. Under the pact signed in 1987 by then US president Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, Washington and Moscow agreed to limit the use of conventional and nuclear medium-range missiles (with a range of 500-5,000 kilometres, 300-3,000 miles). But its unravelling had been on the cards for months amid worsening ties between Russia and the US. The rise of a militarily more assertive China in the region has worried traditional US allies such as Australia and New Zealand, and Beijing's actions in the South China Sea have alarmed neighbours with competing territorial claims to the strategic waterway.

Will not stand idly if US deploys missiles in Asia, warns China

The United States on Monday formally accused <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-defends-stance-on-china-trade-after-new-tariffs-says-things-are-going-well-240486">China of manipulating </a>its currency, marking the second major escalation in the two countries' spiralling trade war in just 24 hours.

Washington's sudden move came the day China allowed the yuan to fall below 7 to the dollar for the first time in about a decade -&nbsp;provoking US President Donald Trump's ire and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-looses-3-key-positions-in-world-trade-organisation-240613">sending global equities</a> markets diving into the red.

Wall Street on Monday posted its worst one-day losses of 2019 as hope of any near-term resolution to the year-long trade war between the world's top two economies appeared to slide out of view.

In a Twitter outburst earlier in the day, Trump had angrily accused Beijing of weakening the yuan "to steal our businesses and factories."

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China is intent on continuing to receive the hundreds of Billions of Dollars they have been taking from the U.S. with unfair trade practices and currency manipulation. So one-sided, it should have been stopped many years ago!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1158407373666566145?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 5, 2019</a></blockquote>
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US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, "under the auspices of President Trump, has today determined that China is a<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/chinese-yuan-falls-to-weakest-level-against-the-dollar-since-2010-240743"> currency manipulator</a>," the Treasury Department said in a statement late Monday.

As a result, Mnuchin will engage the International Monetary Fund "to eliminate the unfair competitive advantage created by China's latest actions," the statement said.

The new designation is largely symbolic, since it calls for consultations with countries found to be manipulating their currencies.

But it could gain teeth if the Commerce Department begins imposing tariffs on countries found to be undervaluing their currencies, as that department said earlier this year it plans to do.

The volley lobbed across the Pacific on Monday was sure to shake the global economy even further, with markets doubtful that either side is willing or able to prevent hostilities from spinning out of control.

Chinese state media also announced Monday that Beijing had suspended purchases of American farm exports, piling pain on US agricultural states already battered by Beijing's retaliation in the trade war.

The yuan's weakening came just days after Trump announced plans to raise tariffs on another $300 billion in Chinese imports starting September 1, accusing Beijing of failing to live up to commitments in trade negotiations.

That would mean virtually all of the roughly $660 billion in goods exchanged annually between China and the United States are subject to trade barriers.

The battle has sapped business confidence and undermined both countries' manufacturing sectors just as the world economy's slowdown worsens.

Activity in the US service sector hit a three-year low last month, survey data showed Monday, confirming a step-down in US economic growth.

Trump's move was also sudden: On the campaign trail, he had loudly pledged to designate China a currency manipulator but his administration had until Monday refrained from doing so.

The Treasury Department had instead kept China on a "monitoring list" of countries subject to close scrutiny due to their currency practices, including in its most recent report released in May.&nbsp;

The yuan is not freely convertible and the government limits its movement against the US dollar to a two per cent range on either side of a central parity rate which the People's Bank of China (PBOC) sets each day to reflect market trends and control volatility.

"It appears that the tariffs hike suggests the return of tit-for-tat moves and a suspension of trade talks, and the PBOC sees no need to keep the yuan stable in the near term," Ken Cheung, a senior currency strategist at Mizuho Bank, told Bloomberg News.

In a statement on Monday morning, the PBOC said the exchange rate against the US dollar had been "affected by unilateralism and trade protectionism measures and the imposition of tariff increases on China."

The central bank said the yuan remained "stable and strong against the basket of currencies" and said it would "resolutely crack down on short-term speculation and maintain stable operation of the foreign exchange market and stabilize market expectations."

It went on to say that it had the "experience, confidence and ability to keep the RMB exchange rate basically stable at a reasonable and balanced level."

Julian Evans-Pritchard, senior China economist with Capital Economics, said the PBOC has "effectively weaponized the exchange rate" by linking the currency with the US trade war.

"Given that their goal is presumably to offset some of the impact from additional US tariffs, they are likely to allow the currency to weaken further, probably by 5-10 per cent over the coming quarters," said Evans-Pritchard.

The United States on Monday formally accused China of manipulating its currency, marking the second major escalation in the two countries' spiralling trade war in just 24 hours.

The United States on Monday formally accused China of manipulating its currency, marking the second major escalation in the two countries' spiralling trade war in just 24 hours. Washington's sudden move came the day China allowed the yuan to fall below 7 to the dollar for the first time in about a decade - provoking US President Donald Trump's ire and sending global equities markets diving into the red. Wall Street on Monday posted its worst one-day losses of 2019 as hope of any near-term resolution to the year-long trade war between the world's top two economies appeared to slide out of view. In a Twitter outburst earlier in the day, Trump had angrily accused Beijing of weakening the yuan "to steal our businesses and factories." China is intent on continuing to receive the hundreds of Billions of Dollars they have been taking from the U.S. with unfair trade practices and currency manipulation. So one-sided, it should have been stopped many years ago! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 5, 2019 × US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, "under the auspices of President Trump, has today determined that China is a currency manipulator," the Treasury Department said in a statement late Monday. As a result, Mnuchin will engage the International Monetary Fund "to eliminate the unfair competitive advantage created by China's latest actions," the statement said. The new designation is largely symbolic, since it calls for consultations with countries found to be manipulating their currencies. But it could gain teeth if the Commerce Department begins imposing tariffs on countries found to be undervaluing their currencies, as that department said earlier this year it plans to do. The volley lobbed across the Pacific on Monday was sure to shake the global economy even further, with markets doubtful that either side is willing or able to prevent hostilities from spinning out of control. Chinese state media also announced Monday that Beijing had suspended purchases of American farm exports, piling pain on US agricultural states already battered by Beijing's retaliation in the trade war. The yuan's weakening came just days after Trump announced plans to raise tariffs on another $300 billion in Chinese imports starting September 1, accusing Beijing of failing to live up to commitments in trade negotiations. That would mean virtually all of the roughly $660 billion in goods exchanged annually between China and the United States are subject to trade barriers. The battle has sapped business confidence and undermined both countries' manufacturing sectors just as the world economy's slowdown worsens. Activity in the US service sector hit a three-year low last month, survey data showed Monday, confirming a step-down in US economic growth. Trump's move was also sudden: On the campaign trail, he had loudly pledged to designate China a currency manipulator but his administration had until Monday refrained from doing so. The Treasury Department had instead kept China on a "monitoring list" of countries subject to close scrutiny due to their currency practices, including in its most recent report released in May. The yuan is not freely convertible and the government limits its movement against the US dollar to a two per cent range on either side of a central parity rate which the People's Bank of China (PBOC) sets each day to reflect market trends and control volatility. "It appears that the tariffs hike suggests the return of tit-for-tat moves and a suspension of trade talks, and the PBOC sees no need to keep the yuan stable in the near term," Ken Cheung, a senior currency strategist at Mizuho Bank, told Bloomberg News. In a statement on Monday morning, the PBOC said the exchange rate against the US dollar had been "affected by unilateralism and trade protectionism measures and the imposition of tariff increases on China." The central bank said the yuan remained "stable and strong against the basket of currencies" and said it would "resolutely crack down on short-term speculation and maintain stable operation of the foreign exchange market and stabilize market expectations." It went on to say that it had the "experience, confidence and ability to keep the RMB exchange rate basically stable at a reasonable and balanced level." Julian Evans-Pritchard, senior China economist with Capital Economics, said the PBOC has "effectively weaponized the exchange rate" by linking the currency with the US trade war. "Given that their goal is presumably to offset some of the impact from additional US tariffs, they are likely to allow the currency to weaken further, probably by 5-10 per cent over the coming quarters," said Evans-Pritchard.

US designates China a currency manipulator as yuan hits record low

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