The British pound rose Wednesday before arch-Brexiteer <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/stepping-into-power-britains-johnson-seeks-more-diverse-cabinet-238044&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjy6pLQ0s3jAhUfTI8KHf_NDzkQFjACegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1aKsCfuUnZh-SA_i3kYGPM">Boris Johnson</a> took over as prime minister, while European stocks mostly fell on the weak mining sector.

Sterling gained versus the euro and dollar as traders readied for Johnson - a leading Leave campaigner in Britain's shock Brexit referendum three years ago -&nbsp;to take the reins from outgoing premier Theresa May.

He will be appointed later Wednesday by Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace.

Sterling had already rallied Tuesday in reaction to Johnson's election as Conservative Party leader, with investors keen to see whether he pushes ahead with a no-deal divorce from the European Union at the end of October.

Brexit scepticism 'priced in' 
"The pound is beginning to stabilise, proving that a lot of the scepticism about Boris Johnson's Brexit policy was already built into the price," said City Index analyst Fiona Cincotta.

"Sterling is trading a touch higher this morning," she noted.

May resigned after failing to get parliamentary support for a Brexit deal she had struck with EU leaders.

Meanwhile, Europe's major stock markets mostly fell, with miners weighed down by sliding iron ore prices, dealers said.

Heading towards midday, London's FTSE 100 was sharply down by 0.9 percent.

In the eurozone, Paris CAC 40 fell 0.5 percent but Frankfurt's DAX 30 won 0.3 percent in value.

"The FTSE 100 is firmly in the red as mining stocks are weighing on the index," said CMC Markets analyst David Madden.

"A sell-off in iron ore prices in China has prompted a decline in major mining stocks like Rio Tinto, BHP Billiton, and Glencore.

"Brazil's Vale won approval to restart iron ore production, and that triggered the drop in iron ore prices."

Bright US earnings&nbsp; 
Most Asian markets enjoyed another day of gains, with support coming from more healthy earnings results and renewed hopes for a resolution of the China-US trade war.

The latest big-name firms to post positive results were Coca-Cola, toymaker Hasbro, and Harley-Davidson, helping all three main indexes on Wall Street end with sharp gains overnight.

Adding to the upbeat mood were reports that US President <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/they-call-him-britains-trump-says-us-president-on-boris-johnson-238131&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiCp6Hp2s3jAhUHl48KHdVmDmIQFjAFegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2zLPu250tzoQ1f2Gfdrz-b">Donald Trump</a>'s Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer will lead a delegation to China next week to resume trade talks.

The meeting would be the first head-to-head talks since negotiations were cut short in May by Trump's surprise decision to hit China with more tariffs for what he called Beijing's backsliding.

The British pound rose Wednesday before arch-Brexiteer Boris Johnson took over as prime minister, while European stocks mostly fell on the weak mining sector. Sterling gained versus the euro and dollar as traders readied for Johnson - a leading Leave campaigner in Britain's shock Brexit referendum three years ago - to take the reins from outgoing premier Theresa May.

The British pound rose Wednesday before arch-Brexiteer Boris Johnson took over as prime minister, while European stocks mostly fell on the weak mining sector. Sterling gained versus the euro and dollar as traders readied for Johnson - a leading Leave campaigner in Britain's shock Brexit referendum three years ago - to take the reins from outgoing premier Theresa May. He will be appointed later Wednesday by Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace. Sterling had already rallied Tuesday in reaction to Johnson's election as Conservative Party leader, with investors keen to see whether he pushes ahead with a no-deal divorce from the European Union at the end of October. Brexit scepticism 'priced in' "The pound is beginning to stabilise, proving that a lot of the scepticism about Boris Johnson's Brexit policy was already built into the price," said City Index analyst Fiona Cincotta. "Sterling is trading a touch higher this morning," she noted. May resigned after failing to get parliamentary support for a Brexit deal she had struck with EU leaders. Meanwhile, Europe's major stock markets mostly fell, with miners weighed down by sliding iron ore prices, dealers said. Heading towards midday, London's FTSE 100 was sharply down by 0.9 percent. In the eurozone, Paris CAC 40 fell 0.5 percent but Frankfurt's DAX 30 won 0.3 percent in value. "The FTSE 100 is firmly in the red as mining stocks are weighing on the index," said CMC Markets analyst David Madden. "A sell-off in iron ore prices in China has prompted a decline in major mining stocks like Rio Tinto, BHP Billiton, and Glencore. "Brazil's Vale won approval to restart iron ore production, and that triggered the drop in iron ore prices." Bright US earnings Most Asian markets enjoyed another day of gains, with support coming from more healthy earnings results and renewed hopes for a resolution of the China-US trade war. The latest big-name firms to post positive results were Coca-Cola, toymaker Hasbro, and Harley-Davidson, helping all three main indexes on Wall Street end with sharp gains overnight. Adding to the upbeat mood were reports that US President Donald Trump's Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer will lead a delegation to China next week to resume trade talks. The meeting would be the first head-to-head talks since negotiations were cut short in May by Trump's surprise decision to hit China with more tariffs for what he called Beijing's backsliding.

Sterling rises before Johnson takes office; European markets sag

Theresa May left 10 Downing Street for the last time and handed her resignation letter to Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace paving the way for Boris Johnson to take over as the new prime minister of Britain.

May arrived at Buckingham Palace after earlier urging Johnson to deliver Brexit "in a way that works for the whole United Kingdom".

May said delivering on Brexit was an "immediate priority".

The outgoing prime minister had earlier taken questions from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pleased-to-hand-over-charge-to-boris-johnson-says-theresa-may-in-british-parliament-238188">British MPs in her last PMQs</a> which ended in a tussle between her and Jeremy Corbyn over Brexit.

Corbyn said he hoped May will have "marginally more" relaxing time as a backbencher.

May, however, hit back saying Corbyn played "dirty politics" asserting "you should be ashamed".

Theresa May said "perhaps it's time" for labour leader Jeremy Corbyn to do the same as her and step down.

May said she was "pleased to hand over to Johnson".&nbsp;

Theresa May left 10 Downing Street for the last time and handed her resignation letter to Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace paving the way for Boris Johnson to take over as the new prime minister of Britain.

Theresa May left 10 Downing Street for the last time and handed her resignation letter to Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace paving the way for Boris Johnson to take over as the new prime minister of Britain. May arrived at Buckingham Palace after earlier urging Johnson to deliver Brexit "in a way that works for the whole United Kingdom". May said delivering on Brexit was an "immediate priority". The outgoing prime minister had earlier taken questions from British MPs in her last PMQs which ended in a tussle between her and Jeremy Corbyn over Brexit. Corbyn said he hoped May will have "marginally more" relaxing time as a backbencher. May, however, hit back saying Corbyn played "dirty politics" asserting "you should be ashamed". Theresa May said "perhaps it's time" for labour leader Jeremy Corbyn to do the same as her and step down. May said she was "pleased to hand over to Johnson".

British PM Theresa May tenders her resignation to Queen Elizabeth

The US government today imposed $5 billion fine on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-should-not-be-trusted-with-crazy-cryptocurrency-plan-us-senators-236538">Facebook </a>as part of its privacy probe.

Despite repeated promises to its billions of users worldwide that they could control how their personal information is shared, Facebook undermined consumers' choices," FTC chairman Joe Simons said in a statement.

The Federal Trade Commission said the penalty was the largest ever imposed on any company for violating consumers' privacy and one of the largest penalties ever assessed by the US government for any violation.

The FTC asked the social network company to&nbsp;"submit to new restrictions and a modified corporate structure."

The FTC voted 3-2 along party lines to adopt the settlement, which requires court approval.

The probe focused on whether <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-a-world-first-facebook-to-give-data-on-hate-speech-suspects-to-french-courts-230477">Facebook's data-sharing </a>violated a 2011 consent agreement between Facebook and the regulator which then widened to include other privacy allegations.

Facebook faces further scrutiny including anti-trust probes.&nbsp;

The FTC said Zuckerberg or others filing a false certification could face civil and criminal penalties.

Facebook&nbsp;also is barred from asking for email passwords to other services when consumers sign up.

Facebook&nbsp;is barred from using telephone numbers obtained in a security feature, like two-factor authentication, for advertising and must get user consent if it plans to use data from facial recognition technology.

Facebook is set to report earnings on Wednesday with experts keen to watch its share prices today.

The US government today imposed $5 billion fine on Facebook as part of its privacy probe. Despite repeated promises to its billions of users worldwide that they could control how their personal information is shared, Facebook undermined consumers' choices," FTC chairman Joe Simons said in a statement.

The US government today imposed $5 billion fine on Facebook as part of its privacy probe. Despite repeated promises to its billions of users worldwide that they could control how their personal information is shared, Facebook undermined consumers' choices," FTC chairman Joe Simons said in a statement. The Federal Trade Commission said the penalty was the largest ever imposed on any company for violating consumers' privacy and one of the largest penalties ever assessed by the US government for any violation. The FTC asked the social network company to "submit to new restrictions and a modified corporate structure." The FTC voted 3-2 along party lines to adopt the settlement, which requires court approval. The probe focused on whether Facebook's data-sharing violated a 2011 consent agreement between Facebook and the regulator which then widened to include other privacy allegations. Facebook faces further scrutiny including anti-trust probes. The FTC said Zuckerberg or others filing a false certification could face civil and criminal penalties. Facebook also is barred from asking for email passwords to other services when consumers sign up. Facebook is barred from using telephone numbers obtained in a security feature, like two-factor authentication, for advertising and must get user consent if it plans to use data from facial recognition technology. Facebook is set to report earnings on Wednesday with experts keen to watch its share prices today.

US regulator imposes $5 billion fine on Facebook over privacy probe

Outgoing British PM Theresa May took her questions from MPs for the last time&nbsp;in House of Commons&nbsp;ahead of submitting her resignation to the Queen on Wednesday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/stepping-into-power-britains-johnson-seeks-more-diverse-cabinet-238044">Boris Johnson was elected </a>as Conservative Party leader on Tuesday leading <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/theresa-may-a-legacy-sunk-by-brexit-237902">May to resign </a>as British prime minister.

During her final PMQs&nbsp;in Parliament, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn paid tribute to her "sense of public duty".

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/what-drove-boris-johnson-to-the-top-238069/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Corbyn said he hoped May will have "marginally more" relaxing time as a backbencher.

May, however, said Corbyn played "dirty politics" asserting "you should be ashamed", as the bad blood between May and Corbyn&nbsp;continued&nbsp;over Brexit even as she bid goodbye to Parliament as Britain's prime minister.

Theresa May said "perhaps it's time" for labour leader Jeremy Corbyn to do the same as her and step down.

May said she was "pleased to hand over to Johnson".

During the PMQ,&nbsp;SNP Westminister leader IAan Backford said, the time for holding the prime minister&nbsp;to account has passed.

The British prime minister will tender her resignation to the Queen in the evening at Buckingham Palace today. Boris Johnson will then take oath as the new prime minister of Britain as he seeks to pull the UK out of the European Union.

Johnson who has been running a campaign to exit the EU since 2016 has said he will take Britain out of EU by October 31 - the final deadline for Brexit.

Outgoing British PM Theresa May took her questions from MPs for the last time in House of Commons ahead of submitting her resignation to the Queen on Wednesday. Boris Johnson was elected as Conservative Party leader on Tuesday leading May to resign as British prime minister.

Outgoing British PM Theresa May took her questions from MPs for the last time in House of Commons ahead of submitting her resignation to the Queen on Wednesday. Boris Johnson was elected as Conservative Party leader on Tuesday leading May to resign as British prime minister. During her final PMQs in Parliament, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn paid tribute to her "sense of public duty". Watch Video: Corbyn said he hoped May will have "marginally more" relaxing time as a backbencher. May, however, said Corbyn played "dirty politics" asserting "you should be ashamed", as the bad blood between May and Corbyn continued over Brexit even as she bid goodbye to Parliament as Britain's prime minister. Theresa May said "perhaps it's time" for labour leader Jeremy Corbyn to do the same as her and step down. May said she was "pleased to hand over to Johnson". During the PMQ, SNP Westminister leader IAan Backford said, the time for holding the prime minister to account has passed. The British prime minister will tender her resignation to the Queen in the evening at Buckingham Palace today. Boris Johnson will then take oath as the new prime minister of Britain as he seeks to pull the UK out of the European Union. Johnson who has been running a campaign to exit the EU since 2016 has said he will take Britain out of EU by October 31 - the final deadline for Brexit.

Pleased to hand over charge to Boris Johnson, says Theresa May in British Parliament

Onion prices in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-pm-hasina-accuses-myanmar-of-defying-promise-over-repatriation-of-rohingyas-225839">Bangladesh</a> have doubled over the past two weeks after floods ravaged the crop and as imports from top supplier India became expensive after New Delhi withdrew incentives for overseas sales, industry officials told Reuters.

Onions are used as the base for traditional dishes across Asia such as biryani in Pakistan and India, belacan in Malaysia and fish curry in Bangladesh.

Prices in Bangladesh doubled to 50 takas ($0.59) per kg because of floods and traders say they could rise further ahead of the Eid-ul-Adha festival in August when demand usually goes up for the vegetable.

"The upward trend due to supply shortage could continue over the next few months," said Dhaka-based trader Hazi Shahid, adding the country has to raise imports from India to calm prices.

Severe flooding has killed at least 61 people, displaced nearly 800,000 and inundated thousands of homes across one-third of Bangladesh, government officials said on Tuesday, after two weeks of heavy monsoon rains.&nbsp;

The price rise has become a headache for the government of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, which may plan sales of subsidised onions through the state-run Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB).

"The price hike is like a nightmare for me. If prices of onions don`t come down soon, we`ll start selling in the open markets through the TCB," Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi said. Indian suppliers have fallen after New Delhi discouraged exports.

India withdrew 10 per cent export incentives on onion in June after the prices of the bulb jumped 47 per cent in a month in the local market due to dwindling supplies.&nbsp;

As the subsidy has been withdrawn, Indian exporters have to charge more for overseas sales, said Ajit Shah, president of the Mumbai-based Onion Exporters` Association.

Even in India supplies are limited and the planting of summer-sown crops has been delayed in some areas due to low rainfall, Shah said.

India`s monsoon rains to date have been 19per cent below average since the season began on June 1, according to the India Meteorological Department.

India exported 2.2 million tonnes of fresh onions in the 2018/19 fiscal year ended on March 30.

During the same time, Bangladesh imported 578,111 tonnes of onions from India, according to data compiled by India`s Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority.

Onion prices in Bangladesh are unlikely to come down unless prices fall in India with a bumper production, said an exporter based in Kolkata, adding, however, that the "Indian crop is not looking great due to uneven distribution of monsoon rains." 
&nbsp;

Onion prices in Bangladesh have doubled over the past two weeks after floods ravaged the crop and as imports from top supplier India became expensive after New Delhi withdrew incentives for overseas sales, industry officials told Reuters.

Onion prices in Bangladesh have doubled over the past two weeks after floods ravaged the crop and as imports from top supplier India became expensive after New Delhi withdrew incentives for overseas sales, industry officials told Reuters. Onions are used as the base for traditional dishes across Asia such as biryani in Pakistan and India, belacan in Malaysia and fish curry in Bangladesh. Prices in Bangladesh doubled to 50 takas ($0.59) per kg because of floods and traders say they could rise further ahead of the Eid-ul-Adha festival in August when demand usually goes up for the vegetable. "The upward trend due to supply shortage could continue over the next few months," said Dhaka-based trader Hazi Shahid, adding the country has to raise imports from India to calm prices. Severe flooding has killed at least 61 people, displaced nearly 800,000 and inundated thousands of homes across one-third of Bangladesh, government officials said on Tuesday, after two weeks of heavy monsoon rains. The price rise has become a headache for the government of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, which may plan sales of subsidised onions through the state-run Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB). "The price hike is like a nightmare for me. If prices of onions don`t come down soon, we`ll start selling in the open markets through the TCB," Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi said. Indian suppliers have fallen after New Delhi discouraged exports. India withdrew 10 per cent export incentives on onion in June after the prices of the bulb jumped 47 per cent in a month in the local market due to dwindling supplies. As the subsidy has been withdrawn, Indian exporters have to charge more for overseas sales, said Ajit Shah, president of the Mumbai-based Onion Exporters` Association. Even in India supplies are limited and the planting of summer-sown crops has been delayed in some areas due to low rainfall, Shah said. India`s monsoon rains to date have been 19per cent below average since the season began on June 1, according to the India Meteorological Department. India exported 2.2 million tonnes of fresh onions in the 2018/19 fiscal year ended on March 30. During the same time, Bangladesh imported 578,111 tonnes of onions from India, according to data compiled by India`s Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority. Onion prices in Bangladesh are unlikely to come down unless prices fall in India with a bumper production, said an exporter based in Kolkata, adding, however, that the "Indian crop is not looking great due to uneven distribution of monsoon rains."

Onion prices surge in Bangladesh on floods, lower Indian supply

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-will-be-reunited-pla-will-defeat-anyone-attempting-to-separate-taiwan-national-defence-plan-238163">China's foreign ministry</a> said on Wednesday it opposed the long-arm jurisdiction of the United States amid indictments on Chinese firms.

A Chinese company, its owner and three managers have been indicted on charges of conspiring to evade US sanctions meant to stop North Korean firms from helping Pyongyang to develop nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles, the US Department of Justice said on Tuesday.

"The head of Dandong Hongxiang Limited company you mentioned is suspected of economic crimes and China's judiciary is currently dealing with this matter according to its laws," ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told a daily briefing.

The US treasury department's Office of Foreign Assets Control imposed sanctions on Dandong Hongxiang when the charges were announced in September 2016, the first time Washington had taken such a step against a Chinese company.

China's foreign ministry said on Wednesday it opposed the long-arm jurisdiction of the United States amid indictments on Chinese firms. A Chinese company, its owner and three managers have been indicted on charges of conspiring to evade US sanctions meant to stop North Korean firms from helping Pyongyang to develop nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles, the US Department of Justice said on Tuesday.

China's foreign ministry said on Wednesday it opposed the long-arm jurisdiction of the United States amid indictments on Chinese firms. A Chinese company, its owner and three managers have been indicted on charges of conspiring to evade US sanctions meant to stop North Korean firms from helping Pyongyang to develop nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles, the US Department of Justice said on Tuesday. "The head of Dandong Hongxiang Limited company you mentioned is suspected of economic crimes and China's judiciary is currently dealing with this matter according to its laws," ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told a daily briefing. The US treasury department's Office of Foreign Assets Control imposed sanctions on Dandong Hongxiang when the charges were announced in September 2016, the first time Washington had taken such a step against a Chinese company.

Oppose US long-arm jurisdiction of Chinese firms:  Foreign ministry

Sri Lanka's parliament has blocked a visiting UN human rights expert from meeting with judges hearing war crimes cases, citing fears of foreign interference in the judicial system.

Clement Voule, an envoy of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-rights-recommendations-to-be-taken-seriously-maduro-229391">United Nations</a> Human Rights Council, travelled to the South Asian nation to discuss civil rights protections in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/we-need-patriotism-like-india-and-a-leader-who-is-trusted-by-all-sri-lankan-buddhist-monk-galagoda-aththe-gnanasara-thero-to-wion-236978">Sri Lanka</a>.

But opposition leader Mahinda Rajapakse told parliament on Tuesday that Voule's plans to meet with senior judges overseeing cases concerning military excesses during the former strongman's tenure amounted to foreign interference.

On Wednesday parliament speaker Karu Jayasuriya said he had "intervened and stopped the meeting".

"I thank the opposition for bringing this to my notice, I have taken timely action," Jayasuriya added.

Sri Lanka faced international censure for its human rights record under Rajapakse, who was toppled in January 2015 elections.

Forces under his command were accused of killing up to 40,000 Tamil civilians in the final months of the island's 37-year war against Tamil separatists that ended in May 2009.

Rajapakse's administration resisted global pressure to examine allegations of major human rights violations during his tenure. His successor President Maithripala Sirisena came to power on a pledge to investigate wartime atrocities but has refused calls for an international probe.

UN expert Voule has so far met Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya in the presence of foreign ministry officials. He is due to leave Sri Lanka on Friday.

Sri Lanka's parliament has blocked a visiting UN human rights expert from meeting with judges hearing war crimes cases, citing fears of foreign interference in the judicial system.

Sri Lanka's parliament has blocked a visiting UN human rights expert from meeting with judges hearing war crimes cases, citing fears of foreign interference in the judicial system. Clement Voule, an envoy of the United Nations Human Rights Council, travelled to the South Asian nation to discuss civil rights protections in Sri Lanka. But opposition leader Mahinda Rajapakse told parliament on Tuesday that Voule's plans to meet with senior judges overseeing cases concerning military excesses during the former strongman's tenure amounted to foreign interference. On Wednesday parliament speaker Karu Jayasuriya said he had "intervened and stopped the meeting". "I thank the opposition for bringing this to my notice, I have taken timely action," Jayasuriya added. Sri Lanka faced international censure for its human rights record under Rajapakse, who was toppled in January 2015 elections. Forces under his command were accused of killing up to 40,000 Tamil civilians in the final months of the island's 37-year war against Tamil separatists that ended in May 2009. Rajapakse's administration resisted global pressure to examine allegations of major human rights violations during his tenure. His successor President Maithripala Sirisena came to power on a pledge to investigate wartime atrocities but has refused calls for an international probe. UN expert Voule has so far met Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya in the presence of foreign ministry officials. He is due to leave Sri Lanka on Friday.

Sri Lanka blocks United Nations meeting with judges hearing war crimes cases

Eleven people have died and 42 are missing after heavy rains triggered a landslide in China's southwestern <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-waterfall-skyscraper-hit-by-torrent-of-ridicule-155088">Guizhou province</a>, the government said Wednesday.

Rescuers have freed 11 survivors after a mudslide buried 21 houses in a village in Shuicheng county Tuesday night, the Ministry of Emergency Management said in a statement on the Twitter-like Weibo platform.

Video of the landslide aired by state broadcaster CGTN showed the side of a collapsed hill covered in thick mud and excavators digging through the debris.

Rescue workers in helmets with torches were seen struggling through the thick mud as ambulances waited nearby.

About 560 rescuers were still combing through the rubble searching for survivors, the statement said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-jinping-first-chinese-leader-to-visit-north-korea-in-14-years-to-meet-kim-ahead-of-trump-talks-228866">Chinese president Xi Jinping</a> has called for a "careful investigation" into flood and disaster management to reduce further damage, the ministry said.

Landslides are a frequent danger in rural and mountainous parts of China, particularly after heavy rain, and the country has suffered heavy flooding in 2019 so far.

A separate landslip at a construction site in a village in Hezhang County in Guizhou on Tuesday killed one person and six others are missing, the county government said.

About 2.2 million people in Guizhou have been affected by floods and heavy winds in the first half of the year, and natural disasters have shaved off 3.1 billion yuan ($450 million) off the local economy this year, China's official Xinhua news agency reported.

Eleven people have died and 42 are missing after heavy rains triggered a landslide in China's southwestern Guizhou province, the government said Wednesday. Rescuers have freed 11 survivors after a mudslide buried 21 houses in a village in Shuicheng county Tuesday night, the Ministry of Emergency Management said in a statement on the Twitter-like Weibo platform.

Eleven people have died and 42 are missing after heavy rains triggered a landslide in China's southwestern Guizhou province, the government said Wednesday. Rescuers have freed 11 survivors after a mudslide buried 21 houses in a village in Shuicheng county Tuesday night, the Ministry of Emergency Management said in a statement on the Twitter-like Weibo platform. Video of the landslide aired by state broadcaster CGTN showed the side of a collapsed hill covered in thick mud and excavators digging through the debris. Rescue workers in helmets with torches were seen struggling through the thick mud as ambulances waited nearby. About 560 rescuers were still combing through the rubble searching for survivors, the statement said. Chinese president Xi Jinping has called for a "careful investigation" into flood and disaster management to reduce further damage, the ministry said. Landslides are a frequent danger in rural and mountainous parts of China, particularly after heavy rain, and the country has suffered heavy flooding in 2019 so far. A separate landslip at a construction site in a village in Hezhang County in Guizhou on Tuesday killed one person and six others are missing, the county government said. About 2.2 million people in Guizhou have been affected by floods and heavy winds in the first half of the year, and natural disasters have shaved off 3.1 billion yuan ($450 million) off the local economy this year, China's official Xinhua news agency reported.

11 dead, 42 missing in southwestern China landslide

Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer risked angering Manchester United fans on Wednesday, saying it was only a "loud minority" who want <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/paul-pogba-must-stay-at-manchester-united-says-juan-mata-237724&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwihif-Zsc3jAhVJPI8KHcbCDhUQFjABegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw08boDTtHmG1m1tX3emz5Sa">Paul Pogba</a> out of the club.

The French midfielder has made clear his determination to leave the Premier League giants, with Real Madrid and his former club Juventus both said to be interested.

But Solskjaer has made clear that he wants to keep the World Cup winner, as he attempts to steer the Old Trafford club back into the Champions League.

The 26-year-old Pogba's publicly stated wish to leave, and his tepid displays at the end of last season, have infuriated many United supporters.

Asked if he expected a backlash from United supporters against the Frenchman, Solskjaer said: "I think our fans know what Paul has given the club and can give us."

The Norwegian, who will need a fast start to the season to convince doubters he's the right man for one of the biggest jobs in football, said: "Of course there are some loud and small minority (against Pogba), but Paul has been absolutely top in the group.

"Me and the players will testify to that - that he's never ever been a problem and we are just grateful that he performs as well as he does," said the manager, speaking on the eve of a friendly against Tottenham Hotspur in Shanghai.

Solskjaer meanwhile urged patience and denied that he was frustrated by the club's failure to sign more players this summer.

United have bought winger Daniel James and full-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

But they are yet to seal a deal for Leicester City defender Harry Maguire, and <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/paul-pogba-central-to-manchester-united-rebuilding-plans-says-ole-gunnar-solskjaer-236576&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwihif-Zsc3jAhVJPI8KHcbCDhUQFjAAegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1sAMRV0txbOMXae8IGhsrO">Solskjaer</a> is also reportedly eyeing Portuguese playmaker Bruno Fernandes.

"I am very happy with the two mentioned (James and Wan-Bissaka), we have got to be patient," said the 46-year-old former United predator, adding that he "believed in" his squad.

"It's a long haul and very important we get the right ones (players) in, we can't just jump on a different path when you hit a hurdle."

One player who looks certain to leave is forward Romelu Lukaku, who is interesting Inter Milan.

The big Belgian will again be absent on Thursday because of injury, but reports suggest that the player and the club are happy to part ways.

Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer risked angering Manchester United fans on Wednesday, saying it was only a "loud minority" who want Paul Pogba out of the club. The French midfielder has made clear his determination to leave the Premier League giants, with Real Madrid and his former club Juventus both said to be interested.

Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer risked angering Manchester United fans on Wednesday, saying it was only a "loud minority" who want Paul Pogba out of the club. The French midfielder has made clear his determination to leave the Premier League giants, with Real Madrid and his former club Juventus both said to be interested. But Solskjaer has made clear that he wants to keep the World Cup winner, as he attempts to steer the Old Trafford club back into the Champions League. The 26-year-old Pogba's publicly stated wish to leave, and his tepid displays at the end of last season, have infuriated many United supporters. Asked if he expected a backlash from United supporters against the Frenchman, Solskjaer said: "I think our fans know what Paul has given the club and can give us." The Norwegian, who will need a fast start to the season to convince doubters he's the right man for one of the biggest jobs in football, said: "Of course there are some loud and small minority (against Pogba), but Paul has been absolutely top in the group. "Me and the players will testify to that - that he's never ever been a problem and we are just grateful that he performs as well as he does," said the manager, speaking on the eve of a friendly against Tottenham Hotspur in Shanghai. Solskjaer meanwhile urged patience and denied that he was frustrated by the club's failure to sign more players this summer. United have bought winger Daniel James and full-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka. But they are yet to seal a deal for Leicester City defender Harry Maguire, and Solskjaer is also reportedly eyeing Portuguese playmaker Bruno Fernandes. "I am very happy with the two mentioned (James and Wan-Bissaka), we have got to be patient," said the 46-year-old former United predator, adding that he "believed in" his squad. "It's a long haul and very important we get the right ones (players) in, we can't just jump on a different path when you hit a hurdle." One player who looks certain to leave is forward Romelu Lukaku, who is interesting Inter Milan. The big Belgian will again be absent on Thursday because of injury, but reports suggest that the player and the club are happy to part ways.

Only 'minority' of United fans want Pogba out, says Solskjaer

The medals for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics were unveiled on Wednesday with exactly one year to go until next year's Games.

The unveiling of the medals, designed by Junichi Kawanishi, was the main attraction of an extravagant ceremony in the Japanese capital to commemorate the landmark.

The event was attended by International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

The medals, which are 85 millimetres in diameter, feature Greek goddess of victory Nike in their design along with the Olympic symbol and are made from recycled metals, collected from 6.21 million electronic devices donated across Japan.

Abe said he hoped next year's Games would have a similar impact as the 1964 Summer Games held in Tokyo.

"Sports brings the world together and it affords equal opportunities to all. That is what sports are about," said Abe. "Fifty-five years ago we learned that when we hosted it in Tokyo before.

"Next year we want to demonstrate that again and we want this to be an opportunity where we can do that."

Bach reiterated that Tokyo is the best-prepared city he has ever seen ahead of an Olympic Games.

"It will be a wonderful and unique moment for our gracious Japanese hosts. For you to show the world the best of Japan," added Bach.

Organisers believe they are on track to deliver a world-class sporting event next year and with 3.22 million tickets already sold and over 200,000 people applying to be volunteers, engagement in Japan is unprecedented.

The only reminder of the issues in the build-up to the Games on Wednesday was the presence of new Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC) President Yasuhiro Yamashita on stage with Bach and Abe.

Yamashita took over at the JOC last month, following the resignation of Tsunekazu Takeda, who is being investigated for suspected corruption related to the Tokyo 2020 bid.

The medals for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics were unveiled on Wednesday with exactly one year to go until next year's Games. The unveiling of the medals, designed by Junichi Kawanishi, was the main attraction of an extravagant ceremony in the Japanese capital to commemorate the landmark.

The medals for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics were unveiled on Wednesday with exactly one year to go until next year's Games. The unveiling of the medals, designed by Junichi Kawanishi, was the main attraction of an extravagant ceremony in the Japanese capital to commemorate the landmark. The event was attended by International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The medals, which are 85 millimetres in diameter, feature Greek goddess of victory Nike in their design along with the Olympic symbol and are made from recycled metals, collected from 6.21 million electronic devices donated across Japan. Abe said he hoped next year's Games would have a similar impact as the 1964 Summer Games held in Tokyo. "Sports brings the world together and it affords equal opportunities to all. That is what sports are about," said Abe. "Fifty-five years ago we learned that when we hosted it in Tokyo before. "Next year we want to demonstrate that again and we want this to be an opportunity where we can do that." Bach reiterated that Tokyo is the best-prepared city he has ever seen ahead of an Olympic Games. "It will be a wonderful and unique moment for our gracious Japanese hosts. For you to show the world the best of Japan," added Bach. Organisers believe they are on track to deliver a world-class sporting event next year and with 3.22 million tickets already sold and over 200,000 people applying to be volunteers, engagement in Japan is unprecedented. The only reminder of the issues in the build-up to the Games on Wednesday was the presence of new Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC) President Yasuhiro Yamashita on stage with Bach and Abe. Yamashita took over at the JOC last month, following the resignation of Tsunekazu Takeda, who is being investigated for suspected corruption related to the Tokyo 2020 bid.

Tokyo Olympics 2020 medals unveiled a year before Games

Russia's embassy in Seoul on Wednesday denied that Moscow had formally apologised over an alleged airspace violation the previous day after South Korea said that Russia had expressed "deep regret" while blaming an equipment malfunction.

A Russian military aircraft entered airspace near a group of islets claimed by both South Korea and Japan on Tuesday, during a long-range joint air patrol by Russian and Chinese aircraft, according to South Korea and Japan, which both scrambled fighter jets in response.

South Korean warplanes fired flares and hundreds of warning shots near the Russian aircraft, and the incident triggered a round of diplomatic protests by countries in the region.

An unidentified <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/russian-government-unable-to-find-any-documents-on-whereabouts-of-subhash-chandra-bose-mea-238154&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjfwJnPpc3jAhVMHo8KHd8VDl0QFjAIegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0dQPd-EitX4eTCLQb6BYH5">Russian</a> military attache in Seoul told South Korean officials that the military plane appeared to have "entered an unplanned area due to a device malfunction", said Yoon Do-han, a press secretary at South Korea's presidential office.

"Russia has conveyed its deep regret over the incident and said its defence ministry would immediately launch an investigation and take all necessary steps," Yoon said.

"The officer said such a situation would have never occurred if it followed the initially planned route."

It was not immediately clear if Yoon meant the attache was speaking officially on behalf of the Russian government but Russia's embassy in Seoul denied that it had apologised.

"The Russian side did not make an official apology," the embassy in Seoul said, adding it had noted many inaccuracies in the comments by South Korea, Interfax reported.

Russia's public statements on the issue have not mentioned any technical problems, nor has Russia announced any investigation or acknowledged a violation of South Korean air space.

South Korea's defence ministry said that after initially admitting a possible mistake and expressing regret on Tuesday, Russian officials on Wednesday sent South Korea an official document stating that its aircraft did not violate any air space.

WATCH:&nbsp;Russia expresses regret over South Korea airspace violation

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Russia also accused South Korean pilots of threatening the safety of Russian aircraft.

An official at South Korea's defence ministry told reporters on Wednesday that it believed the intrusion could not have resulted from a system error.

He did not elaborate but said the two countries would hold working-level talks to discuss a Russian request to share information on the incident.

The incident came at a delicate time for a region that has for years been overshadowed by hostility between the United States and North Korea and has recently seen a flare-up in the tension between South Korea and Japan.

While troops and naval ships from Russia and <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/opinions/belt-and-road-projects-china-expands-its-anti-corruption-campaign-238093&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjfwJnPpc3jAhVMHo8KHd8VDl0QFjAJegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0j0I01eE8G-eHsfymlTIwH">China</a> have taken part in joint war games before, they have not conducted such air patrols in the Asia-Pacific region together, according to Russia's Ministry of Defence.

China's defence ministry said on Wednesday that China and Russia did not enter territorial sky of any other country during their joint patrols on Tuesday.

South Korea and Japan scrambled fighter jets because both claim sovereignty over the disputed islets called Dokdo in Korea and Takeshima in Japan.

The two US&nbsp;allies are mired in a deepening political and trade dispute, which fanned concerns that it might undercut three-way security cooperation to fend off North Korea's nuclear threats.

The incident also coincided with the visit of the US&nbsp;national security adviser John Bolton to South Korea.

Bolton and his counterpart, Chung Eui-Yong, discussed the airspace breach during a meeting on Wednesday and vowed close consultations in case of more such incidents, South Korea's presidential Blue House said in a statement.

Russia's embassy in Seoul on Wednesday denied that Moscow had formally apologised over an alleged airspace violation the previous day after South Korea said that Russia had expressed "deep regret" while blaming an equipment malfunction.

Russia's embassy in Seoul on Wednesday denied that Moscow had formally apologised over an alleged airspace violation the previous day after South Korea said that Russia had expressed "deep regret" while blaming an equipment malfunction. A Russian military aircraft entered airspace near a group of islets claimed by both South Korea and Japan on Tuesday, during a long-range joint air patrol by Russian and Chinese aircraft, according to South Korea and Japan, which both scrambled fighter jets in response. South Korean warplanes fired flares and hundreds of warning shots near the Russian aircraft, and the incident triggered a round of diplomatic protests by countries in the region. An unidentified Russian military attache in Seoul told South Korean officials that the military plane appeared to have "entered an unplanned area due to a device malfunction", said Yoon Do-han, a press secretary at South Korea's presidential office. "Russia has conveyed its deep regret over the incident and said its defence ministry would immediately launch an investigation and take all necessary steps," Yoon said. "The officer said such a situation would have never occurred if it followed the initially planned route." It was not immediately clear if Yoon meant the attache was speaking officially on behalf of the Russian government but Russia's embassy in Seoul denied that it had apologised. "The Russian side did not make an official apology," the embassy in Seoul said, adding it had noted many inaccuracies in the comments by South Korea, Interfax reported. Russia's public statements on the issue have not mentioned any technical problems, nor has Russia announced any investigation or acknowledged a violation of South Korean air space. South Korea's defence ministry said that after initially admitting a possible mistake and expressing regret on Tuesday, Russian officials on Wednesday sent South Korea an official document stating that its aircraft did not violate any air space. WATCH: Russia expresses regret over South Korea airspace violation × Russia also accused South Korean pilots of threatening the safety of Russian aircraft. An official at South Korea's defence ministry told reporters on Wednesday that it believed the intrusion could not have resulted from a system error. He did not elaborate but said the two countries would hold working-level talks to discuss a Russian request to share information on the incident. The incident came at a delicate time for a region that has for years been overshadowed by hostility between the United States and North Korea and has recently seen a flare-up in the tension between South Korea and Japan. While troops and naval ships from Russia and China have taken part in joint war games before, they have not conducted such air patrols in the Asia-Pacific region together, according to Russia's Ministry of Defence. China's defence ministry said on Wednesday that China and Russia did not enter territorial sky of any other country during their joint patrols on Tuesday. South Korea and Japan scrambled fighter jets because both claim sovereignty over the disputed islets called Dokdo in Korea and Takeshima in Japan. The two US allies are mired in a deepening political and trade dispute, which fanned concerns that it might undercut three-way security cooperation to fend off North Korea's nuclear threats. The incident also coincided with the visit of the US national security adviser John Bolton to South Korea. Bolton and his counterpart, Chung Eui-Yong, discussed the airspace breach during a meeting on Wednesday and vowed close consultations in case of more such incidents, South Korea's presidential Blue House said in a statement.

Did not make an apology: Russia on airspace violation dispute with South Korea

China outlined plans to build a modern, high-tech army in a<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-thaad-system-deployment-to-south-korea-undermines-regional-strategic-balance-says-china-238130"> national defence plan</a> published Wednesday, as it accused Washington of undermining global strategic stability and warned against Taiwanese independence.

The first comprehensive white paper since 2012 offers insight into the world's largest army as it scrambles to catch up to America's formidable firepower as tensions deepen between the two powers.

Beijing is firm on the self-ruled <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-to-impose-sanctions-on-us-firms-in-taiwan-arms-sale-235357">island of Taiwan</a> -- which China views as its own territory -- and makes "no promise to renounce the use of force" in bringing it back into the fold.

"China must be and will be reunited," the paper reads.

It says Taiwan "separatists" are the biggest threat to the peaceful reunification of the country.

"The PLA will resolutely defeat anyone attempting to separate Taiwan from China," it says.

"This hostile signalling of resolve may backfire within Taiwan by exacerbating anxieties that are already heightened by the clear failures of the model of 'one country, two systems' in Hong Kong," Kania said.

"The United States is clearly the intended audience for this signalling of red lines as well."

Watch Video:

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The Mainland Affairs Council, Taiwan's top policy-making body on China, slammed the white paper for making "absurd remarks".

"We firmly oppose and condemn Beijing authorities for using cross-strait issues as a pretext for military expansion and threatening to use force against Taiwan," it said in a statement.

And with pro-democracy protests raging in Hong Kong, China's defence ministry spokesman Wu Qian cited a law stipulating that the PLA could be deployed to maintain public order if requested by the city's semi-autonomous government.

"International strategic competition is on the rise," the document says, adding that the United States has adjusted its national security and defence strategies and adopted "unilateral policies".

The US "has provoked and intensified competition among major countries, significantly increased its defence expenditure, pushed for additional capacity in nuclear, outer space, cyber and missile defence, and undermined global strategic stability".

The plan calls for more cutting-edge technology in the People's Liberation Army (PLA) arsenal, admitting it "still lags far behind the world's leading militaries".

War is evolving towards "intelligent" combat, the paper says, citing a growing use of AI, big data, cloud computing and "new and high-tech military technologies based on IT".

China's defence spending is second only to the United States, and it said earlier this year it planned to raise it by 7.5 per cent in 2019, though the increase in expenditure has slowed as the economy has cooled in recent years.

The PLA has been focused on catching up with technology used by armed forces in the US and western Europe, and is reportedly building a third aircraft carrier as well as developing a new generation of destroyer vessels, stealth fighter jets and ballistic missiles.

The US-China trade war is pushing Beijing to ramp up efforts to develop its own technological innovations, which would benefit the PLA, said Lyle Morris, senior policy analyst at the RAND Corporation think tank.

"The PLA still lags behind the US military in most indicators of technological superiority, but is closing the gap fast," Morris said. 
&nbsp;

China outlined plans to build a modern, high-tech army in a national defence plan published Wednesday, as it accused Washington of undermining global strategic stability and warned against Taiwanese independence.

China outlined plans to build a modern, high-tech army in a national defence plan published Wednesday, as it accused Washington of undermining global strategic stability and warned against Taiwanese independence. The first comprehensive white paper since 2012 offers insight into the world's largest army as it scrambles to catch up to America's formidable firepower as tensions deepen between the two powers. Beijing is firm on the self-ruled island of Taiwan -- which China views as its own territory -- and makes "no promise to renounce the use of force" in bringing it back into the fold. "China must be and will be reunited," the paper reads. It says Taiwan "separatists" are the biggest threat to the peaceful reunification of the country. "The PLA will resolutely defeat anyone attempting to separate Taiwan from China," it says. "This hostile signalling of resolve may backfire within Taiwan by exacerbating anxieties that are already heightened by the clear failures of the model of 'one country, two systems' in Hong Kong," Kania said. "The United States is clearly the intended audience for this signalling of red lines as well." Watch Video: The Mainland Affairs Council, Taiwan's top policy-making body on China, slammed the white paper for making "absurd remarks". "We firmly oppose and condemn Beijing authorities for using cross-strait issues as a pretext for military expansion and threatening to use force against Taiwan," it said in a statement. And with pro-democracy protests raging in Hong Kong, China's defence ministry spokesman Wu Qian cited a law stipulating that the PLA could be deployed to maintain public order if requested by the city's semi-autonomous government. "International strategic competition is on the rise," the document says, adding that the United States has adjusted its national security and defence strategies and adopted "unilateral policies". The US "has provoked and intensified competition among major countries, significantly increased its defence expenditure, pushed for additional capacity in nuclear, outer space, cyber and missile defence, and undermined global strategic stability". The plan calls for more cutting-edge technology in the People's Liberation Army (PLA) arsenal, admitting it "still lags far behind the world's leading militaries". War is evolving towards "intelligent" combat, the paper says, citing a growing use of AI, big data, cloud computing and "new and high-tech military technologies based on IT". China's defence spending is second only to the United States, and it said earlier this year it planned to raise it by 7.5 per cent in 2019, though the increase in expenditure has slowed as the economy has cooled in recent years. The PLA has been focused on catching up with technology used by armed forces in the US and western Europe, and is reportedly building a third aircraft carrier as well as developing a new generation of destroyer vessels, stealth fighter jets and ballistic missiles. The US-China trade war is pushing Beijing to ramp up efforts to develop its own technological innovations, which would benefit the PLA, said Lyle Morris, senior policy analyst at the RAND Corporation think tank. "The PLA still lags behind the US military in most indicators of technological superiority, but is closing the gap fast," Morris said.

China will be reunited, PLA will defeat anyone attempting to separate Taiwan: National defence plan

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