&nbsp;A&nbsp;US&nbsp;congressional&nbsp;report released on Wednesday called for&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;against&nbsp;China&nbsp;over&nbsp;human rights abuses, and for&nbsp;US&nbsp;officials to keep rights concerns in mind during dealings with Beijing, including trade negotiations.

The annual human rights report from the&nbsp;Congressional-Executive Commission on&nbsp;China&nbsp;said human rights and rule of law conditions worsened in&nbsp;China&nbsp;from August 2018 to August 2019, the period studied.

The report detailed&nbsp;China's crackdown on religious minorities, labor activists and the press, and focused extensively on the treatment of the minority <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-repression-of-uighur-muslims-china-to-edit-quran-and-bible-to-reflect-socialist-values-270572">Muslim Uighur </a>population in Xinjiang, "where the Commission believes Chinese authorities may be committing crimes&nbsp;against&nbsp;humanity."

"In addition, the Administration should develop talking points for&nbsp;US&nbsp;Government officials including those engaged in trade negotiations that consistently link freedoms of press, speech, and association to the US&nbsp;and Chinese interests," the report said.

It was only the latest salvo from Washington&nbsp;over&nbsp;China's human rights record, particularly the treatment of Uighur Muslims in the northwestern Xinjiang region, where at least a million people have been detained in what is seen by many in the West as a grave abuse of human rights and religious freedom.&nbsp;China&nbsp;rejects the charges.

The Commission is led by Democratic Representative Jim McGovern and Republican Senator <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-stops-abruptly-to-drink-water-while-giving-a-speech-and-internet-cant-stop-having-a-laugh-24351">Marco Rubio</a>.

Negotiators were working on a new version of a bill that would require President Donald Trump's administration to toughen its response to&nbsp;China's crackdown on its Muslim minorities, the two lawmakers said at a press conference unveiling the report.

China&nbsp;had reacted angrily when the Democratic-led <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-panel-launches-probe-into-possible-obstruction-by-trump-200941">House of Representatives</a> passed the bill late last year. It stalled in the Senate, which passed its own, less stringent bill earlier in the year, amid trade talks between Washington and&nbsp;China.

Rubio said he expected a version of the bill that could pass the Senate unanimously avoiding procedural snafus that could block legislation in that chamber - and pass the House and be signed into law by Trump.

McGovern said he expected a compromise bill would move forward in 2020, "hopefully soon," in both the Senate and House, and he expected Trump would sign it.

"We will get to 'yes.' That is my belief," McGovern said.

Some lawmakers at the news briefing called&nbsp;China's treatment of the Uighurs&nbsp;a "crime&nbsp;against&nbsp;humanity."

In Xinjiang, the Chinese government has used facial-recognition cameras and mobile telephone-monitoring systems to create an "open-air prison," the report said.

"US&nbsp;foreign policy must prioritize the promotion of universal human rights and the rule of law in&nbsp;China, not only to respect and protect the basic dignity of the people of&nbsp;China but to better promote security and prosperity for all of humanity," it said.

To address the abuses, the&nbsp;study&nbsp;recommended tightening access to&nbsp;US&nbsp;capital markets for Chinese companies that provide support or technical capabilities for repression.

It recommended rights&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;against&nbsp;businesses and officials involved in the mass internment and surveillance of Uighurs.

And it backed controlling the sale of facial-recognition systems, machine learning, and biometric technology by placing agencies on the Department of Commerce's "Entity List," preventing purchases from&nbsp;US&nbsp;suppliers.

The&nbsp;study&nbsp;also described a "further erosion" of Hong Kong’s autonomy and fundamental freedoms and said months of pro-democracy protests reveal "deep discontent" at a grassroots level.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Office in Hong Kong said the&nbsp;study&nbsp;"distorts the truth," in a statement posted on its website Thursday. Hong Kong residents' rights and freedoms are fully protected, it said, and the "black hand" of the United States is responsible for inciting protests.

A US congressional report released on Wednesday called for sanctions against China over human rights abuses, and for US officials to keep rights concerns in mind during dealings with Beijing, including trade negotiations.

A US congressional report released on Wednesday called for sanctions against China over human rights abuses, and for US officials to keep rights concerns in mind during dealings with Beijing, including trade negotiations. The annual human rights report from the Congressional-Executive Commission on China said human rights and rule of law conditions worsened in China from August 2018 to August 2019, the period studied. The report detailed China's crackdown on religious minorities, labor activists and the press, and focused extensively on the treatment of the minority Muslim Uighur population in Xinjiang, "where the Commission believes Chinese authorities may be committing crimes against humanity." "In addition, the Administration should develop talking points for US Government officials including those engaged in trade negotiations that consistently link freedoms of press, speech, and association to the US and Chinese interests," the report said. It was only the latest salvo from Washington over China's human rights record, particularly the treatment of Uighur Muslims in the northwestern Xinjiang region, where at least a million people have been detained in what is seen by many in the West as a grave abuse of human rights and religious freedom. China rejects the charges. The Commission is led by Democratic Representative Jim McGovern and Republican Senator Marco Rubio. Negotiators were working on a new version of a bill that would require President Donald Trump's administration to toughen its response to China's crackdown on its Muslim minorities, the two lawmakers said at a press conference unveiling the report. China had reacted angrily when the Democratic-led House of Representatives passed the bill late last year. It stalled in the Senate, which passed its own, less stringent bill earlier in the year, amid trade talks between Washington and China. Rubio said he expected a version of the bill that could pass the Senate unanimously avoiding procedural snafus that could block legislation in that chamber - and pass the House and be signed into law by Trump. McGovern said he expected a compromise bill would move forward in 2020, "hopefully soon," in both the Senate and House, and he expected Trump would sign it. "We will get to 'yes.' That is my belief," McGovern said. Some lawmakers at the news briefing called China's treatment of the Uighurs a "crime against humanity." In Xinjiang, the Chinese government has used facial-recognition cameras and mobile telephone-monitoring systems to create an "open-air prison," the report said. "US foreign policy must prioritize the promotion of universal human rights and the rule of law in China, not only to respect and protect the basic dignity of the people of China but to better promote security and prosperity for all of humanity," it said. To address the abuses, the study recommended tightening access to US capital markets for Chinese companies that provide support or technical capabilities for repression. It recommended rights sanctions against businesses and officials involved in the mass internment and surveillance of Uighurs. And it backed controlling the sale of facial-recognition systems, machine learning, and biometric technology by placing agencies on the Department of Commerce's "Entity List," preventing purchases from US suppliers. The study also described a "further erosion" of Hong Kong’s autonomy and fundamental freedoms and said months of pro-democracy protests reveal "deep discontent" at a grassroots level. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Office in Hong Kong said the study "distorts the truth," in a statement posted on its website Thursday. Hong Kong residents' rights and freedoms are fully protected, it said, and the "black hand" of the United States is responsible for inciting protests.

US congressional study urges sanctions on China over 'crimes against humanity'

All passengers onboard a Ukrainian plane, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-airplane-with-180-aboard-crashes-in-iran-272823">that crashed in Iran on Wednesday</a>, have died in the mishap, news agency AFP reported citing Iran's semi-official ISNA news agency.&nbsp;

Iran's non-governmental, humanitarian organisation, Iran Red Crescent, stated that there were no chances of finding survivors in the plane crash.&nbsp;

<img alt="Ukrainian plane crash" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="13c569fe-bf10-441c-a3fa-3ac5777b817a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%282%29_28.jpg" />

The airplane, a Boeing 737, which belonged to Ukraine International Airlines, crashed shortly after taking off for Kiev from Tehran's Imam Khomeini airport due to some technical snag.&nbsp;

<img alt="​​Ukraine International Airlines plane crashed" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c49287f4-0cbb-4849-b386-cd4a3169eed2" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2829%29_1.jpg" />

The plane was carrying at least 170 people on board.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Boeing Company took to microblogging site Twitter and stated that it is aware of the crash of Ukrainian airplane in Iran and is in the process of gathering more information on the same.&nbsp;

<img alt="​​Ukraine International Airlines flight PS752" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="201561b2-a1c8-48dc-9347-9f152109773d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2830%29_4.jpg" />

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
We are aware of the media reports out of Iran and we are gathering more information.
— The Boeing Company (@Boeing) <a href="https://twitter.com/Boeing/status/1214768412779520000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Aviation giant Boeing has been facing a nine-month crisis after its 737 Max was grounded since last March following fatal crashes wherein over 300 people were killed.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
This video is claimed to be the last minutes of Ukrainian Boeing 737 before crash... 
No information has been realised about casualties so far... 
 
Pray for all them on board. <a href="https://t.co/f9X9ROvmUr">pic.twitter.com/f9X9ROvmUr</a>
— Danial Khazaei (@DanielKhazaei) <a href="https://twitter.com/DanielKhazaei/status/1214759982673072128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Boeing 737 Max was grounded globally last year following two deadly crashes.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, Boeing called for a simulator training for pilots of the 737 MAX before the resumption of flights.

<img alt="Ukrainian plane crash" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="77d4b6a1-cc07-4c9f-86f0-8d61423316a2" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design_38.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boeing-737-max-ethiopian-airlines-chief-rejects-pilot-error-claim-in-us-227998">Boeing 737 MAX 8</a> was grounded worldwide after Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 crashed in March 2019, killing all 157 people on board.

As many as 189 people were killed after a Lion Air 737 MAX 8 crashed in Indonesia in October 2019.&nbsp;

<img alt="Ukraine International Airlines flight PS752" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7e4f5442-12f4-4386-8539-5dff89e57ec0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%284%29_14.jpg" />

All passengers onboard a Ukrainian plane, that crashed in Iran on Wednesday, have died in the mishap, news agency AFP reported citing Iran's semi-official ISNA news agency.

All passengers onboard a Ukrainian plane, that crashed in Iran on Wednesday, have died in the mishap, news agency AFP reported citing Iran's semi-official ISNA news agency. Iran's non-governmental, humanitarian organisation, Iran Red Crescent, stated that there were no chances of finding survivors in the plane crash. The airplane, a Boeing 737, which belonged to Ukraine International Airlines, crashed shortly after taking off for Kiev from Tehran's Imam Khomeini airport due to some technical snag. The plane was carrying at least 170 people on board. Meanwhile, the Boeing Company took to microblogging site Twitter and stated that it is aware of the crash of Ukrainian airplane in Iran and is in the process of gathering more information on the same. We are aware of the media reports out of Iran and we are gathering more information. — The Boeing Company (@Boeing) January 8, 2020 × Aviation giant Boeing has been facing a nine-month crisis after its 737 Max was grounded since last March following fatal crashes wherein over 300 people were killed. This video is claimed to be the last minutes of Ukrainian Boeing 737 before crash... No information has been realised about casualties so far... Pray for all them on board. pic.twitter.com/f9X9ROvmUr — Danial Khazaei (@DanielKhazaei) January 8, 2020 × Boeing 737 Max was grounded globally last year following two deadly crashes. On Tuesday, Boeing called for a simulator training for pilots of the 737 MAX before the resumption of flights. Boeing 737 MAX 8 was grounded worldwide after Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 crashed in March 2019, killing all 157 people on board. As many as 189 people were killed after a Lion Air 737 MAX 8 crashed in Indonesia in October 2019.

Iran: All passengers aboard Ukrainian airplane killed in crash near Tehran

Transport and banking services at several places are likely to be affected due to the 'Bharat Bandh'&nbsp;called by all 10 Central trade unions along with different federations being organised to protest against "anti-worker policies of BJP government" on Wednesday.

The ten central trade unions including CITU, INTUC, among others have given the call for strike with a 12-point charter of demand. Trade union Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) will not be taking part in the strike.

Earlier on Tuesday, speaking to ANI Tapan Sen, general secretary of CITU had said, "All 10 central unions along with all national independent federations of central and state governments, bank, defence production and other service sectors have called a strike against anti-worker and anti-national policies of BJP government."

"Workers are going on strike with a 12-point charter of demands. We are demanding equal wage for equal work for contract workers who do the same work but receive less than half wage than regular workers," he added.

All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee (AIKSCC) which comprises about 250 farmers'&nbsp;organisations has also announced to observe 'Grameen Bharat Bandh', on Wednesday. Moreover, services at various bank branches are likely to be affected as hundreds of employees are likely to go on a bank strike across the country on Wednesday.

The bank strike is part of the Bharat Bandh call given by trade unions to protest against the labour reforms and economic policies of the Central government, according to reports.

The protestors'&nbsp;demand during the Bharat Bandh includes the Centre to drop the proposed labour reforms. A Bill in this regard was passed and proposes to merge 44 labour laws into four codes wages, industrial relations, social security, and safe working conditions.

Meanwhile, in West Bengal Transport Department will operate 22 per cent additional buses on Wednesday in view of nationwide strike supported by various trade unions against economic policies of the central government."The State Transport Units (STUs) will operate about 22 per cent additional buses tomorrow," a Transport Department release said.

Transport and banking services at several places are likely to be affected due to the 'Bharat Bandh' called by all 10 Central trade unions along with different federations being organised to protest against "anti-worker policies of BJP government" on Wednesday.

Transport and banking services at several places are likely to be affected due to the 'Bharat Bandh' called by all 10 Central trade unions along with different federations being organised to protest against "anti-worker policies of BJP government" on Wednesday. The ten central trade unions including CITU, INTUC, among others have given the call for strike with a 12-point charter of demand. Trade union Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) will not be taking part in the strike. Earlier on Tuesday, speaking to ANI Tapan Sen, general secretary of CITU had said, "All 10 central unions along with all national independent federations of central and state governments, bank, defence production and other service sectors have called a strike against anti-worker and anti-national policies of BJP government." "Workers are going on strike with a 12-point charter of demands. We are demanding equal wage for equal work for contract workers who do the same work but receive less than half wage than regular workers," he added. All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee (AIKSCC) which comprises about 250 farmers' organisations has also announced to observe 'Grameen Bharat Bandh', on Wednesday. Moreover, services at various bank branches are likely to be affected as hundreds of employees are likely to go on a bank strike across the country on Wednesday. The bank strike is part of the Bharat Bandh call given by trade unions to protest against the labour reforms and economic policies of the Central government, according to reports. The protestors' demand during the Bharat Bandh includes the Centre to drop the proposed labour reforms. A Bill in this regard was passed and proposes to merge 44 labour laws into four codes wages, industrial relations, social security, and safe working conditions. Meanwhile, in West Bengal Transport Department will operate 22 per cent additional buses on Wednesday in view of nationwide strike supported by various trade unions against economic policies of the central government."The State Transport Units (STUs) will operate about 22 per cent additional buses tomorrow," a Transport Department release said.

Trade unions observe 'Bharat Bandh' today

Shiv Sena on Wednesday extended its support to trade unions'&nbsp;'<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/trade-unions-to-observe-bharat-bandh-today-272834">Bharat Bandh'</a>&nbsp;call and slammed the central government for its policies and decisions.

In its mouthpiece Saamana, Shiv Sena stated that during the "first regime of BJP government, the industry and labour class was badly affected due to its decisions like demonetisation and Goods and Services Tax (GST)."

Transport and banking services at several places are likely to be affected due to the 'Bharat Bandh'&nbsp;called by all 10 Central trade unions along with different federations being organised to protest against "anti-worker policies of BJP government".

The ten central trade unions including CITU, INTUC, among others have given the call for strike with a 12-point charter of demand.

Trade union Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) will not be taking part in the strike.

The editorial stated that people expected that things will improve, but "six months have passed since the present government was formed and neither industries nor the condition of the labourers improved." 
&nbsp;

Shiv Sena on Wednesday extended its support to trade unions' 'Bharat Bandh' call and slammed the central government for its policies and decisions. In its mouthpiece Saamana, Shiv Sena stated that during the "first regime of BJP government, the industry and labour class was badly affected due to its decisions like demonetisation and Goods and Services Tax (GST).

Shiv Sena on Wednesday extended its support to trade unions' 'Bharat Bandh' call and slammed the central government for its policies and decisions. In its mouthpiece Saamana, Shiv Sena stated that during the "first regime of BJP government, the industry and labour class was badly affected due to its decisions like demonetisation and Goods and Services Tax (GST)." Transport and banking services at several places are likely to be affected due to the 'Bharat Bandh' called by all 10 Central trade unions along with different federations being organised to protest against "anti-worker policies of BJP government". The ten central trade unions including CITU, INTUC, among others have given the call for strike with a 12-point charter of demand. Trade union Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) will not be taking part in the strike. The editorial stated that people expected that things will improve, but "six months have passed since the present government was formed and neither industries nor the condition of the labourers improved."

Shiv Sena extends support to 'Bharat Bandh' call by trade unions

Billionaire presidential hopeful Michael Bloomberg and White House incumbent <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/all-is-well-so-far-so-good-says-trump-after-irans-missile-strikes-at-us-bases-in-iraq-272818">Donald Trump</a> will both be looking to score with millions of voters this <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/oscar-dates-shifted-in-2021-and-2022-for-olympics-super-bowl-226430">Super Bowl</a>.

The political rivals have each secured 60-second ad spots for next month's American football showpiece, commonly the most-watched US television broadcast every year.

About 100 million viewers are expected to tune in on Sunday, February 2 to see the NFL's 2019 champion crowned in Miami.

Providing they don't turn off during the breaks, they will also see Bloomberg tout his credentials to be the Democratic nominee to take on Trump in November.

"When the Trump campaign decided to run an ad during the big game, the Bloomberg campaign responded by buying a spot. Mike is taking the fight to Trump," Bloomberg spokesman Michael Frazier said in an email.

The announcement came shortly after the Politico website reported that Trump's re-election campaign had bought 60 seconds of ad time for the football final.

Frazier did not specify the cost of Bloomberg's 60-second primetime slot but experts say a single 30-second ad goes for about $5.6 million, or around $10 million for double that.

The rival ads will come on the eve of the first Democratic primary in Iowa on February 3 and just a few weeks before "Super Tuesday," which will see more than a dozen states vote.

Ex-New York mayor <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/michael-bloomberg-registers-committee-in-anticipation-of-white-house-run-263771">Bloomberg</a>, one of the world's richest men, has already bought more than $100 million of advertising space since he announced his candidacy in November.

Bloomberg has not entered the early primaries and is banking on a big performance on "Super Tuesday" &nbsp;scheduled for March 3.

The 77-year-old centrist currently sits fifth in national polls for the Democratic nomination. He trails frontrunner Joe Biden, left-wingers Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren and fellow moderate Pete Buttigieg.

Last week, Trump's campaign and the Republican Party announced they had raised $463 million in 2019, nearly double what Barack Obama's campaign had before his re-election in 2012.

Billionaire presidential hopeful Michael Bloomberg and White House incumbent Donald Trump will both be looking to score with millions of voters this Super Bowl. The political rivals have each secured 60-second ad spots for next month's American football showpiece, commonly the most-watched US television broadcast every year.

Billionaire presidential hopeful Michael Bloomberg and White House incumbent Donald Trump will both be looking to score with millions of voters this Super Bowl. The political rivals have each secured 60-second ad spots for next month's American football showpiece, commonly the most-watched US television broadcast every year. About 100 million viewers are expected to tune in on Sunday, February 2 to see the NFL's 2019 champion crowned in Miami. Providing they don't turn off during the breaks, they will also see Bloomberg tout his credentials to be the Democratic nominee to take on Trump in November. "When the Trump campaign decided to run an ad during the big game, the Bloomberg campaign responded by buying a spot. Mike is taking the fight to Trump," Bloomberg spokesman Michael Frazier said in an email. The announcement came shortly after the Politico website reported that Trump's re-election campaign had bought 60 seconds of ad time for the football final. Frazier did not specify the cost of Bloomberg's 60-second primetime slot but experts say a single 30-second ad goes for about $5.6 million, or around $10 million for double that. The rival ads will come on the eve of the first Democratic primary in Iowa on February 3 and just a few weeks before "Super Tuesday," which will see more than a dozen states vote. Ex-New York mayor Bloomberg, one of the world's richest men, has already bought more than $100 million of advertising space since he announced his candidacy in November. Bloomberg has not entered the early primaries and is banking on a big performance on "Super Tuesday" scheduled for March 3. The 77-year-old centrist currently sits fifth in national polls for the Democratic nomination. He trails frontrunner Joe Biden, left-wingers Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren and fellow moderate Pete Buttigieg. Last week, Trump's campaign and the Republican Party announced they had raised $463 million in 2019, nearly double what Barack Obama's campaign had before his re-election in 2012.

Bloomberg, Trump to air dueling Super Bowl ads

Republicans are prepared to press ahead with rules for US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/global-stocks-rattled-after-donald-trump-says-no-deadline-on-us-china-trade-deal-266025">Donald Trump</a>'s impeachment trial, the Senate leader said Tuesday, ignoring opposition Democrats who want assurances that witnesses can be called.

Mitch McConnell said he has the backing in his majority caucus to pass a set of rules for the trial unilaterally leaving the issue of witnesses and documents until after the historic proceedings have begun.

"We have the votes, once the impeachment trial has begun, to pass a resolution (setting up) what could best be described as a phase one," that lays out arguments of the prosecution and defense, and a period of written questions by senators, McConnell said.

No action can be taken, though, until House Speaker Nancy Pelosi transmits the articles of impeachment&nbsp;one for abuse of power, the other for obstruction of Congress to the Senate.

Pelosi has withheld the articles since the House impeachment vote in December, in a bid to press Republicans for fair trial rules.

"They sat on the papers now for three weeks," he said, following the first party lunch since a holiday break. "I hope that'll end this week."

The Democratic-controlled <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-panel-launches-probe-into-possible-obstruction-by-trump-200941">House of Representatives</a> has accused Trump of using military aid and other incentives as leverage to get Ukraine to investigate Democrat Joe Biden, his potential November presidential opponent, and then preventing Congress from fully investigating.

McConnell said he wants the ground rules for the upcoming trial to mirror those from 1999 when president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/bill-clinton-to-george-w-bush-us-presidents-who-toured-dmz-between-north-and-south-korea-510">Bill Clinton</a> faced his impeachment trial.

Senators at the time voted unanimously to approve the first set of rules, only afterward debating the relevance of calling witnesses.

"All we're doing here is saying we're going to get started in exactly the same way that 100 senators agreed to 20 years ago," McConnell said.

"We'll get around to the discussion of witnesses."

Top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer cried foul, insisting "there will be votes" on whether to subpoena key documents and four witnesses whom Democrats want to testify.

They include Secretary of State <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/mike-pompeo-attempts-us-reset-in-the-middle-east-191020">Mike Pompeo</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-calls-us-national-security-advisor-john-bolton-human-defect-221893">John Bolton</a>, Trump's former national security advisor who said Monday he would testify if subpoenaed.

Bolton could be a critical witness as he is known to have spoken directly with Trump about the freeze on aid to Ukraine.

Schumer issued a challenge to Republicans, mindful that he needs just four defectors to pass a rule allowing witnesses.

"Will they stand for bringing evidence forward?" he asked. "Or will they be engaging in a cover-up?"

Trump said he was ready for the trial, come what may.

"Whatever it is, it's a hoax," he told reporters at the White House.

Republicans are prepared to press ahead with rules for US President Donald Trump's impeachment trial, the Senate leader said Tuesday, ignoring opposition Democrats who want assurances that witnesses can be called.

Republicans are prepared to press ahead with rules for US President Donald Trump's impeachment trial, the Senate leader said Tuesday, ignoring opposition Democrats who want assurances that witnesses can be called. Mitch McConnell said he has the backing in his majority caucus to pass a set of rules for the trial unilaterally leaving the issue of witnesses and documents until after the historic proceedings have begun. "We have the votes, once the impeachment trial has begun, to pass a resolution (setting up) what could best be described as a phase one," that lays out arguments of the prosecution and defense, and a period of written questions by senators, McConnell said. No action can be taken, though, until House Speaker Nancy Pelosi transmits the articles of impeachment one for abuse of power, the other for obstruction of Congress to the Senate. Pelosi has withheld the articles since the House impeachment vote in December, in a bid to press Republicans for fair trial rules. "They sat on the papers now for three weeks," he said, following the first party lunch since a holiday break. "I hope that'll end this week." The Democratic-controlled House of Representatives has accused Trump of using military aid and other incentives as leverage to get Ukraine to investigate Democrat Joe Biden, his potential November presidential opponent, and then preventing Congress from fully investigating. McConnell said he wants the ground rules for the upcoming trial to mirror those from 1999 when president Bill Clinton faced his impeachment trial. Senators at the time voted unanimously to approve the first set of rules, only afterward debating the relevance of calling witnesses. "All we're doing here is saying we're going to get started in exactly the same way that 100 senators agreed to 20 years ago," McConnell said. "We'll get around to the discussion of witnesses." Top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer cried foul, insisting "there will be votes" on whether to subpoena key documents and four witnesses whom Democrats want to testify. They include Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and John Bolton, Trump's former national security advisor who said Monday he would testify if subpoenaed. Bolton could be a critical witness as he is known to have spoken directly with Trump about the freeze on aid to Ukraine. Schumer issued a challenge to Republicans, mindful that he needs just four defectors to pass a rule allowing witnesses. "Will they stand for bringing evidence forward?" he asked. "Or will they be engaging in a cover-up?" Trump said he was ready for the trial, come what may. "Whatever it is, it's a hoax," he told reporters at the White House.

US Senate leader ready to pass impeachment trial rules without Democrats

Boeing on Tuesday endorsed simulator training for pilots of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/sales-of-grounded-boeing-737-max-gather-pace-at-dubai-airshow-263161">737 MAX</a> prior to resuming flights, a change likely to further delay the aircraft's return to the skies.

The aviation giant, which has been roiled by a nine-month crisis after the plane was grounded following two deadly crashes, described the new stance as reflective of its "unstinting commitment" to safety.

The company previously argued pilots would need only computer-based training, so the announcement was the first major shift in approach since Boeing replaced its chief executive in late December.

But requiring pilots to train on simulators is expected to delay the resumption of commercial flights because of the limited number of MAX simulators available.

Focus now turns to the US Federal Aviation Administration, which previously resisted calls by Canadian and European regulators for the additional pilot training.

The MAX has been grounded since mid-March following the second of the two fatal crashes that together claimed 346 lives.

Boeing and the FAA have drawn intense criticism for their handling of the crisis as well as the process for certifying the plane to fly.

"Safety is Boeing's top priority," the company's acting Chief Executive Greg Smith said in a statement.

"Public, customer and stakeholder confidence in the 737 MAX is critically important to us and with that focus Boeing has decided to recommend MAX simulator training combined with computer-based training for all pilots prior to returning the MAX safely to service."

An FAA spokesman said the agency will consider Boeing's advice during an upcoming meeting involving a board of US and foreign air carrier crews that will help inform the agency's official recommendation before it is opened for public comment.

"The FAA is following a thorough process, not a set timeline, to ensure that any design modifications to the 737 MAX are integrated with appropriate training and procedures," the FAA spokesman said.

Michel Merluzeau, an aviation expert at Air Insight Research, said requiring simulator training would extend the delay before flights resume, but the step was essentially inevitable.

"It's a common-sense decision," Merluzeau told AFP. "It's something that shows that they are being very careful and not taking any shortcuts to speed the MAX's return to service."

US Representative <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/united-states-lawmakers-will-press-boeing-ceo-on-day-two-of-testimony-258870">Peter DeFazio</a>, an Oregon Democrat who is leading a congressional probe of the MAX crashes, said simulator training was the right decision but "it's remarkable that it took two deadly crashes, numerous investigations and untold public pressure before Boeing arrived at this decision."

The debate over training requirements has loomed as an open question as Boeing worked on new software to address a problem with a flight handling system linked to both crashes.

The FAA also has raised additional concerns against a backdrop of intensifying public and congressional scrutiny.

Pilot Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger III, who famously landed a damaged plane on the Hudson River in New York in 2009, forcefully endorsed simulator training in a July congressional hearing, saying "reading about it on an iPad is not even close to sufficient."

A Boeing spokesman said Tuesday there are currently 34 MAX simulators around the world, 26 owned by airline operators and eight owned by Boeing.

That is a fraction of the 387 planes already delivered and roughly 400 additional planes that have been built and stored since the regulators worldwide grounded the MAX in March.

One option that has been discussed would be to conduct training through an updated simulator for Boeing's 737 NG, a predecessor to the MAX.

Southwest Airlines, which has the most MAX planes in service, has three simulators in "various stages of FAA certification, and we expect to receive an additional three simulators in late 2020," a spokeswoman said.

Having insisted that simulator training was not necessary, Boeing had promised Southwest rebate of $1 million per-plane if simulator training was needed, a source told AFP last year.

An American Airlines spokesman said the carrier has one simulator, while United Airlines has one MAX simulator and three on order, a spokesman said.

In December, Boeing ousted Dennis Muilenburg as chief executive and tapped long-time board member <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/new-boeing-boss-david-calhoun-is-a-tough-minded-veteran-of-crisis-269920">David Calhoun</a> who takes over on January 13.

Boeing's share price gained ground on the news and finished up 1.1 per cent at $337.28.

Boeing on Tuesday endorsed simulator training for pilots of the 737 MAX prior to resuming flights, a change likely to further delay the aircraft's return to the skies.

Boeing on Tuesday endorsed simulator training for pilots of the 737 MAX prior to resuming flights, a change likely to further delay the aircraft's return to the skies. The aviation giant, which has been roiled by a nine-month crisis after the plane was grounded following two deadly crashes, described the new stance as reflective of its "unstinting commitment" to safety. The company previously argued pilots would need only computer-based training, so the announcement was the first major shift in approach since Boeing replaced its chief executive in late December. But requiring pilots to train on simulators is expected to delay the resumption of commercial flights because of the limited number of MAX simulators available. Focus now turns to the US Federal Aviation Administration, which previously resisted calls by Canadian and European regulators for the additional pilot training. The MAX has been grounded since mid-March following the second of the two fatal crashes that together claimed 346 lives. Boeing and the FAA have drawn intense criticism for their handling of the crisis as well as the process for certifying the plane to fly. "Safety is Boeing's top priority," the company's acting Chief Executive Greg Smith said in a statement. "Public, customer and stakeholder confidence in the 737 MAX is critically important to us and with that focus Boeing has decided to recommend MAX simulator training combined with computer-based training for all pilots prior to returning the MAX safely to service." An FAA spokesman said the agency will consider Boeing's advice during an upcoming meeting involving a board of US and foreign air carrier crews that will help inform the agency's official recommendation before it is opened for public comment. "The FAA is following a thorough process, not a set timeline, to ensure that any design modifications to the 737 MAX are integrated with appropriate training and procedures," the FAA spokesman said. Michel Merluzeau, an aviation expert at Air Insight Research, said requiring simulator training would extend the delay before flights resume, but the step was essentially inevitable. "It's a common-sense decision," Merluzeau told AFP. "It's something that shows that they are being very careful and not taking any shortcuts to speed the MAX's return to service." US Representative Peter DeFazio, an Oregon Democrat who is leading a congressional probe of the MAX crashes, said simulator training was the right decision but "it's remarkable that it took two deadly crashes, numerous investigations and untold public pressure before Boeing arrived at this decision." The debate over training requirements has loomed as an open question as Boeing worked on new software to address a problem with a flight handling system linked to both crashes. The FAA also has raised additional concerns against a backdrop of intensifying public and congressional scrutiny. Pilot Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger III, who famously landed a damaged plane on the Hudson River in New York in 2009, forcefully endorsed simulator training in a July congressional hearing, saying "reading about it on an iPad is not even close to sufficient." A Boeing spokesman said Tuesday there are currently 34 MAX simulators around the world, 26 owned by airline operators and eight owned by Boeing. That is a fraction of the 387 planes already delivered and roughly 400 additional planes that have been built and stored since the regulators worldwide grounded the MAX in March. One option that has been discussed would be to conduct training through an updated simulator for Boeing's 737 NG, a predecessor to the MAX. Southwest Airlines, which has the most MAX planes in service, has three simulators in "various stages of FAA certification, and we expect to receive an additional three simulators in late 2020," a spokeswoman said. Having insisted that simulator training was not necessary, Boeing had promised Southwest rebate of $1 million per-plane if simulator training was needed, a source told AFP last year. An American Airlines spokesman said the carrier has one simulator, while United Airlines has one MAX simulator and three on order, a spokesman said. In December, Boeing ousted Dennis Muilenburg as chief executive and tapped long-time board member David Calhoun who takes over on January 13. Boeing's share price gained ground on the news and finished up 1.1 per cent at $337.28.

Boeing recommends 737 MAX simulator training before return to service

A major US government-led study published Tuesday found no link between ovarian cancer and the use of talcum powder in the genital area, citing data from more than 250,000 women.

The paper appeared in the influential Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), which also published an editorial praising the research methods and calling the findings "overall reassuring."

For decades, some women have used talcum powder for genital hygiene to absorb odor and moisture either through direct application or via underwear, sanitary pads, tampons or diaphragms. The practice is more common among older generations.

But its use has grown controversial because of reported cancer risks.

In 2018, US pharmaceutical giant <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/child-rights-body-asks-states-to-stop-sale-of-johnsons-baby-shampoo-214002">Johnson &amp; Johnson</a> was ordered to pay out $4.7 billion to 22 women who had claimed that asbestos in the company's talcum powder products caused them to develop ovarian cancer. An appeal is underway.

In the 1970s, concerns arose over possible contamination of the mineral talc with asbestos, which often forms alongside each other in nature.

Some studies showed a higher risk of ovarian <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/actress-nafisa-ali-diagnosed-with-stage-3-cancer-178256">cancer</a> among users of talcum powder, which was suspected of entering the ovaries via the vagina and uterus.

But the link remained contested because of the overall low number of studies conducted, with some of them criticized for a methodology that introduced recall bias among participants, while others were not statistically conclusive.

The effect is also difficult to isolate because ovarian cancers themselves are rare: only 1.3 percent of all women risk being affected in their lifetimes.

In the new JAMA paper, led by Katie O'Brien of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, researchers synthesized data from four large studies, which encompassed data from a quarter of a million women from 1982 to 2017.

The studies surveyed participants every year or two on a diverse set of questions related to health, including the use of talcum powder.

The hope was that by scaling up the number of participants, it would be possible to discern weak effects with statistical validity, which would have been undetectable on a smaller population.

Among the 252,745 women followed for a median period of 11.2 years, 2,168 developed ovarian cancer.

No statistically significant association was found when comparing women who had used powder and those who had never used it. Nor was any significant association found when comparing frequency or length of use.

But although the study is the largest of its kind with the longest follow-up time, the authors said there were several limitations.

These included that two of the four data sets missed information on frequency and duration of use.

There are also inherent limitations associated with so-called observational studies of the population at large as opposed to controlled clinical trials for drugs&nbsp;including failure to account for all possible external factors.

Kevin McConway, an emeritus professor of applied statistics at Britain's Open University called it a "good, competent, careful study," but added that it could not definitively rule out a link between talc and cancer entirely.

"Most of the risk differences that the researchers examined were not statistically significant," he said. "That doesn't mean that these differences were definitely zero, only that they were small enough so that they could plausibly be due only to random variation."

He concluded that what the research did establish was that if such a risk did exist, it was likely to be very small.

"I'm not a woman, so can't have concerns about my own health in these respects &nbsp;but if I were a woman, this wouldn't be high on my list of worries."

A major US government-led study published Tuesday found no link between ovarian cancer and the use of talcum powder in the genital area, citing data from more than 250,000 women.

A major US government-led study published Tuesday found no link between ovarian cancer and the use of talcum powder in the genital area, citing data from more than 250,000 women. The paper appeared in the influential Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), which also published an editorial praising the research methods and calling the findings "overall reassuring." For decades, some women have used talcum powder for genital hygiene to absorb odor and moisture either through direct application or via underwear, sanitary pads, tampons or diaphragms. The practice is more common among older generations. But its use has grown controversial because of reported cancer risks. In 2018, US pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson was ordered to pay out $4.7 billion to 22 women who had claimed that asbestos in the company's talcum powder products caused them to develop ovarian cancer. An appeal is underway. In the 1970s, concerns arose over possible contamination of the mineral talc with asbestos, which often forms alongside each other in nature. Some studies showed a higher risk of ovarian cancer among users of talcum powder, which was suspected of entering the ovaries via the vagina and uterus. But the link remained contested because of the overall low number of studies conducted, with some of them criticized for a methodology that introduced recall bias among participants, while others were not statistically conclusive. The effect is also difficult to isolate because ovarian cancers themselves are rare: only 1.3 percent of all women risk being affected in their lifetimes. In the new JAMA paper, led by Katie O'Brien of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, researchers synthesized data from four large studies, which encompassed data from a quarter of a million women from 1982 to 2017. The studies surveyed participants every year or two on a diverse set of questions related to health, including the use of talcum powder. The hope was that by scaling up the number of participants, it would be possible to discern weak effects with statistical validity, which would have been undetectable on a smaller population. Among the 252,745 women followed for a median period of 11.2 years, 2,168 developed ovarian cancer. No statistically significant association was found when comparing women who had used powder and those who had never used it. Nor was any significant association found when comparing frequency or length of use. But although the study is the largest of its kind with the longest follow-up time, the authors said there were several limitations. These included that two of the four data sets missed information on frequency and duration of use. There are also inherent limitations associated with so-called observational studies of the population at large as opposed to controlled clinical trials for drugs including failure to account for all possible external factors. Kevin McConway, an emeritus professor of applied statistics at Britain's Open University called it a "good, competent, careful study," but added that it could not definitively rule out a link between talc and cancer entirely. "Most of the risk differences that the researchers examined were not statistically significant," he said. "That doesn't mean that these differences were definitely zero, only that they were small enough so that they could plausibly be due only to random variation." He concluded that what the research did establish was that if such a risk did exist, it was likely to be very small. "I'm not a woman, so can't have concerns about my own health in these respects but if I were a woman, this wouldn't be high on my list of worries."

No link between talcum powder and ovarian cancer, finds major study

A record 2.3 million visitors toured former Nazi death camp Auschwitz-Birkenau last year, the museum said on Tuesday, as the site gears up to mark 75 years since its last prisoners were freed.

The figure was an increase of 170,000 on the visitor numbers from 2018, the previous record year.

Almost 400,000 Poles toured the complex in 2019, while foreign visitors included 200,000 Britons, 120,000 Americans, and 73,000 Germans.

The site in southern Poland has come to symbolise the Holocaust the killing of more than six million Jews by Nazi Germany.

Auschwitz Memorial officials have appealed to VIPs and celebrities including Microsoft billionaire <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-bill-gates-teams-up-with-roger-federer-for-tennis-match-34871">Bill Gates</a> and Oscar-winning actor <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/golden-globes-2020-leonardo-dicaprio-jennifer-aniston-brad-pitt-join-the-list-of-presenters-see-full-list-272063">Leonardo DiCaprio</a> to help the site to reach one million Twitter followers by the 75th anniversary of the camp's liberation on January 27.

On that day, some 200 Auschwitz survivors and delegations from over a dozen countries will gather at the former death camp for ceremonies marking the milestone.

Some 1.1 million people, including a million Jews from across Europe, were killed by the Nazis at the camp from 1940 to 1945.

The other victims were mostly non-Jewish Poles, Roma, and Soviet prisoners.

A record 2.3 million visitors toured former Nazi death camp Auschwitz-Birkenau last year, the museum said on Tuesday, as the site gears up to mark 75 years since its last prisoners were freed.

A record 2.3 million visitors toured former Nazi death camp Auschwitz-Birkenau last year, the museum said on Tuesday, as the site gears up to mark 75 years since its last prisoners were freed. The figure was an increase of 170,000 on the visitor numbers from 2018, the previous record year. Almost 400,000 Poles toured the complex in 2019, while foreign visitors included 200,000 Britons, 120,000 Americans, and 73,000 Germans. The site in southern Poland has come to symbolise the Holocaust the killing of more than six million Jews by Nazi Germany. Auschwitz Memorial officials have appealed to VIPs and celebrities including Microsoft billionaire Bill Gates and Oscar-winning actor Leonardo DiCaprio to help the site to reach one million Twitter followers by the 75th anniversary of the camp's liberation on January 27. On that day, some 200 Auschwitz survivors and delegations from over a dozen countries will gather at the former death camp for ceremonies marking the milestone. Some 1.1 million people, including a million Jews from across Europe, were killed by the Nazis at the camp from 1940 to 1945. The other victims were mostly non-Jewish Poles, Roma, and Soviet prisoners.

Record 2.3 million people visited Auschwitz in 2019

A Ukrainian airplane, a Boeing 737, crashed with as many as 180 passengers on board after taking off from Iran's Imam Khomeini airport in the capital city Tehran.&nbsp;

According to reports, the airplane crashed shortly after its take-off due to some technical snag. More information on the incident is awaited.&nbsp;

The airplane belonged to&nbsp;Ukraine International Airlines.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boeing-737-max-ethiopian-airlines-chief-rejects-pilot-error-claim-in-us-227998">Boeing 737 Max</a> was grounded globally last year following two deadly crashes.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, Boeing called for a simulator training for pilots of the 737 MAX before the resumption of flights.

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This video is claimed to be the last minutes of Ukrainian Boeing 737 before crash... 
No information has been realised about casualties so far... 
 
Pray for all them on board. <a href="https://t.co/f9X9ROvmUr">pic.twitter.com/f9X9ROvmUr</a>
— Danial Khazaei (@DanielKhazaei) <a href="https://twitter.com/DanielKhazaei/status/1214759982673072128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Aviation giant Boeing has been facing a nine-month crisis after its 737 Max was grounded since last March following fatal crashes wherein over 300 people were killed.&nbsp;

Boeing 737 MAX 8 was grounded worldwide after Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 crashed in March, 2019, killing all 157 people on board.

As many as 189 people were killed after a Lion Air 737 MAX 8 crashed in Indonesia in October 2019.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A Ukrainian airplane, a Boeing 737, crashed with as many as 180 passengers on board after taking off from Iran's Imam Khomeini airport in the capital city Tehran.

A Ukrainian airplane, a Boeing 737, crashed with as many as 180 passengers on board after taking off from Iran's Imam Khomeini airport in the capital city Tehran. According to reports, the airplane crashed shortly after its take-off due to some technical snag. More information on the incident is awaited. The airplane belonged to Ukraine International Airlines. Boeing 737 Max was grounded globally last year following two deadly crashes. On Tuesday, Boeing called for a simulator training for pilots of the 737 MAX before the resumption of flights. This video is claimed to be the last minutes of Ukrainian Boeing 737 before crash... No information has been realised about casualties so far... Pray for all them on board. pic.twitter.com/f9X9ROvmUr — Danial Khazaei (@DanielKhazaei) January 8, 2020 × Aviation giant Boeing has been facing a nine-month crisis after its 737 Max was grounded since last March following fatal crashes wherein over 300 people were killed. Boeing 737 MAX 8 was grounded worldwide after Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 crashed in March, 2019, killing all 157 people on board. As many as 189 people were killed after a Lion Air 737 MAX 8 crashed in Indonesia in October 2019. (With inputs from agencies)

Boeing 737 airplane with 180 aboard crashes in Iran

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/worlds-biggest-trade-deal-to-be-delayed-to-2020-draft-asean-statement-259667">America's trade deficit</a> continued to tumble in November, hitting its lowest level in three years as imports of crude oil, computers and industrial supplies fell off sharply, the government reported Tuesday.

That put the United States on track for the first drop in the annual deficit in six years, likely reflecting the damage to international commerce from the US-China trade conflict and a sluggish global economy.

Lowering the deficit has been a chief goal of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/all-is-well-so-far-so-good-says-trump-after-irans-missile-strikes-at-us-bases-in-iraq-272818">President Donald Trump</a>'s aggressive trade policy but whether the decline will be sustained remains in question.

The drop should help lift GDP growth for the final months of 2019 but falling imports are not necessarily a good sign, as it can be a sign of a weakening domestic economy.

The trade gap - the difference between what the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-criticises-russia-china-at-un-over-failure-to-condemn-baghdad-embassy-attack-272600">United States</a> buys from and sells to international trading partners -&nbsp;fell 8.2 per cent in November to $43.1 billion, even lower than economists had expected and the lowest since October 2016, according to the Commerce Department data.

Imports fell 1.7 per cent to $251.7 billion for the month, the lowest level in more than two years, as Americans purchased fewer mobile phones, artwork, civilian aircraft, and computers.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-prices-surge-to-new-high-after-iran-attacks-us-bases-in-iraq-272812">Crude oil</a> imports, adjusted for inflation and seasonal changes, were the lowest since records began in 1994, reflecting increased domestic supply, as America transformed in recent years to become the world's largest producer.

Autos and parts bucked the trend, with imports rising $1.1 billion.

Exports rose but not enough to compensate for the drop in imports, rising 0.7 per cent to $208.6 billion, as Americans shipped out more drilling and oilfield equipment, jewellery and gems, autos and aircraft engines.

Imports to rebound?

Even that modest gain put exports at a new record.

But imports of services, an area where the United States typically enjoys an advantage over foreign competitors, also hit the highest level ever.

Ian Shepherdson of Pantheon Macroeconomics said the plunge in the US deficit was not sustainable, particularly because US demand is much stronger than the import figures suggest.

"This can't last; we expect a rebound over the next few months, likely starting in February," he said in an analysis.

Some tariff rates on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-to-vote-in-shadow-of-china-pressure-hong-kong-protests-272816">Chinese</a> goods are due to fall that month as part of the partial deal announced in December between the United States and China.

Trump announced that Washington and Beijing are due to sign a partial <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-farmers-see-another-bleak-year-despite-phase-1-trade-deal-271864">agreement</a> in Washington next week, halting the escalation in their trade conflict of nearly two years.

But many of the trade barriers remain, including retaliatory tariffs on some US goods.

Despite the November increase, &nbsp;Shepherdson said US exports are "struggling," Shepherdson said. He noted that excluding oil and aircraft, foreign goods sales had actually fallen sharply, which was in line with survey data pointing to continued declines.

The US trade deficit has not decreased on a full-year basis since 2013, but over the first 11 months of 2019, it dropped 0.7 per cent compared to the same period in the prior year.

Economists say falling imports could partly reflect the steep tariffs Trump imposed earlier this year on Chinese imports, even though last month he cancelled plans for what threatened to be the most painful round of duty increases yet.

Watch: Trump says 'all is well' after Iran's missile attack

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In November, the goods trade deficit with China fell 7.8 per cent compared to October, and it is down 16 per cent since the start of the year.

With Mexico, however, the goods deficit continued to rise, growing 8.7 per cent compared to October, marking a year-to-date increase of nearly 28 per cent.

Trump likens the trade deficit to stealing from America, but economists do not share this view, saying the United States does not produce enough domestically to meet its own needs.

America's trade deficit continued to tumble in November, hitting its lowest level in three years as imports of crude oil, computers and industrial supplies fell off sharply, the government reported Tuesday.

America's trade deficit continued to tumble in November, hitting its lowest level in three years as imports of crude oil, computers and industrial supplies fell off sharply, the government reported Tuesday. That put the United States on track for the first drop in the annual deficit in six years, likely reflecting the damage to international commerce from the US-China trade conflict and a sluggish global economy. Lowering the deficit has been a chief goal of President Donald Trump's aggressive trade policy but whether the decline will be sustained remains in question. The drop should help lift GDP growth for the final months of 2019 but falling imports are not necessarily a good sign, as it can be a sign of a weakening domestic economy. The trade gap - the difference between what the United States buys from and sells to international trading partners - fell 8.2 per cent in November to $43.1 billion, even lower than economists had expected and the lowest since October 2016, according to the Commerce Department data. Imports fell 1.7 per cent to $251.7 billion for the month, the lowest level in more than two years, as Americans purchased fewer mobile phones, artwork, civilian aircraft, and computers. Crude oil imports, adjusted for inflation and seasonal changes, were the lowest since records began in 1994, reflecting increased domestic supply, as America transformed in recent years to become the world's largest producer. Autos and parts bucked the trend, with imports rising $1.1 billion. Exports rose but not enough to compensate for the drop in imports, rising 0.7 per cent to $208.6 billion, as Americans shipped out more drilling and oilfield equipment, jewellery and gems, autos and aircraft engines. Imports to rebound? Even that modest gain put exports at a new record. But imports of services, an area where the United States typically enjoys an advantage over foreign competitors, also hit the highest level ever. Ian Shepherdson of Pantheon Macroeconomics said the plunge in the US deficit was not sustainable, particularly because US demand is much stronger than the import figures suggest. "This can't last; we expect a rebound over the next few months, likely starting in February," he said in an analysis. Some tariff rates on Chinese goods are due to fall that month as part of the partial deal announced in December between the United States and China. Trump announced that Washington and Beijing are due to sign a partial agreement in Washington next week, halting the escalation in their trade conflict of nearly two years. But many of the trade barriers remain, including retaliatory tariffs on some US goods. Despite the November increase, Shepherdson said US exports are "struggling," Shepherdson said. He noted that excluding oil and aircraft, foreign goods sales had actually fallen sharply, which was in line with survey data pointing to continued declines. The US trade deficit has not decreased on a full-year basis since 2013, but over the first 11 months of 2019, it dropped 0.7 per cent compared to the same period in the prior year. Economists say falling imports could partly reflect the steep tariffs Trump imposed earlier this year on Chinese imports, even though last month he cancelled plans for what threatened to be the most painful round of duty increases yet. Watch: Trump says 'all is well' after Iran's missile attack × In November, the goods trade deficit with China fell 7.8 per cent compared to October, and it is down 16 per cent since the start of the year. With Mexico, however, the goods deficit continued to rise, growing 8.7 per cent compared to October, marking a year-to-date increase of nearly 28 per cent. Trump likens the trade deficit to stealing from America, but economists do not share this view, saying the United States does not produce enough domestically to meet its own needs.

Plunging US imports push trade deficit to 3-year low in November

Analysts have warned Pakistan that the multi-billion dollar China Pakistan Economic Corridor (<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/wion-edit-will-cpec-inflict-debt-burden-on-pakistan-264913">CPEC</a>) will provide little benefit to the locals, especially those in the marginalised and volatile province of Balochistan.

"The Belt and Road Initiative, with CPEC as its flagship, is based on infrastructure and energy projects, aimed at enhancing trade through this particular route. It is not a humanitarian intervention designed to benefit the masses. All those who perceive it that way should correct themselves," Senator Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar, the former spokesperson of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bilawal-accused-pakistan-government-of-changing-cpec-route-to-deprived-baloch-people-of-benefits-268483">Balochistan government</a> was quoted as saying by Asia Times.

The escalation of activity on CPEC projects comes after the incumbent Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI) government started its tenure in August 2018 with skepticism about Islamabad's agreement with Beijing.

The Hong Kong-based media in its report stated that during Chinese Foreign Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-court-sentences-pastor-to-nine-years-in-jail-for-inciting-subversion-270966">Wang Yi</a>'s visit to Islamabad and Imran Khan's visit to Beijing in 2018, Pakistan was looking for a rejig of the CPEC agreements, which had been shared with China.

Prime Minister's Advisor on Commerce, Industry and Investment, Abdul Razak Dawood had then reportedly expressed the government's desire to put the CPEC "on hold" while the terms were renegotiated.

This caused major embarrassment to Khan and his team during his November 2018 visit to Beijing, government officials had revealed.

A year later in October 2019, Khan arrived in Beijing seeking China's support on Kashmir and the looming blacklisting at the hands of counter-terror watchdog Financial Action Task Force (<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/fatf-calls-for-stricter-actions-from-pakistan-on-crackdown-of-terror-groups-269771">FATF</a>). The Pakistani government formally agreed to the terms laid out by China for the second phase of the CPEC.

"Instead of reviewing the terms of the first phase of the CPEC, Beijing has actually enforced its will on the second phase as well. There have been no changes in the execution of the projects and the road map for the corridor. In fact, China has explicitly expressed displeasure of the lack of activity over the past year and a half," revealed a senior diplomat.

Meanwhile, officials have also revealed that in addition to the CPEC power projects being "economically more expensive" for Pakistan, Beijing has the entirety of a similarly skewed plan laid out.

Immediately after Khan's visit to Beijing last year, Wang Zhiqing, China's Chief Planner of the Ministry of Transport, arrived in Islamabad to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Pakistani Minister for Communications Murad Saeed, regarding the transport infrastructure of the second phase of the economic corridor. 
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor Authority (<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-opposition-parties-call-cpecas-formation-as-illegal-254704">CPECA</a>) was formally unveiled in October 2019.

The terms require Islamabad to return USD 21.8 billion in commercial loans and USD 7.75 billion in bilateral debt to Beijing over the next three years. 
After Pakistan continued to pursue CPEC, Washington had also warned the former dubbing it as a "debt trap."

However, analysts have maintained that Islamabad rebuking the remarks clearly underlines that Imran Khan's PTI government knows that it cannot afford to offend Beijing anymore.

With Khan recently inaugurating the second phase of the multi-billion dollar project including nine SEZs, it is to be seen how the CPEC upgrade Pakistan's infrastructure and strengthen its economy.

Analysts have warned Pakistan that the multi-billion dollar China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) will provide little benefit to the locals, especially those in the marginalised and volatile province of Balochistan.

Analysts have warned Pakistan that the multi-billion dollar China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) will provide little benefit to the locals, especially those in the marginalised and volatile province of Balochistan. "The Belt and Road Initiative, with CPEC as its flagship, is based on infrastructure and energy projects, aimed at enhancing trade through this particular route. It is not a humanitarian intervention designed to benefit the masses. All those who perceive it that way should correct themselves," Senator Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar, the former spokesperson of the Balochistan government was quoted as saying by Asia Times. The escalation of activity on CPEC projects comes after the incumbent Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI) government started its tenure in August 2018 with skepticism about Islamabad's agreement with Beijing. The Hong Kong-based media in its report stated that during Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit to Islamabad and Imran Khan's visit to Beijing in 2018, Pakistan was looking for a rejig of the CPEC agreements, which had been shared with China. Prime Minister's Advisor on Commerce, Industry and Investment, Abdul Razak Dawood had then reportedly expressed the government's desire to put the CPEC "on hold" while the terms were renegotiated. This caused major embarrassment to Khan and his team during his November 2018 visit to Beijing, government officials had revealed. A year later in October 2019, Khan arrived in Beijing seeking China's support on Kashmir and the looming blacklisting at the hands of counter-terror watchdog Financial Action Task Force (FATF). The Pakistani government formally agreed to the terms laid out by China for the second phase of the CPEC. "Instead of reviewing the terms of the first phase of the CPEC, Beijing has actually enforced its will on the second phase as well. There have been no changes in the execution of the projects and the road map for the corridor. In fact, China has explicitly expressed displeasure of the lack of activity over the past year and a half," revealed a senior diplomat. Meanwhile, officials have also revealed that in addition to the CPEC power projects being "economically more expensive" for Pakistan, Beijing has the entirety of a similarly skewed plan laid out. Immediately after Khan's visit to Beijing last year, Wang Zhiqing, China's Chief Planner of the Ministry of Transport, arrived in Islamabad to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Pakistani Minister for Communications Murad Saeed, regarding the transport infrastructure of the second phase of the economic corridor. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor Authority (CPECA) was formally unveiled in October 2019. The terms require Islamabad to return USD 21.8 billion in commercial loans and USD 7.75 billion in bilateral debt to Beijing over the next three years. After Pakistan continued to pursue CPEC, Washington had also warned the former dubbing it as a "debt trap." However, analysts have maintained that Islamabad rebuking the remarks clearly underlines that Imran Khan's PTI government knows that it cannot afford to offend Beijing anymore. With Khan recently inaugurating the second phase of the multi-billion dollar project including nine SEZs, it is to be seen how the CPEC upgrade Pakistan's infrastructure and strengthen its economy.

CPEC will provide little benefit to locals, especially those in volatile province of Balochistan: Report

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