New Zealand’s foreign minister has said the country has to stand up for itself after China warned its call for Taiwan’s participation&nbsp;at the World Health Organization (WHO) could damage bilateral ties.

Taiwan, with the strong support of the United States, has stepped up its lobbying to be allowed to take part as an observer at next week’s World Health Assembly (WHA), the WHO’s decision-making body, a move which has angered China.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-says-china-feeding-world-health-organisation-wrong-information-about-virus-cases-on-island-279116">Taiwan says China feeding World Health Organisation wrong information about virus cases on island</a>

Taiwan is excluded from the WHO due to the objections of China, which views the island as one of its provinces.

Senior ministers in New Zealand last week said Taiwan should be allowed to join the WHO as an observer given its success in limiting the spread of the novel coronavirus, drawing China’s ire which asked the Pacific country to ''stop making wrong statements.''

''We have got to stand up for ourselves,''&nbsp;Winston Peters, New Zealand’s foreign minister, said at a news conference when asked about China’s response to New Zealand’s position on Taiwan.

Also read- <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/explained-the-conflict-between-the-who-and-taiwan-293525">Explained: The conflict between the WHO and Taiwan</a>

“And true friendship is based on equality. It’s based on the ability in this friendship to nevertheless disagree.”

Peters said he did not think the issue would harm diplomatic ties with China, which is New Zealand’s biggest trading partner.

Taiwan has reported only 440 coronavirus cases and seven related deaths, relatively low figures attributed to early and effective disease prevention and control work.

Peters praised Taiwan’s response to COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, and said there was a lot for other countries to learn from.

“New Zealand’s position on Taiwan is about its tremendous success against COVID-19,” Peters said.

When asked about China’s response later in the day, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said New Zealand’s position on Taiwan was only related to its health response to COVID-19.

“We have always taken a ‘One China’ policy, and that continues to be the case,” Ardern said.

Speaking in Taipei, Taiwan Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Joanne Ou expressed thanks for New Zealand’s support, saying both countries were staunch supporters of freedom, democracy and human rights and that Taiwan would deepen ties with New Zealand.

New Zealand’s foreign minister has said the country has to stand up for itself after China warned its call for Taiwan’s participation at the World Health Organization (WHO) could damage bilateral ties.

New Zealand’s foreign minister has said the country has to stand up for itself after China warned its call for Taiwan’s participation at the World Health Organization (WHO) could damage bilateral ties. Taiwan, with the strong support of the United States, has stepped up its lobbying to be allowed to take part as an observer at next week’s World Health Assembly (WHA), the WHO’s decision-making body, a move which has angered China. Also read: Taiwan says China feeding World Health Organisation wrong information about virus cases on island Taiwan is excluded from the WHO due to the objections of China, which views the island as one of its provinces. Senior ministers in New Zealand last week said Taiwan should be allowed to join the WHO as an observer given its success in limiting the spread of the novel coronavirus, drawing China’s ire which asked the Pacific country to ''stop making wrong statements.'' ''We have got to stand up for ourselves,'' Winston Peters, New Zealand’s foreign minister, said at a news conference when asked about China’s response to New Zealand’s position on Taiwan. Also read- Explained: The conflict between the WHO and Taiwan “And true friendship is based on equality. It’s based on the ability in this friendship to nevertheless disagree.” Peters said he did not think the issue would harm diplomatic ties with China, which is New Zealand’s biggest trading partner. Taiwan has reported only 440 coronavirus cases and seven related deaths, relatively low figures attributed to early and effective disease prevention and control work. Peters praised Taiwan’s response to COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, and said there was a lot for other countries to learn from. “New Zealand’s position on Taiwan is about its tremendous success against COVID-19,” Peters said. When asked about China’s response later in the day, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said New Zealand’s position on Taiwan was only related to its health response to COVID-19. “We have always taken a ‘One China’ policy, and that continues to be the case,” Ardern said. Speaking in Taipei, Taiwan Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Joanne Ou expressed thanks for New Zealand’s support, saying both countries were staunch supporters of freedom, democracy and human rights and that Taiwan would deepen ties with New Zealand.

New Zealand backs Taiwan’s WHO membership despite China rebuke

A sentiment analysis performed by emojipedia finds that positive emoji use is on the decrease, while the total number of emojis sent in our communications continues to rise.

Analyzing 68 million unique tweets, a number of patterns have emerged which go some way toward reflecting the global mood and how we communicate in the ''new normal''&nbsp;of 2020.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/2021-no-new-emojis-to-be-launched-due-to-coronavirus-pandemic-292197">2021: No new emojis to be launched due to coronavirus pandemic</a>

Charted below are these three groups of smileys, shown as a percentage of all individual emoji instances during four selected time frames between August 2018 and April 2020.

<img alt="Emoji" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="412d84b9-df2a-405c-8ddc-487c89488509" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Capture%20324.PNG" /> 
The emoji sentiment on Twitter reveals that the relative use of positive emojis is down, while negative emojis have seen a slight increase.

Between August 2019 and April 2020 the percentage of all individual positive smiley instances decreased from 29.92 per cent&nbsp;to 28.12 per cent, a relative decrease of 5.63 per cent.

What this data also shows is that positive expressions remain the most popular type of smiley. These never dropped below 28 per cent&nbsp;of all emoji instances throughout the period measured.

While it's impossible to determine all reasons behind any sentiment shift, this change could be a result of fewer positive tweets due to the current global pandemic, especially as the largest relative drop was seen in the most recent period.

A sentiment analysis performed by emojipedia finds that positive emoji use is on the decrease, while the total number of emojis sent in our communications continues to rise.

A sentiment analysis performed by emojipedia finds that positive emoji use is on the decrease, while the total number of emojis sent in our communications continues to rise. Analyzing 68 million unique tweets, a number of patterns have emerged which go some way toward reflecting the global mood and how we communicate in the ''new normal'' of 2020. Also read: 2021: No new emojis to be launched due to coronavirus pandemic Charted below are these three groups of smileys, shown as a percentage of all individual emoji instances during four selected time frames between August 2018 and April 2020. The emoji sentiment on Twitter reveals that the relative use of positive emojis is down, while negative emojis have seen a slight increase. Between August 2019 and April 2020 the percentage of all individual positive smiley instances decreased from 29.92 per cent to 28.12 per cent, a relative decrease of 5.63 per cent. What this data also shows is that positive expressions remain the most popular type of smiley. These never dropped below 28 per cent of all emoji instances throughout the period measured. While it's impossible to determine all reasons behind any sentiment shift, this change could be a result of fewer positive tweets due to the current global pandemic, especially as the largest relative drop was seen in the most recent period.

Use of positive emojis in communication declines amid coronavirus pandemic

Philippines on Tuesday announced an extension of a lockdown of its capital, Manila, to 11 weeks, stretching one of the world's strictest and longest community quarantines to June to try to contain coronavirus outbreaks.

President Rodrigo Duterte mentioned an extension in "some areas" on Tuesday and his spokesman Harry Roque later confirmed the timeframe and retention of lockdown in the biggest cities, Manila and Cebu.

Manila, which accounts for two-thirds of the country's infections and 72 per cent of deaths, will be under lockdown for 11 weeks, or 80 days, longer than the 76-day quarantine in the Chinese city of Wuhan, the global epicentre of the virus.

"The lockdown had a big impact on COVID-19 cases but it also impacted the economy," Roque said in a briefing.

"Government resources are limited, so we have to generate resources for the long-term fight against coronavirus. In the future, if without economic interventions, the result would be more harmful than the effects of coronavirus."

Restrictions will be eased across most of the country in areas deemed lower-risk, and some essential economic activities will be permitted in the capital, Roque said, in a bid to restart an economy racing towards recession due to a sharp drop in domestic consumption, the main driver.

That has slammed the brakes on two decades of uninterrupted growth in the first quarter, which shrank to 0.2 per cent&nbsp;compared with a year earlier, far short of economists' forecasts of a 3.1 per cent&nbsp;expansion.

The Philippines has recorded more than 11,000 coronavirus infections and 726 deaths, but tested only 158,000 people so far, many fewer than other countries, making it tricky to gauge the full extent of the spread.

Duterte had warned the public against complacency and said the wearing of masks was "a must-comply".

"Remember that the easing up of the restrictions, this is not to say COVID is no more," he said. "We cannot afford a second or third wave to happen."

Manila's lockdown has since mid-March mandated home quarantine, social distancing, curbs on transport, immigration and outdoor exercise, and limits movement to workers in essential sectors and one adult per household for visits to supermarkets, pharmacies or clinics.

The Philippines was one of the first countries to ban flights to and from China after three Chinese visitors tested positive, and it was the third country after China and Italy to order home quarantine, even though it had only a fraction of the cases reported elsewhere.

&nbsp;

Philippines on Tuesday announced an extension of a lockdown of its capital, Manila, to 11 weeks, stretching one of the world's strictest and longest community quarantines to June to try to contain coronavirus outbreaks.

Philippines on Tuesday announced an extension of a lockdown of its capital, Manila, to 11 weeks, stretching one of the world's strictest and longest community quarantines to June to try to contain coronavirus outbreaks. President Rodrigo Duterte mentioned an extension in "some areas" on Tuesday and his spokesman Harry Roque later confirmed the timeframe and retention of lockdown in the biggest cities, Manila and Cebu. Manila, which accounts for two-thirds of the country's infections and 72 per cent of deaths, will be under lockdown for 11 weeks, or 80 days, longer than the 76-day quarantine in the Chinese city of Wuhan, the global epicentre of the virus. "The lockdown had a big impact on COVID-19 cases but it also impacted the economy," Roque said in a briefing. "Government resources are limited, so we have to generate resources for the long-term fight against coronavirus. In the future, if without economic interventions, the result would be more harmful than the effects of coronavirus." Restrictions will be eased across most of the country in areas deemed lower-risk, and some essential economic activities will be permitted in the capital, Roque said, in a bid to restart an economy racing towards recession due to a sharp drop in domestic consumption, the main driver. That has slammed the brakes on two decades of uninterrupted growth in the first quarter, which shrank to 0.2 per cent compared with a year earlier, far short of economists' forecasts of a 3.1 per cent expansion. The Philippines has recorded more than 11,000 coronavirus infections and 726 deaths, but tested only 158,000 people so far, many fewer than other countries, making it tricky to gauge the full extent of the spread. Duterte had warned the public against complacency and said the wearing of masks was "a must-comply". "Remember that the easing up of the restrictions, this is not to say COVID is no more," he said. "We cannot afford a second or third wave to happen." Manila's lockdown has since mid-March mandated home quarantine, social distancing, curbs on transport, immigration and outdoor exercise, and limits movement to workers in essential sectors and one adult per household for visits to supermarkets, pharmacies or clinics. The Philippines was one of the first countries to ban flights to and from China after three Chinese visitors tested positive, and it was the third country after China and Italy to order home quarantine, even though it had only a fraction of the cases reported elsewhere.

Philippine President Duterte extends lockdown in capital for over 11 weeks

All mosques in Iran will reopen temporarily on Tuesday, a further step in the government's plans to ease restrictions that aimed to contain the spread of the new coronavirus, the official irib news agency reported.

The decision to re-open the mosques was made in consultation with the Ministry of Health, according to Mohammad Qomi, the director of the Islamic Development Organization.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ramzan-in-the-times-of-coronavirus-294615">Ramzan in the times of coronavirus</a>

Qomi said later on Monday that mosques would only be open for three days commemorating specific nights for the holy month of Ramadan and it was unclear whether they would stay open, according to the fars news agency.

The move comes even though some parts of the country have seen a rise in infections.&nbsp;

Tasnim news agency reported on sunday that a county in southwestern iran had been placed under lockdown. it also quoted the governor of Khuzestan province, where the county is located, as saying there had been a sharp rise in new cases across the province.

Last friday, prayer gatherings resumed in up to 180 Iranian cities and towns seen as being at low risk of coronavirus contagion after a two-month suspension, state media reported.

The resumption of Friday prayers, still banned in the capital Tehran and some other major cities, followed the reopening last Monday of 132 mosques in areas consistently free of the virus.

Schools will reopen next week, president Hassan Rouhani said on Sunday, according to the official presidency website.

Iran has already lifted a ban on inter-city trips and malls, with large shopping centres resuming activities. 
&nbsp;

All mosques in Iran will reopen temporarily on Tuesday, a further step in the government's plans to ease restrictions that aimed to contain the spread of the new coronavirus, the official irib news agency reported.

All mosques in Iran will reopen temporarily on Tuesday, a further step in the government's plans to ease restrictions that aimed to contain the spread of the new coronavirus, the official irib news agency reported. The decision to re-open the mosques was made in consultation with the Ministry of Health, according to Mohammad Qomi, the director of the Islamic Development Organization. Also read: Ramzan in the times of coronavirus Qomi said later on Monday that mosques would only be open for three days commemorating specific nights for the holy month of Ramadan and it was unclear whether they would stay open, according to the fars news agency. The move comes even though some parts of the country have seen a rise in infections. Tasnim news agency reported on sunday that a county in southwestern iran had been placed under lockdown. it also quoted the governor of Khuzestan province, where the county is located, as saying there had been a sharp rise in new cases across the province. Last friday, prayer gatherings resumed in up to 180 Iranian cities and towns seen as being at low risk of coronavirus contagion after a two-month suspension, state media reported. The resumption of Friday prayers, still banned in the capital Tehran and some other major cities, followed the reopening last Monday of 132 mosques in areas consistently free of the virus. Schools will reopen next week, president Hassan Rouhani said on Sunday, according to the official presidency website. Iran has already lifted a ban on inter-city trips and malls, with large shopping centres resuming activities.

Iran temporarily opens mosques for three days

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has declared gyms and hair salons as essential services that can stay open through the new coronavirus outbreak, easing measures to control the disease despite new cases and deaths surging in the country.

Brazil has reported nearly 170,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus and over 11,600 deaths&nbsp;and is closing in on the number of cases recorded in Germany and France, where the outbreak has been slowing.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazilian-president-bolsonaro-rides-jet-ski-amid-coronavirus-chaos-in-the-country-netizens-lash-out-297889">Brazilian President Bolsonaro rides jet ski amid coronavirus chaos in the country, netizens lash out</a>

The president has argued that state and municipal governments have gone overboard in social isolation measures to restrict the disease’s spread and that it is overly damaging to the economy.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/brazils-president-jair-bolsonaro-wants-football-to-return-says-players-have-small-chance-of-dying-from-covid-19-296091">Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro wants football to return, says players have ‘small chance of dying’ from COVID-19</a>

''The question of life has to be taken in parallel with jobs,''&nbsp;Bolsonaro told reporters outside his official residence.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolsonaro-tells-rally-brazil-lockdown-destroying-jobs-296462" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/bolsonaro-tells-rally-brazil-lockdown-destroying-jobs-296462&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiOhajDmq7pAhXTW3wKHRv3BloQFjACegQIBxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0o9V4LJiZ90N_Zwbk0y8_p" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolsonaro-tells-rally-brazil-lockdown-destroying-jobs-296462" target="_blank">Bolsonaro&nbsp;tells rally Brazil lockdown destroying jobs</a>

''Without the economy there is no life, there are no doctors, there are no hospital supplies.''

Bolsonaro’s latest decree allowing more establishments to stay open comes as Brazil registered 5,632 new coronavirus cases on Monday and 396 deaths from the disease, according to the Health Ministry.

After initially decreeing that establishments such as pharmacies and grocery stores were essential, Bolsonaro later expanded that list to include lotteries and churches.

This third decree expands the list of essential business further, also extending it to industrial production and civil construction, with Bolsonaro promising even more easing to come.

Health Minister Nelson Teich told a briefing on Monday that the ministry had not been consulted about Bolsonaro’s decision to allow gyms and beauty salons to reopen.

The ministry also said in a statement that it had issued guidelines to state and municipal authorities on the range of social distancing standards, from strict to loose, saying the ultimate decisions rests with local governments.

“It is local health authorities’ responsibility to adopt or loosen non-pharmalogical measures,” it said.

Bolsonaro has been&nbsp;condemned by health experts for maintaining his controversial stance of reopening the businesses to keep the economy running.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has declared gyms and hair salons as essential services that can stay open through the new coronavirus outbreak, easing measures to control the disease despite new cases and deaths surging in the country.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has declared gyms and hair salons as essential services that can stay open through the new coronavirus outbreak, easing measures to control the disease despite new cases and deaths surging in the country. Brazil has reported nearly 170,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus and over 11,600 deaths and is closing in on the number of cases recorded in Germany and France, where the outbreak has been slowing. Also read: Brazilian President Bolsonaro rides jet ski amid coronavirus chaos in the country, netizens lash out The president has argued that state and municipal governments have gone overboard in social isolation measures to restrict the disease’s spread and that it is overly damaging to the economy. Also read: Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro wants football to return, says players have ‘small chance of dying’ from COVID-19 ''The question of life has to be taken in parallel with jobs,'' Bolsonaro told reporters outside his official residence. Also read: Bolsonaro tells rally Brazil lockdown destroying jobs ''Without the economy there is no life, there are no doctors, there are no hospital supplies.'' Bolsonaro’s latest decree allowing more establishments to stay open comes as Brazil registered 5,632 new coronavirus cases on Monday and 396 deaths from the disease, according to the Health Ministry. After initially decreeing that establishments such as pharmacies and grocery stores were essential, Bolsonaro later expanded that list to include lotteries and churches. This third decree expands the list of essential business further, also extending it to industrial production and civil construction, with Bolsonaro promising even more easing to come. Health Minister Nelson Teich told a briefing on Monday that the ministry had not been consulted about Bolsonaro’s decision to allow gyms and beauty salons to reopen. The ministry also said in a statement that it had issued guidelines to state and municipal authorities on the range of social distancing standards, from strict to loose, saying the ultimate decisions rests with local governments. “It is local health authorities’ responsibility to adopt or loosen non-pharmalogical measures,” it said. Bolsonaro has been condemned by health experts for maintaining his controversial stance of reopening the businesses to keep the economy running.

Bolsonaro allows salon and gym to reopen despite surge in cases

Four Indonesian fishermen who died on&nbsp;while working for Chinese company Dalian Ocean Fishing, in a case that has sparked a police probe and a joint investigation between Jakarta and Beijing.

Though the exact causes of the deaths remain unclear, testimony given by the fishermen to lawyers and advocates for the group in South Korea and Indonesia, as well as information gathered by the US-based Centre For Advanced Defence Studies (C4ADS), reveal the men toiled away in gruelling conditions before they died.

Crew members&nbsp;told lawyers and they were given meagre meals and drank salty distilled seawater during their 13-month trip.

Within 13 months, four of them were dead and three of the bodies had been dumped overboard before the rest of the crew finally disembarked in South Korea last month. Those that survived returned to Indonesia last Friday, where they are still waiting for thousands of dollars in unpaid wages.

The seamen, aged between 20 and 35, said they were sometimes forced to work for up to two days without rest, subjected to violence and discrimination, and faced hunger and dehydration.

China’s foreign ministry said on Monday it was investigating the case, but added some of the allegations were “inconsistent” with information it had gathered, though it did not elaborate.

Four Indonesian fishermen who died on while working for Chinese company Dalian Ocean Fishing, in a case that has sparked a police probe and a joint investigation between Jakarta and Beijing.

Four Indonesian fishermen who died on while working for Chinese company Dalian Ocean Fishing, in a case that has sparked a police probe and a joint investigation between Jakarta and Beijing. Though the exact causes of the deaths remain unclear, testimony given by the fishermen to lawyers and advocates for the group in South Korea and Indonesia, as well as information gathered by the US-based Centre For Advanced Defence Studies (C4ADS), reveal the men toiled away in gruelling conditions before they died. Crew members told lawyers and they were given meagre meals and drank salty distilled seawater during their 13-month trip. Within 13 months, four of them were dead and three of the bodies had been dumped overboard before the rest of the crew finally disembarked in South Korea last month. Those that survived returned to Indonesia last Friday, where they are still waiting for thousands of dollars in unpaid wages. The seamen, aged between 20 and 35, said they were sometimes forced to work for up to two days without rest, subjected to violence and discrimination, and faced hunger and dehydration. China’s foreign ministry said on Monday it was investigating the case, but added some of the allegations were “inconsistent” with information it had gathered, though it did not elaborate.

Indonesian fishermen abused on Chinese boats and dumped overboard

UK commemorates 75th VE Day amid coronavirus pandemic

Stranded Indian nationals return home under biggest repatriation operation

May 9 in history: First birth control pill, Russia's biggest military parade and more

Pakistan has lifted the countrywide&nbsp;lockdown and started easing the restrictions imposed to curb the coronavirus pandemic, despite the rising in confirmed cases.

The decision is being taken because the country's large number of poor people and labourers cannot not afford to live under lockdown any more, Prime Minister Imran Khan&nbsp;said on Thursday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/more-than-500-repatriated-pakistan-nationals-test-positive-110000-more-register-to-return-home-297529" hreflang="en">More than 500 repatriated Pakistan nationals test positive</a>

"We're deciding that we are ending this lockdown now," Khan said in a televised address. "We know that we're doing it at a time when our curve is going up.... but it is not edging up as we were expecting."

Impoverished&nbsp;Pakistanis cannot survive under lockdown any longer, Khan said. "Since we started this lockdown, we had this fear that these people who are daily wagers, who feed their kids on daily earnings, what will happen to them?" he asked.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-reports-record-1764-new-cases-in-24-hours-total-death-toll-nears-600-297431" hreflang="en">Pakistan reports record 1,764 new cases in 24 hours; death toll nears 600</a>

He said the shutdown would be lifted in phases and warned people that the disease could get out of control if they didn't take precautions.

The government's handling of the virus has been strongly criticised by scientists and doctors who fear the outbreak will gather pace among a population of more than 200 million and overwhelm the country's struggling health system.

Planning Minister Asad Umar said that initially small markets and shops would be allowed to open until 5 p.m., although big malls and other spaces which attract large crowds would remain closed for now.

A decision to reopen intercity transport and railways will be taken later, while schools will stay closed until July 15, Umar said.

Khan said the restrictions could be restored if the outbreak worsens, something his critics expect to happen due to what they describe as a confused policy response to the crisis and capitulation to Islamist clerics.

He allowed communal prayers for the holy month of Ramadan, but a survey by an NGO, Pattan, found that worshippers were breaching measures on social distancing, masks and disinfection.

Fears for the economy are said to be the main reason for relaxing the lockdown. The IMF and the World Bank have forecast a bleak economic outlook for&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;as it heads toward a major recession.

Pakistan, which has undergone a five-week lockdown, has recorded 26,954 confirmed COVID-19 cases along with 611 deaths.

It recorded its highest single-day increase of 1,523 cases on Thursday. 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Pakistan has lifted the countrywide lockdown and started easing the restrictions imposed to curb the coronavirus pandemic, despite the rising in confirmed cases.

Pakistan has lifted the countrywide lockdown and started easing the restrictions imposed to curb the coronavirus pandemic, despite the rising in confirmed cases. The decision is being taken because the country's large number of poor people and labourers cannot not afford to live under lockdown any more, Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Thursday. Also read: More than 500 repatriated Pakistan nationals test positive "We're deciding that we are ending this lockdown now," Khan said in a televised address. "We know that we're doing it at a time when our curve is going up.... but it is not edging up as we were expecting." Impoverished Pakistanis cannot survive under lockdown any longer, Khan said. "Since we started this lockdown, we had this fear that these people who are daily wagers, who feed their kids on daily earnings, what will happen to them?" he asked. Also read: Pakistan reports record 1,764 new cases in 24 hours; death toll nears 600 He said the shutdown would be lifted in phases and warned people that the disease could get out of control if they didn't take precautions. The government's handling of the virus has been strongly criticised by scientists and doctors who fear the outbreak will gather pace among a population of more than 200 million and overwhelm the country's struggling health system. Planning Minister Asad Umar said that initially small markets and shops would be allowed to open until 5 p.m., although big malls and other spaces which attract large crowds would remain closed for now. A decision to reopen intercity transport and railways will be taken later, while schools will stay closed until July 15, Umar said. Khan said the restrictions could be restored if the outbreak worsens, something his critics expect to happen due to what they describe as a confused policy response to the crisis and capitulation to Islamist clerics. He allowed communal prayers for the holy month of Ramadan, but a survey by an NGO, Pattan, found that worshippers were breaching measures on social distancing, masks and disinfection. Fears for the economy are said to be the main reason for relaxing the lockdown. The IMF and the World Bank have forecast a bleak economic outlook for Pakistan as it heads toward a major recession. Pakistan, which has undergone a five-week lockdown, has recorded 26,954 confirmed COVID-19 cases along with 611 deaths. It recorded its highest single-day increase of 1,523 cases on Thursday.

Pakistan lifts coronavirus lockdown, despite rise in confirmed cases

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-accuses-china-and-russia-of-coordinating-to-spread-virus-conspiracies-297550" hreflang="en">US accuses China and Russia of coordinating to spread virus conspiracies</a>

<img alt="Russia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="755bd5de-bd46-4bb9-b953-56e91415620b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/https___cdn.cnn_.com_cnnnext_dam_assets_200312113720-putin-trump-xi-split.jpg" /> 
The US State Department has accused China and Russia&nbsp;of stepping up cooperation to spread false narratives over the coronavirus pandemic. <a href="wionews.com/world/us-accuses-china-and-russia-of-coordinating-to-spread-virus-conspiracies-297550">Read more</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-trumps-valet-pences-press-secretary-tests-positive-for-covid-19-297547" hreflang="en">After Trump's valet, Pence's press secretary tests positive for COVID-19</a>

<img alt="Mike Pence" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3334b7cf-72b4-4109-a3e0-31766d917bd1" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/110346-untitled-design-9.jpg" /> 
US&nbsp;Vice-president Mike Pence’s press secretary has become the second White House staffer to test positive for coronavirus&nbsp;this week. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-trumps-valet-pences-press-secretary-tests-positive-for-covid-19-297547">Read&nbsp;more</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-reports-one-day-record-of-751-coronavirus-deaths-297555" hreflang="en">Brazil reports one-day record of 751 coronavirus deaths</a>

<img alt="Brazil" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="aa7e85e7-17a1-4f45-bf40-39043e0fcbe2" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/f1d13f5cd558af7b9eaef082c22314e0.jpg" /> 
Brazil said on Friday it had reached a new daily record for COVID-19 fatalities with 751 deaths. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-reports-one-day-record-of-751-coronavirus-deaths-297555">Read more</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-lawmakers-write-to-like-minded-countries-urge-support-for-taiwan-at-who-297553">US lawmakers write to 'like-minded' countries, urge support for Taiwan at WHO</a>

<img alt="Taiwan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="868cffb4-7924-4436-a593-36b40e4f926a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/134457-taiwanchina.jpeg" /> 
Citing the need for the broadest effort possible to fight the coronavirus pandemic, leaders of US congressional foreign affairs committees wrote to nearly 60 countries on Friday asking them to support Taiwan's participation in the World Health Organization. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-lawmakers-write-to-like-minded-countries-urge-support-for-taiwan-at-who-297553">Read more</a>

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US accuses China and Russia of coordinating to spread virus conspiracies The US State Department has accused China and Russia of stepping up cooperation to spread false narratives over the coronavirus pandemic.

US accuses China and Russia of coordinating to spread virus conspiracies The US State Department has accused China and Russia of stepping up cooperation to spread false narratives over the coronavirus pandemic. Read more After Trump's valet, Pence's press secretary tests positive for COVID-19 US Vice-president Mike Pence’s press secretary has become the second White House staffer to test positive for coronavirus this week. Read more Brazil reports one-day record of 751 coronavirus deaths Brazil said on Friday it had reached a new daily record for COVID-19 fatalities with 751 deaths. Read more US lawmakers write to 'like-minded' countries, urge support for Taiwan at WHO Citing the need for the broadest effort possible to fight the coronavirus pandemic, leaders of US congressional foreign affairs committees wrote to nearly 60 countries on Friday asking them to support Taiwan's participation in the World Health Organization. Read more

Morning News Brief: US accuses China, Russia, Pence's aide tests positive, and more

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump said on Friday he was “very torn” about whether to end the so-called Phase 1 US-China trade deal, just hours after top trade officials from both countries pledged to press ahead with implementing it despite coronavirus economic wreckage.

In an overnight phone call, US&nbsp;Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Chinese Vice Premier Liu He set aside rapidly deteriorating US-China relations and discussed progress since the deal took effect in mid-February.

<img alt="Liu He" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2149e888-6a14-4643-b4e6-e0e7ef111ab5" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/RTS2V0GD.jpg" /> 
China's Vice Premier Liu He gestures to the media between US&nbsp;Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer (L) and Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin before the two countries' trade negotiations in Washington

The two Trump cabinet officials said in a joint statement that both sides “agreed that in spite of the current global health emergency, both countries fully expect to meet their obligations under the agreement in a timely manner.”

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-accuses-china-and-russia-of-coordinating-to-spread-virus-conspiracies-297550" hreflang="en">US accuses China and Russia of coordinating to spread virus conspiracies</a>

China’s Commerce Ministry said the two sides agreed to improve the atmosphere for implementation of the Phase 1 deal, which calls for Beijing to boost its purchases of American farm and manufactured goods, energy and services by $200 billion over two years compared to a 2017 baseline.

The deal brought a partial truce to an 18-month trade war between the world’s two largest economies that heaped US&nbsp;tariffs on some $370 billion worth of Chinese imports.

Trump, who has blamed China’s early handling of the coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan in late 2019 for causing thousands of deaths and millions of job losses in the United States, has threatened to terminate the trade deal if China fails to meet its purchase commitments. He said on Wednesday that he will assess that effort within the next week.

China has rejected the Trump administration’s assertions that there was evidence the new coronavirus came from a Wuhan laboratory and scientists have said it appears to have developed in nature.

Early on Friday, just before the US. Labor Department announced that a staggering 20.5 million US&nbsp;jobs were lost in April, Trump told a news channel that he was “having a very hard time with China.”

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-fuels-historic-us-job-losses-eu-wants-borders-kept-shut-297548">Coronavirus fuels historic US job losses, EU wants borders kept shut</a>

While he was initially “very excited” about the trade deal’s signing in January, the pandemic since then had changed his views about it.

“Look, I feel differently than I did. I was the most - I was very tough with China,” Trump said.

Asked if he was “breaking up” the Phase 1 trade deal, Trump said: “I’m very - I’m very torn as to - I have not decided yet, if you want to know the truth.”

Trump and some members of his administration have threatened punitive action against Beijing, including possible tariffs and shifting supply chains away from China.

While China has made some purchases of US&nbsp;farm goods, some observers say these are running far behind the pace needed to meet the first-year goal of a $77 billion increase as China’s economy is just now beginning to recover from shutdowns imposed during the pandemic.

Beijing’s new plans to implement tougher protections for intellectual property as part of the trade deal have met with mixed reviews.

US President Donald Trump said on Friday he was “very torn” about whether to end the so-called Phase 1 US-China trade deal, just hours after top trade officials from both countries pledged to press ahead with implementing it despite coronavirus economic wreckage.

US President Donald Trump said on Friday he was “very torn” about whether to end the so-called Phase 1 US-China trade deal, just hours after top trade officials from both countries pledged to press ahead with implementing it despite coronavirus economic wreckage. In an overnight phone call, US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Chinese Vice Premier Liu He set aside rapidly deteriorating US-China relations and discussed progress since the deal took effect in mid-February. China's Vice Premier Liu He gestures to the media between US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer (L) and Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin before the two countries' trade negotiations in Washington The two Trump cabinet officials said in a joint statement that both sides “agreed that in spite of the current global health emergency, both countries fully expect to meet their obligations under the agreement in a timely manner.” Also read: US accuses China and Russia of coordinating to spread virus conspiracies China’s Commerce Ministry said the two sides agreed to improve the atmosphere for implementation of the Phase 1 deal, which calls for Beijing to boost its purchases of American farm and manufactured goods, energy and services by $200 billion over two years compared to a 2017 baseline. The deal brought a partial truce to an 18-month trade war between the world’s two largest economies that heaped US tariffs on some $370 billion worth of Chinese imports. Trump, who has blamed China’s early handling of the coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan in late 2019 for causing thousands of deaths and millions of job losses in the United States, has threatened to terminate the trade deal if China fails to meet its purchase commitments. He said on Wednesday that he will assess that effort within the next week. China has rejected the Trump administration’s assertions that there was evidence the new coronavirus came from a Wuhan laboratory and scientists have said it appears to have developed in nature. Early on Friday, just before the US. Labor Department announced that a staggering 20.5 million US jobs were lost in April, Trump told a news channel that he was “having a very hard time with China.” Also read: Coronavirus fuels historic US job losses, EU wants borders kept shut While he was initially “very excited” about the trade deal’s signing in January, the pandemic since then had changed his views about it. “Look, I feel differently than I did. I was the most - I was very tough with China,” Trump said. Asked if he was “breaking up” the Phase 1 trade deal, Trump said: “I’m very - I’m very torn as to - I have not decided yet, if you want to know the truth.” Trump and some members of his administration have threatened punitive action against Beijing, including possible tariffs and shifting supply chains away from China. While China has made some purchases of US farm goods, some observers say these are running far behind the pace needed to meet the first-year goal of a $77 billion increase as China’s economy is just now beginning to recover from shutdowns imposed during the pandemic. Beijing’s new plans to implement tougher protections for intellectual property as part of the trade deal have met with mixed reviews.

Trump 'torn' over US-China trade deal as officials push to fulfill its terms

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