After a series of high-profile airline debacles this winter, President Biden dedicated quite a bit of airtime in his State of the Union address to the Junk Fees Prevention Act, a push to limit hidden fees and surcharges in a number of industries.

Biden calls for passage of a bill to stop 'junk fees' in travel and entertainment

A majority of Democrats now think one term is plenty for President Joe Biden, despite his insistence that he plans to seek reelection in 2024. Watch video to know more.

Strategic affairs expert Spencer Critchley talks more on Biden's falling support in the U.S.

U.S. : Democrats feel one term is enough for Biden

U.S. President Joe Biden plans to seek re-election, but a majority of democrats think one term is enough for Biden. That’s according to a new poll from the associated press-'n-o-r-c'. This also comes ahead of President Joe Biden's second state of the union address later today.

Just 37% Democrats want Biden's second term

US President Joe Biden is set to deliver his second State of the Union address on February 7. Biden will address a Joint Session of Congress at the United States Capitol and his speech will be broadcast by all major channels.

U.S. : Joe Biden to deliver his second State of the Union address

First son Hunter Biden’s lawyers admitted that the infamous laptop that the now-52-year-old abandoned at a Delaware computer repair shop in the throes of his crack cocaine addiction does indeed belong to him.

Hunter Biden finally admits infamous laptop is his as he pleads for criminal probe

President Joe Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy met face-to-face for more than an hour of highly anticipated budget talks — "a good first meeting," the new Republican leader said — but expectations were low for quick progress as GOP lawmakers push for steep cuts in a deal to prevent a national debt limit crisis.

Biden, McCarthy meet face-to-face on debt crisis worries | Latest News | WION |

Americans feel that the biggest crisis the united states is facing is not inflation and immigration. But lack of leadership from president Biden and the Congress - according to a gallup poll. Even Biden's latest job approval rating stood at 41%.

US: Biden's reality check

In the latest, the FBI conducted a raid on President Joe Biden’s beach house in Delaware on Wednesday amidst row over classified documents being found in his home and think tank.&nbsp;Several suspects have been arrested in connection with Monday’s&nbsp;suicide bomb blast&nbsp;in a mosque in Pakistan’s northern city of Peshawar that killed more than 100 people. In India, the finance minister, Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2023-24 in the parliament.&nbsp;

Click on the headlines for more.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fbi-raids-president-joe-bidens-home-in-delaware-558003">FBI raids President Joe Biden’s home in Delaware &nbsp;</a>

<img alt="picture" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="59cbc7f4-a80f-4e2f-9e3c-179f26063afc" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/joebidenspeech-1646196207.jpg" />

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) conducted a raid on President Joe Biden’s beach house in Delaware on Wednesday amidst row over classified documents being found in his home and think tank, American media reported.&nbsp;In a statement, Biden's attorney said the search was "planned" with the president's "full support", according to BBC.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/police-nab-suspects-involved-in-pakistan-mosque-blast-investigate-security-lapse-557943">Police nab suspects involved in Pakistan mosque blast, investigate security lapse</a>

<img alt="picture" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="14c9c9f0-b127-4dcc-b569-16dc6ed28dfc" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/update-over-90-killed-in-pakistan-mosque-blast.jpeg" />

Several suspects were arrested by the police in Peshawar, Pakistan as the investigation into the suicide bomb blast in the mosque, which killed more than 100 people, continues.

The police said that the chances of a bomber being able to evade security checks because of internal assistance cannot be ruled out completely.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/budget-2023-pm-modi-says-steps-taken-to-empower-middle-class-ensure-ease-of-living-557883">Budget 2023: PM Modi says steps taken to empower middle class, ensure ease of living</a>

<img alt="picture" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5e59b453-8f28-46ad-bf2a-7c35c36795b3" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/modi-budget.jpg" />

Expressing his thoughts on India’s Union Budget 2023–24&nbsp;after it was tabled by India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the Parliament on Wednesday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that it will build a strong foundation of a developed India.&nbsp;"The first budget of ‘Amrit Kaal’ (after 75 years of Independence)&nbsp;will build a strong foundation for building a developed India. This budget will fulfil the dreams of aspirational society including poor people, middle-class people, farmers," PM Modi said

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/massive-avalanche-hits-kashmirs-gulmarg-casualties-feared-557860">Massive avalanche hits Kashmir's Gulmarg, two dead, 18 rescued</a>

<img alt="picture" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d321e2c2-1f1a-40db-8355-bf6a461ae156" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/avalanche-pti-1674821643.jpg" />

A day after Jammu Kashmir Disaster Management Authority (JKDMA) issued an alert, a massive avalanche hit the upper reaches of the Afarwat peak of Gulmarg in North Kashmir, officials informed on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Bodies of two persons belonging to Poland have been retrieved from underneath the snow mass while 18 (eight Russians, 10 Polish) tourists have been rescued, according to&nbsp;officials.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/earthquake-of-60-magnitude-hits-southern-philippines-no-reports-of-major-damage-557955">Earthquake of 6.0-magnitude hits southern Philippines, no reports of major damage</a>

<img alt="picture" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="209b35d1-8075-418c-9e8c-ba3ca59134db" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/earthquake-ani-1612419050.jpg" />

An earthquake of 6.0 magnitude struck the southern Philippines on Wednesday (February 1), according to the US Geological Service. The earthquake struck at 1044 GMT near the &nbsp;Monkayo municipality in Davao de Oro province on Mindanao island. There were no immediate reports of any major damage. Speaking to the news agency AFP, Monkayo police Staff Sergeant Harvey Asayas said the quake was strong at the beginning but gradually weakened and stopped after 40 seconds.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/s-koreas-economy-inches-towards-first-recession-in-three-years-says-data-557946">S. Korea's economy inches towards first recession in three years, says data</a>

<img alt="picture" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="720b6201-0025-4586-9aba-732dc635aa59" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/6QZNMR7LFJM7VOHM7XO74B5T34.jpg" />

Data released on Wednesday (Feb 1) indicated that South Korea's economy has&nbsp;advanced closer to its first recession in three years in January as a result of a record-high trade deficit, largely driven by falling exports as a result of extended holidays and a slowing global economy.

The fourth-largest economy in Asia, which is largely dependent on trade for growth, contracted by 0.4 per cent in the third quarter of 2018 and is now in danger of entering its first recession since the middle of 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tyre-nichols-murder-questions-raised-over-white-cops-delayed-suspension-from-memphis-police-557906">Tyre Nichols murder: Questions raised over White cop's delayed suspension from Memphis Police, says report</a>

<img alt="picture" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2738bea8-799e-428c-b6b3-974c58c5a758" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/3401945_8_seoimageog_67f21e7bdbe6495c8b1f3d6d41e49e86.jpg.jpg" />

As authorities continue to investigate the death of Tyre Nichols, 29, who died after being thrashed by Memphis Police Department officers, questions have now started raising as why did the police wait for weeks to name a White cop in the beating of the Black man. On Monday (January 30), the police suspended Officer Preston Hemphill, a White man who had joined the police force in 2018. "The Memphis Police Department began administrative investigations on officers involved in the death of Tyre Nichols on January 7, 2023. On January 8, seven officers including Officer Preston Hemphill were relieved of duty," the police department said in a statement.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iranian-couple-dancing-in-the-streets-sentenced-to-over-10-years-in-prison-557849">Iranian couple dancing in the streets sentenced to over 10 years in prison</a>

<img alt="picture" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7040f72f-23ee-4ab0-a7f3-89dc589ff211" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Tower-dance-e1675178817718.jpg" />

A couple in their 20s has been sentenced to more than 10 years in jail by an Iranian court for posting a video of themselves dancing in a street. The court convicted them of 'encouraging corruption' and 'public prostitution' under archaic Islamic laws.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-local-governments-struggle-to-pay-interest-on-mounting-loan-558008">China’s local governments struggle to pay interest on mounting loan &nbsp;</a>

<img alt="picture" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0ee8881e-111c-4cd6-b016-d7c3ba08228d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/np_file_62340-870x489.jpeg" />

Provincial governments in China are at risk of default and might struggle to provide even basic services in the months to come as authorities struggle to pay off the interest on 123 trillion yuan ($18 trillion) loan, reports CNN.&nbsp;

Strict pandemic controls and real estate crash have drained the coffers of local governments, who have spent their budgets on enforcing frequent Covid lockdowns, mass testing, and setting up quarantine centers before&nbsp;the abrupt end of Xi Jinping’s zero-Covid policy in December.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/recovering-post-attack-but-salman-rushdie-wont-promote-new-novel-557828">Recovering post attack but Salman Rushdie won't promote new novel</a>

<img alt="picture" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6b5fb0c4-f0ee-4ff2-b9ac-4511ec41f8c6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/_126300645_gettyimages-1175394039.jpg" />

Salman Rushdie will not promote his new novel amid major backlash for the same. The author is currently recovering after he was attacked some five months ago and has no plans of promoting his new novel, according to his agent.&nbsp;

In a statement, the agent said that the author’s “recovery is progressing, but he will not be making any public appearances to promote his forthcoming novel”. His new book is called Victory City.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

In the latest, the FBI conducted a raid on President Joe Biden’s beach house in Delaware on Wednesday amidst row over classified documents being found in his home and think tank.

In the latest, the FBI conducted a raid on President Joe Biden’s beach house in Delaware on Wednesday amidst row over classified documents being found in his home and think tank. Several suspects have been arrested in connection with Monday’s suicide bomb blast in a mosque in Pakistan’s northern city of Peshawar that killed more than 100 people. In India, the finance minister, Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2023-24 in the parliament. Click on the headlines for more. FBI raids President Joe Biden’s home in Delaware The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) conducted a raid on President Joe Biden’s beach house in Delaware on Wednesday amidst row over classified documents being found in his home and think tank, American media reported. In a statement, Biden's attorney said the search was "planned" with the president's "full support", according to BBC. Police nab suspects involved in Pakistan mosque blast, investigate security lapse Several suspects were arrested by the police in Peshawar, Pakistan as the investigation into the suicide bomb blast in the mosque, which killed more than 100 people, continues. The police said that the chances of a bomber being able to evade security checks because of internal assistance cannot be ruled out completely. Budget 2023: PM Modi says steps taken to empower middle class, ensure ease of living Expressing his thoughts on India’s Union Budget 2023–24 after it was tabled by India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the Parliament on Wednesday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that it will build a strong foundation of a developed India. "The first budget of ‘Amrit Kaal’ (after 75 years of Independence) will build a strong foundation for building a developed India. This budget will fulfil the dreams of aspirational society including poor people, middle-class people, farmers," PM Modi said Massive avalanche hits Kashmir's Gulmarg, two dead, 18 rescued A day after Jammu Kashmir Disaster Management Authority (JKDMA) issued an alert, a massive avalanche hit the upper reaches of the Afarwat peak of Gulmarg in North Kashmir, officials informed on Wednesday. Bodies of two persons belonging to Poland have been retrieved from underneath the snow mass while 18 (eight Russians, 10 Polish) tourists have been rescued, according to officials. Earthquake of 6.0-magnitude hits southern Philippines, no reports of major damage An earthquake of 6.0 magnitude struck the southern Philippines on Wednesday (February 1), according to the US Geological Service. The earthquake struck at 1044 GMT near the Monkayo municipality in Davao de Oro province on Mindanao island. There were no immediate reports of any major damage. Speaking to the news agency AFP, Monkayo police Staff Sergeant Harvey Asayas said the quake was strong at the beginning but gradually weakened and stopped after 40 seconds. S. Korea's economy inches towards first recession in three years, says data Data released on Wednesday (Feb 1) indicated that South Korea's economy has advanced closer to its first recession in three years in January as a result of a record-high trade deficit, largely driven by falling exports as a result of extended holidays and a slowing global economy. The fourth-largest economy in Asia, which is largely dependent on trade for growth, contracted by 0.4 per cent in the third quarter of 2018 and is now in danger of entering its first recession since the middle of 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Tyre Nichols murder: Questions raised over White cop's delayed suspension from Memphis Police, says report As authorities continue to investigate the death of Tyre Nichols, 29, who died after being thrashed by Memphis Police Department officers, questions have now started raising as why did the police wait for weeks to name a White cop in the beating of the Black man. On Monday (January 30), the police suspended Officer Preston Hemphill, a White man who had joined the police force in 2018. "The Memphis Police Department began administrative investigations on officers involved in the death of Tyre Nichols on January 7, 2023. On January 8, seven officers including Officer Preston Hemphill were relieved of duty," the police department said in a statement. Iranian couple dancing in the streets sentenced to over 10 years in prison A couple in their 20s has been sentenced to more than 10 years in jail by an Iranian court for posting a video of themselves dancing in a street. The court convicted them of 'encouraging corruption' and 'public prostitution' under archaic Islamic laws. China’s local governments struggle to pay interest on mounting loan Provincial governments in China are at risk of default and might struggle to provide even basic services in the months to come as authorities struggle to pay off the interest on 123 trillion yuan ($18 trillion) loan, reports CNN. Strict pandemic controls and real estate crash have drained the coffers of local governments, who have spent their budgets on enforcing frequent Covid lockdowns, mass testing, and setting up quarantine centers before the abrupt end of Xi Jinping’s zero-Covid policy in December. Recovering post attack but Salman Rushdie won't promote new novel Salman Rushdie will not promote his new novel amid major backlash for the same. The author is currently recovering after he was attacked some five months ago and has no plans of promoting his new novel, according to his agent. In a statement, the agent said that the author’s “recovery is progressing, but he will not be making any public appearances to promote his forthcoming novel”. His new book is called Victory City.

Top 10 world news: Police nab Pakistan mosque blast suspects, & more

Memphis released a horrifying video of the violent beating of the 29-year-old Tyre Nichols. The hour long video shows officers holding Nichols down and beating him repeatedly as he screamed for his mother. The video emerged after a day when five former police officers were charged with murder in Nichols death.

Tyre Nicholas death: Memphis releases deadly police beating video

United States President Joe Biden in a speech on Wednesday (January 25) said Washington will send 31 M1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine, in a major reversal and significant step for “continued support" to Ukraine amid its ongoing conflict with Russia. This comes hours after Germany confirmed that they will send 14 Leopard 2 tanks to Kyiv and also approve the re-export of Leopard tanks from other European countries.&nbsp;

Furthermore, Biden said how Abrams tanks are the “most capable tanks” in the world and given their complexities to operate and maintain the US will also send Ukraine the parts and equipment to “effectively sustain” these tanks on the battlefield.&nbsp;

Kyiv’s military will also be trained to use one of the most powerful tanks that the US has to offer in a yet-to-be-determined location. Biden while announcing the decision also described the situation in Ukraine&nbsp;amid the ongoing conflict and said, “Ukrainian forces are working to defend the territory they hold and preparing for additional counter offenses”. He added, “To liberate their land, they need to be able to counter Russia’s evolving tactics and strategy on the battlefield in the very near term.”&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/extremely-dangerous-russia-warns-of-potential-escalation-as-germany-agrees-to-send-tanks-to-ukraine-555897">‘Extremely dangerous’: Russia warns of potential escalation as Germany agrees to send tanks to Ukraine</a>

The US president also thanked Germany for their decision to supply their Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine as well as for approving the re-export of tanks from other European allies. “Germany has really stepped up”, said Biden, during his address at the White House. He&nbsp;also said how part of Russia thought “we’re going to break up”, in reference to Washington and its European allies but&nbsp;“we are fully, totally and thoroughly united,” said the US president.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Notably, while the total cost of a single Abrams tank can vary it can take over $10 million per tank including training and maintenance, as per Reuters. Additionally, since they run on jet fuel they pose a significant logistical resupply challenge. However, they won’t be arriving in Ukraine anytime soon, said senior officials of the Biden administration, that it could take months for the Abrams to be delivered, as per media reports.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/germany-approves-delivery-of-14-leopard-2-tanks-to-ukraine-555978">Germany approves delivery of 14 Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine</a>

According to Biden, so far, European allies have agreed to send a total of 62 tanks which would be enough to equip two Ukrainian tank battalions. He also went on to affirm, “there is no offensive threat to Russia” from the Abrams tanks. After the address, in response to a question about this change of course by the US, a reporter questioned why he is taking this decision now and if Germany forced him to change his mind about sending tanks.&nbsp;In response, Biden said, “Germany did not force me to change (my) mind. We wanted to make sure we were all together.”&nbsp;

After the announcement, the Ukrainian President,&nbsp;Volodymyr Zelensky, took to Twitter and thanked his US counterpart,&nbsp;"for another powerful decision". He added, "It's an important step on the path to victory. Today the free world is united as never before for a common goal – liberation of Ukraine."&nbsp;

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Thank you <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> for another powerful decision to provide Abrams to 🇺🇦. Grateful to 🇺🇸 people for leadership support! It's an important step on the path to victory. Today the free world is united as never before for a common goal – liberation of 🇺🇦. We're moving forward
— Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1618304532186030080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2023</a></blockquote>
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ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-approves-sending-of-31-abrams-tanks-to-ukraine-555977">US approves sending of 31 Abrams tanks to Ukraine</a>

This comes after Berlin had initially been reluctant to send tanks to Ukraine but after facing pressure from its Western allies and following a debate in the German parliament, early Wednesday it agreed to provide a company of 14 Leopard 2 A6 tanks from the Bundeswehr (Germany’s military) stocks.

Addressing the parliament, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, said, “We must always make it clear in everything we do that we are doing what is necessary and possible to support Ukraine, but that at the same time, we are preventing the war from escalating into a war between Russia and NATO.”&nbsp;

However, after Berlin approved supplying Leopard 2 tanks, the Russian ambassador to Germany, Sergei Nechaev in a strongly worded statement, called the decision “extremely dangerous” and warned that this will not inevitably lead to the deaths of not only Russian soldiers but also the civilian population. He added that Russia is convinced that Germany, like its closest allies, “is not interested in a diplomatic solution to the Ukrainian crisis.” 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

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United States President Joe Biden in a speech on Wednesday (January 25) said Washington will send 31 M1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine, in a major reversal and significant step for “continued support" to Ukraine amid its ongoing conflict with Russia.

United States President Joe Biden in a speech on Wednesday (January 25) said Washington will send 31 M1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine, in a major reversal and significant step for “continued support" to Ukraine amid its ongoing conflict with Russia. This comes hours after Germany confirmed that they will send 14 Leopard 2 tanks to Kyiv and also approve the re-export of Leopard tanks from other European countries. Furthermore, Biden said how Abrams tanks are the “most capable tanks” in the world and given their complexities to operate and maintain the US will also send Ukraine the parts and equipment to “effectively sustain” these tanks on the battlefield. Kyiv’s military will also be trained to use one of the most powerful tanks that the US has to offer in a yet-to-be-determined location. Biden while announcing the decision also described the situation in Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict and said, “Ukrainian forces are working to defend the territory they hold and preparing for additional counter offenses”. He added, “To liberate their land, they need to be able to counter Russia’s evolving tactics and strategy on the battlefield in the very near term.” ALSO READ | ‘Extremely dangerous’: Russia warns of potential escalation as Germany agrees to send tanks to Ukraine The US president also thanked Germany for their decision to supply their Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine as well as for approving the re-export of tanks from other European allies. “Germany has really stepped up”, said Biden, during his address at the White House. He also said how part of Russia thought “we’re going to break up”, in reference to Washington and its European allies but “we are fully, totally and thoroughly united,” said the US president. Notably, while the total cost of a single Abrams tank can vary it can take over $10 million per tank including training and maintenance, as per Reuters. Additionally, since they run on jet fuel they pose a significant logistical resupply challenge. However, they won’t be arriving in Ukraine anytime soon, said senior officials of the Biden administration, that it could take months for the Abrams to be delivered, as per media reports. ALSO WATCH | Germany approves delivery of 14 Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine According to Biden, so far, European allies have agreed to send a total of 62 tanks which would be enough to equip two Ukrainian tank battalions. He also went on to affirm, “there is no offensive threat to Russia” from the Abrams tanks. After the address, in response to a question about this change of course by the US, a reporter questioned why he is taking this decision now and if Germany forced him to change his mind about sending tanks. In response, Biden said, “Germany did not force me to change (my) mind. We wanted to make sure we were all together.” After the announcement, the Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, took to Twitter and thanked his US counterpart, "for another powerful decision". He added, "It's an important step on the path to victory. Today the free world is united as never before for a common goal – liberation of Ukraine." Thank you @POTUS for another powerful decision to provide Abrams to 🇺🇦. Grateful to 🇺🇸 people for leadership support! It's an important step on the path to victory. Today the free world is united as never before for a common goal – liberation of 🇺🇦. We're moving forward — Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) January 25, 2023 × ALSO WATCH | US approves sending of 31 Abrams tanks to Ukraine This comes after Berlin had initially been reluctant to send tanks to Ukraine but after facing pressure from its Western allies and following a debate in the German parliament, early Wednesday it agreed to provide a company of 14 Leopard 2 A6 tanks from the Bundeswehr (Germany’s military) stocks. Addressing the parliament, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, said, “We must always make it clear in everything we do that we are doing what is necessary and possible to support Ukraine, but that at the same time, we are preventing the war from escalating into a war between Russia and NATO.” However, after Berlin approved supplying Leopard 2 tanks, the Russian ambassador to Germany, Sergei Nechaev in a strongly worded statement, called the decision “extremely dangerous” and warned that this will not inevitably lead to the deaths of not only Russian soldiers but also the civilian population. He added that Russia is convinced that Germany, like its closest allies, “is not interested in a diplomatic solution to the Ukrainian crisis.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

After Germany, US announces it will send 31 M1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine

The Department of Justice (DOJ) found additional classified documents during a search of United States President Joe Biden’s home in Wilmington, Delaware, on Friday (January 20), said his personal attorney Bob Bauer in a statement late Saturday. According to Bauer, at least six more items including “documents with classification markings and surrounding material” were recovered dating back to the incumbent president’s tenure as a Senator from Delaware between 1973 to 2009.&nbsp;

Other documents were from when he served as the vice president in the Obama administration from 2009 to 2017, said Bauer. This comes after a consensual DOJ search which lasted for at least 12 hours. He added, “DOJ also took for further review personally handwritten notes from the vice-presidential years.”&nbsp;

Biden’s personal attorney also said that the president offered access “to his home to allow DOJ to conduct a search of the entire premises for potential vice-presidential records and potential classified material.” Furthermore, Bauer said that investigators had full access to Biden’s home which included, “personally handwritten notes, files, papers, binders, memorabilia, to-do lists, schedules, and reminders going back decades.”

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-biden-classified-documents-case-what-we-know-so-far-553247">US President Biden classified documents investigation: What we know so far</a>

Neither the president nor the first lady Jill Biden was present at their Delaware residence during the search which was coordinated by the Justice Department investigators and the president’s personal and White House lawyers, said special counsel to the president, Richard Sauber.&nbsp;

“The President and his team are working swiftly to ensure DOJ and the Special Counsel have what they need to conduct a thorough review,” said Sauber. He added, “Since the beginning, the President has been committed to handling this responsibly because he takes this seriously.” &nbsp;

“DOJ requested that the search not be made public in advance, in accordance with its standard procedures, and we agreed to cooperate,” said Bauer, on Saturday. He added, “As noted in the statement&nbsp;we released on January 14, we have attempted to balance the importance of public transparency where appropriate with the established norms and limitations necessary to protect the investigation’s integrity.”

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/secret-documents-row-us-president-joe-biden-downplays-uproar-over-classified-documents-554298">Secret Documents Row: US President Joe Biden downplays uproar over classified documents</a>

This comes after Biden, on Thursday, said that a few documents were “filed in the wrong place”. He added, “We immediately turned them over to the Archives and the Justice Department. We are fully cooperating&nbsp;to getting this resolved quickly, I think you're&nbsp;going to find there’s nothing there. I have no regrets".&nbsp;

Earlier this month, the White House and Biden’s attorneys first acknowledged the claims that they found the classified documents while “packing files housed in a locked closet to prepare to vacate office space” back in November referring to Penn Biden Center for Diplomacy and Global Engagement in Washington, DC.

Since then Biden’s residence in Delaware as well as the aforementioned centre which Biden used sometimes as an office space between 2017 and 2020 have been searched multiple times. This also comes days after Attorney General, Merrick Garland, appointed special counsel Robert Hur a former US attorney from Maryland to oversee the DOJ investigation into the incumbent president’s alleged mishandling of the documents.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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The Department of Justice (DOJ) found additional classified documents during a search of United States President Joe Biden’s home in Wilmington, Delaware, on Friday (January 20), said his personal attorney Bob Bauer in a statement late Saturday.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) found additional classified documents during a search of United States President Joe Biden’s home in Wilmington, Delaware, on Friday (January 20), said his personal attorney Bob Bauer in a statement late Saturday. According to Bauer, at least six more items including “documents with classification markings and surrounding material” were recovered dating back to the incumbent president’s tenure as a Senator from Delaware between 1973 to 2009. Other documents were from when he served as the vice president in the Obama administration from 2009 to 2017, said Bauer. This comes after a consensual DOJ search which lasted for at least 12 hours. He added, “DOJ also took for further review personally handwritten notes from the vice-presidential years.” Biden’s personal attorney also said that the president offered access “to his home to allow DOJ to conduct a search of the entire premises for potential vice-presidential records and potential classified material.” Furthermore, Bauer said that investigators had full access to Biden’s home which included, “personally handwritten notes, files, papers, binders, memorabilia, to-do lists, schedules, and reminders going back decades.” ALSO READ | US President Biden classified documents investigation: What we know so far Neither the president nor the first lady Jill Biden was present at their Delaware residence during the search which was coordinated by the Justice Department investigators and the president’s personal and White House lawyers, said special counsel to the president, Richard Sauber. “The President and his team are working swiftly to ensure DOJ and the Special Counsel have what they need to conduct a thorough review,” said Sauber. He added, “Since the beginning, the President has been committed to handling this responsibly because he takes this seriously.” “DOJ requested that the search not be made public in advance, in accordance with its standard procedures, and we agreed to cooperate,” said Bauer, on Saturday. He added, “As noted in the statement we released on January 14, we have attempted to balance the importance of public transparency where appropriate with the established norms and limitations necessary to protect the investigation’s integrity.” ALSO WATCH | Secret Documents Row: US President Joe Biden downplays uproar over classified documents This comes after Biden, on Thursday, said that a few documents were “filed in the wrong place”. He added, “We immediately turned them over to the Archives and the Justice Department. We are fully cooperating to getting this resolved quickly, I think you're going to find there’s nothing there. I have no regrets". Earlier this month, the White House and Biden’s attorneys first acknowledged the claims that they found the classified documents while “packing files housed in a locked closet to prepare to vacate office space” back in November referring to Penn Biden Center for Diplomacy and Global Engagement in Washington, DC. Since then Biden’s residence in Delaware as well as the aforementioned centre which Biden used sometimes as an office space between 2017 and 2020 have been searched multiple times. This also comes days after Attorney General, Merrick Garland, appointed special counsel Robert Hur a former US attorney from Maryland to oversee the DOJ investigation into the incumbent president’s alleged mishandling of the documents. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US: Investigators find six more classified documents at President Biden’s home in Delaware

The White House announced on Saturday that President Joe Biden's lawyers uncovered more classified papers at his residence in Wilmington, Delaware, than was previously reported. Biden's private library was searched, and six pages of classified documents were discovered, as per&nbsp;a statement from White House attorney Richard Sauber. There was only one page discovered, according to prior statements from the White House.

The most recent revelation adds to the finding of documents from Biden's tenure as vice president that were made in November at his old offices at the Penn Biden Center in Washington and in his garage in December. Former US&nbsp;attorney Robert Hur is investigating any possible improper handling of private information and government documents from the Obama administration.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/us-judge-asks-fired-twitter-employees-to-drop-crucial-lawsuit-552669">US judge asks fired Twitter employees to drop crucial lawsuit</a>

The Justice Department has generally set a high threshold before filing criminal charges in situations involving the improper handling of classified material, with the requirement that someone must have had the intent to breach the law rather than have acted carelessly or negligently. It is a crime to "knowingly" remove classified papers and keep them in an unlawful manner, according to the main laws controlling their unauthorised removal and retention.

Also watch |&nbsp;XBB.1.5: New Covid subvariant emergences in United States

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The circumstances surrounding Biden are distinct from a separate inquiry into the improper handling of classified documents at former President Donald Trump's Florida mansion and private club.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The White House announced on Saturday that President Joe Biden's lawyers uncovered more classified papers at his residence in Wilmington, Delaware, than was previously reported.

The White House announced on Saturday that President Joe Biden's lawyers uncovered more classified papers at his residence in Wilmington, Delaware, than was previously reported. Biden's private library was searched, and six pages of classified documents were discovered, as per a statement from White House attorney Richard Sauber. There was only one page discovered, according to prior statements from the White House. The most recent revelation adds to the finding of documents from Biden's tenure as vice president that were made in November at his old offices at the Penn Biden Center in Washington and in his garage in December. Former US attorney Robert Hur is investigating any possible improper handling of private information and government documents from the Obama administration. Also read | US judge asks fired Twitter employees to drop crucial lawsuit The Justice Department has generally set a high threshold before filing criminal charges in situations involving the improper handling of classified material, with the requirement that someone must have had the intent to breach the law rather than have acted carelessly or negligently. It is a crime to "knowingly" remove classified papers and keep them in an unlawful manner, according to the main laws controlling their unauthorised removal and retention. Also watch | XBB.1.5: New Covid subvariant emergences in United States The circumstances surrounding Biden are distinct from a separate inquiry into the improper handling of classified documents at former President Donald Trump's Florida mansion and private club. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US: Joe Biden's lawyers find more classified documents at his Delaware house, White House confirms

According to the reports, aides to U.S. President Joe Biden have discovered at least one more batch of classified documents in a location separate from a think tank office he used after serving as vice president.

White House dodges 'critical' questions about Biden classified documents

Second batch of classified Biden documents found at new location, says report

Mexican President Obrador accused the U.S. of treating Latin America and the Caribbean with disdain. It came during the initial meeting between Obrador & Biden during the "Three Amigos" summit.

WION Fineprint | Brusque exchange during U.S-Mexico summit

Mexican President Andres Manuel López Obrador challenged U.S. President Joe Biden to end an attitude of “abandonment” and “disdain” for Latin America and the Caribbean as the two leaders met on Monday.

Diplomatic tensions spark as Biden, Obrador sit down for talks

President Joe Biden walked a muddy stretch of the U.S.-Mexico border and inspected a busy port of entry Sunday on his first trip to the region after two years in office.

President Joe Biden visits US-Mexico border town

Biden makes first trip to US-Mexico border since taking office

United States President Joe Biden, on Thursday, signed a $1.7&nbsp;trillion funding bill which will keep the country’s federal government operating till the end of their federal budget year in September 2023. The 4000-page bill includes record military spending, funding for students with disabilities, affordable housing for families, and so on.&nbsp;

The bill was due for the presidential signature by late Friday and was signed hours before the deadline to avoid a partial government shutdown on the Caribbean island of St. Croix. where Biden is currently vacationing.

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Today, I signed the bipartisan omnibus bill, ending a year of historic progress. 
 
It'll invest in medical research, safety, veteran health care, disaster recovery, VAWA funding – and gets crucial assistance to Ukraine. 
 
Looking forward to more in 2023. <a href="https://t.co/KTI1R9qMij">pic.twitter.com/KTI1R9qMij</a>
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The legislation was passed in Congress last week with a Senate, bipartisan vote of 68-29, with the support of 18 of the 50 Senate Republicans. It was also passed in the Democrat-controlled House with Republican support 225-201, days before Christmas. At the time, Biden had said that this move shows that the two opposition parties can work together.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-passes-17-trillion-spending-bill-including-45-bn-ukraine-aid-avoids-partial-shutdown-546204">US House passes $1.7 trillion spending bill, including $45 bn Ukraine aid, avoids partial shutdown</a>

However, House Republican Kevin McCarthy, who hopes to become the Speaker when his party takes over and Congress opens on January 3, called the bill a “monstrosity that is one of the most shameful acts I've ever seen in this body”, during the floor debate. Noting that the bill spends too much, but not enough to curb illegal immigration and the flow of fentanyl into the US.&nbsp;

Notably, the bill accounts for record military spending and emergency aid to Ukraine (amid its conflict with Russia), additional aid and funding for students with disabilities and protecting workers' rights which also includes more job-training resources, as well as affordable housing for families, veterans and those fleeing domestic violence.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-congress-passes-17-trillion-spending-bill-aims-at-averting-govt-shutdown-546216">US: Congress passes $1.7 trillion spending bill, aims at averting govt shutdown</a>

The “bipartisan omnibus bill”, as the US president called it, also includes at least a six per cent increase for domestic initiatives to $772.5 billion while the spending on defence has increased by 10 per cent to $858 billion.&nbsp;

Lawmakers also provided nearly $45 billion for Ukraine and its NATO allies which was more than what Biden had asked for and a $40 billion emergency spending to help communities across the country as they recover from natural disasters, like drought, hurricanes, and so on.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-debt-reaches-all-time-high-of-31-trillion-by-2029-interest-payments-may-overtake-defence-expenditure-522565">US debt reaches all-time high of $31 trillion, by 2029 interest payments may overtake defence expenditure</a>

Notably, the bill also includes an overhaul of the 19th-century Electoral Count Act which is seemingly a direct response to former US President Donald Trump’s bid to persuade Republican lawmakers and then Vice President Mike Pence to object to the certification of incumbent president Biden’s win after the elections had concluded.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
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United States President Joe Biden, on Thursday, signed a $1.7 trillion funding bill which will keep the country’s federal government operating till the end of their federal budget year in September 2023.

United States President Joe Biden, on Thursday, signed a $1.7 trillion funding bill which will keep the country’s federal government operating till the end of their federal budget year in September 2023. The 4000-page bill includes record military spending, funding for students with disabilities, affordable housing for families, and so on. The bill was due for the presidential signature by late Friday and was signed hours before the deadline to avoid a partial government shutdown on the Caribbean island of St. Croix. where Biden is currently vacationing. Today, I signed the bipartisan omnibus bill, ending a year of historic progress. It'll invest in medical research, safety, veteran health care, disaster recovery, VAWA funding – and gets crucial assistance to Ukraine. Looking forward to more in 2023. pic.twitter.com/KTI1R9qMij — President Biden (@POTUS) December 29, 2022 × The legislation was passed in Congress last week with a Senate, bipartisan vote of 68-29, with the support of 18 of the 50 Senate Republicans. It was also passed in the Democrat-controlled House with Republican support 225-201, days before Christmas. At the time, Biden had said that this move shows that the two opposition parties can work together. ALSO READ | US House passes $1.7 trillion spending bill, including $45 bn Ukraine aid, avoids partial shutdown However, House Republican Kevin McCarthy, who hopes to become the Speaker when his party takes over and Congress opens on January 3, called the bill a “monstrosity that is one of the most shameful acts I've ever seen in this body”, during the floor debate. Noting that the bill spends too much, but not enough to curb illegal immigration and the flow of fentanyl into the US. Notably, the bill accounts for record military spending and emergency aid to Ukraine (amid its conflict with Russia), additional aid and funding for students with disabilities and protecting workers' rights which also includes more job-training resources, as well as affordable housing for families, veterans and those fleeing domestic violence. ALSO WATCH | US: Congress passes $1.7 trillion spending bill, aims at averting govt shutdown The “bipartisan omnibus bill”, as the US president called it, also includes at least a six per cent increase for domestic initiatives to $772.5 billion while the spending on defence has increased by 10 per cent to $858 billion. Lawmakers also provided nearly $45 billion for Ukraine and its NATO allies which was more than what Biden had asked for and a $40 billion emergency spending to help communities across the country as they recover from natural disasters, like drought, hurricanes, and so on. ALSO READ | US debt reaches all-time high of $31 trillion, by 2029 interest payments may overtake defence expenditure Notably, the bill also includes an overhaul of the 19th-century Electoral Count Act which is seemingly a direct response to former US President Donald Trump’s bid to persuade Republican lawmakers and then Vice President Mike Pence to object to the certification of incumbent president Biden’s win after the elections had concluded. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US President Biden signs $1.7 trillion government spending bill for upcoming fiscal year

In a statement released on Thursday, Russia said that the supply of US Patriot missile systems to Ukraine, which had been announced during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's trip to Washington, would neither contribute to a settlement of the crisis nor hinder Russia's objectives. In addition to this, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that&nbsp;Russia will find an 'antidote' to US Patriot missiles in Ukraine.&nbsp;

Dmitry Peskov,&nbsp;the spokesperson for the Kremlin, claimed that throughout Zelensky's visit, there had been no indication of willingness for peace negotiations, demonstrating that the United States and Russia were engaged in a proxy conflict "until the last Ukrainian."

Invoking the fights against the Nazis in World War II&nbsp;to urge more support in the war against Russia, Zelensky told the US Congress on Wednesday that help to his country was an investment in democracy.

A further $1.85 billion in military assistance from the United States was announced for Ukraine, including the Patriot air defence system to help it fight off Russian missile barrages. The Patriot system, according to Zelensky, was a crucial component in building an air shield.

“This is the only way that we can deprive the terrorist state of its main instrument of terror — the possibility to hit our cities, our energy,” Zelensky told a White House news conference, standing next to President Joe Biden.

(With inputs from agencies)

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In a statement released on Thursday, Russia said that the supply of US Patriot missile systems to Ukraine, which had been announced during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's trip to Washington, would neither contribute to a settlement of the crisis nor hinder Russia's objectives.

In a statement released on Thursday, Russia said that the supply of US Patriot missile systems to Ukraine, which had been announced during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's trip to Washington, would neither contribute to a settlement of the crisis nor hinder Russia's objectives. In addition to this, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Russia will find an 'antidote' to US Patriot missiles in Ukraine. Dmitry Peskov, the spokesperson for the Kremlin, claimed that throughout Zelensky's visit, there had been no indication of willingness for peace negotiations, demonstrating that the United States and Russia were engaged in a proxy conflict "until the last Ukrainian." Invoking the fights against the Nazis in World War II to urge more support in the war against Russia, Zelensky told the US Congress on Wednesday that help to his country was an investment in democracy. A further $1.85 billion in military assistance from the United States was announced for Ukraine, including the Patriot air defence system to help it fight off Russian missile barrages. The Patriot system, according to Zelensky, was a crucial component in building an air shield. “This is the only way that we can deprive the terrorist state of its main instrument of terror — the possibility to hit our cities, our energy,” Zelensky told a White House news conference, standing next to President Joe Biden. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Putin claims Russia will find an ‘antidote’ to US Patriot missiles given to Ukraine for air defence

US President Joe Biden on Tuesday signed a bill banning private ownership of tigers and other big cats along with "cub petting." This bill aims to limit the ownership of tigers, lions, jaguars and other big cats to zoos, sanctuaries, universities and agencies. The bill was previously passed by the US Congress and was made into law after Biden signed it. Animal advocacy groups and conservationists alike have hailed the move which protects wildlife creatures.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/americans-cant-stand-their-families-for-more-than-four-hours-survey-545037">Americans can't stand their families for more than four hours: Survey</a>

Big Cat Public Safety Act

This bill revises requirements governing the trade of big cats (i.e., species of lion, tiger, leopard, cheetah, jaguar, or cougar or any hybrid of such species). Specifically, it revises restrictions on the possession and exhibition of big cats, including restricting direct contact between the public and big cats, as per US Congress.&nbsp;

The bill prohibits direct contact between the public and big cats as seen in Netflix series "Tiger King," which featured the exploits of a flamboyant private zoo owner named Joe Exotic. It is an American true crime documentary streaming television series about the life of Joe. Joe Exotic, whose real name is Joe Maldonado-Passage, was sentenced in January 2020 to 22 years in prison for attempting to kill a rival animal refuge owner, Carole Baskin. The series focuses on the small but deeply interconnected society of big cat conservationists such as Carole Baskin, owner of Big Cat Rescue, and collectors such as Exotic, whom Baskin accuses of abusing and exploiting wild animals. 
&nbsp;

Current owners of big cats&nbsp;

Current owners of big cats are exempted but will have to register the animals with the US Fish &amp; Wildlife Service.

PETA applauds POTUS signing the bill&nbsp;

After Biden signed the bill that became a law, animal advocacy group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has applauded the move. The group said that after this landmark move, now Tiger Kings can no longer cash in on the suffering of big-cat cubs removed from their caged mothers.

WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-militants-attack-police-station-in-south-wazirstan-constable-injured-in-firing-544925">Pakistan: Militants attack police station in South Wazirstan, constable injured in firing</a>

"This law caps off years of PETA legal actions that resulted in the rescue of 75 big cats, took down Tiger King villains Tim Stark and Jeff Lowe, and established that big-cat cub petting violates the Endangered Species Act. PETA has now set its sights on ending photo ops with baby bears, otters, sloths, and other exploited animals who deserve to be with their families, and it urges everyone never to give a dime to animal exploiters," PETA Foundation General Counsel for Captive Animal Law Enforcement Brittany Peet said in a statement.&nbsp;

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US President Joe Biden on Tuesday signed a bill banning private ownership of tigers and other big cats along with "cub petting." This bill aims to limit the ownership of tigers, lions, jaguars and other big cats to zoos, sanctuaries, universities and agencies.

US President Joe Biden on Tuesday signed a bill banning private ownership of tigers and other big cats along with "cub petting." This bill aims to limit the ownership of tigers, lions, jaguars and other big cats to zoos, sanctuaries, universities and agencies. The bill was previously passed by the US Congress and was made into law after Biden signed it. Animal advocacy groups and conservationists alike have hailed the move which protects wildlife creatures. ALSO READ | Americans can't stand their families for more than four hours: Survey Big Cat Public Safety Act This bill revises requirements governing the trade of big cats (i.e., species of lion, tiger, leopard, cheetah, jaguar, or cougar or any hybrid of such species). Specifically, it revises restrictions on the possession and exhibition of big cats, including restricting direct contact between the public and big cats, as per US Congress. The bill prohibits direct contact between the public and big cats as seen in Netflix series "Tiger King," which featured the exploits of a flamboyant private zoo owner named Joe Exotic. It is an American true crime documentary streaming television series about the life of Joe. Joe Exotic, whose real name is Joe Maldonado-Passage, was sentenced in January 2020 to 22 years in prison for attempting to kill a rival animal refuge owner, Carole Baskin. The series focuses on the small but deeply interconnected society of big cat conservationists such as Carole Baskin, owner of Big Cat Rescue, and collectors such as Exotic, whom Baskin accuses of abusing and exploiting wild animals. Current owners of big cats Current owners of big cats are exempted but will have to register the animals with the US Fish & Wildlife Service. PETA applauds POTUS signing the bill After Biden signed the bill that became a law, animal advocacy group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has applauded the move. The group said that after this landmark move, now Tiger Kings can no longer cash in on the suffering of big-cat cubs removed from their caged mothers. WATCH | Pakistan: Militants attack police station in South Wazirstan, constable injured in firing "This law caps off years of PETA legal actions that resulted in the rescue of 75 big cats, took down Tiger King villains Tim Stark and Jeff Lowe, and established that big-cat cub petting violates the Endangered Species Act. PETA has now set its sights on ending photo ops with baby bears, otters, sloths, and other exploited animals who deserve to be with their families, and it urges everyone never to give a dime to animal exploiters," PETA Foundation General Counsel for Captive Animal Law Enforcement Brittany Peet said in a statement. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Biden signs 'Tiger King' bill banning big cats ownership

The US-China war has been escalating. In recent, Biden has blacklisted Chinese top chip maker and 21 other major firms. US fears that YMTC will divert American technology to Chinese firms.

US: Biden blacklists Chinese top chip maker and 21 other major firms

US President Joe Biden on Wednesday (December 14) announced a new agreement that seeks to strengthen trade ties between the US and the African continent. The US focus on Africa is being considered to be a counter to greater Chinese influence in the continent.&nbsp;

"The United States is 'all in' on Africa's future," Biden told African leaders attending a three-day summit in Washington.

When it comes to Africa, the US appears to lag China with respect to trade, financial and developmental ties. Chinese trade with the continent is four times that of the US. China has sought to expand its influence by funding infrastructure projects. China is also an important creditor of African nations with terms of credit often less stringent than Western lendors.

Gravitas: Biden hosts 50 African leaders for a summit

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Biden said a new US&nbsp;agreement with the African Continental Free Trade Area will give American companies access to 1.3 billion people and a market valued at $3.4 trillion. He listed companies that had made deals at the summit, including General Electric Co and Cisco Systems Inc.

"When Africa succeeds, the United States succeeds. Quite frankly, the whole world succeeds as well," the president said.

Delegations from 49 countries and the African Union, including 45 African national leaders, are attending the three-day summit, which began on Tuesday, the first and is the first of its kind since 2014. Washington has offered $55 billion in support for Africa under the Biden administration for food security, climate change, trade partnerships and other issues.

After his remarks, Biden viewed some of the World Cup semifinal match between Morocco and France with Morocco's prime minister, Aziz Akhannouch, and other leaders attending the summit, the White House said.

(With inputs from agencies)

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US President Joe Biden on Wednesday (December 14) announced a new agreement that seeks to strengthen trade ties between the US and the African continent. The US focus on Africa is being considered to be a counter to greater Chinese influence in the continent.

US President Joe Biden on Wednesday (December 14) announced a new agreement that seeks to strengthen trade ties between the US and the African continent. The US focus on Africa is being considered to be a counter to greater Chinese influence in the continent. "The United States is 'all in' on Africa's future," Biden told African leaders attending a three-day summit in Washington. When it comes to Africa, the US appears to lag China with respect to trade, financial and developmental ties. Chinese trade with the continent is four times that of the US. China has sought to expand its influence by funding infrastructure projects. China is also an important creditor of African nations with terms of credit often less stringent than Western lendors. Gravitas: Biden hosts 50 African leaders for a summit × Biden said a new US agreement with the African Continental Free Trade Area will give American companies access to 1.3 billion people and a market valued at $3.4 trillion. He listed companies that had made deals at the summit, including General Electric Co and Cisco Systems Inc. "When Africa succeeds, the United States succeeds. Quite frankly, the whole world succeeds as well," the president said. Delegations from 49 countries and the African Union, including 45 African national leaders, are attending the three-day summit, which began on Tuesday, the first and is the first of its kind since 2014. Washington has offered $55 billion in support for Africa under the Biden administration for food security, climate change, trade partnerships and other issues. After his remarks, Biden viewed some of the World Cup semifinal match between Morocco and France with Morocco's prime minister, Aziz Akhannouch, and other leaders attending the summit, the White House said. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Seeking to counter China, Biden says US is 'all in' in Africa's future

President Joe Biden stated on Tuesday (13 December) that although there is still work to be done, the inflation rate in the United States is decreasing and things are moving in the right direction.

"It will take time to get inflation back to normal levels, I want to be clear about that. We could have setbacks when we go from unstable growth to one that is more steady. There is nothing we should take for granted "he stated.

“We learned last month that the inflation rate came down, down more than experts expected,” Biden said, speaking from the White House. “In a world where inflation is rising in double digits in many major economies around the world, inflation is coming down in America.”

The core consumer price index, which economists consider to be the main indicator of inflation and exclude the cost of food and energy, increased just 0.2 per cent&nbsp;in November. The monthly gain is the smallest in over a year. Core CPI expenses were up 6 per cent&nbsp;from a year earlier, according to the Labor Department's report, which was issued on Tuesday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-us-men-released-after-serving-25-years-in-jail-after-true-crime-podcast-challenges-conviction-542704">US jail releases two men after serving 25 years in jail as true crime podcast challenges conviction</a>

Food and energy are included in the overall CPI, which increased by 7.1 per cent&nbsp;over the last 12 months and 0.1 per cent from the previous month.

The Fed may be able to accomplish the desired "soft landing" and prevent a significant economic recession as a result of the easing, which shows that the Fed's interest rate rises may be having the desired effect.

The study is probably going to reassure the Fed and Jerome Powell, the head of the central bank. The Fed is anticipated to only raise interest rates by a half-point at the end of its meeting on Wednesday, as compared to the three-quarter point raises it has implemented this year.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-conducts-successful-test-of-hypersonic-missile-says-air-force-542489">US conducts successful test of hypersonic missile, says air force</a>

Standing with Cecilia Rouse, Chair of the Council of Economic Advisers, and Brian Deese, Director of the National Economic Council, Biden expressed his expectation that prices will return to normal by the end of the year, if not before. But he emphasised that he was unable to forecast that.

The president admitted that many Americans are now having financial difficulties. He urged Americans to stick with their current course, saying that the good economic news proves that his economic policies are effective.

(With inputs from agencies)

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President Joe Biden stated on Tuesday (13 December) that although there is still work to be done, the inflation rate in the United States is decreasing and things are moving in the right direction.

President Joe Biden stated on Tuesday (13 December) that although there is still work to be done, the inflation rate in the United States is decreasing and things are moving in the right direction. "It will take time to get inflation back to normal levels, I want to be clear about that. We could have setbacks when we go from unstable growth to one that is more steady. There is nothing we should take for granted "he stated. “We learned last month that the inflation rate came down, down more than experts expected,” Biden said, speaking from the White House. “In a world where inflation is rising in double digits in many major economies around the world, inflation is coming down in America.” The core consumer price index, which economists consider to be the main indicator of inflation and exclude the cost of food and energy, increased just 0.2 per cent in November. The monthly gain is the smallest in over a year. Core CPI expenses were up 6 per cent from a year earlier, according to the Labor Department's report, which was issued on Tuesday. Also read | US jail releases two men after serving 25 years in jail as true crime podcast challenges conviction Food and energy are included in the overall CPI, which increased by 7.1 per cent over the last 12 months and 0.1 per cent from the previous month. The Fed may be able to accomplish the desired "soft landing" and prevent a significant economic recession as a result of the easing, which shows that the Fed's interest rate rises may be having the desired effect. The study is probably going to reassure the Fed and Jerome Powell, the head of the central bank. The Fed is anticipated to only raise interest rates by a half-point at the end of its meeting on Wednesday, as compared to the three-quarter point raises it has implemented this year. Also read | US conducts successful test of hypersonic missile, says air force Standing with Cecilia Rouse, Chair of the Council of Economic Advisers, and Brian Deese, Director of the National Economic Council, Biden expressed his expectation that prices will return to normal by the end of the year, if not before. But he emphasised that he was unable to forecast that. The president admitted that many Americans are now having financial difficulties. He urged Americans to stick with their current course, saying that the good economic news proves that his economic policies are effective. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US: President Biden lauds declining inflation rates; defends his economic strategies

‘Economic plan is working’ to slow inflation, says Biden

US President Joe Biden on Tuesday (December 13) signed into law a bill, granting federal protections to same-sex marriage. The legislative milestone was reached in presence of a large crowd of guests gathered at the White House.

During his tenure as vice-president, Biden had taken a public stand and backed same-sex unions much before 2015 Supreme Court decision making such marriages legal throughout the country.

"America takes a vital step toward equality, for liberty and justice, not just for some, but for everyone," he said during the signing ceremony Tuesday afternoon.

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The US Supreme Court now has a majority of conservative-leaning judges. After it overturned landmark judgement on abortion rights last June, lawmakers from the left and right came together to prevent any subsequent move to curb same-sex marriage rights.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-capitol-attack-probe-panel-will-release-final-report-on-december-21-542827">US Capitol attack: Probe panel will release final report on December 21</a>

The legislation's final adoption by Congress last week marked a rare show of bipartisanship in deeply divided Washington.

In celebration, Biden gathered with a group of Republican and Democratic lawmakers on the White House grounds, along with advocates and plaintiffs in marriage equality cases across the country.

Tammy Baldwin, the first openly gay US senator, described signing of the bill as a historical moment. She helped draft the law in Congress.

"Today, we are making history and making a difference for millions of Americans," she said in a statement.

"We are telling the millions of same-sex and interracial couples that we see them and we respect them."

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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US President Joe Biden on Tuesday (December 13) signed into law a bill, granting federal protections to same-sex marriage. The legislative milestone was reached in presence of a large crowd of guests gathered at the White House.

US President Joe Biden on Tuesday (December 13) signed into law a bill, granting federal protections to same-sex marriage. The legislative milestone was reached in presence of a large crowd of guests gathered at the White House. During his tenure as vice-president, Biden had taken a public stand and backed same-sex unions much before 2015 Supreme Court decision making such marriages legal throughout the country. "America takes a vital step toward equality, for liberty and justice, not just for some, but for everyone," he said during the signing ceremony Tuesday afternoon. × The US Supreme Court now has a majority of conservative-leaning judges. After it overturned landmark judgement on abortion rights last June, lawmakers from the left and right came together to prevent any subsequent move to curb same-sex marriage rights. Also Read | US Capitol attack: Probe panel will release final report on December 21 The legislation's final adoption by Congress last week marked a rare show of bipartisanship in deeply divided Washington. In celebration, Biden gathered with a group of Republican and Democratic lawmakers on the White House grounds, along with advocates and plaintiffs in marriage equality cases across the country. Tammy Baldwin, the first openly gay US senator, described signing of the bill as a historical moment. She helped draft the law in Congress. "Today, we are making history and making a difference for millions of Americans," she said in a statement. "We are telling the millions of same-sex and interracial couples that we see them and we respect them." (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

US: President Biden signs same-sex marriage protections bill into law

President Joe Biden&nbsp;is set to play host to dozens of African leaders in Washington this week as the White House looks to narrow a gaping trust gap with Africa — one that has grown wider over years of frustration about America’s commitment to the continent.

In the lead-up to the three-day&nbsp;US-Africa Leaders Summit&nbsp;that begins Tuesday, Biden administration officials played down their&nbsp;increasing concern&nbsp;about the clout of&nbsp;China&nbsp;and&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;in Africa, which is home to more than 1.3 billion people. Instead, administration officials tried to put the focus on their efforts to improve cooperation with African leaders.

“This summit is an opportunity to deepen the many partnerships we have on the African continent,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said when asked about the shadow that China and Russia cast on the meetings. “We will focus on our efforts to strengthen these partnerships across a wide range of sectors spanning from businesses to health to peace and security, but our focus will be on Africa next week.”

To that end, White House officials said that “major deliverables and initiatives” — diplomatic speak for big announcements — will be peppered throughout the meetings. The White House previewed one&nbsp;major summit<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-g-20-summit-africa-us-national-security-council-united-states-government-ecbff4ac4c0051cecd7d1c1e8fe451bf"> </a>announcement&nbsp;on Friday, saying that Biden would use the gathering to declare his support for adding the African Union as a permanent member of the&nbsp;Group of 20&nbsp;nations.

The summit will be the biggest international gathering in Washington since before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Local officials are warning residents to brace for road blocks and intensified security as 49 invited heads of states and leaders — and Biden — whiz around the city.

Talks are expected to center on the coronavirus, climate change, the impact of&nbsp;Russia’s invasion of<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine"> </a>Ukraine&nbsp;on Africa, trade and more, according to White House officials. Biden is set to deliver remarks at a U.S.-Africa business forum, hold small group meetings with leaders, host a leaders’ dinner at the White House and take part in other sessions with leaders during the gathering.

Biden has spent much of his first two years in office trying to assuage&nbsp;doubters on the international stage<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-united-nations-general-assembly-taiwan-biden-health-9b1b11a721705d0ea3d3c85141f2f968"> </a>about American leadership&nbsp;after four years of Donald Trump’s&nbsp;“America First” foreign policy. With this summit — a follow-up to the first such gathering held eight years ago by President Barack Obama — Biden has an opportunity to assuage concerns in Africa about whether the U.S. is serious about tending to the relationship.

Biden’s effort to draw African nations closer to the U.S. comes at a complicated moment, as his administration has made plain that it believes that Chinese and Russian activity in Africa is a serious concern to U.S. and African interests.

In its&nbsp;sub-Saharan Africa strategy&nbsp;unveiled in August, the Biden administration warned that China, which has pumped billions into African energy, infrastructure and other projects, sees the region as an arena where Beijing can “challenge the rules-based international order, advance its own narrow commercial and geopolitical interests, undermine transparency and openness.”

The administration also argues that Russia, the preeminent arms dealer in Africa, views the continent as a permissive environment for Kremlin-connected oligarchs and private military companies to focus on fomenting instability for their own strategic and financial benefit.

Still, administration officials are emphasizing that concerns about China and Russia will not be central to the talks.

“The United States prioritizes our relationship with Africa for the sake of our mutual interests and our partnership in dealing with global challenges,” Molly Phee, assistant secretary of state for African affairs,&nbsp;told<a href="https://www.state.gov/digital-press-briefing-with-u-s-department-of-states-bureau-of-african-affairs-assistant-secretary-molly-phee-and-national-security-council-senior-director-for-african-affairs-judd-devermont/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> </a>reporters before the summit.&nbsp;“We are very conscious, again, of the Cold War history, we’re conscious, again, of the deleterious impact of colonialism on Africa, and we studiously seek to avoid repeating some of the mistakes of those earlier eras.”

The administration has been disappointed that much of the continent has declined to follow the US&nbsp;in condemning the Russian invasion of Ukraine, but Biden is not expected to dwell on differences publicly.

The president is expected to participate with leaders in a session on promoting food security and food systems resilience. Africa has been disproportionately impacted by the global rise in food prices that has been caused in part by the drop in shipments from major grain exporter Ukraine.

“One of the unique aspects of this summit is the collateral damage that the Russian war has inflicted on Africa in terms of food supply and the diversion of development assistance to Ukraine. The opportunity costs of the invasion have been very high in Africa,” said John Stremlau, a visiting professor of international relations at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg.

Four countries that were suspended from the African Union — Guinea, Sudan, Mali and Burkina Faso— were not invited to the summit because coups in those nations led to unconstitutional changes in power. The White House also did not invite the East African nation of Eritrea; Washington does not have full diplomatic relations with the country.

Biden’s decision to invite several leaders to the summit who have questionable records on human rights and democracy is looming large ahead of the gathering.

Equatorial Guinea was invited despite the State Department stating that it held&nbsp;“serious doubts”&nbsp;about&nbsp;last<a href="https://apnews.com/article/africa-equatorial-guinea-malabo-government-and-politics-teodoro-obiang-nguema-mbasogo-f221186f2e29fc68e4371a13835e1918"> </a>month’s election&nbsp;in the tiny Central African nation. Opposition parties “made credible allegations of significant election-related irregularities, including documented instances of fraud, intimidation, and coercion,” according to the department. Election officials reported that President Teodoro Obiang’s ruling party won nearly 95% of the vote.

Zimbabwe, which has faced years of U.S. and Western sanctions over poor governance, human rights abuses and widespread corruption, also was invited.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who seized power from longtime ruler Robert Mugabe in 2017, has sought to cast himself as a reformer, but local and international human rights campaigners accuse him of repression that is just as bad or even worse than Mugabe’s.

Although Mnangagwa enjoys cozy relations with China and Russia, as did Mugabe, he has also sought to make friends with the U.S. and other Western countries in an effort to bolster his legitimacy.

In a national address that he delivered in November in a new Chinese-gifted multimillion-dollar parliament building, Mnangagwa held out the invitation to the U.S.-Africa summit as a sign of his administration’s success. He said the southern African country welcomed the invitation, but he also called for the “unconditional” removal of sanctions that he blames for Zimbabwe’s debilitating economic woes.

“Emphasis remains on dialogue,” Mnangagwa said.

Ethiopia received an invitation even though Biden late last last year announced he was&nbsp;cutting out the country<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-africa-united-states-global-trade-a3e49884bef0edb51bb9d8020f2b899b"> </a>from a US&nbsp;trade program,&nbsp;known as the African Growth and Opportunity Act, over Ethiopia’s failure to end a war in the Tigray region that led to “gross violations” of human rights. A peace deal was signed last month, but implementation faces major challenges such as the continued presence of troops from neighboring Eritrea.

Analysts say that African leaders will be looking for Biden to make some major commitments during the summit, including announcing his first presidential visit to sub-Saharan Africa, efforts to bolster the continent’s economy through private sector investment and trade and more.

Perhaps most importantly, it could be an opportunity for Biden to demonstrate that Africa is more than a battleground in its economic and military competition with Beijing and Moscow.

“I do strongly believe that the United States is still seen as a superpower from the African perspective, but most African leaders do not want to align with its promotion of democracy,” said Abraham Kuol Nyuon, a political analyst and associate professor of political science at the University of Juba in South Sudan. “They need the support of America but not the system of America.”

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President Joe Biden is set to play host to dozens of African leaders in Washington this week as the White House looks to narrow a gaping trust gap with Africa — one that has grown wider over years of frustration about America’s commitment to the continent.

President Joe Biden is set to play host to dozens of African leaders in Washington this week as the White House looks to narrow a gaping trust gap with Africa — one that has grown wider over years of frustration about America’s commitment to the continent. In the lead-up to the three-day US-Africa Leaders Summit that begins Tuesday, Biden administration officials played down their increasing concern about the clout of China and Russia in Africa, which is home to more than 1.3 billion people. Instead, administration officials tried to put the focus on their efforts to improve cooperation with African leaders. “This summit is an opportunity to deepen the many partnerships we have on the African continent,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said when asked about the shadow that China and Russia cast on the meetings. “We will focus on our efforts to strengthen these partnerships across a wide range of sectors spanning from businesses to health to peace and security, but our focus will be on Africa next week.” To that end, White House officials said that “major deliverables and initiatives” — diplomatic speak for big announcements — will be peppered throughout the meetings. The White House previewed one major summit announcement on Friday, saying that Biden would use the gathering to declare his support for adding the African Union as a permanent member of the Group of 20 nations. The summit will be the biggest international gathering in Washington since before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Local officials are warning residents to brace for road blocks and intensified security as 49 invited heads of states and leaders — and Biden — whiz around the city. Talks are expected to center on the coronavirus, climate change, the impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on Africa, trade and more, according to White House officials. Biden is set to deliver remarks at a U.S.-Africa business forum, hold small group meetings with leaders, host a leaders’ dinner at the White House and take part in other sessions with leaders during the gathering. Biden has spent much of his first two years in office trying to assuage doubters on the international stage about American leadership after four years of Donald Trump’s “America First” foreign policy. With this summit — a follow-up to the first such gathering held eight years ago by President Barack Obama — Biden has an opportunity to assuage concerns in Africa about whether the U.S. is serious about tending to the relationship. Biden’s effort to draw African nations closer to the U.S. comes at a complicated moment, as his administration has made plain that it believes that Chinese and Russian activity in Africa is a serious concern to U.S. and African interests. In its sub-Saharan Africa strategy unveiled in August, the Biden administration warned that China, which has pumped billions into African energy, infrastructure and other projects, sees the region as an arena where Beijing can “challenge the rules-based international order, advance its own narrow commercial and geopolitical interests, undermine transparency and openness.” The administration also argues that Russia, the preeminent arms dealer in Africa, views the continent as a permissive environment for Kremlin-connected oligarchs and private military companies to focus on fomenting instability for their own strategic and financial benefit. Still, administration officials are emphasizing that concerns about China and Russia will not be central to the talks. “The United States prioritizes our relationship with Africa for the sake of our mutual interests and our partnership in dealing with global challenges,” Molly Phee, assistant secretary of state for African affairs, told reporters before the summit. “We are very conscious, again, of the Cold War history, we’re conscious, again, of the deleterious impact of colonialism on Africa, and we studiously seek to avoid repeating some of the mistakes of those earlier eras.” The administration has been disappointed that much of the continent has declined to follow the US in condemning the Russian invasion of Ukraine, but Biden is not expected to dwell on differences publicly. The president is expected to participate with leaders in a session on promoting food security and food systems resilience. Africa has been disproportionately impacted by the global rise in food prices that has been caused in part by the drop in shipments from major grain exporter Ukraine. “One of the unique aspects of this summit is the collateral damage that the Russian war has inflicted on Africa in terms of food supply and the diversion of development assistance to Ukraine. The opportunity costs of the invasion have been very high in Africa,” said John Stremlau, a visiting professor of international relations at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg. Four countries that were suspended from the African Union — Guinea, Sudan, Mali and Burkina Faso— were not invited to the summit because coups in those nations led to unconstitutional changes in power. The White House also did not invite the East African nation of Eritrea; Washington does not have full diplomatic relations with the country. Biden’s decision to invite several leaders to the summit who have questionable records on human rights and democracy is looming large ahead of the gathering. Equatorial Guinea was invited despite the State Department stating that it held “serious doubts” about last month’s election in the tiny Central African nation. Opposition parties “made credible allegations of significant election-related irregularities, including documented instances of fraud, intimidation, and coercion,” according to the department. Election officials reported that President Teodoro Obiang’s ruling party won nearly 95% of the vote. Zimbabwe, which has faced years of U.S. and Western sanctions over poor governance, human rights abuses and widespread corruption, also was invited. President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who seized power from longtime ruler Robert Mugabe in 2017, has sought to cast himself as a reformer, but local and international human rights campaigners accuse him of repression that is just as bad or even worse than Mugabe’s. Although Mnangagwa enjoys cozy relations with China and Russia, as did Mugabe, he has also sought to make friends with the U.S. and other Western countries in an effort to bolster his legitimacy. In a national address that he delivered in November in a new Chinese-gifted multimillion-dollar parliament building, Mnangagwa held out the invitation to the U.S.-Africa summit as a sign of his administration’s success. He said the southern African country welcomed the invitation, but he also called for the “unconditional” removal of sanctions that he blames for Zimbabwe’s debilitating economic woes. “Emphasis remains on dialogue,” Mnangagwa said. Ethiopia received an invitation even though Biden late last last year announced he was cutting out the country from a US trade program, known as the African Growth and Opportunity Act, over Ethiopia’s failure to end a war in the Tigray region that led to “gross violations” of human rights. A peace deal was signed last month, but implementation faces major challenges such as the continued presence of troops from neighboring Eritrea. Analysts say that African leaders will be looking for Biden to make some major commitments during the summit, including announcing his first presidential visit to sub-Saharan Africa, efforts to bolster the continent’s economy through private sector investment and trade and more. Perhaps most importantly, it could be an opportunity for Biden to demonstrate that Africa is more than a battleground in its economic and military competition with Beijing and Moscow. “I do strongly believe that the United States is still seen as a superpower from the African perspective, but most African leaders do not want to align with its promotion of democracy,” said Abraham Kuol Nyuon, a political analyst and associate professor of political science at the University of Juba in South Sudan. “They need the support of America but not the system of America.” WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Biden aims to narrow trust gap with US-Africa leaders summit

US President Joe Biden, during his Saudi Arabia visit months ago, did not hold back in expressing his confidence that Saudi Arabia would act to increase the oil supply in the upcoming weeks. However, the little rise in oil output was only embarrassing since it was far insufficient to meet US demand. But it wasn't everything. After Biden's visit to the Kingdom, the OPEC+ group's decision to reduce crude oil output by two million barrels per day in October gave a massive setback to the US and Saudi Arabian ties.&nbsp;

The world was closely watching the Biden-MBS meet, especially after Biden had declared Saudi Arabia a pariah post Khashoggi's killing in 2018 and the meeting was anticipated to reset the ties between the two nations. MBS, as per Biden, denied involvement in the murder during their meeting in Riyadh. "He basically said that he was not personally responsible for it," Biden said over the crown prince's response during their meeting. "I indicated that I thought he was."

In the latest, however,&nbsp;after the Biden administration stated that Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman should be granted head-of-state protection, a federal court in the nation's capital decided to dismiss a civil action against him for the murder of author Jamal Khashoggi. Biden visited Israel and the West Bank on his tour to the Middle East, which started on 13 July and finished on 16 July. Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the severe energy crisis it caused for European nations, Biden paid a visit with some hope. He saw that he needed to change the US strategy of leaving the Middle East and try to rebalance his relationships with regional leaders. But how effective was the visit in the end? Not so much.&nbsp;

The stark contrast: Xi’s red-carpet welcome&nbsp;

The visit to Saudi Arabia by Chinese president Xi Jinping will be very different from that of President Joe Biden. It appears that the Gulf Arab nations have intensified their independent-minded approach. They have recently started veering away from US foreign policy, after decades. For China, the Gulf has disregarded several US cautions regarding expanding alliances with Beijing and Chinese businesses, citing human rights abuses of Uyghur minorities in the Xinjiang region.

To the dismay of the US, the military relationship of Saudi Arabia with China is also changing. When the US threatened to supply UAE with F-35 combat fighters over Saudi Arabia's 5G arrangement with Chinese tech giant Huawei, Abu Dhabi stood by the contract.

The pomp and circumstance surrounding Xi's travel to Saudi Arabia is sending an implicit message to the US. Abdulkhaleq Abdulla, a United Arab Emirates expert and visiting senior fellow at Harvard University, told CNN that this is a new Saudi Arabia, a new Gulf and a new reality. “The new reality is that China is rising and Asia is rising and whether the US likes it or not, we have to deal with China," he added.&nbsp;

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US President Joe Biden, during his Saudi Arabia visit months ago, did not hold back in expressing his confidence that Saudi Arabia would act to increase the oil supply in the upcoming weeks.

US President Joe Biden, during his Saudi Arabia visit months ago, did not hold back in expressing his confidence that Saudi Arabia would act to increase the oil supply in the upcoming weeks. However, the little rise in oil output was only embarrassing since it was far insufficient to meet US demand. But it wasn't everything. After Biden's visit to the Kingdom, the OPEC+ group's decision to reduce crude oil output by two million barrels per day in October gave a massive setback to the US and Saudi Arabian ties. The world was closely watching the Biden-MBS meet, especially after Biden had declared Saudi Arabia a pariah post Khashoggi's killing in 2018 and the meeting was anticipated to reset the ties between the two nations. MBS, as per Biden, denied involvement in the murder during their meeting in Riyadh. "He basically said that he was not personally responsible for it," Biden said over the crown prince's response during their meeting. "I indicated that I thought he was." In the latest, however, after the Biden administration stated that Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman should be granted head-of-state protection, a federal court in the nation's capital decided to dismiss a civil action against him for the murder of author Jamal Khashoggi. Biden visited Israel and the West Bank on his tour to the Middle East, which started on 13 July and finished on 16 July. Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the severe energy crisis it caused for European nations, Biden paid a visit with some hope. He saw that he needed to change the US strategy of leaving the Middle East and try to rebalance his relationships with regional leaders. But how effective was the visit in the end? Not so much. The stark contrast: Xi’s red-carpet welcome The visit to Saudi Arabia by Chinese president Xi Jinping will be very different from that of President Joe Biden. It appears that the Gulf Arab nations have intensified their independent-minded approach. They have recently started veering away from US foreign policy, after decades. For China, the Gulf has disregarded several US cautions regarding expanding alliances with Beijing and Chinese businesses, citing human rights abuses of Uyghur minorities in the Xinjiang region. To the dismay of the US, the military relationship of Saudi Arabia with China is also changing. When the US threatened to supply UAE with F-35 combat fighters over Saudi Arabia's 5G arrangement with Chinese tech giant Huawei, Abu Dhabi stood by the contract. The pomp and circumstance surrounding Xi's travel to Saudi Arabia is sending an implicit message to the US. Abdulkhaleq Abdulla, a United Arab Emirates expert and visiting senior fellow at Harvard University, told CNN that this is a new Saudi Arabia, a new Gulf and a new reality. “The new reality is that China is rising and Asia is rising and whether the US likes it or not, we have to deal with China," he added. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

A New Gulf? Biden's fistbump 'disaster' vs. Saudi Arabia's grandiose welcome for Xi

The Republicans plan to question three Twitter executives in congress over the suppression during the 2020 US election of data from a laptop belonging to Hunter Biden.

Biden family most corrupt in history, claim Republicans

US President Joe Biden on Monday (December 6) invited Brazil's president-elect Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva to visit the White House. Lula da Silva may visit US after he assumes offic on January 1.

US National Security adviser Jake Sullivan met Lula in Brasilia. Both discussed strengthening democracy in the Americas combating climate change and addressing the situation in Haiti and Venezuela.

On behalf of Biden, Sullivan extended the invitation to visit Washington

"He congratulated the President-elect on his election victory and discussed the importance of keeping open channels of communication between the two countries during the transition," said White House in a statement. No exact date has been announced.

Lula welcomed the invite on social media.

"I am excited to talk with President Biden and deepen the relationship between our countries," he tweeted.

Even though Lula has yet to be inaugurated, White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre said it made sense to invite him now.

"We want to hit the ground running with that relationship, that important bilateral relationship that we have with Brazil," she told reporters during a briefing.

The leftist leader won Brazil's presidential election in October, defeating far-right incumbent President Jair Bolsonaro, who was an ally of former President Donald Trump and was the last G20 leader to recognize Biden's 2020 victory.

(With inputs from agencies)

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US President Joe Biden on Monday (December 6) invited Brazil's president-elect Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva to visit the White House. Lula da Silva may visit US after he assumes offic on January 1.

US President Joe Biden on Monday (December 6) invited Brazil's president-elect Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva to visit the White House. Lula da Silva may visit US after he assumes offic on January 1. US National Security adviser Jake Sullivan met Lula in Brasilia. Both discussed strengthening democracy in the Americas combating climate change and addressing the situation in Haiti and Venezuela. On behalf of Biden, Sullivan extended the invitation to visit Washington "He congratulated the President-elect on his election victory and discussed the importance of keeping open channels of communication between the two countries during the transition," said White House in a statement. No exact date has been announced. Lula welcomed the invite on social media. "I am excited to talk with President Biden and deepen the relationship between our countries," he tweeted. Even though Lula has yet to be inaugurated, White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre said it made sense to invite him now. "We want to hit the ground running with that relationship, that important bilateral relationship that we have with Brazil," she told reporters during a briefing. The leftist leader won Brazil's presidential election in October, defeating far-right incumbent President Jair Bolsonaro, who was an ally of former President Donald Trump and was the last G20 leader to recognize Biden's 2020 victory. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Biden invites Brazil president-elect Lula to visit White House

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