China on Saturday angrily hit out at the latest <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-heaps-another-5-tariff-on-chinese-goods-in-latest-tit-for-tat-escalation-245211">US tariff hikes on its goods</a>, saying a "bullying" Washington would eventually "eat its own bitter fruit".

European leaders have also warned US President Donald Trump of the dangers of trade skirmishes with China and Europe, which look set to dominate the G7 summit due to begin in France.

Trump on Friday increased existing and planned tariffs on a total of $550 billion in Chinese goods, in response to new tit-for-tat levy hikes announced earlier that day by Beijing on $75 billion of US imports.

A Chinese commerce ministry spokesman on Saturday denounced Washington's "unilateral and bullying trade protectionism".

Watch: Trump slaps new tariffs on China, Additional 5% Tariff On Chinese Imports

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The tariff increase "seriously undermines the multilateral trading system and the normal international trade order, and the US will surely eat its own bitter fruit.

"The Chinese side strongly urges the US side not to misjudge the situation, not to underestimate the determination of the Chinese people, and immediately stop its mistaken actions, otherwise all consequences will be borne by the US," the spokesman said.

By the end of the year the feud will affect nearly all imports and exports between the two countries, with US companies -- many of whom rely on China for inputs -- particularly worried by the rapidly changing conflict.

EU Council President Donald Tusk on Saturday warned that Trump's escalating trade tensions with China and Europe could force economies around the world into recession.

Meanwhile French President Emmanuel Macron, host of the G7 summit in the French city of Biarritz, also warned of the widespread fallout from the trade disputes.

China on Saturday angrily hit out at the latest US tariff hikes on its goods, saying a "bullying" Washington would eventually "eat its own bitter fruit". European leaders have also warned US President Donald Trump of the dangers of trade skirmishes with China and Europe, which look set to dominate the G7 summit due to begin in France.

China on Saturday angrily hit out at the latest US tariff hikes on its goods, saying a "bullying" Washington would eventually "eat its own bitter fruit". European leaders have also warned US President Donald Trump of the dangers of trade skirmishes with China and Europe, which look set to dominate the G7 summit due to begin in France. Trump on Friday increased existing and planned tariffs on a total of $550 billion in Chinese goods, in response to new tit-for-tat levy hikes announced earlier that day by Beijing on $75 billion of US imports. A Chinese commerce ministry spokesman on Saturday denounced Washington's "unilateral and bullying trade protectionism". Watch: Trump slaps new tariffs on China, Additional 5% Tariff On Chinese Imports × The tariff increase "seriously undermines the multilateral trading system and the normal international trade order, and the US will surely eat its own bitter fruit. "The Chinese side strongly urges the US side not to misjudge the situation, not to underestimate the determination of the Chinese people, and immediately stop its mistaken actions, otherwise all consequences will be borne by the US," the spokesman said. By the end of the year the feud will affect nearly all imports and exports between the two countries, with US companies -- many of whom rely on China for inputs -- particularly worried by the rapidly changing conflict. EU Council President Donald Tusk on Saturday warned that Trump's escalating trade tensions with China and Europe could force economies around the world into recession. Meanwhile French President Emmanuel Macron, host of the G7 summit in the French city of Biarritz, also warned of the widespread fallout from the trade disputes.

'Bullying' US will 'eat its own bitter fruit,' says China slamming US over new tariffs

US President Donald Trump threatened to slap heavy tariffs on French wine in response to taxes on American tech companies just before heading to France for a summit of G7 leaders.

"Those are great American companies, and frankly, I don't want France going out and taxing our companies. Very unfair," he told reporters outside the White House shortly before boarding his helicopter.

"And if they do that, we'll be taxing their wine or doing something else. We'll be taxing their wine like they've never seen before. That's for us to tax them, not for France to tax them."

US President Donald Trump threatened to slap heavy tariffs on French wine in response to taxes on American tech companies just before heading to France for a summit of G7 leaders.

US President Donald Trump threatened to slap heavy tariffs on French wine in response to taxes on American tech companies just before heading to France for a summit of G7 leaders. "Those are great American companies, and frankly, I don't want France going out and taxing our companies. Very unfair," he told reporters outside the White House shortly before boarding his helicopter. "And if they do that, we'll be taxing their wine or doing something else. We'll be taxing their wine like they've never seen before. That's for us to tax them, not for France to tax them."

Trump threatens tariffs on French wine as he heads to G7

U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday lashed back at a new round of Chinese tariffs by heaping an additional 5% duty on some $550 billion in targeted Chinese goods in the latest tit-for-tat trade war escalation by the world’s two largest economies.

Trump slaps new tariffs on China, Additional 5% Tariff On Chinese Imports

US President Donald Trump said on Friday the United States has a really good relationship with North Korea and that the country's leader, Kim Jong Un, has been "pretty straight" with him.

"Kim Jong Un has been very straight with me," Trump told reporters at the White House after North Korea fired what appeared to be two short-range ballistic missiles into the sea off its east coast, according to the South Korean military.

A US&nbsp;official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said the two missiles North Korea had fired appeared to be similar to launches in recent weeks.

Saturday's launch, the seventh by North Korea since US&nbsp;President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un met at the inter-Korean border in June, have complicated attempts to restart talks between US&nbsp;and North Korean negotiators over the future of Pyongyang's nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes.

The two leaders agreed to restart working-level negotiations in June, but since then the United States has so far been unsuccessful in attempts to get talks going.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump said on Friday the United States has a really good relationship with North Korea and that the country's leader, Kim Jong Un, has been "pretty straight" with him.

US President Donald Trump said on Friday the United States has a really good relationship with North Korea and that the country's leader, Kim Jong Un, has been "pretty straight" with him. "Kim Jong Un has been very straight with me," Trump told reporters at the White House after North Korea fired what appeared to be two short-range ballistic missiles into the sea off its east coast, according to the South Korean military. A US official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said the two missiles North Korea had fired appeared to be similar to launches in recent weeks. Saturday's launch, the seventh by North Korea since US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un met at the inter-Korean border in June, have complicated attempts to restart talks between US and North Korean negotiators over the future of Pyongyang's nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes. The two leaders agreed to restart working-level negotiations in June, but since then the United States has so far been unsuccessful in attempts to get talks going.

Trump says US has really good relationship with North Korea

United States President Donald Trump called <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-eu-threatens-trade-retaliation-brazil-sends-army-to-fight-amazon-fires-245212">Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro </a>on Friday (local time) and offered assistance, if needed, to tackle the raging wildfires in the Amazon rainforest.

"Just spoke with President @JairBolsonaro of Brazil. Our future Trade prospects are very exciting and our relationship is strong, perhaps stronger than ever before. I told him if the United States can help with the Amazon Rainforest fires, we stand ready to assist!" the president tweeted.

The far-right leader told reporters on Friday that he was inclined to deploy the troops using a presidential decree.&nbsp;

Brazil`s environmental agency, IBAMA, is also hiring hundreds of temporary firefighters to help fight the fires, CNN reported after quoting the agency on Friday.

The announcement came as political, civil society leaders and celebrities around the world stepped up their pressure on the Brazilian government over the blazing rainforest.

France and Ireland said they would block a trade deal between the European Union and Mercosur, the economic and political bloc comprising Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay, unless Brazil takes action on the Amazon forest.

French President Emmanuel Macron called the Amazon wildfires an "international crisis" that needed to be on the agenda at the G7 summit in Biarritz.

Bolsonaro denounced Macron`s offer as "sensationalist" and accused him of using the fires for "political gain."

Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has reiterated Macron's stance and said international cooperation is needed to protect rainforests.&nbsp;

United States President Donald Trump called Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro on Friday (local time) and offered assistance, if needed, to tackle the raging wildfires in the Amazon rainforest.

United States President Donald Trump called Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro on Friday (local time) and offered assistance, if needed, to tackle the raging wildfires in the Amazon rainforest. "Just spoke with President @JairBolsonaro of Brazil. Our future Trade prospects are very exciting and our relationship is strong, perhaps stronger than ever before. I told him if the United States can help with the Amazon Rainforest fires, we stand ready to assist!" the president tweeted. The far-right leader told reporters on Friday that he was inclined to deploy the troops using a presidential decree. Brazil`s environmental agency, IBAMA, is also hiring hundreds of temporary firefighters to help fight the fires, CNN reported after quoting the agency on Friday. The announcement came as political, civil society leaders and celebrities around the world stepped up their pressure on the Brazilian government over the blazing rainforest. France and Ireland said they would block a trade deal between the European Union and Mercosur, the economic and political bloc comprising Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay, unless Brazil takes action on the Amazon forest. French President Emmanuel Macron called the Amazon wildfires an "international crisis" that needed to be on the agenda at the G7 summit in Biarritz. Bolsonaro denounced Macron`s offer as "sensationalist" and accused him of using the fires for "political gain." Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has reiterated Macron's stance and said international cooperation is needed to protect rainforests.

Trump calls Brazil President, offers assistance in tackling Amazon rainforest fires

North Korea fired what appears to be two short-range ballistic missiles into the sea off its east coast on Saturday, the South Korean military said, the latest in a series of launches in recent weeks.

North Korea fired what appears to be two short-range ballistic missiles into the sea off its east coast on Saturday, the South Korean military said, the latest in a series of launches in recent weeks. A US official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said the two missiles North Korea had fired appeared to be similar to launches in recent weeks. Saturday's launch, the seventh by North Korea since US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un met at the inter-Korean border in June, have complicated attempts to restart talks between US and North Korean negotiators over the future of Pyongyang's nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes. The two leaders agreed to restart working-level negotiations in June, but since then the United States has so far been unsuccessful in attempts to get talks going. US envoy on North Korea Stephen Biegun was in Seoul this week to discuss ways to get negotiations back on track. "We are prepared to engage as soon as we hear from our counterparts in North Korea," Biegun said on Wednesday. But in recent weeks, North Korea has repeatedly criticised US and South Korean largely computer-simulated joint military drills, South Korea's import of high-tech weapons such as F-35 stealth jets, and US testing of its intermediate-range cruise missile as threatening and hindrances to dialogue. On Friday, North Korea's top diplomat called US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo a "diehard toxin," saying "We are ready for both dialogue and standoff." South Korea's National Security Council (NSC) expressed "strong concern" over North Korea's continued launches despite the fact that the South Korea-US joint military exercises denounced by North Korea had ended. It called for North Korea to stop escalating military tensions on the Korean Peninsula. The NSC agreed to make diplomatic efforts to bring North Korea to the negotiating table with the United States as soon as possible for the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, South Korea's presidential office said in a statement. A senior US administration official said, "We are aware of reports of a missile launch from North Korea, and continue to monitor the situation. We are consulting closely with our Japanese and South Korean allies." Japanese Defence Minister Takeshi Iwaya said that North Korea's missile launches were a clear violation of UN resolutions and cannot be ignored. He confirmed that missiles fell outside Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone, and posed no immediate threat to Japan's security. South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JSC) said North Korea fired what appeared to be short-range ballistic missiles on Saturday at around 6:45am and 7:02am KST (2145, 2202 GMT on Friday) respectively from around Sondok, South Hamgyong Province. Sondok is the site of a North Korean military airfield. They flew about 380 kilometres (236 miles) and reached a height of 97 km (60 miles), JSC said. Japan's Coast Guard warned shipping not to approach any fallen debris. South Korea officially informed Japan on Friday of its decision to scrap an intelligence-sharing agreement, which Japanese Minister of Defence Takeshi Iwaya said was regrettable and showed that Seoul failed to appreciate the growing security threat posed by North Korea.

North Korea launches short-range missiles again, complicating US attempts for talks

France delayed the planned signing of a pledge by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-a-world-first-facebook-to-give-data-on-hate-speech-suspects-to-french-courts-230477">Internet platforms to fight hate speech online</a> amid pressure from the United States, a French minister said, adding that he was still hopeful the US will join the initiative.

France, which is hosting the G7 summit in Biarritz, was initially hoping to make social media giants sign a so-called "Charter for an Open, Free, and Safe Internet" on Friday, according to the official programme.

"The Charter will be signed by major digital stakeholders in Paris on 23 August, before being presented to the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-trump-set-to-meet-at-g7-summit-on-august-26-244877"> G7 States in Biarritz</a>," the programme read.

But no ceremony took place on Friday and Europe 1 radio said US President Donald Trump had pressured the chief executives of these social networks from signing the pledge publicly.

France's junior minister for the digital industry told reporters the signing was only delayed and would eventually take place on Monday.

"The initial idea was to make the platforms come to Biarritz and until now, the United States was against the signature of this pledge," Cedric O said.

"Diplomatically, it was sensitive to make US platforms come to Biarritz and sign something while the American president wasn't there," he said.

Google, Facebook, and Snapchat were among the platforms due to sign the charter, according to Cedric O.

The charter aims to create a collective movement guaranteeing transparency and cooperation for the safe and positive use of the Internet, the French G7 presidency said.

It builds on the Christchurch call by widening the scope of commitments made by platforms, particularly in terms of taking down content, moderating, ensuring transparency and supporting victims.

"There's no doubt on the fact that the social networks will sign the pledge," Cedric O said.

"The platforms played ball and made a commitment on the pledge, all the countries taking part too, the remaining question today is whether the US will join us, which would be a great success," he added.

France delayed the planned signing of a pledge by Internet platforms to fight hate speech online amid pressure from the United States, a French minister said, adding that he was still hopeful the US will join the initiative.

France delayed the planned signing of a pledge by Internet platforms to fight hate speech online amid pressure from the United States, a French minister said, adding that he was still hopeful the US will join the initiative. France, which is hosting the G7 summit in Biarritz, was initially hoping to make social media giants sign a so-called "Charter for an Open, Free, and Safe Internet" on Friday, according to the official programme. "The Charter will be signed by major digital stakeholders in Paris on 23 August, before being presented to the G7 States in Biarritz," the programme read. But no ceremony took place on Friday and Europe 1 radio said US President Donald Trump had pressured the chief executives of these social networks from signing the pledge publicly. France's junior minister for the digital industry told reporters the signing was only delayed and would eventually take place on Monday. "The initial idea was to make the platforms come to Biarritz and until now, the United States was against the signature of this pledge," Cedric O said. "Diplomatically, it was sensitive to make US platforms come to Biarritz and sign something while the American president wasn't there," he said. Google, Facebook, and Snapchat were among the platforms due to sign the charter, according to Cedric O. The charter aims to create a collective movement guaranteeing transparency and cooperation for the safe and positive use of the Internet, the French G7 presidency said. It builds on the Christchurch call by widening the scope of commitments made by platforms, particularly in terms of taking down content, moderating, ensuring transparency and supporting victims. "There's no doubt on the fact that the social networks will sign the pledge," Cedric O said. "The platforms played ball and made a commitment on the pledge, all the countries taking part too, the remaining question today is whether the US will join us, which would be a great success," he added.

France delays signing of Internet pledge amid US pressure

US President Donald Trump plans to hold discussions on Kashmir with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Watch video to know more

G7: Trump To Talk Kashmir With Pm Modi

U.S. President Donald Trump named India as one of the countries that ought to be fighting the Islamic State (IS) in Afghanistan. He also appeared to suggest that Russia, Iran, Turkey, Afghanistan and Pakistan were countries that should be fighting the IS in Afghanistan.

Trump slams India, says 'India not doing enough in Afghanistan'

In a new interview, Taylor Swift has expressed her political viewpoints and discernment with the current US government.&nbsp;

As per a report published in The Guardian, the 29-year-old star opened up in a never-heard-before manner and said of Trump, “We’re a democracy – at least, we’re supposed to be – where you’re allowed to disagree, dissent, debate. I really think that he thinks this is an autocracy.”

Swift said that she started “began feeling conflicted about what the US stood for when ‘all the dirtiest tricks in the book were used and it worked,'” and that she described the current political climate in the country as “gaslighting the American public into being like, ‘If you hate the president, you hate America.'”

This is probably the first time when Swift has spoken publicly about her political views. She had earlier in 2016 faced criticism for not publicly endorsing a candidate, leading to wide speculation on her political views. She had then said that she was not in the right frame of mind -- as her mother had a cancer-relapse and she had a public feud with Kanye West and Kim Kardashian.

She said, “I was just trying to protect my mental health – not read the news very much, go cast my vote, tell people to vote” and added, “I just knew what I could handle and I knew what I couldn’t. I was literally about to break.”&nbsp;

Swift took it upon herself to speak about the abortion bill and said, “Obviously, I’m pro-choice” and expressed dismay over Tennessee lawmakers voting to impose a near-total ban on abortion in the state.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, she is trending on the social media with the release of her seventh album, Lover.&nbsp;

In a new interview, Taylor Swift has expressed her political viewpoints and discernment with the current US government. As per a report published in The Guardian, the 29-year-old star opened up in a never-heard-before manner and said of Trump, “We’re a democracy – at least, we’re supposed to be – where you’re allowed to disagree, dissent, debate.

In a new interview, Taylor Swift has expressed her political viewpoints and discernment with the current US government. As per a report published in The Guardian, the 29-year-old star opened up in a never-heard-before manner and said of Trump, “We’re a democracy – at least, we’re supposed to be – where you’re allowed to disagree, dissent, debate. I really think that he thinks this is an autocracy.” Swift said that she started “began feeling conflicted about what the US stood for when ‘all the dirtiest tricks in the book were used and it worked,'” and that she described the current political climate in the country as “gaslighting the American public into being like, ‘If you hate the president, you hate America.'” This is probably the first time when Swift has spoken publicly about her political views. She had earlier in 2016 faced criticism for not publicly endorsing a candidate, leading to wide speculation on her political views. She had then said that she was not in the right frame of mind -- as her mother had a cancer-relapse and she had a public feud with Kanye West and Kim Kardashian. She said, “I was just trying to protect my mental health – not read the news very much, go cast my vote, tell people to vote” and added, “I just knew what I could handle and I knew what I couldn’t. I was literally about to break.” Swift took it upon herself to speak about the abortion bill and said, “Obviously, I’m pro-choice” and expressed dismay over Tennessee lawmakers voting to impose a near-total ban on abortion in the state. Meanwhile, she is trending on the social media with the release of her seventh album, Lover.

Taylor Swift criticises Donald Trump, says ‘Obviously, I’m pro-choice’

China announced Friday it will hit US imports worth $75 billion with new tariffs starting September 1 and December 15, as retaliation for Washington's planned tariff hikes in a bruising trade war.

The punitive tariffs will range from 5 per cent to 10 per cent on 5,078 items from the US, China's state council tariff office said.

Beijing also announced it will impose a 25 per cent tariff on US autos and a 5 per cent tariff on auto parts starting December 15.

China had lifted punitive tariffs on American cars and auto parts earlier this year as a goodwill measure while trade talks were underway.

The tariff hikes by the US "have led to the continuous escalation of China-US economic and trade frictions, violating the consensus reached by the two heads of state in Argentina and the consensus reached in Osaka," China's State Council Tariff Commission Office said in a statement.

US President Donald Trump has imposed steep tariffs on $250 billion in Chinese goods, with a further $300 billion in imports targeted for new duties in two more rounds, September 1 and December 15.

On August 16, US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that US and Chinese negotiators were holding "productive" trade talks and expected them to meet in September.

Nonetheless, China had vowed to counter US tariffs on $300 billion of Chinese goods while calling on the United States to meet it halfway on a potential trade deal.

Earlier this month, the Chinese finance ministry said in a statement that Washington's tariffs violated a consensus reached between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping at a June summit in Japan to resolve their disputes via negotiation.

In a separate statement, China's foreign ministry spokeswoman, Hua Chunying had&nbsp;said, "We hope the US&nbsp;will meet China halfway, and implement the consensus of the two heads of the two countries in Osaka."

China hopes to find mutually acceptable solutions through dialogue and consultation on the basis of equality and mutual respect, she added.

Trump, who is seeking re-election in 2020 and had made the economy and his tough stance on China a key part of his 2016 campaign for the White House, on Thursday said any agreement must meet US demands.

China announced Friday it will hit US imports worth $75 billion with new tariffs starting September 1 and December 15, as retaliation for Washington's planned tariff hikes in a bruising trade war.

China announced Friday it will hit US imports worth $75 billion with new tariffs starting September 1 and December 15, as retaliation for Washington's planned tariff hikes in a bruising trade war. The punitive tariffs will range from 5 per cent to 10 per cent on 5,078 items from the US, China's state council tariff office said. Beijing also announced it will impose a 25 per cent tariff on US autos and a 5 per cent tariff on auto parts starting December 15. China had lifted punitive tariffs on American cars and auto parts earlier this year as a goodwill measure while trade talks were underway. The tariff hikes by the US "have led to the continuous escalation of China-US economic and trade frictions, violating the consensus reached by the two heads of state in Argentina and the consensus reached in Osaka," China's State Council Tariff Commission Office said in a statement. US President Donald Trump has imposed steep tariffs on $250 billion in Chinese goods, with a further $300 billion in imports targeted for new duties in two more rounds, September 1 and December 15. On August 16, US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that US and Chinese negotiators were holding "productive" trade talks and expected them to meet in September. Nonetheless, China had vowed to counter US tariffs on $300 billion of Chinese goods while calling on the United States to meet it halfway on a potential trade deal. Earlier this month, the Chinese finance ministry said in a statement that Washington's tariffs violated a consensus reached between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping at a June summit in Japan to resolve their disputes via negotiation. In a separate statement, China's foreign ministry spokeswoman, Hua Chunying had said, "We hope the US will meet China halfway, and implement the consensus of the two heads of the two countries in Osaka." China hopes to find mutually acceptable solutions through dialogue and consultation on the basis of equality and mutual respect, she added. Trump, who is seeking re-election in 2020 and had made the economy and his tough stance on China a key part of his 2016 campaign for the White House, on Thursday said any agreement must meet US demands.

Will impose new tariffs on $75 billion US imports: China

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his visit to France on Thursday during which he will meet the top French leadership and participate in 45th G7 summit in Biarritz.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his visit to France on Thursday during which he will meet the top French leadership and participate in 45th G7 summit in Biarritz. Ahead of his France visit PM said, "India and France have excellent bilateral ties, which are reinforced by a shared vision to cooperate for further enhancing peace and prosperity for our two countries and the world at large." "Our strong strategic and economic partnership is complemented by a shared perspective on major global concerns such as terrorism, climate change, etc. I am confident that this visit will further promote our long-standing and valued friendship with France for mutual prosperity, peace and progress," he added. Modi will arrive at Paris's Charles de Gaulle Airport at 9pm IST and hold talks with French President Emmanuel Macron around 10pm IST. This will be followed by press statements at 11.15pm IST. On Wednesday, speaking at his farewell, outgoing French Envoy to India Alexandre Ziegler said, "we have crossed a milestone over the past years. A milestone at the strategic level – that’s obvious. A milestone in the very strong personal rapport that has developed between our two leaders, Emmanuel Macron and Narendra Modi." This will be Modi's fifth meeting with the French President. Modi visited France in 2017 followed by the visit of the French President in 2018 and then meetings on the sidelines of G20 summit in Argentina and Japan in December 2018 and June 2019, respectively. Air India Crash Victims On Friday morning Modi will meet Prime Minister of Franch Édouard Philippe and address the Indian diaspora at the UNESCO Headquarters. He will also inaugurate memorials for Indian victims of the air India crash in Nid D'Aigle. The memorial commemorates two tragic air crashes of Air India flights 245 and 101 in 1950 and 1966 respectively. Air India flight 245 crashed into Mont Blanc on 3 November 1950 killing 48 people and 16 years later, almost exactly on the same spot Air India Flight 101 crashed killing 117 passengers. Among the 117 killed onboard AI Flight 101 was chairman of the Indian Atomic Energy Commission and the man who was referred as the "father of the Indian nuclear programme" Dr. Homi Jehangir Bhabha. G7: Modi to meet Trump, Boris It's after a gap of more than 10 years that India has been invited at the G7 summit, the last time being 2005 when the then British Prime Minister Tony Blair had invited the then Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at the Gleneagles summit. India is "Biarritz partner" country along with Australia, Chile, South Africa, Rwanda, Senegal, Egypt and Burkina Faso. Climate and biodiversity will be the main focus of the 45th G7 summit whose theme is "combating inequality". Modi is also expected to interact with US President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson at G7. "I am going to be with PM Modi... I will be with him over a weekend in France", US President Donald Trump had said. During the conversation between PM Modi and British PM Boris Johnson, G7 was discussed.

PM Modi to meet Macron, attend G7 as he begins three-nation tour of France, UAE and Bahrain

List Of Issues That Trump Could Focus On Instead Of Interfering In Kashmir Dispute Trump and the U.S. have made a habit of interfering in the internal issues of other countries like the Kashmir Dispute. We have drawn up a list of five other issues, that the U.S. President could concentrate on instead of making bizarre offers to mediate the Kashmir issue.

Gravitas: Instead of meddling in Kashmir, Trump could do these!

U.S. President Donald Trump said on August 21 that other countries will need to take up the fight against Islamic State militants, citing Russia, Pakistan and Iran as examples.

Trump: Other countries need to take up fight against Islamic State militants

Perils Of Doing Diplomacy With Trump, The Master At Contradicting Himself If you wonder why Trump keeps poking his nose in the Kashmir issue, here's something that should interest you. The U.S. President has made a habit of making U-turns on most international issues. Needless to say, Trump's about-face has hurt not only the allies of the U.S. but also the consistency in policy making in the U.S.

Gravitas: Trump & the habit to make u-turns

Donald Trump has for the third time offered to mediate the Kashmir dispute between India and Pakistan. He even views the Kashmir dispute as a religious dispute between India and Pakistan. In the process, the U.S. President has ended up exposing his ignorance on the whole issue. Palki summarises Trump's bizarre Kashmir offer.

Gravitas: Trump offers to mediate the Kashmir dispute, again

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning, August 22nd, 2019

US President Donald Trump declared Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen's dismissal of his idea to buy Greenland "nasty" and an affront to the United States on Wednesday, a day after shocking Danes by cancelling a Copenhagen visit over the rebuff.

US President Donald Trump declared Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen's dismissal of his idea to buy Greenland "nasty" and an affront to the United States on Wednesday, a day after shocking Danes by cancelling a Copenhagen visit over the rebuff. Danes voiced disbelief at Trump's decision to forgo the trip, although Frederiksen said she believed relations with the United States, a NATO ally, would not be affected. Trump, who built his career as a businessman dealing in real estate, had mused openly in recent days about a US purchase of Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory rich in natural resources, raising eyebrows in Europe and in the United States. Former Danish Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen called it "an April Fool's Day joke" and Frederiksen called the idea "absurd." The latter comment set off Trump, who often becomes riled up by criticism, real or perceived. He announced the cancellation of his planned Sept 2-3 trip to Denmark in a tweet late on Tuesday. "I thought that the prime minister's statement ... was nasty. I thought it was an inappropriate statement. All she had to do is say: 'No, we wouldn’t be interested,'" Trump told reporters at the White House on Wednesday. "She's not talking to me. She's talking to the United States of America. You don’t talk to the United States that way, at least under me." Frederiksen, a centre-left Social Democrat, said she learned of Trump's decision "with regret and surprise", given Denmark's strong relations with Washington, but she repeated her opposition to any Greenland transaction. She stressed that Greenland's premier, Kim Kielsen, had ruled out selling off the territory and "I obviously agree with him." But Frederiksen said the United States remained one of Denmark's closest allies. "I don't think the cancelling of this state visit should affect any decisions we make whether it is on commercial cooperation or foreign and security policies." Trump's decision elicited condemnation, outrage and mockery alike among Danish opposition leaders and the public. "So (Trump) has cancelled his visit to Denmark because there was no interest in discussing selling Greenland. Is this some sort of joke? Deeply insulting to the people of Greenland and Denmark," tweeted former Prime Minister Helle Thorning Schmidt. "Total chaos with @realDonaldTrump and cancellation of state visit to Denmark. It has gone from a big opportunity for strengthened dialogue between allies to a diplomatic crisis," said former Foreign Minister Kristian Jensen of the Liberal Party. 'Not for sale' Greenland, which is gaining attention from world powers including China, Russia and the United States because of its strategic location and mineral wealth, is self-governing but underdeveloped and relies on Denmark for economic support. "Everyone should know Greenland is not for sale," Jensen said of the world's largest island, where the United States has a military presence at the Thule Air Base under a U.S.-Danish treaty dating to 1951. "(Trump's cancellation) is very, very shocking, when it is about a very close ally and a good friend," said Soren Espersen of the hard-right Danish People's Party. He said Trump had effectively snubbed Queen Margrethe, Denmark's head of state. Trump and U.S. first lady Melania Trump were formally invited to Denmark by the queen in July. "It shows why we now more than ever should consider (fellow) European Union countries as our closest allies. The man is unpredictable," said Morten Ostergaard, leader of the Danish Social Liberal Party. "Reality surpasses imagination." Trump, whose "America First" policies have resulted in strained relations with the EU over trade and other issues, said on Sunday a U.S. purchase of Greenland would be "a large real estate deal." The two countries appeared to be taking steps to address tensions over the dispute. Danish Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod said in a Twitter post that he had a "frank, friendly and constructive talk" with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and declared the countries "close friends and allies." The State Department said Pompeo expressed thanks for Denmark's cooperation as an ally. "The Secretary and Foreign Minister Kofod also discussed strengthening cooperation with the Kingdom of Denmark – including Greenland – in the Arctic," it said in a statement. Trump said he would go to Denmark another time. "Greenland was just an idea, just a thought. But I think when they say it was 'absurd' and it was said in a very nasty, very sarcastic way, I said, 'We'll make it some other time.' We'll go to Denmark - I love Denmark. I've been to Denmark. And, frankly, we'll do it another time. Respect has to be shown to the United States," he told reporters. Anders Fogh Rasmussen, a former NATO secretary general and Danish premier, said Trump's cancellation could work out for the best. "The Arctic's security and environmental challenges are too important to be considered alongside hopeless discussions like the sale of Greenland," he said on Twitter.

Trump calls Danish PM's rebuff of Greenland idea 'nasty' as trip cancellation stuns Danes

Watch WION Speed News, August 22nd, 2019

An Analysis Of Trump's Latest Offer To Mediate The Kashmir Dispute On #WionEdit, Palki closely analyses Trump's latest offer to mediate the Kashmir dispute. The offer is 'egotistical', 'delusional', 'ignorant', 'dangerous' and 'deceptive'.

WION Edit: Trump's Kashmir offer 'Dangerous', 'Deceptive', 'Ignorant' &  Egotistical'

US President Donald Trump has cancelled his visit to Denmark after its President said that Greenland is not up for sale. Watch the full video to know more.

Trump cancels his Denmark visit

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence urged China on Monday to respect the integrity of Hong Kong's laws and repeated President Donald Trump's warning that it will be harder for the United States to make a trade deal with Beijing if there was violence in the Chinese-ruled city.

Pence urges China to respect Hong Kong laws amid protest

Watch top national and international news of the morning - August 21st, 2019. Watch the full video for more info.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning, August 21st, 2019

US President Donald Trump calls off Denmark visit over Greenland. Watch this video to know more.

WION Dispatch: Trump calls off Denmark visit over Greenland

US President Donald Trump expressed optimism at the state of talks as the Taliban and the United States try to negotiate an agreement on the withdrawal of US forces in exchange for a Taliban commitment on security and peace talks with Afghanistan's US-backed government. Watch this video to know more.

Donald Trump says 'very good discussions' with Taliban and  Afghan govt

Watch WION Speed News, August 21th, 2019

US President Donald Trump calls off Denmark visit over Greenland

President Donald Trump said on Tuesday his administration was in "meaningful" talks with Democrats about gun legislation after the latest mass shootings, but congressional aides downplayed the discussions as low-level and not very productive.

President Donald Trump said on Tuesday his administration was in "meaningful" talks with Democrats about gun legislation after the latest mass shootings, but congressional aides downplayed the discussions as low-level and not very productive. Democrats have accused Trump of reversing course after he initially voiced support for tougher background checks following the latest shootings to rock the United States, so that "sick people don't get guns." He also suggested the National Rifle Association lobby group might ease its strong opposition to gun restrictions. Since then, Trump has shifted his approach, however, calling the shooters mentally ill and saying the administration had to look at building more mental institutions. "These retreats are heartbreaking, particularly for the families of the victims of gun violence," U.S. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said on Twitter. He urged Trump to press Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to permit a Senate vote on a background check bill supported by the House of Representatives. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump declined to say whether he endorsed any of the gun legislation backed by House Democrats. But he said the administration had been engaged in talks with Democrats. "We are in very meaningful discussions with the Democrats and I think the Republicans are very unified," Trump said. He said Democrats were weaker in their support for gun rights than Republicans and he wanted to protect against gun controls becoming too restrictive. "We're looking at different things. And I have to tell you that it's a mental problem, and I've said it a hundred times, it's not the gun that pulls the trigger, it's the person that pulls the trigger. These are sick people," Trump said. Democrats have been demanding action on guns after shooters earlier this month in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio, killed 31 people with semi-automatic rifles using high-volume magazines. The White House held a staff-level meeting with Senate Judiciary Committee staff on Friday, congressional aides said. House Judiciary Committee staff met with White House aides on Tuesday, focusing mainly on gun bills the panel plans to take up in a meeting scheduled for Sept. 4. The aides said there was no productive discussion about legislative priorities or measures that the White House could support. Trump suggested on Tuesday he might agree to some changes to improve background checks but did not offer details. "We have very, very strong background checks right now. But we have, sort of, missing areas, and areas that don't complete the whole circle," Trump said. A White House official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said later that "meaningful background checks remain on the table" for the president but that he "has not mentioned supporting universal background checks." The official said Trump spoke on Tuesday with NRA chief Wayne LaPierre. LaPierre said in a post on Twitter that they "discussed the best ways to prevent these types of tragedies." The House Judiciary Committee said on Friday it would cut short its summer recess to meet on Sept. 4 to begin considering new gun control legislation. The panel planned to prepare a series of bills for consideration by the full House, including a high-capacity magazine ban, a measure to prevent people convicted of misdemeanor hate crimes from purchasing firearms and a "red flag" bill to deny guns to those deemed to be a danger to themselves and others.

Trump says White House discussing gun legislation; Democrats say talks low-level

President Donald Trump’s threat to pull the United States out of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) is not credible as Congress would probably block any effort to do so, analysts told Sputnik.

Not Feasible

Trump said on August 13 that the United States may pull out of the WTO, following what he claimed were years of mistreatment at the hands of the organisation.

However, trade and economic affairs analyst Alan Tonelson, American research fellow at the US Business and Industry Council Educational Foundation, said Trump’s threat was unlikely to be taken seriously.

"President Trump's threat isn't credible in the very short run, if only because under the WTO agreement itself, he's obligated to give the organisation a six-month notice before the actual pull out," he said.

Trump would face an alliance of traditional free-trade Republicans in his own party and the opposition Democrats who control the House of Representatives since the November 2018 midterm elections, Tonelson, founder of RealityChek blog which covers trade and economics, pointed out.

Over the longer term, US law requires Congress to vote every five years on staying in the WTO, and the next such occasion comes up next year, Tonelson observed.

"So far, continued American membership has proven extremely popular on Capitol Hill," he said.

However, Trump might be able to take advantage of the very different national political dynamics within the United States since WTO membership was last approved in 2015, Tonelson cautioned.

"Clearly the climate is different today from that during the previous vote, in 2015, and the President could unnerve the rest of the world even more than it already has by at least making it a campaign issue, and consequently by boosting the ‘No’ votes considerably, at least on the GOP side," he said.

Trump also enjoyed powers that could enable him to paralyse the workings of the WTO without having to withdraw the United States officially from the organisation, Tonelson commented.

"It's crucial to remember that the President's decision to block the appointment of certain WTO judges could bring the critical appellate level of the organisation's dispute-resolution system to a halt by the end of this year. So unless he reneges, US withdrawal might not even be needed to evade the organisation's rulings," he said.

Washington’s withdrawal from the WTO, he added, would surely further disrupt a global economy that has already been shaken up "by the US trade policy reversal engineered by President Trump." Nevertheless, the US leader might be prepared to run that risk, Tonelson advised.

"Given how slowly cases make their way through the WTO process, it's difficult to believe that the disruption would be significant, since sluggish procedures mean that few businesses can afford to base their planning on expected WTO outcomes," he said. "Longer term, a neutered WTO could even prompt national governments to return to less formal, and probably quicker, ways to resolve their trade disputes."

Other WTO members might decide to keep the organisation going if only as a gesture of anti-Trump defiance.

"But the centrality of the United States to the world trade system and broader economy mean that its US-less survival would be largely symbolic," he said.

Pullout would backfire

Popular Resistance Co-Director Kevin Zeese agreed, however, that Trump was unlikely to overcome broad-based congressional opposition to withdrawing the United States from the WTO.

"Trump would need congressional approval to pull the US out of the WTO so it is unlikely," he said.

Unilateral US withdrawal from the WTO could also backfire on Trump and Washington by boosting China’s global economic and trade standing, Zeese cautioned.

"The WTO was developed by the US, many of the rules were written by the US and the US dominates it. If the US were to leave, China would probably become the leader. It would cause confusion in lots of trade agreements because the WTO is an arbiter of trade disputes," he said.

Zeese also agreed with Tonelson that Trump’s threats increased the dangers of a major international economic recession.

"It is bizarre to be threatening this at this time when the markets are already skittish and there are growing signs of recession. Disrupting the WTO would be one more thing to make investors insecure because of impacts [that] are hard to predict," he said.

Zeese also stressed that unilateral withdrawal from the WTO would be a self-defeating move for Washington.

"Why is Trump doing it? His is a mind I cannot read. So much of what he does makes little sense. Leaving the WTO would be one more step taken by Trump that would weaken the US as a global hegemony," he said.

Dollar dominance was a critical tool on US foreign policy that was now weakening, Zeese observed.

"If the US is no longer the reserve currency and used in trade between nations, it will have unpredictable, but certainly negative consequences for the US economy," he concluded.

 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

President Donald Trump’s threat to pull the United States out of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) is not credible as Congress would probably block any effort to do so, analysts told Sputnik.

President Donald Trump’s threat to pull the United States out of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) is not credible as Congress would probably block any effort to do so, analysts told Sputnik. Not Feasible Trump said on August 13 that the United States may pull out of the WTO, following what he claimed were years of mistreatment at the hands of the organisation. However, trade and economic affairs analyst Alan Tonelson, American research fellow at the US Business and Industry Council Educational Foundation, said Trump’s threat was unlikely to be taken seriously. "President Trump's threat isn't credible in the very short run, if only because under the WTO agreement itself, he's obligated to give the organisation a six-month notice before the actual pull out," he said. Trump would face an alliance of traditional free-trade Republicans in his own party and the opposition Democrats who control the House of Representatives since the November 2018 midterm elections, Tonelson, founder of RealityChek blog which covers trade and economics, pointed out. Over the longer term, US law requires Congress to vote every five years on staying in the WTO, and the next such occasion comes up next year, Tonelson observed. "So far, continued American membership has proven extremely popular on Capitol Hill," he said. However, Trump might be able to take advantage of the very different national political dynamics within the United States since WTO membership was last approved in 2015, Tonelson cautioned. "Clearly the climate is different today from that during the previous vote, in 2015, and the President could unnerve the rest of the world even more than it already has by at least making it a campaign issue, and consequently by boosting the ‘No’ votes considerably, at least on the GOP side," he said. Trump also enjoyed powers that could enable him to paralyse the workings of the WTO without having to withdraw the United States officially from the organisation, Tonelson commented. "It's crucial to remember that the President's decision to block the appointment of certain WTO judges could bring the critical appellate level of the organisation's dispute-resolution system to a halt by the end of this year. So unless he reneges, US withdrawal might not even be needed to evade the organisation's rulings," he said. Washington’s withdrawal from the WTO, he added, would surely further disrupt a global economy that has already been shaken up "by the US trade policy reversal engineered by President Trump." Nevertheless, the US leader might be prepared to run that risk, Tonelson advised. "Given how slowly cases make their way through the WTO process, it's difficult to believe that the disruption would be significant, since sluggish procedures mean that few businesses can afford to base their planning on expected WTO outcomes," he said. "Longer term, a neutered WTO could even prompt national governments to return to less formal, and probably quicker, ways to resolve their trade disputes." Other WTO members might decide to keep the organisation going if only as a gesture of anti-Trump defiance. "But the centrality of the United States to the world trade system and broader economy mean that its US-less survival would be largely symbolic," he said. Pullout would backfire Popular Resistance Co-Director Kevin Zeese agreed, however, that Trump was unlikely to overcome broad-based congressional opposition to withdrawing the United States from the WTO. "Trump would need congressional approval to pull the US out of the WTO so it is unlikely," he said. Unilateral US withdrawal from the WTO could also backfire on Trump and Washington by boosting China’s global economic and trade standing, Zeese cautioned. "The WTO was developed by the US, many of the rules were written by the US and the US dominates it. If the US were to leave, China would probably become the leader. It would cause confusion in lots of trade agreements because the WTO is an arbiter of trade disputes," he said. Zeese also agreed with Tonelson that Trump’s threats increased the dangers of a major international economic recession. "It is bizarre to be threatening this at this time when the markets are already skittish and there are growing signs of recession. Disrupting the WTO would be one more thing to make investors insecure because of impacts [that] are hard to predict," he said. Zeese also stressed that unilateral withdrawal from the WTO would be a self-defeating move for Washington. "Why is Trump doing it? His is a mind I cannot read. So much of what he does makes little sense. Leaving the WTO would be one more step taken by Trump that would weaken the US as a global hegemony," he said. Dollar dominance was a critical tool on US foreign policy that was now weakening, Zeese observed. "If the US is no longer the reserve currency and used in trade between nations, it will have unpredictable, but certainly negative consequences for the US economy," he concluded. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Donald Trump’s threat to leave World Trade Organisation not credible

President of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-committed-towards-regional-peace-pm-modi-to-president-trump-244225">United States Donald Trump</a> on Tuesday urged Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan to 'moderate rhetoric' with India over the situation in Jammu and Kashmir to reduce tensions.

According to a statement released by the White House, “President Donald J. Trump spoke by telephone with Prime Minister Imran Khan today to discuss the need to reduce tensions and moderate rhetoric with India over the situation in Jammu and Kashmir."

The US President also reaffirmed the need to avoid escalation of the situation, and urged restraint on both sides.

This White House statement came&nbsp;after a 30-minute conversation between PM Narendra Modi and Donald Trump, during which the Indian leader raised the issue "extreme rhetoric and incitement to anti-India violence" by leaders of Pakistan.

PM Modi told US President Donald Trump that extreme rhetoric and incitement to anti-India violence by certain leaders in the region were not conducive to peace.

After India abrogated provision of Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, Imran Khan has been venting out his ire against the India.

In his tweets, Pakistan PM Imran compared Indian leadership with Hitler and the Nazi party, which shows sign of frustration in Islamabad.

Khan on Sunday had said the world must seriously consider the safety and security of India's nuclear arsenal as it impacts not just the region but the world.

This is the second conversation between Imran Khan and Donald Trump in the last four days. Pakistani Prime Minister had called US President on Friday, just before the United Nations security council consultation meet.

Pakistan has been hoping the US will mediate between New Delhi and Islamabad, but Washington has made it clear both the neighbours need to bilaterally resolve all issues.

(With inputs from agencies)

President of the United States Donald Trump on Tuesday urged Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan to 'moderate rhetoric' with India over the situation in Jammu and Kashmir to reduce tensions.

President of the United States Donald Trump on Tuesday urged Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan to 'moderate rhetoric' with India over the situation in Jammu and Kashmir to reduce tensions. According to a statement released by the White House, “President Donald J. Trump spoke by telephone with Prime Minister Imran Khan today to discuss the need to reduce tensions and moderate rhetoric with India over the situation in Jammu and Kashmir." The US President also reaffirmed the need to avoid escalation of the situation, and urged restraint on both sides. This White House statement came after a 30-minute conversation between PM Narendra Modi and Donald Trump, during which the Indian leader raised the issue "extreme rhetoric and incitement to anti-India violence" by leaders of Pakistan. PM Modi told US President Donald Trump that extreme rhetoric and incitement to anti-India violence by certain leaders in the region were not conducive to peace. After India abrogated provision of Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, Imran Khan has been venting out his ire against the India. In his tweets, Pakistan PM Imran compared Indian leadership with Hitler and the Nazi party, which shows sign of frustration in Islamabad. Khan on Sunday had said the world must seriously consider the safety and security of India's nuclear arsenal as it impacts not just the region but the world. This is the second conversation between Imran Khan and Donald Trump in the last four days. Pakistani Prime Minister had called US President on Friday, just before the United Nations security council consultation meet. Pakistan has been hoping the US will mediate between New Delhi and Islamabad, but Washington has made it clear both the neighbours need to bilaterally resolve all issues. (With inputs from agencies)

Moderate rhetoric with India: Donald Trump tells Imran Khan after phone call with PM Narendra Modi

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