US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that things are going well with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-tariffs-serious-violation-will-take-countermeasures-china-240145">China</a>, insisting US consumers are not paying for import taxes he has imposed on goods from that country although economists say Americans are footing the bill.

"Things are going along very well with China. They are paying us Tens of Billions of Dollars, made possible by their monetary devaluations and pumping in massive amounts of cash to keep their system going. So far our consumer is paying nothing - and no inflation. No help from Fed!" Trump said on Twitter.

He also said - without presenting evidence - that countries are asking to negotiate "REAL trade deals," saying on Twitter, "They don't want to be targeted for Tariffs by the US"

Trump abruptly decided on Thursday to slap <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/slapping-tariffs-not-a-constructive-way-to-solve-trade-war-china-to-us-240074">10 per cent tariffs</a> $300 billion in Chinese imports, stunning financial markets and ending a month-long trade truce.<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-dispatch-trump-to-impose-fresh-tariffs-on-china-240306/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

China vowed on Friday to fight back.

China's new ambassador to the United Nations, Zhang Jun, said Beijing would take "necessary countermeasures" to protect its rights and bluntly described Trump's move as "an irrational, irresponsible act."

"China's position is very clear that if US&nbsp;wishes to talk, then we will talk, if they want to fight, then we will fight," Zhang told reporters in New York, also signalling that trade tensions could hurt cooperation between the countries on dealing with North Korea.

Trump said China had to do a lot in order to turn things around in the trade talks and repeated an earlier threat to substantially increase tariffs if they failed to do so.

"We can't just go and make an even deal with China. We have to go and make a better deal with China," Trump told reporters at the White House.

Tariffs are intended to make foreign goods more expensive to boost domestic producers unless international exporters reduce prices. But there has been no evidence that China is cutting prices to accommodate Trump's tariffs.

A study published by the National Bureau of Economic Research in March found that all of the cost of tariffs imposed in 2018 was passed on to US consumers.

US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that things are going well with China, insisting US consumers are not paying for import taxes he has imposed on goods from that country although economists say Americans are footing the bill.

US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that things are going well with China, insisting US consumers are not paying for import taxes he has imposed on goods from that country although economists say Americans are footing the bill. "Things are going along very well with China. They are paying us Tens of Billions of Dollars, made possible by their monetary devaluations and pumping in massive amounts of cash to keep their system going. So far our consumer is paying nothing - and no inflation. No help from Fed!" Trump said on Twitter. He also said - without presenting evidence - that countries are asking to negotiate "REAL trade deals," saying on Twitter, "They don't want to be targeted for Tariffs by the US" Trump abruptly decided on Thursday to slap 10 per cent tariffs $300 billion in Chinese imports, stunning financial markets and ending a month-long trade truce. China vowed on Friday to fight back. China's new ambassador to the United Nations, Zhang Jun, said Beijing would take "necessary countermeasures" to protect its rights and bluntly described Trump's move as "an irrational, irresponsible act." "China's position is very clear that if US wishes to talk, then we will talk, if they want to fight, then we will fight," Zhang told reporters in New York, also signalling that trade tensions could hurt cooperation between the countries on dealing with North Korea. Trump said China had to do a lot in order to turn things around in the trade talks and repeated an earlier threat to substantially increase tariffs if they failed to do so. "We can't just go and make an even deal with China. We have to go and make a better deal with China," Trump told reporters at the White House. Tariffs are intended to make foreign goods more expensive to boost domestic producers unless international exporters reduce prices. But there has been no evidence that China is cutting prices to accommodate Trump's tariffs. A study published by the National Bureau of Economic Research in March found that all of the cost of tariffs imposed in 2018 was passed on to US consumers.

Trump defends stance on China trade after new tariffs, says 'things are going well'

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 3rd, 2019

US President Donald Trump flagged "progress" in peace talks with the Taliban on Friday but again warned that he has the ability to wipe out much of Afghanistan within days, killing millions.

US President Donald Trump flagged "progress" in peace talks with the Taliban on Friday but again warned that he has the ability to wipe out much of Afghanistan within days, killing millions. "We've made a lot of progress. We're talking," Trump told reporters at the White House. Trump said that US forces, bogged down for nearly two decades, "could win Afghanistan in two days or three days or four days, but I'm not looking to kill 10 million people." He made a similar comment about 10 million casualties in July, but this time specified that this would not involve nuclear weapons. "I'm talking conventional." Trump was vague, however, in answering a question about a Washington Post report on a deal being brokered in which the United States would cut troop levels in Afghanistan to as low as 8,000 from the current 14,000. In return, the Taliban insurgency would reportedly cease fire, enter peace talks with the US-backed Afghan government, and pledge to keep out Al-Qaeda -- whose 9/11 attacks on the US spurred the invasion that ousted the Taliban from power in Afghanistan in 2001. 18 years in Afghanistan The United States and the Taliban are soon expected to begin their eighth round of talks in Doha to reach a deal that would end America's nearly 18-year involvement in Afghanistan. Washington has said it wants to see a deal inked by September 1, but any deal requires the Taliban to talk to Kabul. The push to end the conflict has ignited widespread concern among Afghans that in Washington's rush to exit its longest war, the Taliban will be returned to some semblance of power. The Taliban, who now control or influence about half of Afghanistan's territory, recently signed on to a vague pledge to reduce civilian casualties, but violence has continued unabated. According to a UN report released Tuesday, 1,366 civilians were killed and another 2,446 wounded during the first six months of 2019. The figure does not include at least 34 people who were killed in western Afghanistan when their bus hit a Taliban roadside bomb on Wednesday.

Trump touts Afghan peace 'progress' but warns can kill millions

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sri-lanka-president-vetoes-military-deal-with-washington-that-allows-us-troops-free-access-to-islands-ports-233571">Washington</a> is hoping for a breakthrough as talks between the US and the Taliban resumed in Doha on Saturday in a bid to end 18 years of war in Afghanistan.

The US, which invaded Afghanistan and toppled the Taliban in 2001, wants to withdraw thousands of troops but only in return for the insurgent group renouncing Al-Qaeda and curbing attacks.&nbsp;

Washington is hoping to strike a peace deal with the Taliban by September 1 ahead of Afghan polls due the same month, and US presidential polls due in 2020.

US President Donald Trump told reporters at the White House on Friday that "we've made a lot of progress. We're talking".&nbsp;

A coalition led by Washington ousted the Taliban accusing it of harboring <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/al-qaeda-attack-kills-19-soldiers-in-south-yemen-security-officials-240119">Al-Qaeda </a>jihadists who claimed the September 11, 2001 attacks against the US that killed almost 3,000 people.

"We are pursuing a peace agreement not a withdrawal agreement, a peace agreement that enables withdrawal," US envoy for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad tweeted on Friday as he arrived in Doha after talks with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan in Islamabad.

"Our presence in Afghanistan is conditions-based, and any withdrawal will be conditions based."

In another sign of progress, the Afghan government has formed a negotiating team for separate peace talks with the Taliban, that diplomats hope could be held as early as later this month.

The Washington Post reported Thursday that an initial deal to end the war would see the US forces in Afghanistan reduced to as low as 8,000 from the current level of around 14,000.

In exchange, the Taliban would abide by a ceasefire and renounce Al-Qaeda, the Post reported, citing US officials.

The proposed agreement would also require the Taliban to broker a separate peace deal with the Afghan government, with which it has so far refused to speak, Fox News reported.

However, an Afghan official hinted last week that the government of President Ashraf Ghani was preparing for direct talks with the Taliban, the details of which have yet to be announced.

Council on Foreign Relations counter terrorism expert Bruce Hoffman said that he doubted the Taliban would ever renounce Al-Qaeda potentially hindering any deal.

- 'Cruel and oppressive' - 
"I believe that the Taliban and Al-Qaeda will remain joined at the hip," he told AFP, questioning the sense of "believing the word of terrorist organizations".

"The Taliban can negotiate with the United States," he added but suggested that the Taliban would be unlikely to break their personal pledges to Al-Qaeda.

"It means that Al-Qaeda was going to continue fighting, counting on that once the US left Afghanistan it (the US) wasn't going to come back.&nbsp;

"Al-Qaeda and the Taliban would have free rein. It's not a far fetched assumption."

The thorny issues of power-sharing with the Taliban, the role of regional powers including Pakistan and India, and the fate of Ghani's administration also remain unresolved.

The latest US Taliban encounter follows last month's talks between influential Afghans and the Taliban which agreed a "roadmap for peace" but stopped short of calling for a ceasefire.

That gathering, also in Doha, called for a monitored peace process, the return of internally displaced people to their homes and non-interference by regional powers in Afghanistan.

"Assuring women rights in political, social, economic, educational, cultural affairs as per (and) within the Islamic framework of Islamic values," also featured in the joint text.

Younger Afghans, whose lives have been overshadowed by almost two decades of war, are skeptical any deal will bring peace.

"We cannot trust the Taliban and their commitments because they were cruel and oppressive in their regime," said Abdul Jamil Qureshi, a 23 year old psychology student at Kabul University.

Apparently believing they have the upper hand in the war, the Taliban have kept up attacks even while talking to the United States and agreeing to the Afghan dialogue.

The United Nations said Saturday that civilian casualty rates across Afghanistan jumped back to record levels last month, following a dip earlier in the year.

More than 1,500 civilians were killed or wounded in the conflict in July, the highest monthly toll so far in 2019 and the deadliest single month since May 2017.

On Wednesday, at least 34 people were killed in western Afghanistan when their bus hit a roadside bomb blamed by officials on the Taliban.

Most of the dead were women and children. 
&nbsp;

Washington is hoping for a breakthrough as talks between the US and the Taliban resumed in Doha on Saturday in a bid to end 18 years of war in Afghanistan. The US, which invaded Afghanistan and toppled the Taliban in 2001, wants to withdraw thousands of troops but only in return for the insurgent group renouncing Al-Qaeda and curbing attacks.

Washington is hoping for a breakthrough as talks between the US and the Taliban resumed in Doha on Saturday in a bid to end 18 years of war in Afghanistan. The US, which invaded Afghanistan and toppled the Taliban in 2001, wants to withdraw thousands of troops but only in return for the insurgent group renouncing Al-Qaeda and curbing attacks. Washington is hoping to strike a peace deal with the Taliban by September 1 ahead of Afghan polls due the same month, and US presidential polls due in 2020. US President Donald Trump told reporters at the White House on Friday that "we've made a lot of progress. We're talking". A coalition led by Washington ousted the Taliban accusing it of harboring Al-Qaeda jihadists who claimed the September 11, 2001 attacks against the US that killed almost 3,000 people. "We are pursuing a peace agreement not a withdrawal agreement, a peace agreement that enables withdrawal," US envoy for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad tweeted on Friday as he arrived in Doha after talks with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan in Islamabad. "Our presence in Afghanistan is conditions-based, and any withdrawal will be conditions based." In another sign of progress, the Afghan government has formed a negotiating team for separate peace talks with the Taliban, that diplomats hope could be held as early as later this month. The Washington Post reported Thursday that an initial deal to end the war would see the US forces in Afghanistan reduced to as low as 8,000 from the current level of around 14,000. In exchange, the Taliban would abide by a ceasefire and renounce Al-Qaeda, the Post reported, citing US officials. The proposed agreement would also require the Taliban to broker a separate peace deal with the Afghan government, with which it has so far refused to speak, Fox News reported. However, an Afghan official hinted last week that the government of President Ashraf Ghani was preparing for direct talks with the Taliban, the details of which have yet to be announced. Council on Foreign Relations counter terrorism expert Bruce Hoffman said that he doubted the Taliban would ever renounce Al-Qaeda potentially hindering any deal. - 'Cruel and oppressive' - "I believe that the Taliban and Al-Qaeda will remain joined at the hip," he told AFP, questioning the sense of "believing the word of terrorist organizations". "The Taliban can negotiate with the United States," he added but suggested that the Taliban would be unlikely to break their personal pledges to Al-Qaeda. "It means that Al-Qaeda was going to continue fighting, counting on that once the US left Afghanistan it (the US) wasn't going to come back. "Al-Qaeda and the Taliban would have free rein. It's not a far fetched assumption." The thorny issues of power-sharing with the Taliban, the role of regional powers including Pakistan and India, and the fate of Ghani's administration also remain unresolved. The latest US Taliban encounter follows last month's talks between influential Afghans and the Taliban which agreed a "roadmap for peace" but stopped short of calling for a ceasefire. That gathering, also in Doha, called for a monitored peace process, the return of internally displaced people to their homes and non-interference by regional powers in Afghanistan. "Assuring women rights in political, social, economic, educational, cultural affairs as per (and) within the Islamic framework of Islamic values," also featured in the joint text. Younger Afghans, whose lives have been overshadowed by almost two decades of war, are skeptical any deal will bring peace. "We cannot trust the Taliban and their commitments because they were cruel and oppressive in their regime," said Abdul Jamil Qureshi, a 23 year old psychology student at Kabul University. Apparently believing they have the upper hand in the war, the Taliban have kept up attacks even while talking to the United States and agreeing to the Afghan dialogue. The United Nations said Saturday that civilian casualty rates across Afghanistan jumped back to record levels last month, following a dip earlier in the year. More than 1,500 civilians were killed or wounded in the conflict in July, the highest monthly toll so far in 2019 and the deadliest single month since May 2017. On Wednesday, at least 34 people were killed in western Afghanistan when their bus hit a roadside bomb blamed by officials on the Taliban. Most of the dead were women and children.

US eyes breakthrough in the push for peace with Taliban

A majority of Democrats in the US House of Representatives now favour launching impeachment proceedings against Republican President Donald&nbsp;Trump, after a California lawmaker on Friday became the 118th Democrat to call for the process to begin.

"In the past few years, our nation has seen and heard things from this president that have no place in our democracy," Representative Salud Carbajal said in a statement that accused Trump&nbsp;of "criminal" behaviour.&nbsp;

"I believe it is time to open an impeachment inquiry into President Donald&nbsp;Trump," Carbajal said.

The Democrats have a majority of 235 members in the House of Representatives. Support for an impeachment inquiry has jumped by more than two dozen Democrats since former Special Counsel Robert Mueller testified on July 24 about his probe of&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;and Russian interference in the 2016 election.

But the total of 118 is still far short of the 218 House votes needed to approve an impeachment resolution, and opinion polls continue to show voters sharply divided over the&nbsp;issue. The House is currently on a summer recess and will not return until September 9.

Having a majority of her own caucus favour impeachment could put new pressure on House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who opposes impeachment as a politically risky move unless investigators find powerful evidence of misconduct by&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;that can unify public opinion.

In a statement issued Friday, Pelosi gave no sign she was about to change her cautious approach. Instead, she outlined in considerable detail her strategy of Democrats continuing to investigate the president, while also moving in court to get access to more evidence.

"Democrats in the Congress continue to legislate, investigate and litigate," Pelosi declared. "The president will be held accountable."

Democrats opposing impeachment say the best way to remove&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;is by defeating him in 2020, when he is up for re-election. Some Democrats worry that too strong a focus on impeachment could eclipse other issues like healthcare and threaten the re-election of Democrats who pried seats away from Republicans last year in regions where many voters oppose impeachment.

Trump&nbsp;has denied any wrongdoing and says he was vindicated by the Mueller report, but the special counsel made clear in his testimony to Congress that that was not the case.

In his report, Mueller described in detail the extensive contact&nbsp;Trump's team had with Russia during the 2016 election campaign, and how&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;tried to impede Mueller's investigation.

While he stopped short of concluding&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;had committed a crime or that his aides had conspired with Moscow, Mueller did not clear him and indicated it was up to Congress to decide the next steps.

Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee effectively rebranded their six-month-old oversight investigation of&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;as an impeachment probe last week, when they asked a federal judge for access to Mueller's grand jury evidence to determine whether to recommend articles of impeachment against&nbsp;Trump.

Despite the mounting impeachment calls, there are no outward signs of a revolt among Democratic lawmakers over Pelosi's attitude, perhaps in part because she has said that lawmakers are free to “espouse their own position, and to criticise me.”

Democrats appear generally happy with her performance as speaker, especially her ability to stand up to&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;day after day.

Pelosi has rallied to the defence of lawmakers&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;has attacked in recent weeks, and sometimes she has returned&nbsp;Trump's fire with fire.&nbsp;

Defending her native city of Baltimore against&nbsp;Trump's criticisms that it was a "rodent-infested mess," Pelosi said Thursday that the president's own son-in-law was a "slumlord" there.

A majority of Democrats in the US House of Representatives now favour launching impeachment proceedings against Republican President Donald Trump, after a California lawmaker on Friday became the 118th Democrat to call for the process to begin.

A majority of Democrats in the US House of Representatives now favour launching impeachment proceedings against Republican President Donald Trump, after a California lawmaker on Friday became the 118th Democrat to call for the process to begin. "In the past few years, our nation has seen and heard things from this president that have no place in our democracy," Representative Salud Carbajal said in a statement that accused Trump of "criminal" behaviour. "I believe it is time to open an impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump," Carbajal said. The Democrats have a majority of 235 members in the House of Representatives. Support for an impeachment inquiry has jumped by more than two dozen Democrats since former Special Counsel Robert Mueller testified on July 24 about his probe of Trump and Russian interference in the 2016 election. But the total of 118 is still far short of the 218 House votes needed to approve an impeachment resolution, and opinion polls continue to show voters sharply divided over the issue. The House is currently on a summer recess and will not return until September 9. Having a majority of her own caucus favour impeachment could put new pressure on House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who opposes impeachment as a politically risky move unless investigators find powerful evidence of misconduct by Trump that can unify public opinion. In a statement issued Friday, Pelosi gave no sign she was about to change her cautious approach. Instead, she outlined in considerable detail her strategy of Democrats continuing to investigate the president, while also moving in court to get access to more evidence. "Democrats in the Congress continue to legislate, investigate and litigate," Pelosi declared. "The president will be held accountable." Democrats opposing impeachment say the best way to remove Trump is by defeating him in 2020, when he is up for re-election. Some Democrats worry that too strong a focus on impeachment could eclipse other issues like healthcare and threaten the re-election of Democrats who pried seats away from Republicans last year in regions where many voters oppose impeachment. Trump has denied any wrongdoing and says he was vindicated by the Mueller report, but the special counsel made clear in his testimony to Congress that that was not the case. In his report, Mueller described in detail the extensive contact Trump's team had with Russia during the 2016 election campaign, and how Trump tried to impede Mueller's investigation. While he stopped short of concluding Trump had committed a crime or that his aides had conspired with Moscow, Mueller did not clear him and indicated it was up to Congress to decide the next steps. Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee effectively rebranded their six-month-old oversight investigation of Trump as an impeachment probe last week, when they asked a federal judge for access to Mueller's grand jury evidence to determine whether to recommend articles of impeachment against Trump. Despite the mounting impeachment calls, there are no outward signs of a revolt among Democratic lawmakers over Pelosi's attitude, perhaps in part because she has said that lawmakers are free to “espouse their own position, and to criticise me.” Democrats appear generally happy with her performance as speaker, especially her ability to stand up to Trump day after day. Pelosi has rallied to the defence of lawmakers Trump has attacked in recent weeks, and sometimes she has returned Trump's fire with fire. Defending her native city of Baltimore against Trump's criticisms that it was a "rodent-infested mess," Pelosi said Thursday that the president's own son-in-law was a "slumlord" there.

Majority of US House Democrats favour starting impeachment proceedings

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo meets with Indian Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in Bangkok, Thailand. It is the first official meet between the two nations after US President Donald Trump's comment on mediation between India and Pakistan over Kashmir issue. S Jaishankar conveyed India's stand on Kashmir issue to Mike Pompeo. He said, discussion on Kashmir issue if at all will only be with Pakistan and bilateral.

S Jaishankar: Discussion on Kashmir issue will only be with Pakistan and bilateral

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo meets with Indian Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in Bangkok, Thailand. It is the first official meet between the two nations after US President Donald Trump's comment on mediation between India and Pakistan over Kashmir issue.

First India-US high level meet after Trump's Kashmir comments

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo meets with Indian Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in Bangkok, Thailand. It is the first official meet between the two nations after US President Donald Trump's comment on mediation between India and Pakistan over Kashmir issue. S Jaishankar conveyed India's stand on Kashmir issue to Mike Pompeo.

S Jaishankar conveyed India's stand to Mike Pompeo

The Swedish judge in the assault trial of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/us-rapper-aap-rockys-assault-trial-enters-final-scheduled-day-240030">US rapper A$AP Rocky</a> and two of his entourage ordered that the three men be released from custody on Friday until the verdict.

Senior District Court Judge Per Lennerbrant told the court at the end of the three-day trial that he would hand down the verdict on August&nbsp;14.

Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, was detained on July 3 in connection with a brawl outside a hamburger restaurant in Stockholm on June 30 and later charged.&nbsp;

The case has drawn huge media attention, particularly since US&nbsp;President Donald Trump began advocating on behalf of Mayers, asking Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven to help free him. Sweden's judiciary is independent of the political system and Lofven has said he will not influence the rapper's case.

The prosecution says that following an argument, Mayers threw a 19-year-old man to the ground, after which he and two of his entourage, kicked and punched him.

The alleged victim, Mustafa Jafari, said during testimony he was also hit on the head with a bottle after he and a friend followed Mayers's group to get back a pair of headphones.

Soon, after the rapper's release,&nbsp;Trump took Twitter and said that&nbsp; A$AP Rocky is "on his way to the home in the United States."

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A$AP Rocky released from prison and on his way home to the United States from Sweden. It was a Rocky Week, get home ASAP A$AP!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1157345692517634049?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The Swedish judge in the assault trial of US rapper A$AP Rocky and two of his entourage ordered that the three men be released from custody on Friday until the verdict.

The Swedish judge in the assault trial of US rapper A$AP Rocky and two of his entourage ordered that the three men be released from custody on Friday until the verdict. Senior District Court Judge Per Lennerbrant told the court at the end of the three-day trial that he would hand down the verdict on August 14. Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, was detained on July 3 in connection with a brawl outside a hamburger restaurant in Stockholm on June 30 and later charged. The case has drawn huge media attention, particularly since US President Donald Trump began advocating on behalf of Mayers, asking Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven to help free him. Sweden's judiciary is independent of the political system and Lofven has said he will not influence the rapper's case. The prosecution says that following an argument, Mayers threw a 19-year-old man to the ground, after which he and two of his entourage, kicked and punched him. The alleged victim, Mustafa Jafari, said during testimony he was also hit on the head with a bottle after he and a friend followed Mayers's group to get back a pair of headphones. Soon, after the rapper's release, Trump took Twitter and said that A$AP Rocky is "on his way to the home in the United States." A$AP Rocky released from prison and on his way home to the United States from Sweden. It was a Rocky Week, get home ASAP A$AP! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 2, 2019 ×

Swedish Judge releases A$AP Rocky from custody until assault trial verdict

Kashmir Issue Needs To Be Resolved Once & For All.

Wion Edit: Preventing Third-Party interference in Kashmir

Tariff wars, duties imposed by Donald Trump and US trading partners

United States President Donald Trump once again reiterated his offer to mediate in the Kashmir conflict between India and Pakistan, but added that is up to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to accept the offer of assistance.

Donald Trump offers to mediate over Kashmir issue

US President Donald Trump said on Friday that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-fires-more-missiles-third-round-of-tests-in-a-week-240037">North Korea's missile tests</a> may have violated United Nations resolutions but did not break his agreement North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Trump, in a series of Twitter posts, said he did not believe Kim wanted to disappoint him "with a violation of trust," adding that "there is far too much for North Korea to gain ... Also, there is far too much to lose."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-fires-more-missiles-third-round-of-tests-in-a-week-240037">North Korea fired missiles for the third time</a> in eight days, a series of launches that analysts say have appeared designed both to improve military capabilities and pressure the United States and South Korea as they seek to restart denuclearization talks with Pyongyang.

North Korea has been testing missiles despite a June 30 meeting between Trump and Kim at which the two agreed to revive stalled talks, which have yet to resume.

Trump has played down North Korea missile launches since his failed summit with Kim in Vietnam in February, saying they were of short-range devices, not the intercontinental ballistic missiles and nuclear bombs Kim has promised not to test.

"<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-still-hopes-for-talks-after-latest-north-korean-missile-tests-240001">Kim Jong Un and North Korea</a> tested 3 short-range missiles over the last number of days," Trump tweeted. "These missiles tests are not a violation of our signed Singapore agreement, nor was there discussion of short-range missiles when we shook hands.

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Kim Jong Un and North Korea tested 3 short range missiles over the last number of days. These missiles tests are not a violation of our signed Singapore agreement, nor was there discussion of short range missiles when we shook hands. There may be a United Nations violation, but..
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1157306442422136834?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"There may be a United Nations violation, but Chairman Kim does not want to disappoint me with a violation of trust, there is far too much for North Korea to gain - the potential as a Country, under Kim Jong Un’s leadership, is unlimited. Also, there is far too much to lose," he said.

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.....Chairman Kim does not want to disappoint me with a violation of trust, there is far too much for North Korea to gain - the potential as a Country, under Kim Jong Un’s leadership, is unlimited. Also, there is far too much to lose. I may be wrong, but I believe that......
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1157306445567803393?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Trump continued to laud the personal rapport he says he has with Kim, whose government has been criticized by the US State Department for subjecting its people to "egregious violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms." The department said in May that about 100,000 people were held in political prison camps.

"I may be wrong, but I believe that Chairman Kim has a great and beautiful vision for his country, and only the United States, with me as President, can make that vision come true. He will do the right thing because he is far too smart not to, and he does not want to disappoint his friend, President Trump!"

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....Chariman Kim has a great and beautiful vision for his country, and only the United States, with me as President, can make that vision come true. He will do the right thing because he is far too smart not to, and he does not want to disappoint his friend, President Trump!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1157306452228366336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump said on Friday that North Korea's missile tests may have violated United Nations resolutions but did not break his agreement North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

US President Donald Trump said on Friday that North Korea's missile tests may have violated United Nations resolutions but did not break his agreement North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Trump, in a series of Twitter posts, said he did not believe Kim wanted to disappoint him "with a violation of trust," adding that "there is far too much for North Korea to gain ... Also, there is far too much to lose." North Korea fired missiles for the third time in eight days, a series of launches that analysts say have appeared designed both to improve military capabilities and pressure the United States and South Korea as they seek to restart denuclearization talks with Pyongyang. North Korea has been testing missiles despite a June 30 meeting between Trump and Kim at which the two agreed to revive stalled talks, which have yet to resume. Trump has played down North Korea missile launches since his failed summit with Kim in Vietnam in February, saying they were of short-range devices, not the intercontinental ballistic missiles and nuclear bombs Kim has promised not to test. "Kim Jong Un and North Korea tested 3 short-range missiles over the last number of days," Trump tweeted. "These missiles tests are not a violation of our signed Singapore agreement, nor was there discussion of short-range missiles when we shook hands. Kim Jong Un and North Korea tested 3 short range missiles over the last number of days. These missiles tests are not a violation of our signed Singapore agreement, nor was there discussion of short range missiles when we shook hands. There may be a United Nations violation, but.. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 2, 2019 × "There may be a United Nations violation, but Chairman Kim does not want to disappoint me with a violation of trust, there is far too much for North Korea to gain - the potential as a Country, under Kim Jong Un’s leadership, is unlimited. Also, there is far too much to lose," he said. .....Chairman Kim does not want to disappoint me with a violation of trust, there is far too much for North Korea to gain - the potential as a Country, under Kim Jong Un’s leadership, is unlimited. Also, there is far too much to lose. I may be wrong, but I believe that...... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 2, 2019 × Trump continued to laud the personal rapport he says he has with Kim, whose government has been criticized by the US State Department for subjecting its people to "egregious violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms." The department said in May that about 100,000 people were held in political prison camps. "I may be wrong, but I believe that Chairman Kim has a great and beautiful vision for his country, and only the United States, with me as President, can make that vision come true. He will do the right thing because he is far too smart not to, and he does not want to disappoint his friend, President Trump!" ....Chariman Kim has a great and beautiful vision for his country, and only the United States, with me as President, can make that vision come true. He will do the right thing because he is far too smart not to, and he does not want to disappoint his friend, President Trump! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 2, 2019 ×

Trump says North Korean missile tests may defy United Nations, but not his agreement with Kim Jong Un

Indian shares plunged more than 1 per cent on Friday dragged by auto and metal counters, after broader Asia took a beating following US President Donald Trump's threat to impose further tariffs on Chinese imports from next month.

Trump vowed to slap a 10% tariff on $300 billion of Chinese imports from September 1, sharply raising the stakes in a bruising trade war with China and jolting global financial markets.

The news raised investor fears of a revival of trade hostilities between Washington and Beijing, and sent MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan to its lowest level since mid-June.

In India, the broader NSE Nifty fell 1.17% at 10,853.90 as of 10am, while the benchmark BSE Sensex was 1.08% down at 36,629.77.

The volatility index rose as much as 10.1% to its highest level since June 3.

"Markets continue to be on the weaker side due to negative global cues and absence of any positive domestic news," said Gaurav Arora, head-Asia Pacific &amp; Middle East, Greenwich Associates.

Metals and autos were among the biggest drags on the markets. The Nifty metals index fell 1.3% after copper prices slumped to fresh lows following Trump's comments.

Vedanta Ltd shares traded lower by 2.5% tracking the fall in copper prices, while Hindalco was down 2.1%.

Meanwhile, auto investors remained bearish on the sector following a continued fall in monthly sales by major automakers. The Nifty auto index fell nearly 1%.

Sector heavyweights were trading in the red. Eicher Motors fell as much as 2.6% and Hero Motocorp was down 2.9%, while Bajaj Auto was down 1.6%.

Bharti Airtel shares rose 3.5%, after the company's average revenue per user (ARPU) rose during the first quarter. However, India's second-largest mobile operator by subscribers reported a staggering 28.66 billion rupee ($415.33 million) loss, its first quarterly loss in over a decade, on an exceptional charge.

Indian shares plunged more than 1 per cent on Friday dragged by auto and metal counters, after broader Asia took a beating following US President Donald Trump's threat to impose further tariffs on Chinese imports from next month.

Indian shares plunged more than 1 per cent on Friday dragged by auto and metal counters, after broader Asia took a beating following US President Donald Trump's threat to impose further tariffs on Chinese imports from next month. Trump vowed to slap a 10% tariff on $300 billion of Chinese imports from September 1, sharply raising the stakes in a bruising trade war with China and jolting global financial markets. The news raised investor fears of a revival of trade hostilities between Washington and Beijing, and sent MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan to its lowest level since mid-June. In India, the broader NSE Nifty fell 1.17% at 10,853.90 as of 10am, while the benchmark BSE Sensex was 1.08% down at 36,629.77. The volatility index rose as much as 10.1% to its highest level since June 3. "Markets continue to be on the weaker side due to negative global cues and absence of any positive domestic news," said Gaurav Arora, head-Asia Pacific & Middle East, Greenwich Associates. Metals and autos were among the biggest drags on the markets. The Nifty metals index fell 1.3% after copper prices slumped to fresh lows following Trump's comments. Vedanta Ltd shares traded lower by 2.5% tracking the fall in copper prices, while Hindalco was down 2.1%. Meanwhile, auto investors remained bearish on the sector following a continued fall in monthly sales by major automakers. The Nifty auto index fell nearly 1%. Sector heavyweights were trading in the red. Eicher Motors fell as much as 2.6% and Hero Motocorp was down 2.9%, while Bajaj Auto was down 1.6%. Bharti Airtel shares rose 3.5%, after the company's average revenue per user (ARPU) rose during the first quarter. However, India's second-largest mobile operator by subscribers reported a staggering 28.66 billion rupee ($415.33 million) loss, its first quarterly loss in over a decade, on an exceptional charge.

Nifty, Sensex slump as Trump hits China with fresh tariffs

Minister of External Affairs of India S Jaishankar will meet US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Friday on the sidelines of the second day of 9th East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers meet in Bangkok, Thailand, in the first official meet between the two nations after US President Donald Trump's comment on mediation between India and Pakistan over Kashmir issue.

Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar to meet Mike Pompeo

Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar meets Mike Pompeo

The U.S Pulls out of the cold war-era treaty, the 32-year old treaty becomes obsolete.

WION Dispatch: U.S Pulls out of cold war-era treaty

Possible ways in which China can retaliate to Trump tariffs

U.S President Donald Trump will impose fresh tariffs on China that will come into effect from 1st September 2019.

Wion Dispatch: Trump to Impose fresh tariffs on China

The U.S. could reduce troops by 8-9 thousand. To know more watch WION dispatch.

WION Dispatch: U.S-Taliban talks to restart tomorrow

U.S Pulls out of cold war-era treaty

President Donald Trump and Britain's new Conservative prime minister, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/remain-alliance-can-it-halt-brexit-and-beat-boris-johnson-240152">Boris Johnson</a>, have discussed trade and the growing struggle for control of emerging 5G technology, the White House said Friday.

In the call made Thursday, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-would-do-great-job-as-british-pm-donald-trump-237196">Trump and Johnson </a>discussed "areas of further cooperation, especially relating to trade, 5G, and global security," White House spokesman Hogan Gidley said in a statement.

This was the second call between the two leaders made public in a week and underlines the Trump administration's support for Johnson as he tries to manage Britain's risky exit from the European Union.

Trump said last week that a "very substantial" US-British trade deal was under discussion.

Watch: Is Boris Johnson 'The British' Trump?

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In Thursday's call, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/they-call-him-britains-trump-says-us-president-on-boris-johnson-238131">Trump</a> "reiterated his strong appreciation for the special relationship between the United States and United Kingdom and noted he is looking forward to meeting with the Prime Minister at the G7 Summit in Biarritz, France later this month," the White House said.

The United States is leaning hard on allies to keep out Chinese companies from the fast emerging 5G cellular market, arguing that they pose a security risk.

Earlier last month, US President Donald Trump said that Boris Johnson would do a "great job" as the UK PM.

"I like him," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office.

"He is going to do a great job," the Republican president added. "We get along well."

"He's a different kind of a guy, but they say I'm a different kind of a guy too. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-would-do-great-job-as-british-pm-donald-trump-237196">We get along well</a>. I think we'll have a very good relationship," Trump told reporters.

Meanwhile, Britain's Boris <a href="http://wionews.com/world/british-prime-minister-boris-johnson-suffers-first-leadership-blow-in-by-election-240049">Johnson lost his first major test as prime minister</a> on Friday when his candidate lost to a pro-EU rival in a by-election that could narrow his parliamentary majority to one.

Thursday's vote in the Welsh sheep farming community of Brecon and Radnorshire offered a stark choice between a Brexit-backing candidate from Johnson's Conservative party and a Liberal Democrat who wants to preserve Britain's four-decade stay in the EU.

Johnson dropped by the region on Tuesday to help out Chris Davies -- a Conservative MP who was forced to step down after becoming embroiled in an expanses scandal.

Davies protested his innocense and contested the seat again but the Liberal Democrats' Jane Dodds received 13,826 votes to Davies' 12,401 after having two smaller pro-EU parties back her bid.

The result extends a recent revival for the Liberal Democrats at the major parties' expense.

President Donald Trump and Britain's new Conservative prime minister, Boris Johnson, have discussed trade and the growing struggle for control of emerging 5G technology, the White House said Friday.

President Donald Trump and Britain's new Conservative prime minister, Boris Johnson, have discussed trade and the growing struggle for control of emerging 5G technology, the White House said Friday. In the call made Thursday, Trump and Johnson discussed "areas of further cooperation, especially relating to trade, 5G, and global security," White House spokesman Hogan Gidley said in a statement. This was the second call between the two leaders made public in a week and underlines the Trump administration's support for Johnson as he tries to manage Britain's risky exit from the European Union. Trump said last week that a "very substantial" US-British trade deal was under discussion. Watch: Is Boris Johnson 'The British' Trump? × In Thursday's call, Trump "reiterated his strong appreciation for the special relationship between the United States and United Kingdom and noted he is looking forward to meeting with the Prime Minister at the G7 Summit in Biarritz, France later this month," the White House said. The United States is leaning hard on allies to keep out Chinese companies from the fast emerging 5G cellular market, arguing that they pose a security risk. Earlier last month, US President Donald Trump said that Boris Johnson would do a "great job" as the UK PM. "I like him," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. "He is going to do a great job," the Republican president added. "We get along well." "He's a different kind of a guy, but they say I'm a different kind of a guy too. We get along well. I think we'll have a very good relationship," Trump told reporters. Meanwhile, Britain's Boris Johnson lost his first major test as prime minister on Friday when his candidate lost to a pro-EU rival in a by-election that could narrow his parliamentary majority to one. Thursday's vote in the Welsh sheep farming community of Brecon and Radnorshire offered a stark choice between a Brexit-backing candidate from Johnson's Conservative party and a Liberal Democrat who wants to preserve Britain's four-decade stay in the EU. Johnson dropped by the region on Tuesday to help out Chris Davies -- a Conservative MP who was forced to step down after becoming embroiled in an expanses scandal. Davies protested his innocense and contested the seat again but the Liberal Democrats' Jane Dodds received 13,826 votes to Davies' 12,401 after having two smaller pro-EU parties back her bid. The result extends a recent revival for the Liberal Democrats at the major parties' expense.

Trump, Johnson discuss 5G and trade ahead of G7: White House

US stocks slumped and bond prices spiked after US President Donald Trump imposed a new 10% tariff on $300 billion worth of goods from China beginning next month. Watch this video to know more.

Trump to impose fresh tariffs on China

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - August 2nd, 2019

WION Dispatch: Trump to Impose fresh tariffs on China

U.S Pulls out of cold war-era treaty, 32-year old treaty becomes obsolete.

Pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong geared up Friday for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/hong-kong-protests-city-workers-expats-and-unions-join-clamour-making-it-even-harder-for-china-to-ignore-239983">more rallies in defiance of a series of warnings from China</a> and after a prominent independence campaigner was arrested.

The semi-autonomous southern Chinese city has seen two months of unrest that was triggered by opposition to a planned extradition law but quickly evolved into a wider movement for democratic reforms.

Authorities in Hong Kong and Beijing this week signalled a hardening stance, including with the arrests of dozens of protesters, and the Chinese military described the unrest as "intolerable".

But more protests have been scheduled, starting on Friday evening, with members of Hong Kong's usually tight-lipped civil service due to hold a rally despite a government warning that they could be sacked for doing so.&nbsp;

"Any acts to undermine the principle of political neutrality of the civil service are totally unacceptable," the government said late on Thursday.

Medical workers have also called a rally for Friday evening and there are unsanctioned marches planned for Saturday and Sunday, as well as a city-wide strike on Monday.&nbsp;

Previous unsanctioned marches have quickly descended into violent clashes with police.

Independence activist arrested

Deepening tensions, police said eight people were arrested Thursday night on charges of possessing offensive weapons and explosives following a raid on an industrial building.&nbsp;

In an update on Friday, police said they found one petrol bomb and some smoke grenades.

A senior police source, who asked not to be named, told AFP that independence activist Andy Chan was among those detained and that a "gasoline bomb" was found on the premises.&nbsp;

Chan's small independence party was outlawed last year on the grounds it posed a national security threat, the first such ban since the former British colony returned to Chinese rule in 1997.

Chan's party contained only a few dozen members, but Beijing sees calls for independence as an absolute red line.

The banning of his party -- and the expulsion of a Financial Times journalist who chaired a talk with Chan at the city's press club before the party was outlawed -- were held up as two examples of eroded freedoms in Hong Kong.

Under the terms of the 1997 handover deal, the city has rights and liberties unseen on the mainland, including an independent judiciary and freedom of speech.

But many say those rights are being curtailed, citing the disappearance into mainland custody of dissident booksellers, the disqualification of prominent politicians and the jailing of pro-democracy protest leaders.

Surge in violence

Public anger has been compounded by rising inequality and the perception that the city's distinct language and culture are being threatened by ever-closer integration with the Chinese mainland.

The past two weekends have seen a surge in violence used by both protesters and police, who have repeatedly fired rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse projectile-throwing crowds.&nbsp;

A mob of pro-government thugs also attacked protesters, putting 45 people in hospital.

Hong Kong's police have increasingly adopted tougher tactics, including by this week charging 44 protesters with rioting -- an offence that carries up to 10 years in jail.

Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam has made few concessions beyond agreeing to suspend the extradition bill, and she has made few public appearances.

Protesters are demanding her resignation, an independent inquiry into police tactics, an amnesty for those arrested, a permanent withdrawal of the bill and the right to elect their leaders.

Pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong geared up Friday for more rallies in defiance of a series of warnings from China and after a prominent independence campaigner was arrested.

Pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong geared up Friday for more rallies in defiance of a series of warnings from China and after a prominent independence campaigner was arrested. The semi-autonomous southern Chinese city has seen two months of unrest that was triggered by opposition to a planned extradition law but quickly evolved into a wider movement for democratic reforms. Authorities in Hong Kong and Beijing this week signalled a hardening stance, including with the arrests of dozens of protesters, and the Chinese military described the unrest as "intolerable". But more protests have been scheduled, starting on Friday evening, with members of Hong Kong's usually tight-lipped civil service due to hold a rally despite a government warning that they could be sacked for doing so. "Any acts to undermine the principle of political neutrality of the civil service are totally unacceptable," the government said late on Thursday. Medical workers have also called a rally for Friday evening and there are unsanctioned marches planned for Saturday and Sunday, as well as a city-wide strike on Monday. Previous unsanctioned marches have quickly descended into violent clashes with police. Independence activist arrested Deepening tensions, police said eight people were arrested Thursday night on charges of possessing offensive weapons and explosives following a raid on an industrial building. In an update on Friday, police said they found one petrol bomb and some smoke grenades. A senior police source, who asked not to be named, told AFP that independence activist Andy Chan was among those detained and that a "gasoline bomb" was found on the premises. Chan's small independence party was outlawed last year on the grounds it posed a national security threat, the first such ban since the former British colony returned to Chinese rule in 1997. Chan's party contained only a few dozen members, but Beijing sees calls for independence as an absolute red line. The banning of his party -- and the expulsion of a Financial Times journalist who chaired a talk with Chan at the city's press club before the party was outlawed -- were held up as two examples of eroded freedoms in Hong Kong. Under the terms of the 1997 handover deal, the city has rights and liberties unseen on the mainland, including an independent judiciary and freedom of speech. But many say those rights are being curtailed, citing the disappearance into mainland custody of dissident booksellers, the disqualification of prominent politicians and the jailing of pro-democracy protest leaders. Surge in violence Public anger has been compounded by rising inequality and the perception that the city's distinct language and culture are being threatened by ever-closer integration with the Chinese mainland. The past two weekends have seen a surge in violence used by both protesters and police, who have repeatedly fired rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse projectile-throwing crowds. A mob of pro-government thugs also attacked protesters, putting 45 people in hospital. Hong Kong's police have increasingly adopted tougher tactics, including by this week charging 44 protesters with rioting -- an offence that carries up to 10 years in jail. Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam has made few concessions beyond agreeing to suspend the extradition bill, and she has made few public appearances. Protesters are demanding her resignation, an independent inquiry into police tactics, an amnesty for those arrested, a permanent withdrawal of the bill and the right to elect their leaders.

More Hong Kong protests planned despite arrests, Chinese warnings

Asian stocks took another beating on Friday (August 2) with investors piling into safe-haven assets after U.S. President Donald Trump said he would slap a 10% tariff on the remaining $300 billion of Chinese imports starting September 1

Trump's tariffs sends Asia stocks dipping

The United States formally withdrew from a landmark nuclear missile pact with Russia on Friday after determining that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/suggested-us-nato-to-consider-announcing-moratorium-on-deployment-of-missiles-russia-240155">Moscow was in violation of the treaty</a> and had no plans to come into compliance with it.

US President Donald Trump made the determination that the United States would terminate adherence to the 1987 arms control accord, known as the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-international-treaty-replacing-inf-should-include-china-germany-240122">Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces Treaty</a> (INF), senior administration officials told reporters.

The treaty bans either side from stationing short- and intermediate-range, land-based missiles in Europe. Washington signalled its intention six months ago to pull out of the agreement if Russia made no move to adhere to it.

"The United States will not remain a party to a treaty that is deliberately violated by Russia,"&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement about the US withdrawal.

"Russia's noncompliance under the treaty jeopardises US supreme interests as Russia's development and fielding of a treaty-violating missile system represents a direct threat to the United States and our allies and partners,"&nbsp;Pompeo said.&nbsp;

The senior administration officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Russia had deployed "multiple battalions" of a Russian cruise missile throughout Russia in violation of the pact, including in western Russia, "with the ability to strike critical European targets."

Watch: Europeans, China, Russia meet Iran in Vienna to save nuclear deal

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Russia denies the allegation, saying the missile’s range puts it outside the treaty and has accused the United States of inventing a false pretext to exit a treaty Washington wants to leave anyway so it can develop new missiles. Russia has also rejected a US demand to destroy the new missile.

The missile, the Novator 9M729, is known as the SSC-8 by the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation.

The INF treaty, negotiated by then-President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev and ratified by the US Senate, eliminated the medium-range missile arsenals of the world's two biggest nuclear powers and reduced their ability to launch a nuclear strike at short notice.

The treaty bans land-based missiles with a range between 310 and 3,400 miles (500-5,500 km).

Aggravating tensions

The dispute is aggravating the worst US-Russia friction since the Cold War ended in 1991. Some experts believe the treaty's collapse could undermine other arms control agreements and speed erosion of the global system designed to block the spread of nuclear arms.

Trump has sought to improve US relations with Russia after a chill during the tenure of his predecessor, Barack Obama. He and Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke by phone on Wednesday about Siberian wildfires and trade.

Arms control did not come up in the call, the officials said.

European officials have voiced concern that if the treaty collapses, Europe could again become an arena for nuclear-armed, intermediate-range missile buildups by the United States and Russia.

The officials said the United States was months away from the first flight tests of an American intermediate-range missile that would serve as a counter to the Russians. Any such deployment would be years away, they said.

"We are just at the stage of looking at how we might further the development of conventional options," one official said.

Trump has said he would like to see a "next-generation" arms control deal with Russia and China to cover all types of nuclear weapons.

He has broached the topic individually with Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, including at the G20 summit in Osaka in June.

China is not a party to nuclear arms pacts between the United States and Russia and it is unclear how willing Beijing would be to be drawn into talks.

China's Foreign Ministry has reiterated that the country had no interest in joining such talks.

The United States formally withdrew from a landmark nuclear missile pact with Russia on Friday after determining that Moscow was in violation of the treaty and had no plans to come into compliance with it.

The United States formally withdrew from a landmark nuclear missile pact with Russia on Friday after determining that Moscow was in violation of the treaty and had no plans to come into compliance with it. US President Donald Trump made the determination that the United States would terminate adherence to the 1987 arms control accord, known as the Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF), senior administration officials told reporters. The treaty bans either side from stationing short- and intermediate-range, land-based missiles in Europe. Washington signalled its intention six months ago to pull out of the agreement if Russia made no move to adhere to it. "The United States will not remain a party to a treaty that is deliberately violated by Russia," Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement about the US withdrawal. "Russia's noncompliance under the treaty jeopardises US supreme interests as Russia's development and fielding of a treaty-violating missile system represents a direct threat to the United States and our allies and partners," Pompeo said. The senior administration officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Russia had deployed "multiple battalions" of a Russian cruise missile throughout Russia in violation of the pact, including in western Russia, "with the ability to strike critical European targets." Watch: Europeans, China, Russia meet Iran in Vienna to save nuclear deal × Russia denies the allegation, saying the missile’s range puts it outside the treaty and has accused the United States of inventing a false pretext to exit a treaty Washington wants to leave anyway so it can develop new missiles. Russia has also rejected a US demand to destroy the new missile. The missile, the Novator 9M729, is known as the SSC-8 by the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation. The INF treaty, negotiated by then-President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev and ratified by the US Senate, eliminated the medium-range missile arsenals of the world's two biggest nuclear powers and reduced their ability to launch a nuclear strike at short notice. The treaty bans land-based missiles with a range between 310 and 3,400 miles (500-5,500 km). Aggravating tensions The dispute is aggravating the worst US-Russia friction since the Cold War ended in 1991. Some experts believe the treaty's collapse could undermine other arms control agreements and speed erosion of the global system designed to block the spread of nuclear arms. Trump has sought to improve US relations with Russia after a chill during the tenure of his predecessor, Barack Obama. He and Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke by phone on Wednesday about Siberian wildfires and trade. Arms control did not come up in the call, the officials said. European officials have voiced concern that if the treaty collapses, Europe could again become an arena for nuclear-armed, intermediate-range missile buildups by the United States and Russia. The officials said the United States was months away from the first flight tests of an American intermediate-range missile that would serve as a counter to the Russians. Any such deployment would be years away, they said. "We are just at the stage of looking at how we might further the development of conventional options," one official said. Trump has said he would like to see a "next-generation" arms control deal with Russia and China to cover all types of nuclear weapons. He has broached the topic individually with Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, including at the G20 summit in Osaka in June. China is not a party to nuclear arms pacts between the United States and Russia and it is unclear how willing Beijing would be to be drawn into talks. China's Foreign Ministry has reiterated that the country had no interest in joining such talks.

US formally withdraws from 1987 nuclear pact with Russia: Mike Pompeo

Even as US President Donald Trump raked up Kashmir for the second time in 10 days, New Delhi has once again dismissed any mediation.&nbsp;

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who met US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Thailand, tweeted, "Have conveyed to American counterpart Sec Pompeo this morning in clear terms that any discussion on Kashmir if at all warranted, will only be with Pakistan and only bilaterally".&nbsp;

Both sides are also expected to have discussed issues of concerns like trade and convergences like Indo-Pacific.

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Wide ranging discussions with <a href="https://twitter.com/SecPompeo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecPompeo</a> on regional issues. <a href="https://t.co/SOLxBDe3Q0">pic.twitter.com/SOLxBDe3Q0</a>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1157141385411092481?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
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US President Donald Trump in response to a question said on Thursday, "It’s really up to Prime Minister Modi (to accept the offer of mediation). I think they are fantastic people - Khan and Modi - I mean. I would imagine they could get along very well, but if they wanted somebody to intervene, to help them. And I spoke with Pakistan about that and I spoke frankly in India about it."

Adding, "If I can, if they wanted me to, I would certainly intervene." 
&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: External Affairs Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar meets US Secretary of State, Michael Pompeo in Bangkok. <a href="https://t.co/WRIgnRr48P">pic.twitter.com/WRIgnRr48P</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1157135853057015808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Last month, US President Donald Trump, while sitting next to Pakistani PM Imran Khan in White House said PM Modi had called for mediation on Kashmir during Trump-Modi bilateral on the sidelines of Osaka G20 summit.

This was dismissed by the Indian side with Jaishankar speaking in the Parliament saying all bilateral issues between India and Pakistan are governed by Shimla and Lahore agreements under which no third party mediation will be allowed.&nbsp;

Jaishankar is Bangkok for ASEAN plus gatherings.&nbsp;

Even as US President Donald Trump raked up Kashmir for the second time in 10 days, New Delhi has once again dismissed any mediation. India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who met US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Thailand, tweeted, "Have conveyed to American counterpart Sec Pompeo this morning in clear terms that any discussion on Kashmir if at all warranted, will only be with Pakistan and only bilaterally".

Even as US President Donald Trump raked up Kashmir for the second time in 10 days, New Delhi has once again dismissed any mediation. India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who met US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Thailand, tweeted, "Have conveyed to American counterpart Sec Pompeo this morning in clear terms that any discussion on Kashmir if at all warranted, will only be with Pakistan and only bilaterally". Both sides are also expected to have discussed issues of concerns like trade and convergences like Indo-Pacific. Wide ranging discussions with @SecPompeo on regional issues. pic.twitter.com/SOLxBDe3Q0 — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) August 2, 2019 × US President Donald Trump in response to a question said on Thursday, "It’s really up to Prime Minister Modi (to accept the offer of mediation). I think they are fantastic people - Khan and Modi - I mean. I would imagine they could get along very well, but if they wanted somebody to intervene, to help them. And I spoke with Pakistan about that and I spoke frankly in India about it." Adding, "If I can, if they wanted me to, I would certainly intervene." #WATCH: External Affairs Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar meets US Secretary of State, Michael Pompeo in Bangkok. pic.twitter.com/WRIgnRr48P — ANI (@ANI) August 2, 2019 × Last month, US President Donald Trump, while sitting next to Pakistani PM Imran Khan in White House said PM Modi had called for mediation on Kashmir during Trump-Modi bilateral on the sidelines of Osaka G20 summit. This was dismissed by the Indian side with Jaishankar speaking in the Parliament saying all bilateral issues between India and Pakistan are governed by Shimla and Lahore agreements under which no third party mediation will be allowed. Jaishankar is Bangkok for ASEAN plus gatherings.

Conveyed to America in 'clear terms' that discussion on Kashmir only with Pakistan: S Jaishankar  

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