US President Donald Trump announced to impose a new 10% tariff on $300 billion worth of goods from China beginning next month. Watch this video to know more.

Donald Trump to impose fresh tariffs on China

Trump to impose new 10% tariff on $300 billion Chinese goods

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met with Indian Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in Bangkok, Thailand. It was 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. Earlier in the day, 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.

India to US: Kashmir is a bilateral issue

Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar is likely to have a pull-aside with US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, on the sidelines of 9th East Asia Summit, Foreign Ministers meet in Bangkok. Watch this video to know more.

First India-US meet after Trump's Kashmir remark

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump said on Thursday he would impose an additional 10 per cent&nbsp;tariff on $300 billion worth of Chinese imports starting September&nbsp;1, as talks aimed to ease <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/have-begun-purchasing-farm-goods-says-china-after-resuming-trade-talks-with-us-239902">tensions between the world's two largest economies</a> continue.

"<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-is-next-in-us-china-trade-talks-240002">Trade talks</a> are continuing, and during the talks the US&nbsp;will start, on September 1st, putting a small additional Tariff of 10% on the remaining 300 Billion Dollars of goods and products coming from China into our Country. This does not include the 250 Billion Dollars already Tariffed at 25%," Trump tweeted.

In a string of tweets, Trump also faulted China for not following through on promises to buy more American agricultural products and personally criticized Chinese President Xi Jinping for failing to do more to stem sales of the synthetic opioid fentanyl.

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...during the talks the U.S. will start, on September 1st, putting a small additional Tariff of 10% on the remaining 300 Billion Dollars of goods and products coming from China into our Country. This does not include the 250 Billion Dollars already Tariffed at 25%...
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1156979446877962243?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
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US&nbsp;stock prices fell after Trump's announcement, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average falling into negative territory.

US&nbsp;and Chinese negotiators ended two days of talks in Shanghai on Wednesday with little sign of progress, although both countries described the negotiations as constructive. Another round of meetings between the negotiators has been scheduled for September.

The United States and China have been locked in a trade war marked by tit-for-tat tariffs since last year. The tensions have disrupted global supply chains and roiled financial markets.

&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday he would impose an additional 10 per cent tariff on $300 billion worth of Chinese imports starting September 1, as talks aimed to ease tensions between the world's two largest economies continue.

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday he would impose an additional 10 per cent tariff on $300 billion worth of Chinese imports starting September 1, as talks aimed to ease tensions between the world's two largest economies continue. "Trade talks are continuing, and during the talks the US will start, on September 1st, putting a small additional Tariff of 10% on the remaining 300 Billion Dollars of goods and products coming from China into our Country. This does not include the 250 Billion Dollars already Tariffed at 25%," Trump tweeted. In a string of tweets, Trump also faulted China for not following through on promises to buy more American agricultural products and personally criticized Chinese President Xi Jinping for failing to do more to stem sales of the synthetic opioid fentanyl. ...during the talks the U.S. will start, on September 1st, putting a small additional Tariff of 10% on the remaining 300 Billion Dollars of goods and products coming from China into our Country. This does not include the 250 Billion Dollars already Tariffed at 25%... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 1, 2019 × US stock prices fell after Trump's announcement, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average falling into negative territory. US and Chinese negotiators ended two days of talks in Shanghai on Wednesday with little sign of progress, although both countries described the negotiations as constructive. Another round of meetings between the negotiators has been scheduled for September. The United States and China have been locked in a trade war marked by tit-for-tat tariffs since last year. The tensions have disrupted global supply chains and roiled financial markets.

US to hit $300 billion worth of Chinese goods with 10% tariff: Donald Trump

India's Foreign Minister S Jaishankar addresses a meeting in Bangkok. Watch this video to know what he has to say.

S Jaishankar addresses meeting in Bangkok

Joint military exercises between the United States and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-detains-north-korean-man-crossing-the-dmz-239817">South Korea</a> will go ahead, a Pentagon official said on Wednesday, after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-is-north-korea-conducting-missile-tests-239757">missile tests</a> and calls for the drills' cancellation by North Korea.

The affirmation of the annual, joint exercises came amid a series of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-fires-short-range-ballistic-missiles-south-korean-military-239597">missile launches by North Korea</a>, one of which it called a "solemn warning to the South Korean warmongers" over the planned military drills.

But despite Pyongyang's warning that the exercises could also derail further talks with Washington in the long-running diplomatic process over its nuclear and missile programs, the senior US official said there is "no adjustment or change in plans that we're aware of."

"We have to do two things -&nbsp;we have to give the diplomats appropriate space for their diplomacy and help create an environment that's conducive to the talks when they resume - which we expect," the official said on condition of anonymity.

Watch:&nbsp;South Koreans remain unfazed by North Korea's missile test

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Washington stations nearly 30,000 troops in the South to defend it from its neighbour, which invaded in 1950.&nbsp;

The annual exercises between the US and South Korea have repeatedly raised the ire of the North, which sees them as a rehearsal for an invasion of its territory.

North Korea launched two missiles Thursday of last week, then followed it up with the firing of two more missiles from its eastern coast on Wednesday, according to the South's military.

The missiles fired last week travelled much farther - one of them going nearly 700 kilometres - than Wednesday's, and also reached a higher altitude, 50 kilometres (30 miles) compared to 30.

UN Security Council resolutions ban the North from ballistic missile launches.

&nbsp;

Joint military exercises between the United States and South Korea will go ahead, a Pentagon official said on Wednesday, after missile tests and calls for the drills' cancellation by North Korea.

Joint military exercises between the United States and South Korea will go ahead, a Pentagon official said on Wednesday, after missile tests and calls for the drills' cancellation by North Korea. The affirmation of the annual, joint exercises came amid a series of missile launches by North Korea, one of which it called a "solemn warning to the South Korean warmongers" over the planned military drills. But despite Pyongyang's warning that the exercises could also derail further talks with Washington in the long-running diplomatic process over its nuclear and missile programs, the senior US official said there is "no adjustment or change in plans that we're aware of." "We have to do two things - we have to give the diplomats appropriate space for their diplomacy and help create an environment that's conducive to the talks when they resume - which we expect," the official said on condition of anonymity. Watch: South Koreans remain unfazed by North Korea's missile test Washington stations nearly 30,000 troops in the South to defend it from its neighbour, which invaded in 1950. The annual exercises between the US and South Korea have repeatedly raised the ire of the North, which sees them as a rehearsal for an invasion of its territory. North Korea launched two missiles Thursday of last week, then followed it up with the firing of two more missiles from its eastern coast on Wednesday, according to the South's military. The missiles fired last week travelled much farther - one of them going nearly 700 kilometres - than Wednesday's, and also reached a higher altitude, 50 kilometres (30 miles) compared to 30. UN Security Council resolutions ban the North from ballistic missile launches.

US-South Korea military exercises still on despite North's warnings: Pentagon official

First India-US meet post Trump's remark

North Korea's latest missile launches did not violate a pledge its leader Kim Jong Un made to US&nbsp;President Donald Trump, a senior US&nbsp;official said on Thursday, but efforts to resume denuclearisation talks remained in doubt.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/north-korea-test-fired-new-rocket-system-under-kims-supervision-state-media-239815">Kim oversaw the first test-firing</a> of a "new-type large-calibre multiple-launch guided rocket system" on Wednesday, North Korean state media reported.

North Korean state television showed rockets launching from a vehicle that had been blurred in photos to obscure its features.

The launch came six days after North Korea tested two <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-is-north-korea-conducting-missile-tests-239757">short-range ballistic missiles</a>, its first tests since Kim and Trump met on June 30 and agreed to revive stalled denuclearisation talks.

The latest launches appeared intended to put pressure on South Korea and the United States to stop planned military exercises, analysts said and came as diplomats criss-cross the region this week in the hope of restarting the talks.

"The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolton-says-north-korea-tests-didnt-violate-pledge-to-trump-but-no-word-on-talks-239809">firing of these missiles don't violate the pledge</a> that Kim Jong Un made to the president about intercontinental-range ballistic missiles," US&nbsp;national security adviser John Bolton said in an interview with Fox Business News.

"But you have to ask when the real diplomacy is going to begin when the working-level discussions on denuclearisation will begin," he said.

Watch:&nbsp;North Korea fires two short-range ballistic missiles

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North Korea's tests of short-range missiles over the past week happened despite the meeting between Kim and Trump on June 30 at demilitarised zone (DMZ) between the two Koreas at which they agreed to revive their talks on North Korea's weapons.

South Korea's intelligence agency told lawmakers more North Korean missile tests were possible this month, said Lee Eun-jae, one of the lawmakers.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor Vipin Narang said the missile tests were part of the North Korean leader's approach to diplomacy,&nbsp;"He's saying it will take more than a photo-op to get things moving."

The tests were a stark reminder that every day the United States and its allies failed to secure an agreement is a day that North Korea continues to improve and expand its nuclear and missile arsenals, he said.

US&nbsp;officials have played down the tests.

On Thursday, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said he hoped talks would start soon, though he "regretted" that a highly anticipated meeting with North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho would not take place in Thailand this week.

Ri has cancelled a trip to an Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) conference in Bangkok that Pompeo is attending.

"We stand ready to continue our diplomatic conversation with North Korea," Pompeo told a news conference with his Thai counterpart, adding he was optimistic Kim would deploy his team for working-level talks "before too long".

A summit between Trump and Kim in Vietnam in February collapsed after they failed to reconcile differences between US&nbsp;demands for North Korea's complete denuclearisation and North Korean demands for sanctions relief.

'Fat target'

The North Korean photographs of the missile test appeared to show a type of multiple-launch rocket system (MLRS). Such systems form a major part of North Korea's conventional arsenal, according to a 2018 assessment by the South's defence ministry.

The North Korean military has nearly 5,500 MLRS, along with 8,600 field guns, 4,300 tanks, and 2,500 armoured vehicles, the ministry said.

Wednesday's test verified the combat effectiveness of the overall rocket system and Kim predicted "it would be inescapable distress to the forces becoming a fat target of the weapon", KCNA said.

It said the rocket system would play a major role in ground military operations. Such operations would most likely be directed at South Korea.

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said the North had fired ballistic missiles that flew about 250 km (155 miles).

The missiles launched last week were a different type of short-range ballistic missile, which experts said were designed to make interception difficult.

Ballistic missiles would violate UN&nbsp;resolutions designed to press North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons and missile programmes.

Britain, Germany and France have asked the UN&nbsp;Security Council to meet on Thursday to discuss the missile launches, diplomats said.

UN&nbsp;Secretary-General Antonio Guterres believed the launches were "just another reminder of the importance of restarting talks on the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula", UN&nbsp;spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters.

The South Korean military also said a North Korean soldier had crossed the DMZ on Wednesday and asked to defect to the South.

South Korean nuclear envoy Lee Do-hoon met US&nbsp;Special Representative for North Korea Stephen Biegun on Wednesday on the sidelines of the ASEAN conference in Bangkok.

South Korea's foreign ministry said they discussed the missile tests and vowed diplomatic efforts for an early restart of working-level talks.

China welcomed the US&nbsp;readiness to restart the working-level talks, top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi said in Bangkok, following talks with Pompeo.

The United States does not plan to make changes to this month's military drill with South Korea, a senior US&nbsp;defence official said, despite the missile tests.

"We have to do two things,&nbsp;we have to give the diplomats appropriate space for their diplomacy and help create an environment that is conducive to the talks when they resume ... and we have to maintain readiness," the US&nbsp;official said.

North Korea's latest missile launches did not violate a pledge its leader Kim Jong Un made to US President Donald Trump, a senior US official said on Thursday, but efforts to resume denuclearisation talks remained in doubt.

North Korea's latest missile launches did not violate a pledge its leader Kim Jong Un made to US President Donald Trump, a senior US official said on Thursday, but efforts to resume denuclearisation talks remained in doubt. Kim oversaw the first test-firing of a "new-type large-calibre multiple-launch guided rocket system" on Wednesday, North Korean state media reported. North Korean state television showed rockets launching from a vehicle that had been blurred in photos to obscure its features. The launch came six days after North Korea tested two short-range ballistic missiles, its first tests since Kim and Trump met on June 30 and agreed to revive stalled denuclearisation talks. The latest launches appeared intended to put pressure on South Korea and the United States to stop planned military exercises, analysts said and came as diplomats criss-cross the region this week in the hope of restarting the talks. "The firing of these missiles don't violate the pledge that Kim Jong Un made to the president about intercontinental-range ballistic missiles," US national security adviser John Bolton said in an interview with Fox Business News. "But you have to ask when the real diplomacy is going to begin when the working-level discussions on denuclearisation will begin," he said. Watch: North Korea fires two short-range ballistic missiles North Korea's tests of short-range missiles over the past week happened despite the meeting between Kim and Trump on June 30 at demilitarised zone (DMZ) between the two Koreas at which they agreed to revive their talks on North Korea's weapons. South Korea's intelligence agency told lawmakers more North Korean missile tests were possible this month, said Lee Eun-jae, one of the lawmakers. Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor Vipin Narang said the missile tests were part of the North Korean leader's approach to diplomacy, "He's saying it will take more than a photo-op to get things moving." The tests were a stark reminder that every day the United States and its allies failed to secure an agreement is a day that North Korea continues to improve and expand its nuclear and missile arsenals, he said. US officials have played down the tests. On Thursday, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said he hoped talks would start soon, though he "regretted" that a highly anticipated meeting with North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho would not take place in Thailand this week. Ri has cancelled a trip to an Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) conference in Bangkok that Pompeo is attending. "We stand ready to continue our diplomatic conversation with North Korea," Pompeo told a news conference with his Thai counterpart, adding he was optimistic Kim would deploy his team for working-level talks "before too long". A summit between Trump and Kim in Vietnam in February collapsed after they failed to reconcile differences between US demands for North Korea's complete denuclearisation and North Korean demands for sanctions relief. 'Fat target' The North Korean photographs of the missile test appeared to show a type of multiple-launch rocket system (MLRS). Such systems form a major part of North Korea's conventional arsenal, according to a 2018 assessment by the South's defence ministry. The North Korean military has nearly 5,500 MLRS, along with 8,600 field guns, 4,300 tanks, and 2,500 armoured vehicles, the ministry said. Wednesday's test verified the combat effectiveness of the overall rocket system and Kim predicted "it would be inescapable distress to the forces becoming a fat target of the weapon", KCNA said. It said the rocket system would play a major role in ground military operations. Such operations would most likely be directed at South Korea. South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said the North had fired ballistic missiles that flew about 250 km (155 miles). The missiles launched last week were a different type of short-range ballistic missile, which experts said were designed to make interception difficult. Ballistic missiles would violate UN resolutions designed to press North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons and missile programmes. Britain, Germany and France have asked the UN Security Council to meet on Thursday to discuss the missile launches, diplomats said. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres believed the launches were "just another reminder of the importance of restarting talks on the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula", UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters. The South Korean military also said a North Korean soldier had crossed the DMZ on Wednesday and asked to defect to the South. South Korean nuclear envoy Lee Do-hoon met US Special Representative for North Korea Stephen Biegun on Wednesday on the sidelines of the ASEAN conference in Bangkok. South Korea's foreign ministry said they discussed the missile tests and vowed diplomatic efforts for an early restart of working-level talks. China welcomed the US readiness to restart the working-level talks, top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi said in Bangkok, following talks with Pompeo. The United States does not plan to make changes to this month's military drill with South Korea, a senior US defence official said, despite the missile tests. "We have to do two things, we have to give the diplomats appropriate space for their diplomacy and help create an environment that is conducive to the talks when they resume ... and we have to maintain readiness," the US official said.

US still hopes for talks after latest North Korean missile tests

North Korea has<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-fires-short-range-ballistic-missiles-south-korean-military-239597"> tested a new rocket system</a> in launches conducted on Wednesday under leader Kim Jong-un`s supervision, state media reported on Thursday.

Korean Central News Agency reported that the North Korean leader "guided a test-fire of a newly developed large-calibre multiple launch guided rocket system on July 31."

"The<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolton-says-north-korea-tests-didnt-violate-pledge-to-trump-but-no-word-on-talks-239809"> test-fire </a>scientifically confirmed that the tactical data and technical characteristics of the new-type large-calibre guided ordnance rocket reached the numerical values of its design, and verified the combat effectiveness of the overall system," the report added, as cited by Yonhap news agency.

South Korean military on Wednesday had assessed that the communist nation had fired two short-range ballistic missiles off its east coast.&nbsp;

Following the development, the South Korean National Security Council convened an emergency meeting to discuss the tests and express their concerns.

The recent developments had come less than a month after Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un held a surprise meeting at the inter-Korean border village of Panmunjom and agreed to resume working-level nuclear negotiations to push forward Pyongyang`s denuclearisation process.&nbsp;

North Korea has tested a new rocket system in launches conducted on Wednesday under leader Kim Jong-un`s supervision, state media reported on Thursday. Korean Central News Agency reported that the North Korean leader "guided a test-fire of a newly developed large-calibre multiple launch guided rocket system on July 31.

North Korea has tested a new rocket system in launches conducted on Wednesday under leader Kim Jong-un`s supervision, state media reported on Thursday. Korean Central News Agency reported that the North Korean leader "guided a test-fire of a newly developed large-calibre multiple launch guided rocket system on July 31." "The test-fire scientifically confirmed that the tactical data and technical characteristics of the new-type large-calibre guided ordnance rocket reached the numerical values of its design, and verified the combat effectiveness of the overall system," the report added, as cited by Yonhap news agency. South Korean military on Wednesday had assessed that the communist nation had fired two short-range ballistic missiles off its east coast. Following the development, the South Korean National Security Council convened an emergency meeting to discuss the tests and express their concerns. The recent developments had come less than a month after Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un held a surprise meeting at the inter-Korean border village of Panmunjom and agreed to resume working-level nuclear negotiations to push forward Pyongyang`s denuclearisation process.

North Korea test-fired new rocket system under Kim's supervision: State media

EAM S Jaishankar likely to have pull aside with Mike Pompeo

US national security adviser John Bolton said on Wednesday North Korea's recent <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-fires-short-range-ballistic-missiles-south-korean-military-239597">missile tests </a>did not violate a pledge its leader Kim Jong-un made to President Donald Trump, but Pyongyang had yet to say when working-level talks on denuclearisation would resume.

North Korea's tests of short-range missiles on Tuesday and last week came despite a meeting between Kim and Trump on June 30 at which they agreed to revive stalled talks.

Bolton told Fox Business Network the US side was still waiting to hear from North Korea about arranging the talks.

"The firing of these missiles don't violate the pledge that Kim Jong-un made to the president about intercontinental-range ballistic missiles," he said.

"But you have to ask when the real diplomacy is going to begin, when the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-is-north-korea-conducting-missile-tests-239757">working-level discussions </a>on denuclearisation will begin, as Kim Jong-un again said on June 30 he was prepared to do. We're still waiting to hear from North Korea."

Both US President Donald Trump and his secretary of state, Mike Pompeo, played down last week's launches and Pompeo has continued to express hope for a diplomatic way forward with North Korea, which has been demanding relief from punishing US sanctions and for Seoul and Washington to call off the joint military exercises planned for this month.

Pompeo and the top US North Korea negotiator are attending an Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Regional Forum in the Thai capital this week, and Pompeo said on Tuesday he was holding out hope that US&nbsp;officials could meet North Korean counterparts there.

North Korea has accused Washington of breaking a promise by planning to go ahead with the military drills and has said they could derail dialogue. It has also warned of a possible end to its freeze on nuclear and long-range missile tests in place since 2017, which Trump has repeatedly held up as evidence of the success of more than a year of engagement with Kim.

A senior US defence official said on Wednesday that the United States did not plan to make changes to the drills, despite the pressure from Pyongyang.

North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho cancelled a planned visit to this week's ASEAN forum, but Pompeo told reporters travelling with him the Americans were still open to a meeting and he hoped US Special Representative for North Korea Stephen Biegun and his new North Korean counterpart could meet soon.

Trump has repeatedly hailed his good personal relationship with Kim, and some analysts believe North Korea had been emboldened to press more aggressively for US concessions by the US leader's apparent eagerness to hold up his North Korea policy as a success in his 2020 re-election bid.

US national security adviser John Bolton said on Wednesday North Korea's recent missile tests did not violate a pledge its leader Kim Jong-un made to President Donald Trump, but Pyongyang had yet to say when working-level talks on denuclearisation would resume.

US national security adviser John Bolton said on Wednesday North Korea's recent missile tests did not violate a pledge its leader Kim Jong-un made to President Donald Trump, but Pyongyang had yet to say when working-level talks on denuclearisation would resume. North Korea's tests of short-range missiles on Tuesday and last week came despite a meeting between Kim and Trump on June 30 at which they agreed to revive stalled talks. Bolton told Fox Business Network the US side was still waiting to hear from North Korea about arranging the talks. "The firing of these missiles don't violate the pledge that Kim Jong-un made to the president about intercontinental-range ballistic missiles," he said. "But you have to ask when the real diplomacy is going to begin, when the working-level discussions on denuclearisation will begin, as Kim Jong-un again said on June 30 he was prepared to do. We're still waiting to hear from North Korea." Both US President Donald Trump and his secretary of state, Mike Pompeo, played down last week's launches and Pompeo has continued to express hope for a diplomatic way forward with North Korea, which has been demanding relief from punishing US sanctions and for Seoul and Washington to call off the joint military exercises planned for this month. Pompeo and the top US North Korea negotiator are attending an Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Regional Forum in the Thai capital this week, and Pompeo said on Tuesday he was holding out hope that US officials could meet North Korean counterparts there. North Korea has accused Washington of breaking a promise by planning to go ahead with the military drills and has said they could derail dialogue. It has also warned of a possible end to its freeze on nuclear and long-range missile tests in place since 2017, which Trump has repeatedly held up as evidence of the success of more than a year of engagement with Kim. A senior US defence official said on Wednesday that the United States did not plan to make changes to the drills, despite the pressure from Pyongyang. North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho cancelled a planned visit to this week's ASEAN forum, but Pompeo told reporters travelling with him the Americans were still open to a meeting and he hoped US Special Representative for North Korea Stephen Biegun and his new North Korean counterpart could meet soon. Trump has repeatedly hailed his good personal relationship with Kim, and some analysts believe North Korea had been emboldened to press more aggressively for US concessions by the US leader's apparent eagerness to hold up his North Korea policy as a success in his 2020 re-election bid.

US national security adviser Bolton says North Korea tests didn't violate pledge to Trump, but no word on talks

The United Nation nuclear watchdog said on Thursday - it had fixed the timetable for the election of a new director-general following the death of Yukiya Amano two weeks ago.

Member states decided that nominations would be received until September 5, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said following a special meeting of its board of governors in Vienna.

"The Board expects to appoint a director-general in October 2019 and, in any case, envisages that the person appointed will assume office no later than 1 January 2020," it said in a statement.

The US had pushed for a timetable to ensure a new chief would be named by September, but other states were understood to want more time for the process.&nbsp;

The race to succeed Amano will be keenly watched given heightened international tensions over Iran's nuclear activities.

The UN agency is currently confronted with the unravelling of the 2015 nuclear accord with Iran, which began when President Donald Trump unilaterally pulled the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/us-senate-confirms-kelly-craft-as-ambassador-to-united-nations-239845&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjerMTIr-HjAhUWinAKHZoMBUsQFjAIegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2dKJ5nUXSJsB2FBU7DyArL">United States</a> out of the agreement in May 2018.

At another special meeting last week, the IAEA elected Romanian diplomat Cornel Feruta as its acting director-general until a permanent successor is elected "in order to ensure the orderly and smooth functioning of the Agency".

Feruta has been tipped as one of the likely candidates for the post along with Rafael Grossi, Argentina's ambassador to the IAEA.

Feruta, 43, who worked as a journalist before entering Romania's diplomatic service in 1998, was one of Amano's closest collaborators and had been serving as the agency's chief coordinator.

Amano had led the agency since December 2009 and died on July 18 at the age of 72. No details were released about the cause of death, but he had been ill for several months.

The United Nation nuclear watchdog said on Thursday - it had fixed the timetable for the election of a new director-general following the death of Yukiya Amano two weeks ago.

The United Nation nuclear watchdog said on Thursday - it had fixed the timetable for the election of a new director-general following the death of Yukiya Amano two weeks ago. Member states decided that nominations would be received until September 5, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said following a special meeting of its board of governors in Vienna. "The Board expects to appoint a director-general in October 2019 and, in any case, envisages that the person appointed will assume office no later than 1 January 2020," it said in a statement. The US had pushed for a timetable to ensure a new chief would be named by September, but other states were understood to want more time for the process. The race to succeed Amano will be keenly watched given heightened international tensions over Iran's nuclear activities. The UN agency is currently confronted with the unravelling of the 2015 nuclear accord with Iran, which began when President Donald Trump unilaterally pulled the United States out of the agreement in May 2018. At another special meeting last week, the IAEA elected Romanian diplomat Cornel Feruta as its acting director-general until a permanent successor is elected "in order to ensure the orderly and smooth functioning of the Agency". Feruta has been tipped as one of the likely candidates for the post along with Rafael Grossi, Argentina's ambassador to the IAEA. Feruta, 43, who worked as a journalist before entering Romania's diplomatic service in 1998, was one of Amano's closest collaborators and had been serving as the agency's chief coordinator. Amano had led the agency since December 2009 and died on July 18 at the age of 72. No details were released about the cause of death, but he had been ill for several months.

United Nations nuclear watchdog aims to name permanent chief by October

Democratic presidential contenders attacked Republican President <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-tears-into-china-on-twitter-as-trade-talks-resume-239492&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwikv9KOtOHjAhVKi3AKHQTHCkIQFjAAegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw06m4z9QxXhFdMSzJ9HcH9R">Donald Trump</a> as a demagogue who is ripping apart the country and promised to restore unity during the debate on Wednesday.

On the second of back-to-back nights of Democratic debates, the candidates underscored their policy positions and plans to unseat Trump in November of 2020.

Ten candidates took the debate stage including democratic front-runner, former Vice President Joe Biden, New Jersey Senator Cory Booker, Washington Governor Jay Inslee, California Senator Kamala Harris, New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Colorado Senator Michael Bennet, businessman Andrew Yang, Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard and former Housing Secretary Julian Castro.

The crowded Democratic field of about two dozen candidates has been vying for attention and financial support in the race to pick a challenger to Trump in the November 2020 election.

Democratic presidential contenders attacked Republican President Donald Trump as a demagogue who is ripping apart the country and promised to restore unity during the debate on Wednesday.

Democratic presidential contenders attacked Republican President Donald Trump as a demagogue who is ripping apart the country and promised to restore unity during the debate on Wednesday. On the second of back-to-back nights of Democratic debates, the candidates underscored their policy positions and plans to unseat Trump in November of 2020. Ten candidates took the debate stage including democratic front-runner, former Vice President Joe Biden, New Jersey Senator Cory Booker, Washington Governor Jay Inslee, California Senator Kamala Harris, New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Colorado Senator Michael Bennet, businessman Andrew Yang, Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard and former Housing Secretary Julian Castro. The crowded Democratic field of about two dozen candidates has been vying for attention and financial support in the race to pick a challenger to Trump in the November 2020 election.

Ahead of US elections 2020, democratic candidates discuss their strategies to unseat Trump

Al-Qaeda's post-Osama strategy: Hamza bin Laden's 'voice' used to blunt Islamic State

The US Senate on Wednesday confirmed Kelly Craft, a Republican donor who is currently ambassador to Canada, as ambassador to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-led-forces-israel-among-states-rapped-by-un-for-killing-children-239735">United Nations</a>, despite opposition from Democrats who criticized <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-nominee-sparks-worries-of-intelligence-politicization-239554">President Donald Trump`s</a> nominee as too inexperienced for the post.

The Senate backed Craft by a vote of 56 to 34, largely along party lines, moving to end seven months without a permanent&nbsp; 
US envoy to the world body.&nbsp;

UN ambassador is one of several high-level positions in the Trump administration held for months by temporary appointees as the White House struggles to deal with a chronic, high turnover of top administration officials.

The Senate last week confirmed Army Secretary Mark Esper, a former lobbyist, as secretary of defence, ending a record seven-month period in which the Pentagon lacked a permanent top official.

This week, Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats announced his resignation.

Trump nominated Craft, 57, for the UN post after a recommendation from Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who represents her home state of Kentucky.

She had faced fierce opposition from some Democrats. Senator Bob Menendez, the top Democrat on the Foreign Relations Committee, accused Craft of lacking the "seriousness and professionalism" for the post at the world body.

Craft, the wife of a billionaire coal industry executive, generated controversy shortly after assuming her post in Ottawa by telling Canadian Broadcasting she believed "both sides" of the climate change debate.

However, she acknowledged during her confirmation hearing that climate change is a global threat and pledged to recuse herself from any UN 
&nbsp;talks on the issue involving coal because of her husband`s position.

Menendez on Wednesday released a report that said Craft spent the majority of her time as ambassador to Canada outside of the country. 
Craft`s backers called her a tough negotiator on a trade deal with Canada and Mexico who had established decent working relationships with both Republicans and Democrats.

The craft will have the difficult job of defending Trump`s "America First" foreign policy and navigating his criticism of the United Nations while getting global diplomats to back US policies.

Trump`s first UN ambassador, former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, announced her resignation in October and left the position at the end of last year.

The US Senate on Wednesday confirmed Kelly Craft, a Republican donor who is currently ambassador to Canada, as ambassador to the United Nations, despite opposition from Democrats who criticized President Donald Trump`s nominee as too inexperienced for the post.

The US Senate on Wednesday confirmed Kelly Craft, a Republican donor who is currently ambassador to Canada, as ambassador to the United Nations, despite opposition from Democrats who criticized President Donald Trump`s nominee as too inexperienced for the post. The Senate backed Craft by a vote of 56 to 34, largely along party lines, moving to end seven months without a permanent US envoy to the world body. UN ambassador is one of several high-level positions in the Trump administration held for months by temporary appointees as the White House struggles to deal with a chronic, high turnover of top administration officials. The Senate last week confirmed Army Secretary Mark Esper, a former lobbyist, as secretary of defence, ending a record seven-month period in which the Pentagon lacked a permanent top official. This week, Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats announced his resignation. Trump nominated Craft, 57, for the UN post after a recommendation from Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who represents her home state of Kentucky. She had faced fierce opposition from some Democrats. Senator Bob Menendez, the top Democrat on the Foreign Relations Committee, accused Craft of lacking the "seriousness and professionalism" for the post at the world body. Craft, the wife of a billionaire coal industry executive, generated controversy shortly after assuming her post in Ottawa by telling Canadian Broadcasting she believed "both sides" of the climate change debate. However, she acknowledged during her confirmation hearing that climate change is a global threat and pledged to recuse herself from any UN talks on the issue involving coal because of her husband`s position. Menendez on Wednesday released a report that said Craft spent the majority of her time as ambassador to Canada outside of the country. Craft`s backers called her a tough negotiator on a trade deal with Canada and Mexico who had established decent working relationships with both Republicans and Democrats. The craft will have the difficult job of defending Trump`s "America First" foreign policy and navigating his criticism of the United Nations while getting global diplomats to back US policies. Trump`s first UN ambassador, former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, announced her resignation in October and left the position at the end of last year.

US Senate confirms Kelly Craft as ambassador to United Nations

Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders offered an unabashed defence of their progressive policies during a Democratic presidential debate on Tuesday, as their more moderate rivals aimed their proposals as unrealistic and politically untenable.

The debate frequently pitted the two US senators against the rest of the 10 candidates on stage, with healthcare and immigration policy highlighting the divisions between the two camps.

On the first night of back-to-back debates, Democrats were united in stressing the urgency of defeating Republican <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/outrage-as-donald-trump-brands-mostly-black-baltimore-infested-mess-238913">President Donald Trump</a> in the November 2020 election. But they delivered bruising critiques of their party rivals` positions as detailed policy disputes dominated the nearly three-hour event.

Trump has been eager to paint the entire Democratic field as socialists, seeking to make any eventual nominee untenable to voters by arguing Democrats want to raise taxes, open the US borders and take away private healthcare.&nbsp;

The dispute between the moderate and liberal wings of the Democratic Party highlighted the central question of the nominating contest: Which candidate in the field of more than two dozen would be best positioned to beat Trump next year.

Montana Governor Steve Bullock, emerging as a forceful voice in his first presidential debate, criticized fellow candidates for being too liberal in the opening round of debates last month in Miami.

"Watching that last debate, folks seemed more concerned about scoring points or outdoing each other with wish-list economics than making sure Americans know we hear their voices and will help their lives," Bullock said. 
Progressives argued their policies would excite voters and allow them to draw a distinct contrast to Trump.&nbsp;

Taking a jab at former <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/democrats-clash-on-healthcare-in-feisty-first-us-presidential-debate-230721">US Representative John Delaney</a>, who often played the role of liberal foil during the debate, Warren said: "I don’t understand why anybody goes to all the trouble of running for president of the United States to talk about what we really can’t do and shouldn’t fight for."&nbsp;

As the front-runners in the polls among the candidates debating on Tuesday, Sanders and Warren often found themselves defending the policy positions they share.&nbsp;

"I get a little bit tired of Democrats afraid of big ideas. Republicans are not afraid of big ideas," Sanders said.

The two are seeking to gain ground against former Vice President Joe Biden, who currently leads in opinion polls among Democratic contenders.

Healthcare, Immigration

The early part of the debate centred on a dispute about the future of the US healthcare system, and whether Democrats should embrace Medicare for All proposals that would have the government take over the health insurance industry.&nbsp;

The divisions over how best to provide Americans access to affordable healthcare is one of the early defining issues in the Democratic race for the 2020 presidential nomination to take on Trump.

Some contenders argued the proposal pushed by the progressives would take private insurance away from people who currently prefer their coverage and force a tax increase on the middle class.

"Why do we have to be the party of taking something away from people?" said Delaney, who has been critical of Medicare for All. 
&nbsp; 
He argued that Democrats should not back proposals that would eliminate private insurance.&nbsp;

"They are running on telling half the country that your health insurance is illegal," Delaney said, pointing to Warren and Sanders. Warren interjected to defend the proposal.&nbsp;

"We`re not trying to take healthcare away from anyone. That`s what Republicans are trying to do."

Sanders, who has introduced a Medicare for All bill in the US Senate, said: "Healthcare is a human right, not a privilege. I believe that I will fight for that."

The candidates also differed on immigration policy - disagreeing on whether illegal border crossings should be decriminalized.

"You don`t have to decriminalize everything," Bullock said. "What you have to do is to have a president in there with the judgment and the decency to treat someone that comes to the border like one of our own."

Warren disagreed, saying: "We need to expand legal immigration, we need to create a path for citizenship not just for dreamers but for grandmas and for people who have been working here in the farms and for students who have overstayed their visas."

"You are playing into Donald Trump`s hands," Bullock said.&nbsp;

Lower-tier candidates were aiming to produce the kind of post-debate surge that US Senator Kamala Harris enjoyed after a strong performance in the first debate after confronting Biden on the issue of race.&nbsp;

The two nights in Detroit could be the last chance for many contenders to debate on the national stage, as the Democratic National Committee will double its fundraising and polling requirements to qualify for participation in the next debates in September and October.

Ten more candidates will face off on Wednesday night, including Biden and Harris.&nbsp;

Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders offered an unabashed defence of their progressive policies during a Democratic presidential debate on Tuesday, as their more moderate rivals aimed their proposals as unrealistic and politically untenable.

Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders offered an unabashed defence of their progressive policies during a Democratic presidential debate on Tuesday, as their more moderate rivals aimed their proposals as unrealistic and politically untenable. The debate frequently pitted the two US senators against the rest of the 10 candidates on stage, with healthcare and immigration policy highlighting the divisions between the two camps. On the first night of back-to-back debates, Democrats were united in stressing the urgency of defeating Republican President Donald Trump in the November 2020 election. But they delivered bruising critiques of their party rivals` positions as detailed policy disputes dominated the nearly three-hour event. Trump has been eager to paint the entire Democratic field as socialists, seeking to make any eventual nominee untenable to voters by arguing Democrats want to raise taxes, open the US borders and take away private healthcare. The dispute between the moderate and liberal wings of the Democratic Party highlighted the central question of the nominating contest: Which candidate in the field of more than two dozen would be best positioned to beat Trump next year. Montana Governor Steve Bullock, emerging as a forceful voice in his first presidential debate, criticized fellow candidates for being too liberal in the opening round of debates last month in Miami. "Watching that last debate, folks seemed more concerned about scoring points or outdoing each other with wish-list economics than making sure Americans know we hear their voices and will help their lives," Bullock said. Progressives argued their policies would excite voters and allow them to draw a distinct contrast to Trump. Taking a jab at former US Representative John Delaney, who often played the role of liberal foil during the debate, Warren said: "I don’t understand why anybody goes to all the trouble of running for president of the United States to talk about what we really can’t do and shouldn’t fight for." As the front-runners in the polls among the candidates debating on Tuesday, Sanders and Warren often found themselves defending the policy positions they share. "I get a little bit tired of Democrats afraid of big ideas. Republicans are not afraid of big ideas," Sanders said. The two are seeking to gain ground against former Vice President Joe Biden, who currently leads in opinion polls among Democratic contenders. Healthcare, Immigration The early part of the debate centred on a dispute about the future of the US healthcare system, and whether Democrats should embrace Medicare for All proposals that would have the government take over the health insurance industry. The divisions over how best to provide Americans access to affordable healthcare is one of the early defining issues in the Democratic race for the 2020 presidential nomination to take on Trump. Some contenders argued the proposal pushed by the progressives would take private insurance away from people who currently prefer their coverage and force a tax increase on the middle class. "Why do we have to be the party of taking something away from people?" said Delaney, who has been critical of Medicare for All. He argued that Democrats should not back proposals that would eliminate private insurance. "They are running on telling half the country that your health insurance is illegal," Delaney said, pointing to Warren and Sanders. Warren interjected to defend the proposal. "We`re not trying to take healthcare away from anyone. That`s what Republicans are trying to do." Sanders, who has introduced a Medicare for All bill in the US Senate, said: "Healthcare is a human right, not a privilege. I believe that I will fight for that." The candidates also differed on immigration policy - disagreeing on whether illegal border crossings should be decriminalized. "You don`t have to decriminalize everything," Bullock said. "What you have to do is to have a president in there with the judgment and the decency to treat someone that comes to the border like one of our own." Warren disagreed, saying: "We need to expand legal immigration, we need to create a path for citizenship not just for dreamers but for grandmas and for people who have been working here in the farms and for students who have overstayed their visas." "You are playing into Donald Trump`s hands," Bullock said. Lower-tier candidates were aiming to produce the kind of post-debate surge that US Senator Kamala Harris enjoyed after a strong performance in the first debate after confronting Biden on the issue of race. The two nights in Detroit could be the last chance for many contenders to debate on the national stage, as the Democratic National Committee will double its fundraising and polling requirements to qualify for participation in the next debates in September and October. Ten more candidates will face off on Wednesday night, including Biden and Harris.

Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders defend progressive policies in US Democratic debate

A tiny bug, possibly a fly, had the best seat in the house at an event at Jamestown, Virginia, where US President Donald Trump delivered a speech to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the first meeting of the Virginia state legislature.

Is that a fly in Trump's hair?

President Donald Trump said he will watch the first Democratic debate on television on Wednesday night, even though he will be flying to Japan and considers the event "boring." Trump, a Republican, also suggested he might offer some tweeted responses to what he hears from the 10 Democratic presidential candidates on the stage in the first of back-to-back debate nights in Miami.

Highlights From Democratic Debate

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 - July 31st, 2019

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mexico-says-migrant-numbers-at-us-border-down-40-since-may-239609">Mexico</a> narrowly avoided slipping into recession during the first half of 2019 as the gross domestic product grew by a fraction in the second quarter, an initial estimate showed, but weakness persisted across the board.

A preliminary reading by the national statistics agency on Wednesday showed that Mexico's economy, Latin America's second-biggest, grew by 0.1 per cent in the April-June period from the previous quarter when adjusted for seasonal swings.

A Reuters poll of economists had forecast GDP would be flat compared with the first quarter when the economy shrank by 0.2 per cent quarter-on-quarter.

In unadjusted terms, the economy contracted by 0.7 per cent from the same period a year earlier.

Economists generally define two consecutive quarters of negative GDP as a technical recession, though there is no established global definition for the phenomenon.

The government has rejected the suggestion that the country is in a slump, and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-adviser-influential-senator-cast-doubt-on-mexico-tariffs-224742">President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador</a> on Monday was adamant that Mexico is not in a recession.

Investor confidence in Mexico has been shaken by some of the decisions of Lopez Obrador, a leftist exponent of economic nationalism who took office in December vowing to reduce chronic inequality and deliver average annual growth of 4 per cent.

In particular, his decision to cancel a partly built $13 billion new Mexico City airport and his retreat from the prior government's opening of the oil and gas industry to private capital have raised doubts about his economic credentials.

During the past few months, private and public sector analysts have pared back their Mexican growth forecasts, with some now predicting little expansion at all in 2019. Lopez Obrador said he expects growth of 2 per cent this year.

The president has attacked critics of his policies as supporters of what he has characterized as a corrupt "neo-liberal" era that preceded his time in office.

However, he has also had to contend with the risk of economic disruption from the United States the destination for around 80 per cent of Mexico's goods exports due to tensions with US President Donald Trump over illegal immigration.

Mexico narrowly avoided slipping into recession during the first half of 2019 as the gross domestic product grew by a fraction in the second quarter, an initial estimate showed, but weakness persisted across the board.

Mexico narrowly avoided slipping into recession during the first half of 2019 as the gross domestic product grew by a fraction in the second quarter, an initial estimate showed, but weakness persisted across the board. A preliminary reading by the national statistics agency on Wednesday showed that Mexico's economy, Latin America's second-biggest, grew by 0.1 per cent in the April-June period from the previous quarter when adjusted for seasonal swings. A Reuters poll of economists had forecast GDP would be flat compared with the first quarter when the economy shrank by 0.2 per cent quarter-on-quarter. In unadjusted terms, the economy contracted by 0.7 per cent from the same period a year earlier. Economists generally define two consecutive quarters of negative GDP as a technical recession, though there is no established global definition for the phenomenon. The government has rejected the suggestion that the country is in a slump, and President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on Monday was adamant that Mexico is not in a recession. Investor confidence in Mexico has been shaken by some of the decisions of Lopez Obrador, a leftist exponent of economic nationalism who took office in December vowing to reduce chronic inequality and deliver average annual growth of 4 per cent. In particular, his decision to cancel a partly built $13 billion new Mexico City airport and his retreat from the prior government's opening of the oil and gas industry to private capital have raised doubts about his economic credentials. During the past few months, private and public sector analysts have pared back their Mexican growth forecasts, with some now predicting little expansion at all in 2019. Lopez Obrador said he expects growth of 2 per cent this year. The president has attacked critics of his policies as supporters of what he has characterized as a corrupt "neo-liberal" era that preceded his time in office. However, he has also had to contend with the risk of economic disruption from the United States the destination for around 80 per cent of Mexico's goods exports due to tensions with US President Donald Trump over illegal immigration.

Mexico narrowly escapes recession with minimal second-quarter growth

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-led-forces-israel-among-states-rapped-by-un-for-killing-children-239735">Saudi-led forces, Israel among states rapped by United Nations for killing children</a> 
 
The UN report said the Houthis killed and injured 398 children and Yemeni government forces were responsible for 58 child casualties.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-takes-up-killing-of-indian-civilian-in-ceasefire-violation-by-pakistan-239696">India takes up killing of Indian civilian in ceasefire violation by Pakistan</a> 
 
Rahme Begum, resident of Dassi Baktoor, died after shelling by Pakistani army in Gurez sector of North Kashmir.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-continue-to-reduce-nuclear-deal-commitments-unless-europe-protects-iran-from-us-sanctions-javad-zarif-239698">Iran to cut nuke deal commitments if Europe doesn't protect from US sanctions</a> 
 
Iran has said it will reduce its commitment to the nuclear accord in stages and may even withdraw from the pact unless the Europeans find ways to shield its economy from the US sanctions.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-a-bid-to-curb-plastic-pollution-pepsi-and-coca-cola-sever-ties-with-plastics-industry-association-239706">Pepsi and Coca Cola sever ties with Plastics Industry Association</a>&nbsp; 
 
According to American media reports, both the companies are trying to ensure that their packaging is recyclable.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/s-jaishankar-likely-to-meet-mike-pompeo-in-bangkok-239751">Foreign minister S Jaishankar likely to meet Mike Pompeo in Bangkok</a> 
 
Jaishankar-Pompeo pull aside will be the first high-level engagement between US and India since President Donald Trump's remarks on Kashmir.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Saudi-led forces, Israel among states rapped by United Nations for killing children The UN report said the Houthis killed and injured 398 children and Yemeni government forces were responsible for 58 child casualties.

Saudi-led forces, Israel among states rapped by United Nations for killing children The UN report said the Houthis killed and injured 398 children and Yemeni government forces were responsible for 58 child casualties. India takes up killing of Indian civilian in ceasefire violation by Pakistan Rahme Begum, resident of Dassi Baktoor, died after shelling by Pakistani army in Gurez sector of North Kashmir. Iran to cut nuke deal commitments if Europe doesn't protect from US sanctions Iran has said it will reduce its commitment to the nuclear accord in stages and may even withdraw from the pact unless the Europeans find ways to shield its economy from the US sanctions. Pepsi and Coca Cola sever ties with Plastics Industry Association According to American media reports, both the companies are trying to ensure that their packaging is recyclable. Foreign minister S Jaishankar likely to meet Mike Pompeo in Bangkok Jaishankar-Pompeo pull aside will be the first high-level engagement between US and India since President Donald Trump's remarks on Kashmir.

News brief: Big stories of the day

On Wednesday, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-fires-short-range-ballistic-missiles-south-korean-military-239597">North Korea</a> fired two, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ahead-of-south-korea-us-military-drill-north-korea-fires-two-short-range-ballistic-missiles-239579">new short-range ballistic missiles</a>. The latest launches were from Wonsan area on North Korea’s east coast - the same area from where the missiles were fired last week.&nbsp;

The missile tests also come amid North Korea showcasing a new submarine last week which is capable of carrying up to three ballistic missiles.

South Korea says that North Korea fired ballistic missiles that flew about 250 kilometres and that they appeared to be similar to those launched last week.

Dubbed the KN-23, the missiles are designed to evade missile defence systems by being easier to hide, launch, and manoeuvre in flight.&nbsp;

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/north-korea-missile-tests-are-warning-to-south-korea-238647/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The two KN-23s launched last week were reported as having a “low-altitude gliding and leaping flight” pattern that would make them hard to intercept.

Some analysts said that the range and the altitude of Wednesday’s flights could indicate a test of those capabilities.&nbsp;

Why missile tests?

The answer is not far to seek. North Korea does not want the United States and South Korea to conduct joint military drills planned for August. The country is also upset by South Korea buying F-35 fighter jets from the US.

&nbsp;July 25 missile tests

The missiles launched on July 25 were North Korea's first missile tests since Kim Jong-Un and Donald Trump met on June 30 and agreed to revive stalled denuclearisation talks.

The missile tests are intended to pressure South Korea and the United States to stop upcoming military drills.

South Korea has bought US-manufactured F-35 stealth fighter jets. It took delivery of its first two F-35 jets in March with more slated to arrive this year.

It has agreed to buy a total of 40 of the advanced aircraft, the last to be delivered by 2021.

Destroy US-manufactured weapons!

North Korean state media said on July 11 that Pyongyang must develop and test “special armaments” to destroy the new US-manufactured weapons.

“There is no room for doubt that the delivery of ‘F-35a’, which is also called an ‘invisible lethal weapon’, is aimed at securing military supremacy over the neighbouring countries in the region and especially opening a ‘gate’ to invading the north in time of emergency on the korean peninsula,” read a statement published by North Korean state news agency KCNA.

'No other choice'

North Korea stated that Pyongyang has no other choice but to develop and test the special armaments to completely destroy the lethal weapons reinforced in South Korea.

US playing down launches

US President Donald Trump and his foreign minister Mike Pompeo had played down last week’s launches.

Pompeo has continued to express hope for a diplomatic way forward with North Korea. For his part, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said there was no impact from Wednesday’s launch on Japan’s security.

The missile tests came on a day when Pompeo met ASEAN leaders in Thailand's capital Bangkok.&nbsp;

Trump and Kim last met on June 30 in the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) between the two Koreas.

Breach of promise

Since then, Pyongyang has accused Washington of breaking a promise by planning to hold joint military exercises with South Korea next month and warned those drills could derail talks.&nbsp;

North Korea has also warned of a possible end to its freeze on nuclear and long-range missile tests that has been in place since 2017. Trump has repeatedly upheld this as evidence of the success of his engagement with Kim.&nbsp;

The February summit between Trump and Kim in Vietnam had collapsed after the leaders failed to reconcile differences between Washington’s demands for Pyongyang’s complete denuclearisation and North Korean demands for sanctions relief.

On Wednesday, North Korea fired two, new short-range ballistic missiles. The latest launches were from Wonsan area on North Korea’s east coast - the same area from where the missiles were fired last week.

On Wednesday, North Korea fired two, new short-range ballistic missiles. The latest launches were from Wonsan area on North Korea’s east coast - the same area from where the missiles were fired last week. The missile tests also come amid North Korea showcasing a new submarine last week which is capable of carrying up to three ballistic missiles. South Korea says that North Korea fired ballistic missiles that flew about 250 kilometres and that they appeared to be similar to those launched last week. Dubbed the KN-23, the missiles are designed to evade missile defence systems by being easier to hide, launch, and manoeuvre in flight. Watch Video: The two KN-23s launched last week were reported as having a “low-altitude gliding and leaping flight” pattern that would make them hard to intercept. Some analysts said that the range and the altitude of Wednesday’s flights could indicate a test of those capabilities. Why missile tests? The answer is not far to seek. North Korea does not want the United States and South Korea to conduct joint military drills planned for August. The country is also upset by South Korea buying F-35 fighter jets from the US. July 25 missile tests The missiles launched on July 25 were North Korea's first missile tests since Kim Jong-Un and Donald Trump met on June 30 and agreed to revive stalled denuclearisation talks. The missile tests are intended to pressure South Korea and the United States to stop upcoming military drills. South Korea has bought US-manufactured F-35 stealth fighter jets. It took delivery of its first two F-35 jets in March with more slated to arrive this year. It has agreed to buy a total of 40 of the advanced aircraft, the last to be delivered by 2021. Destroy US-manufactured weapons! North Korean state media said on July 11 that Pyongyang must develop and test “special armaments” to destroy the new US-manufactured weapons. “There is no room for doubt that the delivery of ‘F-35a’, which is also called an ‘invisible lethal weapon’, is aimed at securing military supremacy over the neighbouring countries in the region and especially opening a ‘gate’ to invading the north in time of emergency on the korean peninsula,” read a statement published by North Korean state news agency KCNA. 'No other choice' North Korea stated that Pyongyang has no other choice but to develop and test the special armaments to completely destroy the lethal weapons reinforced in South Korea. US playing down launches US President Donald Trump and his foreign minister Mike Pompeo had played down last week’s launches. Pompeo has continued to express hope for a diplomatic way forward with North Korea. For his part, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said there was no impact from Wednesday’s launch on Japan’s security. The missile tests came on a day when Pompeo met ASEAN leaders in Thailand's capital Bangkok. Trump and Kim last met on June 30 in the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) between the two Koreas. Breach of promise Since then, Pyongyang has accused Washington of breaking a promise by planning to hold joint military exercises with South Korea next month and warned those drills could derail talks. North Korea has also warned of a possible end to its freeze on nuclear and long-range missile tests that has been in place since 2017. Trump has repeatedly upheld this as evidence of the success of his engagement with Kim. The February summit between Trump and Kim in Vietnam had collapsed after the leaders failed to reconcile differences between Washington’s demands for Pyongyang’s complete denuclearisation and North Korean demands for sanctions relief.

Why is North Korea conducting missile tests?

The signature domestic proposal by the leading progressive candidates for the Democratic presidential nomination came under withering attack from moderates Tuesday in a debate that laid bare the struggle between a call for revolutionary policies and a desperate desire to defeat President Donald Trump.

Debate clashes over 'Medicare for All'

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-&amp;-economy/gold-prices-rise-to-one-week-high-as-softer-us-dollar-supports-buying-148880">Gold prices</a> held steady on Wednesday as investors waited on the outcome of the Federal Reserve`s meeting later in the day when policymakers are expected to cut interest rates for the first time since the financial crisis.

Spot gold was flat at $1,430.69 per ounce as of 0723 GMT.

US gold futures edged 0.1 per cent higher to $1,443.60 an ounce. "Most of the people are staying on the sidelines due to the Fed meeting. If the Fed does reduce rates, gold may come down a little as a 25 basis point cut is already priced-in," said Brian Lan, managing director at dealer GoldSilver Central in Singapore.

"We are also looking at whether there will be further rate cuts. Over the longer term, we are still bullish on gold but in the short-term, we might see a bit of correction before it continues to move higher," Lan added.

Fed funds rate futures are now fully pricing in a 25 basis point rate cut on Wednesday and another 25 basis point reduction by September.

Markets will be watching out for guidance on whether the Federal Open Market Committee`s expected move is a one-time cut or the beginning of a rate-cutting cycle.

Cementing expectations of Fed rate cuts, US consumer spending and prices rose moderately in June, pointing to slower economic growth and benign inflation.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-tears-into-china-on-twitter-as-trade-talks-resume-239492">US President Donald Trump</a>, meanwhile, reiterated his call for the Fed to make a large interest rate cut, saying he was disappointed in the US&nbsp;

The central bank and that it had put him at a disadvantage by not acting sooner.

"Gold will look for direction in the tone of the Fed Chief`s rhetoric. More dovish could lead to a weaker dollar and a higher price for gold," <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/crude-oil-prices-fall-1-on-fears-for-global-economy-233148">Alfonso Esparza</a>, a senior market analyst at OANDA, said in a note.

The dollar index was relatively unchanged against a basket of major currencies on Wednesday after hitting a two-month high in the previous session.

In financial markets, fresh trade concerns following threats by Trump to Beijing sent Asian shares to a six-week trough on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Trump warned China against waiting out his presidency before finalising a trade deal, saying if he wins re-election in November 2020, the outcome could be no agreement or a harsher one.

On the technical front, Reuters technical analyst Wang Tao said a bullish target at $1,452 per ounce has been established for spot gold, as it has pierced above resistance at $1,427.

Among other precious metals, silver slipped 0.7 per cent to $16.46 per ounce.

Platinum jumped 1.2 per cent to $876.11 an ounce and palladium rose 1 per cent to $1,529.20.

Gold prices held steady on Wednesday as investors waited on the outcome of the Federal Reserve`s meeting later in the day when policymakers are expected to cut interest rates for the first time since the financial crisis.

Gold prices held steady on Wednesday as investors waited on the outcome of the Federal Reserve`s meeting later in the day when policymakers are expected to cut interest rates for the first time since the financial crisis. Spot gold was flat at $1,430.69 per ounce as of 0723 GMT. US gold futures edged 0.1 per cent higher to $1,443.60 an ounce. "Most of the people are staying on the sidelines due to the Fed meeting. If the Fed does reduce rates, gold may come down a little as a 25 basis point cut is already priced-in," said Brian Lan, managing director at dealer GoldSilver Central in Singapore. "We are also looking at whether there will be further rate cuts. Over the longer term, we are still bullish on gold but in the short-term, we might see a bit of correction before it continues to move higher," Lan added. Fed funds rate futures are now fully pricing in a 25 basis point rate cut on Wednesday and another 25 basis point reduction by September. Markets will be watching out for guidance on whether the Federal Open Market Committee`s expected move is a one-time cut or the beginning of a rate-cutting cycle. Cementing expectations of Fed rate cuts, US consumer spending and prices rose moderately in June, pointing to slower economic growth and benign inflation. US President Donald Trump, meanwhile, reiterated his call for the Fed to make a large interest rate cut, saying he was disappointed in the US The central bank and that it had put him at a disadvantage by not acting sooner. "Gold will look for direction in the tone of the Fed Chief`s rhetoric. More dovish could lead to a weaker dollar and a higher price for gold," Alfonso Esparza, a senior market analyst at OANDA, said in a note. The dollar index was relatively unchanged against a basket of major currencies on Wednesday after hitting a two-month high in the previous session. In financial markets, fresh trade concerns following threats by Trump to Beijing sent Asian shares to a six-week trough on Wednesday. Trump warned China against waiting out his presidency before finalising a trade deal, saying if he wins re-election in November 2020, the outcome could be no agreement or a harsher one. On the technical front, Reuters technical analyst Wang Tao said a bullish target at $1,452 per ounce has been established for spot gold, as it has pierced above resistance at $1,427. Among other precious metals, silver slipped 0.7 per cent to $16.46 per ounce. Platinum jumped 1.2 per cent to $876.11 an ounce and palladium rose 1 per cent to $1,529.20.

Gold prices hold steady ahead of Fed verdict

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/want-to-make-high-end-computers-in-us-need-tariff-relief-apple-ceo-tim-cook-239585">Apple Inc iPhone</a> sales dropped to less than half of quarterly revenue for the first time in seven years, but CEO Tim Cook on Tuesday described the change as successfully diversifying away from a single product and forecast results above Wall Street targets.

That strategy proved especially useful in China, the world's largest smartphone market. Investors feared a drumbeat of negative shipment data from the Chinese government and analysts meant problems for the iPhone maker.

Apple's greater China sales, which had gone into a near free-fall earlier this year, dipped only slightly, assuaging concerns that trade tension was undermining Apple's standing in one of its most important markets. Shares rose 4.25 per cent after hours.

Moribund global mobile phone sales have led Apple to focus on accessories like the Apple Watch and growth in music, apps, gaming, video and a credit card coming in August. In mainland China, Cook said the overall number of Apple device users had grown in the fiscal third quarter, helping to increase the market for its services, whose sales were up by more than 10 per cent there.

"We grew in mainland China," Cook told Reuters. "Non-iPhone revenue grew 17 per cent. We grew in every category outside of iPhone."

But globally, iPhone sales fell 12 per cent to $25.99 billion, after dropping 17 per cent in the previous quarter, and matched Wall Street targets.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Wearables and other accessories revenue rose nearly 50 per cent, topping expectations.

Services revenue rose 12.6 per cent to $11.46 billion, slowing and slightly missing expectations but setting a new record.

Apple said it expects revenue for the current fiscal fourth quarter of between $61 billion and $64 billion, compared with analyst estimates of $61.02 billion.&nbsp;

At the high end of Apple's forecasted range, sales would beat the prior year's $62.90 billion in sales, even though analysts expected continued lacklustre iPhone sales until 5G models arrive in 2020.

For the fiscal third quarter ended in June, Apple reported a 1 per cent rise in revenue to $53.8 billion and a 7 per cent drop in earnings per share to $2.18, compared with expectations of $53.39 billion and $2.10 per share, according to Refinitiv data.

Hal Eddins, a chief economist for Apple shareholder Capital Investment Counsel, said he was pleasantly surprised to see iPhone sales declines slow down versus the prior quarter.

"You don’t hear people talk about their phones like they did several years ago," Eddins said. But, "the key is that when people want to splurge on a phone, they do it with an Apple product."

Apple did not give the number of active <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/apples-india-made-top-end-iphones-to-hit-stores-next-month-source-235135">Apple devices</a>, but in January it said it was 1.4 billion, with 900 million of those being iPhones. Investors used the number, called the installed base, as a proxy for how many subscribers it can gain for its services business.&nbsp;

Cook told investors on a conference call Tuesday that Apple has 420 million paid subscribers to its services and third-party apps. The company has set a goal of 500 million by 2020.

Trip Miller, the managing partner at Apple shareholder Gullane Capital Partners, said he wants to see services growth return to the 20 per cent range and thinks Apple needs to use its billions in cash to buy media properties to fuel its forthcoming television service.

"You have to have a bigger installed base and have services that people get value from," Miller said.

Trade tension still looms large

Apple reported results as US and Chinese trade negotiators resumed off-and-on talks. The US President Donald Trump has suspended new tariffs on a final $300 billion of Chinese imports, which would include iPhones.

Trade tension has slowed down economic growth in China, a major market for Apple, which effectively cut iPhone prices in China earlier this year after currency exchange rates had made its phones too expensive for many Chinese consumers.

Apple's market share in China declined to 5.8 per cent from 6.4 per cent, according to market research firm Canalys, in part because smartphone rival Huawei Technologies Co Ltd gained market share to become the top handset seller in the country.

But Apple experienced a smaller market share less than competitors such as Xiaomi Corp, Oppo and Vivo, according to Canalys data. Cook said that iPhone price adjustments, plus the Chinese government's move to cut phone taxes, helped keep iPhone sales in China from eroding further.

"Our trade-in and financing programs are doing extremely well in China," Cook told Reuters. "Because of the active installed base is growing in China, our services business is doing very well, growing double digits."

Apple shares have gained more than 20 per cent since early June when shares dropped on news that the US Department of Justice had jurisdiction over the company in a potential probe as part of a broader review of whether technology giants engage in anticompetitive practices.

Apple said revenue for its "Wearables, home and accessories" segment that contains devices like the Apple Watch and AirPods was $5.53 billion, compared with analyst estimates of $4.81 billion.

Apple said it returned more than $21 billion to shareholders during the fiscal third quarter, including $17 billion in share repurchases. It declared a dividend of 77 cents per share.

Apple Inc iPhone sales dropped to less than half of quarterly revenue for the first time in seven years, but CEO Tim Cook on Tuesday described the change as successfully diversifying away from a single product and forecast results above Wall Street targets.

Apple Inc iPhone sales dropped to less than half of quarterly revenue for the first time in seven years, but CEO Tim Cook on Tuesday described the change as successfully diversifying away from a single product and forecast results above Wall Street targets. That strategy proved especially useful in China, the world's largest smartphone market. Investors feared a drumbeat of negative shipment data from the Chinese government and analysts meant problems for the iPhone maker. Apple's greater China sales, which had gone into a near free-fall earlier this year, dipped only slightly, assuaging concerns that trade tension was undermining Apple's standing in one of its most important markets. Shares rose 4.25 per cent after hours. Moribund global mobile phone sales have led Apple to focus on accessories like the Apple Watch and growth in music, apps, gaming, video and a credit card coming in August. In mainland China, Cook said the overall number of Apple device users had grown in the fiscal third quarter, helping to increase the market for its services, whose sales were up by more than 10 per cent there. "We grew in mainland China," Cook told Reuters. "Non-iPhone revenue grew 17 per cent. We grew in every category outside of iPhone." But globally, iPhone sales fell 12 per cent to $25.99 billion, after dropping 17 per cent in the previous quarter, and matched Wall Street targets. Wearables and other accessories revenue rose nearly 50 per cent, topping expectations. Services revenue rose 12.6 per cent to $11.46 billion, slowing and slightly missing expectations but setting a new record. Apple said it expects revenue for the current fiscal fourth quarter of between $61 billion and $64 billion, compared with analyst estimates of $61.02 billion. At the high end of Apple's forecasted range, sales would beat the prior year's $62.90 billion in sales, even though analysts expected continued lacklustre iPhone sales until 5G models arrive in 2020. For the fiscal third quarter ended in June, Apple reported a 1 per cent rise in revenue to $53.8 billion and a 7 per cent drop in earnings per share to $2.18, compared with expectations of $53.39 billion and $2.10 per share, according to Refinitiv data. Hal Eddins, a chief economist for Apple shareholder Capital Investment Counsel, said he was pleasantly surprised to see iPhone sales declines slow down versus the prior quarter. "You don’t hear people talk about their phones like they did several years ago," Eddins said. But, "the key is that when people want to splurge on a phone, they do it with an Apple product." Apple did not give the number of active Apple devices, but in January it said it was 1.4 billion, with 900 million of those being iPhones. Investors used the number, called the installed base, as a proxy for how many subscribers it can gain for its services business. Cook told investors on a conference call Tuesday that Apple has 420 million paid subscribers to its services and third-party apps. The company has set a goal of 500 million by 2020. Trip Miller, the managing partner at Apple shareholder Gullane Capital Partners, said he wants to see services growth return to the 20 per cent range and thinks Apple needs to use its billions in cash to buy media properties to fuel its forthcoming television service. "You have to have a bigger installed base and have services that people get value from," Miller said. Trade tension still looms large Apple reported results as US and Chinese trade negotiators resumed off-and-on talks. The US President Donald Trump has suspended new tariffs on a final $300 billion of Chinese imports, which would include iPhones. Trade tension has slowed down economic growth in China, a major market for Apple, which effectively cut iPhone prices in China earlier this year after currency exchange rates had made its phones too expensive for many Chinese consumers. Apple's market share in China declined to 5.8 per cent from 6.4 per cent, according to market research firm Canalys, in part because smartphone rival Huawei Technologies Co Ltd gained market share to become the top handset seller in the country. But Apple experienced a smaller market share less than competitors such as Xiaomi Corp, Oppo and Vivo, according to Canalys data. Cook said that iPhone price adjustments, plus the Chinese government's move to cut phone taxes, helped keep iPhone sales in China from eroding further. "Our trade-in and financing programs are doing extremely well in China," Cook told Reuters. "Because of the active installed base is growing in China, our services business is doing very well, growing double digits." Apple shares have gained more than 20 per cent since early June when shares dropped on news that the US Department of Justice had jurisdiction over the company in a potential probe as part of a broader review of whether technology giants engage in anticompetitive practices. Apple said revenue for its "Wearables, home and accessories" segment that contains devices like the Apple Watch and AirPods was $5.53 billion, compared with analyst estimates of $4.81 billion. Apple said it returned more than $21 billion to shareholders during the fiscal third quarter, including $17 billion in share repurchases. It declared a dividend of 77 cents per share.

Apple's services, wearables shore up results as iPhone drops below half of sales

The New York congresswoman who sponsored a bill to permanently fund healthcare costs for people sickened by toxic fumes on the site of the 9/11 attacks says she feels "great relief" after President Donald Trump signed the bill into law on Monday.

Maloney: 'relief' as Trump signs 9/11 victims bill

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-suspends-app-pre-installs-on-huawei-phones-225167">Chinese tech giant Huawei Technologies</a> warned on Tuesday a US trade blacklisting will impact short-term revenue growth, even as its half-year revenue surged 23 per cent thanks to soaring smartphone sales at home.

In its first results since Washington placed it on a so-called entity list in May that effectively banned US firms from supplying to it, Huawei also said it remained focused on improving the global smartphone business which bore the brunt of supply chain disruptions caused by the US action.

"Revenue grew fast up through May," Huawei Chairman Liang Hua told reporters at an earnings briefing.

"Given the foundation, we laid in the first half of the year, we continue to see the growth even after we were added to the entity list. That's not to say we don't have difficulties ahead. We do, and they may affect the pace of our growth in the short term," he said.

The US government alleges the Chinese firm is a national security risk as its equipment could be used by Beijing to spy, which Huawei has repeatedly denied.

It has since been given a three-month reprieve till August 19, and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/hong-kong-stocks-fall-amid-us-china-trade-tensions-protests-in-city-239117">US President Trump</a> signalled Washington would be relaxing the sanctions on Huawei, though details are unknown.

Huawei's founder and CEO Ren Zhengfei told reporters last month that the impact of the blacklisting was worse than expected. It could cost the company $30 billion in revenue, and that Huawei's revenue this year and in 2020 could stay roughly the same as 2018 at around $100 billion, he said.

Liang said on Tuesday Huawei remained confident in its ability to cope with the blacklisting and its 5G product roll-out had not been affected. The company has won 11 5G contracts since the blacklist was put in place out of a total of 50 bagged so far, he said.

Analysts said strong domestic smartphone sales and new 5G carrier contracts were helping to offset the impact from the export ban that threatens to cut Huawei's access to advanced US components and software such as Google Android apps.

Unlisted Huawei, which only started disclosing quarterly results this year, said revenue in the first half rose to 401.3 billion yuan ($58.28 billion), faster than the 15 per cent growth of a year earlier.

Shipments of its smartphones jumped 24 per cent to 118 million units, as robust sales in China more than offset a global sales drop.

According to data from Canalys, Huawei expanded its lead in China's smartphone market in the second quarter by more than 10 percentage points to nearly 40 per cent of the market, while overseas smartphones sales had a slight drop year-on-year.

Liang said that the company's proprietary Hongmeng mobile operating system was still under development for connected devices and that its preference was to continue to use Google's Android operating system for mobile.

Huawei has given little information about Hongmeng, its own back-up operating system under development in case it was cut off from US-made software.

"Hongmeng is part of our long-term strategy...we are definitely not bluffing," Liang said.

Chinese tech giant Huawei Technologies warned on Tuesday a US trade blacklisting will impact short-term revenue growth, even as its half-year revenue surged 23 per cent thanks to soaring smartphone sales at home.

Chinese tech giant Huawei Technologies warned on Tuesday a US trade blacklisting will impact short-term revenue growth, even as its half-year revenue surged 23 per cent thanks to soaring smartphone sales at home. In its first results since Washington placed it on a so-called entity list in May that effectively banned US firms from supplying to it, Huawei also said it remained focused on improving the global smartphone business which bore the brunt of supply chain disruptions caused by the US action. "Revenue grew fast up through May," Huawei Chairman Liang Hua told reporters at an earnings briefing. "Given the foundation, we laid in the first half of the year, we continue to see the growth even after we were added to the entity list. That's not to say we don't have difficulties ahead. We do, and they may affect the pace of our growth in the short term," he said. The US government alleges the Chinese firm is a national security risk as its equipment could be used by Beijing to spy, which Huawei has repeatedly denied. It has since been given a three-month reprieve till August 19, and US President Trump signalled Washington would be relaxing the sanctions on Huawei, though details are unknown. Huawei's founder and CEO Ren Zhengfei told reporters last month that the impact of the blacklisting was worse than expected. It could cost the company $30 billion in revenue, and that Huawei's revenue this year and in 2020 could stay roughly the same as 2018 at around $100 billion, he said. Liang said on Tuesday Huawei remained confident in its ability to cope with the blacklisting and its 5G product roll-out had not been affected. The company has won 11 5G contracts since the blacklist was put in place out of a total of 50 bagged so far, he said. Analysts said strong domestic smartphone sales and new 5G carrier contracts were helping to offset the impact from the export ban that threatens to cut Huawei's access to advanced US components and software such as Google Android apps. Unlisted Huawei, which only started disclosing quarterly results this year, said revenue in the first half rose to 401.3 billion yuan ($58.28 billion), faster than the 15 per cent growth of a year earlier. Shipments of its smartphones jumped 24 per cent to 118 million units, as robust sales in China more than offset a global sales drop. According to data from Canalys, Huawei expanded its lead in China's smartphone market in the second quarter by more than 10 percentage points to nearly 40 per cent of the market, while overseas smartphones sales had a slight drop year-on-year. Liang said that the company's proprietary Hongmeng mobile operating system was still under development for connected devices and that its preference was to continue to use Google's Android operating system for mobile. Huawei has given little information about Hongmeng, its own back-up operating system under development in case it was cut off from US-made software. "Hongmeng is part of our long-term strategy...we are definitely not bluffing," Liang said.

Huawei warns on US ban after China smartphone sales drive first half revenue

President Donald Trump on Monday signed the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-senate-passes-911-victim-fund-sends-it-to-president-donald-trump-238095">9/11 Victim Compensation Fund Bill </a>into law to provide health care facilities to the police officers, firefighters and other first responders to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

The President was joined by more than 200 individuals affected by the 9/11 terrorist attacks, including more than 60 first responders, at the White House Rose Garden ceremony, CNN reported.

"Today we come together as one nation to support our September 11th heroes to care for their families and to renew our eternal vow -- never ever forget," Trump said, calling the fund`s extension "a sacred duty".

"The love and loyalty of our 9/11 responders knew no bounds. They answered terror with the emotional strength of true American warriors," he added.

Trump told the crowd of 9/11 first responders and their families that he was also at Ground Zero in the wake of the terror attacks, though he said he does not consider himself to be a first responder.

"I was down there also, but I`m not considering myself a first responder," Trump said.

"But I was down there. I spent a lot of time down there with you," he added.

Trump`s signature marked the end of a 15-year fight to get the government to permanently pay claims to first responders and other victims who were sickened by the toxic fumes in the days and weeks following the September 11 terror attacks.

It came after powerful testimony in mid-June from first responder Luis Alvarez, an NYPD detective who contracted cancer.

Alvarez came to Washington before his 69th round of chemotherapy and spoke at a poorly attended congressional hearing, leading to former "The Daily Show" host Jon Stewart`s viral shaming of lawmakers that upped public support for the bill.

Alvarez died in late June but gave his police badge to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, inspiring the Kentucky Republican to commit to passing the bill by August.

The bill cleared the House of Representatives on July 12, The New York Post reported.

The extension of the fund will ensure compensation for individuals injured during the 2001 terrorist attacks and in their aftermath rescuing people and removing debris under hazardous conditions.

The fund was slated to expire in 2020. 
But the newly signed legislation ensures the compensation for victims through 2090.

The Congressional Budget Office estimates the fund`s extension will cost about US $10 billion over the next decade.

However, Republican Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky and Senator Mike Lee of Utah were the only senators to vote against the bill.

President Donald Trump on Monday signed the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund Bill into law to provide health care facilities to the police officers, firefighters and other first responders to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

President Donald Trump on Monday signed the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund Bill into law to provide health care facilities to the police officers, firefighters and other first responders to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. The President was joined by more than 200 individuals affected by the 9/11 terrorist attacks, including more than 60 first responders, at the White House Rose Garden ceremony, CNN reported. "Today we come together as one nation to support our September 11th heroes to care for their families and to renew our eternal vow -- never ever forget," Trump said, calling the fund`s extension "a sacred duty". "The love and loyalty of our 9/11 responders knew no bounds. They answered terror with the emotional strength of true American warriors," he added. Trump told the crowd of 9/11 first responders and their families that he was also at Ground Zero in the wake of the terror attacks, though he said he does not consider himself to be a first responder. "I was down there also, but I`m not considering myself a first responder," Trump said. "But I was down there. I spent a lot of time down there with you," he added. Trump`s signature marked the end of a 15-year fight to get the government to permanently pay claims to first responders and other victims who were sickened by the toxic fumes in the days and weeks following the September 11 terror attacks. It came after powerful testimony in mid-June from first responder Luis Alvarez, an NYPD detective who contracted cancer. Alvarez came to Washington before his 69th round of chemotherapy and spoke at a poorly attended congressional hearing, leading to former "The Daily Show" host Jon Stewart`s viral shaming of lawmakers that upped public support for the bill. Alvarez died in late June but gave his police badge to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, inspiring the Kentucky Republican to commit to passing the bill by August. The bill cleared the House of Representatives on July 12, The New York Post reported. The extension of the fund will ensure compensation for individuals injured during the 2001 terrorist attacks and in their aftermath rescuing people and removing debris under hazardous conditions. The fund was slated to expire in 2020. But the newly signed legislation ensures the compensation for victims through 2090. The Congressional Budget Office estimates the fund`s extension will cost about US $10 billion over the next decade. However, Republican Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky and Senator Mike Lee of Utah were the only senators to vote against the bill.

Trump signs 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund bill into law for first responders

US President Donald Trump wants to begin <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/afghan-presidential-candidates-fear-for-safety-after-attack-239294">withdrawing troops from Afghanistan</a> before the 2020 election, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Monday.

Pompeo was asked during an event at the Economic Club of Washington if he expected to see a drawdown before November next year, and he answered, "That's my directive from the president of the United States."

"He's been unambiguous, end the endless wars, drawdown," said Pompeo.

Before winning the presidential election in 2016, Trump pledged to withdraw US troops from Afghanistan and end America's longest war.

But he agreed after taking power to send over more soldiers and now there are around 14,000 in Afghanistan.

For the past year, the US has been negotiating with the Taliban to reach a peace agreement ending the 18-year war.

Pompeo said Monday the talks have made "real progress" and he added that he was optimistic.

The US seems eager to speed up the peace talks as Afghanistan prepares for a presidential election in September and America for the 2020 vote.

US negotiator Zalmay Khalilzad is in Kabul and in a few days will travel to Qatar for another round of negotiations with the Taliban.

US President Donald Trump wants to begin withdrawing troops from Afghanistan before the 2020 election, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Monday. Pompeo was asked during an event at the Economic Club of Washington if he expected to see a drawdown before November next year, and he answered, "That's my directive from the president of the United States.

US President Donald Trump wants to begin withdrawing troops from Afghanistan before the 2020 election, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Monday. Pompeo was asked during an event at the Economic Club of Washington if he expected to see a drawdown before November next year, and he answered, "That's my directive from the president of the United States." "He's been unambiguous, end the endless wars, drawdown," said Pompeo. Before winning the presidential election in 2016, Trump pledged to withdraw US troops from Afghanistan and end America's longest war. But he agreed after taking power to send over more soldiers and now there are around 14,000 in Afghanistan. For the past year, the US has been negotiating with the Taliban to reach a peace agreement ending the 18-year war. Pompeo said Monday the talks have made "real progress" and he added that he was optimistic. The US seems eager to speed up the peace talks as Afghanistan prepares for a presidential election in September and America for the 2020 vote. US negotiator Zalmay Khalilzad is in Kabul and in a few days will travel to Qatar for another round of negotiations with the Taliban.

Donald Trump wants troop withdrawal in Afghan before 2020 election: US State Secretary Mike Pompeo

US negotiators arrived in Shanghai on Tuesday to resurrect trade talks with Chinese officials, with both sides downplaying expectations of an imminent deal between the world's two biggest economies.

The negotiations in the financial hub will be the first face-to-face discussions since <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-defends-attack-on-african-american-us-lawmaker-elijah-cummings-239036">US President Donald Trump</a> agreed to a truce with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-jinping-first-chinese-leader-to-visit-north-korea-in-14-years-to-meet-kim-ahead-of-trump-talks-228866">Chinese President Xi Jinping</a> at June's G20 summit after previous talks broke down over the US accusations that China reneged on its commitments.

Washington and Beijing have so far hit each other with punitive tariffs covering more than $360 billion in two-way trade, in a tense stand-off centred on demands for China to curb the alleged theft of American technology and provide a level playing field to US companies.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-trade-negotiators-will-travel-to-china-in-very-near-future-official-235396">US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer </a>and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin arrived in Shanghai on Tuesday, a source close to the talks told AFP.

Vice Premier Liu He will likely lead the talks for China again, with the two sides expected to meet later Tuesday ahead of a full day of talks on Wednesday.

The negotiations come as Beijing faces heavy pressure over ongoing civil unrest in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-police-retake-parliament-from-anti-government-protesters-232153">Hong Kong</a>, and with lingering ill-feeling between the US and China.

Days before the Shanghai meeting, Trump threatened to pull recognition of China's developing nation status at the World Trade Organization prompting an irritable reply from Beijing about the "arrogance and selfishness" of the US.

Trump said Friday he believed Chinese negotiators were hoping to delay a deal until after the US presidential election next year, adding: "When I win... they're all going to sign deals."

The US leader has also angered the Chinese side by claiming the slowing economy is forcing them to make a trade deal, and blacklisting telecom giant Huawei over national security concerns.

In a commentary on Tuesday, state news agency Xinhua admitted relations were "strained" and called for the US to "treat China with due respect if it wants a trade deal".

New city

But the kick-starting of trade negotiations are still being seen as positive even if little of substance is expected following a truce agreed between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the G20 in June.

"Realistically, this round of talks is about clarifying where the two sides stand after a significant lull in engagement," said Jake Parker, senior vice president at the US-China Business Council.&nbsp;

"There also needs to be a focus on rebuilding the trust that was present in April but has since dissipated."

Holding talks in Shanghai is also a nod to a time of better relations, as the city was the home of the 1972 Shanghai Communique -- an important step in building diplomatic relations between the US and China.

Chinese Commerce Minister Zhong Shan, who is seen as a tough negotiator, is expected to join Liu on the Chinese side.

"Minister Zhong Shan, like Liu He, is a 19th Party Congress Central Committee member, so his involvement would indicate an elevation of participation on the Chinese side," said Parker.

"His appointment could offer another senior voice... on the Chinese side."

'Lot of issues'&nbsp;

But both sides were busy lowering expectations in the run-up to talks.&nbsp;

Mnuchin told CNBC last week there were still "a lot of issues" while Chinese state-run daily The Global Times wrote that it is "widely believed that trade talks will take a long time".

There was no sign of the rhetoric letting up either, with the China Daily newspaper's Tuesday editorial saying "the US should give its go-to tactic of maximum pressure a couple of days off as it has proven ineffective against China".

It pointed to an announcement at the weekend that China would buy more US agricultural products including pork, cotton, and soybean as a sign of China's "goodwill" and called for the US to "reciprocate if it wants any progress to be made".

There are likely to be "modest soft-pedalled concessions", said Stephen Innes, managing partner at Vanguard Markets Singapore, such as a pause of further tariff increases on Chinese exports to the US.

"Following another month of escalating tensions, agreement on practically anything will be a positive," said Innes.

US negotiators arrived in Shanghai on Tuesday to resurrect trade talks with Chinese officials, with both sides downplaying expectations of an imminent deal between the world's two biggest economies.

US negotiators arrived in Shanghai on Tuesday to resurrect trade talks with Chinese officials, with both sides downplaying expectations of an imminent deal between the world's two biggest economies. The negotiations in the financial hub will be the first face-to-face discussions since US President Donald Trump agreed to a truce with Chinese President Xi Jinping at June's G20 summit after previous talks broke down over the US accusations that China reneged on its commitments. Washington and Beijing have so far hit each other with punitive tariffs covering more than $360 billion in two-way trade, in a tense stand-off centred on demands for China to curb the alleged theft of American technology and provide a level playing field to US companies. US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin arrived in Shanghai on Tuesday, a source close to the talks told AFP. Vice Premier Liu He will likely lead the talks for China again, with the two sides expected to meet later Tuesday ahead of a full day of talks on Wednesday. The negotiations come as Beijing faces heavy pressure over ongoing civil unrest in Hong Kong, and with lingering ill-feeling between the US and China. Days before the Shanghai meeting, Trump threatened to pull recognition of China's developing nation status at the World Trade Organization prompting an irritable reply from Beijing about the "arrogance and selfishness" of the US. Trump said Friday he believed Chinese negotiators were hoping to delay a deal until after the US presidential election next year, adding: "When I win... they're all going to sign deals." The US leader has also angered the Chinese side by claiming the slowing economy is forcing them to make a trade deal, and blacklisting telecom giant Huawei over national security concerns. In a commentary on Tuesday, state news agency Xinhua admitted relations were "strained" and called for the US to "treat China with due respect if it wants a trade deal". New city But the kick-starting of trade negotiations are still being seen as positive even if little of substance is expected following a truce agreed between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the G20 in June. "Realistically, this round of talks is about clarifying where the two sides stand after a significant lull in engagement," said Jake Parker, senior vice president at the US-China Business Council. "There also needs to be a focus on rebuilding the trust that was present in April but has since dissipated." Holding talks in Shanghai is also a nod to a time of better relations, as the city was the home of the 1972 Shanghai Communique -- an important step in building diplomatic relations between the US and China. Chinese Commerce Minister Zhong Shan, who is seen as a tough negotiator, is expected to join Liu on the Chinese side. "Minister Zhong Shan, like Liu He, is a 19th Party Congress Central Committee member, so his involvement would indicate an elevation of participation on the Chinese side," said Parker. "His appointment could offer another senior voice... on the Chinese side." 'Lot of issues' But both sides were busy lowering expectations in the run-up to talks. Mnuchin told CNBC last week there were still "a lot of issues" while Chinese state-run daily The Global Times wrote that it is "widely believed that trade talks will take a long time". There was no sign of the rhetoric letting up either, with the China Daily newspaper's Tuesday editorial saying "the US should give its go-to tactic of maximum pressure a couple of days off as it has proven ineffective against China". It pointed to an announcement at the weekend that China would buy more US agricultural products including pork, cotton, and soybean as a sign of China's "goodwill" and called for the US to "reciprocate if it wants any progress to be made". There are likely to be "modest soft-pedalled concessions", said Stephen Innes, managing partner at Vanguard Markets Singapore, such as a pause of further tariff increases on Chinese exports to the US. "Following another month of escalating tensions, agreement on practically anything will be a positive," said Innes.

China-US trade talks to restart after G20 tariff truce

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