By Benjamin Habib

Sunday’s trilateral meeting in the Korean Demilitarized Zone between US President Donald Trump, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, and South Korean President Moon Jae In made for compelling viewing, the latest chapter in Korean peninsula summit diplomacy.

Indeed, such a meeting would have been unthinkable only 18 months ago. It was an unprecedented event – the leaders of the US, South Korea and North Korea meeting together, especially in the DMZ.

Critics have argued, however, that the meeting was merely a heavily manicured photo-op. While heavy on symbolism, it covered nothing substantive and signalled only that the parties are willing to restart the negotiating process.

A couple of major questions remain unanswered. First, what is the ultimate purpose of negotiations? Are the US, North Korea and South Korea talking about the same thing when they talk about “denuclearisation”?

And is the endgame of negotiations ultimately about denuclearisation, or is it about reaching a permanent peace settlement to formally end the Korean War?

Symbolism vs Substance

Given the abrupt failure of the US-North Korea summit in Hanoi in February, a symbolic photo-op at the DMZ is an encouraging sign that the parties are still interested in talking.

These kinds of symbolic gestures are the foundation upon which negotiations can move forward, given that all parties are starting from a place of mutual mistrust. Without this kind of patient state-to-state relationship building, the US and North Korea will never reach a stage where more substantive issues can be discussed.

The symbolism is also important in signalling intent to the public in all three countries. For the US and South Korea, building domestic support for engagement is key to the ultimate ratification of any future agreement.

Define ‘Denuclearisation’

We also need to place the DMZ meeting in the proper context. There are several parallel games at play in which the US, North Korea and South Korea have diverging interests.

The first of these games revolves around the US demand of “complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation”, or CVID, which has formed the basis of US policy on North Korea for successive administrations since 2002.

North Korea’s nuclear weapons program represents a threat to America’s nuclear weapons supremacy – both in and of itself, and as an example to other countries that might seek to develop their own nuclear weapons capability. A nuclear-armed North Korea also demonstrates the diminished authority of the US as a regional and global power.

We see the CVID game at play in the rhetorical commitment of the US government to denuclearising the DPRK, despite the evidence that CVID has thus far failed, and in the pushback against Trump for his perceived willingness to sacrifice this aim in order to reach a deal with Kim.

The North Korean interpretation of a nuclear-free Korea, meanwhile, involves the full relinquishment of nuclear weapons by all nuclear powers, including the US.

With this in mind, the Kim government is committing to a negotiating process from which it can obtain sweeteners, not an end goal.

This leads into the second game at play: Kim’s quest to modernise the North Korean economy, which is important to the legitimacy and longevity of his government. Pyongyang’s nuclear weapons program was developed as a security umbrella under which the government can move forward with economic modernisation, while minimising the risk of state collapse.

As such, the North Koreans are likely to seek an easing of economic sanctions and economic assistance to accelerate the development of their economy in negotiations with the US.

One way to achieve these objectives is by stretching the negotiating process out for as long as possible – this allows the North Koreans to secure incentives for small concessions over a longer-term, incremental negotiating process.

The race to develop the North 
 
The third game relates to the potential opening of North Korea to foreign investment. Kim’s economic modernisation drive means that extensive opportunities for infrastructure development will emerge for foreign investors when the political climate eventually warms sufficiently.

The contours of a contest to develop North Korea are beginning to coalesce, with South Korean, Chinese and Russian companies jockeying for position to develop this relatively untapped space.

Moon, for one, sees this engagement strategy as part of South Korea’s broader push to integrate northeast Asia through economic and infrastructure linkages, such as gas pipelines, railway connections, seaports, regional electricity grid integration, Arctic shipping routes, shipbuilding, labour exchange, and the development of agriculture and fisheries projects.

Elements of this emerged in last year’s Panmunjom Declaration, which mentioned the potential opening of railway and road corridors across the DMZ.

A peace settlement, or at least a negotiating process towards that end, is the magic key that could unlock possibilities for infrastructure development in North Korea. This would remove economic sanctions as an obstacle to investment and reduce the political and economic risk for investors.

Trump’s Unique Diplomatic Style 
 
Finally, the fourth game relates to Trump himself. His businesslike approach to diplomacy and penchant for policy-by-Twitter are far removed from longstanding US diplomatic practices, in both style and substance.

Trump’s desire to reach an agreement with Kim has brought him to the brink of relinquishing the US demand for “complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation” by the North.

While one could argue, as I have, that CVID has long been a fantasy anyway, Trump’s apparent willingness to make concessions on this front puts him at odds with many in his administration and within the broader US foreign policy establishment.

This may explain one notable absentee from Trump’s entourage in South Korea – National Security Advisor John Bolton, who was dispatched to Mongolia instead. Bolton’s hardline stance on North Korea is well known, so his absence was significant. In February, the North Korean media criticised Bolton for trying to be a spoiler in the negotiations in Hanoi.

More Work to be Done 
 
Engagement with the North is hugely preferable to the uneasy status quo on the Korean peninsula that carries with it a heightened risk of conflict escalation. However, for this engagement to continue, the parties need an agreed purpose to keep negotiations moving forward.

The DMZ leaders’ meeting shows just how far apart the interests of the US, South Korea and North Korea are, and how much work needs to be done to build trust and align the parties to a basic common goal.

Handshakes and symbolism only go so far. Eventually, the parties will need to work towards something more concrete for the process to be sustained.

 
(Benjamin Habib is Lecturer in International Relations, Department of Politics and Philosophy, La Trobe University)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/trump-and-kim-are-talking-again-but-the-leaders-have-yet-to-find-real-common-ground-119737">original article)</a>

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;

By Benjamin Habib Sunday’s trilateral meeting in the Korean Demilitarized Zone between US President Donald Trump, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, and South Korean President Moon Jae In made for compelling viewing, the latest chapter in Korean peninsula summit diplomacy.

By Benjamin Habib Sunday’s trilateral meeting in the Korean Demilitarized Zone between US President Donald Trump, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, and South Korean President Moon Jae In made for compelling viewing, the latest chapter in Korean peninsula summit diplomacy. Indeed, such a meeting would have been unthinkable only 18 months ago. It was an unprecedented event – the leaders of the US, South Korea and North Korea meeting together, especially in the DMZ. Critics have argued, however, that the meeting was merely a heavily manicured photo-op. While heavy on symbolism, it covered nothing substantive and signalled only that the parties are willing to restart the negotiating process. A couple of major questions remain unanswered. First, what is the ultimate purpose of negotiations? Are the US, North Korea and South Korea talking about the same thing when they talk about “denuclearisation”? And is the endgame of negotiations ultimately about denuclearisation, or is it about reaching a permanent peace settlement to formally end the Korean War? Symbolism vs Substance Given the abrupt failure of the US-North Korea summit in Hanoi in February, a symbolic photo-op at the DMZ is an encouraging sign that the parties are still interested in talking. These kinds of symbolic gestures are the foundation upon which negotiations can move forward, given that all parties are starting from a place of mutual mistrust. Without this kind of patient state-to-state relationship building, the US and North Korea will never reach a stage where more substantive issues can be discussed. The symbolism is also important in signalling intent to the public in all three countries. For the US and South Korea, building domestic support for engagement is key to the ultimate ratification of any future agreement. Define ‘Denuclearisation’ We also need to place the DMZ meeting in the proper context. There are several parallel games at play in which the US, North Korea and South Korea have diverging interests. The first of these games revolves around the US demand of “complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation”, or CVID, which has formed the basis of US policy on North Korea for successive administrations since 2002. North Korea’s nuclear weapons program represents a threat to America’s nuclear weapons supremacy – both in and of itself, and as an example to other countries that might seek to develop their own nuclear weapons capability. A nuclear-armed North Korea also demonstrates the diminished authority of the US as a regional and global power. We see the CVID game at play in the rhetorical commitment of the US government to denuclearising the DPRK, despite the evidence that CVID has thus far failed, and in the pushback against Trump for his perceived willingness to sacrifice this aim in order to reach a deal with Kim. The North Korean interpretation of a nuclear-free Korea, meanwhile, involves the full relinquishment of nuclear weapons by all nuclear powers, including the US. With this in mind, the Kim government is committing to a negotiating process from which it can obtain sweeteners, not an end goal. This leads into the second game at play: Kim’s quest to modernise the North Korean economy, which is important to the legitimacy and longevity of his government. Pyongyang’s nuclear weapons program was developed as a security umbrella under which the government can move forward with economic modernisation, while minimising the risk of state collapse. As such, the North Koreans are likely to seek an easing of economic sanctions and economic assistance to accelerate the development of their economy in negotiations with the US. One way to achieve these objectives is by stretching the negotiating process out for as long as possible – this allows the North Koreans to secure incentives for small concessions over a longer-term, incremental negotiating process. The race to develop the North The third game relates to the potential opening of North Korea to foreign investment. Kim’s economic modernisation drive means that extensive opportunities for infrastructure development will emerge for foreign investors when the political climate eventually warms sufficiently. The contours of a contest to develop North Korea are beginning to coalesce, with South Korean, Chinese and Russian companies jockeying for position to develop this relatively untapped space. Moon, for one, sees this engagement strategy as part of South Korea’s broader push to integrate northeast Asia through economic and infrastructure linkages, such as gas pipelines, railway connections, seaports, regional electricity grid integration, Arctic shipping routes, shipbuilding, labour exchange, and the development of agriculture and fisheries projects. Elements of this emerged in last year’s Panmunjom Declaration, which mentioned the potential opening of railway and road corridors across the DMZ. A peace settlement, or at least a negotiating process towards that end, is the magic key that could unlock possibilities for infrastructure development in North Korea. This would remove economic sanctions as an obstacle to investment and reduce the political and economic risk for investors. Trump’s Unique Diplomatic Style Finally, the fourth game relates to Trump himself. His businesslike approach to diplomacy and penchant for policy-by-Twitter are far removed from longstanding US diplomatic practices, in both style and substance. Trump’s desire to reach an agreement with Kim has brought him to the brink of relinquishing the US demand for “complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation” by the North. While one could argue, as I have, that CVID has long been a fantasy anyway, Trump’s apparent willingness to make concessions on this front puts him at odds with many in his administration and within the broader US foreign policy establishment. This may explain one notable absentee from Trump’s entourage in South Korea – National Security Advisor John Bolton, who was dispatched to Mongolia instead. Bolton’s hardline stance on North Korea is well known, so his absence was significant. In February, the North Korean media criticised Bolton for trying to be a spoiler in the negotiations in Hanoi. More Work to be Done Engagement with the North is hugely preferable to the uneasy status quo on the Korean peninsula that carries with it a heightened risk of conflict escalation. However, for this engagement to continue, the parties need an agreed purpose to keep negotiations moving forward. The DMZ leaders’ meeting shows just how far apart the interests of the US, South Korea and North Korea are, and how much work needs to be done to build trust and align the parties to a basic common goal. Handshakes and symbolism only go so far. Eventually, the parties will need to work towards something more concrete for the process to be sustained. (Benjamin Habib is Lecturer in International Relations, Department of Politics and Philosophy, La Trobe University) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

US president Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un have to find real common ground

July 4: Trump's 'Salute to America' celebration features flypast, armoured vehicles and music

U.S. President Donald Trump said "our nation is stronger than it ever was before" at a fourth of July speech in Washington DC.

Trump: US is 'stronger than it ever was before'

In a sweltering capital threatened by storms, the traditional Fourth of July parade Thursday served as a warm-up act to a distinctly nontraditional evening event at the Lincoln Memorial, where President Donald Trump planned to command the stage against the backdrop of a show of military muscle.

Trump protesters, supporters mark July 4 in DC

Marilyne Tatang, 23, crossed nine borders in two months to reach Mexico from the West African nation of Cameroon, fleeing political violence after police torched her house, she said.

She plans to soon take a bus north for four days and then cross the tenth border, into the United States. She is not alone - a record number of fellow Africans are flying to South America and then traversing thousands of miles of highway and a treacherous tropical rainforest to reach the United States.

Tatang, who is eight months pregnant, took a raft across a river into Mexico on June 8, a day after Mexico struck a deal with US&nbsp;President Donald Trump to do more to control the biggest flows of <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/mexico-hopes-to-reach-migration-deal-with-the-united-states-as-tariffs-loom-223935&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiyl_CF9J3jAhXP6nMBHWXtDy0QFjAAegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw30iaaMv3DCfndD5ZNPpJlq">migrants </a>heading north to the US&nbsp;border in more than a decade.

The migrants vying for entry at the US&nbsp;southern border are mainly Central Americans. But growing numbers from a handful of African countries are joining them, prompting calls from Trump and Mexico for other countries in Latin America to do their part to slow the overall flood of migrants.

As more Africans learn from relatives and friends who have made the trip that crossing Latin America to the United States is tough but not impossible, more are making the journey, and in turn are helping others follow in their footsteps, migration experts say.

Trump's threats to clamp down on migrants have ricocheted around the globe, paradoxically spurring some to exploit what they see as a narrowing window of opportunity, said Michelle Mittelstadt, communications director for the Migration Policy Institute, a Washington-based think tank.

"This message is being heard not just in Central America, but in other parts of the world," she said.

Data from Mexico's interior ministry suggests that migration from Africa this year will break records.

The number of Africans registered by Mexican authorities tripled in the first four months of 2019 compared with the same period a year ago, reaching about 1,900 people, mostly from Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), which remains deeply unstable years after the end of a bloody regional conflict with its neighbors that led to the deaths of millions of people.

'THEY WOULD HAVE KILLED ME'

Tatang, a grade school teacher, said she left northwest Cameroon due to worsening violence in the English-speaking region, where separatists are battling the mostly French-speaking government for autonomy.

"It was so bad that they burned the house where I was living ... they would have killed me," she said, referring to government forces who tried to capture her,'' she said.

At first, Tatang planned only to cross the border into Nigeria. Then she heard that some people had made it to the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/mexico-promises-unprecedented-steps-to-curb-migration-in-us-deal-joint-statement-225371&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiyl_CF9J3jAhXP6nMBHWXtDy0QFjACegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2rj-pLbF7Zb5fWQVfzXm4t">United States</a>.

"Someone would say, 'You can do this,'" she said. 'So I asked if it was possible for someone like me too because I'm pregnant. They said, 'Do this, do that.'"

Tatang begged her family for money for the journey, which she said so far has cost $5,000.

She said her route began with a flight to Ecuador, where Cameroonians don't need visas. Tatang went by bus and on foot through Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras and Guatemala until reaching Mexico.

She was still deciding what to do once she got to Mexico's northern border city of Tijuana, she said, cradling her belly while seated on a concrete bench outside migration offices in the southern Mexican city of Tapachula.

"I will just ask," she said. "I can't say, 'When I get there, I will do this.' I don't know. I've never been there."

Reuters spoke recently with five migrants in Tapachula who were from Cameroon, DRC and Angola. Several said they travelled to Brazil as a jumping-off point.

They were a small sampling of the hundreds of people - including Haitians, Cubans, Indians and Bangladeshis - clustered outside migration offices.

Political volatility in Cameroon and the DRC in recent years has displaced hundreds of thousands of people.

People from the DRC made up the third-largest group of new refugees globally last year with about 123,000 people, according to the UN&nbsp;Refugee Agency, while Cameroon's internally displaced population grew by 447,000 people.

The number of undocumented African migrants found by authorities in Mexico quadrupled compared to five years ago, reaching nearly 3,000 people in 2018.

Most obtain a visa that allows them free passage through Mexico for 20 days, after which they cross into the United States and ask for asylum.

Few choose to seek asylum in Mexico, in part because they don't speak Spanish.

Tatang said the language barrier was especially frustrating because she speaks only English, making communication difficult both with Mexican migration officials and even other Africans, such as migrants from DRC who speak primarily French.

Those who reach the United States often send advice back home, helping make the journey easier for others, said Florence Kim, spokeswoman for the International Organisation for Migration in West and Central Africa.

Like their Central American migrant counterparts, some Africans are also showing up with families hoping for easier entries than as individuals, said Mittelstadt of the Migration Policy Institute.

US&nbsp;data shows a huge spike in the number of families from countries other than Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras at the US&nbsp;southern border.

Between last October and May 16,000 members of families were registered, up from 1,000 for the whole of 2018, according to an analysis by the MPI.

REGIONAL APPROACH

The gruelling Latin America trek forces migrants to spend at least a week trudging across swampland and hiking through mountainous rainforests in the lawless Darien Gap that is the only link between Panama and Colombia.

Still, the route has a key advantage&nbsp;Countries in the region typically do not deport migrants from other continents due in part to the steep costs and lack of repatriation agreements with their home countries.

That relaxed attitude could change, however.

Under a deal struck with the United States last month, <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/mexico-to-discuss-safe-third-country-deal-with-us-if-migration-does-not-slow-226078&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiyl_CF9J3jAhXP6nMBHWXtDy0QFjAFegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw01vi3wq9-mXmxVRp7ZIEBf">Mexico </a>may start a process later this month to become a safe third country, making asylum seekers apply for refuge in Mexico and not the United States.

To lessen the load on Mexico, Mexico and the United States plan to put pressure on Central American nations to do more to prevent asylum seekers, including African migrants, from moving north.

For the moment, however, more Africans can be expected to attempt the journey, said IOM's Kim.

"They want to do something with their life. They feel they lack a future in their country," she said.

Marilyne Tatang, 23, crossed nine borders in two months to reach Mexico from the West African nation of Cameroon, fleeing political violence after police torched her house, she said.

Marilyne Tatang, 23, crossed nine borders in two months to reach Mexico from the West African nation of Cameroon, fleeing political violence after police torched her house, she said. She plans to soon take a bus north for four days and then cross the tenth border, into the United States. She is not alone - a record number of fellow Africans are flying to South America and then traversing thousands of miles of highway and a treacherous tropical rainforest to reach the United States. Tatang, who is eight months pregnant, took a raft across a river into Mexico on June 8, a day after Mexico struck a deal with US President Donald Trump to do more to control the biggest flows of migrants heading north to the US border in more than a decade. The migrants vying for entry at the US southern border are mainly Central Americans. But growing numbers from a handful of African countries are joining them, prompting calls from Trump and Mexico for other countries in Latin America to do their part to slow the overall flood of migrants. As more Africans learn from relatives and friends who have made the trip that crossing Latin America to the United States is tough but not impossible, more are making the journey, and in turn are helping others follow in their footsteps, migration experts say. Trump's threats to clamp down on migrants have ricocheted around the globe, paradoxically spurring some to exploit what they see as a narrowing window of opportunity, said Michelle Mittelstadt, communications director for the Migration Policy Institute, a Washington-based think tank. "This message is being heard not just in Central America, but in other parts of the world," she said. Data from Mexico's interior ministry suggests that migration from Africa this year will break records. The number of Africans registered by Mexican authorities tripled in the first four months of 2019 compared with the same period a year ago, reaching about 1,900 people, mostly from Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), which remains deeply unstable years after the end of a bloody regional conflict with its neighbors that led to the deaths of millions of people. 'THEY WOULD HAVE KILLED ME' Tatang, a grade school teacher, said she left northwest Cameroon due to worsening violence in the English-speaking region, where separatists are battling the mostly French-speaking government for autonomy. "It was so bad that they burned the house where I was living ... they would have killed me," she said, referring to government forces who tried to capture her,'' she said. At first, Tatang planned only to cross the border into Nigeria. Then she heard that some people had made it to the United States. "Someone would say, 'You can do this,'" she said. 'So I asked if it was possible for someone like me too because I'm pregnant. They said, 'Do this, do that.'" Tatang begged her family for money for the journey, which she said so far has cost $5,000. She said her route began with a flight to Ecuador, where Cameroonians don't need visas. Tatang went by bus and on foot through Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras and Guatemala until reaching Mexico. She was still deciding what to do once she got to Mexico's northern border city of Tijuana, she said, cradling her belly while seated on a concrete bench outside migration offices in the southern Mexican city of Tapachula. "I will just ask," she said. "I can't say, 'When I get there, I will do this.' I don't know. I've never been there." Reuters spoke recently with five migrants in Tapachula who were from Cameroon, DRC and Angola. Several said they travelled to Brazil as a jumping-off point. They were a small sampling of the hundreds of people - including Haitians, Cubans, Indians and Bangladeshis - clustered outside migration offices. Political volatility in Cameroon and the DRC in recent years has displaced hundreds of thousands of people. People from the DRC made up the third-largest group of new refugees globally last year with about 123,000 people, according to the UN Refugee Agency, while Cameroon's internally displaced population grew by 447,000 people. The number of undocumented African migrants found by authorities in Mexico quadrupled compared to five years ago, reaching nearly 3,000 people in 2018. Most obtain a visa that allows them free passage through Mexico for 20 days, after which they cross into the United States and ask for asylum. Few choose to seek asylum in Mexico, in part because they don't speak Spanish. Tatang said the language barrier was especially frustrating because she speaks only English, making communication difficult both with Mexican migration officials and even other Africans, such as migrants from DRC who speak primarily French. Those who reach the United States often send advice back home, helping make the journey easier for others, said Florence Kim, spokeswoman for the International Organisation for Migration in West and Central Africa. Like their Central American migrant counterparts, some Africans are also showing up with families hoping for easier entries than as individuals, said Mittelstadt of the Migration Policy Institute. US data shows a huge spike in the number of families from countries other than Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras at the US southern border. Between last October and May 16,000 members of families were registered, up from 1,000 for the whole of 2018, according to an analysis by the MPI. REGIONAL APPROACH The gruelling Latin America trek forces migrants to spend at least a week trudging across swampland and hiking through mountainous rainforests in the lawless Darien Gap that is the only link between Panama and Colombia. Still, the route has a key advantage Countries in the region typically do not deport migrants from other continents due in part to the steep costs and lack of repatriation agreements with their home countries. That relaxed attitude could change, however. Under a deal struck with the United States last month, Mexico may start a process later this month to become a safe third country, making asylum seekers apply for refuge in Mexico and not the United States. To lessen the load on Mexico, Mexico and the United States plan to put pressure on Central American nations to do more to prevent asylum seekers, including African migrants, from moving north. For the moment, however, more Africans can be expected to attempt the journey, said IOM's Kim. "They want to do something with their life. They feel they lack a future in their country," she said.

US dream pulls African migrants in record numbers across Latin America

US&nbsp;job growth rebounded strongly in June, but moderate wage gains and mounting evidence that the economy was slowing sharply could still encourage the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates this month.

The Labor Department's closely watched employment report on Friday suggested May's sharp slowdown in hiring was probably a fluke.

Lack of concrete progress in resolving an acrimonious trade war between the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/opinions/us-china-trade-war-points-to-the-real-crisis-that-global-leaders-must-confront-at-g20-summit-231112&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi9h4rn8J3jAhXv7nMBHfecB_8QFjADegQIBhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2Ps1zFjFe0J1G_pX_vjxRi">United States and China</a>, however, means the bar could be very high for the Federal Reserve not to lower borrowing costs at its July 30-31 policy meeting.

The US&nbsp;central bank last month signalled it could ease monetary policy as early as this month citing low inflation as well as growing risks to the economy from an escalation in trade tensions between Washington and Beijing.

President <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-vietnam-worse-than-china-on-trade-230655&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj5ser78J3jAhVE6nMBHVjaAwMQFjABegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2AfaDn0r0GV60JWaMowRbY">Donald Trump</a> and Chinese President Xi Jinping last week agreed to a trade truce and a return to talks. Trump has said he is in "no hurry" to make a deal and on Wednesday accused China and Europe of "playing big currency manipulation game and pumping money into their system in order to compete with the USA."

The trade fight has undercut business confidence, leading to a downturn in equipment spending and manufacturing.

Nonfarm payrolls increased by 224,000 jobs last month, the most in five months, the government said. The economy created 11,000 fewer jobs in April and May than previously reported. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast payrolls rising 160,000 jobs in June.

Job growth averaged 172,000 per month in the first half. Hiring has cooled from an average of 223,000 jobs per month in 2018. The pace, however, remains well above the roughly 100,000 needed to keep up with growth in the working-age population.

The economy, which has expanded a record 10 years, has shifted into a lower gear as the stimulus from last year's massive tax cuts and more government spending fizzles. The Atlanta Fed is forecasting gross domestic product rising at a 1.3% annualized rate in the April-June quarter.

The economy grew at a 3.1 per cent pace in the first quarter.

The trend in wage growth has slowed from late last year when wages were rising at their fastest rate in a decade, pointing to moderate inflation.

Average hourly earnings rose six cents or 0.2% after gaining 0.3% in May. That kept the annual increase in wages at 3.1% for a second straight month.

The unemployment rate rose one-tenth of a percentage point to 3.7% as people entered the labour market.

Some of the recent drops in the jobless rate has been because of people leaving the labour market.

A broader measure of unemployment, which includes people who want to work but have given up searching and those working part-time because they cannot find full-time employment, rose to 7.2% in June from 7.1% in May.

Job growth has slowed in part as employers struggle to find qualified workers. There are about 7.4 million job openings.

Hiring picked up nearly across all sectors in June, though retail payrolls contracted for a fifth straight month.

Manufacturing payrolls increased by 17,000 jobs after rising by 3,000 in May. The surge in hiring is despite the sector struggling with an inventory bulge, concentrated in the automotive industry, trade tensions, design troubles at planemaker <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/boeing-says-confident-us-china-trade-talks-will-succeed-218453&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi5sIiP8Z3jAhWv7nMBHQC3DP4QFjAAegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw01GsstpQ3B_lUm2_nvnomH">Boeing&nbsp;</a>and slowing global growth.

Construction employment rose by 21,000 jobs last month after gaining 5,000 in May.

Government payrolls rebounded by 33,000 after shedding 11,000 jobs in May. The average workweek was unchanged at 34.4 hours in June for a third straight month.

US job growth rebounded strongly in June, but moderate wage gains and mounting evidence that the economy was slowing sharply could still encourage the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates this month.

US job growth rebounded strongly in June, but moderate wage gains and mounting evidence that the economy was slowing sharply could still encourage the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates this month. The Labor Department's closely watched employment report on Friday suggested May's sharp slowdown in hiring was probably a fluke. Lack of concrete progress in resolving an acrimonious trade war between the United States and China, however, means the bar could be very high for the Federal Reserve not to lower borrowing costs at its July 30-31 policy meeting. The US central bank last month signalled it could ease monetary policy as early as this month citing low inflation as well as growing risks to the economy from an escalation in trade tensions between Washington and Beijing. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping last week agreed to a trade truce and a return to talks. Trump has said he is in "no hurry" to make a deal and on Wednesday accused China and Europe of "playing big currency manipulation game and pumping money into their system in order to compete with the USA." The trade fight has undercut business confidence, leading to a downturn in equipment spending and manufacturing. Nonfarm payrolls increased by 224,000 jobs last month, the most in five months, the government said. The economy created 11,000 fewer jobs in April and May than previously reported. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast payrolls rising 160,000 jobs in June. Job growth averaged 172,000 per month in the first half. Hiring has cooled from an average of 223,000 jobs per month in 2018. The pace, however, remains well above the roughly 100,000 needed to keep up with growth in the working-age population. The economy, which has expanded a record 10 years, has shifted into a lower gear as the stimulus from last year's massive tax cuts and more government spending fizzles. The Atlanta Fed is forecasting gross domestic product rising at a 1.3% annualized rate in the April-June quarter. The economy grew at a 3.1 per cent pace in the first quarter. The trend in wage growth has slowed from late last year when wages were rising at their fastest rate in a decade, pointing to moderate inflation. Average hourly earnings rose six cents or 0.2% after gaining 0.3% in May. That kept the annual increase in wages at 3.1% for a second straight month. The unemployment rate rose one-tenth of a percentage point to 3.7% as people entered the labour market. Some of the recent drops in the jobless rate has been because of people leaving the labour market. A broader measure of unemployment, which includes people who want to work but have given up searching and those working part-time because they cannot find full-time employment, rose to 7.2% in June from 7.1% in May. Job growth has slowed in part as employers struggle to find qualified workers. There are about 7.4 million job openings. Hiring picked up nearly across all sectors in June, though retail payrolls contracted for a fifth straight month. Manufacturing payrolls increased by 17,000 jobs after rising by 3,000 in May. The surge in hiring is despite the sector struggling with an inventory bulge, concentrated in the automotive industry, trade tensions, design troubles at planemaker Boeing and slowing global growth. Construction employment rose by 21,000 jobs last month after gaining 5,000 in May. Government payrolls rebounded by 33,000 after shedding 11,000 jobs in May. The average workweek was unchanged at 34.4 hours in June for a third straight month.

US job growth surges, but wage growth remains tepid

The fireworks on July 4 won't just be for the Independence Day celebrations in the United States, they will also be political.

As US President Donald Trump promises military tanks, incredible flyovers and the biggest ever fireworks for this year's celebrations in Washington, the Democrats are seething. Not everyone is on board, including the military.

The City Council of District of Columbia (DC), where these celebrations will take place, complained that Trump was politicising a traditionally non-partisan celebration.

The White House has tried to calm those concerns.

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"Thematically, how wonderful this country is. Our troops and military are great democracy. And... great call to patriotism. The success of this administration in opening up so many jobs for individuals, what we've done for veterans. There's no final form yet. But, America will hear the whole speech. They're not going to really wait for people to take one little clause out of it," White House senior advisor Kellyanne Conway said at a press briefing on Tuesday.

But true to his character, Trump blamed the Democrats.

"I think I have reached most Americans. Most Americans want no crime. Most Americans want a strong military. They want good education. They want good healthcare. If you look at pre-existing conditions, the Republicans are going to save pre-existing conditions that Democrats won't be able to do," he told reporters earlier this week.

But it's not just the poll pitch that has people worried, there are also unanswered questions about costs associated with the military involvement in the celebration.

"Part of the problem is we have no idea what the costs are. We do know this - that the inauguration costs us more than seven million dollars and we haven't been paid for that yet. And we do know that our police and security officials from the District of Columbia are absolutely necessary to pull off anything in this city. And so we are already owed. Given no estimate as to what this has been being, being - is going to cost us," said Rep Eleanor Holmes Norton, District of Columbia.

Earlier, DC authorities complained about the damage that tanks would cause to city streets and re-issued its complaint after the Washington Post reported Trump's plan to station military tanks in the city.

Under White House direction, the Pentagon is scrambling to arrange for an Air Force B-2 stealth bomber and other warplanes to conduct flyovers.

Also deployed will be the US Navy's F-35 and F-18 fighter jets, the navy blue Angels aerial acrobatics team, army and Coast Guard helicopters and Marine V-22 Ospreys.

Trump tweeted saying the military was thrilled by the extravagant event, but it seems the Pentagon has been mum on the issue - there is no official confirmation that General Joseph Dunford, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, even plans to attend.

The military appreciates national recognition, but doesn't want to be seen as a political prop. But in campaign year, Trump certainly thinks otherwise.

The fireworks on July 4 won't just be for the Independence Day celebrations in the United States, they will also be political. As US President Donald Trump promises military tanks, incredible flyovers and the biggest ever fireworks for this year's celebrations in Washington, the Democrats are seething.

The fireworks on July 4 won't just be for the Independence Day celebrations in the United States, they will also be political. As US President Donald Trump promises military tanks, incredible flyovers and the biggest ever fireworks for this year's celebrations in Washington, the Democrats are seething. Not everyone is on board, including the military. The City Council of District of Columbia (DC), where these celebrations will take place, complained that Trump was politicising a traditionally non-partisan celebration. The White House has tried to calm those concerns. × "Thematically, how wonderful this country is. Our troops and military are great democracy. And... great call to patriotism. The success of this administration in opening up so many jobs for individuals, what we've done for veterans. There's no final form yet. But, America will hear the whole speech. They're not going to really wait for people to take one little clause out of it," White House senior advisor Kellyanne Conway said at a press briefing on Tuesday. But true to his character, Trump blamed the Democrats. "I think I have reached most Americans. Most Americans want no crime. Most Americans want a strong military. They want good education. They want good healthcare. If you look at pre-existing conditions, the Republicans are going to save pre-existing conditions that Democrats won't be able to do," he told reporters earlier this week. But it's not just the poll pitch that has people worried, there are also unanswered questions about costs associated with the military involvement in the celebration. "Part of the problem is we have no idea what the costs are. We do know this - that the inauguration costs us more than seven million dollars and we haven't been paid for that yet. And we do know that our police and security officials from the District of Columbia are absolutely necessary to pull off anything in this city. And so we are already owed. Given no estimate as to what this has been being, being - is going to cost us," said Rep Eleanor Holmes Norton, District of Columbia. Earlier, DC authorities complained about the damage that tanks would cause to city streets and re-issued its complaint after the Washington Post reported Trump's plan to station military tanks in the city. Under White House direction, the Pentagon is scrambling to arrange for an Air Force B-2 stealth bomber and other warplanes to conduct flyovers. Also deployed will be the US Navy's F-35 and F-18 fighter jets, the navy blue Angels aerial acrobatics team, army and Coast Guard helicopters and Marine V-22 Ospreys. Trump tweeted saying the military was thrilled by the extravagant event, but it seems the Pentagon has been mum on the issue - there is no official confirmation that General Joseph Dunford, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, even plans to attend. The military appreciates national recognition, but doesn't want to be seen as a political prop. But in campaign year, Trump certainly thinks otherwise.

July 4 celebrations turn political, with a question: Who will pay for Trump's plan?

John Adams predicted in a 1776 letter that the nation would mark the anniversary of its independence as “the most memorable Epocha in the History of America,” hosting a great anniversary festival that ought to be “solemnized” forever after with “Pomp and Parade … Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other.”

Why July 4th Celebration in US Is Political

Iran's President Rouhani Says That Iran Will Begin Enriching Uranium Above The Limits Prescribed In The Iran Nuclear Accord Iran will begin to enrich its Uranium above the threshold limit prescribed in the Nuclear accord. This has caused concern across the world. The story is fast evolving and if not handled properly, the tensions threaten to go out of control. Palki gets us the updates.

Gravitas: Iran to increase uranuim enrichment  as U.S.-Iran tension escalates

U.S. President Donald Trump issues fresh warning over twitter. Watch this video to know more.

Donald Trump issues fresh warning

As the United States and Iran appear set on a collision course, it is clear that no global or regional player is prepared to openly side with Iran and invite the wrath of President Donald Trump. Washington is the primary offender.

It set out to provoke Iran by pulling out of the nuclear deal last year. Taunted, sanctioned and challenged, Iran had no choice but to defy the US. It had to show that it did not fear Trump's threat of "obliteration". It did so by crossing the threshold of uranium enrichment. The European Union knows that Iran is being baited by the US. But the EU cannot stand up to Trump. So they ask Iran to back down.

China, locked in a trade war with the US, has no appetite to test Trump on another front when its own interests are at stake. Russia, which wants Trump to attend the Victory Day Parade in Moscow's Red Square next year, is telling Tehran not to give in to emotion. As the nuclear stand-off continues, every country is asking Iran to stand by the 2015 nuclear deal although it is the US that has walked out of it. None is prepared to defy US sanctions against Iran.

Iran has long and deep civilisational, economic, political and diplomatic ties with India. India-Iran friendship has survived difficult tests. During this nuclear stand-off, so far, India has not raised its voice explicitly against Iran. At the same time, there is no doubt that it is on the side of the US. Like all those at G-20 who lined up to shake President Trump's hand, will India too turn its back on Iran? As of now, like Russia, China and the EU, India is playing the safe wait and watch game.

(Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

As the United States and Iran appear set on a collision course, it is clear that no global or regional player is prepared to openly side with Iran and invite the wrath of President Donald Trump.

As the United States and Iran appear set on a collision course, it is clear that no global or regional player is prepared to openly side with Iran and invite the wrath of President Donald Trump. Washington is the primary offender. It set out to provoke Iran by pulling out of the nuclear deal last year. Taunted, sanctioned and challenged, Iran had no choice but to defy the US. It had to show that it did not fear Trump's threat of "obliteration". It did so by crossing the threshold of uranium enrichment. The European Union knows that Iran is being baited by the US. But the EU cannot stand up to Trump. So they ask Iran to back down. China, locked in a trade war with the US, has no appetite to test Trump on another front when its own interests are at stake. Russia, which wants Trump to attend the Victory Day Parade in Moscow's Red Square next year, is telling Tehran not to give in to emotion. As the nuclear stand-off continues, every country is asking Iran to stand by the 2015 nuclear deal although it is the US that has walked out of it. None is prepared to defy US sanctions against Iran. Iran has long and deep civilisational, economic, political and diplomatic ties with India. India-Iran friendship has survived difficult tests. During this nuclear stand-off, so far, India has not raised its voice explicitly against Iran. At the same time, there is no doubt that it is on the side of the US. Like all those at G-20 who lined up to shake President Trump's hand, will India too turn its back on Iran? As of now, like Russia, China and the EU, India is playing the safe wait and watch game. (Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

WION Edit: India watches as US-Iran conflict unravels

When President Donald Trump’s administration announced a $12 billion aid package for farmers struggling under the financial strain of his trade dispute with China, the payments were capped. But many large farming operations had no trouble finding legal ways around them, records provided to The Associated Press under the Freedom of Information Act show.

US Farms Evade Trade Aid Limits

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan will meet US&nbsp;President Donald Trump in Washington later this month, its foreign office said on Thursday, a visit that could help to ease tensions between the two countries.

Trump late last year accused Pakistan of not doing "a damn thing" for the United States despite billions of dollars in aid, angering Islamabad which has long been at odds with Washington over the war in Afghanistan.

By February, Trump said the United States had developed a "much better" relationship and may set up some meetings with Pakistan.

Khan accepted an invitation to visit Washington and will meet Trump on July 22, the foreign office said in a statement.

"The focus will be to refresh the bilateral relationship," it said.

Pakistan and the United States are officially allies in fighting terrorism but they have a complicated relationship.

Washington depends on Pakistan to supply its forces in neighbouring Afghanistan, where 14,000 US&nbsp;troops are deployed, but ties are strained by allegations that Pakistan offers safe havens to the Afghan Taliban, which Islamabad denies.

Pakistan has played a behind-the-scenes role in supporting US&nbsp;peace talks with the Afghan Taliban, including facilitating travel to negotiations, and is a key player in Washington's plans to end its longest war.

Earlier this year the United States helped to de-escalate a conflict between India and Pakistan that threatened to spiral out of control when their warplanes engaged in a dogfight over the disputed Kashmir region.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan will meet US President Donald Trump in Washington later this month, its foreign office said on Thursday, a visit that could help to ease tensions between the two countries.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan will meet US President Donald Trump in Washington later this month, its foreign office said on Thursday, a visit that could help to ease tensions between the two countries. Trump late last year accused Pakistan of not doing "a damn thing" for the United States despite billions of dollars in aid, angering Islamabad which has long been at odds with Washington over the war in Afghanistan. By February, Trump said the United States had developed a "much better" relationship and may set up some meetings with Pakistan. Khan accepted an invitation to visit Washington and will meet Trump on July 22, the foreign office said in a statement. "The focus will be to refresh the bilateral relationship," it said. Pakistan and the United States are officially allies in fighting terrorism but they have a complicated relationship. Washington depends on Pakistan to supply its forces in neighbouring Afghanistan, where 14,000 US troops are deployed, but ties are strained by allegations that Pakistan offers safe havens to the Afghan Taliban, which Islamabad denies. Pakistan has played a behind-the-scenes role in supporting US peace talks with the Afghan Taliban, including facilitating travel to negotiations, and is a key player in Washington's plans to end its longest war. Earlier this year the United States helped to de-escalate a conflict between India and Pakistan that threatened to spiral out of control when their warplanes engaged in a dogfight over the disputed Kashmir region.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan to meet Trump for talks on improving ties

North Korea's mission to the United Nations accused the United States on Wednesday of being "more and more hell-bent on hostile acts" against Pyongyang, despite President Donald Trump wanting <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-calls-kim-trump-in-demilitarized-zone-meeting-historic-231862">talks between the two countries</a>.

In a statement, the mission said it was responding to a US accusation that Pyongyang breached a cap on refined petroleum imports and a letter that it said was sent on June 29 by the United States, France, Germany and Britain to all UN member states urging them to implement sanctions against North Korea.

"What can't be overlooked is the fact that this joint letter game was carried out by the permanent mission of the United States to the UN under instruction of the State Department, on the very same day when President Trump proposed for the summit meeting," the statement said.

Trump became the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/trump-lands-at-dmz-ahead-of-meeting-with-north-koreas-kim-231654">first sitting US president to set foot in North Korea</a> on Sunday when he met leader Kim Jong Un in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between the two Koreas. The pair agreed to resume stalled talks aimed at getting Pyongyang to give up its nuclear weapons program.

The North Korean UN mission said the June 29 letter to UN&nbsp;member states "speaks to the reality that the United States is practically more and more hell-bent on the hostile acts against the DPRK, though talking about the DPRK-US dialogue."

North Korea is formally known as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

Watch:&nbsp;After surprise Trump-Kim meeting, US and North Korea to reopen talks

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The UN Security Council has unanimously boosted sanctions on North Korea since 2006 in a bid to choke funding for Pyongyang's nuclear and ballistic missile programs, banning exports including coal, iron, lead, textiles and seafood, and capping imports of crude oil and refined petroleum products.

'Obsessed with sanctions'

The United States, backed by dozens of allies, told a council sanction committee last month that North Korea had breached an annual UN cap of 500,000 barrels imposed in December 2017, mainly through transfers between ships at sea.

Washington wanted the 15-member North Korea sanctions committee to demand an immediate halt to deliveries of refined petroleum to North Korea. However, Pyongyang allies Russia and China delayed the move.

The letter from the United States, Germany, Britain and France cited by North Korea's UN mission - and viewed by Reuters - was actually dated June 27. It urges all UN member states to comply with Security Council sanctions requiring the repatriation of all North Korean workers by December 22, 2019.

"It is quite ridiculous for the United States to continue to behave obsessed with sanctions and pressure campaign against the DPRK, considering sanctions as a panacea for all problems," the North Korean UN mission said on Wednesday.

Following Sunday's meeting between Kim and Trump, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said a new round of denuclearization talks would likely happen "sometime in July ... probably in the next two or three weeks" and North Korea's negotiators would be foreign ministry diplomats.

The United States and other UN Security Council members have said there must be strict enforcement of sanctions until Pyongyang acts, while Russia and China have suggested the council discuss easing the measures.

"All UN member states will have to keep vigilance against deliberate attempts by the United States to undermine the peaceful atmosphere that has been created on the Korean Peninsula in no easy way," the North Korean statement said.

North Korea's mission to the United Nations accused the United States on Wednesday of being "more and more hell-bent on hostile acts" against Pyongyang, despite President Donald Trump wanting talks between the two countries.

North Korea's mission to the United Nations accused the United States on Wednesday of being "more and more hell-bent on hostile acts" against Pyongyang, despite President Donald Trump wanting talks between the two countries. In a statement, the mission said it was responding to a US accusation that Pyongyang breached a cap on refined petroleum imports and a letter that it said was sent on June 29 by the United States, France, Germany and Britain to all UN member states urging them to implement sanctions against North Korea. "What can't be overlooked is the fact that this joint letter game was carried out by the permanent mission of the United States to the UN under instruction of the State Department, on the very same day when President Trump proposed for the summit meeting," the statement said. Trump became the first sitting US president to set foot in North Korea on Sunday when he met leader Kim Jong Un in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between the two Koreas. The pair agreed to resume stalled talks aimed at getting Pyongyang to give up its nuclear weapons program. The North Korean UN mission said the June 29 letter to UN member states "speaks to the reality that the United States is practically more and more hell-bent on the hostile acts against the DPRK, though talking about the DPRK-US dialogue." North Korea is formally known as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). Watch: After surprise Trump-Kim meeting, US and North Korea to reopen talks The UN Security Council has unanimously boosted sanctions on North Korea since 2006 in a bid to choke funding for Pyongyang's nuclear and ballistic missile programs, banning exports including coal, iron, lead, textiles and seafood, and capping imports of crude oil and refined petroleum products. 'Obsessed with sanctions' The United States, backed by dozens of allies, told a council sanction committee last month that North Korea had breached an annual UN cap of 500,000 barrels imposed in December 2017, mainly through transfers between ships at sea. Washington wanted the 15-member North Korea sanctions committee to demand an immediate halt to deliveries of refined petroleum to North Korea. However, Pyongyang allies Russia and China delayed the move. The letter from the United States, Germany, Britain and France cited by North Korea's UN mission - and viewed by Reuters - was actually dated June 27. It urges all UN member states to comply with Security Council sanctions requiring the repatriation of all North Korean workers by December 22, 2019. "It is quite ridiculous for the United States to continue to behave obsessed with sanctions and pressure campaign against the DPRK, considering sanctions as a panacea for all problems," the North Korean UN mission said on Wednesday. Following Sunday's meeting between Kim and Trump, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said a new round of denuclearization talks would likely happen "sometime in July ... probably in the next two or three weeks" and North Korea's negotiators would be foreign ministry diplomats. The United States and other UN Security Council members have said there must be strict enforcement of sanctions until Pyongyang acts, while Russia and China have suggested the council discuss easing the measures. "All UN member states will have to keep vigilance against deliberate attempts by the United States to undermine the peaceful atmosphere that has been created on the Korean Peninsula in no easy way," the North Korean statement said.

US 'hell-bent on hostile acts' despite wanting to talk: North Korea

Environmental groups sued the Indonesian president and several government officials on Thursday over worsening air quality in the capital, Jakarta, one of the world's most congested cities.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesian-troops-flood-jakarta-streets-after-post-election-riots-220989">Jakarta</a> is consistently ranked among the top 10 most polluted cities in the world, according to Air Visual, a Swiss-based group that monitors air quality.

Pollution levels in the city of over 10 million have spiked in recent weeks to nearly five times the level recommended by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

"We are suing the government so they will investigate where the pollution comes from and take actions based on their findings," climate campaigner Bondan Andriyanu told journalists at a central Jakarta district court.&nbsp;

Greenpeace and Jakarta Legal Aid Foundation are suing President Joko Widodo, the environment minister and home minister and three governors on Java island, including that of Jakarta.

Representatives for Widodo and Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan were not immediately available for comment.

In recent weeks, Jakarta's PM2.5 levels - the amount of tiny particulate matter under 2.5 micrograms found in every cubic meter of air - have reached as high as 152. Anything above 35 is considered "unhealthy" by the EPA.

Some residents have complained of respiratory problems.

"I can see so much haze at night," said 23-year-old Cintya Ladyana who lives on the 25th floor of an apartment building in western Jakarta. "I have also caught the flu and cough."

Environmental groups sued the Indonesian president and several government officials on Thursday over worsening air quality in the capital, Jakarta, one of the world's most congested cities.

Environmental groups sued the Indonesian president and several government officials on Thursday over worsening air quality in the capital, Jakarta, one of the world's most congested cities. Jakarta is consistently ranked among the top 10 most polluted cities in the world, according to Air Visual, a Swiss-based group that monitors air quality. Pollution levels in the city of over 10 million have spiked in recent weeks to nearly five times the level recommended by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). "We are suing the government so they will investigate where the pollution comes from and take actions based on their findings," climate campaigner Bondan Andriyanu told journalists at a central Jakarta district court. Greenpeace and Jakarta Legal Aid Foundation are suing President Joko Widodo, the environment minister and home minister and three governors on Java island, including that of Jakarta. Representatives for Widodo and Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan were not immediately available for comment. In recent weeks, Jakarta's PM2.5 levels - the amount of tiny particulate matter under 2.5 micrograms found in every cubic meter of air - have reached as high as 152. Anything above 35 is considered "unhealthy" by the EPA. Some residents have complained of respiratory problems. "I can see so much haze at night," said 23-year-old Cintya Ladyana who lives on the 25th floor of an apartment building in western Jakarta. "I have also caught the flu and cough."

Indonesian president sued over congested capital's air pollution

Britain's Foreign Secretary <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-race-for-no-10-uks-johnson-and-hunt-vow-to-splash-the-cash-231797">Jeremy Hunt</a> said on Thursday that he had not backed violent protests in Hong Kong after Chinese state media blamed interference by Western governments for unrest in the former British colony.

"Let me clarify what I said. I said that I condemned, and we as the United Kingdom, condemn all violence and that people who supported the pro-democracy demonstrators would have been very dismayed by the scenes they saw," Hunt told BBC radio.

Hunt said authorities had to deal with the root causes of the protests over a now-suspended extradition law in Hong Kong. He also said there was no reason why good relations between Britain and China could not continue.

Britain's Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said on Thursday that he had not backed violent protests in Hong Kong after Chinese state media blamed interference by Western governments for unrest in the former British colony.

Britain's Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said on Thursday that he had not backed violent protests in Hong Kong after Chinese state media blamed interference by Western governments for unrest in the former British colony. "Let me clarify what I said. I said that I condemned, and we as the United Kingdom, condemn all violence and that people who supported the pro-democracy demonstrators would have been very dismayed by the scenes they saw," Hunt told BBC radio. Hunt said authorities had to deal with the root causes of the protests over a now-suspended extradition law in Hong Kong. He also said there was no reason why good relations between Britain and China could not continue.

United Kingdom's Jeremy Hunt denies he supported violent protests in Hong Kong

President Donald Trump warned Iran Wednesday against stepping up uranium enrichment, the latest escalation of the conflict over the Islamic Republic’s nuclear program that has plunged the Gulf into renewed uncertainty.

Trump warns Iran after Rouhani threat to enrich more uranium

The Chinese commerce ministry said Thursday that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g20-summit-us-china-high-stakes-bilateral-meeting-gets-underway-in-osaka-231356">US tariffs</a> against China must be lifted for the two sides to reach a deal to end the trade war, reported news agency AFP.&nbsp;

Trade teams from the world's top two economies "have maintained communication", the report added quoting ministry spokesman Gao Feng, days after presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping announced a truce and committed to revive negotiations&nbsp;on the sidelines of G20 in Osaka, Japan.

"The United States' unilateral tariff increase on China's exports to the United States is the starting point for the&nbsp;Sino-US economic and trade frictions," Gao said at a weekly press briefing.

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"If the two sides can reach an agreement, the tariffs imposed must be completely eliminated. China's attitude toward this is clear and consistent," Gao added.

The countries have exchanged tariffs on $360 billion in two-way trade and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-us-agree-to-restart-trade-talks-at-xi-trump-meeting-report-231374">negotiations broke down</a> in May after the United States accused China of reneging on its commitments.

The US leader said he would not slap new tariffs on Chinese exports and suggested he could take a softer stance on Chinese telecom giant Huawei, which he has moved to blacklist.&nbsp;

(With inputs from AFP)

The Chinese commerce ministry said Thursday that US tariffs against China must be lifted for the two sides to reach a deal to end the trade war, reported news agency AFP.

The Chinese commerce ministry said Thursday that US tariffs against China must be lifted for the two sides to reach a deal to end the trade war, reported news agency AFP. Trade teams from the world's top two economies "have maintained communication", the report added quoting ministry spokesman Gao Feng, days after presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping announced a truce and committed to revive negotiations on the sidelines of G20 in Osaka, Japan. "The United States' unilateral tariff increase on China's exports to the United States is the starting point for the Sino-US economic and trade frictions," Gao said at a weekly press briefing. × "If the two sides can reach an agreement, the tariffs imposed must be completely eliminated. China's attitude toward this is clear and consistent," Gao added. The countries have exchanged tariffs on $360 billion in two-way trade and negotiations broke down in May after the United States accused China of reneging on its commitments. The US leader said he would not slap new tariffs on Chinese exports and suggested he could take a softer stance on Chinese telecom giant Huawei, which he has moved to blacklist. (With inputs from AFP)

China says US tariffs must be lifted to reach a deal to end trade war

Iran's intelligence minister said <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-vows-new-iran-sanctions-tehran-warns-us-against-attack-229649">Tehran</a> and Washington could hold talks only if the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-playing-with-fire-on-nuclear-deal-trump-232172"> United States</a> ended its sanctions and Iran's top authority allowed the talks between the arch-foes, state news agency IRNA reported on Thursday.

"Holding talks with America can be reviewed by Iran only If US President Donald Trump lifts the sanctions and our supreme leaders give permission to hold such talks," said Mahmoud Alavi on late Wednesday.

"Americans were scared of Iran's military power, that is the reason behind their decision to abort the decision to attack Iran."

Trump had said last month that he aborted a military strike to retaliate for Iran’s downing of an unmanned US drone on June 20 because it could have killed 150 people, and signalled he was open to talks with Tehran.

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President Donald Trump warned Iran on Wednesday against making threats that can "come back to bite you like nobody has been bitten before," after Tehran announced it would breach a 2015 nuclear deal.

President Hassan Rouhani announced that after July 7 Iran would enrich uranium beyond a fissile purity of 3.67%, which is the maximum allowed by the deal and a level which is deemed suitable for electricity generation.

It is the second time this week that Tehran has announced a measure that undermines the nuclear accord, which has been in trouble since Trump pulled the United States out of it last year.

"Our level of enrichment will no longer be 3.67. We will put this commitment aside by whatever amount we feel like, by whatever amount is our necessity, our need. We will take this above 3.67," said Rouhani, according to IRIB news agency.

Enrichment to 90 per cent yields nuclear bomb-grade material.

Iran's intelligence minister said Tehran and Washington could hold talks only if the United States ended its sanctions and Iran's top authority allowed the talks between the arch-foes, state news agency IRNA reported on Thursday.

Iran's intelligence minister said Tehran and Washington could hold talks only if the United States ended its sanctions and Iran's top authority allowed the talks between the arch-foes, state news agency IRNA reported on Thursday. "Holding talks with America can be reviewed by Iran only If US President Donald Trump lifts the sanctions and our supreme leaders give permission to hold such talks," said Mahmoud Alavi on late Wednesday. "Americans were scared of Iran's military power, that is the reason behind their decision to abort the decision to attack Iran." Trump had said last month that he aborted a military strike to retaliate for Iran’s downing of an unmanned US drone on June 20 because it could have killed 150 people, and signalled he was open to talks with Tehran. President Donald Trump warned Iran on Wednesday against making threats that can "come back to bite you like nobody has been bitten before," after Tehran announced it would breach a 2015 nuclear deal. President Hassan Rouhani announced that after July 7 Iran would enrich uranium beyond a fissile purity of 3.67%, which is the maximum allowed by the deal and a level which is deemed suitable for electricity generation. It is the second time this week that Tehran has announced a measure that undermines the nuclear accord, which has been in trouble since Trump pulled the United States out of it last year. "Our level of enrichment will no longer be 3.67. We will put this commitment aside by whatever amount we feel like, by whatever amount is our necessity, our need. We will take this above 3.67," said Rouhani, according to IRIB news agency. Enrichment to 90 per cent yields nuclear bomb-grade material.

Talks with US can be reviewed only if Trump lifts sanctions: Iran minister

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/chinas-factory-activity-shrinks-as-us-tariffs-slowdown-hit-orders-231705">Existing US tariffs</a> will have to be removed if there is to be a trade deal between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-ready-to-fight-us-on-trade-but-door-open-for-talks-defence-minister-223524">Beijing and Washington</a>, China's commerce ministry said on Thursday.

The leaders of the two countries agreed last weekend to relaunch trade talks that had stalled in May after US officials accused China of pulling back from commitments made in the text of pact negotiators had said was nearly finished.

Trade teams from both countries are in contact, commerce ministry spokesman Gao Feng told a regular media briefing.

To get talks restarted, US President Donald Trump had agreed not to put tariffs on about $300 billion in additional Chinese imports and ease curbs on Chinese tech giant Huawei.

The United States now has tariffs of 25% on $250 billion of Chinese goods, ranging from furniture to semiconductors.

China welcomes the US decision not to slap new tariffs on its goods, Gao said, when asked how long the trade truce can last.

Existing US tariffs will have to be removed if there is to be a trade deal between Beijing and Washington, China's commerce ministry said on Thursday. The leaders of the two countries agreed last weekend to relaunch trade talks that had stalled in May after US officials accused China of pulling back from commitments made in the text of pact negotiators had said was nearly finished.

Existing US tariffs will have to be removed if there is to be a trade deal between Beijing and Washington, China's commerce ministry said on Thursday. The leaders of the two countries agreed last weekend to relaunch trade talks that had stalled in May after US officials accused China of pulling back from commitments made in the text of pact negotiators had said was nearly finished. Trade teams from both countries are in contact, commerce ministry spokesman Gao Feng told a regular media briefing. To get talks restarted, US President Donald Trump had agreed not to put tariffs on about $300 billion in additional Chinese imports and ease curbs on Chinese tech giant Huawei. The United States now has tariffs of 25% on $250 billion of Chinese goods, ranging from furniture to semiconductors. China welcomes the US decision not to slap new tariffs on its goods, Gao said, when asked how long the trade truce can last.

China says existing United States tariffs must be removed for a trade deal

White House senior adviser <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-middle-east-adviser-kushner-to-meet-european-union-leaders-224272">Jared Kushner</a> said on Wednesday that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-crown-prince-mohammed-bin-salman-doing-spectacular-job-donald-trump-231336">US President Donald Trump</a> is fond of Palestinian President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mahmoud-abbas-regains-health-could-be-discharged-by-tomorrow-138733">Mahmoud Abbas</a> and willing to engage with him, but Abbas was cool to the gesture.

In a conference call with reporters, Kushner said, "Our door is always open" to the Palestinians.

The Palestinians have refused to talk to Kushner and other architects of a US peace initiative unveiled at a Bahrain workshop last week. Kushner at the Manama conference outlined a $50 billion economic revival plan for the Palestinian territories, Jordan, Egypt and Lebanon that is dependent on Israel and the Palestinians reaching a political settlement to their decades-old conflict.

Trump's proposals to settling the thorny political issues remain secret and are to be released later this year. There are doubts among Palestinians as to whether his plan will include the long-standing goal of a "two-state solution" - Israel and Palestine existing side by side in peace.

"President Trump is very fond of President Abbas," Kushner, who is Trump's son-in-law, said. "He likes him very much personally. And at the right time if they’re willing to engage I believe that they’ll find that they’ll have an opportunity. Whether they will be willing to take that opportunity will be up to them."

Abbas, asked about Kushner's remarks in Ramallah, said he would resume dialogue with the United States should the latter assert its recognition of the two-state solution and the right of Palestinian refugees to return.

"You want a dialogue? If yes, then you need to recognize the two-state solution and that east Jerusalem is occupied and that the international legitimacy is the ground for any dialogue," Abbas said during an event at his Ramallah office in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

"Send me those words on a piece of paper and the next day I will show up at the White House. Otherwise, no," he said. "Therefore, we are not closing doors with the United States, we are keeping the door narrowly open. If they like it, they are welcome," he added.

In comments likely to raise concerns among Palestinians, Kushner hinted that his peace plan might call on Palestinian refugees to settle where they are and not return to lands now in Israel.

Whether the hundreds of thousands of refugees from the 1948 war of Israel's founding, who with their descendants now number around 5 million, would exercise a right of return has been among the thorniest issues in decades of difficult diplomacy.

Israel has long ruled out any such influx as destabilizing, arguing that refugees should stay where they are or in a future Palestinian state. But prospects of such a state arising in the occupied West Bank and the Gaza Strip are themselves in doubt.

Asked by a Lebanese reporter whether the United States hoped Arab countries hosting Palestinian refugees would accept them permanently in exchange for funding, Kushner declined to answer directly, saying the matter would be addressed later. But he suggested a comparison with Jews displaced from Middle Eastern countries in 1948, many of whom Israel took in.

"Look, you have a situation when this whole thing started where you had 800,000 Jewish refugees that came out of all the different Middle Eastern countries and you had 800,000, roughly, Palestinian refugees," Kushner said. "And what's happened to the Israeli - to the Jewish - refugees, is they have been absorbed by different places whereas the Arab world has not absorbed a lot of these refugees over time.

"I think that the people of Lebanon would love to see a resolution to this issue, one that is fair," he said.

White House senior adviser Jared Kushner said on Wednesday that US President Donald Trump is fond of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and willing to engage with him, but Abbas was cool to the gesture.

White House senior adviser Jared Kushner said on Wednesday that US President Donald Trump is fond of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and willing to engage with him, but Abbas was cool to the gesture. In a conference call with reporters, Kushner said, "Our door is always open" to the Palestinians. The Palestinians have refused to talk to Kushner and other architects of a US peace initiative unveiled at a Bahrain workshop last week. Kushner at the Manama conference outlined a $50 billion economic revival plan for the Palestinian territories, Jordan, Egypt and Lebanon that is dependent on Israel and the Palestinians reaching a political settlement to their decades-old conflict. Trump's proposals to settling the thorny political issues remain secret and are to be released later this year. There are doubts among Palestinians as to whether his plan will include the long-standing goal of a "two-state solution" - Israel and Palestine existing side by side in peace. "President Trump is very fond of President Abbas," Kushner, who is Trump's son-in-law, said. "He likes him very much personally. And at the right time if they’re willing to engage I believe that they’ll find that they’ll have an opportunity. Whether they will be willing to take that opportunity will be up to them." Abbas, asked about Kushner's remarks in Ramallah, said he would resume dialogue with the United States should the latter assert its recognition of the two-state solution and the right of Palestinian refugees to return. "You want a dialogue? If yes, then you need to recognize the two-state solution and that east Jerusalem is occupied and that the international legitimacy is the ground for any dialogue," Abbas said during an event at his Ramallah office in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. "Send me those words on a piece of paper and the next day I will show up at the White House. Otherwise, no," he said. "Therefore, we are not closing doors with the United States, we are keeping the door narrowly open. If they like it, they are welcome," he added. In comments likely to raise concerns among Palestinians, Kushner hinted that his peace plan might call on Palestinian refugees to settle where they are and not return to lands now in Israel. Whether the hundreds of thousands of refugees from the 1948 war of Israel's founding, who with their descendants now number around 5 million, would exercise a right of return has been among the thorniest issues in decades of difficult diplomacy. Israel has long ruled out any such influx as destabilizing, arguing that refugees should stay where they are or in a future Palestinian state. But prospects of such a state arising in the occupied West Bank and the Gaza Strip are themselves in doubt. Asked by a Lebanese reporter whether the United States hoped Arab countries hosting Palestinian refugees would accept them permanently in exchange for funding, Kushner declined to answer directly, saying the matter would be addressed later. But he suggested a comparison with Jews displaced from Middle Eastern countries in 1948, many of whom Israel took in. "Look, you have a situation when this whole thing started where you had 800,000 Jewish refugees that came out of all the different Middle Eastern countries and you had 800,000, roughly, Palestinian refugees," Kushner said. "And what's happened to the Israeli - to the Jewish - refugees, is they have been absorbed by different places whereas the Arab world has not absorbed a lot of these refugees over time. "I think that the people of Lebanon would love to see a resolution to this issue, one that is fair," he said.

Trump 'very fond' of Palestine's Mahmoud Abbas, willing to engage on a peace plan: Jared Kushner

The Pentagon said on Tuesday a recent Chinese missile launch in the disputed South China Sea was "disturbing" and contrary to Chinese pledges that it would not militarise the disputed waterway.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-warship-sails-in-disputed-south-china-sea-amid-trade-tensions-220018">South China Sea</a> is one of a growing number of flashpoints in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/us-china-trade-war-points-to-the-real-crisis-that-global-leaders-must-confront-at-g20-summit-231112">US-China relationship</a>, which include a trade war, US sanctions and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/decoding-report-which-raises-concerns-over-china-attacking-taiwan-190996">Taiwan</a>.

China and the United States have repeatedly traded barbs in the past over what Washington says is Beijing's militarization of the South China Sea by building military installations on artificial islands and reefs.

A US official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said China tested multiple anti-ship ballistic missiles over the weekend.

"Of course the Pentagon was aware of the Chinese missile launch from the man-made structures in the South China Sea near the Spratly Islands," Pentagon spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Dave Eastburn said.

"I'm not going to speak on behalf of all the sovereign nations in the region, but I'm sure they agree that the PRC's behaviour is contrary to its claim to want to bring peace to the region and obviously actions like this are coercive acts meant to intimidate other (South China Sea) claimants," Eastburn added. PRC is an acronym for the People's Republic of China.

China has not confirmed the missile tests and on Tuesday the foreign ministry declined to comment, referring questions to the defence ministry, which did not respond to a request for comment.

The Chinese government has said that the military was carrying out drills between the Spratly and Paracel Islands starting last weekend and ending on Wednesday, warning other shipping not to enter a designated area.

China's claims in the South China Sea, through which about $5 trillion in ship-borne trade passes each year, are contested by Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam.

News of the China missile test was first reported by NBC News.

The Pentagon said on Tuesday a recent Chinese missile launch in the disputed South China Sea was "disturbing" and contrary to Chinese pledges that it would not militarise the disputed waterway.

The Pentagon said on Tuesday a recent Chinese missile launch in the disputed South China Sea was "disturbing" and contrary to Chinese pledges that it would not militarise the disputed waterway. The South China Sea is one of a growing number of flashpoints in the US-China relationship, which include a trade war, US sanctions and Taiwan. China and the United States have repeatedly traded barbs in the past over what Washington says is Beijing's militarization of the South China Sea by building military installations on artificial islands and reefs. A US official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said China tested multiple anti-ship ballistic missiles over the weekend. "Of course the Pentagon was aware of the Chinese missile launch from the man-made structures in the South China Sea near the Spratly Islands," Pentagon spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Dave Eastburn said. "I'm not going to speak on behalf of all the sovereign nations in the region, but I'm sure they agree that the PRC's behaviour is contrary to its claim to want to bring peace to the region and obviously actions like this are coercive acts meant to intimidate other (South China Sea) claimants," Eastburn added. PRC is an acronym for the People's Republic of China. China has not confirmed the missile tests and on Tuesday the foreign ministry declined to comment, referring questions to the defence ministry, which did not respond to a request for comment. The Chinese government has said that the military was carrying out drills between the Spratly and Paracel Islands starting last weekend and ending on Wednesday, warning other shipping not to enter a designated area. China's claims in the South China Sea, through which about $5 trillion in ship-borne trade passes each year, are contested by Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam. News of the China missile test was first reported by NBC News.

China's missile test in South China Sea 'disturbing': Pentagon

Nepotism, according to the Oxford dictionary is this - Giving unfair advantage to your own family if you are in a position of power. At the G-20 summit, U.S. President Trump's family embodied the definition. Ivanka Trump even indulged in some small talk with Theresa May, in a conversation that she wasn't even part of, in the first place. This has sparked a debate back home in the U.S

Gravitas: Small talk, big controversy: Ivanka Trump's day out at G20

Wion's Assessment Of The Tensions Between The U.S. & Iran & The Possible Implications For India

Gravitas: U.S.-Iran Tensions: What can India do?

It’s not easy to dissociate from one’s in-laws family, especially not if they are the Trumps but Karlie Kloss is doing it one step at a time. In an interview with the British Vogue, Karlie revealed details about her equation with that part of the family and things she is passionate about.&nbsp;

Talking of her relationship with the Trump family as she got married Joshua Kushner, younger brother of Jared Kushner who is Donald Trump’s son-in-law as he is married to Ivanka Trump said that “it’s been hard”. “But I choose to focus on the values that I share with my husband, and those are the same liberal values that I was raised with and that have guided me throughout my life.”

In an earlier interview,&nbsp;commenting on the Trumps she said, “I’ve chosen to be with the man I love despite the complications,” adding that she and Joshua share a lot of the same values and have “grown together.”&nbsp;

She distances herself from the Trumps, so much so that she doesn't even follow back Ivanka Trump on Instagram.&nbsp;

Karlie has been open about her stance for gun control, support for Hillary Clinton when she was in the race for the US President post and women’s rights. In fact, her husband too took part in the Women’s March after Trump’s inauguration and donated a whopping $50,000 to March For Our Lives after the 2018 school shooting in Parkland, FL.&nbsp;

She identifies herself as a woman who wants to redefine her feminism and even quit from being Victoria's Secret Angel.&nbsp;“I think that was a pivotal moment in me stepping into my power as a feminist, being able to make my own choices and my own narrative, whether through the companies, I choose to work with or through the image I put out to the world,” she said. "I didn't feel [Victoria's Secret] was an image that was truly reflective of who I am and the kind of message I want to send to young women around the world."

It’s not easy to dissociate from one’s in-laws family, especially not if they are the Trumps but Karlie Kloss is doing it one step at a time. In an interview with the British Vogue, Karlie revealed details about her equation with that part of the family and things she is passionate about.

It’s not easy to dissociate from one’s in-laws family, especially not if they are the Trumps but Karlie Kloss is doing it one step at a time. In an interview with the British Vogue, Karlie revealed details about her equation with that part of the family and things she is passionate about. Talking of her relationship with the Trump family as she got married Joshua Kushner, younger brother of Jared Kushner who is Donald Trump’s son-in-law as he is married to Ivanka Trump said that “it’s been hard”. “But I choose to focus on the values that I share with my husband, and those are the same liberal values that I was raised with and that have guided me throughout my life.” In an earlier interview, commenting on the Trumps she said, “I’ve chosen to be with the man I love despite the complications,” adding that she and Joshua share a lot of the same values and have “grown together.” She distances herself from the Trumps, so much so that she doesn't even follow back Ivanka Trump on Instagram. Karlie has been open about her stance for gun control, support for Hillary Clinton when she was in the race for the US President post and women’s rights. In fact, her husband too took part in the Women’s March after Trump’s inauguration and donated a whopping $50,000 to March For Our Lives after the 2018 school shooting in Parkland, FL. She identifies herself as a woman who wants to redefine her feminism and even quit from being Victoria's Secret Angel. “I think that was a pivotal moment in me stepping into my power as a feminist, being able to make my own choices and my own narrative, whether through the companies, I choose to work with or through the image I put out to the world,” she said. "I didn't feel [Victoria's Secret] was an image that was truly reflective of who I am and the kind of message I want to send to young women around the world."

Why Karlie Kloss does not follow sister-in-law Ivanka Trump on Instagram

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a law suspending the Cold War-era INF Treaty. Putin announced in February that he would halt participation in the treaty after Washington's abrupt decision to pull out of the agreement.

Russia Suspends INF Treaty With United States

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday accused China and Europe of deliberately weakening their currencies and stimulating their economies to gain competitive advantages over the United States.

"China and Europe playing big currency manipulation game and pumping money into their system in order to compete with USA," he said on Twitter.

Trump also implied that the Federal Reserve should likewise ease monetary policy, something he has called for in the past.

"We should MATCH, or continue being the dummies who sit back and politely watch as other countries continue to play their games -- as they have for many years!" the president said.&nbsp;

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China and Europe playing big currency manipulation game and pumping money into their system in order to compete with USA. We should MATCH, or continue being the dummies who sit back and politely watch as other countries continue to play their games - as they have for many years!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1146423819906748416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2019</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday accused China and Europe of deliberately weakening their currencies and stimulating their economies to gain competitive advantages over the United States.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday accused China and Europe of deliberately weakening their currencies and stimulating their economies to gain competitive advantages over the United States. "China and Europe playing big currency manipulation game and pumping money into their system in order to compete with USA," he said on Twitter. Trump also implied that the Federal Reserve should likewise ease monetary policy, something he has called for in the past. "We should MATCH, or continue being the dummies who sit back and politely watch as other countries continue to play their games -- as they have for many years!" the president said. China and Europe playing big currency manipulation game and pumping money into their system in order to compete with USA. We should MATCH, or continue being the dummies who sit back and politely watch as other countries continue to play their games - as they have for many years! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 3, 2019 ×

Trump accuses China, Europe of currency manipulation, stimulus

When <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/vladimir-putin-replies-to-elton-johns-hypocrisy-comment-231519">Vladimir Putin</a> announced at the weekend that OPEC would extend oil production cuts, broadcasting a deal before the group had even met to approve it, the move angered some member nations.

They were dismayed at the leading role non-OPEC Russia, once seen as the group's rival in oil markets, was playing in shaping the group's policies.

But reality soon set in, and the acceptance that Moscow could help OPEC in its goal of propping up oil prices at a time when it is facing intensifying heat on another front: from US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-angry-about-khashoggi-murder-but-says-no-one-blames-crown-prince-mohammed-bin-salman-231433">Donald Trump</a>.

Trump is putting unprecedented pressure on OPEC and its de-facto leader Saudi Arabia, demanding they pump more crude to drive down fuel prices - a key domestic issue for him as he seeks re-election next year.

Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh initially expressed outrage about Russian President Putin's pre-announcement of the extended output cuts.

"OPEC is going to die with these processes," he declared on Monday morning before OPEC oil ministers met to effectively rubber-stamp a done deal, bemoaning the Russia-Saudi dominance of the group's affairs.

But by Monday evening, he had thrown his support behind the deal: "The meeting was good for Iran and we achieved what we wanted."

OPEC and Russia have become unlikely bedfellows, forging an "OPEC+" alliance to reduce global crude supply to counter soaring output from the United States and a weakening world economy.

It is a marriage of convenience as both want higher oil prices to shore up their finances, while the alliance could also strengthen OPEC's position in the face of Trump's demands.

"I don't think Russia is calling the shots," said Saudi Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih when asked if Putin was now OPEC's boss. "I think Russia's influence is welcome."

Iran's veteran OPEC governor Hossein Kazempour Ardebili concurred, echoing his boss Zanganeh's conciliatory tone.

"Russia is a big player. If it announced something in agreement with the rest of OPEC, this is most welcome," he said. "We are working together."

Iraq, which has overtaken Iran as OPEC's second-largest producer after Saudi Arabia and has taken its market share in Europe and Asia, also said Moscow's rising role was positive.

Such a chorus of approval is a sharp reversal for relations between OPEC and Russia that have been characterised by antipathy and distrust for decades.

Back in 2001, Russia agreed to cut production in tandem with OPEC but never delivered on its pledges and instead raised output. That severely damaged relations and other attempts at cooperation were unsuccessful - until the recent alliance.

In his book "Out of the Desert", former Saudi Oil Minister Ali al Naimi wrote that his 2014 meeting with Russian officials lasted just minutes. Upon learning Russia would not cut output, he gathered his papers and said: "I think the meeting is over."

Changing dynamics

Putin announced on Saturday that he had met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on the sidelines of a G20 meeting in Osaka and they had agreed to extend the OPEC+ production cuts.

Gary Ross, chief executive of Black Gold Investors, said that even if it was "indelicate" for Saudi Arabia to let Putin announce the deal, it showed the changing oil market dynamics.

"Trump has one interest – low oil prices. Putin wants higher prices," said Ross, a veteran OPEC watcher. "Putin is vitally important for OPEC. And it is still in Russia's best interest to cooperate with OPEC as half its budget comes from energy revenues."

Russia needs prices of $45-50 a barrel to balance its budget and its finances are stretched by U.S. sanctions imposed following its annexation of Crimea. Saudi Arabia needs an even higher price of $80. Benchmark Brent crude is currently in the region of $65 a barrel.

But just as the collaboration could lend Saudi Arabia some support against Trump, who has demanded Riyadh increase oil supply if it wants U.S. military support in its standoff with regional rival Iran, it also gives Putin more than extra revenues.

Good relations with Riyadh, an American ally, bolsters Moscow's clout in the Middle East, helps Putin's campaign in Syria and might even help mend relations with Washington, according to two sources in Russia's delegation to Vienna, where OPEC officials have been meeting.

Highlighting those intersecting roles, Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak also serves as head of several Russian government commissions on trade and cooperation including with Saudi Arabia, Iran, Turkey and Qatar.

Iran's change in tone, in particular, illustrates the conflicting political and economic pressures it faces.

Tehran's falling production, due to U.S. sanctions reimposed and extended by Trump, has reduced its role within OPEC while increasing those of Saudi Arabia and non-OPEC Russia.

Iran's exports plummeted to 0.3 million barrels per day in June from as much as 2.5 million bpd in April 2018. Oil output in OPEC's exempt nations

But Iran is itself also looking to help from Russia, one of just a few countries that have offered to aid Tehran to counter the sanctions choking its oil trade and hammering its economy.

Two Russian energy industry sources said some work was being done to boost the Iranian economy but talks were slow and difficult, without giving details of the nature of the plans.

When Vladimir Putin announced at the weekend that OPEC would extend oil production cuts, broadcasting a deal before the group had even met to approve it, the move angered some member nations.

When Vladimir Putin announced at the weekend that OPEC would extend oil production cuts, broadcasting a deal before the group had even met to approve it, the move angered some member nations. They were dismayed at the leading role non-OPEC Russia, once seen as the group's rival in oil markets, was playing in shaping the group's policies. But reality soon set in, and the acceptance that Moscow could help OPEC in its goal of propping up oil prices at a time when it is facing intensifying heat on another front: from US President Donald Trump. Trump is putting unprecedented pressure on OPEC and its de-facto leader Saudi Arabia, demanding they pump more crude to drive down fuel prices - a key domestic issue for him as he seeks re-election next year. Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh initially expressed outrage about Russian President Putin's pre-announcement of the extended output cuts. "OPEC is going to die with these processes," he declared on Monday morning before OPEC oil ministers met to effectively rubber-stamp a done deal, bemoaning the Russia-Saudi dominance of the group's affairs. But by Monday evening, he had thrown his support behind the deal: "The meeting was good for Iran and we achieved what we wanted." OPEC and Russia have become unlikely bedfellows, forging an "OPEC+" alliance to reduce global crude supply to counter soaring output from the United States and a weakening world economy. It is a marriage of convenience as both want higher oil prices to shore up their finances, while the alliance could also strengthen OPEC's position in the face of Trump's demands. "I don't think Russia is calling the shots," said Saudi Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih when asked if Putin was now OPEC's boss. "I think Russia's influence is welcome." Iran's veteran OPEC governor Hossein Kazempour Ardebili concurred, echoing his boss Zanganeh's conciliatory tone. "Russia is a big player. If it announced something in agreement with the rest of OPEC, this is most welcome," he said. "We are working together." Iraq, which has overtaken Iran as OPEC's second-largest producer after Saudi Arabia and has taken its market share in Europe and Asia, also said Moscow's rising role was positive. Such a chorus of approval is a sharp reversal for relations between OPEC and Russia that have been characterised by antipathy and distrust for decades. Back in 2001, Russia agreed to cut production in tandem with OPEC but never delivered on its pledges and instead raised output. That severely damaged relations and other attempts at cooperation were unsuccessful - until the recent alliance. In his book "Out of the Desert", former Saudi Oil Minister Ali al Naimi wrote that his 2014 meeting with Russian officials lasted just minutes. Upon learning Russia would not cut output, he gathered his papers and said: "I think the meeting is over." Changing dynamics Putin announced on Saturday that he had met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on the sidelines of a G20 meeting in Osaka and they had agreed to extend the OPEC+ production cuts. Gary Ross, chief executive of Black Gold Investors, said that even if it was "indelicate" for Saudi Arabia to let Putin announce the deal, it showed the changing oil market dynamics. "Trump has one interest – low oil prices. Putin wants higher prices," said Ross, a veteran OPEC watcher. "Putin is vitally important for OPEC. And it is still in Russia's best interest to cooperate with OPEC as half its budget comes from energy revenues." Russia needs prices of $45-50 a barrel to balance its budget and its finances are stretched by U.S. sanctions imposed following its annexation of Crimea. Saudi Arabia needs an even higher price of $80. Benchmark Brent crude is currently in the region of $65 a barrel. But just as the collaboration could lend Saudi Arabia some support against Trump, who has demanded Riyadh increase oil supply if it wants U.S. military support in its standoff with regional rival Iran, it also gives Putin more than extra revenues. Good relations with Riyadh, an American ally, bolsters Moscow's clout in the Middle East, helps Putin's campaign in Syria and might even help mend relations with Washington, according to two sources in Russia's delegation to Vienna, where OPEC officials have been meeting. Highlighting those intersecting roles, Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak also serves as head of several Russian government commissions on trade and cooperation including with Saudi Arabia, Iran, Turkey and Qatar. Iran's change in tone, in particular, illustrates the conflicting political and economic pressures it faces. Tehran's falling production, due to U.S. sanctions reimposed and extended by Trump, has reduced its role within OPEC while increasing those of Saudi Arabia and non-OPEC Russia. Iran's exports plummeted to 0.3 million barrels per day in June from as much as 2.5 million bpd in April 2018. Oil output in OPEC's exempt nations But Iran is itself also looking to help from Russia, one of just a few countries that have offered to aid Tehran to counter the sanctions choking its oil trade and hammering its economy. Two Russian energy industry sources said some work was being done to boost the Iranian economy but talks were slow and difficult, without giving details of the nature of the plans.

Under pressure from Donald Trump, Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries embraces Vladimir Putin

Mexico deported 33 per cent more foreigners month-on-month in June, officials said Tuesday, after the country agreed to take "unprecedented" steps to reduce migration in order to avoid US President Donald Trump's threatened tariffs.

The total number of deportations from Mexico in June was 21,912, up from 16,507 in May, according to preliminary figures from the national migration authority.

The upswing came after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nearly-15000-soldiers-deployed-on-us-border-mexico-army-chief-230133">Trump threatened in May to impose tariffs</a> on all Mexican goods if the country did not do more to slow the flow of Central American migrants crossing the US-Mexican border.

After a week of tense negotiations, the two sides announced a deal on June 7 under which Mexico agreed to send thousands of National Guardsmen to secure its borders and expand its policy of taking back asylum-seekers while the US processes their claims.

That policy, known as "Remain in Mexico," has sent nearly 17,000 migrants back to Mexico so far.

In a separate statement, the Mexican government said it had sent the first group of 66 of those returnees back to their home countries, under a temporary new "voluntary return" program.

The Guatemalan, Honduran and Salvadoran migrants were sent home overland from the border city of Ciudad Juarez after asking to be repatriated, it said.

The migration deal appears to be delivering Trump's desired result so far: the number of migrants taken into custody at the southern US border is expected to drop by 25 per cent for June, the acting head of the Department of Homeland Security, Kevin McAleenan, said Friday.

Under the deal, Mexico has 45 days to show results.

Trump said Monday in Washington that Mexico is doing a "great job."

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who has sought to avoid confrontation with the Republican billionaire, welcomed the comment.

"I'm glad President Trump recognizes that we're making an effort to live up to our commitment to apply our laws and, without violating human rights, reduce the flow of migrants," he told a news conference.

The anti-establishment leftist took office in December promising to welcome migrants but has taken a more hardline turn under pressure from Trump.

In his first month in office, Mexico deported 5,717 foreigners -- down from 10,180 the month before.

However, deportations rose sharply after Trump renewed his threat to close the US-Mexican border.

In April -- the month after Trump made the threat -- deportations from Mexico rose 66 per cent, to 14,940.

The United States has seen a surge in Central American asylum-seekers fleeing chronic poverty and brutal gang violence in recent months. In May, it took 144,000 migrants into custody at the border, up 32 per cent from April and 278 per cent from May 2018.

Mexico deported 33 per cent more foreigners month-on-month in June, officials said Tuesday, after the country agreed to take "unprecedented" steps to reduce migration in order to avoid US President Donald Trump's threatened tariffs.

Mexico deported 33 per cent more foreigners month-on-month in June, officials said Tuesday, after the country agreed to take "unprecedented" steps to reduce migration in order to avoid US President Donald Trump's threatened tariffs. The total number of deportations from Mexico in June was 21,912, up from 16,507 in May, according to preliminary figures from the national migration authority. The upswing came after Trump threatened in May to impose tariffs on all Mexican goods if the country did not do more to slow the flow of Central American migrants crossing the US-Mexican border. After a week of tense negotiations, the two sides announced a deal on June 7 under which Mexico agreed to send thousands of National Guardsmen to secure its borders and expand its policy of taking back asylum-seekers while the US processes their claims. That policy, known as "Remain in Mexico," has sent nearly 17,000 migrants back to Mexico so far. In a separate statement, the Mexican government said it had sent the first group of 66 of those returnees back to their home countries, under a temporary new "voluntary return" program. The Guatemalan, Honduran and Salvadoran migrants were sent home overland from the border city of Ciudad Juarez after asking to be repatriated, it said. The migration deal appears to be delivering Trump's desired result so far: the number of migrants taken into custody at the southern US border is expected to drop by 25 per cent for June, the acting head of the Department of Homeland Security, Kevin McAleenan, said Friday. Under the deal, Mexico has 45 days to show results. Trump said Monday in Washington that Mexico is doing a "great job." Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who has sought to avoid confrontation with the Republican billionaire, welcomed the comment. "I'm glad President Trump recognizes that we're making an effort to live up to our commitment to apply our laws and, without violating human rights, reduce the flow of migrants," he told a news conference. The anti-establishment leftist took office in December promising to welcome migrants but has taken a more hardline turn under pressure from Trump. In his first month in office, Mexico deported 5,717 foreigners -- down from 10,180 the month before. However, deportations rose sharply after Trump renewed his threat to close the US-Mexican border. In April -- the month after Trump made the threat -- deportations from Mexico rose 66 per cent, to 14,940. The United States has seen a surge in Central American asylum-seekers fleeing chronic poverty and brutal gang violence in recent months. In May, it took 144,000 migrants into custody at the border, up 32 per cent from April and 278 per cent from May 2018.

Mexico deports 33% more migrants after deal with US

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