US President Donald Trump has sought Pakistan's help with <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-leaders-taliban-attend-peace-talks-in-moscow-176399">Afghan peace talks</a> in a letter to Prime Minister Imran Khan, the South Asian nation's information minister, Fawad Chaudhry, said on Monday.

Trump wants to end a 17-year-old war between Afghan security forces and the Afghan Taliban militants, who are fighting to drive out international forces and establish their version of strict Islamic law.

US officials have long been pushing Pakistan to lean on the Taliban leadership, which Washington says is based in the country, to bring them to the negotiating table.

"President Trump has written a letter," Chaudhry told Reuters. "He has asked for Pakistan’s cooperation to bring the Taliban into talks."

Trump told Khan the Pakistan relationship was very important to the United States and to finding a solution to the Afghanistan conflict, Chaudhry added.

The US embassy in Islamabad had no immediate comment on the letter.

Last month, Trump said in an interview Pakistan doesn't "do a damn thing" for the United States despite billions of dollars in US aid, adding that Pakistani officials knew of former al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden's location before his killing by US&nbsp;troops in a 2011 raid inside Pakistan.

Last week, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said he had formed a 12-strong team to negotiate peace with the Taliban, but warned that implementation of any deal would take at least five years.

US President Donald Trump has sought Pakistan's help with Afghan peace talks in a letter to Prime Minister Imran Khan, the South Asian nation's information minister, Fawad Chaudhry, said on Monday.

US President Donald Trump has sought Pakistan's help with Afghan peace talks in a letter to Prime Minister Imran Khan, the South Asian nation's information minister, Fawad Chaudhry, said on Monday. Trump wants to end a 17-year-old war between Afghan security forces and the Afghan Taliban militants, who are fighting to drive out international forces and establish their version of strict Islamic law. US officials have long been pushing Pakistan to lean on the Taliban leadership, which Washington says is based in the country, to bring them to the negotiating table. "President Trump has written a letter," Chaudhry told Reuters. "He has asked for Pakistan’s cooperation to bring the Taliban into talks." Trump told Khan the Pakistan relationship was very important to the United States and to finding a solution to the Afghanistan conflict, Chaudhry added. The US embassy in Islamabad had no immediate comment on the letter. Last month, Trump said in an interview Pakistan doesn't "do a damn thing" for the United States despite billions of dollars in US aid, adding that Pakistani officials knew of former al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden's location before his killing by US troops in a 2011 raid inside Pakistan. Last week, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said he had formed a 12-strong team to negotiate peace with the Taliban, but warned that implementation of any deal would take at least five years.

Trump seeking Pak help for Afghan peace talks: Information minister Chaudhry

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump said on Sunday that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/the-trump-china-trade-war-how-will-it-end-171248">China had agreed to cut import tariffs on American-made cars</a>, a potential boon for automakers including Tesla Inc and BMW who manufacture in the United States for export to China.

Trump, fresh from agreeing a 90-day cease-fire in his trade war with China at the meeting of the G20, said on Twitter that "China has agreed to reduce and remove tariffs on cars coming into China from the U.S. Currently the tariff is 40%."

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China has agreed to reduce and remove tariffs on cars coming into China from the U.S. Currently the tariff is 40%.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1069441198157455360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The move, if realised, would bolster US&nbsp;car manufacturers who were hit hard when China ramped up levies on US-made cars in July as part of a broad package of retaliatory tariffs amid a sprawling trade war between Washington and Beijing.

China, the world's largest auto market, raised tariffs on US&nbsp;auto imports to 40 percent in July, forcing many carmakers to hike prices in a major hit to the roughly $10 billion worth of passenger vehicles the United States sent to China last year.

That put US-made car brands like Tesla and Ford Motor Co's Lincoln at a major disadvantage, soon after China slashed auto import tariffs broadly to 15 percent for most vehicles.

Trump's tweet did not give any further detail about the tariff cuts, such as when the deal had been reached or a new level for the Chinese levies.

The White House and U.S. Trade Representative's (USTR) office did not immediately respond to a request for comment late on Sunday. China's commerce and finance ministries did not respond to requests for comment on Monday.

After a 2-1/2 hour dinner with Xi on Saturday in Buenos Aires, Trump agreed to postpone an increase in the tariff rate on $200 billion worth of Chinese imports to 25 percent from 10 percent that was scheduled for Jan. 1. China agreed to resume purchases of some U.S. farm and energy commodities.

The two sides also agreed to negotiate during the next 90 days over "structural changes" to China's policies on technology transfers, intellectual property protection, non-tariff barriers, cyber intrusions and cyber theft, services and agriculture.

Major U.S. automakers said they were unaware of the lower tariffs on exports to China. The automakers have a previously scheduled meeting with USTR on Monday, two people briefed on the matter told Reuters.

The lower tariffs would be a boost to automakers exporting vehicles to China, including Ford and German carmaker BMW, which exports U.S.-built luxury vehicles to China.

It would also be good news for Tesla, which has been hit hard by increased tariffs on the electric cars it imports to China. The U.S. firm has said it will cut prices to absorb more of the tariffs and is building a local plant in Shanghai.

While China had lowered its general tariff rate for imported cars to 15 percent from 25 percent this year, it had slapped on a 25 percent punitive tariff on American-made vehicles, bringing the rate back up to 40 percent. The United States currently charges tariffs of 27.5 percent on Chinese vehicles.

On Wednesday, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said Trump had directed him to examine all available tools to raise U.S. tariffs on Chinese vehicles to the level that China is charging.

US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that China had agreed to cut import tariffs on American-made cars, a potential boon for automakers including Tesla Inc and BMW who manufacture in the United States for export to China.

US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that China had agreed to cut import tariffs on American-made cars, a potential boon for automakers including Tesla Inc and BMW who manufacture in the United States for export to China. Trump, fresh from agreeing a 90-day cease-fire in his trade war with China at the meeting of the G20, said on Twitter that "China has agreed to reduce and remove tariffs on cars coming into China from the U.S. Currently the tariff is 40%." China has agreed to reduce and remove tariffs on cars coming into China from the U.S. Currently the tariff is 40%. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 3, 2018 × The move, if realised, would bolster US car manufacturers who were hit hard when China ramped up levies on US-made cars in July as part of a broad package of retaliatory tariffs amid a sprawling trade war between Washington and Beijing. China, the world's largest auto market, raised tariffs on US auto imports to 40 percent in July, forcing many carmakers to hike prices in a major hit to the roughly $10 billion worth of passenger vehicles the United States sent to China last year. That put US-made car brands like Tesla and Ford Motor Co's Lincoln at a major disadvantage, soon after China slashed auto import tariffs broadly to 15 percent for most vehicles. Trump's tweet did not give any further detail about the tariff cuts, such as when the deal had been reached or a new level for the Chinese levies. The White House and U.S. Trade Representative's (USTR) office did not immediately respond to a request for comment late on Sunday. China's commerce and finance ministries did not respond to requests for comment on Monday. After a 2-1/2 hour dinner with Xi on Saturday in Buenos Aires, Trump agreed to postpone an increase in the tariff rate on $200 billion worth of Chinese imports to 25 percent from 10 percent that was scheduled for Jan. 1. China agreed to resume purchases of some U.S. farm and energy commodities. The two sides also agreed to negotiate during the next 90 days over "structural changes" to China's policies on technology transfers, intellectual property protection, non-tariff barriers, cyber intrusions and cyber theft, services and agriculture. Major U.S. automakers said they were unaware of the lower tariffs on exports to China. The automakers have a previously scheduled meeting with USTR on Monday, two people briefed on the matter told Reuters. The lower tariffs would be a boost to automakers exporting vehicles to China, including Ford and German carmaker BMW, which exports U.S.-built luxury vehicles to China. It would also be good news for Tesla, which has been hit hard by increased tariffs on the electric cars it imports to China. The U.S. firm has said it will cut prices to absorb more of the tariffs and is building a local plant in Shanghai. While China had lowered its general tariff rate for imported cars to 15 percent from 25 percent this year, it had slapped on a 25 percent punitive tariff on American-made vehicles, bringing the rate back up to 40 percent. The United States currently charges tariffs of 27.5 percent on Chinese vehicles. On Wednesday, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said Trump had directed him to examine all available tools to raise U.S. tariffs on Chinese vehicles to the level that China is charging.

Trump says China has agreed to cut tariffs on US-made cars

G20 Summit: Trump, Xi Jinping break the ice; discuss trade tensions

US President <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-says-it-is-suspending-new-china-tariffs-for-90-days-180809">Donald Trump and China's Xi Jinping agreed Saturday to suspend any new tariffs</a> in the escalating trade war between the world's two largest economies, even if huge existing duties will remain in place.

Following more than two hours of dinner talks between the two leaders, the White House said an increase of tariffs from 10 to 25 per cent due to kick in on January 1 would now be put on hold, providing room for intense negotiations.&nbsp;

The agreement hashed out over steak in the Argentine capital Buenos Aires, lowers the temperature in a conflict that has spooked world markets.

The two leaders, who were in Buenos Aires for a summit of the G20 countries, called it "a highly successful meeting," the White House said.

"The principal agreement has effectively prevented further expansion of economic friction between the two countries and has opened up new space for win-win cooperation," said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Partial truce

Under the agreement, Trump is shelving a plan to raise existing tariffs of 10 per cent to 25 per cent from the start of next year.

Xi avoids further immediate pressure on China's slowing economy, while Trump -- hit by the US Democrats' congressional win in last month's mid-term elections -- can ease damage to agricultural US states that export to China, particularly the key soybean crop.

"This was a rare opportunity for China because (the mid-terms) made Trump a lame president," said Beijing-based political consultant Hua Po.

"So at this time it was acceptable for China to maintain some bottom lines while making some major concessions."

But Brad Setser, a former Treasury official and now senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington, told Bloomberg much remains to be done.

"The hard part is finding the basis for a real deal that settles the broader issues rather than agreeing on a pause," Setser said.

The truce is only partial.

Some $50 billion worth of Chinese imports already face 25 per cent tariffs, while the 10 per cent tariffs -- which target a massive $200 billion in goods -- will also remain in effect.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, China has targeted $110 billion worth of US imports for tariffs.&nbsp;

If there is any further retaliation, Trump has warned, he will slap punitive duties on the remaining $267 billion in Chinese goods coming to the United States.

And Saturday's truce also contained an ultimatum.

The White House made clear that the 10 per cent tariffs would still leap up to 25 per cent if China doesn't meet US demands in 90 days.

These include China stopping a host of trade barriers, intellectual property theft and other actions that Washington says make fair trade impossible.&nbsp;

Tough negotiations lie ahead, but Trump was upbeat.

"This was an amazing and productive meeting with unlimited possibilities for both the United States and China," he said in a statement.

Steaks and high stakes

The meeting -- featuring a menu of sirloin steak, caramel rolled pancakes and Argentine wine -- went on longer than scheduled.&nbsp;

And while it may have been tacked on to the end of two days of G20 diplomacy, it was in many ways the main event of the weekend.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who was also attending the G20, spoke for many when she urged progress.

"We all realize that we are indirectly influenced by the fact that Sino-American economic relations are not running as smoothly as a world order needs," she said.

Personal chemistry factor

On the US side at the dinner, Trump was accompanied by advisers such as Larry Kudlow and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, who are widely seen as wanting a deal.

But hawkish advisers like Peter Navarro and US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer were also present.&nbsp;

Trump, as often in his diplomatic dealings, appears to consider his personal chemistry with Xi the most important factor in the success of the negotiations.

He has prided himself on building a good relationship with the Chinese leader, even though he acknowledges it may have trouble surviving the growing crisis.

At the dinner, Trump said his ties to Xi were "a very primary reason" for considering a deal possible.

US President Donald Trump and China's Xi Jinping agreed Saturday to suspend any new tariffs in the escalating trade war between the world's two largest economies, even if huge existing duties will remain in place.

US President Donald Trump and China's Xi Jinping agreed Saturday to suspend any new tariffs in the escalating trade war between the world's two largest economies, even if huge existing duties will remain in place. Following more than two hours of dinner talks between the two leaders, the White House said an increase of tariffs from 10 to 25 per cent due to kick in on January 1 would now be put on hold, providing room for intense negotiations. The agreement hashed out over steak in the Argentine capital Buenos Aires, lowers the temperature in a conflict that has spooked world markets. The two leaders, who were in Buenos Aires for a summit of the G20 countries, called it "a highly successful meeting," the White House said. "The principal agreement has effectively prevented further expansion of economic friction between the two countries and has opened up new space for win-win cooperation," said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Partial truce Under the agreement, Trump is shelving a plan to raise existing tariffs of 10 per cent to 25 per cent from the start of next year. Xi avoids further immediate pressure on China's slowing economy, while Trump -- hit by the US Democrats' congressional win in last month's mid-term elections -- can ease damage to agricultural US states that export to China, particularly the key soybean crop. "This was a rare opportunity for China because (the mid-terms) made Trump a lame president," said Beijing-based political consultant Hua Po. "So at this time it was acceptable for China to maintain some bottom lines while making some major concessions." But Brad Setser, a former Treasury official and now senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington, told Bloomberg much remains to be done. "The hard part is finding the basis for a real deal that settles the broader issues rather than agreeing on a pause," Setser said. The truce is only partial. Some $50 billion worth of Chinese imports already face 25 per cent tariffs, while the 10 per cent tariffs -- which target a massive $200 billion in goods -- will also remain in effect. Meanwhile, China has targeted $110 billion worth of US imports for tariffs. If there is any further retaliation, Trump has warned, he will slap punitive duties on the remaining $267 billion in Chinese goods coming to the United States. And Saturday's truce also contained an ultimatum. The White House made clear that the 10 per cent tariffs would still leap up to 25 per cent if China doesn't meet US demands in 90 days. These include China stopping a host of trade barriers, intellectual property theft and other actions that Washington says make fair trade impossible. Tough negotiations lie ahead, but Trump was upbeat. "This was an amazing and productive meeting with unlimited possibilities for both the United States and China," he said in a statement. Steaks and high stakes The meeting -- featuring a menu of sirloin steak, caramel rolled pancakes and Argentine wine -- went on longer than scheduled. And while it may have been tacked on to the end of two days of G20 diplomacy, it was in many ways the main event of the weekend. German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who was also attending the G20, spoke for many when she urged progress. "We all realize that we are indirectly influenced by the fact that Sino-American economic relations are not running as smoothly as a world order needs," she said. Personal chemistry factor On the US side at the dinner, Trump was accompanied by advisers such as Larry Kudlow and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, who are widely seen as wanting a deal. But hawkish advisers like Peter Navarro and US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer were also present. Trump, as often in his diplomatic dealings, appears to consider his personal chemistry with Xi the most important factor in the success of the negotiations. He has prided himself on building a good relationship with the Chinese leader, even though he acknowledges it may have trouble surviving the growing crisis. At the dinner, Trump said his ties to Xi were "a very primary reason" for considering a deal possible.

US, China agree to trade war ceasefire, talks to continue

US President Donald Trump returned home early Sunday from Argentina, where he reached a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-says-it-is-suspending-new-china-tariffs-for-90-days-180809">ceasefire in a trade war</a> with China but snubbed action on climate change and other trade disputes at the Group of 20 summit.

The end of Trump's latest tense foray into international diplomacy comes as America prepares to say a final farewell to former president George HW&nbsp;Bush, who died on Friday at the age of 94.

Bush's death may offer Trump a temporary political respite -- lawmakers are reportedly discussing a stopgap budget bill that would push back a potential government shutdown until after Bush's funeral services.

On Air Force One, Trump told reporters he would "absolutely consider it and probably" accept such a measure.

Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping brokered a trade deal of sorts over steaks and Argentine wine in Buenos Aires, agreeing to suspend any new tariffs while new negotiations are pursued.

But a summit-ending statement from the G20 reiterated that the United States has rejected a global agreement on climate change, and omitted pledges to combat protectionism that were a mainstay of the world's leading economies in the pre-Trump era.

US President Donald Trump returned home early Sunday from Argentina, where he reached a ceasefire in a trade war with China but snubbed action on climate change and other trade disputes at the Group of 20 summit.

US President Donald Trump returned home early Sunday from Argentina, where he reached a ceasefire in a trade war with China but snubbed action on climate change and other trade disputes at the Group of 20 summit. The end of Trump's latest tense foray into international diplomacy comes as America prepares to say a final farewell to former president George HW Bush, who died on Friday at the age of 94. Bush's death may offer Trump a temporary political respite -- lawmakers are reportedly discussing a stopgap budget bill that would push back a potential government shutdown until after Bush's funeral services. On Air Force One, Trump told reporters he would "absolutely consider it and probably" accept such a measure. Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping brokered a trade deal of sorts over steaks and Argentine wine in Buenos Aires, agreeing to suspend any new tariffs while new negotiations are pursued. But a summit-ending statement from the G20 reiterated that the United States has rejected a global agreement on climate change, and omitted pledges to combat protectionism that were a mainstay of the world's leading economies in the pre-Trump era.

Trump back in US after thorny G20 summit, China talks

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo vowed Saturday that the United States would continue supporting Saudi Arabia's military campaign in Yemen, despite rising outrage over the kingdom.

Speaking from a Group of 20 summit in Buenos Aires, Pompeo acknowledged that the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/yemen-on-brink-of-major-catastrophe-un-aid-chief-180743">humanitarian crisis in Yemen</a> -- where millions are at risk of starvation -- had reached "epic proportions" but said Washington and Riyadh were offering aid.

"The program that we're involved in today we intend to continue," Pompeo told CNN when asked about military assistance to the Saudi-led coalition.

The US Senate on Wednesday took an initial vote to cut off the war support, with 14 members of President Donald Trump's Republican Party defying appeals from Pompeo and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis.

A final vote could come in the next week, setting the stage for a fresh battle if Trump vetoes the bill.

Pompeo, who met in Buenos Aires with his Saudi counterpart, has backed the war as a way to counter Iran, which has ties to Yemen's Huthi rebels.

Outrage over attacks

But senators have voiced outrage over attacks on civilian targets, including hospitals and a school bus, as well as a Saudi hit squad's murder in October of journalist Jamal Khashoggi inside the kingdom's Istanbul consulate.

Pompeo reiterated his insistence that there was no "direct evidence" that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ordered the killing of Khashoggi, who lived in the United States and wrote for The Washington Post.

Prince Mohammed is taking part in the Buenos Aires summit in a bold signal that he remains in charge. The 33-year-old was seen speaking with Trump, although the White House said they only exchanged "pleasantries."

Trump has said it is vital to preserve the decades-old alliance with Saudi Arabia, as the kingdom is the top buyer of US weapons and key oil supplier.

But Bob Corker, the outgoing Republican chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said in an interview published Friday that the United States needed to rein in Prince Mohammed, who was "out of control."

"To me, we've got a relationship with a country that's a semi-important country and a semi-important ally. I wouldn't elevate them beyond that," Corker told congressional newspaper Roll Call.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo vowed Saturday that the United States would continue supporting Saudi Arabia's military campaign in Yemen, despite rising outrage over the kingdom.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo vowed Saturday that the United States would continue supporting Saudi Arabia's military campaign in Yemen, despite rising outrage over the kingdom. Speaking from a Group of 20 summit in Buenos Aires, Pompeo acknowledged that the humanitarian crisis in Yemen -- where millions are at risk of starvation -- had reached "epic proportions" but said Washington and Riyadh were offering aid. "The program that we're involved in today we intend to continue," Pompeo told CNN when asked about military assistance to the Saudi-led coalition. The US Senate on Wednesday took an initial vote to cut off the war support, with 14 members of President Donald Trump's Republican Party defying appeals from Pompeo and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis. A final vote could come in the next week, setting the stage for a fresh battle if Trump vetoes the bill. Pompeo, who met in Buenos Aires with his Saudi counterpart, has backed the war as a way to counter Iran, which has ties to Yemen's Huthi rebels. Outrage over attacks But senators have voiced outrage over attacks on civilian targets, including hospitals and a school bus, as well as a Saudi hit squad's murder in October of journalist Jamal Khashoggi inside the kingdom's Istanbul consulate. Pompeo reiterated his insistence that there was no "direct evidence" that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ordered the killing of Khashoggi, who lived in the United States and wrote for The Washington Post. Prince Mohammed is taking part in the Buenos Aires summit in a bold signal that he remains in charge. The 33-year-old was seen speaking with Trump, although the White House said they only exchanged "pleasantries." Trump has said it is vital to preserve the decades-old alliance with Saudi Arabia, as the kingdom is the top buyer of US weapons and key oil supplier. But Bob Corker, the outgoing Republican chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said in an interview published Friday that the United States needed to rein in Prince Mohammed, who was "out of control." "To me, we've got a relationship with a country that's a semi-important country and a semi-important ally. I wouldn't elevate them beyond that," Corker told congressional newspaper Roll Call.

US to keep aiding Saudis in Yemen despite furor: Mike Pompeo

Michael Cohen, President Donald Trump's former personal lawyer, informed Trump about a conversation he had with the Kremlin seeking help to build a skyscraper in Moscow in 2016 during the US&nbsp;presidential campaign, according to a court filing.

Cohen also "remained in close and regular contact with White House-based staff and legal counsel" to Trump while preparing false statements to Congress about his contacts with Russia, Cohen's lawyer's said in the filing to a Manhattan federal judge late Friday.

Cohen is scheduled to be sentenced on December 12 after pleading guilty to tax evasion, making false statements to a bank, campaign finance violations, and lying to Congress.

Cohen has been cooperating with Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 US election and possible collusion with the Trump campaign and his lawyers asked in the filing that he avoid prison time. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Cohen, a former member of Trump's inner circle who in the past called himself the president's "fixer,", admitted this week that he made false statements to two congressional panels about the Moscow project in a bid to remain consistent with Trump's messaging about Russia during the 2016 campaign.

Cohen had said in his statement to Congress that he had limited contact with Trump concerning the project, when in fact it had been more extensive. Cohen also said he falsely told Congress he never took any steps toward traveling to Russia when in fact he had discussed going there.

In Friday's court filing, Cohen said he kept Trump "apprised" of the "substantive conversation" he had with an assistant to a key Russian government official in January 2016 in which he sought help securing land and financing for the Moscow tower project.

Cohen also said he talked with Trump, referred to as "Client-1" in the filing, about traveling to Russia to pursue the project deep into the 2016 presidential campaign.

"He and Client-1 also discussed possible travel to Russia in the summer of 2016, and Michael took steps to clear dates for such travel," Cohen's lawyers said in the filing.

After Cohen's guilty plea on Thursday, Trump called Cohen a "weak person" and accused him of making up the story to receive a lesser prison sentence. Trump has repeatedly denied any collusion with Russia and criticized Mueller's probe as a politically charged witch hunt.

Michael Cohen, President Donald Trump's former personal lawyer, informed Trump about a conversation he had with the Kremlin seeking help to build a skyscraper in Moscow in 2016 during the US presidential campaign, according to a court filing.

Michael Cohen, President Donald Trump's former personal lawyer, informed Trump about a conversation he had with the Kremlin seeking help to build a skyscraper in Moscow in 2016 during the US presidential campaign, according to a court filing. Cohen also "remained in close and regular contact with White House-based staff and legal counsel" to Trump while preparing false statements to Congress about his contacts with Russia, Cohen's lawyer's said in the filing to a Manhattan federal judge late Friday. Cohen is scheduled to be sentenced on December 12 after pleading guilty to tax evasion, making false statements to a bank, campaign finance violations, and lying to Congress. Cohen has been cooperating with Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 US election and possible collusion with the Trump campaign and his lawyers asked in the filing that he avoid prison time. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Cohen, a former member of Trump's inner circle who in the past called himself the president's "fixer,", admitted this week that he made false statements to two congressional panels about the Moscow project in a bid to remain consistent with Trump's messaging about Russia during the 2016 campaign. Cohen had said in his statement to Congress that he had limited contact with Trump concerning the project, when in fact it had been more extensive. Cohen also said he falsely told Congress he never took any steps toward traveling to Russia when in fact he had discussed going there. In Friday's court filing, Cohen said he kept Trump "apprised" of the "substantive conversation" he had with an assistant to a key Russian government official in January 2016 in which he sought help securing land and financing for the Moscow tower project. Cohen also said he talked with Trump, referred to as "Client-1" in the filing, about traveling to Russia to pursue the project deep into the 2016 presidential campaign. "He and Client-1 also discussed possible travel to Russia in the summer of 2016, and Michael took steps to clear dates for such travel," Cohen's lawyers said in the filing. After Cohen's guilty plea on Thursday, Trump called Cohen a "weak person" and accused him of making up the story to receive a lesser prison sentence. Trump has repeatedly denied any collusion with Russia and criticized Mueller's probe as a politically charged witch hunt.

Ex-lawyer Michael Cohen says he told Trump about conversation with Kremlin: Court filing

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning 1st December, 2018

President Donald Trump will attend the state funeral of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/bushs-single-white-house-term-shaped-us-history-for-decades-180657">former president George HW&nbsp;Bush</a>, who has died at 94, the White House said Saturday.

Trump's spokeswoman said: "A state funeral is being arranged with all of the accompanying support and honours. The president will designate Wednesday, December 5th as a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/tributes-for-former-us-president-george-hw-bush-180693">National Day Of Mourning</a>. He and the first lady will attend the funeral at the National Cathedral in Washington, DC."

Bush, the 41st president, died at home in Houston on Friday.

Trump did not attend the funeral of Bush's wife Barbara, the matriarch of the family, who died in April.

The invitation-only service at St Martin's Episcopal Church in Houston included Bush's successor Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, as well as other former senior officials.

In pics:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/former-us-president-george-hw-bush-dies-at-94-180671">Life and times of former US president George H W Bush</a>

The White House attributed Trump's absence to his desire to avoid disruptions, though First Lady Melania Trump was present.

A book published last year said Bush voted for Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election and called Donald Trump a "blowhard" who was driven by "a certain ego."

The revelations were contained in historian Mark Updegrove's "The Last Republicans."

"I don't like him," the elder Bush told Updegrove in May 2016 before the elections in November of that year

"I don't know much about him, but I know he's a blowhard. And I'm not too excited about him being (our) leader."

His son George W&nbsp;Bush left his ballot blank and said of Trump: "This guy doesn't know what it means to be president."

The book's title was inspired by the younger Bush's concerns that he had been "the last Republican president" -- not just because Clinton was seen as favorite to win the election, but because Trump represented a major break from traditional conservatism.

Trump was not invited to the funeral of another prominent Republican critic, the late senator John McCain who died in August.&nbsp;

McCain's daughter Meghan delivered a powerful rebuke to Trump at the funeral, telling mourners: "The America of John McCain has no need to be made great again because America was always great."&nbsp;

President Donald Trump will attend the state funeral of former president George HW Bush, who has died at 94, the White House said Saturday. Trump's spokeswoman said: "A state funeral is being arranged with all of the accompanying support and honours.

President Donald Trump will attend the state funeral of former president George HW Bush, who has died at 94, the White House said Saturday. Trump's spokeswoman said: "A state funeral is being arranged with all of the accompanying support and honours. The president will designate Wednesday, December 5th as a National Day Of Mourning. He and the first lady will attend the funeral at the National Cathedral in Washington, DC." Bush, the 41st president, died at home in Houston on Friday. Trump did not attend the funeral of Bush's wife Barbara, the matriarch of the family, who died in April. The invitation-only service at St Martin's Episcopal Church in Houston included Bush's successor Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, as well as other former senior officials. In pics: Life and times of former US president George H W Bush The White House attributed Trump's absence to his desire to avoid disruptions, though First Lady Melania Trump was present. A book published last year said Bush voted for Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election and called Donald Trump a "blowhard" who was driven by "a certain ego." The revelations were contained in historian Mark Updegrove's "The Last Republicans." "I don't like him," the elder Bush told Updegrove in May 2016 before the elections in November of that year "I don't know much about him, but I know he's a blowhard. And I'm not too excited about him being (our) leader." His son George W Bush left his ballot blank and said of Trump: "This guy doesn't know what it means to be president." The book's title was inspired by the younger Bush's concerns that he had been "the last Republican president" -- not just because Clinton was seen as favorite to win the election, but because Trump represented a major break from traditional conservatism. Trump was not invited to the funeral of another prominent Republican critic, the late senator John McCain who died in August. McCain's daughter Meghan delivered a powerful rebuke to Trump at the funeral, telling mourners: "The America of John McCain has no need to be made great again because America was always great."

Trump to attend George HW Bush's funeral: White House

G20 powers open two days of summit talks in crisis-hit Argentina on Friday after a stormy buildup dominated by US President Donald Trump's consensus-bucking crusade to realign world trade.

Shortly before the summit kicks off, Trump's "America First" charge will bear fruit with the signing in Buenos Aires of a successor to the North American free trade pact NAFTA.&nbsp;

The revamped accord, called the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), looks a lot like the one it replaces. But enough has been tweaked for Trump to declare victory on behalf of the US workers he claims were cheated by NAFTA.

Yet, underlining that the new deal may not be quite the game-changer he professes, the signing will be executed by senior trade negotiators from the three countries rather than their leaders attending the G20.

After imposing punishing tariffs on Chinese goods and threatening more to come in January, Trump also has China in his sights as he prepares to meet President Xi Jinping on the G20 margins.

Following the USMCA signing, and once Argentina's President Mauricio Macri has opened the first of the summit's two days, a mass protest is planned for central Buenos Aires Friday afternoon.

Argentines are grappling with soaring inflation and unemployment caused by an economic crisis, which has led to a deeply unpopular bailout from the International Monetary Fund.

"There's a lot of people who don't have houses and don't have work. They are not focusing on the people who have needs," barber Ariel Villegas, 47, said at one protest Thursday outside the Argentine Congress building.

The government is vowing zero tolerance of violence as it hosts its biggest ever international gathering, and says it has won promises from the protest organizers to keep the streets calm.

- Merkel delayed by plane trouble - 
The G20 summit will be accompanied by an array of diplomatic initiatives with several bilateral meetings by the leaders attending, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;

German Chancellor Angela Merkel is one of the leaders due to sit down with Trump on Friday. But she will miss the summit's opening after her plane was forced to make an emergency landing in Cologne due to a technical problem.

Her temporary absence could complicate French President Emmanuel Macron's attempts to build a European front against Trump at a meeting of EU leaders attending the G20 on Friday morning.

But late on Thursday, Macron was defiant as he rejected those who wish to confront economic challenges by being "bellicose, isolationist and closing down borders," praising instead the poverty-slashing benefits accrued under the globalization of recent decades.

- Dispute on climate - 
The French leader also defended the Paris Agreement on climate change, which is under assault by Trump and by Jair Bolsonaro, the incoming, far-right president of G20 member Brazil.

G20 sources said climate change was emerging as the biggest stumbling block to agreement on a joint communique in Buenos Aires when the summit concludes on Saturday.

Trump has yanked the United States out of the Paris pact, and his opposition to collective action stands in defiance of scientists' increasingly urgent warnings that the planetary threat needs policy redress now.

But with a major UN meeting on climate change starting next week in Poland straight after the G20, UN chief Antonio Guterres said in Buenos Aires that "this is a make-it-or-break-it moment."

Two major summits this year, of the Group of Seven democracies and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, ended without the once-routine statements, with Trump refusing to go along with the G7 due to a feud with his host, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

"Will we even have a communique? It really is an open question," said former Canadian negotiator Thomas Bernes, a senior fellow at the Ontario-based Centre for International Governance Innovation.

jit/sct/wd 
&nbsp;

G20 powers open two days of summit talks in crisis-hit Argentina on Friday after a stormy buildup dominated by US President Donald Trump's consensus-bucking crusade to realign world trade.

G20 powers open two days of summit talks in crisis-hit Argentina on Friday after a stormy buildup dominated by US President Donald Trump's consensus-bucking crusade to realign world trade. Shortly before the summit kicks off, Trump's "America First" charge will bear fruit with the signing in Buenos Aires of a successor to the North American free trade pact NAFTA. The revamped accord, called the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), looks a lot like the one it replaces. But enough has been tweaked for Trump to declare victory on behalf of the US workers he claims were cheated by NAFTA. Yet, underlining that the new deal may not be quite the game-changer he professes, the signing will be executed by senior trade negotiators from the three countries rather than their leaders attending the G20. After imposing punishing tariffs on Chinese goods and threatening more to come in January, Trump also has China in his sights as he prepares to meet President Xi Jinping on the G20 margins. Following the USMCA signing, and once Argentina's President Mauricio Macri has opened the first of the summit's two days, a mass protest is planned for central Buenos Aires Friday afternoon. Argentines are grappling with soaring inflation and unemployment caused by an economic crisis, which has led to a deeply unpopular bailout from the International Monetary Fund. "There's a lot of people who don't have houses and don't have work. They are not focusing on the people who have needs," barber Ariel Villegas, 47, said at one protest Thursday outside the Argentine Congress building. The government is vowing zero tolerance of violence as it hosts its biggest ever international gathering, and says it has won promises from the protest organizers to keep the streets calm. - Merkel delayed by plane trouble - The G20 summit will be accompanied by an array of diplomatic initiatives with several bilateral meetings by the leaders attending, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. German Chancellor Angela Merkel is one of the leaders due to sit down with Trump on Friday. But she will miss the summit's opening after her plane was forced to make an emergency landing in Cologne due to a technical problem. Her temporary absence could complicate French President Emmanuel Macron's attempts to build a European front against Trump at a meeting of EU leaders attending the G20 on Friday morning. But late on Thursday, Macron was defiant as he rejected those who wish to confront economic challenges by being "bellicose, isolationist and closing down borders," praising instead the poverty-slashing benefits accrued under the globalization of recent decades. - Dispute on climate - The French leader also defended the Paris Agreement on climate change, which is under assault by Trump and by Jair Bolsonaro, the incoming, far-right president of G20 member Brazil. G20 sources said climate change was emerging as the biggest stumbling block to agreement on a joint communique in Buenos Aires when the summit concludes on Saturday. Trump has yanked the United States out of the Paris pact, and his opposition to collective action stands in defiance of scientists' increasingly urgent warnings that the planetary threat needs policy redress now. But with a major UN meeting on climate change starting next week in Poland straight after the G20, UN chief Antonio Guterres said in Buenos Aires that "this is a make-it-or-break-it moment." Two major summits this year, of the Group of Seven democracies and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, ended without the once-routine statements, with Trump refusing to go along with the G7 due to a feud with his host, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. "Will we even have a communique? It really is an open question," said former Canadian negotiator Thomas Bernes, a senior fellow at the Ontario-based Centre for International Governance Innovation. jit/sct/wd

G20 opens under assault from Trump on collective action

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ahead-of-g20-meeting-with-xi-trump-says-billions-of-dollar-pouring-into-us-due-to-tariffs-on-china-180279">US President Donald Trump</a> said Thursday his ex-lawyer Michael Cohen was a "weak person" who was lying to get a reduced sentence after the fixer admitted misleading Congress over the Russia investigation.

"He is a weak person. And what he is trying to do is get a reduced sentence. So he is lying about a project that everybody knew about," Trump told reporters at the White House.

Cohen entered his guilty plea in federal court in Manhattan to one count of making false statements to Congress in an investigation by lawmakers into whether Trump's campaign worked with Russia to sway the 2016 US election in his favour. The plea increased the pressure on Trump during the ongoing special counsel investigation into Russia's role in the election.

The proposal at issue was to build a skyscraper bearing Trump's name in the Russian capital, a project that ultimately did not materialize. Cohen provided false statements to both the Senate and House intelligence committees to create the false impression the Moscow real estate project had ended by the time the political primary season began, the charging document said.

Cohen said in court that in 2017, he submitted a written statement to Congress saying all efforts relating to the real estate project in Moscow had ceased by January 2016. Cohen said that in fact, these efforts continued until June 2016.

Cohen also said that in the statement to Congress, he claimed to have had limited contact with Trump concerning the project, when in fact it had been "more extensive." Cohen also said he falsely told Congress he never took any steps toward travelling to Russia, when in fact he had discussed travelling there, although he never did.

US President Donald Trump said Thursday his ex-lawyer Michael Cohen was a "weak person" who was lying to get a reduced sentence after the fixer admitted misleading Congress over the Russia investigation.

US President Donald Trump said Thursday his ex-lawyer Michael Cohen was a "weak person" who was lying to get a reduced sentence after the fixer admitted misleading Congress over the Russia investigation. "He is a weak person. And what he is trying to do is get a reduced sentence. So he is lying about a project that everybody knew about," Trump told reporters at the White House. Cohen entered his guilty plea in federal court in Manhattan to one count of making false statements to Congress in an investigation by lawmakers into whether Trump's campaign worked with Russia to sway the 2016 US election in his favour. The plea increased the pressure on Trump during the ongoing special counsel investigation into Russia's role in the election. The proposal at issue was to build a skyscraper bearing Trump's name in the Russian capital, a project that ultimately did not materialize. Cohen provided false statements to both the Senate and House intelligence committees to create the false impression the Moscow real estate project had ended by the time the political primary season began, the charging document said. Cohen said in court that in 2017, he submitted a written statement to Congress saying all efforts relating to the real estate project in Moscow had ceased by January 2016. Cohen said that in fact, these efforts continued until June 2016. Cohen also said that in the statement to Congress, he claimed to have had limited contact with Trump concerning the project, when in fact it had been "more extensive." Cohen also said he falsely told Congress he never took any steps toward travelling to Russia, when in fact he had discussed travelling there, although he never did.

Trump says ex-lawyer Cohen 'lying' for reduced sentence

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-studying-new-auto-tariffs-after-general-motors-announces-job-cuts-180128">US President Donald Trump</a> has invited Brazil's President-elect Jair Bolsonaro to the United States, National Security Advisor John Bolton tweeted on Thursday following a meeting with the right-wing former army captain, who takes office in January.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Enjoyed a wide-ranging, very productive discussion w/ Brazil’s President-elect Bolsonaro &amp; his national security team. I extended an invitation from Pres. Trump for <a href="https://twitter.com/jairbolsonaro?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JairBolsonaro</a> to visit the US. We look forward to a dynamic partnership w/ Brazil. <a href="https://t.co/KrGF7mYDaA">pic.twitter.com/KrGF7mYDaA</a>
— John Bolton (@AmbJohnBolton) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmbJohnBolton/status/1068097703895285761?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Bolton described the meeting, which included members of Bolsonaro's national security team, as "wide-ranging" and "very productive."

Bolsonaro is an admirer of the US president and, like Trump, took the political establishment by surprise when he won office in October, riding a wave of anger against traditional politicians.

He has vowed to sweep out corruption, crack down on crime and align Brazil closely with the United States in a shift towards conservative nationalism.

Bolsonaro has threatened to follow Trump's lead and pull Brazil out of the Paris climate agreement, despite having the world's biggest rainforest in the Amazon.

(With inputs from Reuters)

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&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump has invited Brazil's President-elect Jair Bolsonaro to the United States, National Security Advisor John Bolton tweeted on Thursday following a meeting with the right-wing former army captain, who takes office in January.

US President Donald Trump has invited Brazil's President-elect Jair Bolsonaro to the United States, National Security Advisor John Bolton tweeted on Thursday following a meeting with the right-wing former army captain, who takes office in January. Enjoyed a wide-ranging, very productive discussion w/ Brazil’s President-elect Bolsonaro & his national security team. I extended an invitation from Pres. Trump for @JairBolsonaro to visit the US. We look forward to a dynamic partnership w/ Brazil. pic.twitter.com/KrGF7mYDaA — John Bolton (@AmbJohnBolton) November 29, 2018 × Bolton described the meeting, which included members of Bolsonaro's national security team, as "wide-ranging" and "very productive." Bolsonaro is an admirer of the US president and, like Trump, took the political establishment by surprise when he won office in October, riding a wave of anger against traditional politicians. He has vowed to sweep out corruption, crack down on crime and align Brazil closely with the United States in a shift towards conservative nationalism. Bolsonaro has threatened to follow Trump's lead and pull Brazil out of the Paris climate agreement, despite having the world's biggest rainforest in the Amazon. (With inputs from Reuters) ×

Trump has invited Brazil's President-elect Bolsonaro to US: John Bolton

The US has suspended $3 billion in security assistance to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/i-dont-know-why-was-sidhu-criticised-for-participating-in-my-oath-taking-ceremony-imran-khan-180013">Pakistan this year </a>after it failed to rein in terrorist groups, a figure which is much higher than the $1.3 billion quoted by the Trump administration earlier, according to sources.&nbsp;

The $3 billion amount was calculated in the latest compilation of all figures coming from various funding streams from different fiscal years, PTI has learnt.

Not been made public yet, the suspended figure of $3 billion is much higher than the $1.3 billion quoted by President Donald Trump this month and $1.66 billion reported by the Pentagon last week.

The compilation of the figures coming from various wings of the US Government is understood to have been done after the recent Twitter spat between President Trump and Pakistan <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/just-political-will-needed-to-solve-kashimr-says-pm-imran-khan-during-kartarpur-ceremony-180007">Prime Minister Imran Khan</a>.

The US president this month said that Pakistan did not "do a damn thing" for the US despite billions of dollars in American aid for the South Asian nation.

Khan fired back, telling the president on Twitter that he "needs to be informed about historical facts."

Khan said that the US aid to Pakistan was a "miniscule" $20 billion, while the country lost 75,000 people and more than $123 billion fighting the 'US War on Terror'.&nbsp;

Over the past several years, senior US officials had been accusing Pakistan of playing a double game with the US and not taking satisfactory action against terrorist groups like Haqqani networks, the Taliban and Lashkar-a-Taiba.

During the second term of the Obama administration, US lawmakers started bringing in legislation that imposed stringent conditions on Pakistan for certain security assistance.&nbsp;

But Trump became the first US president to announce the suspension of security aid to Pakistan.

"The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies &amp; deceit, thinking of our leaders as fools. They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more!" Trump announced on January 1.

Since then, senior administration officials assert no security aid has been given to Pakistan. Among this also includes the coalition support fund. 
Early this month, Trump charged Pakistan of harbouring Osama bin Laden, Al Qaeda leader, and asserted that his country will not give any financial aid to Pakistan.&nbsp;

Trump told White House reporters last week that he wants to have a better relationship with Pakistan, but would not revoke suspension of aid unless he sees changes in the approach of Pakistan towards terrorist organisations.&nbsp;

The US has suspended $3 billion in security assistance to Pakistan this year after it failed to rein in terrorist groups, a figure which is much higher than the $1.

The US has suspended $3 billion in security assistance to Pakistan this year after it failed to rein in terrorist groups, a figure which is much higher than the $1.3 billion quoted by the Trump administration earlier, according to sources. The $3 billion amount was calculated in the latest compilation of all figures coming from various funding streams from different fiscal years, PTI has learnt. Not been made public yet, the suspended figure of $3 billion is much higher than the $1.3 billion quoted by President Donald Trump this month and $1.66 billion reported by the Pentagon last week. The compilation of the figures coming from various wings of the US Government is understood to have been done after the recent Twitter spat between President Trump and Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan. The US president this month said that Pakistan did not "do a damn thing" for the US despite billions of dollars in American aid for the South Asian nation. Khan fired back, telling the president on Twitter that he "needs to be informed about historical facts." Khan said that the US aid to Pakistan was a "miniscule" $20 billion, while the country lost 75,000 people and more than $123 billion fighting the 'US War on Terror'. Over the past several years, senior US officials had been accusing Pakistan of playing a double game with the US and not taking satisfactory action against terrorist groups like Haqqani networks, the Taliban and Lashkar-a-Taiba. During the second term of the Obama administration, US lawmakers started bringing in legislation that imposed stringent conditions on Pakistan for certain security assistance. But Trump became the first US president to announce the suspension of security aid to Pakistan. "The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies & deceit, thinking of our leaders as fools. They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more!" Trump announced on January 1. Since then, senior administration officials assert no security aid has been given to Pakistan. Among this also includes the coalition support fund. Early this month, Trump charged Pakistan of harbouring Osama bin Laden, Al Qaeda leader, and asserted that his country will not give any financial aid to Pakistan. Trump told White House reporters last week that he wants to have a better relationship with Pakistan, but would not revoke suspension of aid unless he sees changes in the approach of Pakistan towards terrorist organisations.

US suspended $3 billion in security assistance to Pakistan in 2018: Sources 

US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday he had not ruled out granting a pardon to his former campaign chairman Paul Manafort, who has <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ex-trump-aide-manafort-violated-plea-agreement-by-lying-prosecutors-say-179643">pleaded guilty to a range of federal charges</a> from money laundering to unregistered lobbying.

"It was never discussed, but I wouldn’t take it off the table. Why would I take it off the table?” the president told the New York Post during an Oval Office interview.

Prosecutors for the special counsel investigating Russian meddling in the 2016 US&nbsp;presidential election said in a court filing on Monday that Manafort had lied to them, breaching a plea agreement.

"Manafort committed federal crimes by lying to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Special Counsel's Office on a variety of subject matters," Special Counsel Robert Mueller said in the filing. The filing did not give details but promised more as part of a pre-sentencing report.

The Wall Street Journal, citing people familiar with the matter, said Manafort's alleged false statements included comments about his business dealings and contacts with a former associate in Ukraine.

Those statements did not appear to be central to the allegations Mueller is investigating of possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia, but it is unclear if prosecutors plan to accuse Manafort of additional lies, the Journal reported. Moscow denies meddling in the 2016 election and Trump has denied any collusion occurred.

Spokesmen for Manafort and Mueller both declined to comment on the Journal story.

Manafort said in the court filing that he disagreed with the special counsel's assertion that he had lied, but both sides agreed the court should move ahead and sentence him for his crimes.

Without a pardon, the 69-year-old Manafort could spend the rest of his life in prison, experts said.

The breakdown in the plea deal means that Manafort will almost certainly be hit with a harsher sentence - both for the crimes he pleaded guilty to in Washington and for his conviction in August in a separate case in Virginia on bank and tax fraud.

Manafort was likely facing about 10 years in prison for the eight guilty counts in the Virginia case alone, sentencing experts have said.

But the development also raised speculation that Manafort may be seeking to curry favor with Trump or protecting other associates who worked on the campaign.

Trump has been vocal in his support for Manafort, lauding him as a "very good person" during the Virginia trial.

US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday he had not ruled out granting a pardon to his former campaign chairman Paul Manafort, who has pleaded guilty to a range of federal charges from money laundering to unregistered lobbying.

US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday he had not ruled out granting a pardon to his former campaign chairman Paul Manafort, who has pleaded guilty to a range of federal charges from money laundering to unregistered lobbying. "It was never discussed, but I wouldn’t take it off the table. Why would I take it off the table?” the president told the New York Post during an Oval Office interview. Prosecutors for the special counsel investigating Russian meddling in the 2016 US presidential election said in a court filing on Monday that Manafort had lied to them, breaching a plea agreement. "Manafort committed federal crimes by lying to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Special Counsel's Office on a variety of subject matters," Special Counsel Robert Mueller said in the filing. The filing did not give details but promised more as part of a pre-sentencing report. The Wall Street Journal, citing people familiar with the matter, said Manafort's alleged false statements included comments about his business dealings and contacts with a former associate in Ukraine. Those statements did not appear to be central to the allegations Mueller is investigating of possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia, but it is unclear if prosecutors plan to accuse Manafort of additional lies, the Journal reported. Moscow denies meddling in the 2016 election and Trump has denied any collusion occurred. Spokesmen for Manafort and Mueller both declined to comment on the Journal story. Manafort said in the court filing that he disagreed with the special counsel's assertion that he had lied, but both sides agreed the court should move ahead and sentence him for his crimes. Without a pardon, the 69-year-old Manafort could spend the rest of his life in prison, experts said. The breakdown in the plea deal means that Manafort will almost certainly be hit with a harsher sentence - both for the crimes he pleaded guilty to in Washington and for his conviction in August in a separate case in Virginia on bank and tax fraud. Manafort was likely facing about 10 years in prison for the eight guilty counts in the Virginia case alone, sentencing experts have said. But the development also raised speculation that Manafort may be seeking to curry favor with Trump or protecting other associates who worked on the campaign. Trump has been vocal in his support for Manafort, lauding him as a "very good person" during the Virginia trial.

Trump says Manafort pardon 'not off the table'

By Tony Walker

When US President Donald Trump meets his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, on the margins of the G20 summit in Buenos Aires between November 30 and December 1, nothing less than a reasonably healthy global trading system and continued economic growth will be on the table.

It is one of the more significant meetings between two global leaders in the modern era.

The encounter will recall the high-wire diplomacy between Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev in the 1980s, which signalled the end of the Cold War and, as it happened, the disintegration of the former Soviet Union.

Or, before that, Richard Nixon’s visit to China in 1972, which resulted in the signing of the Shanghai Communique and an end to decades of hostility between the United States and China.

World markets unnerved by an evolving trade conflict between the world’s two largest economies will take their cues from this encounter between an unpredictable US president and a Chinese leader who will not want to be seen to yield ground. Or, to give it an oriental description, lose face.

This is a fractious moment in world economic history.

Billions of dollars in global equity markets will rest on a reasonable consensus in the Argentine capital. The two sides will reach for a compromise that will enable relative stability to be restored to an economic relationship that is threatening to unravel.

Since a ragged outcome, or even failure, is in no-one’s interests, it is hard to believe Washington and Beijing will not seek to calm legitimate concerns about the risks of a full-blown trade war and its impact on global growth.

US-China trade tremors are already having an impact on growth projections for 2018-2020.

In its latest World Economic Outlook, the International Monetary Fund reports the world economy is plateauing, partly due to trade tensions and stresses in emerging markets.

The IMF has scaled back its global growth projections from its July Outlook forecast for 2019 to 3.7 per cent from 3.9 per cent. It has marked down US growth by 0.2 percentage point to 2.5 per cent, and China by a similar margin to 6.2 per cent.

However, if trade disruptions persist, fallout will become more serious in 2020 with global growth projected to be down by 0.8 per cent, and with it US and China growth down significantly.

Trade wars have consequences, including risks of a global recession.

All this invests the Trump-Xi encounter with more-than-usual significance. A bad outcome will heighten risks of an accelerating global slowdown.

In the lead-up to the G20, American and Chinese officials have been preparing the ground, with the Chinese side anxious to reduce tensions following a November 1 phone call between the two presidents.

But it is less clear that Washington is willing to ease pressure on China to liberalise further a foreign investment environment, seek ways to reduce a trade gap and make more conspicuous efforts to tone down concerns about Chinese pilfering of its intellectual property.

In a media briefing in Beijing, Chinese officials underscored China’s desire for a reasonable outcome in Buenos Aires. Wang Shouwen, a vice commerce minister, said:

"We hope China and the US are able to resolve their problems based on mutual respect, benefits and honesty."

However, Trump is continuing to threaten further increases in tariffs on $200 billion of Chinese imports now set at 10 per cent but due to increase to 25 per cent from January 1. He told The Wall Street Journal this week:

"The only deal would be China has to open up their country to competition from the United States."

Trump also threatened to slap tariffs on an additional $267 billion worth of Chinese imports if negotiations with Xi are unsuccessful:

"If we don’t make a deal, then I’m going to put the $267 billion additional on (at a tariff rate of either 10 per cent or 25 per cent)."

This next batch of Chinese imports might include laptops and Apple iPhones, which are among China’s biggest exports to the US.

Further complicating the possibility of a satisfactory negotiation in Buenos Aires is a lingering dispute between the US and China over reforms to the World Trade Organisation to strengthen its dispute resolution and appeal mechanisms.

The US also objects to China’s continued description as a “developing country” under WTO rules. This includes provisions that are favourable to Chinese state-owned enterprises.

A collapse in efforts to reform the WTO would strike another blow at a multilateral trading system that is under more stress than at any time since globalisation gathered pace in the 1990s.

The US-China trade conflict, which is threatening to become a full-blown trade war with unpredictable consequences, cannot be separated from a more general deterioration in relations.

These were given expression last month by Vice President Mike Pence in a speech to the Hudson Institute, in which he lambasted China in a way that prompted talk of a new cold war.

Pence accused China of deploying: "… an arsenal of policies inconsistent with free and fair trade, including tariffs, quotas, currency manipulation, forced technology transfers, intellectual property theft and industrial subsidies handed out like candy. These policies have built Beijing’s manufacturing base, at the expense of its competitors – especially the United States."

The US trade deficit with China reached $375 billion last year – nearly half the US global trade deficit.

None of this augurs well for a constructive resolution of US-China differences at the G20, although you might hope Trump’s approach would be tempered by concerns about the economic consequences of a conspicuous failure.

What seems most likely, given the stakes involved, is for officials from both countries to be tasked with responsibility for addressing a range of American concerns, with the aim of resetting the relationship.

This would seem to be a best-case scenario.

In the meantime, officials working on the draft of a final communique will be struggling to satisfy competing demands from G20 participants for clear-cut statements on protectionism and climate change.

These have been staples of such communiques since the G20 was formed ten years ago amid a global financial crisis.

Washington is reportedly resisting an explicit call to fight protectionism. It is also demanding a watering down of the G20’s commitment to the Paris Agreement on climate change.

Consensus on these issues is proving elusive, further undermining efforts to address global challenges.

This underscores a dramatic shift in the global geopolitical environment since Trump gained office.

At the 2016 G20 summit in Hangzhou, world leaders agreed on a “rules-based, transparent, non-discriminatory, open and inclusive multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organisation playing the central role in today’s global trade”.

On climate, the G20 committed itself “to complete our respective domestic procedures in order to join the Paris Agreement”.

Two years later, a “rules-based” trading system is being shredded and the Paris Agreement is at risk of unravelling. These are troubled times, not helped by an American pullback from the stabilising role in global affairs it has played since the second world war. 
 
(Tony Walker is Adjunct Professor, School of Communications, La Trobe University)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/much-at-stake-as-donald-trump-and-xi-jinping-meet-at-g20-106774">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

By Tony Walker When US President Donald Trump meets his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, on the margins of the G20 summit in Buenos Aires between November 30 and December 1, nothing less than a reasonably healthy global trading system and continued economic growth will be on the table.

By Tony Walker When US President Donald Trump meets his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, on the margins of the G20 summit in Buenos Aires between November 30 and December 1, nothing less than a reasonably healthy global trading system and continued economic growth will be on the table. It is one of the more significant meetings between two global leaders in the modern era. The encounter will recall the high-wire diplomacy between Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev in the 1980s, which signalled the end of the Cold War and, as it happened, the disintegration of the former Soviet Union. Or, before that, Richard Nixon’s visit to China in 1972, which resulted in the signing of the Shanghai Communique and an end to decades of hostility between the United States and China. World markets unnerved by an evolving trade conflict between the world’s two largest economies will take their cues from this encounter between an unpredictable US president and a Chinese leader who will not want to be seen to yield ground. Or, to give it an oriental description, lose face. This is a fractious moment in world economic history. Billions of dollars in global equity markets will rest on a reasonable consensus in the Argentine capital. The two sides will reach for a compromise that will enable relative stability to be restored to an economic relationship that is threatening to unravel. Since a ragged outcome, or even failure, is in no-one’s interests, it is hard to believe Washington and Beijing will not seek to calm legitimate concerns about the risks of a full-blown trade war and its impact on global growth. US-China trade tremors are already having an impact on growth projections for 2018-2020. In its latest World Economic Outlook, the International Monetary Fund reports the world economy is plateauing, partly due to trade tensions and stresses in emerging markets. The IMF has scaled back its global growth projections from its July Outlook forecast for 2019 to 3.7 per cent from 3.9 per cent. It has marked down US growth by 0.2 percentage point to 2.5 per cent, and China by a similar margin to 6.2 per cent. However, if trade disruptions persist, fallout will become more serious in 2020 with global growth projected to be down by 0.8 per cent, and with it US and China growth down significantly. Trade wars have consequences, including risks of a global recession. All this invests the Trump-Xi encounter with more-than-usual significance. A bad outcome will heighten risks of an accelerating global slowdown. In the lead-up to the G20, American and Chinese officials have been preparing the ground, with the Chinese side anxious to reduce tensions following a November 1 phone call between the two presidents. But it is less clear that Washington is willing to ease pressure on China to liberalise further a foreign investment environment, seek ways to reduce a trade gap and make more conspicuous efforts to tone down concerns about Chinese pilfering of its intellectual property. In a media briefing in Beijing, Chinese officials underscored China’s desire for a reasonable outcome in Buenos Aires. Wang Shouwen, a vice commerce minister, said: "We hope China and the US are able to resolve their problems based on mutual respect, benefits and honesty." However, Trump is continuing to threaten further increases in tariffs on $200 billion of Chinese imports now set at 10 per cent but due to increase to 25 per cent from January 1. He told The Wall Street Journal this week: "The only deal would be China has to open up their country to competition from the United States." Trump also threatened to slap tariffs on an additional $267 billion worth of Chinese imports if negotiations with Xi are unsuccessful: "If we don’t make a deal, then I’m going to put the $267 billion additional on (at a tariff rate of either 10 per cent or 25 per cent)." This next batch of Chinese imports might include laptops and Apple iPhones, which are among China’s biggest exports to the US. Further complicating the possibility of a satisfactory negotiation in Buenos Aires is a lingering dispute between the US and China over reforms to the World Trade Organisation to strengthen its dispute resolution and appeal mechanisms. The US also objects to China’s continued description as a “developing country” under WTO rules. This includes provisions that are favourable to Chinese state-owned enterprises. A collapse in efforts to reform the WTO would strike another blow at a multilateral trading system that is under more stress than at any time since globalisation gathered pace in the 1990s. The US-China trade conflict, which is threatening to become a full-blown trade war with unpredictable consequences, cannot be separated from a more general deterioration in relations. These were given expression last month by Vice President Mike Pence in a speech to the Hudson Institute, in which he lambasted China in a way that prompted talk of a new cold war. Pence accused China of deploying: "… an arsenal of policies inconsistent with free and fair trade, including tariffs, quotas, currency manipulation, forced technology transfers, intellectual property theft and industrial subsidies handed out like candy. These policies have built Beijing’s manufacturing base, at the expense of its competitors – especially the United States." The US trade deficit with China reached $375 billion last year – nearly half the US global trade deficit. None of this augurs well for a constructive resolution of US-China differences at the G20, although you might hope Trump’s approach would be tempered by concerns about the economic consequences of a conspicuous failure. What seems most likely, given the stakes involved, is for officials from both countries to be tasked with responsibility for addressing a range of American concerns, with the aim of resetting the relationship. This would seem to be a best-case scenario. In the meantime, officials working on the draft of a final communique will be struggling to satisfy competing demands from G20 participants for clear-cut statements on protectionism and climate change. These have been staples of such communiques since the G20 was formed ten years ago amid a global financial crisis. Washington is reportedly resisting an explicit call to fight protectionism. It is also demanding a watering down of the G20’s commitment to the Paris Agreement on climate change. Consensus on these issues is proving elusive, further undermining efforts to address global challenges. This underscores a dramatic shift in the global geopolitical environment since Trump gained office. At the 2016 G20 summit in Hangzhou, world leaders agreed on a “rules-based, transparent, non-discriminatory, open and inclusive multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organisation playing the central role in today’s global trade”. On climate, the G20 committed itself “to complete our respective domestic procedures in order to join the Paris Agreement”. Two years later, a “rules-based” trading system is being shredded and the Paris Agreement is at risk of unravelling. These are troubled times, not helped by an American pullback from the stabilising role in global affairs it has played since the second world war. (Tony Walker is Adjunct Professor, School of Communications, 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)

Much at stake as Donald Trump and Xi Jinping meet at G20

WION Gravitas: Donald Trump defends using tear gas on migrants

President Donald Trump will hold a make-or-break trade meeting with his Chinese counterpart at the G20 summit this week and also <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-may-cancel-putin-meeting-at-g20-over-ukraine-conflict-179853">navigate a diplomatic minefield with Russia's president</a> after unrest in Ukraine, the White House said Tuesday.

Trump is due to meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Buenos Aires for a working dinner at the Group of 20 summit that runs Friday and Saturday.

Economic advisor Larry Kudlow told a White House press conference that "the president said there is a good possibility that we can make a deal and he is open to it."

But Kudlow warned that if China holds out against US demands, Washington could ramp up the trade war.

"If need be, if things don't work out in this US-China summit meeting, he will invoke another $267 some odd billion dollars in tariffs."

The issue is the biggest looming over Trump's visit to Argentina, with the two economic giants locked in exchanges of punitive tariffs and Washington effectively threatening to target all remaining Chinese imports, including Apple products made in China.

Despite Kudlow's repeated insistence that Trump sees cause for optimism, he also underlined the tough conditions that the administration wants to impose on Beijing.

"China should change its practices and come into the community of responsible trading nations," Kudlow said, stressing that he considers the US economy in far better shape than China's to weather a prolonged trade war.

"We are in a position to deal with it and handle it very well," he said.

China will have to give way on "fairness and reciprocity," he said, warning that US concerns over intellectual property theft and China's forced technology transfers "must be solved."

Cancel Putin summit?

Trump is also to meet separately with Russia's Vladimir Putin and the leaders of Argentina, Germany, India, Japan, South Korea and Turkey, White House officials said.

His talks with Putin present an especially tricky task -- and may be cancelled at the last minute over Russia's seizure of Ukrainian vessels in the latest episode of a long-simmering military confrontation.

US-Russia relations are under huge strain, while Trump is under investigation at home for alleged collusion with Moscow during his 2016 presidential election win.

Complicating the already complex diplomatic landscape, Russia shot at Ukrainian ships and captured three vessels on Sunday, prompting the government in Ukraine to accuse Moscow of preparing for "full-scale war."

Trump told The Washington Post on Tuesday that "maybe I won't have the meeting." He said he would wait for the results of a report from his national security team before deciding.

Trump's last summit with Putin, in Helsinki in July 2018, prompted an outpouring of criticism that the US president had failed to hold his Russian counterpart to account over what US intelligence services have concluded was deliberate Kremlin meddling in the 2016 elections.

There are no plans, the White House says, for Trump to meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the de facto leader of the oil-rich Gulf kingdom.

The CIA reportedly has told Trump that Prince Mohammed, who has close ties to the administration, was behind the brutal murder of dissident journalist and US resident Jamal Khashoggi. But Trump has dismissed this, prompting an outcry from opponents and even some allies in Congress.

Trump spokeswoman Sarah Sanders indicated that an informal meeting may yet happen.

"I wouldn't say we've ruled out any interaction," she said, although she stressed that "the president's schedule is pretty packed."

President Donald Trump will hold a make-or-break trade meeting with his Chinese counterpart at the G20 summit this week and also navigate a diplomatic minefield with Russia's president after unrest in Ukraine, the White House said Tuesday.

President Donald Trump will hold a make-or-break trade meeting with his Chinese counterpart at the G20 summit this week and also navigate a diplomatic minefield with Russia's president after unrest in Ukraine, the White House said Tuesday. Trump is due to meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Buenos Aires for a working dinner at the Group of 20 summit that runs Friday and Saturday. Economic advisor Larry Kudlow told a White House press conference that "the president said there is a good possibility that we can make a deal and he is open to it." But Kudlow warned that if China holds out against US demands, Washington could ramp up the trade war. "If need be, if things don't work out in this US-China summit meeting, he will invoke another $267 some odd billion dollars in tariffs." The issue is the biggest looming over Trump's visit to Argentina, with the two economic giants locked in exchanges of punitive tariffs and Washington effectively threatening to target all remaining Chinese imports, including Apple products made in China. Despite Kudlow's repeated insistence that Trump sees cause for optimism, he also underlined the tough conditions that the administration wants to impose on Beijing. "China should change its practices and come into the community of responsible trading nations," Kudlow said, stressing that he considers the US economy in far better shape than China's to weather a prolonged trade war. "We are in a position to deal with it and handle it very well," he said. China will have to give way on "fairness and reciprocity," he said, warning that US concerns over intellectual property theft and China's forced technology transfers "must be solved." Cancel Putin summit? Trump is also to meet separately with Russia's Vladimir Putin and the leaders of Argentina, Germany, India, Japan, South Korea and Turkey, White House officials said. His talks with Putin present an especially tricky task -- and may be cancelled at the last minute over Russia's seizure of Ukrainian vessels in the latest episode of a long-simmering military confrontation. US-Russia relations are under huge strain, while Trump is under investigation at home for alleged collusion with Moscow during his 2016 presidential election win. Complicating the already complex diplomatic landscape, Russia shot at Ukrainian ships and captured three vessels on Sunday, prompting the government in Ukraine to accuse Moscow of preparing for "full-scale war." Trump told The Washington Post on Tuesday that "maybe I won't have the meeting." He said he would wait for the results of a report from his national security team before deciding. Trump's last summit with Putin, in Helsinki in July 2018, prompted an outpouring of criticism that the US president had failed to hold his Russian counterpart to account over what US intelligence services have concluded was deliberate Kremlin meddling in the 2016 elections. There are no plans, the White House says, for Trump to meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the de facto leader of the oil-rich Gulf kingdom. The CIA reportedly has told Trump that Prince Mohammed, who has close ties to the administration, was behind the brutal murder of dissident journalist and US resident Jamal Khashoggi. But Trump has dismissed this, prompting an outcry from opponents and even some allies in Congress. Trump spokeswoman Sarah Sanders indicated that an informal meeting may yet happen. "I wouldn't say we've ruled out any interaction," she said, although she stressed that "the president's schedule is pretty packed."

At G20, Trump faces showdown with Russia over Ukraine, with China over tariffs

US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he may cancel his scheduled meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the G20 summit in Argentina because of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-warns-of-threat-of-full-scale-war-with-russia-179864">Russia`s maritime clash with Ukraine</a>.

In an interview with the Washington Post, Trump said he was awaiting a "full report" from his national security team Tuesday evening about Russia’s capture of three Ukrainian naval ships and their crews on Sunday.

"That will be very determinative," Trump told the Post. "Maybe I won`t have the meeting. Maybe I won`t even have the meeting ... I don`t like that aggression. I don`t want that aggression at all," he said.

Trump is due to meet Putin on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Buenos Aires, which convenes on Friday and Saturday. The Trump-Putin meeting will cover security issues, arms control, and issues in the Middle East and Ukraine, White House national security John Bolton told reporters.&nbsp;

Russia opened fire on the Ukrainian boats and then seized them and their crews on Sunday near Crimea, which Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014. Moscow and Kiev have tried to pin the blame on each other for the incident.&nbsp;

The US State Department urged European nations on Tuesday to do more to assist Ukraine in its standoff with Russia.

US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he may cancel his scheduled meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the G20 summit in Argentina because of Russia`s maritime clash with Ukraine.

US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he may cancel his scheduled meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the G20 summit in Argentina because of Russia`s maritime clash with Ukraine. In an interview with the Washington Post, Trump said he was awaiting a "full report" from his national security team Tuesday evening about Russia’s capture of three Ukrainian naval ships and their crews on Sunday. "That will be very determinative," Trump told the Post. "Maybe I won`t have the meeting. Maybe I won`t even have the meeting ... I don`t like that aggression. I don`t want that aggression at all," he said. Trump is due to meet Putin on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Buenos Aires, which convenes on Friday and Saturday. The Trump-Putin meeting will cover security issues, arms control, and issues in the Middle East and Ukraine, White House national security John Bolton told reporters. Russia opened fire on the Ukrainian boats and then seized them and their crews on Sunday near Crimea, which Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014. Moscow and Kiev have tried to pin the blame on each other for the incident. The US State Department urged European nations on Tuesday to do more to assist Ukraine in its standoff with Russia.

Trump says he may cancel meeting with Putin at G20 over Ukraine conflict

Ivanka Trump, US President Donald Trump's oldest daughter and a White House adviser, dismissed comparisons of her <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-adviser-ivanka-trump-used-personal-email-for-government-work-178335">use of private email</a> for government work and that of Hillary Clinton, her father's Democratic rival in the 2016 election.

"All of my emails are stored and preserved. There were no deletions. There is no attempt to hide," she told ABC News in an interview released on Wednesday. "There's no equivalency to what my father's spoken about."

Republican and Democratic lawmakers have called for an investigation into her email use following reports last week that she used her personal account up to 100 times in 2017 to contact other Trump administration officials.

President Trump, a Republican, repeatedly criticized Clinton during the 2016 presidential election campaign over her use of personal email and a private server while she was US secretary of state, vowing to investigate her and spurring cries of "lock her up" among his supporters.

The New York Times reported last week that, once in office, Trump wanted to order the US Department of Justice to prosecute her but was dissuaded by his White House lawyer.

Use of a personal account for government business potentially violates a law requiring preservation of all presidential records. It has also raised security concerns, particularly over-classified or sensitive information and the possibility of hacking.

The FBI investigated Clinton but ultimately found that no criminal charges were warranted. The State Department also investigated and found that her actions had violated department rules.

Other government officials, including Vice President Mike Pence when he was Indiana's governor and several past secretaries of state, have also been found to have used private email for government work.

Ivanka Trump, speaking to ABC News on Tuesday, said "there's no connection between" her email use and Clinton's situation. President Trump has also defended her email use and last week told reporters that all of her correspondence had been preserved.

House Oversight Committee Chairman Trey Gowdy, a Republican, has asked the White House for information related to Ivanka Trump's private email use, while the head of the Senate's Homeland Security Committee, Republican Senator Ron Johnson, sought a briefing on the topic.

Representatives for US Representative Elijah Cummings, the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee who is poised to lead the panel in January, said he will continue the investigation.

Ivanka Trump, US President Donald Trump's oldest daughter and a White House adviser, dismissed comparisons of her use of private email for government work and that of Hillary Clinton, her father's Democratic rival in the 2016 election.

Ivanka Trump, US President Donald Trump's oldest daughter and a White House adviser, dismissed comparisons of her use of private email for government work and that of Hillary Clinton, her father's Democratic rival in the 2016 election. "All of my emails are stored and preserved. There were no deletions. There is no attempt to hide," she told ABC News in an interview released on Wednesday. "There's no equivalency to what my father's spoken about." Republican and Democratic lawmakers have called for an investigation into her email use following reports last week that she used her personal account up to 100 times in 2017 to contact other Trump administration officials. President Trump, a Republican, repeatedly criticized Clinton during the 2016 presidential election campaign over her use of personal email and a private server while she was US secretary of state, vowing to investigate her and spurring cries of "lock her up" among his supporters. The New York Times reported last week that, once in office, Trump wanted to order the US Department of Justice to prosecute her but was dissuaded by his White House lawyer. Use of a personal account for government business potentially violates a law requiring preservation of all presidential records. It has also raised security concerns, particularly over-classified or sensitive information and the possibility of hacking. The FBI investigated Clinton but ultimately found that no criminal charges were warranted. The State Department also investigated and found that her actions had violated department rules. Other government officials, including Vice President Mike Pence when he was Indiana's governor and several past secretaries of state, have also been found to have used private email for government work. Ivanka Trump, speaking to ABC News on Tuesday, said "there's no connection between" her email use and Clinton's situation. President Trump has also defended her email use and last week told reporters that all of her correspondence had been preserved. House Oversight Committee Chairman Trey Gowdy, a Republican, has asked the White House for information related to Ivanka Trump's private email use, while the head of the Senate's Homeland Security Committee, Republican Senator Ron Johnson, sought a briefing on the topic. Representatives for US Representative Elijah Cummings, the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee who is poised to lead the panel in January, said he will continue the investigation.

All of my emails are stored and preserved, there were no deletions: Ivanka Trump

President Donald Trump has asked General Motors to stop manufacturing cars in China, according to a media report, after the American automobile company announced its <a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/general-motors-shuttering-plants-cutting-15-of-workforce-179659">plans to cut around 14,800 jobs in the US and Canada</a>.

Reacting sharply, Trump asked the General Motors to review its decision, which the auto major said would help it save around $4.5 billion in costs by the end of 2020.

The decision will have a major impact on jobs in some of the key states like Ohio and Michigan.

According to The Wall Street Journal, Trump told the GM chief executive Mary Barra that she should stop making cars in China and open a new plant in Ohio to replace the one that is ending production.

"They better damn well open a new plant there very quickly," Trump told The Wall Street Journal in an interview.&nbsp;

"I love Ohio. I told them, 'You're playing around with the wrong person'," he said, referring to his talks with the GM leadership.

Earlier at the White House, the US President said he did not like GM's decision.&nbsp;

"We don't like it. I believe they'll be opening up something else. I was very tough (with GM leadership). I spoke with her when I heard they were closing. And I said, 'You know, this country has done a lot for General Motors. You better get back in there soon. That's Ohio, and you better get back in there soon'," Trump said.

"So, we have a lot of pressure on them. You have senators, you have a lot of other people -- a lot of pressure. They say the Chevy Cruze is not selling well. I say, 'Well, then get somebody -- get a car that is selling well and put it back in'. So I think you're going to see something else happen there, but I'm not happy about it," he said.

Noting that their car is not selling well, Trump exuded confidence that soon they will put something else.&nbsp;

"I have no doubt that, in a not-too-distant future, they'll put something else. They better put something else in," he said. 
Barra defended the decision of the General Motors.

"The actions we are taking today continue our transformation to be highly agile, resilient and profitable, while giving us the flexibility to invest in the future," Barra said.&nbsp;

"We recognize the need to stay in front of changing market conditions and customer preferences to position our company for long-term success," she added.

"These actions will increase the long-term profit and cash generation potential of the company and improve resilience through the cycle," Barra said.

President Donald Trump has asked General Motors to stop manufacturing cars in China, according to a media report, after the American automobile company announced its plans to cut around 14,800 jobs in the US and Canada.

President Donald Trump has asked General Motors to stop manufacturing cars in China, according to a media report, after the American automobile company announced its plans to cut around 14,800 jobs in the US and Canada. Reacting sharply, Trump asked the General Motors to review its decision, which the auto major said would help it save around $4.5 billion in costs by the end of 2020. The decision will have a major impact on jobs in some of the key states like Ohio and Michigan. According to The Wall Street Journal, Trump told the GM chief executive Mary Barra that she should stop making cars in China and open a new plant in Ohio to replace the one that is ending production. "They better damn well open a new plant there very quickly," Trump told The Wall Street Journal in an interview. "I love Ohio. I told them, 'You're playing around with the wrong person'," he said, referring to his talks with the GM leadership. Earlier at the White House, the US President said he did not like GM's decision. "We don't like it. I believe they'll be opening up something else. I was very tough (with GM leadership). I spoke with her when I heard they were closing. And I said, 'You know, this country has done a lot for General Motors. You better get back in there soon. That's Ohio, and you better get back in there soon'," Trump said. "So, we have a lot of pressure on them. You have senators, you have a lot of other people -- a lot of pressure. They say the Chevy Cruze is not selling well. I say, 'Well, then get somebody -- get a car that is selling well and put it back in'. So I think you're going to see something else happen there, but I'm not happy about it," he said. Noting that their car is not selling well, Trump exuded confidence that soon they will put something else. "I have no doubt that, in a not-too-distant future, they'll put something else. They better put something else in," he said. Barra defended the decision of the General Motors. "The actions we are taking today continue our transformation to be highly agile, resilient and profitable, while giving us the flexibility to invest in the future," Barra said. "We recognize the need to stay in front of changing market conditions and customer preferences to position our company for long-term success," she added. "These actions will increase the long-term profit and cash generation potential of the company and improve resilience through the cycle," Barra said.

After it announces job cuts, Trump asks General Motors to stop making cars in China

President Donald Trump said Monday <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-teen-trolls-us-president-donald-trump-over-climate-change-179595">he doesn't believe his own government's report</a> last week warning of massive economic losses if carbon emissions continue to feed climate change unchecked.

"I don't believe it," Trump said at the White House, adding that the United States would not take measures to cut emissions if the same was not done in other countries.

Trump said he had read "some" of the report and that it was "fine."

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However, he rejected the central warning in the National Climate Assessment, which said there will be hundreds of billions of dollars in losses by the end of the century due to climate change "without substantial and sustained global mitigation."

"No, no, I don't believe it," he repeated.

"You're going to have to have China and Japan and all of Asia and all of these other countries, you know. It addresses our country," he said.

"Right now, we're at the cleanest we've ever been. And that's very important to me. But if we're clean, but every other place on Earth is dirty, that's not so good. So I want clean air, I want clean water, very important."

According to the report, released Friday, "with continued growth in emissions at historic rates, annual losses in some economic sectors are projected to reach hundreds of billions of dollars by the end of the century -- more than the current gross domestic product (GDP) of many US states."

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/climate-change-could-cost-us-hundreds-of-billions-a-year-study-179062">Climate change could cost US 'hundreds of billions' a year</a>

'Growing losses'

"Without substantial and sustained global mitigation and regional adaptation efforts, climate change is expected to cause growing losses to American infrastructure and property and impede the rate of economic growth over this century," it said.

The effects will spill into global trade, hitting import and export prices and US businesses with overseas operations and supply chains, it added.

Compiled by more than 300 scientists, the Fourth National Climate Assessment Volume II is a congressionally-mandated report that spans more than 1,000 pages.

Trump has long said he distrusts the consensus by nearly all the world's respected climate scientists on the link between human activity and rising temperatures, as well as other damaging climate change phenomena.

Since becoming president in 2016, he has pulled the United States out of the international Paris Agreement on attempting to bring down global temperatures, and torn up a raft of environmental protection laws, saying the US economy needs the boost.

In October, Trump said during a visit to inspect hurricane damage in the southern state of Georgia that climate change "is going to go back and forth," rather than be permanent.

He also gave a lukewarm reaction to publication of a major UN report warning in October of global warming-caused chaos, saying "I want to look who drew it, you know, which groups drew it, because I can give you reports that are fabulous and I can give you reports that aren't so good."

President Donald Trump said Monday he doesn't believe his own government's report last week warning of massive economic losses if carbon emissions continue to feed climate change unchecked.

President Donald Trump said Monday he doesn't believe his own government's report last week warning of massive economic losses if carbon emissions continue to feed climate change unchecked. "I don't believe it," Trump said at the White House, adding that the United States would not take measures to cut emissions if the same was not done in other countries. Trump said he had read "some" of the report and that it was "fine." I don't believe it,' Trump said at the White House, adding that the United States would not take measures to cut emissions if the same was not done in other countries × However, he rejected the central warning in the National Climate Assessment, which said there will be hundreds of billions of dollars in losses by the end of the century due to climate change "without substantial and sustained global mitigation." "No, no, I don't believe it," he repeated. "You're going to have to have China and Japan and all of Asia and all of these other countries, you know. It addresses our country," he said. "Right now, we're at the cleanest we've ever been. And that's very important to me. But if we're clean, but every other place on Earth is dirty, that's not so good. So I want clean air, I want clean water, very important." According to the report, released Friday, "with continued growth in emissions at historic rates, annual losses in some economic sectors are projected to reach hundreds of billions of dollars by the end of the century -- more than the current gross domestic product (GDP) of many US states." Also read: Climate change could cost US 'hundreds of billions' a year 'Growing losses' "Without substantial and sustained global mitigation and regional adaptation efforts, climate change is expected to cause growing losses to American infrastructure and property and impede the rate of economic growth over this century," it said. The effects will spill into global trade, hitting import and export prices and US businesses with overseas operations and supply chains, it added. Compiled by more than 300 scientists, the Fourth National Climate Assessment Volume II is a congressionally-mandated report that spans more than 1,000 pages. Trump has long said he distrusts the consensus by nearly all the world's respected climate scientists on the link between human activity and rising temperatures, as well as other damaging climate change phenomena. Since becoming president in 2016, he has pulled the United States out of the international Paris Agreement on attempting to bring down global temperatures, and torn up a raft of environmental protection laws, saying the US economy needs the boost. In October, Trump said during a visit to inspect hurricane damage in the southern state of Georgia that climate change "is going to go back and forth," rather than be permanent. He also gave a lukewarm reaction to publication of a major UN report warning in October of global warming-caused chaos, saying "I want to look who drew it, you know, which groups drew it, because I can give you reports that are fabulous and I can give you reports that aren't so good."

Trump says he does not believe his govt's warning on climate change

US President Donald Trump on Monday defended the use of tear gas on migrants who rushed the border.

"They had to use (it) because they were being rushed by some very tough people and they used tear gas and here's the bottom line: nobody's coming into our country unless they come in legally," Trump told reporters in Mississippi.

"The tear gas is a very minor form of the tear gas itself. It's very safe," he later added.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/mexico-deports-scores-of-central-american-migrants-that-stormed-us-border-179645">Mexico deports scores of Central American migrants who stormed US border</a>

Trump also claimed, without providing evidence, that some people at the border are "grabbers" who are using&nbsp;unrelated children as a shield to make it safer for themselves and increase their chances of getting into the US.

"They grab a child because they think they'll have a certain status by having a child. You know, you have certain advantages in terms of our crazy laws that frankly Congress should be changing," he said.

US authorities on Monday fired tear gas canister toward migrants in Mexico near the border crossing separating Tijuana city from San Diego, California - when some rushed through border fencing into the United States.

According to report, as migrants were trying to enter the US, several hundred made it over the first barrier but when they neared the second fence, US border agents fired tear gas and rubber bullets at them as helicopters buzzed overhead.

People covered their faces to protect themselves from the acid gas, as mothers clutched their young children and fled back to Mexico for safety.

The incident was the most serious flashpoint in a weeks-long crisis that US President Donald Trump used to drum up support in this month's midterm elections.

The migrants have travelled through Mexico in large groups or caravans. There are more than 7,000 at the US&nbsp;border in Tijuana and the city of Mexicali, with more than 800 others still moving toward the border.

Trump has deployed nearly 6,000 troops to the border, on top of more than 2,000 members of the National Guard.

To enter the US legally, migrants must apply for asylum, but the wait for those requests to be processed can last up to a year.

(With inputs from news agencies)

US President Donald Trump on Monday defended the use of tear gas on migrants who rushed the border. "They had to use (it) because they were being rushed by some very tough people and they used tear gas and here's the bottom line: nobody's coming into our country unless they come in legally," Trump told reporters in Mississippi.

US President Donald Trump on Monday defended the use of tear gas on migrants who rushed the border. "They had to use (it) because they were being rushed by some very tough people and they used tear gas and here's the bottom line: nobody's coming into our country unless they come in legally," Trump told reporters in Mississippi. "The tear gas is a very minor form of the tear gas itself. It's very safe," he later added. Also read: Mexico deports scores of Central American migrants who stormed US border Trump also claimed, without providing evidence, that some people at the border are "grabbers" who are using unrelated children as a shield to make it safer for themselves and increase their chances of getting into the US. "They grab a child because they think they'll have a certain status by having a child. You know, you have certain advantages in terms of our crazy laws that frankly Congress should be changing," he said. US authorities on Monday fired tear gas canister toward migrants in Mexico near the border crossing separating Tijuana city from San Diego, California - when some rushed through border fencing into the United States. According to report, as migrants were trying to enter the US, several hundred made it over the first barrier but when they neared the second fence, US border agents fired tear gas and rubber bullets at them as helicopters buzzed overhead. People covered their faces to protect themselves from the acid gas, as mothers clutched their young children and fled back to Mexico for safety. The incident was the most serious flashpoint in a weeks-long crisis that US President Donald Trump used to drum up support in this month's midterm elections. The migrants have travelled through Mexico in large groups or caravans. There are more than 7,000 at the US border in Tijuana and the city of Mexicali, with more than 800 others still moving toward the border. Trump has deployed nearly 6,000 troops to the border, on top of more than 2,000 members of the National Guard. To enter the US legally, migrants must apply for asylum, but the wait for those requests to be processed can last up to a year. (With inputs from news agencies)

It's very safe: Trump defends use of tear gas on migrants who rushed border

Asian markets were mixed Tuesday as dealers focused on crunch G20 talks between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, with the US president warning he will ramp up his trade war with China if the two do not reach a deal.

With the economic superpowers in the middle of an increasingly bitter standoff, there are hopes the two leaders will be able to work out an agreement that brings them back from the brink of a tariffs row that threatens to dent global growth.

In an interview with the Wall Street Journal published Monday, Trump said he thought it "highly unlikely" the US would hold off more than doubling duties on $250 billion of Chinese imports if there is no breakthrough.

"If we don't make a deal, then I'm going to put the $267 billion additional on," he told the newspaper, referring to the remainder of Chinese imports that so far have not been hit with tariffs.

"The only deal would be China has to open up their country to competition from the United States."

While some observers suggested the comments were a typical Trump ploy to apply maximum pressure on Beijing heading into the meeting, there remain fears about what the tycoon has in mind.

"It doesn't sound like we will see Donald the Deal Maker but instead Trump the Trade Warrior at G20," said Stephen Innes, head of Asia-Pacific trade at OANDA.

Asian traders moved cautiously in early exchanges after Monday's global rally, which was fuelled by rising oil prices, Italy's softer tone in its budget standoff with Brussels and Britain's Brexit agreement with the European Union.

Oil outlook warning

Tokyo ended the morning 0.1 per cent higher, Shanghai added 0.1 per cent and Sydney rose 0.5 per cent but Hong Kong and Singapore each slipped 0.6 per cent.

Seoul and Wellington both added 0.3 per cent but Taipei shed 0.6 per cent and Manila gave up 0.5 per cent.

While the meeting is the main event this week, investors are also keeping an eye on speeches from top Federal Reserve officials including boss Jerome Powell, which could signal a softer pace of interest rate hikes.

Rising US borrowing costs -- fuelled by surging US growth -- have been a major cause of concern for investors but recent comments from the central banker appear to show a more dovish outlook for 2019 as the global economy slows.

On oil markets both main contracts remained under pressure despite Monday's jump, with market-watchers waiting for next month's gathering of OPEC and non-OPEC members hoping they will announce a cut in output.

The commodity has been hammered since early October by a series of issues including the uncertain global outlook, the trade war, rising supplies, slowing demand and weakness in China.

As trade tensions begin to bite on the global economy, analysts are predicting slower growth into next year, meaning there would be less demand for oil.&nbsp;

"It has been our long-held view that slower global economic activity would be a factor weighing on oil demand in 2019 and that the market would move into surplus," London-based Capital Economics said.

Key figures around 0245 GMT

Tokyo - Nikkei 225: UP 0.1 percent at 21,843.37 (break)

Hong Kong - Hang Seng: DOWN 0.6 per cent at 26,226.26

Shanghai - Composite: UP 0.4 percent at 2,586.54

Euro/dollar: UP at $1.1332 from $1.1326 at 2130 GMT

Euro/pound: UP at 88.46 pence from 88.44 pence

Pound/dollar: UP at $1.2811 from $1.2806&nbsp;

Oil - West Texas Intermediate: DOWN 26 cents at $51.37 per barrel&nbsp;

Oil - Brent Crude: DOWN 17 cents at $60.31 per barrel

New York - Dow Jones: UP 1.5 percent at 24,640.24 (close)

London - FTSE 100: UP 1.2 percent at 7,036.00 (close)

Asian markets were mixed Tuesday as dealers focused on crunch G20 talks between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, with the US president warning he will ramp up his trade war with China if the two do not reach a deal.

Asian markets were mixed Tuesday as dealers focused on crunch G20 talks between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, with the US president warning he will ramp up his trade war with China if the two do not reach a deal. With the economic superpowers in the middle of an increasingly bitter standoff, there are hopes the two leaders will be able to work out an agreement that brings them back from the brink of a tariffs row that threatens to dent global growth. In an interview with the Wall Street Journal published Monday, Trump said he thought it "highly unlikely" the US would hold off more than doubling duties on $250 billion of Chinese imports if there is no breakthrough. "If we don't make a deal, then I'm going to put the $267 billion additional on," he told the newspaper, referring to the remainder of Chinese imports that so far have not been hit with tariffs. "The only deal would be China has to open up their country to competition from the United States." While some observers suggested the comments were a typical Trump ploy to apply maximum pressure on Beijing heading into the meeting, there remain fears about what the tycoon has in mind. "It doesn't sound like we will see Donald the Deal Maker but instead Trump the Trade Warrior at G20," said Stephen Innes, head of Asia-Pacific trade at OANDA. Asian traders moved cautiously in early exchanges after Monday's global rally, which was fuelled by rising oil prices, Italy's softer tone in its budget standoff with Brussels and Britain's Brexit agreement with the European Union. Oil outlook warning Tokyo ended the morning 0.1 per cent higher, Shanghai added 0.1 per cent and Sydney rose 0.5 per cent but Hong Kong and Singapore each slipped 0.6 per cent. Seoul and Wellington both added 0.3 per cent but Taipei shed 0.6 per cent and Manila gave up 0.5 per cent. While the meeting is the main event this week, investors are also keeping an eye on speeches from top Federal Reserve officials including boss Jerome Powell, which could signal a softer pace of interest rate hikes. Rising US borrowing costs -- fuelled by surging US growth -- have been a major cause of concern for investors but recent comments from the central banker appear to show a more dovish outlook for 2019 as the global economy slows. On oil markets both main contracts remained under pressure despite Monday's jump, with market-watchers waiting for next month's gathering of OPEC and non-OPEC members hoping they will announce a cut in output. The commodity has been hammered since early October by a series of issues including the uncertain global outlook, the trade war, rising supplies, slowing demand and weakness in China. As trade tensions begin to bite on the global economy, analysts are predicting slower growth into next year, meaning there would be less demand for oil. "It has been our long-held view that slower global economic activity would be a factor weighing on oil demand in 2019 and that the market would move into surplus," London-based Capital Economics said. Key figures around 0245 GMT Tokyo - Nikkei 225: UP 0.1 percent at 21,843.37 (break) Hong Kong - Hang Seng: DOWN 0.6 per cent at 26,226.26 Shanghai - Composite: UP 0.4 percent at 2,586.54 Euro/dollar: UP at $1.1332 from $1.1326 at 2130 GMT Euro/pound: UP at 88.46 pence from 88.44 pence Pound/dollar: UP at $1.2811 from $1.2806 Oil - West Texas Intermediate: DOWN 26 cents at $51.37 per barrel Oil - Brent Crude: DOWN 17 cents at $60.31 per barrel New York - Dow Jones: UP 1.5 percent at 24,640.24 (close) London - FTSE 100: UP 1.2 percent at 7,036.00 (close)

Asian markets mixed as Trump threatens to ramp up trade war

US President Donald Trump on Monday expressed support for India's fight against terrorism and remembered those who lost their lives in the ghastly Mumbai terror attacks on November 26, 2008.&nbsp;

In a tweet, the US President noted that the "US stands with the people of India in their quest for justice," adding that terrorists will never "come close to winning."

"On the ten-year anniversary of the Mumbai terror attack, the US&nbsp;stands with the people of India in their quest for justice. The attack killed 166 innocents, including six Americans. We will never let terrorists win, or even come close to winning!," his tweet read.&nbsp;

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On the ten-year anniversary of the Mumbai terror attack, the U.S. stands with the people of India in their quest for justice. The attack killed 166 innocents, including six Americans. We will never let terrorists win, or even come close to winning!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1067142262545674240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The United States Monday announced <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/2611-attacks-us-announces-5-million-reward-for-information-on-perpetrators-179416">a $5 million reward</a> for information leading to the arrest or conviction in any country of any individual who committed, conspired, aided or abetted the 2008 Mumbai attack.

The Trump Administration announced this major reward (of more than Rs 35 crore) on the 10th anniversary of the terror attack in which 10-Pakistan based LeT terrorists went on a shooting rampage in India's financial hub killing 166 people, including six Americans.

Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister (EAM) Sushma Swaraj on Monday welcomed the statement made by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on the 10th anniversary of &nbsp;Mumbai terror attacks and called upon Pakistan to bring to justice perpetrators of the crime.

''I welcome the statement made by US Secretary of State Mr Mike Pompeo on the 10th anniversary of Mumbai terror attacks calling upon Pakistan to bring to justice the perpetrators of the attack. I urge Pakistan to heed the call of international community and fulfil it's its international obligations by implementing sanctions against those responsible for this historic act of terror,'' said the statement tweeted by EAM spokesperson Raveesh Kumar attributed to the external affairs minister.&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump on Monday expressed support for India's fight against terrorism and remembered those who lost their lives in the ghastly Mumbai terror attacks on November 26, 2008.

US President Donald Trump on Monday expressed support for India's fight against terrorism and remembered those who lost their lives in the ghastly Mumbai terror attacks on November 26, 2008. In a tweet, the US President noted that the "US stands with the people of India in their quest for justice," adding that terrorists will never "come close to winning." "On the ten-year anniversary of the Mumbai terror attack, the US stands with the people of India in their quest for justice. The attack killed 166 innocents, including six Americans. We will never let terrorists win, or even come close to winning!," his tweet read. On the ten-year anniversary of the Mumbai terror attack, the U.S. stands with the people of India in their quest for justice. The attack killed 166 innocents, including six Americans. We will never let terrorists win, or even come close to winning! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 26, 2018 × The United States Monday announced a $5 million reward for information leading to the arrest or conviction in any country of any individual who committed, conspired, aided or abetted the 2008 Mumbai attack. The Trump Administration announced this major reward (of more than Rs 35 crore) on the 10th anniversary of the terror attack in which 10-Pakistan based LeT terrorists went on a shooting rampage in India's financial hub killing 166 people, including six Americans. Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister (EAM) Sushma Swaraj on Monday welcomed the statement made by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on the 10th anniversary of Mumbai terror attacks and called upon Pakistan to bring to justice perpetrators of the crime. ''I welcome the statement made by US Secretary of State Mr Mike Pompeo on the 10th anniversary of Mumbai terror attacks calling upon Pakistan to bring to justice the perpetrators of the attack. I urge Pakistan to heed the call of international community and fulfil it's its international obligations by implementing sanctions against those responsible for this historic act of terror,'' said the statement tweeted by EAM spokesperson Raveesh Kumar attributed to the external affairs minister.

US stands with India in its quest for justice: Trump on 26/11

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/nasas-insight-lands-on-mars-to-peer-into-planets-deep-interior-179634">NASA's InSight spacecraft lands on </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/nasas-insight-lands-on-mars-to-peer-into-planets-deep-interior-179634">Mars,</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/nasas-insight-lands-on-mars-to-peer-into-planets-deep-interior-179634"> will study planet's deep interior</a>

NASA's InSight spacecraft, the first robotic lander designed to study the deep interior of a distant world, touched down safely on the surface of Mars on Monday with instruments to detect planetary seismic rumblings never measured anywhere but Earth.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/my-advice-to-pm-he-should-exercise-due-restraint-on-use-of-language-manmohan-singh-179639">My advice to PM Modi is, exercise due restraint on language: Manmohan Singh</a>

Former prime minister Manmohan Singh on Monday attacked Prime Minister Narendra suggesting that PM Modi must exercise due restraint and not use the "type of language which has now become common practice," news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

The former PM added that the prime minister of a country must set an example for others.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-he-expects-to-raise-china-tariffs-likely-to-be-placed-on-laptops-and-iphones-179635">Trump says he is going to raise tariffs further on China imports</a>

US President Donald Trump said on Monday he expected to move ahead with raising tariffs on $200 billion in Chinese imports to 25 per cent from the current 10 per cent and repeated his threat to slap tariffs on all remaining imports from China.

In an interview with the Wall Street Journal four days ahead of his high-stakes meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Argentina, Trump said it was "highly unlikely" he would accept China's request to hold off on the increase, which is due to take effect on January 1.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/there-were-children-says-migrant-mother-tear-gassed-at-us-border-179650">'There were children,' says migrant mother tear-gassed at US border</a>

A migrant mother photographed running with her daughters from tear gas at the US-Mexico border said she never expected the US Border Patrol to fire gas canisters at children and families.

Three tear gas canisters shot from the US side landed around Maria Meza and her children, who range in age from toddlers to teenagers, she said in an interview at a Tijuana migrant shelter.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/aamir-khan-on-thugs-of-hindostan-failure-we-went-wrong-and-i-take-full-responsibility-for-it-179641">Aamir Khan takes 'full responsibility' for Thugs Of Hindostan debacle</a>

t takes courage to accept failure on a public platform. On Monday, Aamir Khan admitted that his last release 'Thugs Of Hindostan' had failed to live up to the expectations and took full resp[onsibility for the film's failure.&nbsp;

“I take full responsibility for 'Thugs....' not working with the audience. I think we went wrong but I would like to take full responsibility of that. You can be sure we tried our level best."

NASA's InSight spacecraft lands on Mars, will study planet's deep interior NASA's InSight spacecraft, the first robotic lander designed to study the deep interior of a distant world, touched down safely on the surface of Mars on Monday with instruments to detect planetary seismic rumblings never measured anywhere but Earth.

NASA's InSight spacecraft lands on Mars, will study planet's deep interior NASA's InSight spacecraft, the first robotic lander designed to study the deep interior of a distant world, touched down safely on the surface of Mars on Monday with instruments to detect planetary seismic rumblings never measured anywhere but Earth. My advice to PM Modi is, exercise due restraint on language: Manmohan Singh Former prime minister Manmohan Singh on Monday attacked Prime Minister Narendra suggesting that PM Modi must exercise due restraint and not use the "type of language which has now become common practice," news agency ANI reported. The former PM added that the prime minister of a country must set an example for others. Trump says he is going to raise tariffs further on China imports US President Donald Trump said on Monday he expected to move ahead with raising tariffs on $200 billion in Chinese imports to 25 per cent from the current 10 per cent and repeated his threat to slap tariffs on all remaining imports from China. In an interview with the Wall Street Journal four days ahead of his high-stakes meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Argentina, Trump said it was "highly unlikely" he would accept China's request to hold off on the increase, which is due to take effect on January 1. 'There were children,' says migrant mother tear-gassed at US border A migrant mother photographed running with her daughters from tear gas at the US-Mexico border said she never expected the US Border Patrol to fire gas canisters at children and families. Three tear gas canisters shot from the US side landed around Maria Meza and her children, who range in age from toddlers to teenagers, she said in an interview at a Tijuana migrant shelter. Aamir Khan takes 'full responsibility' for Thugs Of Hindostan debacle t takes courage to accept failure on a public platform. On Monday, Aamir Khan admitted that his last release 'Thugs Of Hindostan' had failed to live up to the expectations and took full resp[onsibility for the film's failure. “I take full responsibility for 'Thugs....' not working with the audience. I think we went wrong but I would like to take full responsibility of that. You can be sure we tried our level best."

News brief: Big stories of the day

Donald Trump's <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ex-trump-aide-paul-manafort-is-first-to-go-on-trial-in-russia-probe-155733">former campaign chairman Paul Manafort</a> lied to the special counsel investigating Russia's interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, breaching his plea agreement, according to a court filing on Monday.

Manafort said in the same filing he disagreed with Special Counsel Robert Mueller's assertion that he lied to investigators.

Both the special counsel and Manafort's attorneys agreed there was no reason to delay his sentencing and asked the court to set a date for that.

Mueller, who is also probing possible collusion between Moscow and the Trump campaign, said in the filing that after signing a plea agreement: "Manafort committed federal crimes by lying to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Special Counsel’s Office on a variety of subject matters."

Mueller said in the filing that those lies breached Manafort's plea agreement.

Manafort's attorneys said in the same filing submitted to U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson in Washington that Manafort had met with the government on several occasions and provided information "in an effort to live up to his cooperation obligations."

They said Manafort disagreed with the characterization that he had breached the agreement.

The breakdown in the plea deal raises the prospect that Manafort is seeking to protect others who worked on Trump's campaign and to curry favour with the president, said former federal prosecutor David Weinstein.

"It seems to me he’s angling for the pardon," he said.

Manafort, a longtime Republican political consultant who made tens of millions of dollars working for pro-Kremlin politicians in Ukraine, ran the Trump campaign as it took off in mid-2016.

He attended a meeting at Trump Tower in June 2016 with a group of Russians offering damaging information on Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton, who lost in an upset to Trump in the presidential vote that November.

Russia denies U.S. allegations it hacked Democratic Party emails and ran a disinformation campaign, largely on social media. Trump denies any campaign collusion and calls the investigation a political witch hunt.

Manafort had started cooperating with Mueller's prosecutors in September this year after pleading guilty to conspiracy against the United States - a charge that including a range of conduct from money laundering to unregistered lobbying, and to attempting to tamper with witnesses.

The deal required him to cooperate completely with the government, including testifying before any grand juries or at any trials. In return, Mueller promised to argue for leniency at sentencing.

The agreement pertains to one of two cases against Manafort. He was convicted by a jury in August on tax and bank fraud charges in the other case in Virginia.

Rudy Giuliani, who represents Trump in the Russia investigation, told Reuters in October that he had periodically spoken with Manafort's lawyer, Kevin Downing, and that he believed Manafort had not provided any information to prosecutors that was damaging to the president.

Donald Trump's former campaign chairman Paul Manafort lied to the special counsel investigating Russia's interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, breaching his plea agreement, according to a court filing on Monday.

Donald Trump's former campaign chairman Paul Manafort lied to the special counsel investigating Russia's interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, breaching his plea agreement, according to a court filing on Monday. Manafort said in the same filing he disagreed with Special Counsel Robert Mueller's assertion that he lied to investigators. Both the special counsel and Manafort's attorneys agreed there was no reason to delay his sentencing and asked the court to set a date for that. Mueller, who is also probing possible collusion between Moscow and the Trump campaign, said in the filing that after signing a plea agreement: "Manafort committed federal crimes by lying to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Special Counsel’s Office on a variety of subject matters." Mueller said in the filing that those lies breached Manafort's plea agreement. Manafort's attorneys said in the same filing submitted to U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson in Washington that Manafort had met with the government on several occasions and provided information "in an effort to live up to his cooperation obligations." They said Manafort disagreed with the characterization that he had breached the agreement. The breakdown in the plea deal raises the prospect that Manafort is seeking to protect others who worked on Trump's campaign and to curry favour with the president, said former federal prosecutor David Weinstein. "It seems to me he’s angling for the pardon," he said. Manafort, a longtime Republican political consultant who made tens of millions of dollars working for pro-Kremlin politicians in Ukraine, ran the Trump campaign as it took off in mid-2016. He attended a meeting at Trump Tower in June 2016 with a group of Russians offering damaging information on Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton, who lost in an upset to Trump in the presidential vote that November. Russia denies U.S. allegations it hacked Democratic Party emails and ran a disinformation campaign, largely on social media. Trump denies any campaign collusion and calls the investigation a political witch hunt. Manafort had started cooperating with Mueller's prosecutors in September this year after pleading guilty to conspiracy against the United States - a charge that including a range of conduct from money laundering to unregistered lobbying, and to attempting to tamper with witnesses. The deal required him to cooperate completely with the government, including testifying before any grand juries or at any trials. In return, Mueller promised to argue for leniency at sentencing. The agreement pertains to one of two cases against Manafort. He was convicted by a jury in August on tax and bank fraud charges in the other case in Virginia. Rudy Giuliani, who represents Trump in the Russia investigation, told Reuters in October that he had periodically spoken with Manafort's lawyer, Kevin Downing, and that he believed Manafort had not provided any information to prosecutors that was damaging to the president.

Ex-Trump campaign chairman Manafort lied to FBI: Mueller

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump said on Monday he expected to move ahead with raising tariffs on $200 billion in Chinese imports to 25 per cent from the current 10 per cent and repeated his threat to slap tariffs on all remaining imports from China.

In an interview with the Wall Street Journal four days ahead of his high-stakes meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Argentina, Trump said it was "highly unlikely" he would accept China's request to hold off on the increase, which is due to take effect on January 1.

"The only deal would be China has to open up their country to competition from the United States," Trump told the Journal. "As far as other countries are concerned, that’s up to them."

Trump, who is due to meet Xi on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Buenos Aires this week, said that if negotiations were unsuccessful, he would also put tariffs on the rest of Chinese imports.

"If we don’t make a deal, then I'm going to put the $267 billion additional on," at a tariff rate of either 10 per cent or 25 per cent, Trump told the Journal.

A Chinese official told reporters last week that the two leaders would look to set guidelines for future talks.

"The main issue is how to settle down the trade war," the official said on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of preparatory negotiations. "I am conservatively optimistic that can be done," he added.

Trump said the next round of tariffs could also be placed on laptops and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-told-apple-ceo-iphones-will-be-spared-from-china-tariffs---new-york-times-145463">Apple Inc's iPhones imported from China</a>, which are part of that $267 billion lists of goods not yet hit by tariffs.

Cell phones and computers, among China's biggest exports to the United States, have thus far been spared as the administration has sought to minimize the impact on US&nbsp;consumers. The Journal said the administration has been worried about a consumer reaction to such levies.

"Maybe. Maybe. Depends on what the rate is," Trump said, referring to the possibility of tariffs on mobile phones and laptops, according to the Journal. "I mean, I can make it 10 per cent, and people could stand that very easily."

Shares in Apple fell in after-hours trading after the interview was published. An Apple spokesman did not immediately respond to Reuters' queries.

Apple CEO Tim Cook has personally pressed the issue of tariffs with Trump, telling the president that while there are valid concerns about US-China trade relations, tariffs are not the best way to resolve them.

Despite using contract manufacturers to make most of its products overseas, Apple has also sought to emphasise its contribution to the US&nbsp;economy, saying it plans to spend about $55 billion in 2018 with its US-based suppliers.

US President Donald Trump said on Monday he expected to move ahead with raising tariffs on $200 billion in Chinese imports to 25 per cent from the current 10 per cent and repeated his threat to slap tariffs on all remaining imports from China.

US President Donald Trump said on Monday he expected to move ahead with raising tariffs on $200 billion in Chinese imports to 25 per cent from the current 10 per cent and repeated his threat to slap tariffs on all remaining imports from China. In an interview with the Wall Street Journal four days ahead of his high-stakes meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Argentina, Trump said it was "highly unlikely" he would accept China's request to hold off on the increase, which is due to take effect on January 1. "The only deal would be China has to open up their country to competition from the United States," Trump told the Journal. "As far as other countries are concerned, that’s up to them." Trump, who is due to meet Xi on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Buenos Aires this week, said that if negotiations were unsuccessful, he would also put tariffs on the rest of Chinese imports. "If we don’t make a deal, then I'm going to put the $267 billion additional on," at a tariff rate of either 10 per cent or 25 per cent, Trump told the Journal. A Chinese official told reporters last week that the two leaders would look to set guidelines for future talks. "The main issue is how to settle down the trade war," the official said on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of preparatory negotiations. "I am conservatively optimistic that can be done," he added. Trump said the next round of tariffs could also be placed on laptops and Apple Inc's iPhones imported from China, which are part of that $267 billion lists of goods not yet hit by tariffs. Cell phones and computers, among China's biggest exports to the United States, have thus far been spared as the administration has sought to minimize the impact on US consumers. The Journal said the administration has been worried about a consumer reaction to such levies. "Maybe. Maybe. Depends on what the rate is," Trump said, referring to the possibility of tariffs on mobile phones and laptops, according to the Journal. "I mean, I can make it 10 per cent, and people could stand that very easily." Shares in Apple fell in after-hours trading after the interview was published. An Apple spokesman did not immediately respond to Reuters' queries. Apple CEO Tim Cook has personally pressed the issue of tariffs with Trump, telling the president that while there are valid concerns about US-China trade relations, tariffs are not the best way to resolve them. Despite using contract manufacturers to make most of its products overseas, Apple has also sought to emphasise its contribution to the US economy, saying it plans to spend about $55 billion in 2018 with its US-based suppliers.

Trump says he is going to raise tariffs further on China imports

US President Donald Trump has warned that the deal allowing the United Kingdom to leave European Union may hamper trade ties between Washington and London&nbsp;

Speaking with the reporters at the White House, Trump said, "Sounds like a great deal for the European Union. We have to take a look at seriously whether or not the UK is allowed to trade."&nbsp;

"You know, right now, if you look at the deal, they may not be able to trade with us, and that wouldn't be a good thing," he then added.

"I don't think they want that at all. That would be a very big negative for the deal."

He expressed hope that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/britain-will-head-into-unknown-if-brexit-deal-is-rejected-says-may-in-uk-parliament-179629">UK Prime Minister Theresa May </a>will "be able to do something about that."

However, spokeswoman for May's office has disputed Trump's interpretation saying that agreement struck with the EU allows the UK to sign trade deals with countries throughout the world, including with the United States.

"We have already been laying the groundwork for an ambitious agreement with the US through our joint working groups, which have met five times so far," news agency Reuters quoted the spokeswoman as&nbsp;saying.

Under the deal secured with EU leaders on Sunday, the UK will leave the bloc in March with continued close trade ties. But the odds look stacked against May getting it approved by a divided British parliament.

The British leader on Sunday closed 17 months of painful talks with Brussels by sealing Brexit arrangements with the 27 other EU heads of state and government.

However, May faces a difficult task getting parliamentary approval for the deal.

(With inputs from news agencies)

US President Donald Trump has warned that the deal allowing the United Kingdom to leave European Union may hamper trade ties between Washington and London Speaking with the reporters at the White House, Trump said, "Sounds like a great deal for the European Union.

US President Donald Trump has warned that the deal allowing the United Kingdom to leave European Union may hamper trade ties between Washington and London Speaking with the reporters at the White House, Trump said, "Sounds like a great deal for the European Union. We have to take a look at seriously whether or not the UK is allowed to trade." "You know, right now, if you look at the deal, they may not be able to trade with us, and that wouldn't be a good thing," he then added. "I don't think they want that at all. That would be a very big negative for the deal." He expressed hope that UK Prime Minister Theresa May will "be able to do something about that." However, spokeswoman for May's office has disputed Trump's interpretation saying that agreement struck with the EU allows the UK to sign trade deals with countries throughout the world, including with the United States. "We have already been laying the groundwork for an ambitious agreement with the US through our joint working groups, which have met five times so far," news agency Reuters quoted the spokeswoman as saying. Under the deal secured with EU leaders on Sunday, the UK will leave the bloc in March with continued close trade ties. But the odds look stacked against May getting it approved by a divided British parliament. The British leader on Sunday closed 17 months of painful talks with Brussels by sealing Brexit arrangements with the 27 other EU heads of state and government. However, May faces a difficult task getting parliamentary approval for the deal. (With inputs from news agencies)

Trump warns Brexit may harm US-British trade, UK differs

When Saudi General Khalid bin Sultan bin Abdul Aziz went shopping in the late 1980s for Chinese medium-range missiles capable of carrying nuclear, chemical or biological warheads he made no bones about keeping the United States, one of the kingdom’s closest allies, in the dark.

It was “my task to negotiate the deal, devise an appropriate deception plan, choose a team of Saudi officers and men and arrange for their training in both Saudi Arabia and China, build and defend operation bases and storage facilities in different parts of the kingdom, arrange for the shipment of the missiles from China and, at every stage, be ready to defend the project against sabotage or any form of attack,” General Bin Sultan, a son of the late Saudi crown prince and defense minister, Sultan bin Abdul Aziz al Saud, and commander of the US-led international alliance that forced Iraq to withdraw from Kuwait in 1991, recounted in his memoir.

The incident coupled with more recent Saudi statements and the kingdom’s inability to present from the outset a credible and sustainable version of events surrounding the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi on the premises of its Istanbul consulate is complicating its negotiations with the United States for the acquisition of designs for nuclear power plants, a deal valued at up to $80 billion depending on how many Saudi Arabia ultimately decides to build.

Prospects of a massive deal go to the heart of US President Donald J Trump’s jobs and deals-focussed America First policy. Yet, growing criticism and distrust of Saudi Arabia in the US Congress and intelligence community as a result of the Khashoggi crisis and the kingdom’s handling of the Yemen war that has sparked the world’s worst humanitarian crisis since World War Two are likely to strengthen efforts to thwart an agreement that honours Saudi insistence on producing its own nuclear fuel, even though it could buy it more cheaply abroad.

The Saudi insistence has fuelled concerns that the kingdom may divert their fuel for military purposes. Those kinds of fears coupled with Iran’s ballistic missile program drove world powers to first sanction Iran and then conclude a 2015 international agreement that curbed Iran’s nuclear program. Trump withdrew from the agreement earlier this year, charging that it did not provide sufficient guarantees that Iran would not be able to develop a nuclear weapon.

Democrats in the US Congress have described refusing to sell Saudi Arabia nuclear technology as proper punishment for the killing of Khashoggi that the kingdom insists was done without the knowledge of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

While the Trump administration has as yet not abandoned long-standing strict US nuclear export safeguards to secure a deal with Saudi Arabia, it has also not unambiguously said that it would uphold them.

Like with his rejection of hard-hitting sanctions in the wake of the Khashoggi killing, Trump is likely to ultimately argue that if the United States does not conclude a nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia, countries like China, Russia and South Korea, that have less strict controls will. The argument amounts to the equivalent of committing a wrong because if one doesn’t, someone else will.

Saudi officials have repeatedly insisted that the kingdom is developing nuclear capabilities for peaceful purposes such as medicine, electricity generation, and desalination of sea water. They say that Saudi Arabia is committed to putting its future facilities under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Yet, with a $56 billion military budget for 2018, Saudi Arabia is stepping up the development of a domestic military industry. The kingdom aims to source 50 per cent of its military procurement domestically by 2030, up from its current two per cent.

Speaking to CBS earlier this year, Prince Mohammed appeared to put conditions on Saudi nuclear assurances by warning that “Saudi Arabia does not want to acquire any nuclear bomb, but without a doubt, if Iran developed a nuclear bomb, we will follow suit as soon as possible.”

In putting forward &nbsp;demands for parity with Iran by getting the right to controlled enrichment of uranium and the reprocessing of spent fuel into plutonium, potential building blocks for nuclear weapons, Saudi Arabia was also seen as potentially backing away from a 2009 memorandum of understanding with the United States in which it pledged to acquire nuclear fuel from international markets.

Nuclear energy cooperation was one of a host of agreements concluded last year by Saudi Arabia and China during a visit to Beijing by Saudi King Salman. The agreement included a feasibility study for the construction of high-temperature gas-cooled (HTGR) nuclear power plants in the kingdom as well as cooperation in intellectual property and the development of a domestic industrial supply chain for HTGRs built in Saudi Arabia. The HTGR agreement built on an accord signed in 2012 that involved maintenance and development of nuclear power plants and research reactors, as well as the provision of Chinese nuclear fuel.

A report by the Washington-based Institute for Science and International Security (ISIS) released shortly after the king’s visit warned that the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement had “not eliminated the kingdom’s desire for nuclear weapons capabilities and even nuclear weapons.”

Much like the era of General Bin Sultan, potential Chinese sales to Saudi Arabia of ballistic missiles and cruise missiles remain one of the murkier areas of Sino-Saudi military cooperation.

Military experts say that satellite imagery of missile bases in Saudi Arabia in recent years and other open-source circumstantial evidence, including Saudi press coverage of graduation ceremonies at the kingdom’s Strategic Missile Force school in Wadi ad-Dawasir, attest to ongoing transfers.

Saudi Arabia in 2014 showcased Chinese-made Dongfeng-3 missiles that have a range of up to 5,000 kilometres. Media reports said the missiles had been purchased in 2007, possibly with US acquiescence.

“Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in conventional ballistic and cruise missiles to provide the kingdom a shot of strategic deterrence,” said non-proliferation expert Jeffrey Lewis. Lewis’ conclusion was confirmed by Anwar Eshqi, a retired Saudi major general and advisor to the Saudi military.

“The Saudi military did indeed receive DF-21 missiles from China and the integration of the missiles, including a full maintenance check and upgraded facilities, is complete, “ Eshqi said referring to the People’s Republic’s East Wind solid-fuel, medium-range ballistic missile. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

When Saudi General Khalid bin Sultan bin Abdul Aziz went shopping in the late 1980s for Chinese medium-range missiles capable of carrying nuclear, chemical or biological warheads he made no bones about keeping the United States, one of the kingdom’s closest allies, in the dark.

When Saudi General Khalid bin Sultan bin Abdul Aziz went shopping in the late 1980s for Chinese medium-range missiles capable of carrying nuclear, chemical or biological warheads he made no bones about keeping the United States, one of the kingdom’s closest allies, in the dark. It was “my task to negotiate the deal, devise an appropriate deception plan, choose a team of Saudi officers and men and arrange for their training in both Saudi Arabia and China, build and defend operation bases and storage facilities in different parts of the kingdom, arrange for the shipment of the missiles from China and, at every stage, be ready to defend the project against sabotage or any form of attack,” General Bin Sultan, a son of the late Saudi crown prince and defense minister, Sultan bin Abdul Aziz al Saud, and commander of the US-led international alliance that forced Iraq to withdraw from Kuwait in 1991, recounted in his memoir. The incident coupled with more recent Saudi statements and the kingdom’s inability to present from the outset a credible and sustainable version of events surrounding the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi on the premises of its Istanbul consulate is complicating its negotiations with the United States for the acquisition of designs for nuclear power plants, a deal valued at up to $80 billion depending on how many Saudi Arabia ultimately decides to build. Prospects of a massive deal go to the heart of US President Donald J Trump’s jobs and deals-focussed America First policy. Yet, growing criticism and distrust of Saudi Arabia in the US Congress and intelligence community as a result of the Khashoggi crisis and the kingdom’s handling of the Yemen war that has sparked the world’s worst humanitarian crisis since World War Two are likely to strengthen efforts to thwart an agreement that honours Saudi insistence on producing its own nuclear fuel, even though it could buy it more cheaply abroad. The Saudi insistence has fuelled concerns that the kingdom may divert their fuel for military purposes. Those kinds of fears coupled with Iran’s ballistic missile program drove world powers to first sanction Iran and then conclude a 2015 international agreement that curbed Iran’s nuclear program. Trump withdrew from the agreement earlier this year, charging that it did not provide sufficient guarantees that Iran would not be able to develop a nuclear weapon. Democrats in the US Congress have described refusing to sell Saudi Arabia nuclear technology as proper punishment for the killing of Khashoggi that the kingdom insists was done without the knowledge of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. While the Trump administration has as yet not abandoned long-standing strict US nuclear export safeguards to secure a deal with Saudi Arabia, it has also not unambiguously said that it would uphold them. Like with his rejection of hard-hitting sanctions in the wake of the Khashoggi killing, Trump is likely to ultimately argue that if the United States does not conclude a nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia, countries like China, Russia and South Korea, that have less strict controls will. The argument amounts to the equivalent of committing a wrong because if one doesn’t, someone else will. Saudi officials have repeatedly insisted that the kingdom is developing nuclear capabilities for peaceful purposes such as medicine, electricity generation, and desalination of sea water. They say that Saudi Arabia is committed to putting its future facilities under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Yet, with a $56 billion military budget for 2018, Saudi Arabia is stepping up the development of a domestic military industry. The kingdom aims to source 50 per cent of its military procurement domestically by 2030, up from its current two per cent. Speaking to CBS earlier this year, Prince Mohammed appeared to put conditions on Saudi nuclear assurances by warning that “Saudi Arabia does not want to acquire any nuclear bomb, but without a doubt, if Iran developed a nuclear bomb, we will follow suit as soon as possible.” In putting forward demands for parity with Iran by getting the right to controlled enrichment of uranium and the reprocessing of spent fuel into plutonium, potential building blocks for nuclear weapons, Saudi Arabia was also seen as potentially backing away from a 2009 memorandum of understanding with the United States in which it pledged to acquire nuclear fuel from international markets. Nuclear energy cooperation was one of a host of agreements concluded last year by Saudi Arabia and China during a visit to Beijing by Saudi King Salman. The agreement included a feasibility study for the construction of high-temperature gas-cooled (HTGR) nuclear power plants in the kingdom as well as cooperation in intellectual property and the development of a domestic industrial supply chain for HTGRs built in Saudi Arabia. The HTGR agreement built on an accord signed in 2012 that involved maintenance and development of nuclear power plants and research reactors, as well as the provision of Chinese nuclear fuel. A report by the Washington-based Institute for Science and International Security (ISIS) released shortly after the king’s visit warned that the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement had “not eliminated the kingdom’s desire for nuclear weapons capabilities and even nuclear weapons.” Much like the era of General Bin Sultan, potential Chinese sales to Saudi Arabia of ballistic missiles and cruise missiles remain one of the murkier areas of Sino-Saudi military cooperation. Military experts say that satellite imagery of missile bases in Saudi Arabia in recent years and other open-source circumstantial evidence, including Saudi press coverage of graduation ceremonies at the kingdom’s Strategic Missile Force school in Wadi ad-Dawasir, attest to ongoing transfers. Saudi Arabia in 2014 showcased Chinese-made Dongfeng-3 missiles that have a range of up to 5,000 kilometres. Media reports said the missiles had been purchased in 2007, possibly with US acquiescence. “Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in conventional ballistic and cruise missiles to provide the kingdom a shot of strategic deterrence,” said non-proliferation expert Jeffrey Lewis. Lewis’ conclusion was confirmed by Anwar Eshqi, a retired Saudi major general and advisor to the Saudi military. “The Saudi military did indeed receive DF-21 missiles from China and the integration of the missiles, including a full maintenance check and upgraded facilities, is complete, “ Eshqi said referring to the People’s Republic’s East Wind solid-fuel, medium-range ballistic missile. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

What Khashoggi killing means for US-Saudi Nuclear talks

Jordan Karem, one of President Donald Trump`s longest-serving aides, plans to leave the White House by the end of the year to return to the private sector, White House officials said on Monday.

Karem, 37, told Trump on Monday morning of his plans to depart, the officials said.&nbsp;

Since March, Karem has been deputy assistant to the president and director of Oval Office operations. He is known as the president`s "body guy," a personal aide who is the first White House official to see Trump in the morning and last to see him at night, tasked with keeping him on schedule and briefing him on upcoming meetings and events.

Nicholas Luna, the White House trip director, is the likely successor to Karem, the White House officials said.

“Jordan Karem is a great guy who I have gotten to know well over the last several years," Trump said in a statement in response to queries about Karem. "He was with me from the beginning and I appreciate his loyalty and his commitment to my administration. He did an excellent job working with me and my team."

The period after midterm congressional elections is a typical time for White House turnover. Karem has told colleagues he wants to return to the energy sector, where he worked prior to service for the president, and start a family with his wife, who he married early this year.

Karem, a veteran of Republican Party politics, began working for Trump as a campaign aide in July 2015 shortly after the New York real estate developer began his bid for the Republican presidential nomination.

He ended up the campaign as press director for Trump`s vice presidential running mate, Mike Pence, and began his tenure at the Trump White House as the overall director of presidential advance.

Jordan Karem, one of President Donald Trump`s longest-serving aides, plans to leave the White House by the end of the year to return to the private sector, White House officials said on Monday.

Jordan Karem, one of President Donald Trump`s longest-serving aides, plans to leave the White House by the end of the year to return to the private sector, White House officials said on Monday. Karem, 37, told Trump on Monday morning of his plans to depart, the officials said. Since March, Karem has been deputy assistant to the president and director of Oval Office operations. He is known as the president`s "body guy," a personal aide who is the first White House official to see Trump in the morning and last to see him at night, tasked with keeping him on schedule and briefing him on upcoming meetings and events. Nicholas Luna, the White House trip director, is the likely successor to Karem, the White House officials said. “Jordan Karem is a great guy who I have gotten to know well over the last several years," Trump said in a statement in response to queries about Karem. "He was with me from the beginning and I appreciate his loyalty and his commitment to my administration. He did an excellent job working with me and my team." The period after midterm congressional elections is a typical time for White House turnover. Karem has told colleagues he wants to return to the energy sector, where he worked prior to service for the president, and start a family with his wife, who he married early this year. Karem, a veteran of Republican Party politics, began working for Trump as a campaign aide in July 2015 shortly after the New York real estate developer began his bid for the Republican presidential nomination. He ended up the campaign as press director for Trump`s vice presidential running mate, Mike Pence, and began his tenure at the Trump White House as the overall director of presidential advance.

Trump's 'body guy' plans to leave White House soon: Officials

Most Asian markets rose Monday as investors tentatively pick up cheap stocks, with focus on an expected meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping at the weekend that will be watched for signs of a softening in the China-US trade war.

The broad gains came despite more hefty selling in energy firms after another collapse in oil prices on Friday, while the pound was flat against the dollar after European Union leaders approved a Brexit deal but which must be cleared by British MPs who mostly oppose it.

The positive mood comes at the start of a key week that sees a speech by Federal Reserve boss Jerome Powell and the release of the bank's last policy meeting minutes, before culminating in the G20 in Buenos Aires.

While the summit will focus on several global issues, the meeting between Trump and Xi will get the most attention with the economic superpowers engaged in a trade war just as global growth starts to stutter.

But expectations for a deal to end the standoff are low.

"It would seem that President Xi and President Trump have every incentive to come to an agreement on trade issues, even if that agreement does not significantly change the status quo," said JP Morgan Asset Management chief global strategist David Kelly.

"However, perceptions are important on both sides. While some hold out the hope that an agreement in principle will be reached, it seems more likely that an agreement will have to wait for more posturing on both sides."

Stephen Innes, head of Asia-Pacific trade at OANDA, called the meeting "possibly the best and last opportunity for the two leaders to share middle ground".

"The big question is are we going to see Trump the 'deal maker' or Trump the 'trade warrior' who wants China to 'feel more pain'? Keeping in mind that betting against the latter has been a poor bet for traders this year."

Crude woes

Still, the week has started on an upbeat note with Hong Kong jumping 1.5 per cent and Shanghai 0.4 per cent higher, while Tokyo went into the break 0.8 per cent higher.

Singapore added 0.6 per cent, Seoul and Taipei each jumped more than one per cent, and Manila gained 0.6 per cent.

However, Wellington and Sydney both declined.

Oil prices edged up slightly but remain well beaten down after Friday's hammering, which saw WTI sink 7.7 per cent and Brent more than six per cent, putting them at lows not seen for more than a year.

The commodity has plunged by about a third from its four-year highs touched at the start of October owing to a range of issues, including a global slowdown, the trade row, rising supplies, softer-than-expected US sanctions on Iran, a stuttering China and strong dollar.

The retreat comes ahead of a meeting of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries on December 6.

"At the root of the oil market woes, there is too much supply and too little demand," said Innes. "But much of the near term price recovery will be driven by what happens in G20 in Buenos Aires and at the OPEC summit in Vienna a week later."

The losses in crude prices have battered energy firms over the past two months, and they continued to fall Monday.

Hong Kong-listed PetroChina fell 1.5 per cent, while Sinopec was one per cent off. Inpex dropped 2.9 per cent in Tokyo and Woodside Petroleum sank 2.2 per cent in Sydney.

On currency markets, the pound was barely moved against the dollar as British Prime Minister Theresa May faces an uphill struggle pushing through her draft Brexit deal, with MPs on both sides against it.

May has staked her political future on the agreement and failure would likely lead to the toppling of her government, fuelling fresh uncertainty and hitting the sterling.

EU leaders have said the deal is the best possible one Britain could hope for, meaning a rejection of it will more than likely see the country crash out of the bloc.

Key figures around 0230 GMT&nbsp;

Tokyo - Nikkei 225: UP 0.8 percent at 21,815.55 (break)

Hong Kong - Hang Seng: UP 1.5 percent at 26,314.63

Shanghai - Composite: UP 0.4 percent at 2,590.89

Pound/dollar: UP at $1.2810 from $1.2805 at 1930 GMT Friday

Euro/dollar: UP at $1.1333 from $1.1331

Dollar/yen: UP at 113.07 yen from 112.85 yen

Oil - West Texas Intermediate: UP 40 cents at $50.82 per barrel

Oil - Brent Crude: UP 67 cents at $59.47 per barrel

New York - Dow Jones: DOWN 0.7 percent at 24,285.95 (close)

London - FTSE 100: DOWN 0.1 percent at 6,952.86 (close)

Most Asian markets rose Monday as investors tentatively pick up cheap stocks, with focus on an expected meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping at the weekend that will be watched for signs of a softening in the China-US trade war.

Most Asian markets rose Monday as investors tentatively pick up cheap stocks, with focus on an expected meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping at the weekend that will be watched for signs of a softening in the China-US trade war. The broad gains came despite more hefty selling in energy firms after another collapse in oil prices on Friday, while the pound was flat against the dollar after European Union leaders approved a Brexit deal but which must be cleared by British MPs who mostly oppose it. The positive mood comes at the start of a key week that sees a speech by Federal Reserve boss Jerome Powell and the release of the bank's last policy meeting minutes, before culminating in the G20 in Buenos Aires. While the summit will focus on several global issues, the meeting between Trump and Xi will get the most attention with the economic superpowers engaged in a trade war just as global growth starts to stutter. But expectations for a deal to end the standoff are low. "It would seem that President Xi and President Trump have every incentive to come to an agreement on trade issues, even if that agreement does not significantly change the status quo," said JP Morgan Asset Management chief global strategist David Kelly. "However, perceptions are important on both sides. While some hold out the hope that an agreement in principle will be reached, it seems more likely that an agreement will have to wait for more posturing on both sides." Stephen Innes, head of Asia-Pacific trade at OANDA, called the meeting "possibly the best and last opportunity for the two leaders to share middle ground". "The big question is are we going to see Trump the 'deal maker' or Trump the 'trade warrior' who wants China to 'feel more pain'? Keeping in mind that betting against the latter has been a poor bet for traders this year." Crude woes Still, the week has started on an upbeat note with Hong Kong jumping 1.5 per cent and Shanghai 0.4 per cent higher, while Tokyo went into the break 0.8 per cent higher. Singapore added 0.6 per cent, Seoul and Taipei each jumped more than one per cent, and Manila gained 0.6 per cent. However, Wellington and Sydney both declined. Oil prices edged up slightly but remain well beaten down after Friday's hammering, which saw WTI sink 7.7 per cent and Brent more than six per cent, putting them at lows not seen for more than a year. The commodity has plunged by about a third from its four-year highs touched at the start of October owing to a range of issues, including a global slowdown, the trade row, rising supplies, softer-than-expected US sanctions on Iran, a stuttering China and strong dollar. The retreat comes ahead of a meeting of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries on December 6. "At the root of the oil market woes, there is too much supply and too little demand," said Innes. "But much of the near term price recovery will be driven by what happens in G20 in Buenos Aires and at the OPEC summit in Vienna a week later." The losses in crude prices have battered energy firms over the past two months, and they continued to fall Monday. Hong Kong-listed PetroChina fell 1.5 per cent, while Sinopec was one per cent off. Inpex dropped 2.9 per cent in Tokyo and Woodside Petroleum sank 2.2 per cent in Sydney. On currency markets, the pound was barely moved against the dollar as British Prime Minister Theresa May faces an uphill struggle pushing through her draft Brexit deal, with MPs on both sides against it. May has staked her political future on the agreement and failure would likely lead to the toppling of her government, fuelling fresh uncertainty and hitting the sterling. EU leaders have said the deal is the best possible one Britain could hope for, meaning a rejection of it will more than likely see the country crash out of the bloc. Key figures around 0230 GMT Tokyo - Nikkei 225: UP 0.8 percent at 21,815.55 (break) Hong Kong - Hang Seng: UP 1.5 percent at 26,314.63 Shanghai - Composite: UP 0.4 percent at 2,590.89 Pound/dollar: UP at $1.2810 from $1.2805 at 1930 GMT Friday Euro/dollar: UP at $1.1333 from $1.1331 Dollar/yen: UP at 113.07 yen from 112.85 yen Oil - West Texas Intermediate: UP 40 cents at $50.82 per barrel Oil - Brent Crude: UP 67 cents at $59.47 per barrel New York - Dow Jones: DOWN 0.7 percent at 24,285.95 (close) London - FTSE 100: DOWN 0.1 percent at 6,952.86 (close)

Asian markets mostly up as eyes turn to Trump-Xi talks

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