Coronavirus pandemic needs a united response, the collective might of the world's largest economies.

World leaders need to summon the spirit of international cooperation and in the process, they need to seek accountability about why their citizens are in such dire straits today. The G20 held a two-hour-long emergency Summit. There was no jostling to be in the front row for a group photograph this time.

This one was different, it was a closed-door virtual meeting. The leaders met online to find solutions for the coronavirus crisis. 
 
WATCH:

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Also present at the Summit were&nbsp;the World Health Organisation and UN representatives. The agenda in the words of the G20 chair for this year, King Salman of Saudi Arabia, was for its members to carry out responsibilities as leaders of the world's largest economies.

None of the G20 member nations sought accountability for the damage done. There was no discussion on how one of them neglected necessary measures to control the outbreak. No mention of how the wrongful conduct of the WHO delayed global response.&nbsp;

And no mention of how China has now got down to blaming the very victims of this virus.&nbsp;

In fact, China, in tandem with the WHO, was allowed to preach the heads of states on what they ought to do. President Xi Jinping was provided an easy platform to play the good samaritan and read sermons about removing barriers.

Speaking at the summit, Xi Jinping urged fellow members nations to facilitate trade and cut tariffs, saying China is ready to step-up import and increase foreign investment.

A joint statement was issued after the G20 Summit,&nbsp;and neither China nor the WHO was held accountable.&nbsp;

It's been three months and the health body has only mirrored Chinese propaganda, it's always been a step behind. Beijing is holding the WHO hostage. The coronavirus is still a continuing challenge.

(Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

Coronavirus pandemic needs a united response, the collective might of the world's largest economies. World leaders need to summon the spirit of international cooperation and in the process, they need to seek accountability about why their citizens are in such dire straits today.

Coronavirus pandemic needs a united response, the collective might of the world's largest economies. World leaders need to summon the spirit of international cooperation and in the process, they need to seek accountability about why their citizens are in such dire straits today. The G20 held a two-hour-long emergency Summit. There was no jostling to be in the front row for a group photograph this time. This one was different, it was a closed-door virtual meeting. The leaders met online to find solutions for the coronavirus crisis. WATCH: × Also present at the Summit were the World Health Organisation and UN representatives. The agenda in the words of the G20 chair for this year, King Salman of Saudi Arabia, was for its members to carry out responsibilities as leaders of the world's largest economies. None of the G20 member nations sought accountability for the damage done. There was no discussion on how one of them neglected necessary measures to control the outbreak. No mention of how the wrongful conduct of the WHO delayed global response. And no mention of how China has now got down to blaming the very victims of this virus. In fact, China, in tandem with the WHO, was allowed to preach the heads of states on what they ought to do. President Xi Jinping was provided an easy platform to play the good samaritan and read sermons about removing barriers. Speaking at the summit, Xi Jinping urged fellow members nations to facilitate trade and cut tariffs, saying China is ready to step-up import and increase foreign investment. A joint statement was issued after the G20 Summit, and neither China nor the WHO was held accountable. It's been three months and the health body has only mirrored Chinese propaganda, it's always been a step behind. Beijing is holding the WHO hostage. The coronavirus is still a continuing challenge. (Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

WION Edit: Coronavirus outbreak - G20 Summit failed to fix accountability

G20 leaders will meet via video conference on today to discuss the coronavirus crisis. The idea of the summit was discussed by Indian PM Modi with other G20 leaders like Australian PM Scott Morrison & Chair of G20 Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman Al Saud.

G20 Extraordinary Virtual Leaders' Summit on COVID-19 today

G20 leaders will meet via video conference on Thursday to discuss the coronavirus crisis. The idea of the summit was discussed by Indian PM Modi with other G20 leaders like Australian PM Scott Morrison & Chair of G20 Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman Al Saud.

G20 Extraordinary Virtual Leaders' Summit on COVID-19 to be held tomorrow

Saudi Arabia has accepted Indian PM&nbsp;Narendra Modi's proposal for a G20 summit via video conference to deal with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-crosses-100-in-us-as-coronavirus-spreads-to-all-states-287098">coronavirus</a>&nbsp;crisis next week.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italy-spain-grapple-with-coronavirus-epidemic-as-death-toll-rises-287087">Also Read: Italy, Spain grapple with coronavirus epidemic as death toll rises</a>

Saudi Arabia is the chair of the G20 this year and will be taking all calls regarding the summit.

The G-20 secretariat in Riyadh in a release said, "The Saudi G-20 Presidency is communicating with G20 countries to convene an extraordinary virtual G20 leaders' Summit next week to advance a coordinated response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its human and economic implications."

"The Saudi Presidency will continue to support and coordinate international efforts to counter the impact of the pandemic, both in human and economic terms," it said.

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the two leaders discussed the COVID –19 pandemic.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Modi during the telephonic talk highlighted India’s initiative to organise a video conference among SAARC countries on Sunday evening.

The Indian government readout of the talks said, "The two leaders agreed that a similar exercise at the level of G-20 leaders, under the aegis of Saudi Arabia as the Chair of G20, would be useful at a global scale, both for discussing specific measures to address the challenges posed by the global outbreak of COVID-19."

PM Modi has suggested the idea of G20 summit via video conferencing to other G20 leaders as well.&nbsp;

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison over the weekend said, "I'm also aware that (Indian) Prime Minister Narendra Modi is keen to organise a link-up between all the G20 leaders. I think that's a commendable initiative, Australia obviously supports that, communicate that."&nbsp;

Morrison called for a further meet on G20 finance meeting to deal with the economic impact.

The EU is also keen on the summit. The spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy EU Virginie Battu-Henriksson told WION, "We need strong G20 coordination and leadership. COVID-19 is a severe public health emergency and a major economic shock affecting many countries around the world."

G20, at summit level, emerged after the 2008 financial crisis and since then has been playing a major role in shaping global policy actions. The grouping meets once a year and has a rotational presidency.

Saudi Arabia has accepted Indian PM Narendra Modi's proposal for a G20 summit via video conference to deal with the coronavirus crisis next week. Also Read: Italy, Spain grapple with coronavirus epidemic as death toll rises Saudi Arabia is the chair of the G20 this year and will be taking all calls regarding the summit.

Saudi Arabia has accepted Indian PM Narendra Modi's proposal for a G20 summit via video conference to deal with the coronavirus crisis next week. Also Read: Italy, Spain grapple with coronavirus epidemic as death toll rises Saudi Arabia is the chair of the G20 this year and will be taking all calls regarding the summit. The G-20 secretariat in Riyadh in a release said, "The Saudi G-20 Presidency is communicating with G20 countries to convene an extraordinary virtual G20 leaders' Summit next week to advance a coordinated response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its human and economic implications." "The Saudi Presidency will continue to support and coordinate international efforts to counter the impact of the pandemic, both in human and economic terms," it said. On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the two leaders discussed the COVID –19 pandemic. Prime Minister Modi during the telephonic talk highlighted India’s initiative to organise a video conference among SAARC countries on Sunday evening. The Indian government readout of the talks said, "The two leaders agreed that a similar exercise at the level of G-20 leaders, under the aegis of Saudi Arabia as the Chair of G20, would be useful at a global scale, both for discussing specific measures to address the challenges posed by the global outbreak of COVID-19." PM Modi has suggested the idea of G20 summit via video conferencing to other G20 leaders as well. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison over the weekend said, "I'm also aware that (Indian) Prime Minister Narendra Modi is keen to organise a link-up between all the G20 leaders. I think that's a commendable initiative, Australia obviously supports that, communicate that." Morrison called for a further meet on G20 finance meeting to deal with the economic impact. The EU is also keen on the summit. The spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy EU Virginie Battu-Henriksson told WION, "We need strong G20 coordination and leadership. COVID-19 is a severe public health emergency and a major economic shock affecting many countries around the world." G20, at summit level, emerged after the 2008 financial crisis and since then has been playing a major role in shaping global policy actions. The grouping meets once a year and has a rotational presidency.

G20 chair Saudi Arabia accepts PM Modi's call for meet via video conference over coronavirus

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

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

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

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

Representatives from the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/robert-muller-to-testify-before-house-committees-on-us-russia-probe-in-july-congress-230456&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiMqYiKornjAhXKso8KHeq_DFMQFjACegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2sjx_-5jhYFhUOAKW0ZERJ">United States and Russia</a> are set to meet in Geneva on Wednesday to explore the concept of a new accord limiting nuclear arms that could eventually include China, senior US officials said on Monday.

US President Donald Trump has said that he would like to see a "next-generation" arms control deal with Russia and China to cover all types of nuclear weapons. He has broached the topic individually with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, including most recently at the G20 summit in Osaka last month.

China is not a party to nuclear arms pacts between the United States and Russia and it is unclear how willing Beijing would be to be drawn into talks, said the officials, who spoke to reporters on condition of anonymity.

"A good meeting would be some greater clarity about where the Russians see things going with the Chinese," one official said.

China's Foreign Ministry reiterated that the country had no interest in joining such talks.

"At present, we cannot see the preconditions or basis for China participating in these negotiations between the United States and Russia," ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told reporters in Beijing.

US Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan will lead the delegation, which will include Tim Morrison, a top aide at the White House National Security Council, and representatives from the Pentagon, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the National Security Agency, the US officials said.

Russia's deputy foreign minister, Sergei Ryabkov, will lead the Russian delegation, the US officials said.

"We actually feel that - touch wood - we've actually got to a point where we can try to start this again," one US official said.

"I say touch wood because we're always just one incident away from unfortunately things getting derailed," the official said.

Relations between the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-says-us-russia-relations-are-getting-worse-and-worse-226830&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiMqYiKornjAhXKso8KHeq_DFMQFjAAegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0tvrZETUunIs5K2GbpcHAL">United States and Russia</a> have been sour for years, deteriorating after Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014 and backed Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in the Syrian war.

Trump has sought better relations but has been hamstrung by a two-year investigation into the 2016 influence campaign by Russian operatives to attack Trump's Democratic rival in the presidential election, Hillary Clinton.

The investigation by US Special Counsel Robert Mueller found there was insufficient evidence that the Trump campaign illegally conspired with Moscow. The Kremlin has denied any meddling.

Relations also frayed over Russia's poisoning of a former spy and his daughter on British soil, the detention of Ukrainian navy boats and crew near Crimea, and Russia's detention of US citizens, among other incidents.

The Geneva meeting will be just two weeks before the United States withdraws from the Cold War-era Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty that required both countries to eliminate short-range and intermediate-range nuclear and conventional missiles.

US authorities believe Moscow is developing and has deployed a ground-launched system in breach of the INF treaty that could allow it to launch a nuclear strike on Europe at short notice. Russia has consistently denied any such violation.

No breakthrough is expected on the INF treaty, the US officials said.

US officials also are not planning to discuss renewal of the 2011 New START treaty, a US-Russia arms control pact which limits deployed strategic nuclear weapons.

One of the officials told reporters it would be "premature" to talk about New START, which is set to expire in February 2021 but can be extended for five years if both sides agree, calling the issues a "next-year problem."

Representatives from the United States and Russia are set to meet in Geneva on Wednesday to explore the concept of a new accord limiting nuclear arms that could eventually include China, senior US officials said on Monday.

Representatives from the United States and Russia are set to meet in Geneva on Wednesday to explore the concept of a new accord limiting nuclear arms that could eventually include China, senior US officials said on Monday. US President Donald Trump has said that he would like to see a "next-generation" arms control deal with Russia and China to cover all types of nuclear weapons. He has broached the topic individually with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, including most recently at the G20 summit in Osaka last month. China is not a party to nuclear arms pacts between the United States and Russia and it is unclear how willing Beijing would be to be drawn into talks, said the officials, who spoke to reporters on condition of anonymity. "A good meeting would be some greater clarity about where the Russians see things going with the Chinese," one official said. China's Foreign Ministry reiterated that the country had no interest in joining such talks. "At present, we cannot see the preconditions or basis for China participating in these negotiations between the United States and Russia," ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told reporters in Beijing. US Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan will lead the delegation, which will include Tim Morrison, a top aide at the White House National Security Council, and representatives from the Pentagon, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the National Security Agency, the US officials said. Russia's deputy foreign minister, Sergei Ryabkov, will lead the Russian delegation, the US officials said. "We actually feel that - touch wood - we've actually got to a point where we can try to start this again," one US official said. "I say touch wood because we're always just one incident away from unfortunately things getting derailed," the official said. Relations between the United States and Russia have been sour for years, deteriorating after Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014 and backed Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in the Syrian war. Trump has sought better relations but has been hamstrung by a two-year investigation into the 2016 influence campaign by Russian operatives to attack Trump's Democratic rival in the presidential election, Hillary Clinton. The investigation by US Special Counsel Robert Mueller found there was insufficient evidence that the Trump campaign illegally conspired with Moscow. The Kremlin has denied any meddling. Relations also frayed over Russia's poisoning of a former spy and his daughter on British soil, the detention of Ukrainian navy boats and crew near Crimea, and Russia's detention of US citizens, among other incidents. The Geneva meeting will be just two weeks before the United States withdraws from the Cold War-era Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty that required both countries to eliminate short-range and intermediate-range nuclear and conventional missiles. US authorities believe Moscow is developing and has deployed a ground-launched system in breach of the INF treaty that could allow it to launch a nuclear strike on Europe at short notice. Russia has consistently denied any such violation. No breakthrough is expected on the INF treaty, the US officials said. US officials also are not planning to discuss renewal of the 2011 New START treaty, a US-Russia arms control pact which limits deployed strategic nuclear weapons. One of the officials told reporters it would be "premature" to talk about New START, which is set to expire in February 2021 but can be extended for five years if both sides agree, calling the issues a "next-year problem."

US, Russia to discuss nuclear arms limits in Geneva on Wednesday: Officials

US President Donald Trump has the authority to waive sanctions on Turkey for its purchase of Russian air defence systems and should find a "middle ground" in the dispute, President Tayyip Erdogan was quoted as saying on Sunday.

Erdogan's comments came two days after NATO member Turkey took delivery of the first consig9nment of advanced <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-ignores-us-warnings-as-it-continues-to-take-delivery-of-russias-s-400-235504">Russian S-400 missile defence system</a> parts, despite warnings from Washington that the move would trigger US sanctions.

Broadcaster Haberturk quoted Erdogan as telling Turkish journalists that Trump "has the authority to waive or postpone CAATSA", referring to US sanctions designed to prevent countries buying military equipment from Russia.

"Since this is the case, it is Trump who needs to find the middle ground," Erdogan said, according to Haberturk.

Trump expressed sympathy for Turkey's position when he met Erdogan at a G20 summit in Japan last month, saying Ankara had bought the S-400s from Moscow because the previous US administration would not sell it Patriot missiles.

"Right now, I don't believe Trump is of the same opinion of those below him and he has said this in front of all world media," Erdogan said.

"By buying the S-400s, we are not getting ready for war. We are trying to guarantee peace and our national security," he added.

In addition to the threatened CAATSA sanctions, US officials have said Turkey could be thrown off the F-35 stealth fighter jet programme, meaning it would no longer be part of the production process or be able to buy the jets it has ordered.

The Pentagon says the S-400s would pose a threat to the jets if they were operating in the same region. Erdogan said Turkey had orders for more than 100 F-35s and expected Washington to remain committed to the deal.

US President Donald Trump has the authority to waive sanctions on Turkey for its purchase of Russian air defence systems and should find a "middle ground" in the dispute, President Tayyip Erdogan was quoted as saying on Sunday.

US President Donald Trump has the authority to waive sanctions on Turkey for its purchase of Russian air defence systems and should find a "middle ground" in the dispute, President Tayyip Erdogan was quoted as saying on Sunday. Erdogan's comments came two days after NATO member Turkey took delivery of the first consig9nment of advanced Russian S-400 missile defence system parts, despite warnings from Washington that the move would trigger US sanctions. Broadcaster Haberturk quoted Erdogan as telling Turkish journalists that Trump "has the authority to waive or postpone CAATSA", referring to US sanctions designed to prevent countries buying military equipment from Russia. "Since this is the case, it is Trump who needs to find the middle ground," Erdogan said, according to Haberturk. Trump expressed sympathy for Turkey's position when he met Erdogan at a G20 summit in Japan last month, saying Ankara had bought the S-400s from Moscow because the previous US administration would not sell it Patriot missiles. "Right now, I don't believe Trump is of the same opinion of those below him and he has said this in front of all world media," Erdogan said. "By buying the S-400s, we are not getting ready for war. We are trying to guarantee peace and our national security," he added. In addition to the threatened CAATSA sanctions, US officials have said Turkey could be thrown off the F-35 stealth fighter jet programme, meaning it would no longer be part of the production process or be able to buy the jets it has ordered. The Pentagon says the S-400s would pose a threat to the jets if they were operating in the same region. Erdogan said Turkey had orders for more than 100 F-35s and expected Washington to remain committed to the deal.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says Trump can waive sanctions on Turkey: Report

US President Donald Trump on Thursday accused China of backsliding on promises to increase purchases of American farm exports.

The president's latest salvo on Twitter comes the same week that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-trump-xi-g20-meeting-us-china-resume-talks-to-resolve-trade-war-234508">US and Chinese trade officials</a> had their first contact in months in an effort to revive negotiations that nearly collapsed in May.

Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping met last month on the sidelines of the Group of 20 summit&nbsp;in Japan, agreeing to cease further hostilities while the talks resumed.

"Mexico is doing great at the Border, but <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-2019-growth-seen-slowing-to-62-per-cent-as-trade-war-weighs-reuters-poll-234697">China</a> is letting us down in that they have not been buying the agricultural products from our great Farmers that they said they would," Trump said Thursday on Twitter.&nbsp;

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Mexico is doing great at the Border, but China is letting us down in that they have not been buying the agricultural products from our great Farmers that they said they would. Hopefully they will start soon!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1149318492711264257?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"Hopefully they will start soon!"

Following the Osaka summit, Trump announced that, in return for Washington's pledge to suspend a planned tariff increase on $300 billion in Chinese imports, Beijing had offered to buy "a tremendous amount of food and agriculture product" from the United States.

Hopes for a trade deal with China have lifted spirits on Wall Street but lingering trade conflicts have weighed on US business sentiment and are one of the main dangers on the horizon for the United States, economists say.

Reducing America's soaring trade deficit with China has long been a principal aim in Trump's trade battle with Beijing, which he also accuses of stealing American technology and unfairly intervening in markets.

Since last year, the two countries have traded tariffs on more than $360 billion in two-way trade.

The US global trade deficit has expanded this year but has fallen with China while rising with Mexico, pointing to the realignment of commercial relationships.

Trump has offered billions in aid to buy out US farms badly damaged in the US-China trade war. US soy exports collapsed last year, virtually wiping out foreign markets farmers had spent years cultivating.

Bill Nelson, an analyst at Doane Advisory Services, told AFP the major Chinese purchases that markets had been expecting had so far failed to materialize.

Chinese soybean purchases zoomed higher in the first quarter of the year to 9.5 million tons, according to official numbers, making up for the sales drought at the end of 2018.

But they have since fallen off sharply, with few major sales recorded since the end of last month.

"China is not making major purchases, certainly not since the Xi meeting," Nelson said.&nbsp;

"Trump implied China would be immediately out there and sales would be going to happen right away. This is not what has occurred."

US President Donald Trump on Thursday accused China of backsliding on promises to increase purchases of American farm exports. The president's latest salvo on Twitter comes the same week that US and Chinese trade officials had their first contact in months in an effort to revive negotiations that nearly collapsed in May.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday accused China of backsliding on promises to increase purchases of American farm exports. The president's latest salvo on Twitter comes the same week that US and Chinese trade officials had their first contact in months in an effort to revive negotiations that nearly collapsed in May. Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping met last month on the sidelines of the Group of 20 summit in Japan, agreeing to cease further hostilities while the talks resumed. "Mexico is doing great at the Border, but China is letting us down in that they have not been buying the agricultural products from our great Farmers that they said they would," Trump said Thursday on Twitter. Mexico is doing great at the Border, but China is letting us down in that they have not been buying the agricultural products from our great Farmers that they said they would. Hopefully they will start soon! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 11, 2019 × "Hopefully they will start soon!" Following the Osaka summit, Trump announced that, in return for Washington's pledge to suspend a planned tariff increase on $300 billion in Chinese imports, Beijing had offered to buy "a tremendous amount of food and agriculture product" from the United States. Hopes for a trade deal with China have lifted spirits on Wall Street but lingering trade conflicts have weighed on US business sentiment and are one of the main dangers on the horizon for the United States, economists say. Reducing America's soaring trade deficit with China has long been a principal aim in Trump's trade battle with Beijing, which he also accuses of stealing American technology and unfairly intervening in markets. Since last year, the two countries have traded tariffs on more than $360 billion in two-way trade. The US global trade deficit has expanded this year but has fallen with China while rising with Mexico, pointing to the realignment of commercial relationships. Trump has offered billions in aid to buy out US farms badly damaged in the US-China trade war. US soy exports collapsed last year, virtually wiping out foreign markets farmers had spent years cultivating. Bill Nelson, an analyst at Doane Advisory Services, told AFP the major Chinese purchases that markets had been expecting had so far failed to materialize. Chinese soybean purchases zoomed higher in the first quarter of the year to 9.5 million tons, according to official numbers, making up for the sales drought at the end of 2018. But they have since fallen off sharply, with few major sales recorded since the end of last month. "China is not making major purchases, certainly not since the Xi meeting," Nelson said. "Trump implied China would be immediately out there and sales would be going to happen right away. This is not what has occurred."

China fails to buy agricultural goods as promised: Donald Trump

Rebalancing is the new mantra of statecraft and reset is the new form of global rapprochement. 
 
Therefore, Prime Minister Narendra Modi pitched for as many as 20 meetings, including nine bilaterals and eight pull-aside engagements, with his global counterparts. On the sidelines of the G20 summit at Osaka, Japan, were varied groupings: Russia-India-China, Japan-US-India and Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa. It offered, once again, good optics for the creation of a multilateral system of partnerships with various countries and international organisations.

All great powers realise that the era of super-power domination is over, and with the emergence of new power centres like China, India and Japan, new rules of the game and new terms of engagement need to be chalked out. Forums like G20 are critical for constructing a multi-polar and democratic order, which would guarantee each country — large or small — peace, security, justice and development in order to address challenges like climate change, corruption, pollution, terrorism, technology sharing and data flow management, among others.

In the wake of the financial woes of the West and its increasingly protectionist tendencies of late — Brexit in the UK and the triumphalism of Donald Trump — one can notice a common trend that arises out of part distrust and part national interest. No more prominent example of global rebalancing may be cited than China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) against the backdrop of the US’s ‘Pivot to Asia’ that Beijing intuitively believes to be especially devised to contain its rise.

How is the rebalancing working out? US allies in Asia, connected to and militarily aligned with the pivot, are absolutely okay with engaging economically with China, a phenomenon that seeks to strike a balance between the regional and global geo-economic and geostrategic priorities. The hegemonic struggle between the US and China to stake control over Asia and the world notwithstanding, nations are trying hard to hold on to their values and diplomats are honing their skills on economic statecraft.

Is rebalancing, then, the other name of strategic promiscuity? In a way, it is. Because being close to another country does not necessarily mean hostilities against a third country. Rebalancing, therefore, is more akin to focusing on areas of respective and mutual convergence. That’s where it syncs with national interest. While the reasons for US foreign policy to focus on Brazil, India, Indonesia and Turkey is ascribed to their fluid and open approach to the international order than those of China or Russia, the real factor could be to reduce China’s global clout by fostering partnerships with existing and rising great powers.

Russia, in turn, has been trying to counterbalance the USA’s global leadership by cooperating with China on issues relating to state sovereignty, strengthening the UN Security Council, and pitching for a multi-polar world order wherein no single state assumes a paramount position vis-à-vis the others in world affairs. Despite paeans sung on the merits of multilateralism, it is natural that a leader in power would pursue policy based on his/her perception of national interest. 
 
Napoleon justified his campaign against Russia, and later his act to launch the desperate battle at Waterloo, on the plea that he was acting in the interest of France; Hitler was said to be acting in Germany’s national interest on grounds of which he justified his expansionist policies, including annexation of Austria and the breakup of Czechoslovakia (1938). British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain justified his act of currying favour with Hitler and Mussolini on the pretext that such appeasement was in Britain’s national interest. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently justified demonetisation as a move taken in “national interest” and not for “political gains”, arguing that it was a step to fight black money.

It is par for the course, then, that during a recent extensive bilateral meeting in New Delhi, India’s external affairs minister S Jaishankar reconfirmed to his American counterpart, Mike Pompeo, about the Indian imperative to act in its national interest and nurture the time-tested, history-honoured relationships with many countries, including Russia and Iran. India is also engaging more actively with Japan, while taking care not to antagonise China, which is another deft exercise of rebalancing. 
 
(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-rebalancing-is-trademark-in-a-multi-polar-diplomatic-world-2770634">original article)</a>

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Rebalancing is the new mantra of statecraft and reset is the new form of global rapprochement. Therefore, Prime Minister Narendra Modi pitched for as many as 20 meetings, including nine bilaterals and eight pull-aside engagements, with his global counterparts.

Rebalancing is the new mantra of statecraft and reset is the new form of global rapprochement. Therefore, Prime Minister Narendra Modi pitched for as many as 20 meetings, including nine bilaterals and eight pull-aside engagements, with his global counterparts. On the sidelines of the G20 summit at Osaka, Japan, were varied groupings: Russia-India-China, Japan-US-India and Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa. It offered, once again, good optics for the creation of a multilateral system of partnerships with various countries and international organisations. All great powers realise that the era of super-power domination is over, and with the emergence of new power centres like China, India and Japan, new rules of the game and new terms of engagement need to be chalked out. Forums like G20 are critical for constructing a multi-polar and democratic order, which would guarantee each country — large or small — peace, security, justice and development in order to address challenges like climate change, corruption, pollution, terrorism, technology sharing and data flow management, among others. In the wake of the financial woes of the West and its increasingly protectionist tendencies of late — Brexit in the UK and the triumphalism of Donald Trump — one can notice a common trend that arises out of part distrust and part national interest. No more prominent example of global rebalancing may be cited than China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) against the backdrop of the US’s ‘Pivot to Asia’ that Beijing intuitively believes to be especially devised to contain its rise. How is the rebalancing working out? US allies in Asia, connected to and militarily aligned with the pivot, are absolutely okay with engaging economically with China, a phenomenon that seeks to strike a balance between the regional and global geo-economic and geostrategic priorities. The hegemonic struggle between the US and China to stake control over Asia and the world notwithstanding, nations are trying hard to hold on to their values and diplomats are honing their skills on economic statecraft. Is rebalancing, then, the other name of strategic promiscuity? In a way, it is. Because being close to another country does not necessarily mean hostilities against a third country. Rebalancing, therefore, is more akin to focusing on areas of respective and mutual convergence. That’s where it syncs with national interest. While the reasons for US foreign policy to focus on Brazil, India, Indonesia and Turkey is ascribed to their fluid and open approach to the international order than those of China or Russia, the real factor could be to reduce China’s global clout by fostering partnerships with existing and rising great powers. Russia, in turn, has been trying to counterbalance the USA’s global leadership by cooperating with China on issues relating to state sovereignty, strengthening the UN Security Council, and pitching for a multi-polar world order wherein no single state assumes a paramount position vis-à-vis the others in world affairs. Despite paeans sung on the merits of multilateralism, it is natural that a leader in power would pursue policy based on his/her perception of national interest. Napoleon justified his campaign against Russia, and later his act to launch the desperate battle at Waterloo, on the plea that he was acting in the interest of France; Hitler was said to be acting in Germany’s national interest on grounds of which he justified his expansionist policies, including annexation of Austria and the breakup of Czechoslovakia (1938). British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain justified his act of currying favour with Hitler and Mussolini on the pretext that such appeasement was in Britain’s national interest. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently justified demonetisation as a move taken in “national interest” and not for “political gains”, arguing that it was a step to fight black money. It is par for the course, then, that during a recent extensive bilateral meeting in New Delhi, India’s external affairs minister S Jaishankar reconfirmed to his American counterpart, Mike Pompeo, about the Indian imperative to act in its national interest and nurture the time-tested, history-honoured relationships with many countries, including Russia and Iran. India is also engaging more actively with Japan, while taking care not to antagonise China, which is another deft exercise of rebalancing. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Rebalancing is trademark in a multi-polar diplomatic world

India and the United States are to hold talks here on July 12 aimed at resolving the recent trade tensions between the two countries against the backdrop of President Trump's remarks on high Indian trade tariffs.&nbsp;

A team of US Trade Representative (USTR) will hold talks with senior officials of the Commerce ministry.

"On trade, Foreign Secretary (Vijay Gokhale) did mention in his briefing that the two sides will meet very soon. And I understand that ministry officials from the two sides are going to meet in the next couple of weeks," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar told the media last Thursday.

This would be the first engagement between the two sides on trade issues after the meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi had with US President Donald Trump in Osaka on the sidelines of the G20 summit.

The trade talks between the two countries slowed down after Washington rolled back the privileges that New Delhi was enjoying under their GSP or Generalised System of Preferences programme since June 5.

The GSP, implemented since 1974, is the largest and oldest <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-threatens-veto-of-house-defence-bill-over-spending-levels-wall-234525&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj49Ke1q6rjAhUxheYKHd2aDEwQFjABegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw29-_WQn5bRLvCHPQycTYv8">US trade-preference scheme</a> and it allows duty-free imports for thousands of products from designated beneficiary countries.

On its part, India had also imposed retaliatory tariffs on 25 American goods, less than two weeks after the Trump administration announced an end to the preferential trade treatment for India over the trade barriers.

On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump once again attacked New Delhi for imposing high import duties, saying that tariffs are "no longer acceptable".

"India has long had a field day putting Tariffs on American products. No longer acceptable!" tweeted Trump.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
India has long had a field day putting Tariffs on American products. No longer acceptable!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1148573632869875712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 9, 2019</a></blockquote>
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During US State Secretary Mike Pompeo's visit to New Delhi, India and the US had acknowledged there were issues between the two countries on trade and committed themselves to remove differences between them.

Speaking to the media after talks with the visiting US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said both the countries should take "constructive and pragmatic view" on the issues pertaining to trade between them.

India and the United States are to hold talks here on July 12 aimed at resolving the recent trade tensions between the two countries against the backdrop of President Trump's remarks on high Indian trade tariffs.

India and the United States are to hold talks here on July 12 aimed at resolving the recent trade tensions between the two countries against the backdrop of President Trump's remarks on high Indian trade tariffs. A team of US Trade Representative (USTR) will hold talks with senior officials of the Commerce ministry. "On trade, Foreign Secretary (Vijay Gokhale) did mention in his briefing that the two sides will meet very soon. And I understand that ministry officials from the two sides are going to meet in the next couple of weeks," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar told the media last Thursday. This would be the first engagement between the two sides on trade issues after the meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi had with US President Donald Trump in Osaka on the sidelines of the G20 summit. The trade talks between the two countries slowed down after Washington rolled back the privileges that New Delhi was enjoying under their GSP or Generalised System of Preferences programme since June 5. The GSP, implemented since 1974, is the largest and oldest US trade-preference scheme and it allows duty-free imports for thousands of products from designated beneficiary countries. On its part, India had also imposed retaliatory tariffs on 25 American goods, less than two weeks after the Trump administration announced an end to the preferential trade treatment for India over the trade barriers. On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump once again attacked New Delhi for imposing high import duties, saying that tariffs are "no longer acceptable". "India has long had a field day putting Tariffs on American products. No longer acceptable!" tweeted Trump. India has long had a field day putting Tariffs on American products. No longer acceptable! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 9, 2019 × During US State Secretary Mike Pompeo's visit to New Delhi, India and the US had acknowledged there were issues between the two countries on trade and committed themselves to remove differences between them. Speaking to the media after talks with the visiting US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said both the countries should take "constructive and pragmatic view" on the issues pertaining to trade between them.

India-US trade talks to be held on July 12 in New Delhi

India and the United States are to hold talks here on July 12 aimed at resolving the recent trade tensions between the two countries against the backdrop of President Trump's remarks on high Indian trade tariffs.&nbsp;

A team of US Trade Representative (USTR) will hold talks with senior officials of the Commerce ministry.

"On trade, Foreign Secretary (Vijay Gokhale) did mention in his briefing that the two sides will meet very soon. And I understand that ministry officials from the two sides are going to meet in the next couple of weeks," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar told the media last Thursday.

This would be the first engagement between the two sides on trade issues after the meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi had with US President Donald Trump in Osaka on the sidelines of the G20 summit.

The trade talks between the two countries slowed down after Washington rolled back the privileges that New Delhi was enjoying under their GSP or Generalised System of Preferences programme since June 5.

The GSP, implemented since 1974, is the largest and oldest <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-threatens-veto-of-house-defence-bill-over-spending-levels-wall-234525&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj49Ke1q6rjAhUxheYKHd2aDEwQFjABegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw29-_WQn5bRLvCHPQycTYv8">US trade-preference scheme</a> and it allows duty-free imports for thousands of products from designated beneficiary countries.

On its part, India had also imposed retaliatory tariffs on 25 American goods, less than two weeks after the Trump administration announced an end to the preferential trade treatment for India over the trade barriers.

On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump once again attacked New Delhi for imposing high import duties, saying that tariffs are "no longer acceptable".

"India has long had a field day putting Tariffs on American products. No longer acceptable!" tweeted Trump.

During US State Secretary Mike Pompeo's visit to New Delhi, India and the US had acknowledged there were issues between the two countries on trade and committed themselves to remove differences between them.

Speaking to the media after talks with the visiting US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said both the countries should take "constructive and pragmatic view" on the issues pertaining to trade between them.

India and the United States are to hold talks here on July 12 aimed at resolving the recent trade tensions between the two countries against the backdrop of President Trump's remarks on high Indian trade tariffs. A team of US Trade Representative (USTR) will hold talks with senior officials of the Commerce ministry. "On trade, Foreign Secretary (Vijay Gokhale) did mention in his briefing that the two sides will meet very soon. And I understand that ministry officials from the two sides are going to meet in the next couple of weeks," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar told the media last Thursday. This would be the first engagement between the two sides on trade issues after the meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi had with US President Donald Trump in Osaka on the sidelines of the G20 summit. The trade talks between the two countries slowed down after Washington rolled back the privileges that New Delhi was enjoying under their GSP or Generalised System of Preferences programme since June 5. The GSP, implemented since 1974, is the largest and oldest US trade-preference scheme and it allows duty-free imports for thousands of products from designated beneficiary countries. On its part, India had also imposed retaliatory tariffs on 25 American goods, less than two weeks after the Trump administration announced an end to the preferential trade treatment for India over the trade barriers. On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump once again attacked New Delhi for imposing high import duties, saying that tariffs are "no longer acceptable". "India has long had a field day putting Tariffs on American products. No longer acceptable!" tweeted Trump. During US State Secretary Mike Pompeo's visit to New Delhi, India and the US had acknowledged there were issues between the two countries on trade and committed themselves to remove differences between them. Speaking to the media after talks with the visiting US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said both the countries should take "constructive and pragmatic view" on the issues pertaining to trade between them.

An Australian student who was expelled from North Korea denied on Tuesday that he had been spying on the authoritarian state while he lived there.

Alek Sigley, 29, was released last week after being detained for several days, with Pyongyang later accusing him of promoting propaganda against the country online.

"The allegation that I am a spy is (pretty obviously) false," he wrote on Twitter, adding that he was "well both mentally and physically".

"I am still very interested in North Korea and want to continue academic research and other work related to the country. But I currently have no plans to visit the country again, at least in the short term," he wrote.

The tweets were the first comments addressing the incident from Sigley, who speaks fluent Korean and had been one of just a handful of Westerners living and studying in North Korea.

His disappearance, which prompted deep concern about his fate, came just days before a G20 summit and a landmark meeting between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

After he was released and flew to Japan, North Korean state media published a report saying the country had deported the student for spying.

"I may never again walk the streets of Pyongyang, a city that holds a very special place in my heart," Sigley, who speaks fluent Korean, tweeted Tuesday.

"I may never again see my teachers and my partners in the travel industry, whom I've come to consider close friends. But that's life."

From the capital, Sigley organised tours to the country and ran a number of social media sites which posted a stream of apolitical content about life in one of the world's most secretive nations.

His blog posts focused on everyday Pyongyang -- from the city's dining scene to North Korean app reviews -- and he married his Japanese wife there last year.

He also wrote columns for specialist website NK News, which North Korean state media called an anti-regime news outlet in its report on Saturday.

NK News has released a statement denying the accusations, which the student said he stood by.&nbsp;

He said the "only material" he gave to the news site and other outlets was what was published.&nbsp;

His case was complicated by Australia's lack of diplomatic representation in North Korea, with the Swedish envoy helping to negotiate his release.

On Twitter, Sigley said he would not be speaking to the press or answering questions about the events on social media, having said on Friday he was planning to "return to normal life".

In 2016, University of Virginia student Otto Warmbier, who was imprisoned during a tour of North Korea, died days after arriving back in the United States.

Doctors said Warmbier suffered severe brain damage while in detention and fell into a coma before his death aged 22.

An Australian student who was expelled from North Korea denied on Tuesday that he had been spying on the authoritarian state while he lived there. Alek Sigley, 29, was released last week after being detained for several days, with Pyongyang later accusing him of promoting propaganda against the country online.

An Australian student who was expelled from North Korea denied on Tuesday that he had been spying on the authoritarian state while he lived there. Alek Sigley, 29, was released last week after being detained for several days, with Pyongyang later accusing him of promoting propaganda against the country online. "The allegation that I am a spy is (pretty obviously) false," he wrote on Twitter, adding that he was "well both mentally and physically". "I am still very interested in North Korea and want to continue academic research and other work related to the country. But I currently have no plans to visit the country again, at least in the short term," he wrote. The tweets were the first comments addressing the incident from Sigley, who speaks fluent Korean and had been one of just a handful of Westerners living and studying in North Korea. His disappearance, which prompted deep concern about his fate, came just days before a G20 summit and a landmark meeting between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. After he was released and flew to Japan, North Korean state media published a report saying the country had deported the student for spying. "I may never again walk the streets of Pyongyang, a city that holds a very special place in my heart," Sigley, who speaks fluent Korean, tweeted Tuesday. "I may never again see my teachers and my partners in the travel industry, whom I've come to consider close friends. But that's life." From the capital, Sigley organised tours to the country and ran a number of social media sites which posted a stream of apolitical content about life in one of the world's most secretive nations. His blog posts focused on everyday Pyongyang -- from the city's dining scene to North Korean app reviews -- and he married his Japanese wife there last year. He also wrote columns for specialist website NK News, which North Korean state media called an anti-regime news outlet in its report on Saturday. NK News has released a statement denying the accusations, which the student said he stood by. He said the "only material" he gave to the news site and other outlets was what was published. His case was complicated by Australia's lack of diplomatic representation in North Korea, with the Swedish envoy helping to negotiate his release. On Twitter, Sigley said he would not be speaking to the press or answering questions about the events on social media, having said on Friday he was planning to "return to normal life". In 2016, University of Virginia student Otto Warmbier, who was imprisoned during a tour of North Korea, died days after arriving back in the United States. Doctors said Warmbier suffered severe brain damage while in detention and fell into a coma before his death aged 22.

Australian student expelled from North Korea denies spying

This International Plastic Bag Free Day, a look at how waste plastic is turned into colourful tiles. #PlasticFreeDay #PlasticTiles #BeatPlasticPollution

Novel solution to fighting plastic pollution

Trump and Erdogan held a bilateral at the G20 summit. Turkish President says S-400 to be delivered in 10 days. Washington earlier warned Turkey of sanctions. Erdogan is confident about resolving dispute with U.S. Watch this video to know more.

Turkish President: S-400 to be delivered within 10 days

Asian markets surged Monday after Donald Trump and Xi Jinping agreed to restart trade talks, reviving hopes of an end to their tariffs war, while oil prices also rallied on news that Saudi Arabia and Russia will extend their output caps.

Trump's historic visit to North Korea, where he met leader Kim Jong Un, soothed geopolitical concerns and added to the upbeat mood on trading floors.

After a highly anticipated meeting on the sidelines of the G20 summit Saturday, the US president said negotiations to resolve the standoff between the world's two biggest economies were "back on track" and threatened new levies on Chinese goods would be held off.

Trump also signalled a softer position on Chinese telecom giant Huawei, a major bone of contention in the row, by saying US companies could sell equipment "where there's no great national security problem", White House economic advisor Larry Kudlow said Sunday.

While there had been a quiet sense of optimism the talks would end with an agreement to return to the negotiating table, the apparent concession on Huawei took some by surprise and provided some extra buying support.&nbsp;

The news was much-needed after Trump sparked volatility in early May with his shock decision to hit China with new tariffs and halt talks that had seemed to be nearing a positive end.

'Sigh of relief'

"After spending the better part of two months in trade war purgatory and with G20 done and dusted, risk markets have responded to Saturday's events in a reveller tone," said Stephen Innes at Vanguard Markets.

"Indeed, investors heaved a massive, but exhausted, sigh of relief that both the US and China opted to push the reset button and restart trade negotiations amidst other pleasantries -- now we'll have to see whether it all sticks."

Shanghai jumped 2.1 per cent in the morning while the Chinese yuan climbed to its strongest level in almost two months. Soft factory activity data indicated continued weakness in the world's number two economy, though analysts said the readings could press the central People's Bank of China to unveil fresh stimulus measures.

Tokyo ended the morning 1.8 per cent higher, Singapore rallied 1.2 per cent and Taipei was 1.5 per cent higher, with Sydney, Seoul, Wellington and Manila also higher. Hong Kong was closed for a public holiday.

Oil prices were also on a roll, with both main contracts jumping more than two per cent as the Trump-Xi agreement came with news that Russia and OPEC cartel kingpin Saudi Arabia had agreed at the G20 to extend a deal to limit output.

Innes added that "even with some long-term uncertainty on US-China trade leaking into the equation, I think medium-term risks to oil prices remained skewed to the upside, as Middle East tension continues to percolate, and we anticipate more easing from the PBoC. Both positives for oil prices".

The optimistic tone hit demand for safe-haven gold, which sank below $1,400.

Asian markets surged Monday after Donald Trump and Xi Jinping agreed to restart trade talks, reviving hopes of an end to their tariffs war, while oil prices also rallied on news that Saudi Arabia and Russia will extend their output caps.

Asian markets surged Monday after Donald Trump and Xi Jinping agreed to restart trade talks, reviving hopes of an end to their tariffs war, while oil prices also rallied on news that Saudi Arabia and Russia will extend their output caps. Trump's historic visit to North Korea, where he met leader Kim Jong Un, soothed geopolitical concerns and added to the upbeat mood on trading floors. After a highly anticipated meeting on the sidelines of the G20 summit Saturday, the US president said negotiations to resolve the standoff between the world's two biggest economies were "back on track" and threatened new levies on Chinese goods would be held off. Trump also signalled a softer position on Chinese telecom giant Huawei, a major bone of contention in the row, by saying US companies could sell equipment "where there's no great national security problem", White House economic advisor Larry Kudlow said Sunday. While there had been a quiet sense of optimism the talks would end with an agreement to return to the negotiating table, the apparent concession on Huawei took some by surprise and provided some extra buying support. The news was much-needed after Trump sparked volatility in early May with his shock decision to hit China with new tariffs and halt talks that had seemed to be nearing a positive end. 'Sigh of relief' "After spending the better part of two months in trade war purgatory and with G20 done and dusted, risk markets have responded to Saturday's events in a reveller tone," said Stephen Innes at Vanguard Markets. "Indeed, investors heaved a massive, but exhausted, sigh of relief that both the US and China opted to push the reset button and restart trade negotiations amidst other pleasantries -- now we'll have to see whether it all sticks." Shanghai jumped 2.1 per cent in the morning while the Chinese yuan climbed to its strongest level in almost two months. Soft factory activity data indicated continued weakness in the world's number two economy, though analysts said the readings could press the central People's Bank of China to unveil fresh stimulus measures. Tokyo ended the morning 1.8 per cent higher, Singapore rallied 1.2 per cent and Taipei was 1.5 per cent higher, with Sydney, Seoul, Wellington and Manila also higher. Hong Kong was closed for a public holiday. Oil prices were also on a roll, with both main contracts jumping more than two per cent as the Trump-Xi agreement came with news that Russia and OPEC cartel kingpin Saudi Arabia had agreed at the G20 to extend a deal to limit output. Innes added that "even with some long-term uncertainty on US-China trade leaking into the equation, I think medium-term risks to oil prices remained skewed to the upside, as Middle East tension continues to percolate, and we anticipate more easing from the PBoC. Both positives for oil prices". The optimistic tone hit demand for safe-haven gold, which sank below $1,400.

Asian markets surge on Trump-Xi breakthrough, oil rallies

India focussed on trade, terror & black money at the G20 summit. New Delhi also raised key issues like 5G & Iran crisis with Trump. Here's Palki summing up the issues raised by India at the summit.

Gravitas: G20 Summit: Takeaways for India

More happens on the sidelines of a summit like G20 than the actual summit itself. This 14th G20 summit hasn't disappointed either, from Trump's request to Putin to not interfere in U.S. polls to Putin's statement on Salisbury attacks, Palki brings the best statements from the sidelines of the G20 summit.

Gravitas: G20: All the action on the sidelines

From feeding fish to trying out rickshaw rides in Japan to attending cultural programmes, the spouses of leaders at the G20 summit had a day out at Osaka and Kyoto. Here's a report.

Gravitas: G20: A day out for the spouses

20 members, 19 countries plus the European Union, the G20 summit represents two-thirds of the total population of the world. Palki gets a quick summary of the summit and its significance.

Gravitas: G20 Summit kicks of in Japan: Here's why it matters

Bilaterals, trilaterals, pull-asides, informal multi-lateral talks, PM Modi had a jampacked day at the G20 summit at Osaka in Japan today. The increased engagement exemplifies the importance of India at the global stage. Palki summarises.

Gravitas: G20 Summit: India rises on the global stage

External affairs minister S Jaishankar and Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono on the sidelines of the G20 held Strategic Dialogue and discussed Iran and the upcoming 2+2 dialogue.&nbsp;

Discussions on Iran was focussed on American wavier for import of Iranian oil and the ongoing US-Iran tensions impact both the countries.&nbsp;

Earlier this month, Shinzo Abe was in Iran and sought to mediate between the US and Iran as both countries head towards a confrontation that impacts energy security of both the countries.

India has already raised concerns of Tehran-Washington tensions escalates could impact its large diaspora in West Asia and energy security.&nbsp;

The talks lasted for 80 minutes during which Japanese Foreign Minister mentioned about the upcoming 2+2 India Japan Defence and foreign minister meet later this year, ahead of the visit of Japanese PM Shinzo Abe to India for the annual summit between the 2 countries.&nbsp;

A Japan foreign ministry statement said "Minister Kono stated that an agreed “2+2” Ministerial Meeting is important in advancing security and defence cooperation between the two countries and demonstrating the roles that Japan and India can play for the peace and stability of the region."&nbsp;

This is the second 2+2 format meet India will be having with any country, after the US, with which India had maiden 2+2 talks in Delhi last year.

The two Ministers shared the view to "continue cooperation toward the realization of a free and open Indo-Pacific". Japan, India along with the US and Australia are already having discussions under quad format. Japan FM, " welcomed the progress of Japan-India-U.S.-Australia cooperation, expressing his hope to further deepen its cooperation", the release said.&nbsp;

Last week PM Modi met Japanese PM Shinzo Abe, first for a bilateral and then during the JAI—Japan, America and India trilateral on the sidelines of the 14th G20 Summit. Both countries are now looking to develop infrastructure in 3rd countries and agreed to build a cancer hospital in Kenya and develop part of Colombo port in Sri Lanka.

External affairs minister S Jaishankar and Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono on the sidelines of the G20 held Strategic Dialogue and discussed Iran and the upcoming 2+2 dialogue.

External affairs minister S Jaishankar and Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono on the sidelines of the G20 held Strategic Dialogue and discussed Iran and the upcoming 2+2 dialogue. Discussions on Iran was focussed on American wavier for import of Iranian oil and the ongoing US-Iran tensions impact both the countries. Earlier this month, Shinzo Abe was in Iran and sought to mediate between the US and Iran as both countries head towards a confrontation that impacts energy security of both the countries. India has already raised concerns of Tehran-Washington tensions escalates could impact its large diaspora in West Asia and energy security. The talks lasted for 80 minutes during which Japanese Foreign Minister mentioned about the upcoming 2+2 India Japan Defence and foreign minister meet later this year, ahead of the visit of Japanese PM Shinzo Abe to India for the annual summit between the 2 countries. A Japan foreign ministry statement said "Minister Kono stated that an agreed “2+2” Ministerial Meeting is important in advancing security and defence cooperation between the two countries and demonstrating the roles that Japan and India can play for the peace and stability of the region." This is the second 2+2 format meet India will be having with any country, after the US, with which India had maiden 2+2 talks in Delhi last year. The two Ministers shared the view to "continue cooperation toward the realization of a free and open Indo-Pacific". Japan, India along with the US and Australia are already having discussions under quad format. Japan FM, " welcomed the progress of Japan-India-U.S.-Australia cooperation, expressing his hope to further deepen its cooperation", the release said. Last week PM Modi met Japanese PM Shinzo Abe, first for a bilateral and then during the JAI—Japan, America and India trilateral on the sidelines of the 14th G20 Summit. Both countries are now looking to develop infrastructure in 3rd countries and agreed to build a cancer hospital in Kenya and develop part of Colombo port in Sri Lanka.

India, Japan hold strategic dialogue on sidelines of  G20 summit

Suresh Prabhu, PM Modi's sherpa at G20 summit in Japan: India under the leadership of PM Modi has been championing that we need anti-corruption measures at global level. So, fight against corruption should be done by all #G20 countries by combating foreign bribery.

India's Sherpa At G20 Osaka Summit, Suresh Prabhu Briefs Media

Chinese President Xi Jinping recalls 'Ping-Pong' Diplomacy. Xi said, ''The small ball played a big role in moving world events.Xi upholds the cooperation over confrontation. U.S President Donald Trump said that He loves the Chinese Culture. Watch this video to know more.

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PM Modi meet the President of Chile, Sebastian Pinera. He also meets the Prime Minister of Singapore. PM Modi highlights their Mudra Scheme, Education scheme at G20. Watch this video to know more.

G20 Summit Day 2: Big Bilateral between India & Turkey

India and Indonesia on Saturday set an ambitious $50 billion target for bilateral trade over the next six years as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-holds-bilateral-talks-with-indonesian-presdient-joko-widodo-brazilian-president-jair-bolsonaro-at-g20-summit-in-japans-osaka-231351">Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Joko Widodo</a> discussed ways to deepen cooperation in a number of key areas including economy, defence and maritime security.

The two leaders, who are in Osaka, Japan for the G20 Summit, met in the morning and discussed ways to boost bilateral ties and enhance cooperation in trade and investment.

According to Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar, India and Indonesia set a $50 billion target for bilateral trade by 2025.

Trade between the two countries in 2016 was $12.9 billion. It rose 28.7 per cent to $18.13 billion in 2017 with Indonesia's exports to India reaching $14.08 billion and its imports from India standing at $4.05 billion, according to Indonesia's Central Statistics Agency.

During his meeting between Prime Minister Modi and Indonesian President Widodo, the two leaders discussed ways to deepen bilateral cooperation in trade and investment, defence and maritime fronts.

This was Modi's first official engagement on the second day of the June 28-29 Summit.

Watch:&nbsp;PM Modi's 4 Bilaterals &amp; 4 Pull-Asides

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/g20-summit-day-2-pm-modis-4-bilaterals-4-pull-asides-231362/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Beginning Day 2 of the #G20 Summit by meeting a valued friend. PM @narendramodi holds talks with President @jokowi on ways to deepen India-Indonesia cooperation," the prime minister's office tweeted.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Beginning Day 2 of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/G20?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#G20</a> Summit by meeting a valued friend. 
 
PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> holds talks with President <a href="https://twitter.com/jokowi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jokowi</a> on ways to deepen India-Indonesia cooperation. <a href="https://t.co/lEF3uIFPAJ">pic.twitter.com/lEF3uIFPAJ</a>
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/1144766583950041089?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 29, 2019</a></blockquote>
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In a tweet, Kumar said, "Taking forward the comprehensive strategic partnership. PM @narendramodi had a productive meeting with Indonesian President @jokowi on margins of #G20Summit. Discussed expanding cooperation in trade &amp; investment, defence, maritime, space &amp; exchanged views on Indo-Pacific vision".

On Friday, Modi held bilateral and plurilateral meetings with many leaders, including US President Donald Trump, Russian president Vladimir Putin and China's Xi Jinping.&nbsp;

India and Indonesia on Saturday set an ambitious $50 billion target for bilateral trade over the next six years as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Joko Widodo discussed ways to deepen cooperation in a number of key areas including economy, defence and maritime security.

India and Indonesia on Saturday set an ambitious $50 billion target for bilateral trade over the next six years as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Joko Widodo discussed ways to deepen cooperation in a number of key areas including economy, defence and maritime security. The two leaders, who are in Osaka, Japan for the G20 Summit, met in the morning and discussed ways to boost bilateral ties and enhance cooperation in trade and investment. According to Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar, India and Indonesia set a $50 billion target for bilateral trade by 2025. Trade between the two countries in 2016 was $12.9 billion. It rose 28.7 per cent to $18.13 billion in 2017 with Indonesia's exports to India reaching $14.08 billion and its imports from India standing at $4.05 billion, according to Indonesia's Central Statistics Agency. During his meeting between Prime Minister Modi and Indonesian President Widodo, the two leaders discussed ways to deepen bilateral cooperation in trade and investment, defence and maritime fronts. This was Modi's first official engagement on the second day of the June 28-29 Summit. Watch: PM Modi's 4 Bilaterals & 4 Pull-Asides "Beginning Day 2 of the #G20 Summit by meeting a valued friend. PM @narendramodi holds talks with President @jokowi on ways to deepen India-Indonesia cooperation," the prime minister's office tweeted. Beginning Day 2 of the #G20 Summit by meeting a valued friend. PM @narendramodi holds talks with President @jokowi on ways to deepen India-Indonesia cooperation. pic.twitter.com/lEF3uIFPAJ — PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 29, 2019 × In a tweet, Kumar said, "Taking forward the comprehensive strategic partnership. PM @narendramodi had a productive meeting with Indonesian President @jokowi on margins of #G20Summit. Discussed expanding cooperation in trade & investment, defence, maritime, space & exchanged views on Indo-Pacific vision". On Friday, Modi held bilateral and plurilateral meetings with many leaders, including US President Donald Trump, Russian president Vladimir Putin and China's Xi Jinping.

India, Indonesia set $50 billion trade target by 2025

MEA briefing on PM Modi's bilaterals on day 2 of G20 Summit. Mr. Raveesh Kumar, Spokesperson of MEA gives all the details. Watch this video to know more.

MEA briefing on PM Modi's bilaterals on day 2 of G20 Summit

Leaders will try to negotiate a way out of the trade war. Reports says 2 sides have already reached tentative agreements. It's a big bilateral meet on the sidelines of G20 summit. Watch this video to know more.

G20 Summit Day 2: Xi maps the history of U.S-China ties

Australian PM Scott Morrison tweets a selfie with PM Modi. He praised him using Hinglish language. Watch this video to know more.

Australian PM tweets a selfie with PM Modi, Praised him in Hindi

US President Doanld Trump said US-China bilateral can be a very productive meeting. He also said, ''We can do something truly monumental''. US has imposed tariffs on $250 Bn of Chinese imports. China has also imposed retaliatory tariffs on Washington. Watch this video to know more.

G20 Summit Day 2: Xi Upholds Cooperation Over Confrontation

G20 Summit Day 2: U.S-China Bilateral

PM Modi holds bilateral talks with US president Donald Trump, and also the trilateral meeting with Putin, Xi Jinping. All leaders discusses Trade, Terror, Defence and 5G. Watch this video to know more.

G20 Summit Day 2: PM Modi's 4 Bilaterals & 4 Pull-Asides

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India, Indonesia set $50 billion trade target by 2025

MEA briefing on PM Modi's bilaterals on day 2 of G20 Summit