Leaders of the Group of Seven wealthy nations will discuss global trade woes at their annual summit on Sunday, likely laying bare a yawning divide between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-us-would-tax-french-wine-in-response-to-digital-tax-245250">US President Donald Trump and his Western allies</a>.

The G7 gathering is taking place against a backdrop of growing worries about a global economic downturn and coincides with an era of international disunity across an array of issues that have strained decades-old allegiances.

Trump joined the leaders from France, Britain, Japan, Germany, Italy and Canada in the French coastal resort of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-police-fire-tear-gas-water-cannons-at-anti-g7-protesters-245391">Biarritz</a> for three days of talks that kicked off on Saturday with an ambitious agenda that includes the defence of democracy, gender equality, education and climate change.

The delegations had barely arrived before divergences were exposed, with senior US officials accusing the host, French President Emmanuel Macron, of looking "to fracture the G7" by focusing on "niche issues" rather than major global concerns.

France denied this, pointing to Sunday's initial session covering the economy, trade and security - areas that used to draw easy consensus but are now sources of great friction.

Trump arrived in France just hours after escalating his trade war with China in a tit-for-tat battle between the world's two largest economies that has spooked financial markets.

"I am very worried about the way it's going, the growth of protectionism, of tariffs that we're seeing," British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Saturday.

"Those who support the tariffs are at risk of incurring the blame for the downturn in the global economy, irrespective of whether or not that is true."

Underlining the discord, Trump also threatened his host on the eve of the summit, saying the United States would tax French wine "like they've never seen before" unless Paris dropped a digital tax on US technology companies.

Leaping into the fray, European Council President Donald Tusk, who takes part in the G7 discussions, warned the EU would respond "in kind" if Trump acted on his threat.

"This may be the last moment to restore our political community," Tusk told reporters on Saturday, giving a bleak assessment of Western relations.

Looking to broaden the scope of the debate, Macron has invited several African leaders to discuss the problems facing their continent, while leaders from India, Australia, Chile and Spain are due to attend a dinner on Sunday where the focus will be on the environment among other issues.

Brexit squabbles

Trump up-ended last year's G7 summit in Canada, walking out of the meeting early and disassociating himself from the final communique having initially endorsed the document.

France has got around that problem by doing away with the time-honoured communique, deciding it was not worth even trying to find common language.

While the transatlantic rift is the most stark, there are also deep divisions within the European camp, with Johnson making his G7 debut at a time when he is struggling to persuade EU capitals to renegotiate Britain's divorce from the bloc.

Johnson and Tusk, who are due to talk on Sunday on the sidelines of the summit, sparred ahead of the meeting over who would take the blame if Britain leaves the EU on October 31 without a Brexit agreement acceptable to both sides.

"I still hope that PM Johnson will not like to go down in history as Mr No Deal," said Tusk, who leads the political direction of the 28-nation European Union.

Johnson later retorted that it would be Tusk himself who would carry the mantle if Britain could not secure a new withdrawal agreement.

Macron added to the internal EU strains by unexpectedly threatening on Friday to block an EU trade deal with a group of South American states over Brazil's handling of fires that are ravaging the Amazon rainforest.

Germany and Britain both voiced deep concern about the blazes, but disagreed with Macron on how to respond, saying shooting down the ambitious Mercosur trade accord would not help save the Amazon.

Leaders of the Group of Seven wealthy nations will discuss global trade woes at their annual summit on Sunday, likely laying bare a yawning divide between US President Donald Trump and his Western allies.

Leaders of the Group of Seven wealthy nations will discuss global trade woes at their annual summit on Sunday, likely laying bare a yawning divide between US President Donald Trump and his Western allies. The G7 gathering is taking place against a backdrop of growing worries about a global economic downturn and coincides with an era of international disunity across an array of issues that have strained decades-old allegiances. Trump joined the leaders from France, Britain, Japan, Germany, Italy and Canada in the French coastal resort of Biarritz for three days of talks that kicked off on Saturday with an ambitious agenda that includes the defence of democracy, gender equality, education and climate change. The delegations had barely arrived before divergences were exposed, with senior US officials accusing the host, French President Emmanuel Macron, of looking "to fracture the G7" by focusing on "niche issues" rather than major global concerns. France denied this, pointing to Sunday's initial session covering the economy, trade and security - areas that used to draw easy consensus but are now sources of great friction. Trump arrived in France just hours after escalating his trade war with China in a tit-for-tat battle between the world's two largest economies that has spooked financial markets. "I am very worried about the way it's going, the growth of protectionism, of tariffs that we're seeing," British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Saturday. "Those who support the tariffs are at risk of incurring the blame for the downturn in the global economy, irrespective of whether or not that is true." Underlining the discord, Trump also threatened his host on the eve of the summit, saying the United States would tax French wine "like they've never seen before" unless Paris dropped a digital tax on US technology companies. Leaping into the fray, European Council President Donald Tusk, who takes part in the G7 discussions, warned the EU would respond "in kind" if Trump acted on his threat. "This may be the last moment to restore our political community," Tusk told reporters on Saturday, giving a bleak assessment of Western relations. Looking to broaden the scope of the debate, Macron has invited several African leaders to discuss the problems facing their continent, while leaders from India, Australia, Chile and Spain are due to attend a dinner on Sunday where the focus will be on the environment among other issues. Brexit squabbles Trump up-ended last year's G7 summit in Canada, walking out of the meeting early and disassociating himself from the final communique having initially endorsed the document. France has got around that problem by doing away with the time-honoured communique, deciding it was not worth even trying to find common language. While the transatlantic rift is the most stark, there are also deep divisions within the European camp, with Johnson making his G7 debut at a time when he is struggling to persuade EU capitals to renegotiate Britain's divorce from the bloc. Johnson and Tusk, who are due to talk on Sunday on the sidelines of the summit, sparred ahead of the meeting over who would take the blame if Britain leaves the EU on October 31 without a Brexit agreement acceptable to both sides. "I still hope that PM Johnson will not like to go down in history as Mr No Deal," said Tusk, who leads the political direction of the 28-nation European Union. Johnson later retorted that it would be Tusk himself who would carry the mantle if Britain could not secure a new withdrawal agreement. Macron added to the internal EU strains by unexpectedly threatening on Friday to block an EU trade deal with a group of South American states over Brazil's handling of fires that are ravaging the Amazon rainforest. Germany and Britain both voiced deep concern about the blazes, but disagreed with Macron on how to respond, saying shooting down the ambitious Mercosur trade accord would not help save the Amazon.

Trade and economy in focus as G7 leaders get down to work

US President Donald Trump and Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Sunday announced a deal in principle on a major bilateral trade deal.

"It's a very big transaction," Trump said after talks with Abe on the sidelines of the G7 summit in the French resort town of Biarritz.

"Billions and billions of dollars," he said.

"It involves agriculture, it involves e-commerce. It involves many things. We've agreed in principle."

Abe confirmed the two nations had "successfully reached consensus" after "intense" negotiations.

Both leaders said they hoped for a formal signing during the UN General Assembly in New York next month.

However, Abe cautioned: "We still have some remaining work that has to be done… mainly finalising the wording."

US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said the agreement will especially benefit US farmers -- a politically important group for Trump in his uphill push for reelection in 2020.&nbsp;

Asked whether US tariffs already imposed on Japanese cars would be scrapped as a result of the deal, Lighthizer said some tariffs would be removed "but not those."

Trump also said the tariffs were "staying the same" but would not go up.

Bilateral alternative to TPP

Trump and Abe enjoy close ties but the US president has frequently claimed that Tokyo has an unfair advantage in bilateral trade.

Negotiators have agreed Japan will place tariffs on US agricultural products up to levels that apply to members of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) pact, Japan's public broadcaster NHK and major Japanese dailies reported.

Both sides agreed Japan will cut tariffs on US beef and pork to TPP levels, but will not set new quotas for butter and skimmed milk, NHK said, citing unnamed sources.

Japan has repeatedly said the extent of the opening up of its agricultural market would be within the concession it had made to members of the TPP pact.

After an abrupt US withdrawal from the TPP, 11 countries circling the Pacific last year signed a slimmed-down version of the trade deal, and the pact has been championed as an antidote to growing US protectionism under Trump.

The US president has since sparked fears of a trade war by levying steep tariffs and denouncing unfair trading practices.

The United States will eliminate levies on a wide range of Japanese industrial products, but its tariffs on Japanese automobiles will be left for further negotiations as Trump sees the US trade deficit with Japan as a problem, NHK said.

US President Donald Trump and Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Sunday announced a deal in principle on a major bilateral trade deal. "It's a very big transaction," Trump said after talks with Abe on the sidelines of the G7 summit in the French resort town of Biarritz.

US President Donald Trump and Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Sunday announced a deal in principle on a major bilateral trade deal. "It's a very big transaction," Trump said after talks with Abe on the sidelines of the G7 summit in the French resort town of Biarritz. "Billions and billions of dollars," he said. "It involves agriculture, it involves e-commerce. It involves many things. We've agreed in principle." Abe confirmed the two nations had "successfully reached consensus" after "intense" negotiations. Both leaders said they hoped for a formal signing during the UN General Assembly in New York next month. However, Abe cautioned: "We still have some remaining work that has to be done… mainly finalising the wording." US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said the agreement will especially benefit US farmers -- a politically important group for Trump in his uphill push for reelection in 2020. Asked whether US tariffs already imposed on Japanese cars would be scrapped as a result of the deal, Lighthizer said some tariffs would be removed "but not those." Trump also said the tariffs were "staying the same" but would not go up. Bilateral alternative to TPP Trump and Abe enjoy close ties but the US president has frequently claimed that Tokyo has an unfair advantage in bilateral trade. Negotiators have agreed Japan will place tariffs on US agricultural products up to levels that apply to members of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) pact, Japan's public broadcaster NHK and major Japanese dailies reported. Both sides agreed Japan will cut tariffs on US beef and pork to TPP levels, but will not set new quotas for butter and skimmed milk, NHK said, citing unnamed sources. Japan has repeatedly said the extent of the opening up of its agricultural market would be within the concession it had made to members of the TPP pact. After an abrupt US withdrawal from the TPP, 11 countries circling the Pacific last year signed a slimmed-down version of the trade deal, and the pact has been championed as an antidote to growing US protectionism under Trump. The US president has since sparked fears of a trade war by levying steep tariffs and denouncing unfair trading practices. The United States will eliminate levies on a wide range of Japanese industrial products, but its tariffs on Japanese automobiles will be left for further negotiations as Trump sees the US trade deficit with Japan as a problem, NHK said.

US, Japan agree trade deal 'in principle'

US President Donald Trump on Sunday denied signing off on a joint G7 message to Iran over its nuclear programme as announced by his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron.

"No, I haven't discussed that," Trump told reporters on the sidelines of the G7 summit in the southwestern French resort of Biarritz.

This contradicted Macron who shortly beforehand had said the G7 countries "agreed on what to say to Iran".

Trump said: "We’ll do our outreach. But you can’t stop people from talking. If they want to talk, they can talk."

A landmark 2015 nuclear deal between Western powers and Iran all but collapsed after Trump unilaterally withdrew US support last year, reimposing sanctions that have crippled Iran's economy.

Macron has been leading efforts to defuse the crisis by finding ways of resuming dialogue, meeting Iran's top diplomat Mohammad Javad Zarif for rare talks in Paris on Friday on the eve of the summit.

He has also held telephone talks with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wont-wage-war-says-iran-president-hassan-rouhani-as-us-deploys-more-troops-to-middle-east-228306">President Hassan Rouhani</a>.

On Sunday, a diplomatic source said G7 leaders had mutually agreed to task Macron with sending a message to Iran.

"Emmanuel Macron was mandated to talk with Iran and address a message" to the country to avoid an escalation in the region, said the source.

US President Donald Trump on Sunday denied signing off on a joint G7 message to Iran over its nuclear programme as announced by his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron.

US President Donald Trump on Sunday denied signing off on a joint G7 message to Iran over its nuclear programme as announced by his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron. "No, I haven't discussed that," Trump told reporters on the sidelines of the G7 summit in the southwestern French resort of Biarritz. This contradicted Macron who shortly beforehand had said the G7 countries "agreed on what to say to Iran". Trump said: "We’ll do our outreach. But you can’t stop people from talking. If they want to talk, they can talk." A landmark 2015 nuclear deal between Western powers and Iran all but collapsed after Trump unilaterally withdrew US support last year, reimposing sanctions that have crippled Iran's economy. Macron has been leading efforts to defuse the crisis by finding ways of resuming dialogue, meeting Iran's top diplomat Mohammad Javad Zarif for rare talks in Paris on Friday on the eve of the summit. He has also held telephone talks with President Hassan Rouhani. On Sunday, a diplomatic source said G7 leaders had mutually agreed to task Macron with sending a message to Iran. "Emmanuel Macron was mandated to talk with Iran and address a message" to the country to avoid an escalation in the region, said the source.

Donald Trump says hasn't 'discussed' joint G7 message to Iran

US President Donald Trump insisted on Sunday that he was getting along well with leaders at a G7 summit in France, but rifts emerged with his Western allies on issues ranging from his trade war with China to Iran, North Korea and Russia.

US President Donald Trump insisted on Sunday that he was getting along well with leaders at a G7 summit in France, but rifts emerged with his Western allies on issues ranging from his trade war with China to Iran, North Korea and Russia. The G7 gathering is taking place against a backdrop of worries about a global economic downturn and coincides with an era of international disunity across an array of matters. "Before I arrived in France, the Fake and Disgusting News as saying that relations with the 6 others countries in the G-7 are very tense and that the two days of meetings will be a disaster," Trump wrote on Twitter shortly before meeting new British Prime Minister Boris Johnson. "Well, we are having very good meetings, the Leaders are getting along very well, and our Country, economically, is doing great - the talk of the world!" Tensions were quickly on show, however, as the first full day of talks between the leaders of Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United States got underway in the Basque coast resort of Biarritz in southwest France. Before leaving Washington Trump stepped up his tariff war with Beijing in a battle between the world's two largest economies that has spooked financial markets, and called on US companies to move out of China. Britain's Johnson voiced concern on Saturday about creeping protectionism and said those who support tariffs "are at risk of incurring the blame for the downturn in the global economy". Sitting across from Trump on Sunday, he said, "We're in favour of trade peace on the whole, and dialling it down if we can." Asked if he was being pressed by allies to relent in his standoff with China, Trump said, "I think they respect the trade war." Niche issues Underlining the multilateral discord even before the summit got underway, Trump threatened the meeting's host, saying Washington would tax French wine "as they've never seen before" unless Paris dropped a digital tax on US technology companies. Leaping into the fray, European Council President Donald Tusk, who takes part in the G7 discussions, warned the EU would respond "in-kind" if Trump acted on his threat. "This may be the last moment to restore our political community," Tusk told reporters on Saturday, giving a bleak assessment of Western relations. Looking to broaden the scope of the debate, French President Emmanuel Macron has invited several African leaders to discuss problems facing their continent, while leaders from India, Australia, Chile, and Spain are due to attend a dinner on Sunday where the focus will be on the environment and other issues. However, senior US officials accused Macron of looking "to fracture the G7" by focusing on "niche issues" rather than major global concerns. France denied this, pointing to Sunday's initial session covering the economy, trade, and security - areas that used to draw easy consensus but are now sources of great friction. Trump upended last year's G7 meeting in Canada, walking out early and disassociating himself from the final communique. Differences over Iran, North Korea, Russia In Biarritz, Trump appeared to brush aside French efforts to mediate with Iran, saying that while he was happy for Macron to reach out to Tehran to defuse tensions he would carry on with his initiatives. European leaders have struggled to tamp down the brewing confrontation between Iran and the United States since Trump pulled his country out of Iran's internationally brokered 2015 nuclear deal and reimposed sanctions on the Iranian economy. France said G7 leaders had agreed that Macron should hold talks and pass on messages to Iran. However, Trump, who has pushed a maximum pressure policy on Iran, distanced himself from the proposal, saying he had not even discussed it. Trump also appeared at odds with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe over the seriousness of North Korea's series of short-range missile launches. Trump, who prizes his relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, told reporters the launches did not violate an agreement and were in line with what others were doing. Abe, standing beside him, said they breached UN resolutions. The missile launches have complicated attempts to restart talks between US and North Korean negotiators over the future of Pyongyang's nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes. There was also disagreement in Biarritz over Trump’s calls for Russia to be readmitted to the group of advanced economies. Russia was excluded from what used to be the G8 in 2014 after it annexed Ukraine’s Crimea and then backed an anti-Kiev rebellion in the industrial region of Donbas in eastern Ukraine. Johnson said G7 leaders had a "lively" discussion about Russia and Trump, asked if his case for Moscow to be brought back into the fold had made headway, said it was a "work in progress". At the start of the day, Trump said Britain would have a major trade deal with Washington after it leaves the European Union. Asked what his advice on Brexit was for Johnson, he replied, "He needs no advice, he is the right man for the job". While the transatlantic rift is the starkest, there are also deep divisions within the European camp, with Johnson making his G7 debut at a time when he is struggling to persuade EU capitals to renegotiate Britain's exit from the bloc, which Johnson has said will happen on October 31 come what may. Macron added to the internal EU strains by unexpectedly threatening on Friday to block an EU trade deal with a group of South American states over Brazil's handling of fires that are ravaging the Amazon rainforest. Germany and Britain both voiced deep concern about the fires but said shooting down the ambitious Mercosur trade accord would not help save the Amazon.

Beneath show of bonhomie, rifts emerge between Donald Trump and Western allies at G7 summit

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-championships-2019-indias-pv-sindhu-wins-maiden-gold-medal-245549">World Championships 2019: PV Sindhu wins India's maiden gold medal</a>

India's star shuttler PV Sindhu scripted history after defeating Nozomi Okuhara of Japan 21-7, 21-7 to win her maiden BWF World Championships title on Sunday.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-economic-crisis-countrys-debts-liabilities-exceed-the-size-of-its-gdp-245554">Pakistan economic crisis: Country's debts, liabilities exceed the size of its GDP</a>

A report by the State Bank of Pakistan has thrown up some very worrying numbers for the Imran khan government.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/very-big-trade-deal-after-brexit-bigger-than-weve-ever-had-trumps-promise-to-uk-pm-boris-johnson-at-g7-245514">Very big trade deal after Brexit, bigger than we've ever had: Trump's promise to UK PM Boris Johnson at G7</a>

US President Donald Trump on Sunday backed British Prime Minister Boris Johnson as the "right man" for Brexit and sent mixed signals about his trade war with China at a G7 summit dominated by worries about the global economy.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japans-abe-refutes-trump-says-north-korea-missile-launches-violate-un-resolutions-245508">Japan's Abe refutes Trump, says North Korea missile launches violate UN resolutions</a>

US President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe displayed their differences over the seriousness of North Korea's series of short-range missile launches on Sunday while maintaining that they would remain in sync on the issue.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/arun-jaitley-cremated-at-delhis-nigambodh-ghat-last-rites-performed-by-son-rohan-245500">Arun Jaitley cremated with state honours at Delhi's Nigambodh Ghat, last rites performed by son Rohan</a>

Former finance minister Arun Jaitley was cremated at Delhi's Nigambodh Ghat on Sunday as political leaders from all spectrums paid tribute to the leader.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

World Championships 2019: PV Sindhu wins India's maiden gold medal India's star shuttler PV Sindhu scripted history after defeating Nozomi Okuhara of Japan 21-7, 21-7 to win her maiden BWF World Championships title on Sunday.

World Championships 2019: PV Sindhu wins India's maiden gold medal India's star shuttler PV Sindhu scripted history after defeating Nozomi Okuhara of Japan 21-7, 21-7 to win her maiden BWF World Championships title on Sunday. Pakistan economic crisis: Country's debts, liabilities exceed the size of its GDP A report by the State Bank of Pakistan has thrown up some very worrying numbers for the Imran khan government. Very big trade deal after Brexit, bigger than we've ever had: Trump's promise to UK PM Boris Johnson at G7 US President Donald Trump on Sunday backed British Prime Minister Boris Johnson as the "right man" for Brexit and sent mixed signals about his trade war with China at a G7 summit dominated by worries about the global economy. Japan's Abe refutes Trump, says North Korea missile launches violate UN resolutions US President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe displayed their differences over the seriousness of North Korea's series of short-range missile launches on Sunday while maintaining that they would remain in sync on the issue. Arun Jaitley cremated with state honours at Delhi's Nigambodh Ghat, last rites performed by son Rohan Former finance minister Arun Jaitley was cremated at Delhi's Nigambodh Ghat on Sunday as political leaders from all spectrums paid tribute to the leader.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Sheer admiration, adoration! Trump, Boris Johnson all praise for each other at G7 Summit

US President Donald Trump on Sunday backed British Prime Minister Boris Johnson as the "right man" for Brexit and sent mixed signals about his trade war with China at a G7 summit dominated by worries about the global economy.

Johnson and Trump were on obviously friendly terms as they sat down for a working breakfast in the southern French resort of Biarritz where Group of Seven leaders are gathering this weekend.

"He's going to be a fantastic prime minister," Trump said in their first meeting since Johnson took office last month.&nbsp;

Asked what his advice was for Brexit, Trump replied,&nbsp;"He needs no advice. He's the right man for the job. I've been saying that for a long time."

In the lead-up to the talks, Johnson had appeared at pains to distance himself from Trump after facing accusations in the past of being too cosy with the American leader.

And at their meeting, Johnson again pressed a common message from European leaders at the summit about Trump's escalating trade war with China.

"Just to register a faint, sheep-like note of our view on the trade war -- we are in favour of trade peace on the whole," Johnson told Trump.

The 73-year-old US leader promised Johnson "very big trade deal, bigger than we've ever had", but couldn't resist another undiplomatic dig at the European Union.

Trump compared it to an "anchor around their ankle".&nbsp;

'Respect the trade war'

But to the relief of his partners, Trump also appeared to back off from a threatened further escalation in his battle with China.

"I think they respect the trade war. It has to happen," Trump told reporters.

Asked whether he was having second thoughts, he replied,&nbsp;"I have second thoughts about everything."&nbsp;

The Basque resort of Biarritz, which at this time of year usually teems with surfers and sunbathers, has been turned into a fortress for the G7 event with over 13,000 police on duty.

An anti-capitalism demonstration in nearby Bayonne turned ugly Saturday night when the crowd of several hundred tried to get through police barricades and was repelled with water cannon and tear gas.

Earlier on Saturday, organisers in the French border town of Hendaye said 15,000 people rallied in a peaceful march over the Bidassoa River towards the Spanish town of Irun.

G7 summits, gathering Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States, were once a meeting of like-minded allies, but they have become a diplomatic battlefield in the Trump era.

"This may be the last moment to restore our political community," EU Council President Donald Tusk said on Saturday.

Iran divisions

Over an open dinner of red tuna at the foot of a landmark lighthouse in the famed surf town of Biarritz, the leaders began talks on Saturday night attempting to narrow their differences.

The US-China trade war, but also fires in the Amazon and the Iranian nuclear crisis, were on the menu.

"You did very well last night President Macron," Johnson told his French host as the leaders met for a session to discuss the world economy. "That was a difficult one."

In a sign of the difficulties, Macron thought he had agreed a common G7 position on Iran to try to find a way out of the current impasse that has seen tensions spiral in the Middle East.

Macron said in an interview to French television that they had "agreed on what to say to Iran".

But Trump, who has previously accused Macron of sending "mixed signals" to Iran, denied it.

"We’ll do our own outreach. But you can't stop people from talking. If they want to talk, they can talk," he said.

In a radical break from previous meetings of the elite club, there is to be no final statement at the end of the talks on Monday, an admission of lowered expectations.

Macron has also invited several world leaders from outside the G7 such as India's Narendra Modi and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi who will join the meeting on Sunday.

Macron is also pushing for action against fires in the Amazon rainforest, despite Brazilian right-wing President Jair Bolsonaro's angry response to what he sees as outside interference.

US President Donald Trump on Sunday backed British Prime Minister Boris Johnson as the "right man" for Brexit and sent mixed signals about his trade war with China at a G7 summit dominated by worries about the global economy.

US President Donald Trump on Sunday backed British Prime Minister Boris Johnson as the "right man" for Brexit and sent mixed signals about his trade war with China at a G7 summit dominated by worries about the global economy. Johnson and Trump were on obviously friendly terms as they sat down for a working breakfast in the southern French resort of Biarritz where Group of Seven leaders are gathering this weekend. "He's going to be a fantastic prime minister," Trump said in their first meeting since Johnson took office last month. Asked what his advice was for Brexit, Trump replied, "He needs no advice. He's the right man for the job. I've been saying that for a long time." In the lead-up to the talks, Johnson had appeared at pains to distance himself from Trump after facing accusations in the past of being too cosy with the American leader. And at their meeting, Johnson again pressed a common message from European leaders at the summit about Trump's escalating trade war with China. "Just to register a faint, sheep-like note of our view on the trade war -- we are in favour of trade peace on the whole," Johnson told Trump. The 73-year-old US leader promised Johnson "very big trade deal, bigger than we've ever had", but couldn't resist another undiplomatic dig at the European Union. Trump compared it to an "anchor around their ankle". 'Respect the trade war' But to the relief of his partners, Trump also appeared to back off from a threatened further escalation in his battle with China. "I think they respect the trade war. It has to happen," Trump told reporters. Asked whether he was having second thoughts, he replied, "I have second thoughts about everything." The Basque resort of Biarritz, which at this time of year usually teems with surfers and sunbathers, has been turned into a fortress for the G7 event with over 13,000 police on duty. An anti-capitalism demonstration in nearby Bayonne turned ugly Saturday night when the crowd of several hundred tried to get through police barricades and was repelled with water cannon and tear gas. Earlier on Saturday, organisers in the French border town of Hendaye said 15,000 people rallied in a peaceful march over the Bidassoa River towards the Spanish town of Irun. G7 summits, gathering Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States, were once a meeting of like-minded allies, but they have become a diplomatic battlefield in the Trump era. "This may be the last moment to restore our political community," EU Council President Donald Tusk said on Saturday. Iran divisions Over an open dinner of red tuna at the foot of a landmark lighthouse in the famed surf town of Biarritz, the leaders began talks on Saturday night attempting to narrow their differences. The US-China trade war, but also fires in the Amazon and the Iranian nuclear crisis, were on the menu. "You did very well last night President Macron," Johnson told his French host as the leaders met for a session to discuss the world economy. "That was a difficult one." In a sign of the difficulties, Macron thought he had agreed a common G7 position on Iran to try to find a way out of the current impasse that has seen tensions spiral in the Middle East. Macron said in an interview to French television that they had "agreed on what to say to Iran". But Trump, who has previously accused Macron of sending "mixed signals" to Iran, denied it. "We’ll do our own outreach. But you can't stop people from talking. If they want to talk, they can talk," he said. In a radical break from previous meetings of the elite club, there is to be no final statement at the end of the talks on Monday, an admission of lowered expectations. Macron has also invited several world leaders from outside the G7 such as India's Narendra Modi and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi who will join the meeting on Sunday. Macron is also pushing for action against fires in the Amazon rainforest, despite Brazilian right-wing President Jair Bolsonaro's angry response to what he sees as outside interference.

Very big trade deal after Brexit, bigger than we've ever had: Trump's promise to UK PM Boris Johnson at G7

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-us-would-tax-french-wine-in-response-to-digital-tax-245250">US President Donald Trump</a> on Sunday said he was getting along well with his Western allies at a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trade-and-economy-in-focus-as-g7-leaders-get-down-to-work-245426">G7 summit in France</a>, dismissing reports of rifts among leaders as they prepared to discuss global trade woes.

The G7 gathering is taking place against a backdrop of growing worries about a global economic downturn and coincides with an era of international disunity across an array of issues that have strained decades-old allegiances.

"Before I arrived in France, the Fake and Disgusting News was saying that relations with the 6 others countries in the G-7 are very tense, and that the two days of meetings will be a disaster," Trump wrote on Twitter shortly before meeting British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

"Well, we are having very good meetings, the Leaders are getting along very well, and our Country, economically, is doing great - the talk of the world!"

However, major policy differences over trade protectionism, climate change, Iran and France's push for a universal tax on digital technology giants clouded the run-up to the summit in the Atlantic coastal resort of Biarritz.

Trump arrived in France just hours after escalating his trade war with China in a tit-for-tat battle between the world's two largest economies that has spooked financial markets.

"I am very worried about the way it's going, the growth of protectionism, of tariffs that we're seeing," the UK's Johnson said on Saturday.

"Those who support the tariffs are at risk of incurring the blame for the downturn in the global economy, irrespective of whether or not that is true."

Underlining the discord, Trump also threatened his host on the eve of the summit, saying the United States would tax French wine "like they've never seen before" unless Paris dropped a digital tax on US&nbsp;technology companies.

Leaping into the fray, European Council President Donald Tusk, who takes part in the G7 discussions, warned the EU would respond "in kind" if Trump acted on his threat.

"This may be the last moment to restore our political community," Tusk told reporters on Saturday, giving a bleak assessment of Western relations.

Looking to broaden the scope of the debate, Macron has invited several African leaders to discuss the problems facing their continent, while leaders from India, Australia, Chile and Spain are due to attend a dinner on Sunday where the focus will be on the environment and other issues.

Brexit squabbles

Trump up-ended last year's G7 summit in Canada, walking out of the meeting early and disassociating himself from the final communique having initially endorsed the document.

The delegations had barely arrived in Biarritz before differences were exposed, with senior US&nbsp;officials accusing the host, French President Emmanuel Macron, of looking "to fracture the G7" by focusing on "niche issues" rather than major global concerns.

France denied this, pointing to Sunday's initial session covering the economy, trade and security - areas that used to draw easy consensus but are now sources of great friction.

Overnight, Trump wrote on Twitter that lunch with Macron was the best meeting the pair had yet had, and that a meeting with world leaders on Saturday evening also "went very well."

France has got around the communique problem by doing away with the time-honoured document, deciding it was not worth even trying to find common language.

While the transatlantic rift is the most stark, there are also deep divisions within the European camp, with Johnson making his G7 debut at a time when he is struggling to persuade EU capitals to renegotiate Britain's exit from the bloc.

Johnson and Tusk, who are due to talk on Sunday, sparred ahead of the meeting over who would take the blame if Britain leaves the EU on October 31 without a Brexit agreement acceptable to both sides.

"I still hope that PM Johnson will not like to go down in history as Mr No Deal," said Tusk, who leads the political direction of the 28-nation EU.

Johnson later retorted that it would be Tusk himself who would carry that mantle if Britain could not secure a new withdrawal agreement.

Macron added to the internal EU strains by unexpectedly threatening on Friday to block an EU trade deal with a group of South American states over Brazil's handling of fires that are ravaging the Amazon rainforest.

Germany and Britain both voiced deep concern about the fires, but disagreed with Macron on how to respond, saying shooting down the ambitious Mercosur trade accord would not help save the Amazon.

US President Donald Trump on Sunday said he was getting along well with his Western allies at a G7 summit in France, dismissing reports of rifts among leaders as they prepared to discuss global trade woes.

US President Donald Trump on Sunday said he was getting along well with his Western allies at a G7 summit in France, dismissing reports of rifts among leaders as they prepared to discuss global trade woes. The G7 gathering is taking place against a backdrop of growing worries about a global economic downturn and coincides with an era of international disunity across an array of issues that have strained decades-old allegiances. "Before I arrived in France, the Fake and Disgusting News was saying that relations with the 6 others countries in the G-7 are very tense, and that the two days of meetings will be a disaster," Trump wrote on Twitter shortly before meeting British Prime Minister Boris Johnson. "Well, we are having very good meetings, the Leaders are getting along very well, and our Country, economically, is doing great - the talk of the world!" However, major policy differences over trade protectionism, climate change, Iran and France's push for a universal tax on digital technology giants clouded the run-up to the summit in the Atlantic coastal resort of Biarritz. Trump arrived in France just hours after escalating his trade war with China in a tit-for-tat battle between the world's two largest economies that has spooked financial markets. "I am very worried about the way it's going, the growth of protectionism, of tariffs that we're seeing," the UK's Johnson said on Saturday. "Those who support the tariffs are at risk of incurring the blame for the downturn in the global economy, irrespective of whether or not that is true." Underlining the discord, Trump also threatened his host on the eve of the summit, saying the United States would tax French wine "like they've never seen before" unless Paris dropped a digital tax on US technology companies. Leaping into the fray, European Council President Donald Tusk, who takes part in the G7 discussions, warned the EU would respond "in kind" if Trump acted on his threat. "This may be the last moment to restore our political community," Tusk told reporters on Saturday, giving a bleak assessment of Western relations. Looking to broaden the scope of the debate, Macron has invited several African leaders to discuss the problems facing their continent, while leaders from India, Australia, Chile and Spain are due to attend a dinner on Sunday where the focus will be on the environment and other issues. Brexit squabbles Trump up-ended last year's G7 summit in Canada, walking out of the meeting early and disassociating himself from the final communique having initially endorsed the document. The delegations had barely arrived in Biarritz before differences were exposed, with senior US officials accusing the host, French President Emmanuel Macron, of looking "to fracture the G7" by focusing on "niche issues" rather than major global concerns. France denied this, pointing to Sunday's initial session covering the economy, trade and security - areas that used to draw easy consensus but are now sources of great friction. Overnight, Trump wrote on Twitter that lunch with Macron was the best meeting the pair had yet had, and that a meeting with world leaders on Saturday evening also "went very well." France has got around the communique problem by doing away with the time-honoured document, deciding it was not worth even trying to find common language. While the transatlantic rift is the most stark, there are also deep divisions within the European camp, with Johnson making his G7 debut at a time when he is struggling to persuade EU capitals to renegotiate Britain's exit from the bloc. Johnson and Tusk, who are due to talk on Sunday, sparred ahead of the meeting over who would take the blame if Britain leaves the EU on October 31 without a Brexit agreement acceptable to both sides. "I still hope that PM Johnson will not like to go down in history as Mr No Deal," said Tusk, who leads the political direction of the 28-nation EU. Johnson later retorted that it would be Tusk himself who would carry that mantle if Britain could not secure a new withdrawal agreement. Macron added to the internal EU strains by unexpectedly threatening on Friday to block an EU trade deal with a group of South American states over Brazil's handling of fires that are ravaging the Amazon rainforest. Germany and Britain both voiced deep concern about the fires, but disagreed with Macron on how to respond, saying shooting down the ambitious Mercosur trade accord would not help save the Amazon.

Trump paints picture of unity at prickly G7 summit amid reports of rifts among leaders

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the evening - August 23rd, 2019

US President Donald Trump plans to hold discussions on Kashmir and human rights with Prime Minister Narendra Modi this weekend at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-trump-set-to-meet-at-g7-summit-on-august-26-244877">G7 summit in Biarritz</a>.

A senior administration official who briefed reporters on Trump’s agenda for the upcoming summit on Saturday said the Kashmir issue between India and Pakistan are expected to come up.

"President Trump will likely want to hear from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/climate-change-defence-and-kashmir-in-the-spotlight-as-modi-meets-macron-ahead-of-g7-summit-244916">Prime Minister Modi</a> on how he plans to reduce regional tensions and uphold respect for human rights in Kashmir," the official said.

After a brief conversation with Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan on Tuesday, the US President once again offered his proposal to mediate on Kashmir, despite making it clear before that the ongoing dispute in the region should be resolved bilaterally by India and Pakistan.

Ramping up rhetoric against India, Pakistan is endlessly trying to involve the international community in the wake of New Delhi's historic decision to change the constitutional status of Jammu and Kashmir. This move comes despite the latter's, time and again, reiteration that the matter is strictly "internal" to the country.

Following the initial quashing of his plans on mediation by New Delhi, Trump had reaffirmed his position that Kashmir remains a bilateral issue between India and Pakistan.

However, adhering to Khan's request on Tuesday, the US President changed his stance and offered to mediate on the issue once again.

Calling Kashmir a "complicated situation", Trump said, "A lot has to do with religion. You have the Hindus, and you have the Muslims. This has been going on for decades."&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

"The president is also calling for Pakistan to prevent cross-border infiltration across the Line of Control and stop groups based on its soil that have attacked India in the past," the official added.

Tensions have simmered between India and Pakistan following the BJP-led Centre's decision to revoke Article 370 that guaranteed special status to Jammu and Kashmir. In addition, the Indian Parliament also passed a 'Reorganisation' bill that divided the region into Jammu and Kashmir--with a legislature and Ladakh-without a legislature.

Rattled by India's move, Pakistan, last week, sent its Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi to China to seek its help at the United Nations Security Council, urging it to call an emergency meeting on the issue. However, four out of five permanent members in the United Nations did not support Pakistan contentions over India's decision.

India, time and again, has also stated that Jammu and Kashmir is "entirely an internal matter" of the country and all steps were taken keeping in mind the bright future of people of the region.

Following Trump's initial offer to mediate on Kashmir, last month, New Delhi then had also categorically denied his request, saying that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had never requested the US president to meditate on the issue.&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump plans to hold discussions on Kashmir and human rights with Prime Minister Narendra Modi this weekend at the G7 summit in Biarritz. A senior administration official who briefed reporters on Trump’s agenda for the upcoming summit on Saturday said the Kashmir issue between India and Pakistan are expected to come up.

US President Donald Trump plans to hold discussions on Kashmir and human rights with Prime Minister Narendra Modi this weekend at the G7 summit in Biarritz. A senior administration official who briefed reporters on Trump’s agenda for the upcoming summit on Saturday said the Kashmir issue between India and Pakistan are expected to come up. "President Trump will likely want to hear from Prime Minister Modi on how he plans to reduce regional tensions and uphold respect for human rights in Kashmir," the official said. After a brief conversation with Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan on Tuesday, the US President once again offered his proposal to mediate on Kashmir, despite making it clear before that the ongoing dispute in the region should be resolved bilaterally by India and Pakistan. Ramping up rhetoric against India, Pakistan is endlessly trying to involve the international community in the wake of New Delhi's historic decision to change the constitutional status of Jammu and Kashmir. This move comes despite the latter's, time and again, reiteration that the matter is strictly "internal" to the country. Following the initial quashing of his plans on mediation by New Delhi, Trump had reaffirmed his position that Kashmir remains a bilateral issue between India and Pakistan. However, adhering to Khan's request on Tuesday, the US President changed his stance and offered to mediate on the issue once again. Calling Kashmir a "complicated situation", Trump said, "A lot has to do with religion. You have the Hindus, and you have the Muslims. This has been going on for decades." "The president is also calling for Pakistan to prevent cross-border infiltration across the Line of Control and stop groups based on its soil that have attacked India in the past," the official added. Tensions have simmered between India and Pakistan following the BJP-led Centre's decision to revoke Article 370 that guaranteed special status to Jammu and Kashmir. In addition, the Indian Parliament also passed a 'Reorganisation' bill that divided the region into Jammu and Kashmir--with a legislature and Ladakh-without a legislature. Rattled by India's move, Pakistan, last week, sent its Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi to China to seek its help at the United Nations Security Council, urging it to call an emergency meeting on the issue. However, four out of five permanent members in the United Nations did not support Pakistan contentions over India's decision. India, time and again, has also stated that Jammu and Kashmir is "entirely an internal matter" of the country and all steps were taken keeping in mind the bright future of people of the region. Following Trump's initial offer to mediate on Kashmir, last month, New Delhi then had also categorically denied his request, saying that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had never requested the US president to meditate on the issue.

Trump to discuss Kashmir, human rights with Modi at G7 Summit in France

US President Donald Trump plans to hold discussions on Kashmir with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Watch video to know more

G7: Trump To Talk Kashmir With Pm Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday held an "excellent round" of discussion with French President Emmanuel Macron during which he has conveyed that New Delhi <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/goal-set-for-2030-will-be-fulfilled-by-2025-says-pm-modi-in-address-to-indian-audience-in-france-245049">"stands with" Paris on all agendas</a> it is pursuing in the upcoming G7 meeting.&nbsp;

"The Prime Minister had an excellent round of discussion with President Macron last evening. The discussion lasted over 90 minutes and was characterised by a great deal of warmth and friendship. It demonstrated that France and India are two strategic partners," said Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale.

"Among the topic they discussed was the upcoming G7 meeting. And Prime Minister Modi thanked Macron for inviting India. The Prime minister has conveyed that India stands with France on all aspects that France is pursuing, and we wish all success to France to fulfilling that agenda for the G7 meeting," he added.&nbsp;

PM Modi in France: Paris chants 'Modi Hai Toh Mumkin Hai'

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Modi will participate in the G7 summit as Biarritz partner in sessions on the environment, climate, oceans and on digital transformation on August 25 and 26. In a joint statement released after the two leaders'&nbsp;meeting, France and India said they will support new initiatives aimed towards low greenhouse gas emission.

"Under the framework of the G7 Summit in Biarritz and the United Nations Secretary-General's Climate Action Summit on 23rd September 2019, France and India will also support new initiatives aimed towards low-GHG development resilient to climate change notably through financial flows alignment with the Paris Agreement objectives and supporting transition towards lower emissions of high emitting industries," read the joint statement Gokhale said that environment and global warming are big parts of the upcoming G7 meeting and India is committed to the Paris accord.&nbsp;

India has made an important commitment that it intended to fulfill, he noted.

"Obviously environment and global warming are the big part of the G7 Summit that is taking place on Saturday and Sunday. Prime Minister Modi has conveyed that India is committed to the Paris accord. India has made an important commitment that is intended to fulfill", said Gokhale 
He said that Prime Minister Modi noted that the G-7 countries and international community, at large, should fulfill their commitments regarding the environment, global warming.

On the bilateral side, Modi and Macron discussed a gamut of issues.

"They held a discussion on Indo Pacific and on the possibility of cooperation between India and France in the region," Gokhale said.

The two leaders also discussed cybersecurity, Artifical Intelligence, and terrorism.

Several regional issues were discussed by the two leaders.&nbsp;

"During the meeting, Macron condemned terrorism in all its form and manifestations saying it cannot be justified on any grounds whatsoever and called for halting cross-border movements of terror outfits including Jaish-e-Mohammed, Hizbul Mujahideen, Lashkar-e-Taiba which are based in Pakistan and engage in anti-India activities, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir," he added on the second day of his visit, Prime Minister Modi met France Prime Minister Edouard Philippe and also addressed the Indian community, before flying to the UAE.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday held an "excellent round" of discussion with French President Emmanuel Macron during which he has conveyed that New Delhi "stands with" Paris on all agendas it is pursuing in the upcoming G7 meeting.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday held an "excellent round" of discussion with French President Emmanuel Macron during which he has conveyed that New Delhi "stands with" Paris on all agendas it is pursuing in the upcoming G7 meeting. "The Prime Minister had an excellent round of discussion with President Macron last evening. The discussion lasted over 90 minutes and was characterised by a great deal of warmth and friendship. It demonstrated that France and India are two strategic partners," said Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale. "Among the topic they discussed was the upcoming G7 meeting. And Prime Minister Modi thanked Macron for inviting India. The Prime minister has conveyed that India stands with France on all aspects that France is pursuing, and we wish all success to France to fulfilling that agenda for the G7 meeting," he added. PM Modi in France: Paris chants 'Modi Hai Toh Mumkin Hai' × Modi will participate in the G7 summit as Biarritz partner in sessions on the environment, climate, oceans and on digital transformation on August 25 and 26. In a joint statement released after the two leaders' meeting, France and India said they will support new initiatives aimed towards low greenhouse gas emission. "Under the framework of the G7 Summit in Biarritz and the United Nations Secretary-General's Climate Action Summit on 23rd September 2019, France and India will also support new initiatives aimed towards low-GHG development resilient to climate change notably through financial flows alignment with the Paris Agreement objectives and supporting transition towards lower emissions of high emitting industries," read the joint statement Gokhale said that environment and global warming are big parts of the upcoming G7 meeting and India is committed to the Paris accord. India has made an important commitment that it intended to fulfill, he noted. "Obviously environment and global warming are the big part of the G7 Summit that is taking place on Saturday and Sunday. Prime Minister Modi has conveyed that India is committed to the Paris accord. India has made an important commitment that is intended to fulfill", said Gokhale He said that Prime Minister Modi noted that the G-7 countries and international community, at large, should fulfill their commitments regarding the environment, global warming. On the bilateral side, Modi and Macron discussed a gamut of issues. "They held a discussion on Indo Pacific and on the possibility of cooperation between India and France in the region," Gokhale said. The two leaders also discussed cybersecurity, Artifical Intelligence, and terrorism. Several regional issues were discussed by the two leaders. "During the meeting, Macron condemned terrorism in all its form and manifestations saying it cannot be justified on any grounds whatsoever and called for halting cross-border movements of terror outfits including Jaish-e-Mohammed, Hizbul Mujahideen, Lashkar-e-Taiba which are based in Pakistan and engage in anti-India activities, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir," he added on the second day of his visit, Prime Minister Modi met France Prime Minister Edouard Philippe and also addressed the Indian community, before flying to the UAE.

India stands with France on all its G7 agendas: PM Narendra Modi in France

PM Modi meets Macron ahead of G7 summit

Prime minister Modi arrived at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-meet-macron-attend-g7-as-he-begins-three-nation-tour-france-uae-and-bahrain-244742">Charles de Gaulle airport</a> in Paris on Thursday evening ahead of the G-7 meeting.

PM Modi will be meeting French President Macron in a short while and the two leaders are due to appear in a joint press conference. It will be PM Modi's fifth meeting with the French President.

PM Modi had visited France two year ago and had followed it up with a visit to Paris last year. The Indian prime minister had met President Macron on the sidelines of G20 summit in Argentina and Japan in December 2018 and June 2019, respectively.&nbsp;

On Friday morning, PM Modi will be meeting French Prime Minister Édouard Philippe and address the Indian diaspora at the UNESCO headquarters.

The Indian prime minister will also be inaugurating memorials for Indian victims of the air India crash in Nid D'Aigle. The memorial commemorates two tragic air crashes of Air India flights 245 and 101 in 1950 and 1966 respectively.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Prime minister Modi arrived at the Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris on Thursday evening ahead of the G-7 meeting. PM Modi will be meeting French President Macron in a short while and the two leaders are due to appear in a joint press conference.

Prime minister Modi arrived at the Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris on Thursday evening ahead of the G-7 meeting. PM Modi will be meeting French President Macron in a short while and the two leaders are due to appear in a joint press conference. It will be PM Modi's fifth meeting with the French President. PM Modi had visited France two year ago and had followed it up with a visit to Paris last year. The Indian prime minister had met President Macron on the sidelines of G20 summit in Argentina and Japan in December 2018 and June 2019, respectively. On Friday morning, PM Modi will be meeting French Prime Minister Édouard Philippe and address the Indian diaspora at the UNESCO headquarters. The Indian prime minister will also be inaugurating memorials for Indian victims of the air India crash in Nid D'Aigle. The memorial commemorates two tragic air crashes of Air India flights 245 and 101 in 1950 and 1966 respectively.

PM Modi arrives in Paris, set to meet President Macron shortly

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a two-day visit to the French city of Biarritz on August 25 to attend the G-7 summit where India has been invited as a partner country.

Modi is expected to speak in sessions on the environment, climate, oceans, and digital transformation, besides also holding bilaterals with leaders of other countries participating in the summit, said an official statement issued on Monday evening.

Prime Minister will be on a two-day official visit to France on August 22, where he will hold bilateral meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Edouard Philippe.

An address to the Indian community and the inauguration of the Memorial for the Indian victims of the Air India crashes at Nid D'Aigle are part of the scheduled programs of the visit, added the statement.

India and France are strategic partners since 1998 and share a comprehensive, dynamic and multi-faceted relationship.

The two countries have strong cooperation in the fields of defence, maritime security, space, cyber, counter-terrorism, and civil nuclear energy along with robust trade and investment relations.

The bilateral visit to France and the invitation to G-7 Summit are in keeping with the tradition of strong and close partnership and high-level political contacts between the two countries. 
&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a two-day visit to the French city of Biarritz on August 25 to attend the G-7 summit where India has been invited as a partner country.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a two-day visit to the French city of Biarritz on August 25 to attend the G-7 summit where India has been invited as a partner country. Modi is expected to speak in sessions on the environment, climate, oceans, and digital transformation, besides also holding bilaterals with leaders of other countries participating in the summit, said an official statement issued on Monday evening. Prime Minister will be on a two-day official visit to France on August 22, where he will hold bilateral meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Edouard Philippe. An address to the Indian community and the inauguration of the Memorial for the Indian victims of the Air India crashes at Nid D'Aigle are part of the scheduled programs of the visit, added the statement. India and France are strategic partners since 1998 and share a comprehensive, dynamic and multi-faceted relationship. The two countries have strong cooperation in the fields of defence, maritime security, space, cyber, counter-terrorism, and civil nuclear energy along with robust trade and investment relations. The bilateral visit to France and the invitation to G-7 Summit are in keeping with the tradition of strong and close partnership and high-level political contacts between the two countries.

PM Narendra Modi to attend G-7 summit in France from August 25

France is creating a G7 task force to study how central banks ensure <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/libra-facebook-unveils-cryptocurrency-meant-to-be-new-global-currency-228282">cryptocurrencies like Facebook's Libra</a> are governed by regulations ranging from money-laundering laws to consumer-protection rules, France's central bank governor said on Friday.

Governor Francois Villeroy de Galhau said the task force would be led by Benoit Coeure, a European Central Bank board member.

Facebook Inc announced plans this week to introduce a new global cryptocurrency called Libra, part of an effort to expand into digital payments.

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It has joined with 28 partners, including Mastercard, PayPal and Uber, to form Libra Association, a Geneva-based entity that will govern the new digital coin, according to marketing materials and interviews with executives. No banks are yet part of the group.

Facebook's announcement drew a fast, worried reaction. The US&nbsp;Senate Banking Committee said it would hold a hearing on the plans next month. David Marcus, who oversees Facebook's blockchain efforts, is expected to testify, according to a source in Washington familiar with the matter.

Bank of England Governor Mark Carney said Libra had to be safe or it would not happen, and that the world's major central banks would need to have oversight.

France, which holds the rotating presidency of the Group of Seven nations, has said it does not oppose Facebook's creating an instrument for financial transactions. But it adamantly opposes that instrument becoming a sovereign currency.

"We want to combine being open to innovation with firmness on regulation. This is in everyone's interest," Villeroy told finance industry officials.

The concept of a "stable" cryptocurrency still needs to be defined, Villeroy said. In particular, what such instruments are stable against and how fixed their exchange rates need to be determined.

Villeroy also called for a network of national anti-money-laundering authorities, coordinated by the European Banking Authority, to carry out emergency measures and even substitute for national authorities, rather than creating a specialised European agency.

Several ECB officials, including Coeure, have argued in favour of creating such an agency over the past months.

France is creating a G7 task force to study how central banks ensure cryptocurrencies like Facebook's Libra are governed by regulations ranging from money-laundering laws to consumer-protection rules, France's central bank governor said on Friday.

France is creating a G7 task force to study how central banks ensure cryptocurrencies like Facebook's Libra are governed by regulations ranging from money-laundering laws to consumer-protection rules, France's central bank governor said on Friday. Governor Francois Villeroy de Galhau said the task force would be led by Benoit Coeure, a European Central Bank board member. Facebook Inc announced plans this week to introduce a new global cryptocurrency called Libra, part of an effort to expand into digital payments. It has joined with 28 partners, including Mastercard, PayPal and Uber, to form Libra Association, a Geneva-based entity that will govern the new digital coin, according to marketing materials and interviews with executives. No banks are yet part of the group. Facebook's announcement drew a fast, worried reaction. The US Senate Banking Committee said it would hold a hearing on the plans next month. David Marcus, who oversees Facebook's blockchain efforts, is expected to testify, according to a source in Washington familiar with the matter. Bank of England Governor Mark Carney said Libra had to be safe or it would not happen, and that the world's major central banks would need to have oversight. France, which holds the rotating presidency of the Group of Seven nations, has said it does not oppose Facebook's creating an instrument for financial transactions. But it adamantly opposes that instrument becoming a sovereign currency. "We want to combine being open to innovation with firmness on regulation. This is in everyone's interest," Villeroy told finance industry officials. The concept of a "stable" cryptocurrency still needs to be defined, Villeroy said. In particular, what such instruments are stable against and how fixed their exchange rates need to be determined. Villeroy also called for a network of national anti-money-laundering authorities, coordinated by the European Banking Authority, to carry out emergency measures and even substitute for national authorities, rather than creating a specialised European agency. Several ECB officials, including Coeure, have argued in favour of creating such an agency over the past months.

Creating G7 task force to ensure Facebook's Libra governed by regulations: France

Foreign Ministers of the Group of Seven nations agreed on Saturday to put pressure on those responsible for a violent power struggle in Libya, especially <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/libyan-strongmans-forces-say-targeted-by-air-strike-208389">commander Khalifa Haftar</a>, to avoid a military escalation, Germany's Heiko Maas said.

"We are very agreed that further military escalation does not happen," he told reporters.

Each country would use its own channels, said Maas, adding that Italy and France had direct contacts with Libya.

Haftar's Libyan National Army (LNA) said on Friday its forces had advanced into the capital's southern outskirts and taken its former international airport.

Developments in Libya intruded on an annual meeting bringing together the top diplomats from Britain, Canada, Germany, Italy, France, Japan and the United States, who had been negotiating on norms to tackle cyber interference in democracies and sexual violence in Africa.

Foreign Ministers of the Group of Seven nations agreed on Saturday to put pressure on those responsible for a violent power struggle in Libya, especially commander Khalifa Haftar, to avoid a military escalation, Germany's Heiko Maas said.

Foreign Ministers of the Group of Seven nations agreed on Saturday to put pressure on those responsible for a violent power struggle in Libya, especially commander Khalifa Haftar, to avoid a military escalation, Germany's Heiko Maas said. "We are very agreed that further military escalation does not happen," he told reporters. Each country would use its own channels, said Maas, adding that Italy and France had direct contacts with Libya. Haftar's Libyan National Army (LNA) said on Friday its forces had advanced into the capital's southern outskirts and taken its former international airport. Developments in Libya intruded on an annual meeting bringing together the top diplomats from Britain, Canada, Germany, Italy, France, Japan and the United States, who had been negotiating on norms to tackle cyber interference in democracies and sexual violence in Africa.

G7 cannot accept military escalation in Libya, says Germany

Washington, Jun 13 (PTI) India and the US have agreed to hold official-level comprehensive talks to address trade and economic issues, days after President Donald Trump accused New Delhi of charging 100 per cent tariff on some of the US' goods.

The decision in this regard was taken during a series of meetings visiting Commerce and Industry Minister Suresh Prabhu had with US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer.

"We will now work together to expand (bilateral) trade," Prabhu told a group of Indian reporters here yesterday at the conclusion of his two-day trip to the US.&nbsp

India will send an official team to work out the details and initiate a comprehensive negotiation on all issues concerning trade and economic relationship between the two countries. "The team will come within the next few days," Prabhu said.&nbsp

Acknowledging that both sides have trade and tariff issues with each other, the minister said officials would hold talks on all of them.&nbsp

President Trump, in a press conference in Canada's Quebec City where he attended the G7 summit, took a swipe at India along with the world's other top economies and accused New Delhi of charging 100 per cent tariff on some of the US' goods, as he threatened to cut trade ties with countries who are robbing America.

Indian Ambassador to the US Navtej Singh Sarna said New Delhi has written to the US on steel and aluminum tariff.&nbsp

A full-fledged case has been made by India for waiver of steel and aluminum tariffs, he added. "It has been a very positive engagement."

In addition to Ross and Lighthizer, Prabhu held talks with Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue. He also met two powerful Senators John Cornyn and Mark Warner - the two co-chairs of the Senate India caucus.

"The meetings were held in a friendly and cordial atmosphere, with appreciation for each other's points of view. Discussions centered around bilateral trade and commercial relations between the two countries and focused on finding the way forward to address concerns of both sides," the Indian Embassy said in a readout of the meetings.

"In this context, it was agreed that Indian and US officials would meet at a senior level at an early date to discuss various issues of interest to both sides and carry forward the discussions in a positive, constructive and result oriented manner," it said.

During his two-day visit to Washington DC, Prabhu addressed business and industry leaders in meetings organised by US-India Business Council (USIBC) and US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) and held meetings with other stakeholders.

"It's a great time to join hands with each other. And that's the realisation within the (Trump) administration as well. Therefore, we have really decided to move on. As you know, we always hear the trade disputes between US and India, but when I had meeting with the USTR, with the Commerce Secretary, with Agriculture Secretary, with Senators, it is very clear that we must move on, keep the issues behind," Prabhu told industry leaders at a reception hosted by USIBC in association with the FICCI and Manhattan Chamber of Commerce.

In his interaction with industry leaders at an event organised by the USISPF, Prabhu spoke about the improvements that have been made in the trade relationship, including trade deficit reduction.&nbsp

"Every great partnership has areas of agreement and disagreement. I'm hopeful that the US investment corridor is only going to grow, and I'm confident that we will be able to bridge our gaps," Prabhu noted.

The industry interaction included senior officials from leading US companies such as: Boston Scientific, FedEx, Walmart, Abbott, UTC, Honeywell, PhRMA, MoneyGram International, Lockheed Martin, Koch Industries, Amway, Uber, 21st Century Fox, and Medtronic.

Noting that India and the US have an important strategic relationship and shared goals, USIBC president Nisha Desai Biswal said the council is a constructive partner in achieving the full potential of the US-India commercial opportunity.

The USIBC roundtable organised in association with the CII comprised of US and Indian industry giants from the energy, aerospace, ICT, life sciences and defence sectors who reiterated India's position as a critical market while also raising issues facing their companies such as data localization and price controls, as well as public procurement and operational hurdles.

In engaging with critical stakeholders, Prabhu highlighted the ongoing policy reforms being pursued by India to improve its business climate and remove bureaucratic hurdles.&nbsp

Prabhu noted that India will soon release its new Industrial Policy, aimed at transforming India into a modern, flourishing, economic powerhouse.&nbsp

During the interaction, he emphasized the importance of a dispute redressal mechanism, and resolving such issues together in a way that does not derail but rather strengthens bilateral ties.&nbsp

Under Trump, trade dispute between India and the US has increased, with his administration asking New Delhi to lower its trade barriers and open up its market.&nbsp

Trump has repeatedly raked up the issue of India imposing high import duty on the iconic Harley-Davidson motorcycles and threatened to increase the import tariff on "thousands and thousands" of Indian motorcycles to the US.&nbsp

Trump had at the recent G7 summit taken a swipe at the world's top economies and India, accusing New Delhi of charging a 100 per cent tariff on some of the US' goods

Washington, Jun 13 (PTI) India and the US have agreed to hold official-level comprehensive talks to address trade and economic issues, days after President Donald Trump accused New Delhi of charging 100 per cent tariff on some of the US' goods. The decision in this regard was taken during a series of meetings visiting Commerce and Industry Minister Suresh Prabhu had with US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer. "We will now work together to expand (bilateral) trade," Prabhu told a group of Indian reporters here yesterday at the conclusion of his two-day trip to the US. India will send an official team to work out the details and initiate a comprehensive negotiation on all issues concerning trade and economic relationship between the two countries. "The team will come within the next few days," Prabhu said. Acknowledging that both sides have trade and tariff issues with each other, the minister said officials would hold talks on all of them. President Trump, in a press conference in Canada's Quebec City where he attended the G7 summit, took a swipe at India along with the world's other top economies and accused New Delhi of charging 100 per cent tariff on some of the US' goods, as he threatened to cut trade ties with countries who are robbing America. Indian Ambassador to the US Navtej Singh Sarna said New Delhi has written to the US on steel and aluminum tariff. A full-fledged case has been made by India for waiver of steel and aluminum tariffs, he added. "It has been a very positive engagement." In addition to Ross and Lighthizer, Prabhu held talks with Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue. He also met two powerful Senators John Cornyn and Mark Warner - the two co-chairs of the Senate India caucus. "The meetings were held in a friendly and cordial atmosphere, with appreciation for each other's points of view. Discussions centered around bilateral trade and commercial relations between the two countries and focused on finding the way forward to address concerns of both sides," the Indian Embassy said in a readout of the meetings. "In this context, it was agreed that Indian and US officials would meet at a senior level at an early date to discuss various issues of interest to both sides and carry forward the discussions in a positive, constructive and result oriented manner," it said. During his two-day visit to Washington DC, Prabhu addressed business and industry leaders in meetings organised by US-India Business Council (USIBC) and US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) and held meetings with other stakeholders. "It's a great time to join hands with each other. And that's the realisation within the (Trump) administration as well. Therefore, we have really decided to move on. As you know, we always hear the trade disputes between US and India, but when I had meeting with the USTR, with the Commerce Secretary, with Agriculture Secretary, with Senators, it is very clear that we must move on, keep the issues behind," Prabhu told industry leaders at a reception hosted by USIBC in association with the FICCI and Manhattan Chamber of Commerce. In his interaction with industry leaders at an event organised by the USISPF, Prabhu spoke about the improvements that have been made in the trade relationship, including trade deficit reduction. "Every great partnership has areas of agreement and disagreement. I'm hopeful that the US investment corridor is only going to grow, and I'm confident that we will be able to bridge our gaps," Prabhu noted. The industry interaction included senior officials from leading US companies such as: Boston Scientific, FedEx, Walmart, Abbott, UTC, Honeywell, PhRMA, MoneyGram International, Lockheed Martin, Koch Industries, Amway, Uber, 21st Century Fox, and Medtronic. Noting that India and the US have an important strategic relationship and shared goals, USIBC president Nisha Desai Biswal said the council is a constructive partner in achieving the full potential of the US-India commercial opportunity. The USIBC roundtable organised in association with the CII comprised of US and Indian industry giants from the energy, aerospace, ICT, life sciences and defence sectors who reiterated India's position as a critical market while also raising issues facing their companies such as data localization and price controls, as well as public procurement and operational hurdles. In engaging with critical stakeholders, Prabhu highlighted the ongoing policy reforms being pursued by India to improve its business climate and remove bureaucratic hurdles. Prabhu noted that India will soon release its new Industrial Policy, aimed at transforming India into a modern, flourishing, economic powerhouse. During the interaction, he emphasized the importance of a dispute redressal mechanism, and resolving such issues together in a way that does not derail but rather strengthens bilateral ties. Under Trump, trade dispute between India and the US has increased, with his administration asking New Delhi to lower its trade barriers and open up its market. Trump has repeatedly raked up the issue of India imposing high import duty on the iconic Harley-Davidson motorcycles and threatened to increase the import tariff on "thousands and thousands" of Indian motorcycles to the US.

After Trump accuses Delhi of high tariffs, US & India agree to hold trade talks

By:&nbspCharles Hankla*

The latest G-7 summit, held June 8 to 9 in Quebec, was one of the most contentious in years.

That's because Donald Trump and his counterparts from six other industrialised countries have been at loggerheads over the president's aggressive but unstable trade policy. Trump's renunciation of the Iran nuclear deal, his efforts to renegotiate NAFTA and his intransigent stance on climate change are not helping matters. Nor is his proposal to readmit Russia to the G-7 gathering.

But the ink on the G-7 communique wasn't dry before Trump darted to Singapore to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un for nuclear talks, another example of his unpredictable decision-making style. One moment he’s threatening war with the dictator, and the next he’s buttering him up for a summit.

One way to understand Trump's foreign policy decisions is to focus on their inconsistency rather than their content. Let's take trade policy as an example.

I have written a number of times about the economic dangers of the Trump administration's tilt toward protectionism. And I have pointed to the risk that Trump's use of trade policy as a unilateral weapon could undermine the rule-based international order.

I remain worried about these issues, but what has struck me much more deeply in recent days is the seeming inconsistency, indeed instability, of Trump's behavior on trade. It is worth considering its causes and consequences – which extend far beyond trade to his nuclear game of chess with North Korea and Iran.

Trouble in Trump trade land

First, let's review just a few of Trump's recent trade decisions.

At the G7, Trump's belligerent and unpredictable trade policy was the main reason the other leaders – which also include Germany's Angela Merkel, the U.K.'s Theresa May and France's Emmanuel Macron – are so perturbed. Some commentators are even beginning to term the meeting a "G6 plus one" to signify Trump's estrangement from his allies.

Recent events have inflamed tensions significantly. The White House said on May 31 that it would impose steel and aluminum tariffs on the European Union, Canada and Mexico. The three had previously received exemptions from the new tariffs, first imposed in March and justified with a little-used national security provision.

All are now planning retaliatory tariffs against the United States, along with legal action at the World Trade Organisation. Friends indeed.

It's the same story with China, which Trump has not only made subject to the same metals tariffs but has also threatened with US$50 billion of other sanctions if it doesn't meet a series of demands.

Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross recently traveled to Beijing hoping to negotiate increased Chinese purchases of American goods and a reduction of its trade deficit with the U.S. He was forced to return empty-handed after the Chinese government declared itself unwilling to act without an American promise to drop its tariff threats. An earlier leak that China would purchase an additional $200 million of U.S. exports turned out to be wildly optimistic.

The United States now finds itself isolated, not only from China but from its strongest allies as well. Is this a temporary step in negotiations, or is it the new normal?

Shifting trade winds

Of course, Trump's proclivity for changing his mind is well-known, but all the same there is an understandable tendency among commentators to focus on the content of his policy choices.

This is especially true on trade, where Trump's protectionist rhetoric has been exuberant, to say the least.

And it is true that Trump's actions have been more anti-trade than those of his predecessors, beginning with his withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership during the first week of his presidency.

Nevertheless, over the last few months, Trump's trade policy has seemed increasingly erratic. He publicly discussed reentering the Pacific trade deal and just as quickly dismissed the idea. He imposed metal tariffs, immediately granted exemptions to most of America’s major exporters and then withdrew those exemptions three months later. He threatened China with new tariffs on $150 billion worth of exports, then suspended them and risked political capital to save the Chinese corporation ZTE. And after pushing for extraordinary trade concessions from China, he had to take a U-turn after it denied that it had agreed to the most important of those demands.

Two schools of thought

There are two schools of thought about what is driving this policy instability.

Supporters of the president tend to see it as a negotiating tactic, the "Art of the Deal" on a grander scale. Trump, they believe, is trying to throw world leaders off-balance so that he can extract more trade concessions from them.

Trump’s detractors, by contrast, see the president as hopelessly adrift, swayed this way and that by the varying opinions of his advisers. When globalists such as Steve Mnuchin and Wilbur Ross, secretaries of the treasury and commerce, respectively, have his ear, the president softens his stance on trade. But when U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and White House adviser Peter Navarro, economic nationalists both, are in the room, Trump doubles down on protection.

Master negotiator?

If U.S. observers accept that Trump's shifting policy is part of a broader negotiating strategy, Americans can perhaps hope for a better outcome than what they see now.

Indeed, there is some basis in game theory for "irrational" behavior as a negotiating technique. Nobel laureate Thomas Schelling, in his 1960 classic "The Strategy of Conflict," pointed out that negotiators with a reputation for overreacting when their demands aren't met can be in a stronger position to extract concessions.

If a country can convince its opponent of its willingness to follow through on threats even when they are self-destructive, the country can more effectively compel changes in behavior. Moreover, if an opponent doubts the ability of a country's leaders to understand or carefully consider the consequences of the opponent's threats, the country is, ironically, in a stronger negotiating position. This "irrationality" approach was famously termed the "madman strategy" by Richard Nixon and played a role in motivating his escalation of the Vietnam War during the Paris negotiations.

Perhaps, then, Americans are witnessing the early stages of a negotiating strategy that will ultimately bear fruit.

Or malleable amateur?

Even in this optimistic scenario, however, the president's approach seems too myopic.

After all, international trade negotiations do not play by the same rules as military diplomacy, where much of this theory was developed. Such techniques might have a greater chance of working with Iran and North Korea, but of course, the risks of escalation here are even more severe.

Trade is different because it is mutually beneficial and also because it requires cooperation that is sustained over time. A country's reputation for stable compliance with its agreements is thus put at a premium otherwise, the country risks being shunned by potential partners. To wrest trade concessions from America's partners may be satisfying, but if it is accomplished at the cost of weakening the world trading system, it is hardly worth the price.

The costs of instability

If, on the other hand, Trump's unstable policy is a symptom of indecision in the face of the competing agendas of his aides, the world economy may be in for a bumpy ride. Irrational behavior can be used selectively as a negotiating technique but has a high cost if not applied carefully and strategically. If a country's negotiating partners doubt its willingness or ability to follow through on its promises, cooperation becomes impossible.

In the final analysis, a stable and rule-based trading system is in the United States' long-term interest. Inconsistent and aggressive trade policies, whether produced by a master negotiator or a malleable amateur, risk poisoning the mutual trust necessary to make such a system function.

Some are now saying that President Trump is in the early stages of reconsidering America's membership in the WTO. Hopefully, the president will come to understand what is at stake soon, before it is too late.

(Charles Hankla is an Associate Professor of Political Science, Georgia State University.)

(This article was originally published on <a href="https://theconversation.com/global">The Conversation</a>. Read the original <a href="https://theconversation.com/trump-could-be-using-advanced-game-theory-negotiating-techniques-or-hes-hopelessly-adrift-97836">article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Trump’s renunciation of the Iran nuclear deal, his efforts to renegotiate NAFTA and his intransigent stance on climate change are not helping matters. Nor is his proposal to readmit Russia to the G-7 gathering

By: Charles Hankla* The latest G-7 summit, held June 8 to 9 in Quebec, was one of the most contentious in years. That's because Donald Trump and his counterparts from six other industrialised countries have been at loggerheads over the president's aggressive but unstable trade policy. Trump's renunciation of the Iran nuclear deal, his efforts to renegotiate NAFTA and his intransigent stance on climate change are not helping matters. Nor is his proposal to readmit Russia to the G-7 gathering. But the ink on the G-7 communique wasn't dry before Trump darted to Singapore to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un for nuclear talks, another example of his unpredictable decision-making style. One moment he’s threatening war with the dictator, and the next he’s buttering him up for a summit. One way to understand Trump's foreign policy decisions is to focus on their inconsistency rather than their content. Let's take trade policy as an example. I have written a number of times about the economic dangers of the Trump administration's tilt toward protectionism. And I have pointed to the risk that Trump's use of trade policy as a unilateral weapon could undermine the rule-based international order. I remain worried about these issues, but what has struck me much more deeply in recent days is the seeming inconsistency, indeed instability, of Trump's behavior on trade. It is worth considering its causes and consequences – which extend far beyond trade to his nuclear game of chess with North Korea and Iran. Trouble in Trump trade land First, let's review just a few of Trump's recent trade decisions. At the G7, Trump's belligerent and unpredictable trade policy was the main reason the other leaders – which also include Germany's Angela Merkel, the U.K.'s Theresa May and France's Emmanuel Macron – are so perturbed. Some commentators are even beginning to term the meeting a "G6 plus one" to signify Trump's estrangement from his allies. Recent events have inflamed tensions significantly. The White House said on May 31 that it would impose steel and aluminum tariffs on the European Union, Canada and Mexico. The three had previously received exemptions from the new tariffs, first imposed in March and justified with a little-used national security provision. All are now planning retaliatory tariffs against the United States, along with legal action at the World Trade Organisation. Friends indeed. It's the same story with China, which Trump has not only made subject to the same metals tariffs but has also threatened with US$50 billion of other sanctions if it doesn't meet a series of demands. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross recently traveled to Beijing hoping to negotiate increased Chinese purchases of American goods and a reduction of its trade deficit with the U.S. He was forced to return empty-handed after the Chinese government declared itself unwilling to act without an American promise to drop its tariff threats. An earlier leak that China would purchase an additional $200 million of U.S. exports turned out to be wildly optimistic. The United States now finds itself isolated, not only from China but from its strongest allies as well. Is this a temporary step in negotiations, or is it the new normal? Shifting trade winds Of course, Trump's proclivity for changing his mind is well-known, but all the same there is an understandable tendency among commentators to focus on the content of his policy choices. This is especially true on trade, where Trump's protectionist rhetoric has been exuberant, to say the least. And it is true that Trump's actions have been more anti-trade than those of his predecessors, beginning with his withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership during the first week of his presidency. Nevertheless, over the last few months, Trump's trade policy has seemed increasingly erratic. He publicly discussed reentering the Pacific trade deal and just as quickly dismissed the idea. He imposed metal tariffs, immediately granted exemptions to most of America’s major exporters and then withdrew those exemptions three months later. He threatened China with new tariffs on $150 billion worth of exports, then suspended them and risked political capital to save the Chinese corporation ZTE. And after pushing for extraordinary trade concessions from China, he had to take a U-turn after it denied that it had agreed to the most important of those demands. Two schools of thought There are two schools of thought about what is driving this policy instability. Supporters of the president tend to see it as a negotiating tactic, the "Art of the Deal" on a grander scale. Trump, they believe, is trying to throw world leaders off-balance so that he can extract more trade concessions from them. Trump’s detractors, by contrast, see the president as hopelessly adrift, swayed this way and that by the varying opinions of his advisers. When globalists such as Steve Mnuchin and Wilbur Ross, secretaries of the treasury and commerce, respectively, have his ear, the president softens his stance on trade. But when U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and White House adviser Peter Navarro, economic nationalists both, are in the room, Trump doubles down on protection. Master negotiator? If U.S. observers accept that Trump's shifting policy is part of a broader negotiating strategy, Americans can perhaps hope for a better outcome than what they see now. Indeed, there is some basis in game theory for "irrational" behavior as a negotiating technique. Nobel laureate Thomas Schelling, in his 1960 classic "The Strategy of Conflict," pointed out that negotiators with a reputation for overreacting when their demands aren't met can be in a stronger position to extract concessions. If a country can convince its opponent of its willingness to follow through on threats even when they are self-destructive, the country can more effectively compel changes in behavior. Moreover, if an opponent doubts the ability of a country's leaders to understand or carefully consider the consequences of the opponent's threats, the country is, ironically, in a stronger negotiating position. This "irrationality" approach was famously termed the "madman strategy" by Richard Nixon and played a role in motivating his escalation of the Vietnam War during the Paris negotiations. Perhaps, then, Americans are witnessing the early stages of a negotiating strategy that will ultimately bear fruit. Or malleable amateur? Even in this optimistic scenario, however, the president's approach seems too myopic. After all, international trade negotiations do not play by the same rules as military diplomacy, where much of this theory was developed. Such techniques might have a greater chance of working with Iran and North Korea, but of course, the risks of escalation here are even more severe. Trade is different because it is mutually beneficial and also because it requires cooperation that is sustained over time. A country's reputation for stable compliance with its agreements is thus put at a premium otherwise, the country risks being shunned by potential partners. To wrest trade concessions from America's partners may be satisfying, but if it is accomplished at the cost of weakening the world trading system, it is hardly worth the price. The costs of instability If, on the other hand, Trump's unstable policy is a symptom of indecision in the face of the competing agendas of his aides, the world economy may be in for a bumpy ride. Irrational behavior can be used selectively as a negotiating technique but has a high cost if not applied carefully and strategically. If a country's negotiating partners doubt its willingness or ability to follow through on its promises, cooperation becomes impossible. In the final analysis, a stable and rule-based trading system is in the United States' long-term interest. Inconsistent and aggressive trade policies, whether produced by a master negotiator or a malleable amateur, risk poisoning the mutual trust necessary to make such a system function. Some are now saying that President Trump is in the early stages of reconsidering America's membership in the WTO. Hopefully, the president will come to understand what is at stake soon, before it is too late. (Charles Hankla is an Associate Professor of Political Science, Georgia State 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)

Opinion: Understanding Trump's negotiating techniques ahead of meeting with Kim

Germany and France on Sunday sharply criticised U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to abruptly withdraw his support for a Group of Seven communique, accusing him of destroying trust and acting inconsistently.

Trump's announcement on Twitter, after he left the G7 summit in Canada early, that he was backing out of the joint communique torpedoed what appeared to be a fragile consensus on a trade dispute between Washington and its top allies.

Trump also took aim at Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and said he might double down on import tariffs by hitting the sensitive automobile industry, throwing G7 efforts to show a united front into disarray.

G7 members Germany and France said they stood by the communique despite Trump's decision.

"In a matter of seconds, you can destroy trust with 280 Twitter characters," German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said when asked about Trump's U-turn, adding it would take much longer to rebuild lost trust.

Trump's conduct was "actually not a real surprise, we have seen this with the climate agreement or the Iran deal", Maas, a senior member of the Social Democrats (SPD), a partner in Chancellor Angela Merkel's governing coalition, told reporters.

Trump withdrew the United States from the global deal reached in Paris in December 2015 to curb global warming, and last month from world powers' July 2015 nuclear deal with Iran, asserting that it was one-sided in Tehran's favour.

SPD leader Andrea Nahles accused Trump of turning the G7 summit into a disaster with his tweets and bowing out of his international responsibilities. "President Trump is creating chaos. Reasonable and reliable policy is not possible that way."

France and Europe are standing by the G7 communique, a French presidency official said, adding anyone departing from the commitments made at the summit would be showing their "incoherence and inconsistency".

"International cooperation cannot depend on being angry and on sound bites. Let's be serious," the French official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters.

Trump has infuriated the European Union, Canada and Mexico by imposing tariffs on steel and aluminium imports, accusing all of having shortchanged the United States in trade deals. They strongly deny this.

Trump and European allies are also at odds over Trump's decision to pull the United States out of the deal in which Iran curbed its disputed nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief, and the Paris climate change accord.

"We have to keep a cool head now and draw the right conclusions," Maas said. Europe's answer must be to stick even closer together, defend its interests and strengthen alliances with countries such as Japan and Canada, he said.

"Europe united is the answer to America First," Maas added.

A German government spokesman also said that Berlin stands by the jointly agreed G7 communique in which leaders underlined the crucial role of a rules-based international trading system and promised to fight protectionism.

In Washington, the top White House economic adviser accused Canada's prime minister on Sunday of betraying Trump with "polarising" statements on U.S. trade policy that risked undermining the American leader on the eve of a historic summit with North Korea.

Larry Kudlow, director of the National Economic Council, lashed out at Trudeau as "amateurish" and "sophomoric" for a news conference the prime minister gave after Trump left the G7 summit on Saturday.

Trudeau told reporters that he had spoken of retaliatory measures that Canada would take next month in response to Trump's decision to slap tariffs on steel and aluminium imports.

Trump's announcement on Twitter, after he left the G7 summit in Canada early, that he was backing out of the joint communique torpedoed what appeared to be a fragile consensus on a trade dispute between Washington and its top allies

Germany and France on Sunday sharply criticised U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to abruptly withdraw his support for a Group of Seven communique, accusing him of destroying trust and acting inconsistently. Trump's announcement on Twitter, after he left the G7 summit in Canada early, that he was backing out of the joint communique torpedoed what appeared to be a fragile consensus on a trade dispute between Washington and its top allies. Trump also took aim at Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and said he might double down on import tariffs by hitting the sensitive automobile industry, throwing G7 efforts to show a united front into disarray. G7 members Germany and France said they stood by the communique despite Trump's decision. "In a matter of seconds, you can destroy trust with 280 Twitter characters," German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said when asked about Trump's U-turn, adding it would take much longer to rebuild lost trust. Trump's conduct was "actually not a real surprise, we have seen this with the climate agreement or the Iran deal", Maas, a senior member of the Social Democrats (SPD), a partner in Chancellor Angela Merkel's governing coalition, told reporters. Trump withdrew the United States from the global deal reached in Paris in December 2015 to curb global warming, and last month from world powers' July 2015 nuclear deal with Iran, asserting that it was one-sided in Tehran's favour. SPD leader Andrea Nahles accused Trump of turning the G7 summit into a disaster with his tweets and bowing out of his international responsibilities. "President Trump is creating chaos. Reasonable and reliable policy is not possible that way." France and Europe are standing by the G7 communique, a French presidency official said, adding anyone departing from the commitments made at the summit would be showing their "incoherence and inconsistency". "International cooperation cannot depend on being angry and on sound bites. Let's be serious," the French official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters. Trump has infuriated the European Union, Canada and Mexico by imposing tariffs on steel and aluminium imports, accusing all of having shortchanged the United States in trade deals. They strongly deny this. Trump and European allies are also at odds over Trump's decision to pull the United States out of the deal in which Iran curbed its disputed nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief, and the Paris climate change accord. "We have to keep a cool head now and draw the right conclusions," Maas said. Europe's answer must be to stick even closer together, defend its interests and strengthen alliances with countries such as Japan and Canada, he said. "Europe united is the answer to America First," Maas added. A German government spokesman also said that Berlin stands by the jointly agreed G7 communique in which leaders underlined the crucial role of a rules-based international trading system and promised to fight protectionism. In Washington, the top White House economic adviser accused Canada's prime minister on Sunday of betraying Trump with "polarising" statements on U.S. trade policy that risked undermining the American leader on the eve of a historic summit with North Korea. Larry Kudlow, director of the National Economic Council, lashed out at Trudeau as "amateurish" and "sophomoric" for a news conference the prime minister gave after Trump left the G7 summit on Saturday. Trudeau told reporters that he had spoken of retaliatory measures that Canada would take next month in response to Trump's decision to slap tariffs on steel and aluminium imports.

Germany, France blast Trump over Group of Seven U-turn

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said on Saturday that no country benefits from protectionism, and that all measures should be consistent with World Trade Organization rules, as he wrapped up a sometimes contentious summit with other Group of Seven leaders in Canada.

G7 leaders on Saturday papered over cracks in their alliance at a summit in Canada but came away with little more than an agreement to disagree as US&nbspPresident Donald Trump defiantly brandished his "America First" agenda.

Abe said there were moments of "intense debate" during the meeting, which focused on trade.

Trump last week slapped tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from Canada, the European Union and Mexico. Japan did not win an exemption from the steel and aluminium tariffs despite its close security alliance with the United States.

On the first day of the summit, which was&nbspheld in Canada's La Malbaie, Trump pitched the idea of discarding all tariffs and trade barriers between the US and its G-7 allies.

Trump will not attend the second day of the two-day summit on account of preparing for the 'historic' summit of him and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to be held in Singapore on 12 June.

The Group of Seven leaders came to their summit in Canada braced for battle, and while everyone had smiles ready for the cameras, behind the scenes US&nbspPresident Donald Trump delivered recriminations on trade to US&nbspallies, leaving the once united club deeply divided. Trade dominated the two-day summit that began on Friday (June 8) with leaders of Germany, France, Japan, Canada, Britain and Italy returning to the topic repeatedly in meetings.

"One could say that we weren't able to completely turn around President Trump's approach on trade, he's continuing to say what he says, fine, so be it," Trudeau said.

Leaders who had vowed to confront Trump over his decision to impose tariffs on US&nbspallies last week as part of his "America First" agenda, showered Trump with data one after the other.

Abe said that anxiety and dissatisfaction with globalization at times led to protectionism and intense confrontation between countries.

"But we must not turn back the clock," he said. "For the G7 to have exchanges of measures that restrict trade will not be in the interests of any country," Abe said.

Abe also said the G7 had expressed support for Trump ahead of his historic summit with North Korean leader Kim Jung Un in Singapore on Tuesday.

Abe reiterated that Japan would be willing to provide economic aid for Pyongyang if the issues of its nuclear and missile programmes, as well as the matter of Japanese citizens kidnapped by North Korean agents decades ago, were resolved.

"Of course, the problem of North Korea ... is not so easily resolved, but we hope this historic U.S.-North Korea summit will be a success and that progress will be made on the issues of nuclear, missiles and the abductees," he said. "Japan wants to completely cooperate and support this."

G7 leaders on Saturday papered over cracks in their alliance at a summit in Canada but came away with little more than an agreement to disagree as US President Donald Trump defiantly brandished his 'America First' agenda

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said on Saturday that no country benefits from protectionism, and that all measures should be consistent with World Trade Organization rules, as he wrapped up a sometimes contentious summit with other Group of Seven leaders in Canada. G7 leaders on Saturday papered over cracks in their alliance at a summit in Canada but came away with little more than an agreement to disagree as US&nbspPresident Donald Trump defiantly brandished his "America First" agenda. Abe said there were moments of "intense debate" during the meeting, which focused on trade. Trump last week slapped tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from Canada, the European Union and Mexico. Japan did not win an exemption from the steel and aluminium tariffs despite its close security alliance with the United States. On the first day of the summit, which was&nbspheld in Canada's La Malbaie, Trump pitched the idea of discarding all tariffs and trade barriers between the US and its G-7 allies. Trump will not attend the second day of the two-day summit on account of preparing for the 'historic' summit of him and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to be held in Singapore on 12 June. The Group of Seven leaders came to their summit in Canada braced for battle, and while everyone had smiles ready for the cameras, behind the scenes US&nbspPresident Donald Trump delivered recriminations on trade to US&nbspallies, leaving the once united club deeply divided. Trade dominated the two-day summit that began on Friday (June 8) with leaders of Germany, France, Japan, Canada, Britain and Italy returning to the topic repeatedly in meetings. "One could say that we weren't able to completely turn around President Trump's approach on trade, he's continuing to say what he says, fine, so be it," Trudeau said. Leaders who had vowed to confront Trump over his decision to impose tariffs on US&nbspallies last week as part of his "America First" agenda, showered Trump with data one after the other. Abe said that anxiety and dissatisfaction with globalization at times led to protectionism and intense confrontation between countries. "But we must not turn back the clock," he said. "For the G7 to have exchanges of measures that restrict trade will not be in the interests of any country," Abe said. Abe also said the G7 had expressed support for Trump ahead of his historic summit with North Korean leader Kim Jung Un in Singapore on Tuesday. Abe reiterated that Japan would be willing to provide economic aid for Pyongyang if the issues of its nuclear and missile programmes, as well as the matter of Japanese citizens kidnapped by North Korean agents decades ago, were resolved. "Of course, the problem of North Korea ... is not so easily resolved, but we hope this historic U.S.-North Korea summit will be a success and that progress will be made on the issues of nuclear, missiles and the abductees," he said. "Japan wants to completely cooperate and support this."

After G7, Japan's Abe says no country benefits from protectionism

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/any-agreement-with-north-korea-will-be-spur-of-the-moment-trump-143374">Any agreement with North Korea will be 'spur of the moment': Donald Trump</a>

US President Donald Trump said on Saturday any agreement with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at next week's summit would be "spur of the moment," underscoring the uncertain outcome of what he called a "mission of peace."

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/in-battle-of-tweets-canadas-trudeau-dismisses-trump-critique-143368">In </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/in-battle-of-tweets-canadas-trudeau-dismisses-trump-critique-143368">battle</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/in-battle-of-tweets-canadas-trudeau-dismisses-trump-critique-143368"> of tweets, Canada's Trudeau dismisses Trump critique</a>

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said nothing in his G7 news conference that he has not said before to U.S. President Donald Trump, his office said after Trump criticized Trudeau on Twitter as “weak and dishonest” in the wake of the Group of Seven summit.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/priyanka-chopra-apologises-for-controversial-episode-on-quantico-says-shes-proud-to-be-indian--143390">Priyanka Chopra </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/priyanka-chopra-apologises-for-controversial-episode-on-quantico-says-shes-proud-to-be-indian--143390">apologises</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/priyanka-chopra-apologises-for-controversial-episode-on-quantico-says-shes-proud-to-be-indian--143390"> for </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/priyanka-chopra-apologises-for-controversial-episode-on-quantico-says-shes-proud-to-be-indian--143390">controversial</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/priyanka-chopra-apologises-for-controversial-episode-on-quantico-says-shes-proud-to-be-indian--143390"> episode on 'Quantico', says she's proud to be Indian</a>

Actress Priyanka Chopra on Saturday took to Twitter to issue an apology for the recent controversy over an episode in the American TV Quantico, in which she plays the lead, which showed Indians as terrorists.&nbsp

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajasthan-man-arrested-for-sacrificing-daughter-to-appease-allah-during-ramzan-143369">Rajasthan: Man arrested for sacrificing </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajasthan-man-arrested-for-sacrificing-daughter-to-appease-allah-during-ramzan-143369">daughter</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajasthan-man-arrested-for-sacrificing-daughter-to-appease-allah-during-ramzan-143369"> to 'appease Allah during Ramzan'</a>

A man was arrested on Saturday in Rajasthan's Piparcity area for allegedly sacrificing his daughter to appease Allah during the ongoing holy month of Ramzan, police said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bilawal-imran-file-nomination-papers-from-karachi-constituencies-143389">Bilawal, Imran file nomination papers from Karachi constituencies</a>

Pakistan People's Party chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, and Pakistan Tehreek-e- Insaf chief Imran Khan filed their nomination papers on Friday for the upcoming general elections in the country, scheduled to be held on July 25.

Any agreement with North Korea will be 'spur of the moment': Donald Trump US President Donald Trump said on Saturday any agreement with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at next week's summit would be "spur of the moment," underscoring the uncertain outcome of what he called a "mission of peace." In battle of tweets, Canada's Trudeau dismisses Trump critique Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said nothing in his G7 news conference that he has not said before to U.S. President Donald Trump, his office said after Trump criticized Trudeau on Twitter as “weak and dishonest” in the wake of the Group of Seven summit. Priyanka Chopra apologises for controversial episode on 'Quantico', says she's proud to be Indian Actress Priyanka Chopra on Saturday took to Twitter to issue an apology for the recent controversy over an episode in the American TV Quantico, in which she plays the lead, which showed Indians as terrorists. Rajasthan: Man arrested for sacrificing daughter to 'appease Allah during Ramzan' A man was arrested on Saturday in Rajasthan's Piparcity area for allegedly sacrificing his daughter to appease Allah during the ongoing holy month of Ramzan, police said. Bilawal, Imran file nomination papers from Karachi constituencies Pakistan People's Party chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, and Pakistan Tehreek-e- Insaf chief Imran Khan filed their nomination papers on Friday for the upcoming general elections in the country, scheduled to be held on July 25.

U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday threw the G7’s efforts to show a united front into disarray after he became angry with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and said he might double down on import tariffs by hitting the sensitive auto industry.

Trump's bombshell announcement that he was backing out of the Group of Seven communique, made after he left the summit in Canada early, torpedoed what appeared to be a fragile consensus on the trade dispute between Washington and its top allies.

"PM Justin Trudeau of Canada acted so meek and mild during our @G7 meetings only to give a news conference after I left saying that, 'US Tariffs were kind of insulting' and he 'will not be pushed around.' Very dishonest & weak. Our Tariffs are in response to his of 270% on dairy!" the U.S. president tweeted.

In his press conference, Trudeau had spoken of retaliatory measures that Canada would take next month in response to Trump's decision to slap tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from Canada, Mexico and the European Union.

"Canadians, we're polite, we're reasonable but we also will not be pushed around," Trudeau, the host of the two-day summit in La Malbaie, Quebec, told reporters.

Reacting to Trump's tweets, Trudeau's office said: "We are focused on everything we accomplished here at the summit. The Prime Minister said nothing he hasn’t said before - both in public, and in private conversations with the President."

Trump's salvo capped a dizzying two days of controversies that began with his suggestion Russia be readmitted to the G7, then what a French official described as a "rant" full of "recriminations" against U.S. trading partners, followed by Trump's denial of any contention with leaders at the summit and his description of their relationship as a "10."

By ordering his representatives to back out of the communique, Trump appeared to be asserting his oft-stated aim of upsetting the status quo whether by pulling out of the global climate accord or the international nuclear deal with Iran or threats to scrap the North American Free Trade Agreement.

The communique, which appeared to have papered over the cracks that have surfaced in the G7, said the leaders of the United States, Canada, Britain, France, Italy, Germany and Japan agreed on the need for "free, fair, and mutually beneficial trade" and the importance of fighting protectionism.

"We strive to reduce tariff barriers, non-tariff barriers and subsidies," the statement said.

Trump's reversal, announced while he was en route to Singapore for a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, sent his G7 partners scrambling.

"We stick to the communique as agreed by all participants," a European official said on condition of anonymity.

Trump's counterparts in the G7 had sought this week to try to find some semblance of consensus with Washington on trade and the other key issues that have formed the basis of the 42-year-old grouping of industrialized nations.

French President Emmanuel Macron had labeled the summit a success before Trump's Twitter posts, saying there was relief within the G7 that an escalation of the trade dispute had been avoided.

"The nature of the debate we had was rather appeasement and it stopped the escalation in terms of behavior,” Macron, who had exchanged terse Twitter messages with Trump in the run-up to the summit, told reporters.

"It allowed a dialogue, where for weeks there were uncoordinated unilateral actions and non-cooperation.”

Macron is aware of the latest twist on the communique and does not have a comment at this time, a French presidential official said.

Trump says his tariffs are meant to protect U.S. industry and workers from unfair international competition as part of his "America First" agenda.

The prospect that he could be moving toward an even greater protectionist trade policy is likely to chill financial markets worried about tit-for-tit escalation that could lead to a full-blown global trade war.

Trump has announced tariffs of up to $150 billion on Chinese goods over U.S. complaints of Beijing's trade practices and its alleged theft of U.S. technology. China has vowed to retaliate in equal measure.

Canada, Mexico and the EU also are moving ahead with their own levies on U.S. goods.

But tariffs on U.S. imports of cars and auto parts would devastate the Canadian auto industry, which is highly integrated with the U.S. sector. They could also damage Japan and Germany.

The Trump administration announced two weeks ago that it would investigate whether auto imports hurt U.S. national security, the first step toward tariffs similar to the ones he imposed on steel and aluminum imports last week.

Earlier on Saturday, Trump told reporters it would be "very easy" to make the case for tariffs on auto imports using the rationale that they threaten national security.

"It's economic.&nbspIt's the balance sheet.&nbspTo have a great military, you need a great balance sheet," he said.

Such a move could make it nearly impossible to renegotiate the terms of the 1994 NAFTA pact between the United States, Canada and Mexico.

On Saturday, Trump repeated his desire to have a sunset clause in an updated NAFTA deal, a demand Trudeau rejected again.

Trump's bombshell announcement that he was backing out of the Group of Seven communique, made after he left the summit in Canada early, torpedoed what appeared to be a fragile consensus on the trade dispute between Washington and its top allie

U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday threw the G7’s efforts to show a united front into disarray after he became angry with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and said he might double down on import tariffs by hitting the sensitive auto industry. Trump's bombshell announcement that he was backing out of the Group of Seven communique, made after he left the summit in Canada early, torpedoed what appeared to be a fragile consensus on the trade dispute between Washington and its top allies. "PM Justin Trudeau of Canada acted so meek and mild during our @G7 meetings only to give a news conference after I left saying that, 'US Tariffs were kind of insulting' and he 'will not be pushed around.' Very dishonest & weak. Our Tariffs are in response to his of 270% on dairy!" the U.S. president tweeted. In his press conference, Trudeau had spoken of retaliatory measures that Canada would take next month in response to Trump's decision to slap tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from Canada, Mexico and the European Union. "Canadians, we're polite, we're reasonable but we also will not be pushed around," Trudeau, the host of the two-day summit in La Malbaie, Quebec, told reporters. Reacting to Trump's tweets, Trudeau's office said: "We are focused on everything we accomplished here at the summit. The Prime Minister said nothing he hasn’t said before - both in public, and in private conversations with the President." Trump's salvo capped a dizzying two days of controversies that began with his suggestion Russia be readmitted to the G7, then what a French official described as a "rant" full of "recriminations" against U.S. trading partners, followed by Trump's denial of any contention with leaders at the summit and his description of their relationship as a "10." By ordering his representatives to back out of the communique, Trump appeared to be asserting his oft-stated aim of upsetting the status quo whether by pulling out of the global climate accord or the international nuclear deal with Iran or threats to scrap the North American Free Trade Agreement. The communique, which appeared to have papered over the cracks that have surfaced in the G7, said the leaders of the United States, Canada, Britain, France, Italy, Germany and Japan agreed on the need for "free, fair, and mutually beneficial trade" and the importance of fighting protectionism. "We strive to reduce tariff barriers, non-tariff barriers and subsidies," the statement said. Trump's reversal, announced while he was en route to Singapore for a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, sent his G7 partners scrambling. "We stick to the communique as agreed by all participants," a European official said on condition of anonymity. Trump's counterparts in the G7 had sought this week to try to find some semblance of consensus with Washington on trade and the other key issues that have formed the basis of the 42-year-old grouping of industrialized nations. French President Emmanuel Macron had labeled the summit a success before Trump's Twitter posts, saying there was relief within the G7 that an escalation of the trade dispute had been avoided. "The nature of the debate we had was rather appeasement and it stopped the escalation in terms of behavior,” Macron, who had exchanged terse Twitter messages with Trump in the run-up to the summit, told reporters. "It allowed a dialogue, where for weeks there were uncoordinated unilateral actions and non-cooperation.” Macron is aware of the latest twist on the communique and does not have a comment at this time, a French presidential official said. Trump says his tariffs are meant to protect U.S. industry and workers from unfair international competition as part of his "America First" agenda. The prospect that he could be moving toward an even greater protectionist trade policy is likely to chill financial markets worried about tit-for-tit escalation that could lead to a full-blown global trade war. Trump has announced tariffs of up to $150 billion on Chinese goods over U.S. complaints of Beijing's trade practices and its alleged theft of U.S. technology. China has vowed to retaliate in equal measure. Canada, Mexico and the EU also are moving ahead with their own levies on U.S. goods. But tariffs on U.S. imports of cars and auto parts would devastate the Canadian auto industry, which is highly integrated with the U.S. sector. They could also damage Japan and Germany. The Trump administration announced two weeks ago that it would investigate whether auto imports hurt U.S. national security, the first step toward tariffs similar to the ones he imposed on steel and aluminum imports last week. Earlier on Saturday, Trump told reporters it would be "very easy" to make the case for tariffs on auto imports using the rationale that they threaten national security. "It's economic.&nbspIt's the balance sheet.&nbspTo have a great military, you need a great balance sheet," he said. Such a move could make it nearly impossible to renegotiate the terms of the 1994 NAFTA pact between the United States, Canada and Mexico. On Saturday, Trump repeated his desire to have a sunset clause in an updated NAFTA deal, a demand Trudeau rejected again.

Trump torpedoes G7 effort to ease trade spat, threatens auto tariffs

Out of a hundred photos that were taken during the Group of Seven (G7) summit in Canada, this particular picture of German Chancellor Angela Merkel stood out after it was surfaced on social media on Saturday..

The picture of the German Chancellor, shared on her Instagram account, has invited hilarious captions and memes on social media with many calling it an 'iconic photo' of the summit.

Merkel, in the picture can be seen, staring down US President Donald Trump while standing behind a table with both hands pressed firmly into its surface atop some documents.

With as neutral an expression as possible, she stares directly at President Trump, who sits on the other side of the table.

Merkel captioned the picture: "Day two of the G-7 summit in Canada: spontaneous meeting between two working sessions."

Though it is not known that what was really going on at that moment, the image garnered plenty of commentary from some experts on the internet.

While many said that the picture sums up Trump's time at G-7, several others called it a 'power dynamic'.&nbsp"Big power move from Merkel's social media team, posting this extremely memeable picture on her Instagram," said a journalist Elena Cresci.

To many social media users the picture was something more than "a thousand words" while several others had a deeper interpretation of the photograph.

"It looks as if Madam Merkel is teaching The Donald a lesson! Preach Chacellor, preach!", "As US we apologise for his childish behavior", "Show him who's the boss Angela," a social media user said.

"It's like a Renaissance master who captures a complex human narrative in one well-framed canvas. This one photo seems to sum up so much of our times," tweeted American journalist Dan Rather.

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big power move from Merkel's social media team, posting this extremely memeable picture on her Instagram <a href="https://t.co/GK0EFWXqel">pic.twitter.com/GK0EFWXqel</a>
— Elena Cresci (@elenacresci) <a href="https://twitter.com/elenacresci/status/1005501663929565185?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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It's like a Renaissance master who captures a complex human narrative in one well-framed canvas. This one photo seems to sum up so much of our times. <a href="https://t.co/I9WppPrnWZ">https://t.co/I9WppPrnWZ</a>
— Dan Rather (@DanRather) <a href="https://twitter.com/DanRather/status/1005579871978967040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Merkel and Trump are also surrounded by slew of other leaders, including Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and U.S. national security adviser John Bolton.

On the first day of the summit, which is being held in Canada's La Malbaie, Trump pitched the idea of discarding all tariffs and trade barriers between the US and its G-7 allies.

Trump will not attend the second day of the two-day summit on account of preparing for the 'historic' summit of him and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to be held in Singapore on 12 June.

The picture of the German Chancellor, shared on her Instagram account, has invited hilarious captions and memes on social media with many calling it an 'iconic photo' of the summit

Out of a hundred photos that were taken during the Group of Seven (G7) summit in Canada, this particular picture of German Chancellor Angela Merkel stood out after it was surfaced on social media on Saturday.. The picture of the German Chancellor, shared on her Instagram account, has invited hilarious captions and memes on social media with many calling it an 'iconic photo' of the summit. Merkel, in the picture can be seen, staring down US President Donald Trump while standing behind a table with both hands pressed firmly into its surface atop some documents. With as neutral an expression as possible, she stares directly at President Trump, who sits on the other side of the table. Merkel captioned the picture: "Day two of the G-7 summit in Canada: spontaneous meeting between two working sessions." Though it is not known that what was really going on at that moment, the image garnered plenty of commentary from some experts on the internet. While many said that the picture sums up Trump's time at G-7, several others called it a 'power dynamic'. "Big power move from Merkel's social media team, posting this extremely memeable picture on her Instagram," said a journalist Elena Cresci. To many social media users the picture was something more than "a thousand words" while several others had a deeper interpretation of the photograph. "It looks as if Madam Merkel is teaching The Donald a lesson! Preach Chacellor, preach!", "As US we apologise for his childish behavior", "Show him who's the boss Angela," a social media user said. "It's like a Renaissance master who captures a complex human narrative in one well-framed canvas. This one photo seems to sum up so much of our times," tweeted American journalist Dan Rather. big power move from Merkel's social media team, posting this extremely memeable picture on her Instagram pic.twitter.com/GK0EFWXqel — Elena Cresci (@elenacresci) June 9, 2018 × It's like a Renaissance master who captures a complex human narrative in one well-framed canvas. This one photo seems to sum up so much of our times. https://t.co/I9WppPrnWZ — Dan Rather (@DanRather) June 9, 2018 × Merkel and Trump are also surrounded by slew of other leaders, including Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and U.S. national security adviser John Bolton. On the first day of the summit, which is being held in Canada's La Malbaie, Trump pitched the idea of discarding all tariffs and trade barriers between the US and its G-7 allies. Trump will not attend the second day of the two-day summit on account of preparing for the 'historic' summit of him and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to be held in Singapore on 12 June.

This picture from G-7 summit 'speaks a thousand words'

Lashing out at the longtime US ally and northern neighbour, President&nbsp;Donald Trump&nbsp;tweeted that Canadian Prime Minister&nbsp;Justin Trudeau&nbsp;is "dishonest & weak" and that the US was pulling back its endorsement of the G-7 summit's communique in part because of what he called Trudeau's "false statements" at a news conference.

In an extraordinary set of tweets aboard Air Force One, on its way to Singapore for Tuesday's summit with North Korea's Kim Jong-un, Trump threw the G-7 summit into disarray Saturday and threatened to escalate his&nbsp;trade war&nbsp;just as Canada released the G-7's official communique. Its statement took a generally positive view of the leaders' positions on trade matters while acknowledging tensions with the US 
 
A few hours earlier, Trudeau had told reporters that all seven leaders had come together to sign the joint declaration. 
 
Trump tweeted: "Based on Justin's false statements at his news conference, and the fact that Canada is charging massive Tariffs to our US farmers, workers and companies, I have instructed our US Reps not to endorse the Communique as we look at Tariffs on automobiles flooding the US Market!"

He followed up by tweeting: "PM Justin Trudeau of Canada acted so meek and mild during our (at)G7 meetings only to give a news conference after I left saying that, "US Tariffs were kind of insulting" and he "will not be pushed around." Very dishonest & weak. Our Tariffs are in response to his of 270% on dairy!"

In a statement, a spokesman for Trudeau did not address Trump's insults. "We are focused on everything we accomplished here at the (hash)G7 summit," spokesman Cameron Ahmad said. "The Prime Minister said nothing he hasn't said before -- both in public, and in private conversations with the President." 
 
During an evening stroll with his wife and another couple, Trudeau was asked a couple of times by a reporter for his reaction to Trump's tweets. And he was also asked for his thoughts on what Trump's move could mean for the future of the G7 . 
 
Trudeau didn't answer the questions, responding to journalists at the photo op: "Good to see you guys ... It's a beautiful evening, a great weekend." 
 
Trump's personal attack on Trudeau is unprecedented in the countries' longstanding relationship. 
 
As he exited the world summit, Trump had delivered a stark warning to America's trading partners not to counter his decision to impose tariffs on steel and aluminum imports. But the summit host, Trudeau, whose nation was among those singled out by Trump, pushed back and said he would not hesitate to retaliate against his neighbour to the south. 
 
"If they retaliate, they're making a mistake," Trump declared before departing the annual Group of Seven summit, which includes Britain, Italy, France, Germany and Japan.

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Based on Justin’s false statements at his news conference, and the fact that Canada is charging massive Tariffs to our U.S. farmers, workers and companies, I have instructed our U.S. Reps not to endorse the Communique as we look at Tariffs on automobiles flooding the U.S. Market!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1005586152076689408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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PM Justin Trudeau of Canada acted so meek and mild during our <a href="https://twitter.com/g7?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@G7</a> meetings only to give a news conference after I left saying that, “US Tariffs were kind of insulting” and he “will not be pushed around.” Very dishonest & weak. Our Tariffs are in response to his of 270% on dairy!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1005586562959093760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Trudeau later said he reiterated to Trump that tariffs will harm industries and workers on both sides of the US-Canada border. He said unleashing retaliatory measures "is not something I relish doing" but that he wouldn't hesitate to do so because "I will always protect Canadian workers and Canadian interests." 
 
"As Canadians, we are polite, we're reasonable, but also we will not be pushed around," Trudeau said. 
 
Despite the sharp differences, Trudeau said all seven leaders had come together to sign a joint declaration despite having "some strong, firm conversations on trade, and specifically on American tariffs." 
 
Trump himself insisted relationships with allies were a "ten" just before he left the summit. But Trump's abbreviated stay at this Quebec resort saw him continuing the same type of tough talk on trade as when he departed the White House, when he accused Trudeau of being "indignant." 
 
The summit came during an ongoing trade dispute with China and served as a precursor to the unprecedented meeting with Kim, in which Trump has sought to extend a hand to the Asian autocrat who has long bedeviled the international order. 
 
"His message from Quebec to Singapore is that he is going to meld the industrial democracies to his will -- and bring back Russia," said Steve Bannon, Trump's former campaign and White House adviser. Bannon said China is "now on notice that Trump will not back down from even allies' complaints in his goal of 'America First."' 
 
Speaking on Saturday during a rare solo news conference, Trump said he pressed for the G-7 countries to eliminate all tariffs, trade barriers and subsidies in their trading practices. He reiterated his longstanding view that the US has been taken advantage of in global trade, adding, "We're like the piggy bank that everybody's robbing, and that ends." 
 
He said US farmers had been harmed by tariffs and other barriers and warned that US trading partners would need to provide him with more favorable terms. "It's going to stop or we'll stop trading with them," he said. 
 
Trump cited progress on reaching an agreement on the&nbsp;North American Free Trade Agreement&nbsp;with Canada and Mexico, saying the final outcome would lead either to an improved trade deal or separate pacts with the two US neighbours. Trump said he was discussing two types of sunset provisions in which any of the countries could leave the deal. A Canadian official said the leaders discussed accelerating the pace of the talks. 
 
But Trudeau objected strenuously to a sunset clause of any length. "If you put an expiry date on any trade deal, that's not a trade deal. That's our unequivocal position," he said. 
 
Prior to his arrival on Friday, the president injected additional controversy by suggesting that the G-7 offer a seat at the table to Russia, which was ousted from the group in 2014. Trump said Saturday that re-admitting Russia to the elite club would be "an asset," telling reporters, "We're looking for peace in the world." Trump said he had not spoken with Russian President Vladimir Putin in a while. 
 
Discussing Russia's absence, Trump made the vague comment that "something happened a while ago where Russia is no longer in. I think it would be an asset to have Russia back in." In fact, Russia was expelled from what was then the G-8 after it invaded and annexed Crimea and for its support for pro-Russia separatists in Ukraine. 
 
Trump placed the blame on his predecessor, President Barack Obama. "He was the one who let Crimea get away -- that was during his administration," he said, adding: "Obama can say all he wants, but he allowed Russia to take Crimea. I may have had a much different attitude." 
 
It was not clear what Trump thought Obama should have done to prevent Putin from sending in Russian troops to seize the Black Sea peninsula from neighbouring Ukraine. 
 
Trudeau said he told Trump that readmitting Russia "is not something that we are even remotely looking at at this time." 
 
Trump departed the annual G-7 gathering after arriving late to a breakfast on gender equity and skipping later sessions on climate change, clean energy and ocean protection.&nbsp;

Trump's recent moves, building on 18 months of nationalist policy-making, left him out of step with the globally minded organization and prompted speculation that the group could fracture into something more like the "G-6 plus one." 
 
A key question was whether the seven countries could agree on a joint statement of priorities at the conclusion of the meeting. Macron said Thursday on Twitter, "The American President may not mind being isolated, but neither do we mind signing a 6 country agreement if need be." Trump said Friday he thinks the group will produce a joint statement.

In public, Trump bantered easily with his fellow leaders, but the meeting came at a tense moment in the relationships, with allies steaming over Trump's new tariffs on imported steel and aluminum from Canada, Mexico and the&nbsp;<a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/European-Union" pg="AS1_InlineMedia#AS1_https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/international-business/trump-throws-g-7-into-disarray-with-tweets-after-he-leaves/articleshow/64525655.cms~European Union-https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/European-Union">European Union</a>. 
 
French President Emmanuel Macron said he and Trump had "open and direct" discussions, adding that he thought there was a way to get a "win-win" outcome on trade. Details remained unclear.

Trump's personal attack on Trudeau is unprecedented in the countries' longstanding relationship

Lashing out at the longtime US ally and northern neighbour, President Donald Trump tweeted that Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is "dishonest & weak" and that the US was pulling back its endorsement of the G-7 summit's communique in part because of what he called Trudeau's "false statements" at a news conference. In an extraordinary set of tweets aboard Air Force One, on its way to Singapore for Tuesday's summit with North Korea's Kim Jong-un, Trump threw the G-7 summit into disarray Saturday and threatened to escalate his trade war just as Canada released the G-7's official communique. Its statement took a generally positive view of the leaders' positions on trade matters while acknowledging tensions with the US A few hours earlier, Trudeau had told reporters that all seven leaders had come together to sign the joint declaration. Trump tweeted: "Based on Justin's false statements at his news conference, and the fact that Canada is charging massive Tariffs to our US farmers, workers and companies, I have instructed our US Reps not to endorse the Communique as we look at Tariffs on automobiles flooding the US Market!" He followed up by tweeting: "PM Justin Trudeau of Canada acted so meek and mild during our (at)G7 meetings only to give a news conference after I left saying that, "US Tariffs were kind of insulting" and he "will not be pushed around." Very dishonest & weak. Our Tariffs are in response to his of 270% on dairy!" In a statement, a spokesman for Trudeau did not address Trump's insults. "We are focused on everything we accomplished here at the (hash)G7 summit," spokesman Cameron Ahmad said. "The Prime Minister said nothing he hasn't said before -- both in public, and in private conversations with the President." During an evening stroll with his wife and another couple, Trudeau was asked a couple of times by a reporter for his reaction to Trump's tweets. And he was also asked for his thoughts on what Trump's move could mean for the future of the G7 . Trudeau didn't answer the questions, responding to journalists at the photo op: "Good to see you guys ... It's a beautiful evening, a great weekend." Trump's personal attack on Trudeau is unprecedented in the countries' longstanding relationship. As he exited the world summit, Trump had delivered a stark warning to America's trading partners not to counter his decision to impose tariffs on steel and aluminum imports. But the summit host, Trudeau, whose nation was among those singled out by Trump, pushed back and said he would not hesitate to retaliate against his neighbour to the south. "If they retaliate, they're making a mistake," Trump declared before departing the annual Group of Seven summit, which includes Britain, Italy, France, Germany and Japan. Based on Justin’s false statements at his news conference, and the fact that Canada is charging massive Tariffs to our U.S. farmers, workers and companies, I have instructed our U.S. Reps not to endorse the Communique as we look at Tariffs on automobiles flooding the U.S. Market! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 9, 2018 × PM Justin Trudeau of Canada acted so meek and mild during our @G7 meetings only to give a news conference after I left saying that, “US Tariffs were kind of insulting” and he “will not be pushed around.” Very dishonest & weak. Our Tariffs are in response to his of 270% on dairy! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 9, 2018 × Trudeau later said he reiterated to Trump that tariffs will harm industries and workers on both sides of the US-Canada border. He said unleashing retaliatory measures "is not something I relish doing" but that he wouldn't hesitate to do so because "I will always protect Canadian workers and Canadian interests." "As Canadians, we are polite, we're reasonable, but also we will not be pushed around," Trudeau said. Despite the sharp differences, Trudeau said all seven leaders had come together to sign a joint declaration despite having "some strong, firm conversations on trade, and specifically on American tariffs." Trump himself insisted relationships with allies were a "ten" just before he left the summit. But Trump's abbreviated stay at this Quebec resort saw him continuing the same type of tough talk on trade as when he departed the White House, when he accused Trudeau of being "indignant." The summit came during an ongoing trade dispute with China and served as a precursor to the unprecedented meeting with Kim, in which Trump has sought to extend a hand to the Asian autocrat who has long bedeviled the international order. "His message from Quebec to Singapore is that he is going to meld the industrial democracies to his will -- and bring back Russia," said Steve Bannon, Trump's former campaign and White House adviser. Bannon said China is "now on notice that Trump will not back down from even allies' complaints in his goal of 'America First."' Speaking on Saturday during a rare solo news conference, Trump said he pressed for the G-7 countries to eliminate all tariffs, trade barriers and subsidies in their trading practices. He reiterated his longstanding view that the US has been taken advantage of in global trade, adding, "We're like the piggy bank that everybody's robbing, and that ends." He said US farmers had been harmed by tariffs and other barriers and warned that US trading partners would need to provide him with more favorable terms. "It's going to stop or we'll stop trading with them," he said. Trump cited progress on reaching an agreement on the North American Free Trade Agreement with Canada and Mexico, saying the final outcome would lead either to an improved trade deal or separate pacts with the two US neighbours. Trump said he was discussing two types of sunset provisions in which any of the countries could leave the deal. A Canadian official said the leaders discussed accelerating the pace of the talks. But Trudeau objected strenuously to a sunset clause of any length. "If you put an expiry date on any trade deal, that's not a trade deal. That's our unequivocal position," he said. Prior to his arrival on Friday, the president injected additional controversy by suggesting that the G-7 offer a seat at the table to Russia, which was ousted from the group in 2014. Trump said Saturday that re-admitting Russia to the elite club would be "an asset," telling reporters, "We're looking for peace in the world." Trump said he had not spoken with Russian President Vladimir Putin in a while. Discussing Russia's absence, Trump made the vague comment that "something happened a while ago where Russia is no longer in. I think it would be an asset to have Russia back in." In fact, Russia was expelled from what was then the G-8 after it invaded and annexed Crimea and for its support for pro-Russia separatists in Ukraine. Trump placed the blame on his predecessor, President Barack Obama. "He was the one who let Crimea get away -- that was during his administration," he said, adding: "Obama can say all he wants, but he allowed Russia to take Crimea. I may have had a much different attitude." It was not clear what Trump thought Obama should have done to prevent Putin from sending in Russian troops to seize the Black Sea peninsula from neighbouring Ukraine. Trudeau said he told Trump that readmitting Russia "is not something that we are even remotely looking at at this time." Trump departed the annual G-7 gathering after arriving late to a breakfast on gender equity and skipping later sessions on climate change, clean energy and ocean protection. Trump's recent moves, building on 18 months of nationalist policy-making, left him out of step with the globally minded organization and prompted speculation that the group could fracture into something more like the "G-6 plus one." A key question was whether the seven countries could agree on a joint statement of priorities at the conclusion of the meeting. Macron said Thursday on Twitter, "The American President may not mind being isolated, but neither do we mind signing a 6 country agreement if need be." Trump said Friday he thinks the group will produce a joint statement. In public, Trump bantered easily with his fellow leaders, but the meeting came at a tense moment in the relationships, with allies steaming over Trump's new tariffs on imported steel and aluminum from Canada, Mexico and the European Union. French President Emmanuel Macron said he and Trump had "open and direct" discussions, adding that he thought there was a way to get a "win-win" outcome on trade. Details remained unclear.

Trump throws G-7 into disarray with tweets after he leaves

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said nothing in his G7 news conference that he has not said before to U.S. President Donald Trump, his office said after Trump criticized Trudeau on Twitter as “weak and dishonest” in the wake of the Group of Seven summit.

“The prime minister said nothing he hasn’t said before — both in public, and in private conversations with the president,” Trudeau’s office said in a statement released on Twitter, which added Trudeau remained focused on what was accomplished at the two-day summit in Quebec.

After departing from the Quebec summit for Singapore, Trump tweeted that Trudeau's remarks at a news conference, where he said Canada would not be pushed around, "were very dishonest and weak".

"PM Justin Trudeau of Canada acted so meek and mild during our @G7 meetings only to give a news conference after I left saying that, 'US Tariffs were kind of insulting' and he 'will not be pushed around.' Very dishonest & weak. Our Tariffs are in response to his of 270% on dairy!" the US&nbsppresident tweeted.

The Group of Seven leaders came to their summit in Canada braced for battle, and while everyone had smiles ready for the cameras, behind the scenes U.S. President Donald Trump delivered recriminations on trade to U.S. allies, leaving the once united club deeply divided. Trade dominated the two-day summit that began on Friday (June 8) with leaders of Germany, France, Japan, Canada, Britain and Italy returning to the topic repeatedly in meetings.

"One could say that we weren't able to completely turn around President Trump's approach on trade, he's continuing to say what he says, fine, so be it," Trudeau said.

Leaders who had vowed to confront Trump over his decision to impose tariffs on U.S. allies last week as part of his "America First" agenda, showered Trump with data one after the other.

"I told the president that we would be moving forward with retaliatory equivalent tariffs as of July 1st," Trudeau said. "And he expressed to me that he thought that would be a mistake and I certainly agree that it's not something that we want to do. I don't want to hurt American workers. They're our neighbors, they're our friends. But my job is to stand up for Canadian workers, Canadian interests, and I will do that without flinching."

Trump had also suggested that Russia be re-admitted to the G7. Russia was suspended from the group in 2014 because of its annexation of Crimea from Ukraine. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said EU countries at the summit agreed that the conditions to readmit Russia had not been met and even Moscow seemed to reject the suggestion.

"I said very simply that it is not something we are even remotely interested in looking at at this time, to have Russia return to the G7," Trudeau said.

After departing from the Quebec summit for Singapore, Trump tweeted that Trudeau's remarks at a news conference, where he said Canada would not be pushed around, 'were very dishonest and weak'

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said nothing in his G7 news conference that he has not said before to U.S. President Donald Trump, his office said after Trump criticized Trudeau on Twitter as “weak and dishonest” in the wake of the Group of Seven summit. “The prime minister said nothing he hasn’t said before — both in public, and in private conversations with the president,” Trudeau’s office said in a statement released on Twitter, which added Trudeau remained focused on what was accomplished at the two-day summit in Quebec. After departing from the Quebec summit for Singapore, Trump tweeted that Trudeau's remarks at a news conference, where he said Canada would not be pushed around, "were very dishonest and weak". "PM Justin Trudeau of Canada acted so meek and mild during our @G7 meetings only to give a news conference after I left saying that, 'US Tariffs were kind of insulting' and he 'will not be pushed around.' Very dishonest & weak. Our Tariffs are in response to his of 270% on dairy!" the US&nbsppresident tweeted. The Group of Seven leaders came to their summit in Canada braced for battle, and while everyone had smiles ready for the cameras, behind the scenes U.S. President Donald Trump delivered recriminations on trade to U.S. allies, leaving the once united club deeply divided. Trade dominated the two-day summit that began on Friday (June 8) with leaders of Germany, France, Japan, Canada, Britain and Italy returning to the topic repeatedly in meetings. "One could say that we weren't able to completely turn around President Trump's approach on trade, he's continuing to say what he says, fine, so be it," Trudeau said. Leaders who had vowed to confront Trump over his decision to impose tariffs on U.S. allies last week as part of his "America First" agenda, showered Trump with data one after the other. "I told the president that we would be moving forward with retaliatory equivalent tariffs as of July 1st," Trudeau said. "And he expressed to me that he thought that would be a mistake and I certainly agree that it's not something that we want to do. I don't want to hurt American workers. They're our neighbors, they're our friends. But my job is to stand up for Canadian workers, Canadian interests, and I will do that without flinching." Trump had also suggested that Russia be re-admitted to the G7. Russia was suspended from the group in 2014 because of its annexation of Crimea from Ukraine. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said EU countries at the summit agreed that the conditions to readmit Russia had not been met and even Moscow seemed to reject the suggestion. "I said very simply that it is not something we are even remotely interested in looking at at this time, to have Russia return to the G7," Trudeau said.

In battle of tweets, Canada's Trudeau dismisses Trump critique

As US President called G-7 countries to admit Russia, French president Emmanuel Macron said European members "unanimously oppose" Russia's entry.

"I have been Russia's worst nightmare," Trump said, adding, "but with that being said, Russia should be in this meeting," the US president said as he left for the G7 meet. Trump's move was backed by Italian PM &nbsp;Minister Giuseppe Conti which is a G7 member.&nbsp;

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Le dialogue, encore et toujours. Échanger, tenter de convaincre, sans cesse, pour défendre les intérêts des Français et aussi de tous ceux qui croient que le monde ne se construit qu'ensemble. Avec le Président américain, avant l'ouverture du G7. <a href="https://t.co/7iI2rtAoEN">pic.twitter.com/7iI2rtAoEN</a>
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) <a href="https://twitter.com/EmmanuelMacron/status/1005138461924438017?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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However, both France and Germany opposed Russia's entry into the elite club.

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"We are in agreement that a return of Russia to the G7 cannot happen unless substantial progress is made in terms of the problems with Ukraine," Merkel said.

The G7 nations had ended Russia's membership after it annexed Crimea in 2014, the group was formerly known as G8. The US president strongly backed Russia's entry, saying: "Why are we having a meeting without Russia being in the meeting?

"I would recommend - it's up to them. But Russia should be in the meeting, should be a part of it."

French President Emmanuel Macron's office said European members of the G7 will "unanimously oppose US President Donald Trump's call for Russia to be readmitted into the club".

Reports said British PM Theresa May was also against Russia's entry.

Russia's entry has been a sticking point with Europeans with reports of Russians allegedly involved in poisoning an ex-spy in Britain which led to several European countries recalling their diplomats from Russia with British PM Theresa May taking a tough stand for renewed international pressure on Putin to address the issue including the Crimean annexation.

<iframe allow="autoplay encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZDstU42Y2Qg" width="560"></iframe>

Reports said British PM Theresa May was also against Russia's entry.

As US President called G-7 countries to admit Russia, French president Emmanuel Macron said European members "unanimously oppose" Russia's entry. "I have been Russia's worst nightmare," Trump said, adding, "but with that being said, Russia should be in this meeting," the US president said as he left for the G7 meet. Trump's move was backed by Italian PM Minister Giuseppe Conti which is a G7 member. Le dialogue, encore et toujours. Échanger, tenter de convaincre, sans cesse, pour défendre les intérêts des Français et aussi de tous ceux qui croient que le monde ne se construit qu'ensemble. Avec le Président américain, avant l'ouverture du G7. pic.twitter.com/7iI2rtAoEN — Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) June 8, 2018 × However, both France and Germany opposed Russia's entry into the elite club. × "We are in agreement that a return of Russia to the G7 cannot happen unless substantial progress is made in terms of the problems with Ukraine," Merkel said. The G7 nations had ended Russia's membership after it annexed Crimea in 2014, the group was formerly known as G8. The US president strongly backed Russia's entry, saying: "Why are we having a meeting without Russia being in the meeting? "I would recommend - it's up to them. But Russia should be in the meeting, should be a part of it." French President Emmanuel Macron's office said European members of the G7 will "unanimously oppose US President Donald Trump's call for Russia to be readmitted into the club". Reports said British PM Theresa May was also against Russia's entry. Russia's entry has been a sticking point with Europeans with reports of Russians allegedly involved in poisoning an ex-spy in Britain which led to several European countries recalling their diplomats from Russia with British PM Theresa May taking a tough stand for renewed international pressure on Putin to address the issue including the Crimean annexation.

Europeans nations 'unanimously oppose' President Trump's call to admit Russia into G7: Macron

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/-europeans-nations-unanimously-oppose-president-trumps-call-to-admit-russia-into-g7-macron-143208">Europeans nations 'unanimously oppose' President Trump's call to admit Russia into G7: Macron</a>

As US President called G-7 countries to admit Russia, French president Emmanuel Macron said European members "unanimously oppose" Russia's entry.

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/watch-macron-may-have-put-too-much-pressure-on-trump-at-the-g7-summit-leaves-thumb-imprint--143212">Watch: Macron may have put 'too much pressure' on Trump at G7, leaves thumb imprint</a>

French President Emmanuel Macron on&nbsp<a href="http://wionews.com/world/-europeans-nations-unanimously-oppose-president-trumps-call-to-admit-russia-into-g7-macron-143208">Friday met US President Donald Trump in&nbsp</a>Canada for the continued trade talks and put pressure on the US on its decision to impose tariffs&nbspon metals imports. But, he may have put a tad bit too much, which was evidently seen by the aftermath of the handshake - which left a prominent imprint on the US Presidents hand.&nbsp

<a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/despite-losing-unsc-seat-maldives-govt-thanks-india-for-support--143215">Despite losing UNSC seat, Maldives govt thanks India for support</a>

A day after Maldives failed to secure a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council, losing to&nbspIndonesia, the government of Maldives thanked the Indian government for supporting its candidature in the UNSC.

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-heads-to-china-for-sco-summit-143220">PM Modi heads to China for SCO Summit</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday morning departed for China's Qingdao to attend the two-day long 18th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

<a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/pak-interim-pm-reviews-fatf-requirements-on-terror-financing-143210">Pak interim PM reviews FATF requirements on terror financing</a>

Pakistan's interim Prime Minister Nasir-ul-Mulk reviewed on Friday the measures taken by the country to meet the requirement of the global watchdog Financial Action Task Force over terrorism financing.

&nbsp

Europeans nations 'unanimously oppose' President Trump's call to admit Russia into G7: Macron As US President called G-7 countries to admit Russia, French president Emmanuel Macron said European members "unanimously oppose" Russia's entry. Watch: Macron may have put 'too much pressure' on Trump at G7, leaves thumb imprint French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday met US President Donald Trump in Canada for the continued trade talks and put pressure on the US on its decision to impose tariffs&nbspon metals imports. But, he may have put a tad bit too much, which was evidently seen by the aftermath of the handshake - which left a prominent imprint on the US Presidents hand. Despite losing UNSC seat, Maldives govt thanks India for support A day after Maldives failed to secure a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council, losing to&nbspIndonesia, the government of Maldives thanked the Indian government for supporting its candidature in the UNSC. PM Modi heads to China for SCO Summit Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday morning departed for China's Qingdao to attend the two-day long 18th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Pak interim PM reviews FATF requirements on terror financing Pakistan's interim Prime Minister Nasir-ul-Mulk reviewed on Friday the measures taken by the country to meet the requirement of the global watchdog Financial Action Task Force over terrorism financing.

United States President Donald Trump will depart from his visit at the Group of Seven summit in Canada several hours early&nbsp;on Saturday.

The development reportedly comes after Trump had a spat with French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau over Twitter, both of whom he will meet face-to-face&nbsp;on Friday.

Trump will directly fly to Singapore for his much-awaited meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, scheduled to take place on June 12, and will skip sessions on climate change and the environment.

The US President will depart the G-7 summit mid-morning&nbsp;on Saturday&nbsp;after a session on women`s empowerment.

A White House aide will represent the US&nbsp;for the remainder of the summit the Hill quoted White House press secretary, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, as saying.

Earlier in the day, Trump lashed out at Trudeau and Macron in a series of tweets over the criticism on US&nbsp;imposition of trade tariff.

"Why isn`t the European Union and Canada informing the public that for years they have used massive Trade Tariffs and non-monetary Trade Barriers against the US totally unfair to our farmers, workers & companies.

Take down your tariffs & barriers or we will more than match you!" Trump tweeted&nbsp;on Friday."Prime Minister Trudeau is being so indignant, bringing up the relationship that the US&nbsp;and Canada had over the many years and all sorts of other things...but he doesn`t bring up the fact that they charge us up to 300% on dairy - hurting our Farmers, killing our Agriculture!," Trump wrote in another tweet. In another Twitter post, Trump wrote, "Please tell Prime Minister Trudeau and President Macron that they are charging the US&nbsp;massive tariffs and create non-monetary barriers.

The EU trade surplus with the US&nbsp;is $151 Billion, and Canada keeps our farmers and others out. Look forward to seeing them&nbsp;tomorrow.

"On May 31, the US had announced the imposition of 25 and 10 per cent tariffs on steel and aluminium respectively on three of its biggest trading partners - Canada, Mexico and the European Union (EU). Thereafter, Trudeau dubbed the trade tariffs as `insulting and unacceptable` and announced that the country would impose its own tariffs on US` goods in retaliation.

Meanwhile, Macron tweeted, "The American President may not mind being isolated, but neither do we mind signing a 6 country agreement if need be. Because these 6 countries represent values, they represent an economic market which has the weight of history behind it and which is now a true international force."

Trump will directly fly to Singapore for his much-awaited meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un

United States President Donald Trump will depart from his visit at the Group of Seven summit in Canada several hours early on Saturday. The development reportedly comes after Trump had a spat with French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau over Twitter, both of whom he will meet face-to-face on Friday. Trump will directly fly to Singapore for his much-awaited meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, scheduled to take place on June 12, and will skip sessions on climate change and the environment. The US President will depart the G-7 summit mid-morning on Saturday after a session on women`s empowerment. A White House aide will represent the US for the remainder of the summit the Hill quoted White House press secretary, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, as saying. Earlier in the day, Trump lashed out at Trudeau and Macron in a series of tweets over the criticism on US imposition of trade tariff. "Why isn`t the European Union and Canada informing the public that for years they have used massive Trade Tariffs and non-monetary Trade Barriers against the US totally unfair to our farmers, workers & companies. Take down your tariffs & barriers or we will more than match you!" Trump tweeted on Friday."Prime Minister Trudeau is being so indignant, bringing up the relationship that the US and Canada had over the many years and all sorts of other things...but he doesn`t bring up the fact that they charge us up to 300% on dairy - hurting our Farmers, killing our Agriculture!," Trump wrote in another tweet. In another Twitter post, Trump wrote, "Please tell Prime Minister Trudeau and President Macron that they are charging the US massive tariffs and create non-monetary barriers. The EU trade surplus with the US is $151 Billion, and Canada keeps our farmers and others out. Look forward to seeing them tomorrow. "On May 31, the US had announced the imposition of 25 and 10 per cent tariffs on steel and aluminium respectively on three of its biggest trading partners - Canada, Mexico and the European Union (EU). Thereafter, Trudeau dubbed the trade tariffs as `insulting and unacceptable` and announced that the country would impose its own tariffs on US` goods in retaliation. Meanwhile, Macron tweeted, "The American President may not mind being isolated, but neither do we mind signing a 6 country agreement if need be. Because these 6 countries represent values, they represent an economic market which has the weight of history behind it and which is now a true international force."

Trump to leave G7 summit early

&nbsp;Leaders of the Group of Seven rich nations are set to clash with a combative US President Donald Trump&nbsp;on Friday&nbsp;when they pressure him to lift sanctions on steel and aluminium they fear could lead to a trade war.

The confrontation threatens to rupture a body that during its 43-year history has traditionally sought to find consensus on the economy and other issues.

Trump, who aides say has little interest in multilateralism, twice attacked Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Twitter&nbsp;on Thursday&nbsp;and officials concede the mood is likely to be exceptionally tense.

"There will be some serious disagreements on a lot of things," a Canadian official told reporters late&nbsp;on Thursday.

Although Trump says the tariffs are necessary to protect US industry, Canada and the European Union have denounced them as illegal and are preparing retaliatory measures.

French President Emmanuel Macron said&nbsp;on Thursday&nbsp;leaders needed to be civil at the summit but he is clearly losing patience with the US President, suggesting the other six members of the G7 could form their own grouping if necessary.

British Prime Minister Theresa May took a more measured tone, telling reporters she wanted the European Union to use restraint in its retaliation to the US tariffs and that the response must be proportionate and legal.

Trump showed no sign of backing down&nbsp;on Thursday, first taking to Twitter to accuse both France and Canada of imposing massive tariffs on US goods and then accusing Trudeau of "being so indignant."

In response, the Canadian official replied that "the prime minister and the president have very frank, direct, candid, honest conversations." Trudeau and Trump are due to meet&nbsp;on Friday&nbsp;"and they will have lots to talk about," the official added.

The White House subsequently announced the president would be leaving&nbsp;on Saturday, before the summit formally ends, to fly to Singapore for a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

While the G7 leaders have largely praised Trump for his efforts to stabilize the Korean peninsula, they are unhappy he pulled out of an agreement designed to limit Iran's nuclear ambitions.

The arguments threaten to derail a meeting that Trudeau had planned to focus on inclusive growth, gender equality and protecting oceans.

The Canadian official said Trudeau remained optimistic that the summit could help find common solutions to issues such as growth and environmental protection.

The confrontation threatens to rupture a body that during its 43-year history has traditionally sought to find consensus on the economy and other issues

Leaders of the Group of Seven rich nations are set to clash with a combative US President Donald Trump on Friday when they pressure him to lift sanctions on steel and aluminium they fear could lead to a trade war. The confrontation threatens to rupture a body that during its 43-year history has traditionally sought to find consensus on the economy and other issues. Trump, who aides say has little interest in multilateralism, twice attacked Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Twitter on Thursday and officials concede the mood is likely to be exceptionally tense. "There will be some serious disagreements on a lot of things," a Canadian official told reporters late on Thursday. Although Trump says the tariffs are necessary to protect US industry, Canada and the European Union have denounced them as illegal and are preparing retaliatory measures. French President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday leaders needed to be civil at the summit but he is clearly losing patience with the US President, suggesting the other six members of the G7 could form their own grouping if necessary. British Prime Minister Theresa May took a more measured tone, telling reporters she wanted the European Union to use restraint in its retaliation to the US tariffs and that the response must be proportionate and legal. Trump showed no sign of backing down on Thursday, first taking to Twitter to accuse both France and Canada of imposing massive tariffs on US goods and then accusing Trudeau of "being so indignant." In response, the Canadian official replied that "the prime minister and the president have very frank, direct, candid, honest conversations." Trudeau and Trump are due to meet on Friday "and they will have lots to talk about," the official added. The White House subsequently announced the president would be leaving on Saturday, before the summit formally ends, to fly to Singapore for a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. While the G7 leaders have largely praised Trump for his efforts to stabilize the Korean peninsula, they are unhappy he pulled out of an agreement designed to limit Iran's nuclear ambitions. The arguments threaten to derail a meeting that Trudeau had planned to focus on inclusive growth, gender equality and protecting oceans. The Canadian official said Trudeau remained optimistic that the summit could help find common solutions to issues such as growth and environmental protection.

G7 leaders set to clash with combative Trump over tariffs, trade

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump on Friday said Russia should also be attending a Group of Seven nations summit, as he prepared to fly into a chilly reception at the meeting in Canada, where other G7 leaders are set to clash with him over trade, news agency Reuters reported.

Russia was expelled from what was then called the G8 in 2014 because of its annexation of Crimea from Ukraine. Trump said it should be readmitted.

"You know, whether you like it or not, and it may not be politically correct, but we have a world to run and the G7, which used to be the G8, they threw Russia out, they can let Russia come back in, because we should have Russia at the negotiating table," he was quoted as telling reporters before leaving Washington.

Other G7 leaders, including host Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, have been critical of Trump's trade policy ahead of the summit, condemning his administration's imposition of tariffs on steel and aluminum imported from allies including Canada and the European Union.

Trump's presidency has been clouded by a federal investigation into Russian meddling into the 2016 presidential election, and possible collusion by Trump's campaign.

Both Moscow and Trump have denied any such activity.

Trump was scheduled to leave the G7 meeting early on Saturday, to prepare for a summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Tuesday. The group consists of the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and Britain.

Russia was expelled from what was then called the G8 in 2014 because of its annexation of Crimea from Ukraine.

US President Donald Trump on Friday said Russia should also be attending a Group of Seven nations summit, as he prepared to fly into a chilly reception at the meeting in Canada, where other G7 leaders are set to clash with him over trade, news agency Reuters reported. Russia was expelled from what was then called the G8 in 2014 because of its annexation of Crimea from Ukraine. Trump said it should be readmitted. "You know, whether you like it or not, and it may not be politically correct, but we have a world to run and the G7, which used to be the G8, they threw Russia out, they can let Russia come back in, because we should have Russia at the negotiating table," he was quoted as telling reporters before leaving Washington. Other G7 leaders, including host Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, have been critical of Trump's trade policy ahead of the summit, condemning his administration's imposition of tariffs on steel and aluminum imported from allies including Canada and the European Union. Trump's presidency has been clouded by a federal investigation into Russian meddling into the 2016 presidential election, and possible collusion by Trump's campaign. Both Moscow and Trump have denied any such activity. Trump was scheduled to leave the G7 meeting early on Saturday, to prepare for a summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Tuesday. The group consists of the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and Britain.

US President Donald Trump calls for end to Russian expulsion from G7

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