The United States and China clashed in rare talks Friday as President Joe Biden made his international debut at the G7 summit, with his administration pressing Beijing on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">Covid</a>, Taiwan and human rights.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken, joining Biden at the summit of industrial democracies in England, spoke by telephone with senior Chinese official Yang Jiechi, their first talks since a heated in-person encounter in Alaska in March.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-leaders-meet-at-g7-summit-amid-coronavirus-crisis-390883">World leaders meet at G7 summit amid coronavirus crisis</a>

As Biden used his first presidential trip abroad to unveil a massive plan to buy and distribute 500 million Covid vaccine doses around the world, Blinken renewed US pressure on China over the origins of the pandemic that has killed more than 3.7 million people.

Blinken "stressed the importance of cooperation and transparency regarding the origin of the virus," including allowing World Health Organization experts back into China, State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a statement.

Biden has ordered US intelligence to report back by late August on whether Covid-19, first detected in late 2019 in the city of Wuhan, emerged from an animal source or a laboratory accident.

Former President Donald Trump trotted out the lab-leak theory but was widely dismissed, with many believing he was seeking to deflect criticism over his own handling of the pandemic, but Biden has said there was a need for further study after criticizing Beijing for not giving more access to a WHO probe.&nbsp;

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Yang told Blinken that the laboratory theory was "absurd," according to the state-run China Global Television Network.

"We urge the US side to respect facts and science, not to politicize the origin tracing and to focus its attention on international cooperation on the fight against the pandemic," Yang said.

China, which like Russia has been shipping its own vaccines to friendly countries, has sought to rebrand itself in the world's eyes not as the country that failed to stop the virus but as a model on how to contain it.

'Interests of small circles'&nbsp;

Yang, a senior Politburo member who has long taken a lead in Beijing's handling of the United States, renewed denunciations of Washington as Biden met with leaders from other Group of Seven nations, Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-says-g7-may-reallocate-100-billion-from-imf-funds-to-covid-ravaged-nations-390990">US says G7 may reallocate $100 billion from IMF funds to COVID-ravaged nations</a>

"Genuine multilateralism is not pseudo-multilateralism based on the interests of small circles," Yang told Blinken, according to China Central Television.

"The only genuine multilateralism is that founded on the principles of the charter of the United Nations and international law," Yang said.

Yang also renewed accusations of US hypocrisy on human rights as Blinken pressed on what the United States considers the genocide of Uyghurs and other mostly Muslim Turkic people who are incarcerated in camps.

"The United States should resolve its own domestic serious human rights violations, and not use the so-called human rights issues as an excuse to arbitrarily interfere in the internal affairs of other countries," he said.

Yang made similar accusations about the United States in front of cameras during the meeting in Anchorage, taking aback US officials who expected brief, civil remarks but raising his star power inside China.

Concern on Taiwan

Blinken also voiced alarm at China's increasing pressure on Taiwan including military flights off its coast.

Blinken "called on Beijing to cease its pressure campaign against Taiwan and peacefully resolve cross-Strait issues," the State Department statement said.

Washington has been increasingly alarmed that China will attempt to use force on Taiwan, a self-governing democracy it considers part of its territory, after its sweeping curbs on freedoms in Hong Kong.

The United States in recent days agreed to reopen trade talks with Taiwan and authorized a military plane to bring a delegation of senators who offered Covid vaccines.

Amid wide bipartisan criticism of China, Biden has largely continued the hawkish stance of Trump, in substance if not in tone.

The Biden administration has described China as a pre-eminent international challenge and vowed to counter it by shoring up alliances and investing heavily in infrastructure and development at home.

The United States and China clashed in rare talks Friday as President Joe Biden made his international debut at the G7 summit, with his administration pressing Beijing on Covid, Taiwan and human rights.

The United States and China clashed in rare talks Friday as President Joe Biden made his international debut at the G7 summit, with his administration pressing Beijing on Covid, Taiwan and human rights. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, joining Biden at the summit of industrial democracies in England, spoke by telephone with senior Chinese official Yang Jiechi, their first talks since a heated in-person encounter in Alaska in March. Also read | World leaders meet at G7 summit amid coronavirus crisis As Biden used his first presidential trip abroad to unveil a massive plan to buy and distribute 500 million Covid vaccine doses around the world, Blinken renewed US pressure on China over the origins of the pandemic that has killed more than 3.7 million people. Blinken "stressed the importance of cooperation and transparency regarding the origin of the virus," including allowing World Health Organization experts back into China, State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a statement. Biden has ordered US intelligence to report back by late August on whether Covid-19, first detected in late 2019 in the city of Wuhan, emerged from an animal source or a laboratory accident. Former President Donald Trump trotted out the lab-leak theory but was widely dismissed, with many believing he was seeking to deflect criticism over his own handling of the pandemic, but Biden has said there was a need for further study after criticizing Beijing for not giving more access to a WHO probe. Yang told Blinken that the laboratory theory was "absurd," according to the state-run China Global Television Network. "We urge the US side to respect facts and science, not to politicize the origin tracing and to focus its attention on international cooperation on the fight against the pandemic," Yang said. China, which like Russia has been shipping its own vaccines to friendly countries, has sought to rebrand itself in the world's eyes not as the country that failed to stop the virus but as a model on how to contain it. 'Interests of small circles' Yang, a senior Politburo member who has long taken a lead in Beijing's handling of the United States, renewed denunciations of Washington as Biden met with leaders from other Group of Seven nations, Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan. Also read | US says G7 may reallocate $100 billion from IMF funds to COVID-ravaged nations "Genuine multilateralism is not pseudo-multilateralism based on the interests of small circles," Yang told Blinken, according to China Central Television. "The only genuine multilateralism is that founded on the principles of the charter of the United Nations and international law," Yang said. Yang also renewed accusations of US hypocrisy on human rights as Blinken pressed on what the United States considers the genocide of Uyghurs and other mostly Muslim Turkic people who are incarcerated in camps. "The United States should resolve its own domestic serious human rights violations, and not use the so-called human rights issues as an excuse to arbitrarily interfere in the internal affairs of other countries," he said. Yang made similar accusations about the United States in front of cameras during the meeting in Anchorage, taking aback US officials who expected brief, civil remarks but raising his star power inside China. Concern on Taiwan Blinken also voiced alarm at China's increasing pressure on Taiwan including military flights off its coast. Blinken "called on Beijing to cease its pressure campaign against Taiwan and peacefully resolve cross-Strait issues," the State Department statement said. Washington has been increasingly alarmed that China will attempt to use force on Taiwan, a self-governing democracy it considers part of its territory, after its sweeping curbs on freedoms in Hong Kong. The United States in recent days agreed to reopen trade talks with Taiwan and authorized a military plane to bring a delegation of senators who offered Covid vaccines. Amid wide bipartisan criticism of China, Biden has largely continued the hawkish stance of Trump, in substance if not in tone. The Biden administration has described China as a pre-eminent international challenge and vowed to counter it by shoring up alliances and investing heavily in infrastructure and development at home.

US, China clash as Biden debuts at G7

The White House said on Saturday that US President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin will not hold a joint press conference after their meet. Biden will hold a solo press conference after he meets Putin.

A US official said the meeting in Geneva on Wednesday is expected to be "candid and straightforward".

But they added: "A solo press conference is the appropriate format to clearly communicate with the free press the topics that were raised in the meeting, both in terms of areas where we may agree and in areas where we have significant concerns."

The White House said the meeting would involve "a working session and a smaller session", without giving further details.

Many issues are on the table as the two presidents meet. These include US concerns about Russian Sabre-rattling on Ukrainian border, imprisonment of Alexei Navalny and Putin's support for Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko.

Biden also blames Russia for the massive SolarWinds cyberattack, election interference, and harbouring criminals behind a spate of ransomware attacks.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolsonaro-booed-on-plane-tells-critics-to-take-a-donkey-391010">Bolsonaro booed on plane, tells critics to 'take a donkey'</a>

Washington has insisted for weeks now that its aim is to make relations between the two countries more "stable and predictable".&nbsp;

The joint press conference that followed the meeting between Biden's predecessor Donald Trump and Putin in Helsinki in July 2018 is still fresh in the memory in the United States.

Trump caused an outcry in his own camp by indicating he accepted the word of Putin above the conclusions of his own intelligence agencies that Russia did not interfere in the 2016 US presidential election campaign.

(With inputs from agencies)

The White House said on Saturday that US President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin will not hold a joint press conference after their meet. Biden will hold a solo press conference after he meets Putin.

The White House said on Saturday that US President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin will not hold a joint press conference after their meet. Biden will hold a solo press conference after he meets Putin. A US official said the meeting in Geneva on Wednesday is expected to be "candid and straightforward". But they added: "A solo press conference is the appropriate format to clearly communicate with the free press the topics that were raised in the meeting, both in terms of areas where we may agree and in areas where we have significant concerns." The White House said the meeting would involve "a working session and a smaller session", without giving further details. Many issues are on the table as the two presidents meet. These include US concerns about Russian Sabre-rattling on Ukrainian border, imprisonment of Alexei Navalny and Putin's support for Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko. Biden also blames Russia for the massive SolarWinds cyberattack, election interference, and harbouring criminals behind a spate of ransomware attacks. Also Read | Bolsonaro booed on plane, tells critics to 'take a donkey' Washington has insisted for weeks now that its aim is to make relations between the two countries more "stable and predictable". The joint press conference that followed the meeting between Biden's predecessor Donald Trump and Putin in Helsinki in July 2018 is still fresh in the memory in the United States. Trump caused an outcry in his own camp by indicating he accepted the word of Putin above the conclusions of his own intelligence agencies that Russia did not interfere in the 2016 US presidential election campaign. (With inputs from agencies)

No joint press conference after Biden-Putin meet, says White House

Joe Biden has waited 50 years for this: his first foreign trip as US president. Biden is in Europe for 8 days. What's on his agenda? Which leaders will he meet? What will he tell Putin? WION’s Palki Sharma has the answers.

Gravitas: Joe Biden's first foreign trip as US president

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and US President Joe Biden are all set for their first one on one meeting in Cornwall. Watch this report to know more.

Leaders of UK, US aim to build on common goals

UK PM, US president to meeet ahead of Group of Seven summit

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson hailed US President Joe Biden as "a big breath of fresh air" on Thursday because he wanted to work with London on a huge range of issues ranging from climate change and COVID to security.

"It’s a big breath of fresh air," Johnson said of the talks with Biden. "It’s new, it’s interesting and we’re working very hard together. We went on for about an hour and 20 or so. It was a long, long, good session. We covered a huge range of subjects."

Biden is keen to try to use the trip to burnish his multilateral credentials after the tumult of Donald Trump's presidency, which left many U.S. allies in Europe and Asia bewildered and some alienated.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g7-leaders-agree-to-provide-1-billion-covid-vaccine-doses-to-world-uk-390730">Also Read |&nbsp;G7 leaders agree to provide 1 billion Covid vaccine doses 'to world': UK</a>

Johnson played down differences with Washington over the impact of Brexit on the peace in Northern Ireland, saying that the United States, United Kingdom, and European Union had "complete harmony" on finding solutions to uphold the 1998 peace deal.

"There’s complete harmony on the need to keep going, find solutions, and make sure we uphold the Belfast Good Friday Agreement," Johnson said. "And I think what’s interesting is Northern Ireland is a fantastic place and it’s got amazing potential. It is a great, great part of the UK."

Asked if Biden had made his alarm about the situation in Northern Ireland very clear, Johnson said: "No he didn't. 
"America, the United States, Washington, the UK, plus the European Union have one thing we absolutely all want to do,"

Johnson said. "And that is to uphold the Belfast Good Friday Agreement and make sure we keep the balance of the peace process going. That is absolutely common ground," Johnson said.

"You know, I’m optimistic."

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson hailed US President Joe Biden as "a big breath of fresh air" on Thursday because he wanted to work with London on a huge range of issues ranging from climate change and COVID to security.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson hailed US President Joe Biden as "a big breath of fresh air" on Thursday because he wanted to work with London on a huge range of issues ranging from climate change and COVID to security. "It’s a big breath of fresh air," Johnson said of the talks with Biden. "It’s new, it’s interesting and we’re working very hard together. We went on for about an hour and 20 or so. It was a long, long, good session. We covered a huge range of subjects." Biden is keen to try to use the trip to burnish his multilateral credentials after the tumult of Donald Trump's presidency, which left many U.S. allies in Europe and Asia bewildered and some alienated. Also Read | G7 leaders agree to provide 1 billion Covid vaccine doses 'to world': UK Johnson played down differences with Washington over the impact of Brexit on the peace in Northern Ireland, saying that the United States, United Kingdom, and European Union had "complete harmony" on finding solutions to uphold the 1998 peace deal. "There’s complete harmony on the need to keep going, find solutions, and make sure we uphold the Belfast Good Friday Agreement," Johnson said. "And I think what’s interesting is Northern Ireland is a fantastic place and it’s got amazing potential. It is a great, great part of the UK." Asked if Biden had made his alarm about the situation in Northern Ireland very clear, Johnson said: "No he didn't. "America, the United States, Washington, the UK, plus the European Union have one thing we absolutely all want to do," Johnson said. "And that is to uphold the Belfast Good Friday Agreement and make sure we keep the balance of the peace process going. That is absolutely common ground," Johnson said. "You know, I’m optimistic."

UK's Johnson hails Biden as 'a big breath of fresh air'

US President Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson held their first in-person talks ahead of the G7 Summit in Cornwall in southwest England. During their meeting, they agreed on a deal called the Atlantic Charter, which commits the two countries to work together on global challenges.

Biden-Johnson agreed on Atlantic Charter deal during first in-person talks

According to a Pew Research Center survey of 12 nations, the United States' image abroad has improved sharply since President Joe Biden replaced Donald Trump. More than 16,000 adults from 16 countries expressed confidence in Biden.

Survey: US' global image improves sharply under Biden compared to Trump

Two of the world's most powerful couple strolled across the beachfront holding their spouse's hands. Joe Biden said that he was thrilled to meet Carrie Johnson who married Mr. Johnson at the end of last month.

Joe Biden tells Boris Johnson ‘we both married way above our stature'

US President Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson held their first in-person talks ahead of the G7 Summit in Cornwall in southwest England. After the meeting between the two leaders, Johnson said that the talks with Biden were a "big breath of fresh air".

Johnson plays down differences with Biden over Northern Ireland, ahead of G7 summit

US President Joe Biden plans to buy and donate 500 million doses of the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine to more than 90 countries while calling on the world's democracies to do their part to help end the deadly pandemic, the White House said.

The announcement of the vaccine donation - the largest ever by a single country - comes ahead of Biden's meeting with leaders of the other Group of Seven advanced economies - Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan - in Cornwall, England. 
"The goal of today's donation is to save lives and end the pandemic and will provide the foundation for additional actions to be announced in the coming days," the White House said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-us-to-end-trade-tariffs-call-for-new-study-into-covid-19-origins-says-summit-draft-390485">Also Read|&nbsp;EU, US to end trade tariffs, call for new study into COVID-19 origins, says summit draft</a>

U.S. drugmaker Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech confirmed they will provide 200 million doses in 2021 and 300 million doses in the first half of 2022, which the United States will then distribute to 92 lower-income countries and the African Union. 
The shots, which will be produced at Pfizer's U.S. production sites, will be provided at a not-for-profit price.

"Our partnership with the U.S. government will help bring hundreds of millions of doses of our vaccine to the poorest countries around the world as quickly as possible," said Pfizer Chief Executive Albert Bourla.

 
"SUPERCHARGE THE GLOBAL FIGHT" 
The donation, first reported on Wednesday, was negotiated over the past four weeks by White House COVID-19 response coordinator Jeff Zients and the coronavirus task force team, a source familiar with the matter said.

It is meant to "supercharge the global fight against the pandemic," the White House said. 
The pandemic has killed about 3.9 million people around the world, with the infection reported in more than 210 countries and territories since the first cases were identified in China in December 2019.

The new donations come on top of some 80 million doses Washington has already pledged to donate by the end of June, and $2 billion in funding earmarked for the COVAX program led by the World Health Organization and the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization, the White House said.

They will be part of the total U.S. commitment of $4 billion to COVAX announced earlier this year, a White House official said.&nbsp;Washington is also taking steps to support local production of COVID-19 vaccines in other countries, including through its Quad initiative with Japan, India, and Australia.

"President Biden has been clear that borders cannot keep this pandemic at bay and has vowed that our nation will be the arsenal of vaccines," the White House said.

Pfizer plans to produce the half a billion doses at its facilities in Kalamazoo, Michigan; McPherson, Kansas; Chesterfield, Missouri; and Andover, Massachusetts, the White House said.

CNBC reported on Wednesday that the United States is also talking with Moderna Inc about buying some of its shots to donate to other countries.

A Moderna spokesperson said the company is interested in providing the U.S. government with COVID-19 shots for low- and middle-income countries but declined to comment on any talks.

Biden's announcement comes amid mounting pressure for the United States, which has now given at least one shot to around 64% of its adult population, to boost donations of COVID-19 shots to other countries that are desperately seeking doses.

US President Joe Biden plans to buy and donate 500 million doses of the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine to more than 90 countries while calling on the world's democracies to do their part to help end the deadly pandemic, the White House said.

US President Joe Biden plans to buy and donate 500 million doses of the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine to more than 90 countries while calling on the world's democracies to do their part to help end the deadly pandemic, the White House said. The announcement of the vaccine donation - the largest ever by a single country - comes ahead of Biden's meeting with leaders of the other Group of Seven advanced economies - Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan - in Cornwall, England. "The goal of today's donation is to save lives and end the pandemic and will provide the foundation for additional actions to be announced in the coming days," the White House said. Also Read| EU, US to end trade tariffs, call for new study into COVID-19 origins, says summit draft U.S. drugmaker Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech confirmed they will provide 200 million doses in 2021 and 300 million doses in the first half of 2022, which the United States will then distribute to 92 lower-income countries and the African Union. The shots, which will be produced at Pfizer's U.S. production sites, will be provided at a not-for-profit price. "Our partnership with the U.S. government will help bring hundreds of millions of doses of our vaccine to the poorest countries around the world as quickly as possible," said Pfizer Chief Executive Albert Bourla. "SUPERCHARGE THE GLOBAL FIGHT" The donation, first reported on Wednesday, was negotiated over the past four weeks by White House COVID-19 response coordinator Jeff Zients and the coronavirus task force team, a source familiar with the matter said. It is meant to "supercharge the global fight against the pandemic," the White House said. The pandemic has killed about 3.9 million people around the world, with the infection reported in more than 210 countries and territories since the first cases were identified in China in December 2019. The new donations come on top of some 80 million doses Washington has already pledged to donate by the end of June, and $2 billion in funding earmarked for the COVAX program led by the World Health Organization and the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization, the White House said. They will be part of the total U.S. commitment of $4 billion to COVAX announced earlier this year, a White House official said. Washington is also taking steps to support local production of COVID-19 vaccines in other countries, including through its Quad initiative with Japan, India, and Australia. "President Biden has been clear that borders cannot keep this pandemic at bay and has vowed that our nation will be the arsenal of vaccines," the White House said. Pfizer plans to produce the half a billion doses at its facilities in Kalamazoo, Michigan; McPherson, Kansas; Chesterfield, Missouri; and Andover, Massachusetts, the White House said. CNBC reported on Wednesday that the United States is also talking with Moderna Inc about buying some of its shots to donate to other countries. A Moderna spokesperson said the company is interested in providing the U.S. government with COVID-19 shots for low- and middle-income countries but declined to comment on any talks. Biden's announcement comes amid mounting pressure for the United States, which has now given at least one shot to around 64% of its adult population, to boost donations of COVID-19 shots to other countries that are desperately seeking doses.

COVID-19: US to donate 500 million Pfizer doses, urge others to join in

On his eight-day trip, Biden will meet with leaders of the Group of Seven nations, the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization defence alliance.

Joe Biden seeks allies’ support in confronting Putin, Xi Jinping

As the US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a> and the First Lady Jill Biden started their first international trip since taking over the White House, Dr Biden made headlines for wearing a jacket that read ‘Love’ on the back.

Her jacket with the word 'Love' was an extension of the message the FLOTUS is trying to carry forward in her first official trip to Europe with the President.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ahead-of-g7-summit-us-president-biden-meets-uk-pm-johnson-390677" hreflang="en">Ahead of G7 summit, US President Biden meets UK PM Johnson</a>

"We're bringing love from America… This is a global conference, we’re trying to bring unity across the globe,” Jill Biden said.

This is not the first time a First Lady has worn a jacket with a message on the back. Jill Biden’s 'Love' jacket brought back memories of her predecessor, Melania Trump, who was once spotted wearing a green-coloured jacket that read 'Really don’t care. Do you?'

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Jill Biden actually cares. Melania Trump on the other hand, doesn’t give a damn. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BeBest?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BeBest</a> kinda fizzled out after a week. <a href="https://t.co/X6cS4Ib4XG">pic.twitter.com/X6cS4Ib4XG</a>
— KeanoTheDog (@judgeyourself99) <a href="https://twitter.com/judgeyourself99/status/1403022163515424771?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 2021</a></blockquote>
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It’s nice to have a First Lady again who not only exudes class, but also displays compassion. Racist birther trash is gone, Dr. Jill Biden is here. <a href="https://t.co/Kuus39sLzk">pic.twitter.com/Kuus39sLzk</a>
— Ricky Davila (@TheRickyDavila) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheRickyDavila/status/1403034714470969345?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/thursdayvibes?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#thursdayvibes</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ThursdayMorning?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ThursdayMorning</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/thursdaymood?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#thursdaymood</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ThursdayThoughts?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ThursdayThoughts</a> It Feels so Amazing having an educated Beautiful Loving well spoken <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FLOTUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FLOTUS</a> back in the WH. Thanku “Dr. Jill Biden” / Poor “Melania Trump” was &amp; always will be known as DTs wife who didn’t care👋🏾 <a href="https://t.co/lJ8hhorod2">pic.twitter.com/lJ8hhorod2</a>
— Donnedia Edmond (@donnedia) <a href="https://twitter.com/donnedia/status/1403021835470467077?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Jill Biden also posted a picture posing in front of a large binder with the caption "Prepping for the G7."

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Prepping for the G7. <a href="https://t.co/drPmb2vBwI">pic.twitter.com/drPmb2vBwI</a>
— Jill Biden (@FLOTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/FLOTUS/status/1402674407324229637?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 9, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The First Couple also met with the US soldiers posted in the UK, during which Jill Biden thanked the American service members for their service and Joe Biden assured them that he will be meeting the Russian President, Vladimir Putin, to bring stability in the disrupting relationship of the two countries.

"I'll travel to Geneva to sit down with a man I’ve spent time with before, President Vladimir Putin," Joe Biden said. "We are not seeking conflict with Russia. We want a stable, predictable relationship. Our two nations share incredible responsibilities and, among them, ensuring strategic stability and upholding arms control agreements."&nbsp;

As the US President Joe Biden and the First Lady Jill Biden started their first international trip since taking over the White House, Dr Biden made headlines for wearing a jacket that read ‘Love’ on the back.

As the US President Joe Biden and the First Lady Jill Biden started their first international trip since taking over the White House, Dr Biden made headlines for wearing a jacket that read ‘Love’ on the back. Her jacket with the word 'Love' was an extension of the message the FLOTUS is trying to carry forward in her first official trip to Europe with the President. Also read | Ahead of G7 summit, US President Biden meets UK PM Johnson "We're bringing love from America… This is a global conference, we’re trying to bring unity across the globe,” Jill Biden said. This is not the first time a First Lady has worn a jacket with a message on the back. Jill Biden’s 'Love' jacket brought back memories of her predecessor, Melania Trump, who was once spotted wearing a green-coloured jacket that read 'Really don’t care. Do you?' Jill Biden actually cares. Melania Trump on the other hand, doesn’t give a damn. #BeBest kinda fizzled out after a week. pic.twitter.com/X6cS4Ib4XG — KeanoTheDog (@judgeyourself99) June 10, 2021 × It’s nice to have a First Lady again who not only exudes class, but also displays compassion. Racist birther trash is gone, Dr. Jill Biden is here. pic.twitter.com/Kuus39sLzk — Ricky Davila (@TheRickyDavila) June 10, 2021 × #thursdayvibes #ThursdayMorning #thursdaymood #ThursdayThoughts It Feels so Amazing having an educated Beautiful Loving well spoken #FLOTUS back in the WH. Thanku “Dr. Jill Biden” / Poor “Melania Trump” was & always will be known as DTs wife who didn’t care👋🏾 pic.twitter.com/lJ8hhorod2 — Donnedia Edmond (@donnedia) June 10, 2021 × Jill Biden also posted a picture posing in front of a large binder with the caption "Prepping for the G7." Prepping for the G7. pic.twitter.com/drPmb2vBwI — Jill Biden (@FLOTUS) June 9, 2021 × The First Couple also met with the US soldiers posted in the UK, during which Jill Biden thanked the American service members for their service and Joe Biden assured them that he will be meeting the Russian President, Vladimir Putin, to bring stability in the disrupting relationship of the two countries. "I'll travel to Geneva to sit down with a man I’ve spent time with before, President Vladimir Putin," Joe Biden said. "We are not seeking conflict with Russia. We want a stable, predictable relationship. Our two nations share incredible responsibilities and, among them, ensuring strategic stability and upholding arms control agreements."

'All about love': Jill Biden's jacket spreads her message of unity

Joe Biden is rallying the world's democracies for a looming showdown with China. How will this second cold war play out? Who holds the edge?

Gravitas: Biden rallying democracies for second Cold War?

6,500 cops, 150 sniffer dogs, drones & helicopters have reached UK'S Cornwall town ahead of Joe Biden's first overseas visit. Biden will attend the G7, NATO & EU summits. He will also meet Queen Elizabeth II, Erdogan & Putin.

Gravitas: Joe Biden in Europe: All you need to know

The Biden administration intends to revive federal environmental protections for millions of streams, marshes and other bodies of water across the country that had been eliminated by former President Donald Trump in his quest to please homebuilders, farmers and ranchers.

The Environmental Protection Agency made the announcement Wednesday after it said it had found that the changes under Trump caused “significant environmental degradation.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/restoring-environmental-rules-rolled-back-by-trump-could-take-years-358684">Restoring environmental rules rolled back by Trump could take years</a>

The problem is particularly glaring in arid states such as New Mexico and Arizona, where nearly every one of more than 1,500 streams lost environmental protections under the Trump rules, said Michael Regan, administrator of the EPA. More than 300 development projects were able to go forward without regard to whether they were polluting streams or waterways under the changes made by Trump, the EPA said.

It marked the latest in a series of decisions by President Joe Biden to restore environmental protections that Trump had weakened or repealed, and it sets the stage for a regulatory and legal battle over an issue that has pitted environmental groups against agricultural interests for decades.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-using-last-days-to-lock-in-policies-and-make-bidens-task-more-difficult-344719">Trump using last days to lock in policies and make Biden’s task more difficult</a>

The effort also will be a test for Regan, who came to Washington with a reputation as a consensus builder who could find common ground between industry and environmentalists. In a statement Wednesday, Regan said the agency is “committed to establishing a durable definition of ‘waters of the United States’” and added that he intends to draw “from the lessons learned” from the Obama and Trump administrations.

By starting early to revise the policy, the Biden administration stands a greater chance of defending it against the legal challenges that are expected to come, said Richard Revesz, a professor of environmental law at New York University. “That makes it much more likely it will stick,” Revesz said.

Republicans on Wednesday criticized the move and vowed to fight it, saying Trump’s policy had protected farmers and removed what many felt were onerous cleanup burdens. “It’s a shame the Biden administration wants to undo the good work of the Trump administration,” Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., said, adding that his state was “well-positioned in the event of overreach” to fight the Biden EPA’s plan. Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, called it a “gut punch” to her state. Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark., dubbed it a “Biden administration power grab.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-administration-secretly-seized-phone-records-of-times-reporters-389303">Trump administration secretly seized phone records of Times reporters</a>&nbsp;

The original measure, known as the Waters of the United States rule, dates to the Obama administration and extended the range of bodies of water that were subject to the 1972 Clean Water Act, an issue that had for decades lacked clarity.

The Obama administration protected about 60 per cent of the nation’s waterways, including large bodies of water such as the Chesapeake Bay, Mississippi River and Puget Sound, and smaller headwaters, wetlands, seasonal streams and streams that run temporarily underground. It limited the discharge of pollutants such as fertilizers, pesticides and industrial chemicals into those waters.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-revokes-trumps-ban-on-chinese-apps-tiktok-wechat-orders-criteria-based-decision-390430">Biden revokes Trump's ban on Chinese apps TikTok, WeChat; orders 'criteria-based decision'</a>

Trump repealed the policy in 2019, calling it “one of the most ridiculous regulations of all,” and claimed that his repeal caused farmers to weep in gratitude. One year later, his EPA finalized the Navigable Waters Protection Rule, which removed protections for more than half of the nation’s wetlands and hundreds of thousands of miles of upland streams by narrowing the definition of what constitutes a “water of the United States.”

In doing so, Trump framed the change as the rightful return of power from the federal government to landowners and states. In a statement on Wednesday, Chuck Fowke, chairman of the National Association of Homebuilders, expressed concern that changes to the water rule will “add unnecessary requirements” that will hurt housing affordability.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-was-scared-biden-would-be-replaced-with-hillary-clinton-or-michelle-obama-book-claims-390209">Trump was scared Biden would be replaced with Hillary Clinton or Michelle Obama, book claims</a>

Tuesday’s announcement does not start the process of revising the regulation. That will come when the EPA officially promulgates a proposed new rule, possibly later this year. Wednesday’s action was a legal move in which the Department of Justice and Department of the Army formally requested repeal of the Trump-era rule.

“Communities deserve to have our nation’s waters protected,” Jaime Pinkham, acting assistant Army secretary for civil work, said in a statement. He said the Trump-era rule resulted in a significant drop in determinations of waters that would otherwise have been afforded protection.

Environmental groups and Democrats in Congress praised the announcement and pressed the administration to work quickly to unravel the Trump policy. “Every day the ‘Dirty Water’ rule remains in effect, it causes irreparable harm to our health, to our environment, and to our economies,” Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-Ore., chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, said in a statement.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-administration-moves-to-unkink-supply-chain-bottlenecks-390215">Biden administration moves to unkink supply chain bottlenecks</a>

However, some legal experts said that by moving to repeal Trump’s measure and start over again, rather than building on the previous rule, the Biden administration might only prolong the back and forth that has gone on for years. “It could perpetuate this place we are in, in which each administration throws out what the last administration does, and that is not good for anyone who is interested in this issue,” said Kevin Minoli who served as a lawyer at the EPA in the Clinton, Bush, Obama and Trump administrations.

Regan has years of experience working with Republicans on the clean water rule, which was a major issue in North Carolina where he served as head of the state’s Department of Environmental Quality before leading the EPA.

When he testified before lawmakers in April, Regan vowed not to return to what many Republicans felt was the Obama administration’s overly expansive definition of a federal waterway. “We’ve learned lessons from both, we’ve seen complexities in both, and we’ve determined both rules necessarily did not listen to the will of the people,” he said. “We don’t have any intention of going back to the original Obama Waters of the US&nbsp;verbatim.”

The Biden administration’s decision to restore the federal protections is one in a string of reversals it is making to Trump-era environmental decisions, which were themselves reversals of Obama administration actions. The Trump administration repealed or weakened more than 100 environmental rules or laws, loosening or eliminating rules on climate change, clean air, chemical pollution, coal mining, oil drilling and endangered species protections.

The Biden administration intends to revive federal environmental protections for millions of streams, marshes and other bodies of water across the country that had been eliminated by former President Donald Trump in his quest to please homebuilders, farmers and ranchers.

The Biden administration intends to revive federal environmental protections for millions of streams, marshes and other bodies of water across the country that had been eliminated by former President Donald Trump in his quest to please homebuilders, farmers and ranchers. The Environmental Protection Agency made the announcement Wednesday after it said it had found that the changes under Trump caused “significant environmental degradation.” Also read | Restoring environmental rules rolled back by Trump could take years The problem is particularly glaring in arid states such as New Mexico and Arizona, where nearly every one of more than 1,500 streams lost environmental protections under the Trump rules, said Michael Regan, administrator of the EPA. More than 300 development projects were able to go forward without regard to whether they were polluting streams or waterways under the changes made by Trump, the EPA said. It marked the latest in a series of decisions by President Joe Biden to restore environmental protections that Trump had weakened or repealed, and it sets the stage for a regulatory and legal battle over an issue that has pitted environmental groups against agricultural interests for decades. Also read | Trump using last days to lock in policies and make Biden’s task more difficult The effort also will be a test for Regan, who came to Washington with a reputation as a consensus builder who could find common ground between industry and environmentalists. In a statement Wednesday, Regan said the agency is “committed to establishing a durable definition of ‘waters of the United States’” and added that he intends to draw “from the lessons learned” from the Obama and Trump administrations. By starting early to revise the policy, the Biden administration stands a greater chance of defending it against the legal challenges that are expected to come, said Richard Revesz, a professor of environmental law at New York University. “That makes it much more likely it will stick,” Revesz said. Republicans on Wednesday criticized the move and vowed to fight it, saying Trump’s policy had protected farmers and removed what many felt were onerous cleanup burdens. “It’s a shame the Biden administration wants to undo the good work of the Trump administration,” Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., said, adding that his state was “well-positioned in the event of overreach” to fight the Biden EPA’s plan. Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, called it a “gut punch” to her state. Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark., dubbed it a “Biden administration power grab.” Also read | Trump administration secretly seized phone records of Times reporters The original measure, known as the Waters of the United States rule, dates to the Obama administration and extended the range of bodies of water that were subject to the 1972 Clean Water Act, an issue that had for decades lacked clarity. The Obama administration protected about 60 per cent of the nation’s waterways, including large bodies of water such as the Chesapeake Bay, Mississippi River and Puget Sound, and smaller headwaters, wetlands, seasonal streams and streams that run temporarily underground. It limited the discharge of pollutants such as fertilizers, pesticides and industrial chemicals into those waters. Also read | Biden revokes Trump's ban on Chinese apps TikTok, WeChat; orders 'criteria-based decision' Trump repealed the policy in 2019, calling it “one of the most ridiculous regulations of all,” and claimed that his repeal caused farmers to weep in gratitude. One year later, his EPA finalized the Navigable Waters Protection Rule, which removed protections for more than half of the nation’s wetlands and hundreds of thousands of miles of upland streams by narrowing the definition of what constitutes a “water of the United States.” In doing so, Trump framed the change as the rightful return of power from the federal government to landowners and states. In a statement on Wednesday, Chuck Fowke, chairman of the National Association of Homebuilders, expressed concern that changes to the water rule will “add unnecessary requirements” that will hurt housing affordability. Also read | Trump was scared Biden would be replaced with Hillary Clinton or Michelle Obama, book claims Tuesday’s announcement does not start the process of revising the regulation. That will come when the EPA officially promulgates a proposed new rule, possibly later this year. Wednesday’s action was a legal move in which the Department of Justice and Department of the Army formally requested repeal of the Trump-era rule. “Communities deserve to have our nation’s waters protected,” Jaime Pinkham, acting assistant Army secretary for civil work, said in a statement. He said the Trump-era rule resulted in a significant drop in determinations of waters that would otherwise have been afforded protection. Environmental groups and Democrats in Congress praised the announcement and pressed the administration to work quickly to unravel the Trump policy. “Every day the ‘Dirty Water’ rule remains in effect, it causes irreparable harm to our health, to our environment, and to our economies,” Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-Ore., chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, said in a statement. Also read | Biden administration moves to unkink supply chain bottlenecks However, some legal experts said that by moving to repeal Trump’s measure and start over again, rather than building on the previous rule, the Biden administration might only prolong the back and forth that has gone on for years. “It could perpetuate this place we are in, in which each administration throws out what the last administration does, and that is not good for anyone who is interested in this issue,” said Kevin Minoli who served as a lawyer at the EPA in the Clinton, Bush, Obama and Trump administrations. Regan has years of experience working with Republicans on the clean water rule, which was a major issue in North Carolina where he served as head of the state’s Department of Environmental Quality before leading the EPA. When he testified before lawmakers in April, Regan vowed not to return to what many Republicans felt was the Obama administration’s overly expansive definition of a federal waterway. “We’ve learned lessons from both, we’ve seen complexities in both, and we’ve determined both rules necessarily did not listen to the will of the people,” he said. “We don’t have any intention of going back to the original Obama Waters of the US verbatim.” The Biden administration’s decision to restore the federal protections is one in a string of reversals it is making to Trump-era environmental decisions, which were themselves reversals of Obama administration actions. The Trump administration repealed or weakened more than 100 environmental rules or laws, loosening or eliminating rules on climate change, clean air, chemical pollution, coal mining, oil drilling and endangered species protections.

Biden administration to restore clean-water protections ended by Trump

US President Joe Biden and UK PM Boris Johnson to hold first meeting

President Joe Biden has revoked executive orders from his predecessor Donald Trump seeking to ban Chinese-owned apps TikTok and WeChat from US markets on national security concerns, a move which received a cautious welcome from Beijing.

President Joe Biden has revoked executive orders from his predecessor Donald Trump seeking to ban Chinese-owned apps TikTok and WeChat from US markets on national security concerns, a move which received a cautious welcome from Beijing. Trump had claimed the apps posed national security risks and had sought to force the sale to US investors of TikTok, which is owned by China-based ByteDance and remains one of the world's most popular social media apps. A statement Wednesday said that instead of banning WeChat and TikTok, the Biden administration would carry out a "criteria-based decision framework and rigorous, evidence-based analysis to address the risks" from internet applications controlled by foreign entities. WeChat, part of Chinese tech giant Tencent, is a "super app" that includes social networking, messaging, e-commerce and more. Biden issued a new executive order calling for a four-month review of "the continuing effort of foreign adversaries to steal or otherwise obtain United States persons' data." Trump's claims had prompted a series of legal challenges which delayed the efforts to ban or force the sale of the applications -- further heightening tensions between Washington and Beijing. The two companies did not respond to a request for comment. University of Texas law professor Bobby Chesney called the Biden order "a good middle path." "They affirmed the nature of the threat and the propriety of using sanctions to address it, and they have held the door open for reimposing some version of these sanctions... but likely with a far stronger and more defensible record," Chesney tweeted. China's commerce ministry spokesman Gao Feng on Thursday called Biden's decision a "positive step in the right direction." Gao said he hoped Washington would "treat Chinese companies in a fair and just manner, and avoid politicizing economic and trade issues." Finding 'unacceptable risks' Biden's order seeks to identify any apps that "may pose an unacceptable risk to US national security and the American people" including "applications that are owned, controlled, or managed by persons that support foreign adversary military or intelligence activities, or are involved in malicious cyber activities, or involve applications that collect sensitive personal data." The new order calls for the Commerce Department and other federal agencies to develop guidelines "to protect sensitive personal data... including personally identifiable information and genetic information" from misuse. TikTok is believed to have one billion users worldwide including more than 100 million in the United States and is especially popular with young smartphone users. Last September, US District Judge Carl Nichols issued a temporary injunction at the request of TikTok blocking the effort to ban downloads of the app in the United States. Trump had given his blessing to a plan that would have given TikTok to US tech giant Oracle with investments from retail powerhouse Walmart, but that deal failed to win approval in Beijing. The ban on WeChat was also delayed by a lawsuit from users based in the United States claiming the ban infringed on their rights. The Biden move comes a day after the US Senate passed a sweeping industrial policy bill aimed at countering the surging economic threat from China and pumping more than $170 billion into research and development. The package, a key provision of which addresses a shortage of semiconductors that have slowed US auto production this year, will help the American industry bolster its capacity and improve technology, to avoid being outmaneuvered by Beijing as the adversaries compete for tech leadership. It prompted a furious response from Beijing, which accused the United States of "paranoid delusion.

Biden drops plan to ban Chinese-owned apps TikTok, WeChat

US President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson are expected to agree to work to open up travel between the two countries "as soon as possible," the British government said in a statement late on Wednesday.

Biden, who arrived in England on Wednesday for his first overseas trip as president, will meet with Johnson in Cornwall on Thursday ahead of a meeting of the leaders of the Group of Seven advanced economies that begins Friday, the statement said. 
Reuters reported on Tuesday that the Biden administration was forming expert working groups with Britain, Canada, Mexico, and the European Union to determine how best to safely restart travel after 15 months of pandemic restrictions.

US and UK airline officials said they do not expect Washington to lift restrictions until around July 4 at the earliest.

Airlines and others have pressed the administration to lift the restrictions on most non-US citizens who have been in Britain, the 26 Schengen nations in Europe without border controls, Ireland, China, India, South Africa, Iran, and Brazil.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-us-to-end-trade-tariffs-call-for-new-study-into-covid-19-origins-says-summit-draft-390485">Also Read |&nbsp;EU, US to end trade tariffs, call for new study into COVID-19 origins, says summit draft</a>

The two leaders are expected to agree on an ambitious new "Atlantic Charter" modeled on the one signed by Prime Minister Winston Churchill and President Franklin Roosevelt in 1941 that set out their goals for the post-war world.

The new charter maps out plans for close cooperation in eight areas, including "defending democracy, building a fair and sustainable trading system, dealing with cyberattacks, combating climate change, and ending the coronavirus pandemic.

One key goal will be resuming safe travel, the UK statement said. Before the pandemic, more than 5 million Britons visited the United States and more than 4.5 million Americans visited Britain every year - more than any other country.

A new travel task force would make recommendations on safely reopening travel and ensuring that Britain and the United States work closely on international travel policy going forward.

"Links between the UK and US are not only crucial for our people, they create and sustain jobs across and throughout our two countries," the statement said.

US President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson are expected to agree to work to open up travel between the two countries "as soon as possible," the British government said in a statement late on Wednesday.

US President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson are expected to agree to work to open up travel between the two countries "as soon as possible," the British government said in a statement late on Wednesday. Biden, who arrived in England on Wednesday for his first overseas trip as president, will meet with Johnson in Cornwall on Thursday ahead of a meeting of the leaders of the Group of Seven advanced economies that begins Friday, the statement said. Reuters reported on Tuesday that the Biden administration was forming expert working groups with Britain, Canada, Mexico, and the European Union to determine how best to safely restart travel after 15 months of pandemic restrictions. US and UK airline officials said they do not expect Washington to lift restrictions until around July 4 at the earliest. Airlines and others have pressed the administration to lift the restrictions on most non-US citizens who have been in Britain, the 26 Schengen nations in Europe without border controls, Ireland, China, India, South Africa, Iran, and Brazil. Also Read | EU, US to end trade tariffs, call for new study into COVID-19 origins, says summit draft The two leaders are expected to agree on an ambitious new "Atlantic Charter" modeled on the one signed by Prime Minister Winston Churchill and President Franklin Roosevelt in 1941 that set out their goals for the post-war world. The new charter maps out plans for close cooperation in eight areas, including "defending democracy, building a fair and sustainable trading system, dealing with cyberattacks, combating climate change, and ending the coronavirus pandemic. One key goal will be resuming safe travel, the UK statement said. Before the pandemic, more than 5 million Britons visited the United States and more than 4.5 million Americans visited Britain every year - more than any other country. A new travel task force would make recommendations on safely reopening travel and ensuring that Britain and the United States work closely on international travel policy going forward. "Links between the UK and US are not only crucial for our people, they create and sustain jobs across and throughout our two countries," the statement said.

US, UK leaders expected to work to reopen travel

The Biden administration's move reflects the ongoing concern that Americans' personal data could be exposed by popular apps tied to China, a chief U.S. economic and political rival.

US President Joe Biden revokes Trump orders attempting to ban TikTok

The president first travels to Britain for a summit of the Group of Seven leaders and then Brussels for a NATO summit and a meeting with the heads of the European Union.

US Prez Joe Biden to meet 55 world leaders during his visit

It's a jam-packed schedule for US President Joe Biden as he heads to Europe. This will be Biden's first foreign trip as the President of America. The 8-day trip will last on June 16.

Queen Elizabeth II to meet US president Joe Biden on June 13

It's a jam-packed schedule for US President Joe Biden as he heads to Europe. This will be Biden's first foreign trip as the President of America. The 8-day trip will conclude on June 16.

US President Biden heads to Europe, meet with Queen & Putin on the cards

The Biden administration announced a series of steps it will take in order to strengthen critical US supply chains, building up domestic manufacturing capabilities for key products. US President Joe Biden in February ordered a 100-day interagency review of domestic supply chains.

Biden administration announces plans to strengthen supply chains

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg met with United States President Joe Biden at the White House in Washington D.C. Watch the report to know more.

US President Joe Biden hosts NATO chief Stoltenberg at White House

It is a Jam-Packed schedule for the US President Joe Biden as he heads to Europe. This will be his first foreign trip as the American President. Watch this report to know more.

United States President Joe Biden's schedule for first foreign trip

US President Joe Biden met with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg to discuss the June 14 summit in Brussels and expressed his strong commitment to working closely with allies, the White House has said.

The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) is an intergovernmental military alliance between 30 European and North American countries. Its fundamental goal is to safeguard the allies' freedom and security by political and military means.

A meeting of NATO Heads of State and Government will be held on June 14 in Brussels at NATO headquarters. The meeting will be chaired by Stoltenberg.

Biden, during his meeting with Stoltenberg, expressed his strong commitment to working closely with allies to build on NATO's seven decades of success safeguarding transatlantic security and democratic values, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said.

"The two leaders agreed on the importance of the NATO 2030 initiative to adapt the Alliance to meet the challenges of strategic competition and transnational threats, including climate change and cyberattacks.&nbsp;They also reviewed Allies' progress over the last seven years in boosting defence spending and other contributions to our common defence, underscoring the importance of sharing responsibility equitably within NATO and ensuring NATO is adequately resourced to address the threat environment," Psaki said.

In addition, they discussed NATO's two decades of investment in Afghanistan and continued support for diplomatic peace efforts, she said.

Following the meeting, Stoltenberg told reporters that he discussed with Biden a wide range of issues including Russia and China, global terrorism, cyber threats and also the security consequences of climate change.

"But we spent most of the time on preparing the upcoming NATO summit in Brussels next week where we will agree, forward looking, ambitious agenda on how to further strengthen our alliance. And I thanked the President for his powerful commitment to the transatlantic bond, to Article Five, and his personal leadership on all these issues," he said.

The two, Stoltenberg said, agreed that in a more competitive world, they need to strengthen NATO.&nbsp;"We face security challenges which no ally can face alone. So therefore, we need to stand together in NATO. The NATO 2030 agenda, which NATO leaders will agree when we meet in Brussels at the NATO summit next week, is an ambitious agenda, and this is about strengthening our collective defence. It's about strengthening our resilience. It's about sharpening our technological edge. And it is also about working more closely with like-minded partners," Stoltenberg said.

(With inputs from agencies)

US President Joe Biden met with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg to discuss the June 14 summit in Brussels and expressed his strong commitment to working closely with allies, the White House has said.

US President Joe Biden met with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg to discuss the June 14 summit in Brussels and expressed his strong commitment to working closely with allies, the White House has said. The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) is an intergovernmental military alliance between 30 European and North American countries. Its fundamental goal is to safeguard the allies' freedom and security by political and military means. A meeting of NATO Heads of State and Government will be held on June 14 in Brussels at NATO headquarters. The meeting will be chaired by Stoltenberg. Biden, during his meeting with Stoltenberg, expressed his strong commitment to working closely with allies to build on NATO's seven decades of success safeguarding transatlantic security and democratic values, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said. "The two leaders agreed on the importance of the NATO 2030 initiative to adapt the Alliance to meet the challenges of strategic competition and transnational threats, including climate change and cyberattacks. They also reviewed Allies' progress over the last seven years in boosting defence spending and other contributions to our common defence, underscoring the importance of sharing responsibility equitably within NATO and ensuring NATO is adequately resourced to address the threat environment," Psaki said. In addition, they discussed NATO's two decades of investment in Afghanistan and continued support for diplomatic peace efforts, she said. Following the meeting, Stoltenberg told reporters that he discussed with Biden a wide range of issues including Russia and China, global terrorism, cyber threats and also the security consequences of climate change. "But we spent most of the time on preparing the upcoming NATO summit in Brussels next week where we will agree, forward looking, ambitious agenda on how to further strengthen our alliance. And I thanked the President for his powerful commitment to the transatlantic bond, to Article Five, and his personal leadership on all these issues," he said. The two, Stoltenberg said, agreed that in a more competitive world, they need to strengthen NATO. "We face security challenges which no ally can face alone. So therefore, we need to stand together in NATO. The NATO 2030 agenda, which NATO leaders will agree when we meet in Brussels at the NATO summit next week, is an ambitious agenda, and this is about strengthening our collective defence. It's about strengthening our resilience. It's about sharpening our technological edge. And it is also about working more closely with like-minded partners," Stoltenberg said. (With inputs from agencies)

US President Joe Biden meets NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg ahead of Brussels summit 

US Vice President Kamala Harris's plane was forced to land soon after take-off on Sunday due to a technical problem on her way to Guatemala for her first international trip.

"I'm good. I'm good," Harris told reporters, giving a thumbs-up after exiting the plane when it returned to Joint Base Andrews on the outskirts of Washington. "We all said a little prayer, but we're good." 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-surge-in-india-heartbreaking-us-determined-to-help-the-country-vp-kamala-harris-383627">Also read — COVID-19 surge in India heartbreaking; US determined to help the country: VP Kamala Harris</a> 
 
The vice president switched planes, and a pool report said she arrived safely in Guatemala Sunday evening. Her spokeswoman Symone Sanders said that no major delays in her itinerary were expected.

The crew "noticed the landing gear was not storing as it should which could lead to further mechanical issues. While there was no immediate safety issue, out of an abundance of caution, they returned to Joint Base Andrews," Sanders said.

A journalist on board reported "an unusual noise" from the landing gear when the plane -- known as Air Force Two -- took off but said that the landing was "completely normal."

Harris will visit Guatemala and Mexico this week, intending to bring a message of hope to a region hammered by Covid-19 and which is the source of most of the undocumented migrants seeking entry to the United States.

Harris is taking her first trip abroad as President Joe Biden's deputy to tackle the root causes of migration from the region -- one of the thorniest issues facing the White House.

US Vice President Kamala Harris's plane was forced to land soon after take-off on Sunday due to a technical problem on her way to Guatemala for her first international trip.

US Vice President Kamala Harris's plane was forced to land soon after take-off on Sunday due to a technical problem on her way to Guatemala for her first international trip. "I'm good. I'm good," Harris told reporters, giving a thumbs-up after exiting the plane when it returned to Joint Base Andrews on the outskirts of Washington. "We all said a little prayer, but we're good." Also read — COVID-19 surge in India heartbreaking; US determined to help the country: VP Kamala Harris The vice president switched planes, and a pool report said she arrived safely in Guatemala Sunday evening. Her spokeswoman Symone Sanders said that no major delays in her itinerary were expected. The crew "noticed the landing gear was not storing as it should which could lead to further mechanical issues. While there was no immediate safety issue, out of an abundance of caution, they returned to Joint Base Andrews," Sanders said. A journalist on board reported "an unusual noise" from the landing gear when the plane -- known as Air Force Two -- took off but said that the landing was "completely normal." Harris will visit Guatemala and Mexico this week, intending to bring a message of hope to a region hammered by Covid-19 and which is the source of most of the undocumented migrants seeking entry to the United States. Harris is taking her first trip abroad as President Joe Biden's deputy to tackle the root causes of migration from the region -- one of the thorniest issues facing the White House.

Plane with Kamala Harris on board forced to turn around after 'technical issue'

United States President Joe Biden to depart for 1st foreign trip of his Presidency. Biden's trip is about 'US Rallying World's Democracies'. He is going to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Geneva on June 16. Watch this report to know more.

Joe Biden to depart for 1st foreign trip of his Presidency

Former US President Donald Trump tried to make a comeback to the political stage on Saturday with a major speech to southern Republicans.

Former US President Donald Trump teases comeback

Former US President Donald Trump slammed Joe Biden for being the “most radical left-wing administration in the country”.

While speaking at the North Carolina Republican convention Trump urged Biden to “always put America first”. “We don't put America second. As we gather tonight, our country is being destroyed before our own eyes. Crime is exploding, police departments are being ripped apart and defunded... Is that good politics, defund our police?”, he said.

He also accused the Biden administration of “bowing down to China” and claimed that illegal immigration is “skyrocketing”.

“Gas prices are soaring. Our industries are being pillaged by foreign cyber attacks. That's a lack of respect for our country and for our leaders. And speaking of our leaders, they are bowing down to China, America is being demeaned and humiliated on the world stage. Our freedom is being overtaken by left-wing cancel culture. And the Biden administration is pushing toxic critical race theory and illegal discrimination into our children's race theory," Trump said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/biden-order-bans-investment-in-dozens-of-chinese-defence-tech-firms-389439" hreflang="en">Biden order bans investment in dozens of Chinese defence, tech firms</a>

Trump further termed Biden and Democrats as the most “radical left-wing administration in history”, adding that the survival of US is dependent on the election of Republicans at every level in the country.

"...We're not going to let it go any longer. We have to stand up for our values. And we're going to take back our country and take it back at a level that is very, very good for our country. And it's good for our citizens because we can't allow bad things to happen to our country," Trump added.

Trump is eyeing a return to politics by planning a 2024 presidential bid, while urging North Carolina to reject Biden and the “radical Democrats”. This marked Trump’s first public speech after leaving the White House in January, when Biden took over the presidential duties.

Trump is also facing a boycott by social media companies for his role in the January 7 insurrection of the US Capitol.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/biden-to-review-donald-trumps-china-investment-blacklist-report-389225" hreflang="en">Biden to review Donald Trump's China investment blacklist: Report</a>

Former US President Donald Trump slammed Joe Biden for being the “most radical left-wing administration in the country”. While speaking at the North Carolina Republican convention Trump urged Biden to “always put America first”.

Former US President Donald Trump slammed Joe Biden for being the “most radical left-wing administration in the country”. While speaking at the North Carolina Republican convention Trump urged Biden to “always put America first”. “We don't put America second. As we gather tonight, our country is being destroyed before our own eyes. Crime is exploding, police departments are being ripped apart and defunded... Is that good politics, defund our police?”, he said. He also accused the Biden administration of “bowing down to China” and claimed that illegal immigration is “skyrocketing”. “Gas prices are soaring. Our industries are being pillaged by foreign cyber attacks. That's a lack of respect for our country and for our leaders. And speaking of our leaders, they are bowing down to China, America is being demeaned and humiliated on the world stage. Our freedom is being overtaken by left-wing cancel culture. And the Biden administration is pushing toxic critical race theory and illegal discrimination into our children's race theory," Trump said. Also read: Biden order bans investment in dozens of Chinese defence, tech firms Trump further termed Biden and Democrats as the most “radical left-wing administration in history”, adding that the survival of US is dependent on the election of Republicans at every level in the country. "...We're not going to let it go any longer. We have to stand up for our values. And we're going to take back our country and take it back at a level that is very, very good for our country. And it's good for our citizens because we can't allow bad things to happen to our country," Trump added. Trump is eyeing a return to politics by planning a 2024 presidential bid, while urging North Carolina to reject Biden and the “radical Democrats”. This marked Trump’s first public speech after leaving the White House in January, when Biden took over the presidential duties. Trump is also facing a boycott by social media companies for his role in the January 7 insurrection of the US Capitol. Also read: Biden to review Donald Trump's China investment blacklist: Report

Trump hits out at Biden for 'bowing down' to China, urges him to 'put America first'

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