President Donald Trump on Wednesday (October 2) angrily denounced an impeachment inquiry into his July telephone call with Ukraine's leader as Democratic lawmakers said they would subpoena White House records about the call. Watch this video to know more.

Defiant Trump takes aim at journalist over Ukraine

Lawyers for Huawei Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou will be in a Canadian courtroom on Monday to press for details surrounding her arrest at Vancouver's airport nearly 10 months ago.

Meng, 47, was detained on December 1 at the request of the United States, where she is charged with bank fraud and accused of misleading HSBC Holdings Plc about Huawei Technologies Co Ltd's business in Iran. Meng, who is expected in court, has said she is innocent and is fighting extradition.

The arrest has strained China's relations with both the United States and Canada.

At Monday's 10 am (1700 GMT) hearing before Justice Heather Holmes of the British Columbia Supreme Court, Meng's defense team will request more disclosure surrounding her detention at the airport, including contacts between US and Canadian authorities.

Meng's lawyers argue she was unlawfully detained, searched and questioned for over three hours after she landed on a flight from Hong Kong. Under the ruse of an immigration check, the defense claims, Canadian officials delayed her arrest and collected evidence for US authorities.

Extradition proceedings against Meng should be halted if officials abused the process, the lawyers say. Besides accusations of misconduct related to her detention, they argue the United States is using Meng for economic and political gain, noting that after her arrest, US President Donald Trump said he would intervene if it would help close a trade deal.

Lawyers for Canada will respond to the demand for more information about Meng's arrest in court, according to a Canadian Department of Justice spokesman, who added that Meng had already been provided with "extensive disclosure, beyond what is required."

Canadian police and border officers, in response to a civil claim Meng filed earlier this year, have said they acted "lawfully and in good faith."

Vancouver lawyer Gary Botting, who has seen a video of Meng being detained at the airport, said immigration officials came across as "Keystone Cops."

"There are real questions about whether her rights were violated," said Botting, who briefed Meng's defense team on Canada's extradition law after her arrest but is no longer involved with the case.

The extradition hearing itself is not scheduled to start until January.

Meng, the daughter of Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei, spent 10 days in jail in December but was then released on C$10 million ($7.5 million) bail and is living in one of her two multimillion-dollar homes in Vancouver. She is required to wear an electronic ankle bracelet and pay for security guards.

Huawei, the world's largest telecommunications equipment maker, has been accused by the United States of activities contrary to national security or foreign policy interests.

US and Chinese officials resumed trade talks last week, as the world’s two largest economies try to negotiate a way out of their 14-month trade war.

Lawyers for Huawei Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou will be in a Canadian courtroom on Monday to press for details surrounding her arrest at Vancouver's airport nearly 10 months ago.

Lawyers for Huawei Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou will be in a Canadian courtroom on Monday to press for details surrounding her arrest at Vancouver's airport nearly 10 months ago. Meng, 47, was detained on December 1 at the request of the United States, where she is charged with bank fraud and accused of misleading HSBC Holdings Plc about Huawei Technologies Co Ltd's business in Iran. Meng, who is expected in court, has said she is innocent and is fighting extradition. The arrest has strained China's relations with both the United States and Canada. At Monday's 10 am (1700 GMT) hearing before Justice Heather Holmes of the British Columbia Supreme Court, Meng's defense team will request more disclosure surrounding her detention at the airport, including contacts between US and Canadian authorities. Meng's lawyers argue she was unlawfully detained, searched and questioned for over three hours after she landed on a flight from Hong Kong. Under the ruse of an immigration check, the defense claims, Canadian officials delayed her arrest and collected evidence for US authorities. Extradition proceedings against Meng should be halted if officials abused the process, the lawyers say. Besides accusations of misconduct related to her detention, they argue the United States is using Meng for economic and political gain, noting that after her arrest, US President Donald Trump said he would intervene if it would help close a trade deal. Lawyers for Canada will respond to the demand for more information about Meng's arrest in court, according to a Canadian Department of Justice spokesman, who added that Meng had already been provided with "extensive disclosure, beyond what is required." Canadian police and border officers, in response to a civil claim Meng filed earlier this year, have said they acted "lawfully and in good faith." Vancouver lawyer Gary Botting, who has seen a video of Meng being detained at the airport, said immigration officials came across as "Keystone Cops." "There are real questions about whether her rights were violated," said Botting, who briefed Meng's defense team on Canada's extradition law after her arrest but is no longer involved with the case. The extradition hearing itself is not scheduled to start until January. Meng, the daughter of Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei, spent 10 days in jail in December but was then released on C$10 million ($7.5 million) bail and is living in one of her two multimillion-dollar homes in Vancouver. She is required to wear an electronic ankle bracelet and pay for security guards. Huawei, the world's largest telecommunications equipment maker, has been accused by the United States of activities contrary to national security or foreign policy interests. US and Chinese officials resumed trade talks last week, as the world’s two largest economies try to negotiate a way out of their 14-month trade war.

Huawei CFO's arrest at airport to be focus of Vancouver hearing

Walmart Inc told the staff on Friday it will stop selling e-cigarettes and electronic nicotine delivery products at its US stores, amid a growing crackdown on surging teenage use of such products, reports of vaping-related lung disease and some deaths.

In an internal memo seen by Reuters, the retailer said growing federal, state and local regulatory complexity and uncertainty were behind its decision.

Walmart's move comes on the heels of bans on sales of flavoured vaping products in New York and Michigan and after the Trump administration announced plans to remove all flavoured e-cigarettes from store shelves as officials warned that sweet flavours had drawn millions of children into nicotine addiction.

President Donald Trump and other top US officials also expressed concern about the growing use of such products as health officials investigate the matter.

One possible culprit identified so far is a line of illicit marijuana vape products sold under the brand names "Dank Vapes" and "Chronic Carts."

The New York State Department of Health identified "Dank Vapes" and "Chronic Carts" as products containing Vitamin E acetate, a thickening agent in THC oil that has been a focus in its investigation of the illnesses.

Leading makers of nicotine e-cigarettes, including Juul Labs Inc, British American Tobacco Plc and Imperial Brands Plc said last week their products did not contain Vitamin E compounds.

Last week Amazon.com Inc said it took down vape paraphernalia in line with its policies, although the company did not specify the exact products it removed.  

In May, Walmart raised the minimum age to purchase tobacco products to 21 in all its stores and said it would stop selling fruit-flavoured e-cigarettes. The move came after the US Food and Drug Administration called out the company for illegally selling tobacco products to minors.

The regulator also called out other retailers like Kroger Family Dollar, which is owned by Dollar Tree 7-Eleven, Casey's General Stores and Sunoco which were among more than half a dozen convenience store and gas station chains cited for illegally selling tobacco products to minors.

The companies did not immediately respond to a request for comment on whether they plan to follow Walmart's decision and stop selling the products.

Walmart shares were little changed in late trading, while shares of Altria Group Inc were up nearly 2 per cent.

Walmart Inc told the staff on Friday it will stop selling e-cigarettes and electronic nicotine delivery products at its US stores, amid a growing crackdown on surging teenage use of such products, reports of vaping-related lung disease and some deaths.

Walmart Inc told the staff on Friday it will stop selling e-cigarettes and electronic nicotine delivery products at its US stores, amid a growing crackdown on surging teenage use of such products, reports of vaping-related lung disease and some deaths. In an internal memo seen by Reuters, the retailer said growing federal, state and local regulatory complexity and uncertainty were behind its decision. Walmart's move comes on the heels of bans on sales of flavoured vaping products in New York and Michigan and after the Trump administration announced plans to remove all flavoured e-cigarettes from store shelves as officials warned that sweet flavours had drawn millions of children into nicotine addiction. President Donald Trump and other top US officials also expressed concern about the growing use of such products as health officials investigate the matter. One possible culprit identified so far is a line of illicit marijuana vape products sold under the brand names "Dank Vapes" and "Chronic Carts." The New York State Department of Health identified "Dank Vapes" and "Chronic Carts" as products containing Vitamin E acetate, a thickening agent in THC oil that has been a focus in its investigation of the illnesses. Leading makers of nicotine e-cigarettes, including Juul Labs Inc, British American Tobacco Plc and Imperial Brands Plc said last week their products did not contain Vitamin E compounds. Last week Amazon.com Inc said it took down vape paraphernalia in line with its policies, although the company did not specify the exact products it removed.   In May, Walmart raised the minimum age to purchase tobacco products to 21 in all its stores and said it would stop selling fruit-flavoured e-cigarettes. The move came after the US Food and Drug Administration called out the company for illegally selling tobacco products to minors. The regulator also called out other retailers like Kroger Family Dollar, which is owned by Dollar Tree 7-Eleven, Casey's General Stores and Sunoco which were among more than half a dozen convenience store and gas station chains cited for illegally selling tobacco products to minors. The companies did not immediately respond to a request for comment on whether they plan to follow Walmart's decision and stop selling the products. Walmart shares were little changed in late trading, while shares of Altria Group Inc were up nearly 2 per cent.

Walmart to stop sales of e-cigarettes in US stores: Company memo

US agents extracted a high-level Russian government source who had confirmed Vladimir Putin's direct role in interfering in the 2016 US presidential election, US media reported late Monday.

The source, who had been providing information for decades, had access to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-president-putin-hold-bilateral-talks-in-vladivostok-exchange-several-mous-247560">Putin</a> and had sent pictures of high-level documents on the Russian leader's desk, CNN reported.

The network said the spy was pulled out of Russia in 2017 due to concerns that President Donald Trump and his cabinet could expose the asset due to repeated mishandling of classified intelligence.

The CIA refuted this. Brittany Bramell, the agency's director of public affairs, told CNN&nbsp;"Misguided speculation that the President's handling of our nation's most sensitive intelligence which he has access to each and every day drove an alleged exfiltration operation is inaccurate."

The agency offered to extract the source in late 2016 but the informant initially refused, citing family issues, the New York Times reported.

This prompted fears that the informant had become a double agent, but months later the source relented, the Times added.

The unnamed individual was key in providing information that led US intelligence to conclude Putin directly orchestrated <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-expect-more-responsible-attitude-putin-to-russian-space-officials-248076">Russian</a> interference in favor of Trump and against his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election, the Times said.

The informant was also directly linked Putin to the hacking of the Democratic National Committee, resulting in the release of a flood of embarrassing messages, the newspaper reported.

According to the Times, the agent was the CIA's most valuable Russian asset.

The extraction has "effectively blinded" American intelligence to the Kremlin's inner workings during the 2018 US midterm election, the Times report said, as well as the upcoming 2020 presidential election.

US agents extracted a high-level Russian government source who had confirmed Vladimir Putin's direct role in interfering in the 2016 US presidential election, US media reported late Monday.

US agents extracted a high-level Russian government source who had confirmed Vladimir Putin's direct role in interfering in the 2016 US presidential election, US media reported late Monday. The source, who had been providing information for decades, had access to Putin and had sent pictures of high-level documents on the Russian leader's desk, CNN reported. The network said the spy was pulled out of Russia in 2017 due to concerns that President Donald Trump and his cabinet could expose the asset due to repeated mishandling of classified intelligence. The CIA refuted this. Brittany Bramell, the agency's director of public affairs, told CNN "Misguided speculation that the President's handling of our nation's most sensitive intelligence which he has access to each and every day drove an alleged exfiltration operation is inaccurate." The agency offered to extract the source in late 2016 but the informant initially refused, citing family issues, the New York Times reported. This prompted fears that the informant had become a double agent, but months later the source relented, the Times added. The unnamed individual was key in providing information that led US intelligence to conclude Putin directly orchestrated Russian interference in favor of Trump and against his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election, the Times said. The informant was also directly linked Putin to the hacking of the Democratic National Committee, resulting in the release of a flood of embarrassing messages, the newspaper reported. According to the Times, the agent was the CIA's most valuable Russian asset. The extraction has "effectively blinded" American intelligence to the Kremlin's inner workings during the 2018 US midterm election, the Times report said, as well as the upcoming 2020 presidential election.

US extracted spy that confirmed Putin role in 2016 US vote: Reports

A parade of 19 presidential hopefuls courted New Hampshire Democratic activists at a day-long convention on Saturday (September 7), touting their ability to unite the party and offering their visions for how to beat U.S. President Donald Trump in 2020. In a series of 10-minute speeches, the contenders accused Trump of sowing hate and threatening democracy, calling the 2020 election a referendum on what kind of country the United States would be. "This president has unleashed the deepest, darkest forces in this nation," Democratic front-runner Joe Biden told the convention. "We cannot and I will not let this man be re-elected president of the United States of America." He also made what he called a "Freudian slip" referring to President Trump as "President Hump."

A ''Freudian slip'' as Biden targets Donald Trump as ''Hump'' at Democratic forum in New Hampshire

The US economy grew at an unspectacular pace in recent weeks, while businesses still took a rosy view of the near future despite the escalating US-China trade war, the Federal Reserve said Wednesday.

But Fed still drew a spotty portrait, pointing to an array of softening or deteriorating conditions just as concrete signs emerge that the trade conflict is weighing on growth.

"Although concerns regarding tariffs and trade policy uncertainty continued, the majority of businesses remained optimistic about the near-term outlook," the central bank said in a nationwide survey of economic activity.

Though disagreements remain, policymakers are widely expected to cut interest rates again in two weeks to insulate the United States from the weakening global economy and mounting fears of economic damage wrought by President Donald Trump's trade wars.

The Fed cut rates last month for similar reasons, marking the first downshift for monetary policy in a decade.

The latest "beige book" survey, which gathers anecdotal reports from business people and other contacts in the Fed's 12 districts, said growth had continued "at a modest pace."&nbsp;

- Sharp deterioration -

 
The report may not have reflected all of last month's sharp deterioration in the trade conflict with Beijing, as research concluded on August 23, just as Beijing and Washington announced fresh increases on hundreds of billions of dollars in two-way trade.

According to the Fed, anecdotal reports say auto sales rose and tourism was "solid," while bank lending and commercial real estate leasing both increased a little.

Elsewhere, however, things were less than stellar. Farms were beset by a trio of woes: bad weather, low prices and uncertainties from America's trade wars.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, consumer spending the sole strong point in the US economy was "mixed" outside the auto sector, demand for transportation softened, home sales "remained constrained" and housing construction was flat.

Across the nation, employers complained they had difficulty finding workers to fill open positions and faced "strong upward pressure" to offer higher pay to entry-level and low-skill workers.

Elsewhere, employers upped benefits and other deal sweeteners, such as more flexible work arrangements and signing bonuses, according to the report.

But inflation remained tame. While some companies said they were able to pass on price increases, manufacturers complained there were limits on how much they could do so.

"District reports on the impact of tariffs on pricing were mixed, with some districts anticipating that the effects would not be felt for a few months," the report said.

The US economy grew at an unspectacular pace in recent weeks, while businesses still took a rosy view of the near future despite the escalating US-China trade war, the Federal Reserve said Wednesday.

The US economy grew at an unspectacular pace in recent weeks, while businesses still took a rosy view of the near future despite the escalating US-China trade war, the Federal Reserve said Wednesday. But Fed still drew a spotty portrait, pointing to an array of softening or deteriorating conditions just as concrete signs emerge that the trade conflict is weighing on growth. "Although concerns regarding tariffs and trade policy uncertainty continued, the majority of businesses remained optimistic about the near-term outlook," the central bank said in a nationwide survey of economic activity. Though disagreements remain, policymakers are widely expected to cut interest rates again in two weeks to insulate the United States from the weakening global economy and mounting fears of economic damage wrought by President Donald Trump's trade wars. The Fed cut rates last month for similar reasons, marking the first downshift for monetary policy in a decade. The latest "beige book" survey, which gathers anecdotal reports from business people and other contacts in the Fed's 12 districts, said growth had continued "at a modest pace." - Sharp deterioration - The report may not have reflected all of last month's sharp deterioration in the trade conflict with Beijing, as research concluded on August 23, just as Beijing and Washington announced fresh increases on hundreds of billions of dollars in two-way trade. According to the Fed, anecdotal reports say auto sales rose and tourism was "solid," while bank lending and commercial real estate leasing both increased a little. Elsewhere, however, things were less than stellar. Farms were beset by a trio of woes: bad weather, low prices and uncertainties from America's trade wars. Meanwhile, consumer spending the sole strong point in the US economy was "mixed" outside the auto sector, demand for transportation softened, home sales "remained constrained" and housing construction was flat. Across the nation, employers complained they had difficulty finding workers to fill open positions and faced "strong upward pressure" to offer higher pay to entry-level and low-skill workers. Elsewhere, employers upped benefits and other deal sweeteners, such as more flexible work arrangements and signing bonuses, according to the report. But inflation remained tame. While some companies said they were able to pass on price increases, manufacturers complained there were limits on how much they could do so. "District reports on the impact of tariffs on pricing were mixed, with some districts anticipating that the effects would not be felt for a few months," the report said.

US sees 'modest' growth, businesses show 'near-term' optimism: Fed

Factory activity in China shrank in August for the fourth month in a row as the United States ramped up trade pressure and domestic demand remained sluggish, pointing to a further slowdown in the world's second-largest economy.

Factory activity in China shrank in August for the fourth month in a row as the United States ramped up trade pressure and domestic demand remained sluggish, pointing to a further slowdown in the world's second-largest economy. Persistent weakness in China's vast manufacturing sector could fuel expectations that Beijing needs to roll out stimulus more quickly, and more aggressively, to weather the biggest downturn in decades. The Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) fell to 49.5 in August, China's National Bureau of Statistics said on Saturday, versus 49.7 in July, below the 50-point mark that separates growth from contraction every month. A poll showed analysts expected the August PMI to stay unchanged from the previous month. The official factory gauge showed growing trade frictions with the United States and cooling global demand continued to wreak havoc on China's exporters. Export orders fell for the 15th straight month in August, although at a slower pace, with the sub-index picking up to 47.2 from July's 46.9. Total new orders from home and abroad also continued to fall, indicating domestic demand remains soft, despite a flurry of growth-boosting measures over the past year. "Front-loading of exports to the US ahead of higher tariffs supported trade and overall activity growth, but this effect will likely fade in the next few months," said analysts at Goldman Sachs in a note. Manufacturers in consumption-oriented industries such as the auto sector have been especially vulnerable. Carmakers such as Geely and Great Wall have slashed expectations for sales and profits. The data showed activity at medium- and small-sized firms contracted, even as large manufacturers, many backed by the government, managed to expand in August. Factories continued to shed jobs in August amid the uncertain business outlook. The employment sub-index dropped to 46.9, compared with 47.1 in July. ESCALATIONS August saw dramatic escalations in the bitter year-long Sino-U.S. trade row, with President Donald Trump announcing early in the month that he would impose new tariffs on Chinese goods from Sept. 1, and China letting its yuan currency sharply weaken days later. After Beijing hit back with retaliatory tariffs, Trump said existing levies would also be raised in the coming months. The combined moves now effectively cover all of China's exports to the United States. Trump said late on Friday that trade teams from both sides continue to talk and will meet in September, but tariff increases on Chinese goods set to go into effect on Sunday will not be delayed. The US president had said earlier in the week that China wants to reach a deal 'very badly', citing what he described as increasing economic pressure on Beijing and job losses. But most analysts are highly doubtful of an end to the dispute any time soon, and some have recently cut growth forecasts for China in the coming quarters. The sudden deterioration in trade ties has prompted speculation over whether China needs to roll out more forceful measures to keep growth from sliding below 6 per cent this year, the bottom end of its target range of around 6.0-6.5 per cent. Analysts widely expect Beijing will cut some of its major lending rates in September for the first time in four years to help stabilise growth. But sources had told Reuters before the latest trade escalations that big benchmark rate cuts were considered a last resort, as policymakers worry that could fuel a further build-up in debt and squeeze bank's profit margins, heightening financial sector risks. So far, Beijing has relied on a combination of fiscal stimulus and monetary easing to deal with the economic slowdown, including hundreds of billions of dollars in infrastructure spending and tax cuts for companies. But analysts note infrastructure investment growth has remained subdued despite the earlier pump-priming measures, underlining the need for additional support. Services growth Growth in China's services sector activity picked up for the first time in five months in August, with the official numbers from a separate business survey rising to 53.8 from 53.7 in August. Beijing has been relying on a strong service sector to cushion some of the economic impacts of trade uncertainties and sluggish manufacturing activities. However, despite the higher overall figure, activity in the property industry contracted, the statistics bureau said in a statement. The services sector has been propped up by Chinese consumers' rising wages and robust spending power in recent years. However, the sector softened late last year amid a broader slowdown.

China's factory activity shrinks for fourth month as trade woes deepen

An isolated <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russias-vladimir-putin-voices-cautious-optimism-on-ukraine-in-meeting-with-french-president-emmanuel-macron-244252">President Donald Trump arrived Saturday for the G7 summit </a>in Biarritz bearing threats of tariffs against host France and a decision to deepen his trade war with China, despite fears of the US or even global recession.

Trump dislikes the kind of multilateral forums epitomized by the G7, insisting on a policy of "America first" and his skills, honed in a real estate career, of one-to-one deal-making.

Ahead of the summit in the elegant French seaside resort, he has criticized most of his partners, rowing with them over Iran, trade, global warming and Brexit.

And on the eve of his trip, he brushed aside concerns of<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/gold-hits-over-the-six-year-peak-on-risk-off-sentiment-242745"> global economic slowdown </a>to exchange new tariffs with China, insisting "we'll win."

In another piece of brinkmanship, he also confirmed right before departing on the Marine One helicopter that he would retaliate against France's iconic wine exports if President Emmanuel Macron didn't retreat on a new tax that will hit US digital giants like Google.

"We'll be taxing their wine as they've never seen before," he vowed.

The other G7 leaders from&nbsp;Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan, are waiting for Trump with a mixture of alarm and resignation.

Macron has even decided that for the first time the G7 won't issue a group statement at the end of the summit, given the extent of divisions.&nbsp;

At last year's meeting in Canada, Trump withdrew his signature in fury at Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.&nbsp;

It would be "pointless," Macron said.

Is the World economy at stake?&nbsp;

Other G7 leaders are already alarmed at the fallout from the escalating US-China trade war.

But Trump, bullish as ever, steeply ramped up tariffs against China on Friday after Beijing slapped its new tariffs against US products.

Trump says he alone can take on the Chinese after decades of intellectual property theft and a slate of other unfair trading practices.

He called the struggle "a little spat."

At the G7 he is expected to seek allies, but the other leaders are deeply sceptical about whether Trump's crusade can ever succeed or&nbsp;whether it will tip a slowing world economy over the edge.

The first working event of the G7 will be a session early Sunday that the White House specifically asked at the "last minute" to be added to the agenda: a meeting of the leaders on economic growth.

Trump will tell his partners "to write&nbsp;the rules for this century, in contrast to the unfair trade practices that we see coming out of China," a senior administration official told reporters.

Trump will also urge the Europeans, Canada and Japan to shake up their economies along US lines.

"You’ll have the president engaging in honest conversations," the official said.

Cozy no more

Despite the diplomatic storm clouds gathering over Biarritz, on the Atlantic coast, Trump said the trip "will be very productive."

But there are questions over the future of the G7 as Trump's nationalist approach turns it into something more like a 6+1.

G7s always used to be cozy affairs, giving the leaders of like-minded, capitalist democracies a chance to relax and talk frankly in the context of largely shared values.

However, there is increasingly little common ground between Trump and what would ordinarily be among the closest of US allies.

Yet another diplomatic&nbsp;hand grenade went off days before the trip, when Trump reiterated his desire to recreate the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/macron-seeks-ukraine-progress-from-putin-in-rare-pre-g7-talks-243465">G8 format with Russia</a>, expelled in 2014 after Vladimir Putin's invasion of Crimea.

Other G7 leaders have rebuffed this, but Trump, who will host the G7 next year, is unlikely to give up easily.

Another point of contention is Brexit, the chaotic decision by Britain to quit the European Union.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has staked much on striking a bilateral trade deal with the United States as a key step in his country's new go-it-alone strategy.

While Johnson finds it tough going with Merkel and Macron, he's likely to encounter a much warmer Trump, who says the EU has "not treated the UK very well."

An isolated President Donald Trump arrived Saturday for the G7 summit in Biarritz bearing threats of tariffs against host France and a decision to deepen his trade war with China, despite fears of the US or even global recession.

An isolated President Donald Trump arrived Saturday for the G7 summit in Biarritz bearing threats of tariffs against host France and a decision to deepen his trade war with China, despite fears of the US or even global recession. Trump dislikes the kind of multilateral forums epitomized by the G7, insisting on a policy of "America first" and his skills, honed in a real estate career, of one-to-one deal-making. Ahead of the summit in the elegant French seaside resort, he has criticized most of his partners, rowing with them over Iran, trade, global warming and Brexit. And on the eve of his trip, he brushed aside concerns of global economic slowdown to exchange new tariffs with China, insisting "we'll win." In another piece of brinkmanship, he also confirmed right before departing on the Marine One helicopter that he would retaliate against France's iconic wine exports if President Emmanuel Macron didn't retreat on a new tax that will hit US digital giants like Google. "We'll be taxing their wine as they've never seen before," he vowed. The other G7 leaders from Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan, are waiting for Trump with a mixture of alarm and resignation. Macron has even decided that for the first time the G7 won't issue a group statement at the end of the summit, given the extent of divisions. At last year's meeting in Canada, Trump withdrew his signature in fury at Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. It would be "pointless," Macron said. Is the World economy at stake? Other G7 leaders are already alarmed at the fallout from the escalating US-China trade war. But Trump, bullish as ever, steeply ramped up tariffs against China on Friday after Beijing slapped its new tariffs against US products. Trump says he alone can take on the Chinese after decades of intellectual property theft and a slate of other unfair trading practices. He called the struggle "a little spat." At the G7 he is expected to seek allies, but the other leaders are deeply sceptical about whether Trump's crusade can ever succeed or whether it will tip a slowing world economy over the edge. The first working event of the G7 will be a session early Sunday that the White House specifically asked at the "last minute" to be added to the agenda: a meeting of the leaders on economic growth. Trump will tell his partners "to write the rules for this century, in contrast to the unfair trade practices that we see coming out of China," a senior administration official told reporters. Trump will also urge the Europeans, Canada and Japan to shake up their economies along US lines. "You’ll have the president engaging in honest conversations," the official said. Cozy no more Despite the diplomatic storm clouds gathering over Biarritz, on the Atlantic coast, Trump said the trip "will be very productive." But there are questions over the future of the G7 as Trump's nationalist approach turns it into something more like a 6+1. G7s always used to be cozy affairs, giving the leaders of like-minded, capitalist democracies a chance to relax and talk frankly in the context of largely shared values. However, there is increasingly little common ground between Trump and what would ordinarily be among the closest of US allies. Yet another diplomatic hand grenade went off days before the trip, when Trump reiterated his desire to recreate the G8 format with Russia, expelled in 2014 after Vladimir Putin's invasion of Crimea. Other G7 leaders have rebuffed this, but Trump, who will host the G7 next year, is unlikely to give up easily. Another point of contention is Brexit, the chaotic decision by Britain to quit the European Union. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has staked much on striking a bilateral trade deal with the United States as a key step in his country's new go-it-alone strategy. While Johnson finds it tough going with Merkel and Macron, he's likely to encounter a much warmer Trump, who says the EU has "not treated the UK very well."

Isolated Donald Trump descends on G-7, talking trade war

US President Donald Trump has once again spoken on India-Pakistan tensions and offered to mediate in resolving the Kashmir dispute.

Calling situation in Kashmir tough, Donald Trump offers to mediate for third time

President Donald Trump has once again offered to mediate on Kashmir. Speaking to the U.S. media, Donald Trump said that he will do his best to mediate on the 'complicated situation'. Watch full video to know more.

US President Donald Trump again offers to mediate on Kashmir issue

A MoveOn.org petition to rename part of the street right outside of Trump Tower in New York to "President Barack H. Obama Avenue" has amassed over 300,000 signatures.

More than 300,000 sign petition to rename Trump Tower street after Obama

Those in the U.S. that constantly flip flop on trade talks with China need to abandon their outdated zero sum thinking, said a China Media Group (CMG) commentary on Sunday.

U.S.'s zero sum thinking detrimental to all

Iran has recently released footage allegedly showing drone and the USS Boxer, disproving the US downed drone claim. Earlier in the day, President Donald Trump said the USS Boxer destroyed an Iranian drone in the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday after the aircraft threatened the ship by flying to within 1,000 yards of it.

Breaking News: Iran releases footage as 'proof' disproving the US downed drone claim

President Donald Trump said today that the USS Boxer destroyed an Iranian drone in the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday after the aircraft threatened the ship by flying to within 1,000 yards of it. Watch this video to know more.

Iran-US tension rises, US downs Iranian drone while Iran denies claim

President Donald Trump said the USS Boxer destroyed an Iranian drone in the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday after the aircraft threatened the ship by flying to within 1,000 yards of it.

US ship destroyed Iranian drone in Strait of Hormuz: President Donald Trump

President Donald Trump said the USS Boxer destroyed an Iranian drone in the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday after the aircraft threatened the ship by flying to within 1,000 yards of it. Watch this video to know more.

Trump: US downs Iranian drone, Iran denies claims

Four minority US congresswomen known as the "the squad" accused President Donald Trump of trying to sow division and distract attention from what they characterized as failed policies on immigration, health care and taxation on Monday.

Congresswomen call Trump's attack an attempt to distract from his policies

Immigrant families and their defenders were on standby Sunday (July 14) for mass deportation arrests across the United States threatened by President Donald Trump, but by early afternoon there were no signs of a nationwide operation. Trump said on Friday that a wave of arrests of immigrants facing deportation would start over the weekend. The multi-day operation was expected to target around 2,000 people in about 10 cities who have been ordered deported by an immigration judge but have yet to leave the country. But as immigrants stayed inside their homes and lawyers stood by to provide free legal aid, there were no reports of large enforcement operations. Mayors of large U.S. cities, nearly all Democrats, have said their law enforcement agencies will not cooperate with ICE on deportations.

Immigrants in hiding, but no sign of threatened mass U.S raids

President Donald Trump addressed large crowds from the Lincoln Memorial for the celebration of the 4th July.

Donald Trump addresses crowd on 4th July

Washington DC prepares for 4th July celebrations. U.S. President Donald Trump will be addressing crowd. Also, the fireworks will be the largest ever in D.C. history. Watch this video to know more.

U.S. prepares for 4th July celebrations

President Donald Trump on Saturday said that the United States had a "complicated" situation in how to respond to Turkey's deal to procure Russia's S-400 missile defense system. Watch this video to know more.

Turkey's S-400 deal: U.S. in 'complicated position'

President Donald Trump campaign raised $24.8 million in the less-than 24 hours after formally kicking off his re-election campaign. Watch this video to know more.

Trump campaign raises $24.8 mn on the day of his campaign launch

U.S. President Donald Trump formally kicked off his re-election campaign. Theme for Trump's 2020 campaign will be keep America great. Watch this video to know more.

Trump's 2020 theme: Keep America great

U.S. President Donald Trump formally kicked off his re-election campaign. Watch this video to know more.

U.S. President announces re-election bid

Guatemalans on Sunday (June 16) voted for a new president, who will face the daunting challenge of curbing drug gang violence that has ravaged the country and helped spur illegal immigration to the United States, stoking tensions with President Donald Trump.

Polls close in Guatemala presidential race as secound round looks likely

France will never forget the sacrifice of the Allied troops who liberated it from Nazi Germany, President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday, the 75th <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/leaders-and-veterans-recall-sacrifice-of-d-day-on-normandys-beaches-224916">anniversary of the D-Day operation</a> that helped bring World War Two to an end.

US President Donald Trump and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bravery-and-sacrifice-queen-elizabeth-and-world-leaders-applaud-d-day-veterans-224602">British Prime Minister Theresa May</a> joined Macron at separate ceremonies along an 80km (50 miles) stretch of Normandy coastline, where more than 150,000 soldiers landed on June 6, 1944, under a hail of German fire.

"We know what we owe to you, our veterans: our freedom. On behalf of my country, I want to say 'thank you'," Macron told several dozen American D-Day combatants at a US war cemetery overlooking Omaha Beach, one of five landing spots in Normandy.

"France will never forget."

Macron awarded the Legion d'honneur, France's highest award for merit, to five US veterans and embraced each man warmly.

The Normandy landings were months in the planning and were kept the secret from Hitler and his forces despite a huge trans-Atlantic mobilisation of industry and manpower.

Under the cover of darkness, thousands of Allied paratroopers jumped behind Germany's coastal defences. Then, as day broke, warships pounded German positions before hundreds of landing craft disgorged the infantry troops under a barrage of machine-gun fire and artillery.

Some veterans say the sea and sand turned red with blood during the operation. Dozens of US Rangers were felled by German machine-guns as they scaled the cliffs rising up from Omaha Beach to Colleville-sur-Mer, where the US cemetery lies.

"You are among the very greatest Americans who will ever live," Trump said in his address, turning to the surviving veterans. "You are the pride of our nation, you are the glory of our republic and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts."

"These men moved through the fires of hell," he said. "They came here and saved freedom, and then they went home and showed us all that freedom is about."

People applauded as one of the veterans, 94-year-old Private Russell Pickett, rose shakily to his feet. "Tough guy," Trump said before Macron helped lower Pickett back into his seat.

Special Generation

The Normandy landings remain the largest ever amphibious invasion and paved the way for western Europe's liberation.

Inaugurating a memorial to the 22,000 soldiers under British command who were killed on June 6, 1944, and in the ensuing battle for Normandy, British Prime Minister Theresa May saluted the bravery of the soldiers, many of whom were still boys when they waded ashore as shells screamed overhead.

"It's almost impossible to grasp the raw courage it must have taken that day to leap from landing craft and into the surf despite the fury of battle," May told a small gathering that included Macron and veterans, their uniforms laden with medals.

"These young men belonged to a very special generation ... whose incomparable spirit shaped our post-war world," she said.

The devastation wrought by two world wars in the first half of the 20th century fostered a decades-long era of cooperation between European capitals determined to protect their hard-fought peace, giving rise to what is now the European Union.

But even as Britain now tries to sever its ties with the bloc after four decades of membership, Macron told May some links between France and Britain were indestructible.

"Nothing will ever take away the links of spilt blood and shared values. The debates of the present in no way take away from the past."

Sacrificed Lives

An hour after sunrise, under clear blue skies, a lone piper on the remnants of an artificial harbour played Highland Laddie to mark the hour the first British soldier set foot on French sand. The Mulberry Harbour was built to supply allied troops as they pushed the Germans back.

Restored wartime jeeps and amphibious vehicles lined the beach at Arromanches and in villages along the Normandy shore the flags of Britain, Canada and the United States, the main contributors to the Allied force, fluttered in the breeze.

The commemorations come against the backdrop of two years of forthright diplomacy and "America First" policymaking by Trump and his administration that have shaken the NATO alliance and tested relations with allies including Britain and France.

On the eve of the anniversary, France's president evoked the spirit of D-Day, saying: "These allied forces that together freed us from the German yoke, and from tyranny, are the same ones that were able to build the existing multilateral structures after World War Two.

"We must not repeat history, and remind ourselves what was built on the basis of the war," he said.

France will never forget the sacrifice of the Allied troops who liberated it from Nazi Germany, President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday, the 75th anniversary of the D-Day operation that helped bring World War Two to an end.

France will never forget the sacrifice of the Allied troops who liberated it from Nazi Germany, President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday, the 75th anniversary of the D-Day operation that helped bring World War Two to an end. US President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Theresa May joined Macron at separate ceremonies along an 80km (50 miles) stretch of Normandy coastline, where more than 150,000 soldiers landed on June 6, 1944, under a hail of German fire. "We know what we owe to you, our veterans: our freedom. On behalf of my country, I want to say 'thank you'," Macron told several dozen American D-Day combatants at a US war cemetery overlooking Omaha Beach, one of five landing spots in Normandy. "France will never forget." Macron awarded the Legion d'honneur, France's highest award for merit, to five US veterans and embraced each man warmly. The Normandy landings were months in the planning and were kept the secret from Hitler and his forces despite a huge trans-Atlantic mobilisation of industry and manpower. Under the cover of darkness, thousands of Allied paratroopers jumped behind Germany's coastal defences. Then, as day broke, warships pounded German positions before hundreds of landing craft disgorged the infantry troops under a barrage of machine-gun fire and artillery. Some veterans say the sea and sand turned red with blood during the operation. Dozens of US Rangers were felled by German machine-guns as they scaled the cliffs rising up from Omaha Beach to Colleville-sur-Mer, where the US cemetery lies. "You are among the very greatest Americans who will ever live," Trump said in his address, turning to the surviving veterans. "You are the pride of our nation, you are the glory of our republic and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts." "These men moved through the fires of hell," he said. "They came here and saved freedom, and then they went home and showed us all that freedom is about." People applauded as one of the veterans, 94-year-old Private Russell Pickett, rose shakily to his feet. "Tough guy," Trump said before Macron helped lower Pickett back into his seat. Special Generation The Normandy landings remain the largest ever amphibious invasion and paved the way for western Europe's liberation. Inaugurating a memorial to the 22,000 soldiers under British command who were killed on June 6, 1944, and in the ensuing battle for Normandy, British Prime Minister Theresa May saluted the bravery of the soldiers, many of whom were still boys when they waded ashore as shells screamed overhead. "It's almost impossible to grasp the raw courage it must have taken that day to leap from landing craft and into the surf despite the fury of battle," May told a small gathering that included Macron and veterans, their uniforms laden with medals. "These young men belonged to a very special generation ... whose incomparable spirit shaped our post-war world," she said. The devastation wrought by two world wars in the first half of the 20th century fostered a decades-long era of cooperation between European capitals determined to protect their hard-fought peace, giving rise to what is now the European Union. But even as Britain now tries to sever its ties with the bloc after four decades of membership, Macron told May some links between France and Britain were indestructible. "Nothing will ever take away the links of spilt blood and shared values. The debates of the present in no way take away from the past." Sacrificed Lives An hour after sunrise, under clear blue skies, a lone piper on the remnants of an artificial harbour played Highland Laddie to mark the hour the first British soldier set foot on French sand. The Mulberry Harbour was built to supply allied troops as they pushed the Germans back. Restored wartime jeeps and amphibious vehicles lined the beach at Arromanches and in villages along the Normandy shore the flags of Britain, Canada and the United States, the main contributors to the Allied force, fluttered in the breeze. The commemorations come against the backdrop of two years of forthright diplomacy and "America First" policymaking by Trump and his administration that have shaken the NATO alliance and tested relations with allies including Britain and France. On the eve of the anniversary, France's president evoked the spirit of D-Day, saying: "These allied forces that together freed us from the German yoke, and from tyranny, are the same ones that were able to build the existing multilateral structures after World War Two. "We must not repeat history, and remind ourselves what was built on the basis of the war," he said.

Trump, Macron honour D-Day veterans who fought through 'fires of hell'

Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah pledged on Friday (May 31) to confront the U.S. Middle East plan that President Donald Trump has touted as "the deal of the century."

Lebanon's Hezbollah vows to confront U.S. Middle East plan

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/americas/us-will-respond-with-great-force-if-iran-attacks-interests-donald-trump-220247">US&nbsp;President Donald Trump </a>said he was prepared to talk to<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-oil-sanctions-wont-go-without-response-iran-213205"> Iranian President Hassan Rouhani </a>but that there was always a chance of US&nbsp;military action against the Islamic Republic.

"So Iran is a place that was extremely hostile when I first came into office," Trump told British television station ITV. "They were a terrorist nation number one in the world at that time and probably maybe are today."&nbsp;

When asked if he thought he would need to take military action, he said: "There`s always a chance. Do I want to? No. I`d rather not. But there`s always a chance."

He said when asked, that he was prepared to talk to Rouhani,&nbsp;"Yeah of course. I would much rather talk."&nbsp;

This comes after Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Tuesday that Tehran would not be "deceived" by US President Donald Trump’s offer of negotiations <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-will-not-abandon-its-missile-programme-supreme-leader-ayatollah-ali-khamenei-224364">and would not give up its missile programme</a>.

Watch: 'If Iran wants to fight, that will be the official end of Iran': Donald Trump

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/if-iran-wants-to-fight-that-will-be-the-official-end-of-iran-donald-trump-220006/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Iran and the United States have been drawn into starker confrontation in the past month, a year after Washington pulled out of a deal between Iran and global powers to curb Tehran’s nuclear programme in return for lifting international sanctions.

Trump has condemned the nuclear deal, signed by his predecessor Barack Obama, as flawed for not being permanent and for not covering Iran’s ballistic missile programme and its role in conflicts around the Middle East. He has called on Iran to come to the negotiating table to reach a new deal.

Trump said last week that Iran "has a chance to be a great country, with the same leadership. We’re not looking for regime change. I just want to make that clear. We’re looking for no nuclear weapons."

Reacting to those comments, Khamenei said in a speech broadcast on state television, "The US president recently said Iran can achieve development with its current leaders. That means they do not seek regime change ... But this political trick will not deceive Iranian officials and the Iranian nation."

"In the missile programme, they know we have reached a point of deterrence and stability. They want to deprive us from it, but they will never succeed," Khamenei said, speaking at a ceremony marking the 30th anniversary of the death of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Khamenei said US sanctions have created hardship for Iranians and called on the government to make improving economic conditions its top priority.

US President Donald Trump said he was prepared to talk to Iranian President Hassan Rouhani but that there was always a chance of US military action against the Islamic Republic.

US President Donald Trump said he was prepared to talk to Iranian President Hassan Rouhani but that there was always a chance of US military action against the Islamic Republic. "So Iran is a place that was extremely hostile when I first came into office," Trump told British television station ITV. "They were a terrorist nation number one in the world at that time and probably maybe are today." When asked if he thought he would need to take military action, he said: "There`s always a chance. Do I want to? No. I`d rather not. But there`s always a chance." He said when asked, that he was prepared to talk to Rouhani, "Yeah of course. I would much rather talk." This comes after Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Tuesday that Tehran would not be "deceived" by US President Donald Trump’s offer of negotiations and would not give up its missile programme. Watch: 'If Iran wants to fight, that will be the official end of Iran': Donald Trump Iran and the United States have been drawn into starker confrontation in the past month, a year after Washington pulled out of a deal between Iran and global powers to curb Tehran’s nuclear programme in return for lifting international sanctions. Trump has condemned the nuclear deal, signed by his predecessor Barack Obama, as flawed for not being permanent and for not covering Iran’s ballistic missile programme and its role in conflicts around the Middle East. He has called on Iran to come to the negotiating table to reach a new deal. Trump said last week that Iran "has a chance to be a great country, with the same leadership. We’re not looking for regime change. I just want to make that clear. We’re looking for no nuclear weapons." Reacting to those comments, Khamenei said in a speech broadcast on state television, "The US president recently said Iran can achieve development with its current leaders. That means they do not seek regime change ... But this political trick will not deceive Iranian officials and the Iranian nation." "In the missile programme, they know we have reached a point of deterrence and stability. They want to deprive us from it, but they will never succeed," Khamenei said, speaking at a ceremony marking the 30th anniversary of the death of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Khamenei said US sanctions have created hardship for Iranians and called on the government to make improving economic conditions its top priority.

Donald Trump prepared to talk to Iran but says always a chance of military action

President Donald Trump says the United States is committed to a "phenomenal" trade deal with Britain as it prepares to leave the European Union. Prime Minister Theresa May has been dogged by her failure to achieve Brexit and is stepping down this week as head of her Conservative Party but will remain as prime minister until her successor is chosen. It will be the new prime minister's responsibility to achieve Brexit and any bilateral trade deal with the US.

Trump 'tremendous potential' in US-UK trade deal

Eurozone inflation dropped sharply to 1.2 per cent in May, data showed on Tuesday, raising the spectre of a global economic slowdown.&nbsp;

Analysts surveyed by data company Factset had predicted a more modest drop in inflation to 1.4 per cent, down from the 1.7 per cent logged in April.

The latest data puts consumer prices in the 19-nation single currency bloc even further from the European Central Bank's inflation goal of just below 2.0 per cent.

Eurozone unemployment meanwhile dropped to 7.6 per cent in April, down from 7.7 per cent in March.&nbsp;

This marked the lowest rate recorded in the 19-nation single currency bloc since August 2008.

The drop in consumer prices landed a day after data showed that factory output in the eurozone fell close to a six-year low in May.

This has compounded fears that international trade turbulence caused by the protectionist offensive by US President Donald Trump against China and other partners is destabilising the world economy.

Economists say investor confidence is shaken by US-led trade war, putting pressure on the ECB governors to do more to boost the economy when they meet on Thursday.

The ECB's firepower is limited however, after years of very low rates and other unprecedented steps to boost lending and growth in Europe.

Eurozone inflation dropped sharply to 1.2 per cent in May, data showed on Tuesday, raising the spectre of a global economic slowdown. Analysts surveyed by data company Factset had predicted a more modest drop in inflation to 1.

Eurozone inflation dropped sharply to 1.2 per cent in May, data showed on Tuesday, raising the spectre of a global economic slowdown. Analysts surveyed by data company Factset had predicted a more modest drop in inflation to 1.4 per cent, down from the 1.7 per cent logged in April. The latest data puts consumer prices in the 19-nation single currency bloc even further from the European Central Bank's inflation goal of just below 2.0 per cent. Eurozone unemployment meanwhile dropped to 7.6 per cent in April, down from 7.7 per cent in March. This marked the lowest rate recorded in the 19-nation single currency bloc since August 2008. The drop in consumer prices landed a day after data showed that factory output in the eurozone fell close to a six-year low in May. This has compounded fears that international trade turbulence caused by the protectionist offensive by US President Donald Trump against China and other partners is destabilising the world economy. Economists say investor confidence is shaken by US-led trade war, putting pressure on the ECB governors to do more to boost the economy when they meet on Thursday. The ECB's firepower is limited however, after years of very low rates and other unprecedented steps to boost lending and growth in Europe.

Eurozone inflation falls sharply amid slowdown fears