Russia and the United States blamed each other for a near collision between their warships in the East China Sea on Friday (June 7) with both countries accusing one another of dangerous and unprofessional behavior.

U.S. and Russia blame each other for near collision in East China Sea

Additional sanctions imposed on Iran by the United States show that Washington's offer of talks is not genuine, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said on Saturday.

The United States sanctioned Iran’s largest petrochemical holding group on Friday for indirectly supporting the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), a step it said aimed to dry up revenues to the elite Iranian military force but that analysts called largely symbolic.

US President Donald Trump said earlier this month that he would be willing to talk to the Islamic Republic.

“It was only necessary to wait one week until the claim of the president of America about talks with Iran were proven to be hollow,” Mousavi said in a statement. “The American policy of maximum pressure is a defeated policy.”

Tensions have risen between Iran and the United States in recent weeks after Washington sent more military forces to the Middle East, including an aircraft carrier, B-52 bombers and Patriot missiles, in a show of force against what U.S. officials call Iranian threats to U.S. troops and interests in the region.

The United States aims to intensify economic and military pressure on Iran because of its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes as well as its support for proxy groups in Syria, Iraq, Lebanon and Yemen.

US President Donald Trump antagonized Iran, and dismayed key US allies, last year when he exited a 2015 deal between Tehran and world powers under which Tehran curbed its nuclear program in return for an easing of most international sanctions.

Trump denounced the deal, signed before he took office, as flawed and reimposed tough financial sanctions on Iran that were subsequently extended to its lifeblood oil exports.

Trump said on Thursday that Iran was failing as a nation, under the pressure of his sanctions, and repeated his call for talks with the leadership in Tehran. Mousavi on Friday dismissed Trump's comments as "repetitive, groundless and paradoxical” and said they did not merit a response.

Additional sanctions imposed on Iran by the United States show that Washington's offer of talks is not genuine, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said on Saturday.

Additional sanctions imposed on Iran by the United States show that Washington's offer of talks is not genuine, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said on Saturday. The United States sanctioned Iran’s largest petrochemical holding group on Friday for indirectly supporting the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), a step it said aimed to dry up revenues to the elite Iranian military force but that analysts called largely symbolic. US President Donald Trump said earlier this month that he would be willing to talk to the Islamic Republic. “It was only necessary to wait one week until the claim of the president of America about talks with Iran were proven to be hollow,” Mousavi said in a statement. “The American policy of maximum pressure is a defeated policy.” Tensions have risen between Iran and the United States in recent weeks after Washington sent more military forces to the Middle East, including an aircraft carrier, B-52 bombers and Patriot missiles, in a show of force against what U.S. officials call Iranian threats to U.S. troops and interests in the region. The United States aims to intensify economic and military pressure on Iran because of its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes as well as its support for proxy groups in Syria, Iraq, Lebanon and Yemen. US President Donald Trump antagonized Iran, and dismayed key US allies, last year when he exited a 2015 deal between Tehran and world powers under which Tehran curbed its nuclear program in return for an easing of most international sanctions. Trump denounced the deal, signed before he took office, as flawed and reimposed tough financial sanctions on Iran that were subsequently extended to its lifeblood oil exports. Trump said on Thursday that Iran was failing as a nation, under the pressure of his sanctions, and repeated his call for talks with the leadership in Tehran. Mousavi on Friday dismissed Trump's comments as "repetitive, groundless and paradoxical” and said they did not merit a response.

New US sanctions show offer of talks not genuine: Iranian foreign ministry

US President Donald Trump is back in the United States after traveling to the United Kingdom, Ireland and France. His arrival comes on the third day of talks between U.S. and Mexican officials over the looming threat of a 5% tariff on imports from Mexico.

Trump back in U.S., says trade talks 'doing well'

Finance chiefs of the Group of 20 major economies meeting in the Japanese city of Fukuoka debated Saturday over how to revise tax systems to ensure big companies pay their fair share and support economies as global growth slows.

G20 finance ministers debate taxation reforms

As of June 5, perhaps as part of his trade war, US President Trump ended the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) for India. The GSP has been around since the mid-1970s and aims to help the “World’s poorest countries to use trade to grow their economies and climb out of poverty.” India has two options. First, it can appeal the withdrawal to the World Trade Organisation.&nbsp; 
 
Second, India can simply wait; the US has re-instated the GSP in the past (case in point, Argentina, 2018). However, the decision to end the GSP is actually a great compliment towards India.&nbsp;

The nation should not go to the WTO or appeal the decision in any way. There are two major reasons for PM Narendra Modi’s ‘cool as a cucumber,’ indifferent attitude towards taking away the GSP. &nbsp;&nbsp;

First, India’s massive market is something that America just cannot look away from and do without. The USA needs to have access to India’s population. India currently carries 1.3 billion people and, more significantly, carries one of the strongest, most vibrant workforces in the world (over 65 per cent under the age of 35 years old). This is a goldmine for employability for American MNCs now present in India like Walmart, Facebook, Google, etc.&nbsp;

The list also includes future superstar MNCs like Netflix and Uber. When these companies first came to India, it was PM Modi that worked efficiently and placed regulations for business. This prevented companies from being too bullish and operating with too much autonomy in India. While foreign leaders were not happy with this, it did not really make much if a difference in terms of companies still pursuing business in India. Case In point, Apple. Despite restrictions hurting Apple phone sales, CEO Cook remains extremely bullish in India, still aggressively penetrating the Indian market. Similarly, it is not likely that MNCs are going anywhere no matter how stringent regulations are. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Second, India has garnered top levels of foreign direct investment with America being a heavy investor. Just recently, Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon expressed confidence in the Indian market due to Modi returning and the accelerating pace of NDA reforms. Many foreign firms carry the same sentiment. These investors will continue to be involved in India’s rewarding market. The Modi 1.0 government saw record-high FDI levels which will continue to rise over the next five years. And FDI is not the only thing the USA wants to keep engagement in India with.&nbsp;

Just hours after the GSP was taken away, there was a statement by the USA: American plans on increasing the ‘scope, complexity and frequency of military engagement with India.’&nbsp;

The USA considers India a ‘major defence partner’ which has facilitated greater interoperability and information spending over the past few years. This is strategic for the Indian economy in multiple ways: it brings employment, technological development, research, strategy and innovation to name a few. Thus, the impact caused by taking away GSP will be offset by this engagement. &nbsp;

What is the real impact on&nbsp;India’s economy by the move? Out of about $36 billion worth of exports by India to the USA, $5.7 billion worth of exports are affected, or just about 15.83 per cent. Many Indian experts are expecting that the USA will likely reinstate the GSP because the products that are exported will be hard to replace with India’s competitive advantage: items like natural pearls, pharmaceuticals and machinery. Furthermore, even if the GSP does not get reinstated, it is not really a concern. India is steadily turning into a global manufacturing hub via reforms during the Modi 1.0 and now 2.0 government. For these reason along with reducing costs and diversifying, hundreds of US companies are looking to move their manufacturing bases from China to India. Likewise, the Modi 2.0 government is looking to export in new markets. All of these actions will offset any loss created by eliminating GSP. Lower crude oil prices will also minimise the blow. &nbsp;

The root reason why the GSP has been taken away is because Trump is frustrated at India’s regulatory restrictions that were placed by PM Modi during his first term. Otherwise, American firms would bully India by running unregulated and autonomous in the market which would fatally impact India’s economy at a crucial point. &nbsp;

What’s the best way to treat a bully? Indifference. Schoolyard taunts are not meant to get a response. India has spoken maturely on this matter and asked for a dialogue to reach mutual terms. If not, no biggie. India has stated that the two nations will continue to work together regardless.

With this unruffled response, India has shown its new strength and place as a frontrunner on the international stage. It is no longer a nation that can be bullied. Rather, it is a strong, stabilising economy that is expanding its domestic sectors and fostering lucrative international engagement through positive development. And with a strong, abled, young, dynamic workforce driving innovation and setting higher standards for New India, the nation’s economy is most definitely ‘the new place to be.’ It’s about time that the USA gets this message. Otherwise, their loss. &nbsp;

&nbsp;(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;

&nbsp;

As of June 5, perhaps as part of his trade war, US President Trump ended the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) for India. The GSP has been around since the mid-1970s and aims to help the “World’s poorest countries to use trade to grow their economies and climb out of poverty.

As of June 5, perhaps as part of his trade war, US President Trump ended the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) for India. The GSP has been around since the mid-1970s and aims to help the “World’s poorest countries to use trade to grow their economies and climb out of poverty.” India has two options. First, it can appeal the withdrawal to the World Trade Organisation. Second, India can simply wait; the US has re-instated the GSP in the past (case in point, Argentina, 2018). However, the decision to end the GSP is actually a great compliment towards India. The nation should not go to the WTO or appeal the decision in any way. There are two major reasons for PM Narendra Modi’s ‘cool as a cucumber,’ indifferent attitude towards taking away the GSP. First, India’s massive market is something that America just cannot look away from and do without. The USA needs to have access to India’s population. India currently carries 1.3 billion people and, more significantly, carries one of the strongest, most vibrant workforces in the world (over 65 per cent under the age of 35 years old). This is a goldmine for employability for American MNCs now present in India like Walmart, Facebook, Google, etc. The list also includes future superstar MNCs like Netflix and Uber. When these companies first came to India, it was PM Modi that worked efficiently and placed regulations for business. This prevented companies from being too bullish and operating with too much autonomy in India. While foreign leaders were not happy with this, it did not really make much if a difference in terms of companies still pursuing business in India. Case In point, Apple. Despite restrictions hurting Apple phone sales, CEO Cook remains extremely bullish in India, still aggressively penetrating the Indian market. Similarly, it is not likely that MNCs are going anywhere no matter how stringent regulations are. Second, India has garnered top levels of foreign direct investment with America being a heavy investor. Just recently, Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon expressed confidence in the Indian market due to Modi returning and the accelerating pace of NDA reforms. Many foreign firms carry the same sentiment. These investors will continue to be involved in India’s rewarding market. The Modi 1.0 government saw record-high FDI levels which will continue to rise over the next five years. And FDI is not the only thing the USA wants to keep engagement in India with. Just hours after the GSP was taken away, there was a statement by the USA: American plans on increasing the ‘scope, complexity and frequency of military engagement with India.’ The USA considers India a ‘major defence partner’ which has facilitated greater interoperability and information spending over the past few years. This is strategic for the Indian economy in multiple ways: it brings employment, technological development, research, strategy and innovation to name a few. Thus, the impact caused by taking away GSP will be offset by this engagement. What is the real impact on India’s economy by the move? Out of about $36 billion worth of exports by India to the USA, $5.7 billion worth of exports are affected, or just about 15.83 per cent. Many Indian experts are expecting that the USA will likely reinstate the GSP because the products that are exported will be hard to replace with India’s competitive advantage: items like natural pearls, pharmaceuticals and machinery. Furthermore, even if the GSP does not get reinstated, it is not really a concern. India is steadily turning into a global manufacturing hub via reforms during the Modi 1.0 and now 2.0 government. For these reason along with reducing costs and diversifying, hundreds of US companies are looking to move their manufacturing bases from China to India. Likewise, the Modi 2.0 government is looking to export in new markets. All of these actions will offset any loss created by eliminating GSP. Lower crude oil prices will also minimise the blow. The root reason why the GSP has been taken away is because Trump is frustrated at India’s regulatory restrictions that were placed by PM Modi during his first term. Otherwise, American firms would bully India by running unregulated and autonomous in the market which would fatally impact India’s economy at a crucial point. What’s the best way to treat a bully? Indifference. Schoolyard taunts are not meant to get a response. India has spoken maturely on this matter and asked for a dialogue to reach mutual terms. If not, no biggie. India has stated that the two nations will continue to work together regardless. With this unruffled response, India has shown its new strength and place as a frontrunner on the international stage. It is no longer a nation that can be bullied. Rather, it is a strong, stabilising economy that is expanding its domestic sectors and fostering lucrative international engagement through positive development. And with a strong, abled, young, dynamic workforce driving innovation and setting higher standards for New India, the nation’s economy is most definitely ‘the new place to be.’ It’s about time that the USA gets this message. Otherwise, their loss. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

India's indifference to the US on GSP is the perfect response

By Annie Waqar&nbsp;

The most ambitious effort to peacefully constrain the nuclear aspirations of a nation hangs by a thread. Eight years of patient and difficult negotiations to reach an agreement on Iran’s nuclear programme were cast aside when president Donald Trump withdrew US support for the deal in May 2018.

Since then, tensions between Iran and the US, a signatory to the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) – alongside the UK, Germany, France, Russia and China – have escalated. Last November, the US inflamed things further by re-imposing economic sanctions targeting both Iran and the states that trade with it.

The US decision in early May to deploy an aircraft carrier strike force and B-52 bombers, in response to what Washington said was an imminent Iranian plan to attack US assets, has kept tensions at a boil.

Washington stated that the latest show of force was in response to a “campaign” of recent attacks, including a rocket launched into the Green Zone in Baghdad, explosive devices that damaged four tankers near the entrance to the Gulf, and drone attacks by Yemeni rebels on a key Saudi oil pipeline. Iran has denied any association with the incidents.

More recently, the US withdrew waivers which were part of the JCPOA deal with Iran. By revoking the waivers that enabled Iran to ship abroad excess supplies of enriched uranium and heavy water, the US has left the Islamic Republic pondering whether it should continue to comply with certain key parts of the deal.

Iran’s foreign affairs minister, Javed Zarif, and Iraq’s foreign minister, Ali Alhakim, held a joint news conference in May, during which Zarif called on European states to do more to preserve the nuclear deal. Zarif also called the deployment of extra US troops to the Gulf region “extremely dangerous and a threat to international peace and security”.

A supportive Alhakim stated: “The sanctions against sisterly Iran are ineffective and we stand by its side.”

Certainly, sanctions have damaged Iran’s economy. The Iranian currency has hit a record low against the US dollar amid continued economic difficulties following the reimposition of sanctions, and the purchasing power of Iranians has dropped significantly. Indeed, Iran’s economy in 2019 is expected to fall deeper into recession, with estimated negative growth of 5.5 per cent or higher.

Iran’s choice

Tehran has requested that the European signatories to the nuclear accord – France, Germany and the UK – keep the pact alive. The JCPOA sets a 3.67 per cent limit on uranium enhancement (enough to fuel a commercial nuclear plant) and bars Iran from accumulating supplies of more than 300kg of low-enriched uranium and 130 tons of heavy water, a coolant used in nuclear reactors.

Tehran has rightly said the deal agreed to end Iran’s financial isolation in return for the strict limitations on its nuclear activities. But by bolstering sanctions, the US has scared organisations and banks into diminishing, ceasing or avoiding altogether business with Iranian partners, with serious repercussions for Iran’s economy.

Europe, by and large, has supported diplomacy with Iran. It has argued that Trump’s rejection of the deal compromises the pragmatic wing of Iran’s administration and plays into the hands of hardliners. The EU has long had questions about Tehran’s missile program, and its involvement in Lebanon, Iraq and Yemen, but it has viewed these as separate from the nuclear agreement.

The economic sanctions have certainly put the moderate Iranian leader Hassan Rouhani under pressure, both internationally and domestically. Iranian hardliners argue that Iran surrendered too much in the agreement.

Rouhani has perhaps come up with a clever way of deflecting domestic criticism of him – at least for now – by suggesting that the Islamic Republic hold a referendum over its nuclear program. The official Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) stated that Rouhani, who recently was openly chastised by the nation’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, made the suggestion at a gathering of senior Iranian editors on May 25.

Khamenei, who has the last say on all issues of state in Iran, has not yet responded to Rouhani’s recent proposition. The Islamic Republic has seen just three referendums since 1979: one on its change from a monarchy to an Islamic republic, and two on its constitution.

A nuclear threat?

In the meantime, Iran has also threatened to quadruple its uranium-enrichment production limit, but stressed that even this uranium would not be enhanced beyond the 3.67 per cent&nbsp;limit set by the JCPOA, making it unsuitable for developing a nuclear weapon. Rouhani has also said that Tehran will keep its excess enriched uranium and heavy water rather than exporting it.

If Europe fails to find a way for business and investors to work with Iran without being penalised by US sanctions, however, Rouhani has said that Iran will begin enriching uranium even further. In principle, this more highly-enriched uranium could be used as the fissile core of a nuclear weapon. This would send Iran back on its way towards making a bomb, and mark the end of the JCPOA.

According to the UN’s International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) most recent quarterly report, Iran’s enriched uranium and heavy water stocks have grown but have not exceeded the ceilings set in the nuclear agreement. This suggests that Iran continues to comply with the JCPOA – for now, at least.

So far, Iran has also abstained from getting entangled in military brinkmanship with the US. But Trump may soon face a tough choice: either engage in a military clash with Iran or return to the JCPOA. The latter may be a u-turn too far for the bellicose president.

Either way, it is difficult to convince nations to surrender nuclear weapons once they have them. In this case, everything peaceful should be done to ensure that Iran is prevented from acquiring one in the first place.

(Annie Waqar is Lecturer/Academic consultant, University of Westminster) 
 
(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/iran-nuclear-deal-is-hanging-by-a-thread-so-will-islamic-republic-now-develop-a-bomb-117809">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

By Annie Waqar The most ambitious effort to peacefully constrain the nuclear aspirations of a nation hangs by a thread. Eight years of patient and difficult negotiations to reach an agreement on Iran’s nuclear programme were cast aside when president Donald Trump withdrew US support for the deal in May 2018.

By Annie Waqar The most ambitious effort to peacefully constrain the nuclear aspirations of a nation hangs by a thread. Eight years of patient and difficult negotiations to reach an agreement on Iran’s nuclear programme were cast aside when president Donald Trump withdrew US support for the deal in May 2018. Since then, tensions between Iran and the US, a signatory to the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) – alongside the UK, Germany, France, Russia and China – have escalated. Last November, the US inflamed things further by re-imposing economic sanctions targeting both Iran and the states that trade with it. The US decision in early May to deploy an aircraft carrier strike force and B-52 bombers, in response to what Washington said was an imminent Iranian plan to attack US assets, has kept tensions at a boil. Washington stated that the latest show of force was in response to a “campaign” of recent attacks, including a rocket launched into the Green Zone in Baghdad, explosive devices that damaged four tankers near the entrance to the Gulf, and drone attacks by Yemeni rebels on a key Saudi oil pipeline. Iran has denied any association with the incidents. More recently, the US withdrew waivers which were part of the JCPOA deal with Iran. By revoking the waivers that enabled Iran to ship abroad excess supplies of enriched uranium and heavy water, the US has left the Islamic Republic pondering whether it should continue to comply with certain key parts of the deal. Iran’s foreign affairs minister, Javed Zarif, and Iraq’s foreign minister, Ali Alhakim, held a joint news conference in May, during which Zarif called on European states to do more to preserve the nuclear deal. Zarif also called the deployment of extra US troops to the Gulf region “extremely dangerous and a threat to international peace and security”. A supportive Alhakim stated: “The sanctions against sisterly Iran are ineffective and we stand by its side.” Certainly, sanctions have damaged Iran’s economy. The Iranian currency has hit a record low against the US dollar amid continued economic difficulties following the reimposition of sanctions, and the purchasing power of Iranians has dropped significantly. Indeed, Iran’s economy in 2019 is expected to fall deeper into recession, with estimated negative growth of 5.5 per cent or higher. Iran’s choice Tehran has requested that the European signatories to the nuclear accord – France, Germany and the UK – keep the pact alive. The JCPOA sets a 3.67 per cent limit on uranium enhancement (enough to fuel a commercial nuclear plant) and bars Iran from accumulating supplies of more than 300kg of low-enriched uranium and 130 tons of heavy water, a coolant used in nuclear reactors. Tehran has rightly said the deal agreed to end Iran’s financial isolation in return for the strict limitations on its nuclear activities. But by bolstering sanctions, the US has scared organisations and banks into diminishing, ceasing or avoiding altogether business with Iranian partners, with serious repercussions for Iran’s economy. Europe, by and large, has supported diplomacy with Iran. It has argued that Trump’s rejection of the deal compromises the pragmatic wing of Iran’s administration and plays into the hands of hardliners. The EU has long had questions about Tehran’s missile program, and its involvement in Lebanon, Iraq and Yemen, but it has viewed these as separate from the nuclear agreement. The economic sanctions have certainly put the moderate Iranian leader Hassan Rouhani under pressure, both internationally and domestically. Iranian hardliners argue that Iran surrendered too much in the agreement. Rouhani has perhaps come up with a clever way of deflecting domestic criticism of him – at least for now – by suggesting that the Islamic Republic hold a referendum over its nuclear program. The official Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) stated that Rouhani, who recently was openly chastised by the nation’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, made the suggestion at a gathering of senior Iranian editors on May 25. Khamenei, who has the last say on all issues of state in Iran, has not yet responded to Rouhani’s recent proposition. The Islamic Republic has seen just three referendums since 1979: one on its change from a monarchy to an Islamic republic, and two on its constitution. A nuclear threat? In the meantime, Iran has also threatened to quadruple its uranium-enrichment production limit, but stressed that even this uranium would not be enhanced beyond the 3.67 per cent limit set by the JCPOA, making it unsuitable for developing a nuclear weapon. Rouhani has also said that Tehran will keep its excess enriched uranium and heavy water rather than exporting it. If Europe fails to find a way for business and investors to work with Iran without being penalised by US sanctions, however, Rouhani has said that Iran will begin enriching uranium even further. In principle, this more highly-enriched uranium could be used as the fissile core of a nuclear weapon. This would send Iran back on its way towards making a bomb, and mark the end of the JCPOA. According to the UN’s International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) most recent quarterly report, Iran’s enriched uranium and heavy water stocks have grown but have not exceeded the ceilings set in the nuclear agreement. This suggests that Iran continues to comply with the JCPOA – for now, at least. So far, Iran has also abstained from getting entangled in military brinkmanship with the US. But Trump may soon face a tough choice: either engage in a military clash with Iran or return to the JCPOA. The latter may be a u-turn too far for the bellicose president. Either way, it is difficult to convince nations to surrender nuclear weapons once they have them. In this case, everything peaceful should be done to ensure that Iran is prevented from acquiring one in the first place. (Annie Waqar is Lecturer/Academic consultant, University of Westminster) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Iran nuclear deal is hanging by a thread

A rape lawsuit filed in the United States against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ronaldos-hat-trick-against-switzerland-sends-portugal-to-nations-league-final-224802">Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo</a> has not been dropped, the plaintiff's lawyer said Wednesday, dismissing a report to the contrary.

"The charges were not dropped," said Larissa Drohobyczer, attorney for Kathryn Mayorga, who claims she was sexually assaulted by the Portuguese soccer star in a Las Vegas hotel in 2009.

A Bloomberg report that the case had been dropped stemmed from the filing of a notice of voluntary dismissal last month in Nevada state court in Las Vegas.

"The state case was dismissed by us because we filed the identical claims in federal court due to federal court's rules on serving foreigners," Drohobyczer told AFP.

"We basically just switched venues but the claims remain."

Ronaldo, 34, the former Manchester United and Real Madrid player, has strongly denied the accusations against him.

Mayorga, 35, said last year that while she had agreed to a financial settlement with Ronaldo shortly after the alleged incident, her emotional trauma at the time did not allow her to participate in the mediation process.

Following her renewed accusations, Las Vegas police reopened an investigation.&nbsp;

Ronaldo is one of the biggest stars of world football and is a five-time winner of the Ballon d'Or award for the world's best player.

A rape lawsuit filed in the United States against Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo has not been dropped, the plaintiff's lawyer said Wednesday, dismissing a report to the contrary.

A rape lawsuit filed in the United States against Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo has not been dropped, the plaintiff's lawyer said Wednesday, dismissing a report to the contrary. "The charges were not dropped," said Larissa Drohobyczer, attorney for Kathryn Mayorga, who claims she was sexually assaulted by the Portuguese soccer star in a Las Vegas hotel in 2009. A Bloomberg report that the case had been dropped stemmed from the filing of a notice of voluntary dismissal last month in Nevada state court in Las Vegas. "The state case was dismissed by us because we filed the identical claims in federal court due to federal court's rules on serving foreigners," Drohobyczer told AFP. "We basically just switched venues but the claims remain." Ronaldo, 34, the former Manchester United and Real Madrid player, has strongly denied the accusations against him. Mayorga, 35, said last year that while she had agreed to a financial settlement with Ronaldo shortly after the alleged incident, her emotional trauma at the time did not allow her to participate in the mediation process. Following her renewed accusations, Las Vegas police reopened an investigation. Ronaldo is one of the biggest stars of world football and is a five-time winner of the Ballon d'Or award for the world's best player.

Ronaldo's rape lawsuit in United States not dropped: Lawyer

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-relocates-staff-from-sudan-death-toll-rises-to-108-224799">UN relocates staff from Sudan, death toll rises to 108</a>

The United Nations is moving some of its staff from Sudan, a spokeswoman said Wednesday, as the&nbsp;death toll from a crackdown on protesters soared to more than 100.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/4-bodies-11-tonne-garbage-collected-in-mount-everest-clean-up-operation-224812">4 bodies, 11 tonne garbage picked in Mount Everest clean-up operation</a>

Nepali climbers have retrieved four bodies and collected some&nbsp;11 tonnes of decades-old garbage&nbsp;from Mount Everest and its approach below the base camp as part of a drive to clean up the world's highest mountain, the government said on Wednesday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/global-terrorist-hafiz-saeed-not-allowed-to-lead-eid-prayers-at-his-favourite-venue-in-lahore-224810">Global terrorist Hafiz Saeed not allowed to lead Eid prayers at his 'favourite' venue in Lahore</a>

For the first time in years, Mumbai attack mastermind and Jammat-ud-Dawa (JuD) chief&nbsp;Hafiz Saeed&nbsp;was not allowed by the government on Wednesday to lead Eid-ul-Fitr prayers at his favourite venue Qaddafi Stadium here, an official said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thailands-parliament-elects-coup-leader-prayut-chan-ocha-as-prime-minister-224805">Thailand's Parliament elects coup leader Prayut Chan-ocha as prime minister</a>

Thailand's junta chief Prayut Chan-ocha&nbsp;was elected late on Wednesday as the kingdom's first civilian prime minister since the 2014 coup he led, in a vote by a parliament stacked with appointed allies of the&nbsp;conservative, arch-royalist army.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/danish-centre-left-opposition-wins-election-on-welfare-pledges-224808">Danish centre-left opposition wins election on welfare pledges</a>

Denmark appeared set to become the third Nordic country in a year to form a leftist government as voters in Wednesday`s&nbsp;parliamentary election&nbsp;rebelled against austerity measures and dealt a blow to right-wing nationalists.

UN relocates staff from Sudan, death toll rises to 108 The United Nations is moving some of its staff from Sudan, a spokeswoman said Wednesday, as the death toll from a crackdown on protesters soared to more than 100.

UN relocates staff from Sudan, death toll rises to 108 The United Nations is moving some of its staff from Sudan, a spokeswoman said Wednesday, as the death toll from a crackdown on protesters soared to more than 100. 4 bodies, 11 tonne garbage picked in Mount Everest clean-up operation Nepali climbers have retrieved four bodies and collected some 11 tonnes of decades-old garbage from Mount Everest and its approach below the base camp as part of a drive to clean up the world's highest mountain, the government said on Wednesday. Global terrorist Hafiz Saeed not allowed to lead Eid prayers at his 'favourite' venue in Lahore For the first time in years, Mumbai attack mastermind and Jammat-ud-Dawa (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed was not allowed by the government on Wednesday to lead Eid-ul-Fitr prayers at his favourite venue Qaddafi Stadium here, an official said. Thailand's Parliament elects coup leader Prayut Chan-ocha as prime minister Thailand's junta chief Prayut Chan-ocha was elected late on Wednesday as the kingdom's first civilian prime minister since the 2014 coup he led, in a vote by a parliament stacked with appointed allies of the conservative, arch-royalist army. Danish centre-left opposition wins election on welfare pledges Denmark appeared set to become the third Nordic country in a year to form a leftist government as voters in Wednesday`s parliamentary election rebelled against austerity measures and dealt a blow to right-wing nationalists.

News brief: Big stories of the day

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-prices-fall-on-surging-us-crude-stockpiles-economic-concerns-221236">Oil prices resumed their slide</a> on Wednesday, dragged down by a surprise gain in US inventories and comments from the head of Russian state oil producer Rosneft questioning the point of a deal with OPEC to withhold supplies.

Brent futures were down 27 cents, or 0.4%, at $61.70 a barrel by 0152 GMT. They rose 1.1% on Tuesday after a near 13 per cent falls in the previous four sessions.

The US West Texas Intermediate crude was down by 32 cents, or 0.6%, at $53.16 a barrel. The US benchmark closed 0.4% higher on Tuesday.

Oil prices have fallen sharply on fears about slowing global demand but won a respite on Tuesday after a global stock market rally on hopes of a cut in US interest rates.

The US crude stocks rose unexpectedly last week, while gasoline and distillate inventories built more than expected, industry group the American Petroleum Institute said on Tuesday.

Crude inventories rose by 3.5 million barrels in the week to May 31 to 478 million, compared with analysts' expectations for a decrease of 849,000 barrels.

Official numbers from the US Energy Information Administration are due out later on Wednesday.

"It was a very bearish number and if confirmed by the EIA it will hammer prices," said Stephen Innes, managing partner at SPI Asset Management in Bangkok.

The oil market has been weighed down by concerns about slowing global growth from the US, Sino trade war and President Donald Trump's threats last week to place tariffs on Mexican imports.

To prevent oversupply and prop up the market, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, together with allies including Russia, has been withholding production since the start of the year.

The group plans to decide later this month or in early July whether to continue the supply curbs.

But on Tuesday, the head of oil giant Rosneft, Igor Sechin, said Russia should pump at will and he would seek compensation from the government if cuts were extended.

Russia's average daily oil output has nonetheless dropped to a three-year-low after contaminated crude clogged its main export route.

Further pressuring oil prices and undermining OPEC's efforts to tighten the market has been surging US output to record highs, leading to more of its crude being exported.

"Does it make sense (for Russia) to reduce (oil output) if the U.S immediately takes (our) market share?" Sechin was quoted as saying by Interfax news agency.

"We have to defend our market share," he said.

Oil prices resumed their slide on Wednesday, dragged down by a surprise gain in US inventories and comments from the head of Russian state oil producer Rosneft questioning the point of a deal with OPEC to withhold supplies.

Oil prices resumed their slide on Wednesday, dragged down by a surprise gain in US inventories and comments from the head of Russian state oil producer Rosneft questioning the point of a deal with OPEC to withhold supplies. Brent futures were down 27 cents, or 0.4%, at $61.70 a barrel by 0152 GMT. They rose 1.1% on Tuesday after a near 13 per cent falls in the previous four sessions. The US West Texas Intermediate crude was down by 32 cents, or 0.6%, at $53.16 a barrel. The US benchmark closed 0.4% higher on Tuesday. Oil prices have fallen sharply on fears about slowing global demand but won a respite on Tuesday after a global stock market rally on hopes of a cut in US interest rates. The US crude stocks rose unexpectedly last week, while gasoline and distillate inventories built more than expected, industry group the American Petroleum Institute said on Tuesday. Crude inventories rose by 3.5 million barrels in the week to May 31 to 478 million, compared with analysts' expectations for a decrease of 849,000 barrels. Official numbers from the US Energy Information Administration are due out later on Wednesday. "It was a very bearish number and if confirmed by the EIA it will hammer prices," said Stephen Innes, managing partner at SPI Asset Management in Bangkok. The oil market has been weighed down by concerns about slowing global growth from the US, Sino trade war and President Donald Trump's threats last week to place tariffs on Mexican imports. To prevent oversupply and prop up the market, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, together with allies including Russia, has been withholding production since the start of the year. The group plans to decide later this month or in early July whether to continue the supply curbs. But on Tuesday, the head of oil giant Rosneft, Igor Sechin, said Russia should pump at will and he would seek compensation from the government if cuts were extended. Russia's average daily oil output has nonetheless dropped to a three-year-low after contaminated crude clogged its main export route. Further pressuring oil prices and undermining OPEC's efforts to tighten the market has been surging US output to record highs, leading to more of its crude being exported. "Does it make sense (for Russia) to reduce (oil output) if the U.S immediately takes (our) market share?" Sechin was quoted as saying by Interfax news agency. "We have to defend our market share," he said.

Oil prices fall on rise in US inventories, supply worries

In response to years of allegations by the United States and its allies that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/huawei-lawyer-tells-us-jury-spelling-errors-video-shows-rival-stole-trade-secrets-224361">Huawei</a>`s products could be accessed by Chinese Intelligence Agencies for spying, the company said on Tuesday that it is willing to sign a "no-spy agreement" with the US government if the opportunity opens up.

"We are willing to sign a no-spy agreement with the US," The Hill quoted Huawei`s Chairman Liang Hua, as saying.

"The US has not bought from us, is not buying from us and doesn't have plans to buy from us. So, I don`t know if there`s an opportunity to sign such an agreement."

The Chinese tech giant has offered similar agreements to the UK and Germany, in consideration to the fact that the US has been urging its allies, including the said countries to sever its ties with the company.

Last week, Huawei filed a "motion for summary judgement" in its lawsuit that challenges the constitutionality of the US law banning federal agencies from buying its products.

The new motion requests the court to overturn a portion of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) which specifically forbids government agencies from using technology from Huawei and its smaller Chinese rival, ZTE.&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump had signed the NDAA last year, alleging that Huawei`s products posed a risk to national security, as they could be used by Chinese Intelligence agencies to spy on Americans.&nbsp;

Calling a portion of the act "unconstitutional", the Chinese tech giant had sued the US government in March.

Huawei is the world`s largest telecommunications company and its smartphones compete with the likes of Apple and Samsung.

In response to years of allegations by the United States and its allies that Huawei`s products could be accessed by Chinese Intelligence Agencies for spying, the company said on Tuesday that it is willing to sign a "no-spy agreement" with the US government if the opportunity opens up.

In response to years of allegations by the United States and its allies that Huawei`s products could be accessed by Chinese Intelligence Agencies for spying, the company said on Tuesday that it is willing to sign a "no-spy agreement" with the US government if the opportunity opens up. "We are willing to sign a no-spy agreement with the US," The Hill quoted Huawei`s Chairman Liang Hua, as saying. "The US has not bought from us, is not buying from us and doesn't have plans to buy from us. So, I don`t know if there`s an opportunity to sign such an agreement." The Chinese tech giant has offered similar agreements to the UK and Germany, in consideration to the fact that the US has been urging its allies, including the said countries to sever its ties with the company. Last week, Huawei filed a "motion for summary judgement" in its lawsuit that challenges the constitutionality of the US law banning federal agencies from buying its products. The new motion requests the court to overturn a portion of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) which specifically forbids government agencies from using technology from Huawei and its smaller Chinese rival, ZTE. US President Donald Trump had signed the NDAA last year, alleging that Huawei`s products posed a risk to national security, as they could be used by Chinese Intelligence agencies to spy on Americans. Calling a portion of the act "unconstitutional", the Chinese tech giant had sued the US government in March. Huawei is the world`s largest telecommunications company and its smartphones compete with the likes of Apple and Samsung.

Huawei willing to sign 'no-spy agreement' with US government: Chairman Liang Hua

A former engineering manager used <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/huawei-row-no-privacy-if-switzerland-uses-chinese-technology-warns-pompeo-224163">Huawei Technologies</a> Co Ltd trade secrets and lured away 24 of its employees to improperly build his startup company, a lawyer for the Chinese telecommunications firm told a Texas jury on Tuesday.

The trade secrets trial, which has become a flashpoint in allegations by the United States government that Huawei gear is a threat to US&nbsp;security, began with the Huawei lawyer showing jurors that spelling errors in its internal documents were repeated in proposals a former manager used to start chip-maker CNEX Labs Inc three days after leaving Huawei.

Huawei sued former employee Ronnie Huang and his startup, CNEX Labs Inc, and Huang countersued saying that Huawei's allegations against him and CNEX are tactics in a strategy Huawei uses to steal technology from others. CNEX develops chips that speed up data storage on cloud computing networks.

Watch:&nbsp;Huawei says US blacklisting sets 'dangerous precedent'

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/huawei-says-us-blacklisting-sets-dangerous-precedent-222552/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In addition to showing identical spelling errors in Huawei and CNEX documents, Huawei lawyer Michael Wexler also played an excerpt from a video deposition in which another former employee admitted to copying 5,760 files from his work computer before leaving to join CNEX.

Huang started CNEX in 2013 and has raised more than $100 million from backers including arms of Dell Technologies and Microsoft.

The trial promises to keep Huawei in the spotlight amid a US&nbsp;government blacklisting of the company's telecommunications gear and pressure on US&nbsp;allies not to buy its equipment. China last week retaliated against the ban, saying it planned to draft its own list of foreign companies and people it considers "unreliable" for harming Chinese companies.

Huang's attorney will lay out a rebuttal and counterclaims in court later on Tuesday. The trial is expected to last three weeks.

"Think of the spelling mistakes as DNA," Huawei attorney Wexler said in his opening statement to an eight-person jury in US&nbsp;District Court for the Eastern District of Texas.

Huawei is asking the court to award it at least $85.7 million in damages.

Judge Amos Mazzant, who is hearing the case, separately is overseeing Huawei's bid to overturn the Trump administration's ban on its sales to government agencies and contractors.

A former engineering manager used Huawei Technologies Co Ltd trade secrets and lured away 24 of its employees to improperly build his startup company, a lawyer for the Chinese telecommunications firm told a Texas jury on Tuesday.

A former engineering manager used Huawei Technologies Co Ltd trade secrets and lured away 24 of its employees to improperly build his startup company, a lawyer for the Chinese telecommunications firm told a Texas jury on Tuesday. The trade secrets trial, which has become a flashpoint in allegations by the United States government that Huawei gear is a threat to US security, began with the Huawei lawyer showing jurors that spelling errors in its internal documents were repeated in proposals a former manager used to start chip-maker CNEX Labs Inc three days after leaving Huawei. Huawei sued former employee Ronnie Huang and his startup, CNEX Labs Inc, and Huang countersued saying that Huawei's allegations against him and CNEX are tactics in a strategy Huawei uses to steal technology from others. CNEX develops chips that speed up data storage on cloud computing networks. Watch: Huawei says US blacklisting sets 'dangerous precedent' In addition to showing identical spelling errors in Huawei and CNEX documents, Huawei lawyer Michael Wexler also played an excerpt from a video deposition in which another former employee admitted to copying 5,760 files from his work computer before leaving to join CNEX. Huang started CNEX in 2013 and has raised more than $100 million from backers including arms of Dell Technologies and Microsoft. The trial promises to keep Huawei in the spotlight amid a US government blacklisting of the company's telecommunications gear and pressure on US allies not to buy its equipment. China last week retaliated against the ban, saying it planned to draft its own list of foreign companies and people it considers "unreliable" for harming Chinese companies. Huang's attorney will lay out a rebuttal and counterclaims in court later on Tuesday. The trial is expected to last three weeks. "Think of the spelling mistakes as DNA," Huawei attorney Wexler said in his opening statement to an eight-person jury in US District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. Huawei is asking the court to award it at least $85.7 million in damages. Judge Amos Mazzant, who is hearing the case, separately is overseeing Huawei's bid to overturn the Trump administration's ban on its sales to government agencies and contractors.

Huawei lawyer tells US jury spelling errors, video shows rival stole trade secrets

On the second day of his visit to Britain, US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said that he sees "tremendous potential" in US-UK trade deal.&nbsp;

Addressing a joint press conference, outgoing Prime Minister Theresa May also resounded Trump's sentiments and&nbsp;added that the UK is "committed to a trade deal with the United States".&nbsp;Trump said everything is on the table in UK trade talks.

Earlier in the day, Trump touted a "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-promises-uk-pm-theresa-may-very-substantial-trade-deal-after-brexit-224218">very, very substantial trade deal</a>" between the United States and Britain after Brexit.&nbsp;He met May at her Downing Street residence, earlier in the day, as part of his state visit to Britain.

"I think we will have a very very substantial trade deal. It will be a very fair deal," he told her at a meeting with business leaders and ministers, adding, "We're going to get it done."

Watch:&nbsp;Thousands protesting against Donald Trump's UK state visit

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/thousands-protesting-against-donald-trumps-uk-state-visit-224040/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Both the leaders also expressed similar views on Iran. "We have similar goals on Iran," said May, adding that the UK and the US will "work together to strengthen our alliance".

The US President also slipped out his intentions with respect to neighbouring Mexico stating that the "US will most likely impose tariffs on Mexico".&nbsp;

On Brexit, Trump said that he thinks that it will happen and "it probably should happen".&nbsp;

"I would think it will happen and it probably should happen. This is a great, great country and it wants its own identity, it wants to have its own borders, it wants to run its own affairs. This is a very, very special place," he said.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-turns-to-brexit-and-huawei-as-protesters-mock-with-a-blimp-224195">On Huawei</a>, Trump said that there is going to be an agreement on the same.

"We are going to have absolutely an agreement on Huawei and everything else. We have an incredible intelligence relationship and we are going to be able to work out any differences. We did discuss it. I see absolutely no limitations, we have never (had) limitations, this is a truly great ally and partner and we will have no problem with that," news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

Trump's UK visit is marred by protests.&nbsp;Protesters shouted, banged drums and waved placards at what organisers called a "Carnival of Resistance" at Trafalgar Square.

(With inputs from agencies)

On the second day of his visit to Britain, US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said that he sees "tremendous potential" in US-UK trade deal. Addressing a joint press conference, outgoing Prime Minister Theresa May also resounded Trump's sentiments and added that the UK is "committed to a trade deal with the United States".

On the second day of his visit to Britain, US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said that he sees "tremendous potential" in US-UK trade deal. Addressing a joint press conference, outgoing Prime Minister Theresa May also resounded Trump's sentiments and added that the UK is "committed to a trade deal with the United States". Trump said everything is on the table in UK trade talks. Earlier in the day, Trump touted a "very, very substantial trade deal" between the United States and Britain after Brexit. He met May at her Downing Street residence, earlier in the day, as part of his state visit to Britain. "I think we will have a very very substantial trade deal. It will be a very fair deal," he told her at a meeting with business leaders and ministers, adding, "We're going to get it done." Watch: Thousands protesting against Donald Trump's UK state visit Both the leaders also expressed similar views on Iran. "We have similar goals on Iran," said May, adding that the UK and the US will "work together to strengthen our alliance". The US President also slipped out his intentions with respect to neighbouring Mexico stating that the "US will most likely impose tariffs on Mexico". On Brexit, Trump said that he thinks that it will happen and "it probably should happen". "I would think it will happen and it probably should happen. This is a great, great country and it wants its own identity, it wants to have its own borders, it wants to run its own affairs. This is a very, very special place," he said. On Huawei, Trump said that there is going to be an agreement on the same. "We are going to have absolutely an agreement on Huawei and everything else. We have an incredible intelligence relationship and we are going to be able to work out any differences. We did discuss it. I see absolutely no limitations, we have never (had) limitations, this is a truly great ally and partner and we will have no problem with that," news agency Reuters reported. Trump's UK visit is marred by protests. Protesters shouted, banged drums and waved placards at what organisers called a "Carnival of Resistance" at Trafalgar Square. (With inputs from agencies)

Donald Trump, Theresa May reiterate commitment for US-UK trade deal

The US&nbsp;Securities and Exchange Commission is investigating Siemens AG, Philips NV and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-accuses-pair-of-stealing-secrets-spying-on-general-electric-to-aid-china-213103">General Electric Co</a> for allegedly using local middlemen to negotiate bribes with the Chinese government and hospital officials to sell medical equipment, two US&nbsp;sources with knowledge of the matter told Reuters.

The investigations into the companies' business in China, along with an existing SEC probe into their sales in Brazil, are part of a new effort by US&nbsp;regulators to crack down on alleged corruption in sales of costly medical equipment worldwide, said the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the investigation publicly.

The SEC declined to comment.

Siemens, GE and Philips all denied wrongdoing and said they were unaware of any SEC investigation concerning their operations in China. Reuters reported in May that the SEC, along with the US&nbsp;Justice Department and FBI, were investigating Siemens, GE and Philips - as well as Johnson &amp; Johnson - for allegedly paying bribes to win contracts in Brazil. The four companies all denied any wrongdoing in Brazil.

Under a US&nbsp;federal law called the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 (FCPA), it is illegal for Americans, US&nbsp;companies or foreign companies whose securities are listed in the United States to pay foreign officials to win business. If found guilty of violating the act, firms could face fines from the SEC.

China's medical device market stood at $58.63 billion in 2017 - compared to $10.8 billion for Brazil - according to the most recent data available from the US&nbsp;Commerce Department.

Watch: US-China trade war - Advantage for India?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-us-china-trade-war-advantage-for-india-223999/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In both markets, the companies benefited not only from the sale of the equipment but also from the bigger profit margins to be made on servicing it during its 10-to-15 year lifespan as well as selling software updates, spare parts and the materials used in operating the machines, the sources said.

China's National Health and Family Planning Commission and the China Food and Drug Administration, which regulate the healthcare system, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Brazilian federal prosecutors declined to comment.

Investor lawsuit

Some details of the alleged scheme in China were included in a shareholder lawsuit against current and former members of GE's board in New York state court, which the company disclosed in its 2018 annual report.

The GE shareholder lawsuit, filed in New York state Supreme Court last December, alleges that since at least 2011 GE employees in China or workers at its subsidiaries "have bribed hospital administrators, engaged in collusive bidding, and given kickbacks to government officials."

The lawsuit includes translations of Chinese criminal court rulings finding middlemen who sold GE equipment guilty of bribing Chinese government and hospital officials. Some hospital administrators confessed in open court and received prison sentences, according to rulings cited in the lawsuit. GE was not charged in the Chinese court rulings included as evidence.

The lawsuit accuses GE of colluding with Philips, Siemens and Toshiba Corp's medical unit - which was bought by Canon Inc in 2016 - to fix prices and rig tenders for expensive medical equipment, such as MRI machines and CT scanners, through Chinese middlemen.

The lawsuit included public data on how many Chinese hospitals paid for the equipment, which it said was routinely at least 40 per cent above the price the middlemen paid to the companies.

The difference was then distributed as bribes to health officials, the lawsuit alleges, with some money being pocketed by the middlemen and flowing back to the other companies, who allegedly put in "cover" bids to make the public tender appear competitive.

Lawyers for GE in February filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, saying the complaint failed to link alleged wrongdoing in China to any of the defendants. The judge in the case has not yet ruled on the motion.

Lawyers for the plaintiffs did not respond to emailed requests for comment.

Boston-based GE said in an emailed statement that it believes the lawsuit lacks merit, adding that "we are committed to integrity, compliance and the rule of law in every country in which we do business."

Amsterdam-based Philips said in an emailed statement it is "fully complying with local and international anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws." Philips said it was "not involved" in any of the transactions in the criminal cases in China and that it makes extensive efforts to ensure its third-party agents act lawfully.

Siemens said in an emailed statement that it had just become aware of the New York lawsuit and it would "investigate any new allegation of misconduct that directly or indirectly involves Siemens" that may arise from the litigation. Siemens, based in Munich, said that its policy is "to cooperate with law enforcement investigations when they occur."

Canon said in an emailed statement that "Canon Medical Systems Group are committed to conducting business activities with the highest priority on compliance with laws" and that the company has a zero tolerance toward bribery.

Toshiba said in an emailed statement that it was not aware of the New York state lawsuit. It said company policies "prohibit illegal or improper payments against lawful business practices."

The US Securities and Exchange Commission is investigating Siemens AG, Philips NV and General Electric Co for allegedly using local middlemen to negotiate bribes with the Chinese government and hospital officials to sell medical equipment, two US sources with knowledge of the matter told Reuters.

The US Securities and Exchange Commission is investigating Siemens AG, Philips NV and General Electric Co for allegedly using local middlemen to negotiate bribes with the Chinese government and hospital officials to sell medical equipment, two US sources with knowledge of the matter told Reuters. The investigations into the companies' business in China, along with an existing SEC probe into their sales in Brazil, are part of a new effort by US regulators to crack down on alleged corruption in sales of costly medical equipment worldwide, said the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the investigation publicly. The SEC declined to comment. Siemens, GE and Philips all denied wrongdoing and said they were unaware of any SEC investigation concerning their operations in China. Reuters reported in May that the SEC, along with the US Justice Department and FBI, were investigating Siemens, GE and Philips - as well as Johnson & Johnson - for allegedly paying bribes to win contracts in Brazil. The four companies all denied any wrongdoing in Brazil. Under a US federal law called the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 (FCPA), it is illegal for Americans, US companies or foreign companies whose securities are listed in the United States to pay foreign officials to win business. If found guilty of violating the act, firms could face fines from the SEC. China's medical device market stood at $58.63 billion in 2017 - compared to $10.8 billion for Brazil - according to the most recent data available from the US Commerce Department. Watch: US-China trade war - Advantage for India? In both markets, the companies benefited not only from the sale of the equipment but also from the bigger profit margins to be made on servicing it during its 10-to-15 year lifespan as well as selling software updates, spare parts and the materials used in operating the machines, the sources said. China's National Health and Family Planning Commission and the China Food and Drug Administration, which regulate the healthcare system, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Brazilian federal prosecutors declined to comment. Investor lawsuit Some details of the alleged scheme in China were included in a shareholder lawsuit against current and former members of GE's board in New York state court, which the company disclosed in its 2018 annual report. The GE shareholder lawsuit, filed in New York state Supreme Court last December, alleges that since at least 2011 GE employees in China or workers at its subsidiaries "have bribed hospital administrators, engaged in collusive bidding, and given kickbacks to government officials." The lawsuit includes translations of Chinese criminal court rulings finding middlemen who sold GE equipment guilty of bribing Chinese government and hospital officials. Some hospital administrators confessed in open court and received prison sentences, according to rulings cited in the lawsuit. GE was not charged in the Chinese court rulings included as evidence. The lawsuit accuses GE of colluding with Philips, Siemens and Toshiba Corp's medical unit - which was bought by Canon Inc in 2016 - to fix prices and rig tenders for expensive medical equipment, such as MRI machines and CT scanners, through Chinese middlemen. The lawsuit included public data on how many Chinese hospitals paid for the equipment, which it said was routinely at least 40 per cent above the price the middlemen paid to the companies. The difference was then distributed as bribes to health officials, the lawsuit alleges, with some money being pocketed by the middlemen and flowing back to the other companies, who allegedly put in "cover" bids to make the public tender appear competitive. Lawyers for GE in February filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, saying the complaint failed to link alleged wrongdoing in China to any of the defendants. The judge in the case has not yet ruled on the motion. Lawyers for the plaintiffs did not respond to emailed requests for comment. Boston-based GE said in an emailed statement that it believes the lawsuit lacks merit, adding that "we are committed to integrity, compliance and the rule of law in every country in which we do business." Amsterdam-based Philips said in an emailed statement it is "fully complying with local and international anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws." Philips said it was "not involved" in any of the transactions in the criminal cases in China and that it makes extensive efforts to ensure its third-party agents act lawfully. Siemens said in an emailed statement that it had just become aware of the New York lawsuit and it would "investigate any new allegation of misconduct that directly or indirectly involves Siemens" that may arise from the litigation. Siemens, based in Munich, said that its policy is "to cooperate with law enforcement investigations when they occur." Canon said in an emailed statement that "Canon Medical Systems Group are committed to conducting business activities with the highest priority on compliance with laws" and that the company has a zero tolerance toward bribery. Toshiba said in an emailed statement that it was not aware of the New York state lawsuit. It said company policies "prohibit illegal or improper payments against lawful business practices."

US SEC probes Siemens, GE, Philips in alleged China medical equipment scheme: Report

The sudden deterioration in trade talks between the United States and China last month has ratcheted up concerns among US firms that the dispute could go beyond tariffs and affect business in the long-term.

Business associations and consultants say they have been fielding a growing number of inquiries from companies about how best to navigate the trade dispute. They expect those calls to intensify after FedEx Corp over the weekend became embroiled in US-China frictions and an ongoing spat over Chinese tech giant Huawei.

Further rattling nerves are Beijing's plans to unveil an unprecedented hit-list of "unreliable" foreign firms, groups and individuals that harm the interests of Chinese companies. China's commerce ministry announced the move on Friday without singling out any country or company.

The US-China Business Council (USCBC), which represents roughly 200 American companies that do business in China, told Reuters on Monday that anxiety among its members was on the rise, especially over the list.

"The key point for them is that there's a great deal of uncertainty on how the list will be implemented and what negative repercussions will be brought about should a company be added to the list," said it's vice president of China operations, Jacob Parker.

"At the moment many of our companies are wondering whether this is an attempt by the Chinese government to increase their potential leverage in the trade negotiations, or if it's an actual effort to force companies into an unenviable position of choosing between the two markets."

Looming list

Analysts said US companies had been more sanguine in the initial stage of the trade war, with many believing that it could not possibly go on, but that began to change after Washington last month accused Beijing of reneging on previous promises, prompting fresh tit-for-tat tariffs.

The United States also last month put China's Huawei on a blacklist that effectively blocks US firms from doing business with the Shenzhen-based telecoms equipment maker, aggravating existing frictions.

"We have in the last three weeks fielded more calls from firms wondering about the political risk here than we probably have in the last 10 years," said Ben Cavender, an analyst at China Market Research Group, whose clients have ranged from clothing retailers to chemical firms.

"Right now there's a lot more concern that the situation regarding the negotiations has become so unstable and so emotional, when or if there's going to be a resolution."

It is unclear exactly how many US companies do business with China, but the American Chambers of Commerce (AmCham) in Beijing and Shanghai count more than 2,000 member firms between them.

"This is a discouraging development," said AmCham Shanghai President Ker Gibbs. "We are concerned and have requested more information about the list. We hope that both sides can refrain from this type of tit-for-tat behaviour and get back to the negotiating table."

Beijing-based AmCham China did not respond to a request for comment.

"At least three clients have asked us about how the entity list might affect their business," said a Shanghai-based consultant, who declined to be named due to the sensitivity of the situation.

Even some British firms had sought advice, he added, saying they were expressing worry over US President Donald Trump's visit to Britain this week, when he is expected to demand that Prime Minister Theresa May's successor ban Huawei from 5G networks.

"They fear that the US president might pressure the incoming prime minister to follow his policies," the consultant said.

South Korea experience

One big concern, analysts said, was that US firms could start to experience similar treatment to that doled out to South Korean companies in 2017, after China opposed Seoul's decision to install a US missile system.

South Korea's fifth-largest conglomerate Lotte, was among the worst hit. Chinese authorities suspended its work on a $2.6 billion project and ordered Lotte Mart stores to shut over what they said were fire safety violations. Company officials privately linked the action to the missile spat.

"It would not be inconceivable that China will look at, for example, large retail brands that are operating here and saying, well maybe they should also have fire code violations too. That would create immediate harm to a lot of businesses," Cavender said.

Another worry is that US corporate officials could personally start to face scrutiny or be investigated in China as a result of the trade frictions, one China-based foreign executive told Reuters on condition of anonymity.

Some, he added, were "exploring summer plans abroad", having not previously considered doing so, because they were worried about getting caught in the crossfire.

"Many US senior executives in China that I know have this growing concern right now."

The sudden deterioration in trade talks between the United States and China last month has ratcheted up concerns among US firms that the dispute could go beyond tariffs and affect business in the long-term.

The sudden deterioration in trade talks between the United States and China last month has ratcheted up concerns among US firms that the dispute could go beyond tariffs and affect business in the long-term. Business associations and consultants say they have been fielding a growing number of inquiries from companies about how best to navigate the trade dispute. They expect those calls to intensify after FedEx Corp over the weekend became embroiled in US-China frictions and an ongoing spat over Chinese tech giant Huawei. Further rattling nerves are Beijing's plans to unveil an unprecedented hit-list of "unreliable" foreign firms, groups and individuals that harm the interests of Chinese companies. China's commerce ministry announced the move on Friday without singling out any country or company. The US-China Business Council (USCBC), which represents roughly 200 American companies that do business in China, told Reuters on Monday that anxiety among its members was on the rise, especially over the list. "The key point for them is that there's a great deal of uncertainty on how the list will be implemented and what negative repercussions will be brought about should a company be added to the list," said it's vice president of China operations, Jacob Parker. "At the moment many of our companies are wondering whether this is an attempt by the Chinese government to increase their potential leverage in the trade negotiations, or if it's an actual effort to force companies into an unenviable position of choosing between the two markets." Looming list Analysts said US companies had been more sanguine in the initial stage of the trade war, with many believing that it could not possibly go on, but that began to change after Washington last month accused Beijing of reneging on previous promises, prompting fresh tit-for-tat tariffs. The United States also last month put China's Huawei on a blacklist that effectively blocks US firms from doing business with the Shenzhen-based telecoms equipment maker, aggravating existing frictions. "We have in the last three weeks fielded more calls from firms wondering about the political risk here than we probably have in the last 10 years," said Ben Cavender, an analyst at China Market Research Group, whose clients have ranged from clothing retailers to chemical firms. "Right now there's a lot more concern that the situation regarding the negotiations has become so unstable and so emotional, when or if there's going to be a resolution." It is unclear exactly how many US companies do business with China, but the American Chambers of Commerce (AmCham) in Beijing and Shanghai count more than 2,000 member firms between them. "This is a discouraging development," said AmCham Shanghai President Ker Gibbs. "We are concerned and have requested more information about the list. We hope that both sides can refrain from this type of tit-for-tat behaviour and get back to the negotiating table." Beijing-based AmCham China did not respond to a request for comment. "At least three clients have asked us about how the entity list might affect their business," said a Shanghai-based consultant, who declined to be named due to the sensitivity of the situation. Even some British firms had sought advice, he added, saying they were expressing worry over US President Donald Trump's visit to Britain this week, when he is expected to demand that Prime Minister Theresa May's successor ban Huawei from 5G networks. "They fear that the US president might pressure the incoming prime minister to follow his policies," the consultant said. South Korea experience One big concern, analysts said, was that US firms could start to experience similar treatment to that doled out to South Korean companies in 2017, after China opposed Seoul's decision to install a US missile system. South Korea's fifth-largest conglomerate Lotte, was among the worst hit. Chinese authorities suspended its work on a $2.6 billion project and ordered Lotte Mart stores to shut over what they said were fire safety violations. Company officials privately linked the action to the missile spat. "It would not be inconceivable that China will look at, for example, large retail brands that are operating here and saying, well maybe they should also have fire code violations too. That would create immediate harm to a lot of businesses," Cavender said. Another worry is that US corporate officials could personally start to face scrutiny or be investigated in China as a result of the trade frictions, one China-based foreign executive told Reuters on condition of anonymity. Some, he added, were "exploring summer plans abroad", having not previously considered doing so, because they were worried about getting caught in the crossfire. "Many US senior executives in China that I know have this growing concern right now."

US firms fret as China's FedEx probe, planned hit-list heightens trade frictions

China warned its companies operating in the United States on Tuesday they could face harassment from US law enforcement agencies, as it also rebuffed US criticism of a trade white paper as "singing the same old tune".

Relations between the world's two largest economies have nosedived in recent months due to a bitter trade war, US sanctions against Chinese telecoms giant Huawei Technologies Co Ltd and US support for Chinese-claimed Taiwan.

Tensions rose sharply in May after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-turns-to-brexit-and-huawei-as-protesters-mock-with-a-blimp-224195">US President Donald Trump'</a>s administration accused China of having "reneged" on its previous promises to make structural changes to its economic practices.

Washington later slapped additional tariffs of up to 25% on $200 billion of Chinese goods, prompting Beijing to retaliate.

After having warned Chinese students and academics on Monday about risks involved in studying in the United States, the government on Tuesday widened its warning to include Chinese companies and tourists.

"In recent days, there have been incidents of gun violence, robberies and thefts in the United States," China's Ministry of Culture and Tourism said.

"The department reminds Chinese tourists to fully evaluate the risks of going to the United States, to understand the maintenance of public order of their destination, the laws and regulations, and to conscientiously raise their awareness of safety measures to ensure their safety."

Chinese companies and citizens in the United States should also be aware of harassment from law enforcement agencies, China's Foreign Ministry added.

Trump's administration said on Monday that China was pursuing a "blame game" in recent public statements and a weekend white paper that misrepresented the trade negotiations.

US-China Trade War: Advantage For India?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-us-china-trade-war-advantage-for-india-223999/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In a joint statement, the US Trade Representative's (USTR) office and the US Treasury reiterated their view that China's negotiators had "back-pedalled" on important elements of a deal that had been largely agreed, including on an enforcement provision.

"Our insistence on detailed and enforceable commitments from the Chinese in no way constitutes a threat to Chinese sovereignty," USTR and the Treasury said. "Rather, the issues discussed are common to trade agreements and are necessary to address the systemic issues that have contributed to persistent and unsustainable trade deficits."

Rising acrimony

China on Sunday issued a government policy paper on the US-China trade dispute in which it asserted that the United States bore responsibility for setbacks in the talks, citing three instances in which Washington had backtracked on commitments made during the negotiations.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told reporters that the United States was "singing the same old tune", and urged Washington to read China's white papers and stop telling itself it is infallible.

Chinese Vice Commerce Minister Wang Shouwen, a prominent member of Beijing's negotiating team, said in presenting the paper to the media that it would be impossible for the United States to use "extreme pressure" to force concessions from China.

Acrimonious rhetoric between Beijing and Washington has steadily increased since talks broke down in early May over US accusations that Beijing had backtracked on commitments to codify in law changes to its intellectual property and technology transfer practices to address US demands.

"The United States is disappointed that the Chinese have chosen in the 'White Paper' issued (on Sunday) and recent public statements to pursue a blame game misrepresenting the nature and history of trade negotiations between the two countries," USTR and Treasury said in the statement.

The agencies, which have taken the lead in negotiations for the US side, said that the impetus for the negotiations was China's "long history of unfair trade practices" and US negotiating positions have been consistent throughout the talks.

There have been no talks scheduled since the last round ended in May, and it remains unclear whether Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping will meet when they both attend the G20 leaders summit this month in Japan.

China warned its companies operating in the United States on Tuesday they could face harassment from US law enforcement agencies, as it also rebuffed US criticism of a trade white paper as "singing the same old tune".

China warned its companies operating in the United States on Tuesday they could face harassment from US law enforcement agencies, as it also rebuffed US criticism of a trade white paper as "singing the same old tune". Relations between the world's two largest economies have nosedived in recent months due to a bitter trade war, US sanctions against Chinese telecoms giant Huawei Technologies Co Ltd and US support for Chinese-claimed Taiwan. Tensions rose sharply in May after US President Donald Trump's administration accused China of having "reneged" on its previous promises to make structural changes to its economic practices. Washington later slapped additional tariffs of up to 25% on $200 billion of Chinese goods, prompting Beijing to retaliate. After having warned Chinese students and academics on Monday about risks involved in studying in the United States, the government on Tuesday widened its warning to include Chinese companies and tourists. "In recent days, there have been incidents of gun violence, robberies and thefts in the United States," China's Ministry of Culture and Tourism said. "The department reminds Chinese tourists to fully evaluate the risks of going to the United States, to understand the maintenance of public order of their destination, the laws and regulations, and to conscientiously raise their awareness of safety measures to ensure their safety." Chinese companies and citizens in the United States should also be aware of harassment from law enforcement agencies, China's Foreign Ministry added. Trump's administration said on Monday that China was pursuing a "blame game" in recent public statements and a weekend white paper that misrepresented the trade negotiations. US-China Trade War: Advantage For India? In a joint statement, the US Trade Representative's (USTR) office and the US Treasury reiterated their view that China's negotiators had "back-pedalled" on important elements of a deal that had been largely agreed, including on an enforcement provision. "Our insistence on detailed and enforceable commitments from the Chinese in no way constitutes a threat to Chinese sovereignty," USTR and the Treasury said. "Rather, the issues discussed are common to trade agreements and are necessary to address the systemic issues that have contributed to persistent and unsustainable trade deficits." Rising acrimony China on Sunday issued a government policy paper on the US-China trade dispute in which it asserted that the United States bore responsibility for setbacks in the talks, citing three instances in which Washington had backtracked on commitments made during the negotiations. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told reporters that the United States was "singing the same old tune", and urged Washington to read China's white papers and stop telling itself it is infallible. Chinese Vice Commerce Minister Wang Shouwen, a prominent member of Beijing's negotiating team, said in presenting the paper to the media that it would be impossible for the United States to use "extreme pressure" to force concessions from China. Acrimonious rhetoric between Beijing and Washington has steadily increased since talks broke down in early May over US accusations that Beijing had backtracked on commitments to codify in law changes to its intellectual property and technology transfer practices to address US demands. "The United States is disappointed that the Chinese have chosen in the 'White Paper' issued (on Sunday) and recent public statements to pursue a blame game misrepresenting the nature and history of trade negotiations between the two countries," USTR and Treasury said in the statement. The agencies, which have taken the lead in negotiations for the US side, said that the impetus for the negotiations was China's "long history of unfair trade practices" and US negotiating positions have been consistent throughout the talks. There have been no talks scheduled since the last round ended in May, and it remains unclear whether Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping will meet when they both attend the G20 leaders summit this month in Japan.

China warns its companies on US travel, rebuffs trade criticism

By Janos Besenyo

Russia has never had an African colony. It stayed out of the scramble for Africa, only engaging with African states in the 19th Century. In 1869, for instance, the Russians gave Ethiopia military support to threaten the position of the British in their quest to control the Suez Canal. They did this because Britain was one of their main European rivals.

It wasn’t until the Cold War started in 1947 that Russia began to develop diplomatic relations with several African countries. This was a way to counter the influence of its rivals such as the US.

The Cold War dictated the former USSR’s relations with many African countries for decades. This was followed by a period of relative inactivity. But more recently, relations have become increasingly important for Russia as well as some African countries.

The result is that some African countries no longer need to choose between the American and the Chinese way of development.

Ostensibly, China has the most pragmatic engagement with Africa. Its policy is not to interfere with the internal workings of nation states or play geopolitics by pitting countries against each other. But it has become increasingly difficult for the country to resist using its military power to protect its economic interests.

For its part, the US’s ultimate aim is to tip the regional balance of power in its favour while also gaining access to Africa’s resources.

My research explores Russia’s current relationship with the continent. The research examines Russian President Vladimir Putin’s strategy to redress the global balance of power by countering America’s influence in Africa and trying to match China’s large economic footprint on the continent.

I conclude that Russia’s primary goal is the political influence. This is achieved by gaining control of natural resources and providing military support and intelligence. Yet, despite making massive inroads, the Russian Federation is still less influential than the US and China on the continent.

From the African point of view, Russia offers a strategic alternative to America’s global hegemony, China’s economic diplomacy, and the lingering influence of Africa’s former colonial masters.

The history

During the Cold War the Russians provided diplomatic, economic, military, and educational support for numerous African liberation movements. These included Algeria, Angola, Cape Verde, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Guinea, Madagascar, Sao Tome &amp; Principe, and Tanzania. As a result, many young Africans were educated in Moscow.

Russia began to trade and interact with these states routinely. It sent in military intelligence officers to establish a strong presence and ensure that Africa was not purely influenced by the West. The Russians developed relations with Africa so intensely that for the 10 years between 1950 and 1960 it surpassed the influence of colonising powers.

That influence would remain more or less intact until the Boris Yeltsin era. Between 1990 and 1999 Russia’s impact on the continent was spectacularly lowered. Nine embassies and three consulates were closed. The number of personnel subordinated to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs was drastically reduced. Russian cultural institutions were closed, and economic relations were unilaterally terminated. Previously generous aid programmes were scrapped.

This all changed when Putin came to power in 1999. Under his leadership Russia has started to regain its economic and political clout in Africa. Putin has jumpstarted Russia’s diplomatic, economic, and military ties with its former African allies.

Russian interests in Africa

From my research I can conclude that Russia’s primary intent is to build political alliances by supporting nation states economically and militarily while remaining non-judgemental about their internal governance structures.

Its long-term goal is to become a political, economic and military mediator that can stand behind Africa’s global interests and count on the continent’s support in return. Here are some of the areas where Russia are mainly active:

Economic interests: Russia is now seeking to exploit conventional gas and oil fields in Africa and elsewhere. Part of its long term energy strategy is to use Russian companies to create new streams of energy supply. For example, Russian companies have made significant investments in Algeria’s oil and gas industries. They have also invested in Libya, Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast and Egypt.

Russia is also expanding its African interests in minerals. Uranium – which is key to the nuclear power industry – is at the top of its list.

In addition, Russian companies are producing aluminium in Nigeria, and have constructed hydropower stations in Angola, Namibia, Botswana.

Russia is also on track to build nuclear plants in Egypt, Nigeria and Algeria. These investments are a means to becoming an integral part of Africa’s energy sector.

Russia has also improved its commercial relations with its African partners. In 2009, it established the Coordinating Committee for Economic Cooperation with sub-Saharan Africa to assist in promoting Russian business interests.

Defence interests: Russia has traditionally been one of Africa’s main arms suppliers. During the Cold War many armed liberation organisations and African countries – among them Angola, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Guinea –bought military equipment from Russia. More recently Russia has made significant arms deals with Angola and Algeria. Egypt, Tanzania, Somalia, Mali, Sudan and Libya have also bought arms from Russia. The Russians also provide military training and support.

Aid: Under Putin Russia has made sizeable aid donations to a variety of African countries averaging about $400 million per year. Around 60% of Russian aid is delivered through international organisations; global humanitarian organisations like the World Food Programme and the UN refugee agency. The remaining 40 per cent gets to Africa in a framework of bilateral cooperation. It also makes donations to support education, health care, agriculture, environment and energy.

The danger for Moscow is that, the more progress it makes with African governments, the more likely it is that its interests will collide with those of either China or the US – or both.

 
(Janos Besenyo is Associate Professor, Óbuda University)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/russia-in-africa-can-it-offer-an-alternative-to-the-us-and-china-117764">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

By Janos Besenyo Russia has never had an African colony. It stayed out of the scramble for Africa, only engaging with African states in the 19th Century. In 1869, for instance, the Russians gave Ethiopia military support to threaten the position of the British in their quest to control the Suez Canal.

By Janos Besenyo Russia has never had an African colony. It stayed out of the scramble for Africa, only engaging with African states in the 19th Century. In 1869, for instance, the Russians gave Ethiopia military support to threaten the position of the British in their quest to control the Suez Canal. They did this because Britain was one of their main European rivals. It wasn’t until the Cold War started in 1947 that Russia began to develop diplomatic relations with several African countries. This was a way to counter the influence of its rivals such as the US. The Cold War dictated the former USSR’s relations with many African countries for decades. This was followed by a period of relative inactivity. But more recently, relations have become increasingly important for Russia as well as some African countries. The result is that some African countries no longer need to choose between the American and the Chinese way of development. Ostensibly, China has the most pragmatic engagement with Africa. Its policy is not to interfere with the internal workings of nation states or play geopolitics by pitting countries against each other. But it has become increasingly difficult for the country to resist using its military power to protect its economic interests. For its part, the US’s ultimate aim is to tip the regional balance of power in its favour while also gaining access to Africa’s resources. My research explores Russia’s current relationship with the continent. The research examines Russian President Vladimir Putin’s strategy to redress the global balance of power by countering America’s influence in Africa and trying to match China’s large economic footprint on the continent. I conclude that Russia’s primary goal is the political influence. This is achieved by gaining control of natural resources and providing military support and intelligence. Yet, despite making massive inroads, the Russian Federation is still less influential than the US and China on the continent. From the African point of view, Russia offers a strategic alternative to America’s global hegemony, China’s economic diplomacy, and the lingering influence of Africa’s former colonial masters. The history During the Cold War the Russians provided diplomatic, economic, military, and educational support for numerous African liberation movements. These included Algeria, Angola, Cape Verde, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Guinea, Madagascar, Sao Tome & Principe, and Tanzania. As a result, many young Africans were educated in Moscow. Russia began to trade and interact with these states routinely. It sent in military intelligence officers to establish a strong presence and ensure that Africa was not purely influenced by the West. The Russians developed relations with Africa so intensely that for the 10 years between 1950 and 1960 it surpassed the influence of colonising powers. That influence would remain more or less intact until the Boris Yeltsin era. Between 1990 and 1999 Russia’s impact on the continent was spectacularly lowered. Nine embassies and three consulates were closed. The number of personnel subordinated to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs was drastically reduced. Russian cultural institutions were closed, and economic relations were unilaterally terminated. Previously generous aid programmes were scrapped. This all changed when Putin came to power in 1999. Under his leadership Russia has started to regain its economic and political clout in Africa. Putin has jumpstarted Russia’s diplomatic, economic, and military ties with its former African allies. Russian interests in Africa From my research I can conclude that Russia’s primary intent is to build political alliances by supporting nation states economically and militarily while remaining non-judgemental about their internal governance structures. Its long-term goal is to become a political, economic and military mediator that can stand behind Africa’s global interests and count on the continent’s support in return. Here are some of the areas where Russia are mainly active: Economic interests: Russia is now seeking to exploit conventional gas and oil fields in Africa and elsewhere. Part of its long term energy strategy is to use Russian companies to create new streams of energy supply. For example, Russian companies have made significant investments in Algeria’s oil and gas industries. They have also invested in Libya, Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast and Egypt. Russia is also expanding its African interests in minerals. Uranium – which is key to the nuclear power industry – is at the top of its list. In addition, Russian companies are producing aluminium in Nigeria, and have constructed hydropower stations in Angola, Namibia, Botswana. Russia is also on track to build nuclear plants in Egypt, Nigeria and Algeria. These investments are a means to becoming an integral part of Africa’s energy sector. Russia has also improved its commercial relations with its African partners. In 2009, it established the Coordinating Committee for Economic Cooperation with sub-Saharan Africa to assist in promoting Russian business interests. Defence interests: Russia has traditionally been one of Africa’s main arms suppliers. During the Cold War many armed liberation organisations and African countries – among them Angola, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Guinea –bought military equipment from Russia. More recently Russia has made significant arms deals with Angola and Algeria. Egypt, Tanzania, Somalia, Mali, Sudan and Libya have also bought arms from Russia. The Russians also provide military training and support. Aid: Under Putin Russia has made sizeable aid donations to a variety of African countries averaging about $400 million per year. Around 60% of Russian aid is delivered through international organisations; global humanitarian organisations like the World Food Programme and the UN refugee agency. The remaining 40 per cent gets to Africa in a framework of bilateral cooperation. It also makes donations to support education, health care, agriculture, environment and energy. The danger for Moscow is that, the more progress it makes with African governments, the more likely it is that its interests will collide with those of either China or the US – or both. (Janos Besenyo is Associate Professor, Óbuda University) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Russia in Africa: Can it offer an alternative to the US and China?

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-election-disaster-britains-main-parties-to-offer-brexit-clarity-221998">Britain</a> rolled out the royal red carpet for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/stop-bombing-killing-in-syrias-idlib-us-president-donald-trump-223729">Donald Trump</a> on Monday but the pomp, pageantry and banquet with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/captains-meet-queen-elizabeth-before-the-commencement-of-cricket-world-cup-2019-222662">Queen Elizabeth</a> looked set to be overshadowed by the US&nbsp;President's views on Brexit, the UK's next leader and a row over China's Huawei.

Trump and his wife, Melania, were greeted by the 93-year-old monarch at Buckingham Palace at the start of a three-day state visit which sees him feted with the full force of royal ceremony: a formal dinner with the queen, tea with heir Prince Charles, and a tour of Westminster Abbey, coronation church of English monarchs for 1,000 years.

"I look forward to being a great friend to the United Kingdom, and am looking very much forward to my visit," Trump wrote on Twitter as he landed at London's Stansted Airport.

But beyond the theatre, the proudly unpredictable 45th US&nbsp;President is rocking the boat with the United States' closest ally, whose political establishment has been in chaos for months over Britain's departure from the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-leaders-fire-starting-gun-for-top-jobs-race-222289"> European Union.</a>

Watch:&nbsp;Donald Trump meets Queen Elizabeth, greeted with gun salute in London

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/donald-trump-meets-queen-elizabeth-greeted-with-gun-salute-in-london-223900/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

As he was flying into the British capital, he reignited a feud with London Mayor Sadiq Khan - who had written on Sunday that Britain should not be rolling out the red carpet for the US&nbsp;President - describing him as a "stone cold loser".

The state visit, promised by Prime Minister Theresa May back in January 2017 when she became the first foreign leader to meet him after he took office, is cast as a chance to celebrate Britain's "special relationship" with the United States, boost trade links and reaffirm security cooperation.

At Buckingham Palace, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/melania-trump-decries-cyber-bullying-as-trump-lashes-at-critics-via-tweets-177772">Melania</a>, stood beside Elizabeth and Charles's wife Camilla, while Charles and Trump inspected the guard.

Trump will have lunch with the queen before the monarch's second son Prince Andrew accompanies him to Westminster Abbey where the president will lay a wreath at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior.

The day culminates with a lavish state banquet at Buckingham Palace - where men wear white tie coats with tails and women evening gowns.

Britain rolled out the royal red carpet for Donald Trump on Monday but the pomp, pageantry and banquet with Queen Elizabeth looked set to be overshadowed by the US President's views on Brexit, the UK's next leader and a row over China's Huawei.

Britain rolled out the royal red carpet for Donald Trump on Monday but the pomp, pageantry and banquet with Queen Elizabeth looked set to be overshadowed by the US President's views on Brexit, the UK's next leader and a row over China's Huawei. Trump and his wife, Melania, were greeted by the 93-year-old monarch at Buckingham Palace at the start of a three-day state visit which sees him feted with the full force of royal ceremony: a formal dinner with the queen, tea with heir Prince Charles, and a tour of Westminster Abbey, coronation church of English monarchs for 1,000 years. "I look forward to being a great friend to the United Kingdom, and am looking very much forward to my visit," Trump wrote on Twitter as he landed at London's Stansted Airport. But beyond the theatre, the proudly unpredictable 45th US President is rocking the boat with the United States' closest ally, whose political establishment has been in chaos for months over Britain's departure from the European Union. Watch: Donald Trump meets Queen Elizabeth, greeted with gun salute in London As he was flying into the British capital, he reignited a feud with London Mayor Sadiq Khan - who had written on Sunday that Britain should not be rolling out the red carpet for the US President - describing him as a "stone cold loser". The state visit, promised by Prime Minister Theresa May back in January 2017 when she became the first foreign leader to meet him after he took office, is cast as a chance to celebrate Britain's "special relationship" with the United States, boost trade links and reaffirm security cooperation. At Buckingham Palace, Melania, stood beside Elizabeth and Charles's wife Camilla, while Charles and Trump inspected the guard. Trump will have lunch with the queen before the monarch's second son Prince Andrew accompanies him to Westminster Abbey where the president will lay a wreath at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior. The day culminates with a lavish state banquet at Buckingham Palace - where men wear white tie coats with tails and women evening gowns.

US President Donald Trump welcomed to Buckingham palace by Queen Elizabeth

Pakistan on Sunday told the US that it will continue to play the role of a mediator for the establishment of peace in war-torn Afghanistan and in the region.

Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Aftab Khokhar, during his meeting with the visiting US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad, also said,"Islamabad encourages all sides to seize the moment to end the prolonged conflict through political settlement".

Khalilzad, who is leading US President Donald Trump's push to broker a peace deal with Taliban, arrived in Pakistan on Sunday.

He is on a 17-day long peace mission during which he will visit Afghanistan, Belgium, Germany, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates in efforts to end the long-running Afghan war.

The US envoy will resume peace talks with Taliban in Doha, where the terror group has a political office. He has met with Taliban six times to broker a deal under which the US will pull out troops who were first deployed following the September 11, 2001 attacks.

Ahead of Khalilzad's two-weeks tour, the US State Department had said that he will resume talks with the group after a break of around a month to move the peace process forward.

Khalilzad, during his meeting with Khokhar, appreciated the pivotal role played by Pakistan for establishment of enduring peace in the region.

"In line with Prime Minister Imran Khan's vision, Pakistan reiterated its commitment for peace. It encouraged all sides to seize the moment to end the prolonged conflict through political settlement," Foreign Office spokesman Mohammad Faisal said.

Khokhar said, "Pakistan will continue playing its mediatory role in establishment of peace in the region, including Afghan peace process."

Khalilzad was lead a US delegation which include representatives from the Defense and the State departments, while Khokhar led the Pakistani side.&nbsp; 
The two sides also discussed bilateral issues.

Pakistan on Sunday told the US that it will continue to play the role of a mediator for the establishment of peace in war-torn Afghanistan and in the region. Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Aftab Khokhar, during his meeting with the visiting US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad, also said,"Islamabad encourages all sides to seize the moment to end the prolonged conflict through political settlement".

Pakistan on Sunday told the US that it will continue to play the role of a mediator for the establishment of peace in war-torn Afghanistan and in the region. Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Aftab Khokhar, during his meeting with the visiting US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad, also said,"Islamabad encourages all sides to seize the moment to end the prolonged conflict through political settlement". Khalilzad, who is leading US President Donald Trump's push to broker a peace deal with Taliban, arrived in Pakistan on Sunday. He is on a 17-day long peace mission during which he will visit Afghanistan, Belgium, Germany, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates in efforts to end the long-running Afghan war. The US envoy will resume peace talks with Taliban in Doha, where the terror group has a political office. He has met with Taliban six times to broker a deal under which the US will pull out troops who were first deployed following the September 11, 2001 attacks. Ahead of Khalilzad's two-weeks tour, the US State Department had said that he will resume talks with the group after a break of around a month to move the peace process forward. Khalilzad, during his meeting with Khokhar, appreciated the pivotal role played by Pakistan for establishment of enduring peace in the region. "In line with Prime Minister Imran Khan's vision, Pakistan reiterated its commitment for peace. It encouraged all sides to seize the moment to end the prolonged conflict through political settlement," Foreign Office spokesman Mohammad Faisal said. Khokhar said, "Pakistan will continue playing its mediatory role in establishment of peace in the region, including Afghan peace process." Khalilzad was lead a US delegation which include representatives from the Defense and the State departments, while Khokhar led the Pakistani side. The two sides also discussed bilateral issues.

Will continue to play mediatory role for peace in Afghanistan and region: Pakistan tells US

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will meet Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei later this month with Tokyo hoping to mediate between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-concluding-visit-trump-expects-japans-military-to-reinforce-united-states-in-asia-and-beyond-222150">Washington and Tehran</a>, a report said Sunday.

As tensions intensify between Iran and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-mass-stabbing-one-child-among-two-killed-19-injured-222099">Japan's key ally the United States</a>, Abe has reportedly proposed serving as a go-between and is said to be weighing up a state visit to Iran.

According to the Mainichi Shimbun report, Abe's planned meeting with influential Khamenei will be the first such talks between a Japanese premier and Tehran's supreme leader.

US President Donald Trump said last week he remained open to talks with Tehran during his state visit to Tokyo, appearing to have given the green light to Abe's plan.

Abe will also meet <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-will-not-be-bullied-into-us-talks-president-hassan-rouhani-223523">Iran's president Hassan Rouhani</a> before meeting Khamenei during his tour to Iran from June 12 to 14, the newspaper said, citing unnamed government sources.

Before Trump flew to Japan, the United States had announced it was sending 1,500 extra troops to the region, adding to the aircraft carrier group and nuclear-capable bomber planes already dispatched.

Trump himself threatened "the official end" of the country if Tehran ever attacked US interests.

But last Monday in Tokyo, Trump offered assurances that he can live with the Islamic republic's government, whose toppling has long been a dream for Washington hardliners.

"We're not looking for regime change," Trump said, explaining that he only cared about Iran not achieving nuclear power status.

"I do believe that Iran would like to talk, and if they'd like to talk, we'd like to talk also," Trump added, striking a relatively dovish tone on Iran.

Khamenei has likened negotiations with the Trump administration to "poison" since "they don't stand by anything", referring to Washington's withdrawal from the landmark 2015 nuclear deal signed by Tehran and world powers.

Japan and Iran have kept a good relationship as resource-poor Japan relies heavily on imports of oil from the Middle East, though crude from Iran accounted for just 5.3 per cent of the country's total imports last year.

Watch: In eventful trip to Japan, Trump inks mega defence deal with Abe

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Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will meet Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei later this month with Tokyo hoping to mediate between Washington and Tehran, a report said Sunday.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will meet Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei later this month with Tokyo hoping to mediate between Washington and Tehran, a report said Sunday. As tensions intensify between Iran and Japan's key ally the United States, Abe has reportedly proposed serving as a go-between and is said to be weighing up a state visit to Iran. According to the Mainichi Shimbun report, Abe's planned meeting with influential Khamenei will be the first such talks between a Japanese premier and Tehran's supreme leader. US President Donald Trump said last week he remained open to talks with Tehran during his state visit to Tokyo, appearing to have given the green light to Abe's plan. Abe will also meet Iran's president Hassan Rouhani before meeting Khamenei during his tour to Iran from June 12 to 14, the newspaper said, citing unnamed government sources. Before Trump flew to Japan, the United States had announced it was sending 1,500 extra troops to the region, adding to the aircraft carrier group and nuclear-capable bomber planes already dispatched. Trump himself threatened "the official end" of the country if Tehran ever attacked US interests. But last Monday in Tokyo, Trump offered assurances that he can live with the Islamic republic's government, whose toppling has long been a dream for Washington hardliners. "We're not looking for regime change," Trump said, explaining that he only cared about Iran not achieving nuclear power status. "I do believe that Iran would like to talk, and if they'd like to talk, we'd like to talk also," Trump added, striking a relatively dovish tone on Iran. Khamenei has likened negotiations with the Trump administration to "poison" since "they don't stand by anything", referring to Washington's withdrawal from the landmark 2015 nuclear deal signed by Tehran and world powers. Japan and Iran have kept a good relationship as resource-poor Japan relies heavily on imports of oil from the Middle East, though crude from Iran accounted for just 5.3 per cent of the country's total imports last year. Watch: In eventful trip to Japan, Trump inks mega defence deal with Abe ×

Japan PM Abe to meet Iran's supreme leader Khamenei to mediate with US: Report

All but one of the victims of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/disgruntled-city-employee-kills-11-in-virginia-suspect-also-killed-223288">Friday's mass shooting in Virginia Beach</a> were municipal employees. They were named on Saturday at a news conference by Virginia Beach City Manager Dave Hansen.&nbsp;

The gunman who killed 12 people at a Virginia Beach municipal building before dying in a shootout with police was identified on Saturday as a disgruntled city engineer and co-worker of most of the victims.

All but one of the victims from the mass shooting in the coastal resort community were employed by the city, officials said, while the other was a contractor seeking a permit. Four people were wounded.

The gunman, DeWayne Craddock, had worked for the city's public utility department for about 15 years, Virginia Beach Police Chief James Cervera said at a news conference. He declined to comment on any possible motive.

"This is a large-scale crime scene, it’s a horrific crime scene," Cervera said, adding that investigators who spent the night inside the building endured a "physical, emotional and psychological toll."

It was the worst mass shooting in the United States since November 2018, when a dozen people were slain at a Los Angeles-area bar and grill by a gunman who then killed himself.

Bodies were found on all three floors of the Virginia Beach building and in a car parked outside, according to authorities.

Police said the gunman used an employee pass to enter secure areas before firing "immediately and indiscriminately" on his victims with a .45 caliber handgun equipped with a "sound suppressor" device and multiple extended ammunition magazines. They said more weapons were found at the scene and at Craddock's home.

Two police supervisors from a building across the street arrived within minutes, Cervera said, and the suspect was killed after a lengthy gun battle.

The victims who worked for Virginia Beach had been employed for between 11 months and 41 years. Six worked in the public utilities department and five were employed in the public works department.

"They leave a void that we will never be able to fill," City Manager Dave Hansen told reporters.

A number of vigils are planned in Virginia Beach to commemorate the victims.

MAKESHIFT BARRICADES

The bloodshed unfolded at Building Two of a municipal centre complex on Friday afternoon as workers prepared to leave for the weekend. Some survivors recounted how they cowered in fear after stacking desks against office doors as makeshift barricades.

The four people who were seriously wounded were still being treated at local hospitals. They included a police officer whose life was saved by his ballistic vest, Cervera said.

According to local media, Craddock was 40 years old and had no serious criminal record.

He served in the Virginia National Guard from 1996 to 2002, and was assigned to a Norfolk-based battalion as a cannon crew member, a guard spokesman said in an email. Craddock's records do not indicate any overseas deployments, the spokesman said.

The scene of the shooting lies several miles inland from the town's popular seashore, situated on the Atlantic coast at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. Virginia's most populous city has roughly 450,000 year-round residents.

Virginia Beach police had trained for a mass shooting and had even planned to hold a citizen workshop on active shooter situations on Saturday. The workshop was cancelled.

President Donald Trump said in a message on Twitter on Saturday that he had spoken to Virginia Governor Ralph Northam and Virginia Beach officials and offered the federal government's help. "God bless the families and all!" Trump said.

All but one of the victims of Friday's mass shooting in Virginia Beach were municipal employees. They were named on Saturday at a news conference by Virginia Beach City Manager Dave Hansen.

All but one of the victims of Friday's mass shooting in Virginia Beach were municipal employees. They were named on Saturday at a news conference by Virginia Beach City Manager Dave Hansen. The gunman who killed 12 people at a Virginia Beach municipal building before dying in a shootout with police was identified on Saturday as a disgruntled city engineer and co-worker of most of the victims. All but one of the victims from the mass shooting in the coastal resort community were employed by the city, officials said, while the other was a contractor seeking a permit. Four people were wounded. The gunman, DeWayne Craddock, had worked for the city's public utility department for about 15 years, Virginia Beach Police Chief James Cervera said at a news conference. He declined to comment on any possible motive. "This is a large-scale crime scene, it’s a horrific crime scene," Cervera said, adding that investigators who spent the night inside the building endured a "physical, emotional and psychological toll." It was the worst mass shooting in the United States since November 2018, when a dozen people were slain at a Los Angeles-area bar and grill by a gunman who then killed himself. Bodies were found on all three floors of the Virginia Beach building and in a car parked outside, according to authorities. Police said the gunman used an employee pass to enter secure areas before firing "immediately and indiscriminately" on his victims with a .45 caliber handgun equipped with a "sound suppressor" device and multiple extended ammunition magazines. They said more weapons were found at the scene and at Craddock's home. Two police supervisors from a building across the street arrived within minutes, Cervera said, and the suspect was killed after a lengthy gun battle. The victims who worked for Virginia Beach had been employed for between 11 months and 41 years. Six worked in the public utilities department and five were employed in the public works department. "They leave a void that we will never be able to fill," City Manager Dave Hansen told reporters. A number of vigils are planned in Virginia Beach to commemorate the victims. MAKESHIFT BARRICADES The bloodshed unfolded at Building Two of a municipal centre complex on Friday afternoon as workers prepared to leave for the weekend. Some survivors recounted how they cowered in fear after stacking desks against office doors as makeshift barricades. The four people who were seriously wounded were still being treated at local hospitals. They included a police officer whose life was saved by his ballistic vest, Cervera said. According to local media, Craddock was 40 years old and had no serious criminal record. He served in the Virginia National Guard from 1996 to 2002, and was assigned to a Norfolk-based battalion as a cannon crew member, a guard spokesman said in an email. Craddock's records do not indicate any overseas deployments, the spokesman said. The scene of the shooting lies several miles inland from the town's popular seashore, situated on the Atlantic coast at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. Virginia's most populous city has roughly 450,000 year-round residents. Virginia Beach police had trained for a mass shooting and had even planned to hold a citizen workshop on active shooter situations on Saturday. The workshop was cancelled. President Donald Trump said in a message on Twitter on Saturday that he had spoken to Virginia Governor Ralph Northam and Virginia Beach officials and offered the federal government's help. "God bless the families and all!" Trump said.

Virginia Beach mass shooting: Most victims identified as city employees, gunman was 'disgruntled' engineer

The United States warned China on Saturday against threatening its neighbours' sovereignty and said Washington was investing in new military technology in the next five years to keep Asia stable.

Washington and Beijing have been vying for influence in the region, which hosts potential flashpoints such as the South China Sea, the Korean Peninsula and the Taiwan Strait.

Ties between the two powers are once again taking centre stage at the weekend Singapore conference known as the Shangri-La Dialogue, which gathers defence ministers and top military officials from around the world.

While the forum is purely on security, the discussions are also being held against a backdrop of Sino-US trade tensions and high-tech rivalry.

"China can and should have a cooperative relationship with the rest of the region ... But behaviour that erodes other nations' sovereignty and sows distrust of China's intentions must end," acting US Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan told the forum.

"Until it does, we stand against a myopic, narrow, and parochial vision of the future, and we stand for the free and open order that has benefitted us all, including China."

Washington has been pushing back against Beijing's militarisation of the South China Sea, where China has built installations to enforce blanket sovereignty, pitting it against partial claims by Taiwan, Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam.

Beijing is also regularly angered by US warships transiting through the Taiwan Strait, which it considers part of its territorial waters.

For the first time since 2011, China has sent its defence minister, General Wei Fenghe, to the Singapore gathering. Wei is scheduled to speak on Sunday during which he is expected to respond to Shanahan's remarks.

'Indo-Pacific is our priority'&nbsp; 
Shanahan said the United States was investing heavily in the Indo-Pacific region to maintain its military superiority and capability to defend its Asian allies.

"North Korea remains an extraordinary threat and requires continued vigilance," Shanahan said.&nbsp;

"Indo-Pacific is our priority theatre. We are where we belong. We are investing in the region," he added.

"When we talk about preparedness, we mean having the right capabilities in the right places to respond to crises, and to compete with and deter high-end adversaries," the Pentagon chief said.

While the United States does not seek conflict, it knows that having the capability to win wars is the best deterrence.

"We want to ensure no adversary believes it can successfully achieve political objectives through military force," he said.

He said the Pentagon has requested $104 billion globally -- its most ever -- for research and development in the next fiscal year and $125 billion in operational readiness.

On Friday, Beijing warned that the US should not underestimate China's military during a meeting between Shanahan and Wei on the sidelines of the conference.

Chinese defence ministry spokesman Wu Qian said both had "reached some consensus" on issues of common concern, adding that Wei "particularly emphasised the Taiwan issue".

China sees Taiwan as part of its territory to be reunified, despite the two sides having been ruled separately since the end of a civil war on the mainland in 1949.

"He (Defence minister Wei) pointed out that the US has recently had a series of negative words and actions on this issue", Wu said, adding that Beijing was "firmly opposed" to this.

"On the issue of safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity, the US should not underestimate the determination, will and ability of the Chinese military."&nbsp;

The United States warned China on Saturday against threatening its neighbours' sovereignty and said Washington was investing in new military technology in the next five years to keep Asia stable.

The United States warned China on Saturday against threatening its neighbours' sovereignty and said Washington was investing in new military technology in the next five years to keep Asia stable. Washington and Beijing have been vying for influence in the region, which hosts potential flashpoints such as the South China Sea, the Korean Peninsula and the Taiwan Strait. Ties between the two powers are once again taking centre stage at the weekend Singapore conference known as the Shangri-La Dialogue, which gathers defence ministers and top military officials from around the world. While the forum is purely on security, the discussions are also being held against a backdrop of Sino-US trade tensions and high-tech rivalry. "China can and should have a cooperative relationship with the rest of the region ... But behaviour that erodes other nations' sovereignty and sows distrust of China's intentions must end," acting US Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan told the forum. "Until it does, we stand against a myopic, narrow, and parochial vision of the future, and we stand for the free and open order that has benefitted us all, including China." Washington has been pushing back against Beijing's militarisation of the South China Sea, where China has built installations to enforce blanket sovereignty, pitting it against partial claims by Taiwan, Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam. Beijing is also regularly angered by US warships transiting through the Taiwan Strait, which it considers part of its territorial waters. For the first time since 2011, China has sent its defence minister, General Wei Fenghe, to the Singapore gathering. Wei is scheduled to speak on Sunday during which he is expected to respond to Shanahan's remarks. 'Indo-Pacific is our priority' Shanahan said the United States was investing heavily in the Indo-Pacific region to maintain its military superiority and capability to defend its Asian allies. "North Korea remains an extraordinary threat and requires continued vigilance," Shanahan said. "Indo-Pacific is our priority theatre. We are where we belong. We are investing in the region," he added. "When we talk about preparedness, we mean having the right capabilities in the right places to respond to crises, and to compete with and deter high-end adversaries," the Pentagon chief said. While the United States does not seek conflict, it knows that having the capability to win wars is the best deterrence. "We want to ensure no adversary believes it can successfully achieve political objectives through military force," he said. He said the Pentagon has requested $104 billion globally -- its most ever -- for research and development in the next fiscal year and $125 billion in operational readiness. On Friday, Beijing warned that the US should not underestimate China's military during a meeting between Shanahan and Wei on the sidelines of the conference. Chinese defence ministry spokesman Wu Qian said both had "reached some consensus" on issues of common concern, adding that Wei "particularly emphasised the Taiwan issue". China sees Taiwan as part of its territory to be reunified, despite the two sides having been ruled separately since the end of a civil war on the mainland in 1949. "He (Defence minister Wei) pointed out that the US has recently had a series of negative words and actions on this issue", Wu said, adding that Beijing was "firmly opposed" to this. "On the issue of safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity, the US should not underestimate the determination, will and ability of the Chinese military."

China must stop eroding neighbours' sovereignty: US

The United States will no longer "tiptoe" around <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-says-us-actions-on-taiwan-south-china-sea-threaten-stability-223372">Chinese behaviour in Asia</a>, with stability in the region threatened on issues ranging from the South China Sea to Taiwan, acting US&nbsp;Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan said on Saturday.

Shanahan did not directly name China when making accusations of "actors" destabilising the region but went on to say the United States would not ignore Chinese behaviour, the latest in the exchange of acerbic remarks between the world's two biggest economies. He added, however, he was keen to foster a military relationship with Beijing.

"Perhaps the greatest long-term threat to the vital interests of states across this region comes from actors who seek to undermine, rather than uphold, the rules-based international order," Shanahan said at the annual Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Asia's biggest security gathering.

"If the trends in these behaviours continue, artificial features in the global commons could become tollbooths, sovereignty could become the purview of the powerful."

Shanahan's first major speech since taking over as acting defence secretary in January came as the United States and China remain locked in an escalating trade war and at odds over a range of security issues in Asia.

His reference to artificial features was a swipe at islands built by China in the disputed South China Sea, a strategic waterway claimed almost wholly by Beijing.

"We're not going to ignore Chinese behaviour and I think in the past people have kind of tiptoed around that," Shanahan said later in answer to a question.

A senior Chinese military official responded to Shanahan's comments by saying that the United States' actions on Taiwan and the South China Sea were hardly conducive to maintaining stability in the region.&nbsp;

Shanahan said it was in Beijing's interests to have a constructive relationship with the United States.

But he added: "Behaviour that erodes other nations' sovereignty and sows distrust of China's intentions must end."

"Until it does, we stand against a myopic, narrow, and parochial vision of the future, and we stand for the free and open order that has benefited us all - including China."

US&nbsp;lawmakers said Shanahan's speech was impressive.

"I was very impressed and I certainly am looking much more positively on potentially voting for him when his confirmation happens," Democratic Senator Tammy Duckworth told reporters.

The White House said last month that it plans to nominate Shanahan as defence secretary, a job he has been doing in an acting capacity since January, the longest in Pentagon history. His nomination, if and when it comes, will have to be confirmed by the Senate.

"The way he laid out the facts and the United States' position in a firm way, but very upfront, impressed me tremendously," Duckworth added.

Senator Angus King, a political independent from Maine and on the Senate Armed Services Committee, said Shanahan had "distinguished" himself and was hopeful the confirmation hearing would take place within about a month.

Trade war

Shanahan said that he did not see the current trade dispute between China and the United States as a trade war, but rather just part of trade negotiations.

An increase in Chinese tariffs on most US&nbsp;imports on a $60 billion target list took effect as planned on Saturday, after Washington's own tariff increases.

Shanahan also became the latest senior US&nbsp;official to call out Chinese telecoms giant Huawei, saying in his speech that it was too close to the Chinese government.

The United States has accused Huawei of espionage, breaching trade sanctions against Iran and intellectual property theft. Huawei disputes all allegations.

China's Defence Minister Wei Fenghe is due to address Asia's marquee security summit on Sunday when he is expected to criticise the United States over its implied support for a democratic Taiwan.

On Friday, Shanahan held talks with Wei that both sides called "constructive", although their teams later reverted to type with critical comments on each other's defence strategies.

Along with the expected warnings aimed at China, Shanahan referred to cooperation between the two countries in areas like military-to-military exchanges, counter-piracy and joint efforts to reduce the "extraordinary threat" posed by North Korea's military ambitions.

"I am confident that we'll solve problems," Shanahan said.

Shanahan also called on US&nbsp;allies to contribute more to their own defence. Burden-sharing, from Asia to Europe, has long been a demand of President Donald Trump's administration.

"We need you to invest in ways that take more control over your sovereignty and your own ability to exercise sovereign choices."

The United States will no longer "tiptoe" around Chinese behaviour in Asia, with stability in the region threatened on issues ranging from the South China Sea to Taiwan, acting US Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan said on Saturday.

The United States will no longer "tiptoe" around Chinese behaviour in Asia, with stability in the region threatened on issues ranging from the South China Sea to Taiwan, acting US Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan said on Saturday. Shanahan did not directly name China when making accusations of "actors" destabilising the region but went on to say the United States would not ignore Chinese behaviour, the latest in the exchange of acerbic remarks between the world's two biggest economies. He added, however, he was keen to foster a military relationship with Beijing. "Perhaps the greatest long-term threat to the vital interests of states across this region comes from actors who seek to undermine, rather than uphold, the rules-based international order," Shanahan said at the annual Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Asia's biggest security gathering. "If the trends in these behaviours continue, artificial features in the global commons could become tollbooths, sovereignty could become the purview of the powerful." Shanahan's first major speech since taking over as acting defence secretary in January came as the United States and China remain locked in an escalating trade war and at odds over a range of security issues in Asia. His reference to artificial features was a swipe at islands built by China in the disputed South China Sea, a strategic waterway claimed almost wholly by Beijing. "We're not going to ignore Chinese behaviour and I think in the past people have kind of tiptoed around that," Shanahan said later in answer to a question. A senior Chinese military official responded to Shanahan's comments by saying that the United States' actions on Taiwan and the South China Sea were hardly conducive to maintaining stability in the region. Shanahan said it was in Beijing's interests to have a constructive relationship with the United States. But he added: "Behaviour that erodes other nations' sovereignty and sows distrust of China's intentions must end." "Until it does, we stand against a myopic, narrow, and parochial vision of the future, and we stand for the free and open order that has benefited us all - including China." US lawmakers said Shanahan's speech was impressive. "I was very impressed and I certainly am looking much more positively on potentially voting for him when his confirmation happens," Democratic Senator Tammy Duckworth told reporters. The White House said last month that it plans to nominate Shanahan as defence secretary, a job he has been doing in an acting capacity since January, the longest in Pentagon history. His nomination, if and when it comes, will have to be confirmed by the Senate. "The way he laid out the facts and the United States' position in a firm way, but very upfront, impressed me tremendously," Duckworth added. Senator Angus King, a political independent from Maine and on the Senate Armed Services Committee, said Shanahan had "distinguished" himself and was hopeful the confirmation hearing would take place within about a month. Trade war Shanahan said that he did not see the current trade dispute between China and the United States as a trade war, but rather just part of trade negotiations. An increase in Chinese tariffs on most US imports on a $60 billion target list took effect as planned on Saturday, after Washington's own tariff increases. Shanahan also became the latest senior US official to call out Chinese telecoms giant Huawei, saying in his speech that it was too close to the Chinese government. The United States has accused Huawei of espionage, breaching trade sanctions against Iran and intellectual property theft. Huawei disputes all allegations. China's Defence Minister Wei Fenghe is due to address Asia's marquee security summit on Sunday when he is expected to criticise the United States over its implied support for a democratic Taiwan. On Friday, Shanahan held talks with Wei that both sides called "constructive", although their teams later reverted to type with critical comments on each other's defence strategies. Along with the expected warnings aimed at China, Shanahan referred to cooperation between the two countries in areas like military-to-military exchanges, counter-piracy and joint efforts to reduce the "extraordinary threat" posed by North Korea's military ambitions. "I am confident that we'll solve problems," Shanahan said. Shanahan also called on US allies to contribute more to their own defence. Burden-sharing, from Asia to Europe, has long been a demand of President Donald Trump's administration. "We need you to invest in ways that take more control over your sovereignty and your own ability to exercise sovereign choices."

US won't 'tiptoe' around China with Asia stability at threat: Defence chief

India has reacted to the US withdrawing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/i-intend-to-end-indias-preferential-trade-treatment-under-gsp-program-trump-201179">Generalised System of Preference</a> (GSP) which is a trade preference programme for developing countries saying its "unfortunate" that Washington did not accept New Delhi's offer for the resolution and it can't offer something that hurts national interest.&nbsp;

The United States would end its preferential <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/suspension-of-preferential-trade-status-for-india-under-gsp-is-done-deal-us-222997">trade treatment for India on June 5</a>.

A release by commerce ministry said, &nbsp;"India as part of our bilateral trade discussions, had offered resolution on significant US requests in an effort to find a mutually acceptable way forward. It is unfortunate that this did not find acceptance by the US."

India had offered a package to US, both before and after White House announced its decision on discontining of GSP status. &nbsp;

Trump administration withdrew the GSP for India, which allows duty-free entry for products from designated developing countries since, according to white house proclamation, "India has not assured the US that it will provide equitable and reasonable access to its markets."

New Delhi, reacting on this said, "India...shall always uphold its national interest in these matters." Adding, it has "significant development imperatives and concerns and our people also aspire for better standards of living. This will remain the guiding factor in the government’s approach."

Watch: Donald Trump to end preferential trade treatment for India on June 5

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But was hopeful, and said, we "will continue to build on our strong ties with the US, both economic and people-to-people."

On 4th March, White House had announced that it plans to terminate India's status under the GSP and had given a 60-day notice period till 3rd of May. India was the largest beneficiary of GSP in 2017 and was able to export $5.7 billion Indian goods to US duty-free. India’s exports to the US during 2018 were $ 51.4 billion

According to export body FIEO (Federation of Indian Export Organisations), the impact of the withdrawal will be minimum but some products may face the heat.

President of FIEO, Ganesh Kumar Gupta said, "Out of $ 6.35 billion value of exports from India to the US under the GSP scheme, net benefit to the tune of only $ 260 million were accrued by the Indian exporters and thus at macro level the impact of GSP withdrawal on our exports to US would be minimal."

But products getting GSP benefits of 3 per cent or more may find it difficult to absorb the loss.&nbsp;

Most impacted sectors would be Leather Articles (footwear not included) with average GSP benefit of 6.1%, Pharmaceuticals &amp; Surgical with average GSP benefit 5.9% &amp; Chemical &amp; Plastics with average GSP benefit of 4.8%.

India has reacted to the US withdrawing Generalised System of Preference (GSP) which is a trade preference programme for developing countries saying its "unfortunate" that Washington did not accept New Delhi's offer for the resolution and it can't offer something that hurts national interest.

India has reacted to the US withdrawing Generalised System of Preference (GSP) which is a trade preference programme for developing countries saying its "unfortunate" that Washington did not accept New Delhi's offer for the resolution and it can't offer something that hurts national interest. The United States would end its preferential trade treatment for India on June 5. A release by commerce ministry said, "India as part of our bilateral trade discussions, had offered resolution on significant US requests in an effort to find a mutually acceptable way forward. It is unfortunate that this did not find acceptance by the US." India had offered a package to US, both before and after White House announced its decision on discontining of GSP status. Trump administration withdrew the GSP for India, which allows duty-free entry for products from designated developing countries since, according to white house proclamation, "India has not assured the US that it will provide equitable and reasonable access to its markets." New Delhi, reacting on this said, "India...shall always uphold its national interest in these matters." Adding, it has "significant development imperatives and concerns and our people also aspire for better standards of living. This will remain the guiding factor in the government’s approach." Watch: Donald Trump to end preferential trade treatment for India on June 5 × But was hopeful, and said, we "will continue to build on our strong ties with the US, both economic and people-to-people." On 4th March, White House had announced that it plans to terminate India's status under the GSP and had given a 60-day notice period till 3rd of May. India was the largest beneficiary of GSP in 2017 and was able to export $5.7 billion Indian goods to US duty-free. India’s exports to the US during 2018 were $ 51.4 billion According to export body FIEO (Federation of Indian Export Organisations), the impact of the withdrawal will be minimum but some products may face the heat. President of FIEO, Ganesh Kumar Gupta said, "Out of $ 6.35 billion value of exports from India to the US under the GSP scheme, net benefit to the tune of only $ 260 million were accrued by the Indian exporters and thus at macro level the impact of GSP withdrawal on our exports to US would be minimal." But products getting GSP benefits of 3 per cent or more may find it difficult to absorb the loss. Most impacted sectors would be Leather Articles (footwear not included) with average GSP benefit of 6.1%, Pharmaceuticals & Surgical with average GSP benefit 5.9% & Chemical & Plastics with average GSP benefit of 4.8%.

Unfortunate Washington didn't accept offer on GSP resolution, says India  

The United States, in a retaliatory move, revoked tax relief given to Pakistani diplomats, sources said on Friday. The Diplomatic Tax Exemption programme for staff at the Pakistan Embassy provides sales and use, occupancy, food, airline, gas, and utility tax exemptions to eligible foreign officials on assignment in the US. The said facility is enjoyed by officials' dependents too.

This comes after Pakistan refused to give any tax exemption to the US diplomats in the country, said sources.

The exemption came into effect on May 20, and was done on a reciprocity basis, sources added.

A media report quoted a State Department spokesperson as saying on Thursday that there were pending tax exemption issues related to the US diplomatic mission in Pakistan.

However, the department said that both sides were in discussions and hoped to resolve the issue and restore the tax privileges.

The diplomatic tiff between Pakistan and US has been long ongoing after Pakistan refused to revoke the 25 miles travel radius ban to US diplomats last year. The United States in a tit-for-tat move slapped similiar restrictions on Pakistani diplomats in US.

The Pakistani authorities on May 2, 2018 in retaliation, further tightened the diplomatic immunity given the US mission in Pakistan.

The United States, in a retaliatory move, revoked tax relief given to Pakistani diplomats, sources said on Friday. The Diplomatic Tax Exemption programme for staff at the Pakistan Embassy provides sales and use, occupancy, food, airline, gas, and utility tax exemptions to eligible foreign officials on assignment in the US.

The United States, in a retaliatory move, revoked tax relief given to Pakistani diplomats, sources said on Friday. The Diplomatic Tax Exemption programme for staff at the Pakistan Embassy provides sales and use, occupancy, food, airline, gas, and utility tax exemptions to eligible foreign officials on assignment in the US. The said facility is enjoyed by officials' dependents too. This comes after Pakistan refused to give any tax exemption to the US diplomats in the country, said sources. The exemption came into effect on May 20, and was done on a reciprocity basis, sources added. A media report quoted a State Department spokesperson as saying on Thursday that there were pending tax exemption issues related to the US diplomatic mission in Pakistan. However, the department said that both sides were in discussions and hoped to resolve the issue and restore the tax privileges. The diplomatic tiff between Pakistan and US has been long ongoing after Pakistan refused to revoke the 25 miles travel radius ban to US diplomats last year. The United States in a tit-for-tat move slapped similiar restrictions on Pakistani diplomats in US. The Pakistani authorities on May 2, 2018 in retaliation, further tightened the diplomatic immunity given the US mission in Pakistan.

US revokes tax exemption for Pakistani diplomats: Sources 

Amazon.com Inc is interested in buying prepaid cellphone wireless service Boost Mobile from US carriers T-Mobile US Inc and Sprint Corp, two sources familiar with the matter said on Thursday.

Amazon is considering buying Boost - currently one of Sprint's prepaid brands - mainly because the deal would allow it to use the new T-Mobile's wireless network for at least six years, one of the sources said.

New T-Mobile is the name used by T-Mobile and Sprint to refer to the new entity that will result from their potential merger.&nbsp;Amazon would also be interested in any wireless spectrum that could be divested, the source said.

Amazon declined to comment. T-Mobile and Sprint did not immediately respond to requests for comment. It was not immediately clear why the largest US&nbsp;online retailer would want the wireless network and spectrum.

Amazon has already been building experience by offering phone calls through its Echo Connect product, which uses a person's home phone service and allows an Alexa-enabled voice-activated speaker to make phone calls.

Amazon, which started out selling books, has a long history of exploring new ventures, such as making original TV shows for Amazon Prime members. It is now one of the Big Four technology companies along with Alphabet Inc, Apple Inc and Facebook Inc, and is a leading cloud services provider.

T-Mobile and Sprint have already pledged to sell Boost as part of measures to reduce their market share in the prepaid wireless business and gain regulatory approval for their planned $26 billion mergers.

The US&nbsp;Justice Department would need to scrutinize the buyer of a divested asset to ensure it would stay viable and preserve competition.

The carriers are also considering divesting wireless spectrum, or airwaves that carry data, in order to push the merger through.

The merger, if approved, would leave the United States with three wireless carriers instead of four. Some consumer advocates have raised concerns that the merger could raise prices for wireless users and have called for an additional competitor.

The sale of Boost could fetch up to $3 billion, potential bidders previously told Reuters.

This month, analysts at Cowen estimated Boost has 7 million to 8 million customers and a transaction could be valued at $4.5 billion if the deal included wireless spectrum, or the airwaves that carry data, and facilities. Sprint has not disclosed the number of Boost customers.

Amazon.com Inc is interested in buying prepaid cellphone wireless service Boost Mobile from US carriers T-Mobile US Inc and Sprint Corp, two sources familiar with the matter said on Thursday.

Amazon.com Inc is interested in buying prepaid cellphone wireless service Boost Mobile from US carriers T-Mobile US Inc and Sprint Corp, two sources familiar with the matter said on Thursday. Amazon is considering buying Boost - currently one of Sprint's prepaid brands - mainly because the deal would allow it to use the new T-Mobile's wireless network for at least six years, one of the sources said. New T-Mobile is the name used by T-Mobile and Sprint to refer to the new entity that will result from their potential merger. Amazon would also be interested in any wireless spectrum that could be divested, the source said. Amazon declined to comment. T-Mobile and Sprint did not immediately respond to requests for comment. It was not immediately clear why the largest US online retailer would want the wireless network and spectrum. Amazon has already been building experience by offering phone calls through its Echo Connect product, which uses a person's home phone service and allows an Alexa-enabled voice-activated speaker to make phone calls. Amazon, which started out selling books, has a long history of exploring new ventures, such as making original TV shows for Amazon Prime members. It is now one of the Big Four technology companies along with Alphabet Inc, Apple Inc and Facebook Inc, and is a leading cloud services provider. T-Mobile and Sprint have already pledged to sell Boost as part of measures to reduce their market share in the prepaid wireless business and gain regulatory approval for their planned $26 billion mergers. The US Justice Department would need to scrutinize the buyer of a divested asset to ensure it would stay viable and preserve competition. The carriers are also considering divesting wireless spectrum, or airwaves that carry data, in order to push the merger through. The merger, if approved, would leave the United States with three wireless carriers instead of four. Some consumer advocates have raised concerns that the merger could raise prices for wireless users and have called for an additional competitor. The sale of Boost could fetch up to $3 billion, potential bidders previously told Reuters. This month, analysts at Cowen estimated Boost has 7 million to 8 million customers and a transaction could be valued at $4.5 billion if the deal included wireless spectrum, or the airwaves that carry data, and facilities. Sprint has not disclosed the number of Boost customers.

Amazon interested in buying Boost from T-Mobile, Sprint

When&nbsp;Papua&nbsp;New&nbsp;Guinea's lawmakers started to shift their weight in their parliamentary seats in preparation for a tense vote on a&nbsp;new&nbsp;prime minister on Thursday, James Marape looked uninterested, his head lowered, fingers tapping his phone.

The former finance minister later explained he was preparing notes for a speech, should numbers fall his way.

They did, and the notes turned into a&nbsp;powerful series of addresses which signalled a desire to reset how the archipelago conducts business and diplomacy amid a strategic battle between China and the United States for influence in the&nbsp;Pacific.

"We are still struggling to economically free ourselves," Marape told reporters moments after he was sworn in.

"The nation needs to know that this is a break free ... and the emergence of a&nbsp;new&nbsp;group of like-minded&nbsp;leaders," he said referring to himself and his supporters.

Marape became prime minister after receiving 101 votes to eight in parliament, a day after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/papua-new-guinea-prime-minister-quits-after-weeks-of-turmoil-221729">former&nbsp;leader&nbsp;Peter O'Neill resigned</a> having lost the support of the house following almost eight years in&nbsp;power.

The&nbsp;new&nbsp;leader&nbsp;told the chamber he wanted to make his country the richest black Christian nation on earth, then headed to Royal Port Moresby golf club for his regular Thursday round, according to the club's pro, Nelson Gabriel.

DEBT OF GRATITUDE

Formerly administered by US-ally Australia, PNG has in recent years turned increasingly to China for financing as Beijing becomes a bigger&nbsp;player in the region, something Marape is being asked by colleagues to change.

"I would request that we take a long hard look at all Chinese arrangements," one MP who shifted from opposition to support Marape's&nbsp;leadership bid told Reuters, requesting anonymity because he was not authorised to speak publicly on the issue.

PNG is rich in mineral resources and is close to both US&nbsp;military bases on the island of Guam and to Australia.

China forged a particularly strong relationship with O'Neill, who was the first&nbsp;Pacific&nbsp;leader&nbsp;to sign up to China's Belt and Road infrastructure-building programme and who met President Xi Jinping more than a dozen times during his time in&nbsp;power, the former&nbsp;leader's spokesman told Reuters.

In dollar terms, PNG has the biggest debt to China among its neighbours, representing about one-quarter of its total external debt.

Foreign diplomats are now scrambling to understand the&nbsp;new&nbsp;leader, and there is a belief among some PNG lawmakers and western diplomats that China has the most to lose by the change in&nbsp;leadership.

"We are trying to get some face time with him," a senior British diplomatic source told Reuters.

"I suspect China is too and will be looking to pitch him with promises, but Marape has protectionist sentiments. Chinese loans often come with requirements to use Chinese labour and companies - if Marape isn't willing to accept those terms, it could be an opportunity for the West."

A senior US&nbsp;government source said Marape's family has connections with the United States because his eldest son is enrolled at a North American university.

"Marape has always been a supporter of Western principles such as democracy," the US&nbsp;source said.

"As finance minister, he warned about unsustainable debt levels. We are comforted and buoyed by these statements."

China's embassy in Port Moresby did not respond to requests for comment. Analysts say Marape's former job as finance minister will make him a familiar and friendly face to Chinese diplomats.

"We will engage with the Chinese government and its people (and) so long as it is fair and friendly to us and in our terms, we're happy with that," Marape told Australian Broadcasting Corporation television.

SON OF A PREACHER

The 48-year-old son of a Seventh Day Adventist pastor, Marape hails from PNG's poor but gas-rich highlands.

He supported a 2009 landowner agreement that paved the way for Exxon's $19 billion PNG LNG project, according to local media reports at the time, but soon became a critic of the oil and gas giant after the anticipated tax-take came in lower than forecast.

On Thursday, he put some of the world's biggest resources companies including France's Total on notice over a perceived lack of wealth flowing from their projects back to communities.

Total's Chairman and CEO, Patrick Pouyanne, told journalists in Paris on Wednesday that O'Neill had defended the interest of his country during the negotiations.

While Marape has indicated he wants to diversify the country's interests and develop its tourism industry, he is not against resources development.

In his highlands electoral base, he has led disarmament initiatives to strip "gun-toting cowboys" of their weapons, who he has blamed for trying to interrupt gas operations.

Parliamentary colleagues are expecting him to shake things up.

"It is time for a transition, it is time for a&nbsp;new&nbsp;generation ... to move on and bring some of the change that our people have been crying for," Charles Abel, who served as O'Neill's deputy, told parliament after Marape's election.

When Papua New Guinea's lawmakers started to shift their weight in their parliamentary seats in preparation for a tense vote on a new prime minister on Thursday, James Marape looked uninterested, his head lowered, fingers tapping his phone.

When Papua New Guinea's lawmakers started to shift their weight in their parliamentary seats in preparation for a tense vote on a new prime minister on Thursday, James Marape looked uninterested, his head lowered, fingers tapping his phone. The former finance minister later explained he was preparing notes for a speech, should numbers fall his way. They did, and the notes turned into a powerful series of addresses which signalled a desire to reset how the archipelago conducts business and diplomacy amid a strategic battle between China and the United States for influence in the Pacific. "We are still struggling to economically free ourselves," Marape told reporters moments after he was sworn in. "The nation needs to know that this is a break free ... and the emergence of a new group of like-minded leaders," he said referring to himself and his supporters. Marape became prime minister after receiving 101 votes to eight in parliament, a day after former leader Peter O'Neill resigned having lost the support of the house following almost eight years in power. The new leader told the chamber he wanted to make his country the richest black Christian nation on earth, then headed to Royal Port Moresby golf club for his regular Thursday round, according to the club's pro, Nelson Gabriel. DEBT OF GRATITUDE Formerly administered by US-ally Australia, PNG has in recent years turned increasingly to China for financing as Beijing becomes a bigger player in the region, something Marape is being asked by colleagues to change. "I would request that we take a long hard look at all Chinese arrangements," one MP who shifted from opposition to support Marape's leadership bid told Reuters, requesting anonymity because he was not authorised to speak publicly on the issue. PNG is rich in mineral resources and is close to both US military bases on the island of Guam and to Australia. China forged a particularly strong relationship with O'Neill, who was the first Pacific leader to sign up to China's Belt and Road infrastructure-building programme and who met President Xi Jinping more than a dozen times during his time in power, the former leader's spokesman told Reuters. In dollar terms, PNG has the biggest debt to China among its neighbours, representing about one-quarter of its total external debt. Foreign diplomats are now scrambling to understand the new leader, and there is a belief among some PNG lawmakers and western diplomats that China has the most to lose by the change in leadership. "We are trying to get some face time with him," a senior British diplomatic source told Reuters. "I suspect China is too and will be looking to pitch him with promises, but Marape has protectionist sentiments. Chinese loans often come with requirements to use Chinese labour and companies - if Marape isn't willing to accept those terms, it could be an opportunity for the West." A senior US government source said Marape's family has connections with the United States because his eldest son is enrolled at a North American university. "Marape has always been a supporter of Western principles such as democracy," the US source said. "As finance minister, he warned about unsustainable debt levels. We are comforted and buoyed by these statements." China's embassy in Port Moresby did not respond to requests for comment. Analysts say Marape's former job as finance minister will make him a familiar and friendly face to Chinese diplomats. "We will engage with the Chinese government and its people (and) so long as it is fair and friendly to us and in our terms, we're happy with that," Marape told Australian Broadcasting Corporation television. SON OF A PREACHER The 48-year-old son of a Seventh Day Adventist pastor, Marape hails from PNG's poor but gas-rich highlands. He supported a 2009 landowner agreement that paved the way for Exxon's $19 billion PNG LNG project, according to local media reports at the time, but soon became a critic of the oil and gas giant after the anticipated tax-take came in lower than forecast. On Thursday, he put some of the world's biggest resources companies including France's Total on notice over a perceived lack of wealth flowing from their projects back to communities. Total's Chairman and CEO, Patrick Pouyanne, told journalists in Paris on Wednesday that O'Neill had defended the interest of his country during the negotiations. While Marape has indicated he wants to diversify the country's interests and develop its tourism industry, he is not against resources development. In his highlands electoral base, he has led disarmament initiatives to strip "gun-toting cowboys" of their weapons, who he has blamed for trying to interrupt gas operations. Parliamentary colleagues are expecting him to shake things up. "It is time for a transition, it is time for a new generation ... to move on and bring some of the change that our people have been crying for," Charles Abel, who served as O'Neill's deputy, told parliament after Marape's election.

New Papua New Guinea leader a wildcard in Pacific power play

Virginia, an 18-year-old from Guatemala who is seeking asylum in the United States, had just one form of identification on her long journey north,&nbsp;her birth certificate.

Now, the teenager waits in a shelter in a Mexican border town while her US&nbsp;asylum case is decided - minus the birth certificate.

Virginia said that when she turned herself in to immigration authorities in El Paso, US&nbsp;officials took the certificate and refused to return it.

“The more I asked the angrier they got,” she said.

Discouraged by the asylum process, Virginia said she is considering abandoning her claim and going home but feels trapped without identification to show authorities along the way. She spoke on the condition that only her first name be published for fear of drawing attention to her situation.

Ciudad Juarez officials and migrant attorneys say many asylum seekers are in a position similar to Virginia`s, left with no identification because US officials confiscated their documents before sending them back to Mexico. Without IDs, they say, it can be hard for migrants to find work in Mexico, receive money from their families or even return home.

An official with the US Department of Homeland Security, who declined to be named, said it has been federal policy since 2015 to return possessions to migrants upon their release from custody – except for documents believed to be fraudulent or altered. The official did not address whether the policy was being followed consistently and declined to comment on specific cases including Virginia`s.&nbsp;

Gil Kerlikowske, who was the commissioner of Customs and Border Protection when the 2015 standards were put in place, said the sheer volume of cases now might explain any departure from the policy. “We thought we’d solved that problem,” said Kerlikowske. “That said, I do understand the overwhelming number of people they are dealing with.”

The return of migrants to Mexico results from a recent Trump administration policy called Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP) that has forced thousands of Central Americans to wait south of the border while their asylum cases are pending. About 3,400 people have been returned to Ciudad Juarez under MPP since March when the MPP program started there.

One Ciudad Juarez official, who directly works with migrants and who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to be interviewed, told Reuters that the majority of those he has encountered were returned to Ciudad Juarez without their identification documents. He said some people lose their documents but others complain they were confiscated in the United States.

Another official, Enrique Valenzuela, general coordinator of the state commission for population, said that returned migrants had been appearing at an immigration office in Ciudad Juarez to ask for help. They reported "that they no longer had their identity documents because they had been taken away," he said.

Valenzuela added that city officials took up the issue with US&nbsp;authorities earlier this month and that the problem seemed to have improved in recent days. He did not provide details of the discussions. DHS declined to comment.

On a recent visit to the city, Reuters found 10 migrants besides Virginia who said US officials took their identification documents and did not return them. Reuters was unable to independently verify their accounts.&nbsp;

US-based immigration lawyers say failing to return documents has been a longstanding problem among migrants released into the United States or deported back to their home countries. But the attorneys say the issue is more worrisome in the context of the MPP program because asylum seekers are waiting in a third country and are more vulnerable to arrest and detention. DHS officials did not comment on the issue.&nbsp;

In one case, according to two Ciudad Juarez officials, a Guatemalan asylum seeker waiting in the city with his young daughter asked a Mexican policeman for help returning to their country.

Rogelio Pinal, director of human rights for Ciudad Juarez, who helped to handle the situation, said the two had to wait in municipal offices for more than five hours because the father was unable to produce documents that would have proved their father-daughter relationship.

The father told the Mexican authorities that her birth certificate remained in the hands of US immigration officials, Pinal and another city official briefed on the matter said.

The pair ultimately were released after confirming their relationship through other means and were transferred to a shelter where they considered their options, Pinal said.

THE LONG WAY HOME

Nancy Oretskin, an immigration attorney in Las Cruces, New Mexico, said one of her clients, a Salvadoran asylum seeker, told an immigration judge during his May 9 hearing in El Paso that he wanted to return home to his 6-month-old son, who was sick. She said the US&nbsp;government attorney assured the court that her client’s ID, which was in the possession of immigration authorities, would be returned at the border. But that did not happen, she said.

According to Oretskin and Ariana Sawyer, a worker with Human Rights Watch, advocates went to the middle of the bridge connecting Juarez and El Paso, Texas, in a last-ditch effort to get his ID back, but US&nbsp;officials refused to speak with them. DHS declined to comment on the case.

In an interview with Reuters, the migrant, Elmer, said he decided his only recourse was to travel 700 miles by bus to the Salvadoran consulate in Monterrey, seeking a replacement ID. Elmer spoke on condition that only his first name be used because he said he feared for his safety in El Salvador.

Even boarding the bus could have been complicated without ID, but Elmer said the driver was sympathetic and offered to help him explain if the vehicle was stopped by authorities.

“Your son is more important,” Elmer recalled the bus driver says.

Elmer returned home last Friday after the consulate issued him a temporary ID and he was able to journey south by hitching rides and taking the bus. He said he was relieved to have made it back safely.&nbsp;

“Without documents," he said of his time in Ciudad Juarez, "I felt as though I was imprisoned.”&nbsp;

Virginia, an 18-year-old from Guatemala who is seeking asylum in the United States, had just one form of identification on her long journey north, her birth certificate.

Virginia, an 18-year-old from Guatemala who is seeking asylum in the United States, had just one form of identification on her long journey north, her birth certificate. Now, the teenager waits in a shelter in a Mexican border town while her US asylum case is decided - minus the birth certificate. Virginia said that when she turned herself in to immigration authorities in El Paso, US officials took the certificate and refused to return it. “The more I asked the angrier they got,” she said. Discouraged by the asylum process, Virginia said she is considering abandoning her claim and going home but feels trapped without identification to show authorities along the way. She spoke on the condition that only her first name be published for fear of drawing attention to her situation. Ciudad Juarez officials and migrant attorneys say many asylum seekers are in a position similar to Virginia`s, left with no identification because US officials confiscated their documents before sending them back to Mexico. Without IDs, they say, it can be hard for migrants to find work in Mexico, receive money from their families or even return home. An official with the US Department of Homeland Security, who declined to be named, said it has been federal policy since 2015 to return possessions to migrants upon their release from custody – except for documents believed to be fraudulent or altered. The official did not address whether the policy was being followed consistently and declined to comment on specific cases including Virginia`s. Gil Kerlikowske, who was the commissioner of Customs and Border Protection when the 2015 standards were put in place, said the sheer volume of cases now might explain any departure from the policy. “We thought we’d solved that problem,” said Kerlikowske. “That said, I do understand the overwhelming number of people they are dealing with.” The return of migrants to Mexico results from a recent Trump administration policy called Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP) that has forced thousands of Central Americans to wait south of the border while their asylum cases are pending. About 3,400 people have been returned to Ciudad Juarez under MPP since March when the MPP program started there. One Ciudad Juarez official, who directly works with migrants and who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to be interviewed, told Reuters that the majority of those he has encountered were returned to Ciudad Juarez without their identification documents. He said some people lose their documents but others complain they were confiscated in the United States. Another official, Enrique Valenzuela, general coordinator of the state commission for population, said that returned migrants had been appearing at an immigration office in Ciudad Juarez to ask for help. They reported "that they no longer had their identity documents because they had been taken away," he said. Valenzuela added that city officials took up the issue with US authorities earlier this month and that the problem seemed to have improved in recent days. He did not provide details of the discussions. DHS declined to comment. On a recent visit to the city, Reuters found 10 migrants besides Virginia who said US officials took their identification documents and did not return them. Reuters was unable to independently verify their accounts. US-based immigration lawyers say failing to return documents has been a longstanding problem among migrants released into the United States or deported back to their home countries. But the attorneys say the issue is more worrisome in the context of the MPP program because asylum seekers are waiting in a third country and are more vulnerable to arrest and detention. DHS officials did not comment on the issue. In one case, according to two Ciudad Juarez officials, a Guatemalan asylum seeker waiting in the city with his young daughter asked a Mexican policeman for help returning to their country. Rogelio Pinal, director of human rights for Ciudad Juarez, who helped to handle the situation, said the two had to wait in municipal offices for more than five hours because the father was unable to produce documents that would have proved their father-daughter relationship. The father told the Mexican authorities that her birth certificate remained in the hands of US immigration officials, Pinal and another city official briefed on the matter said. The pair ultimately were released after confirming their relationship through other means and were transferred to a shelter where they considered their options, Pinal said. THE LONG WAY HOME Nancy Oretskin, an immigration attorney in Las Cruces, New Mexico, said one of her clients, a Salvadoran asylum seeker, told an immigration judge during his May 9 hearing in El Paso that he wanted to return home to his 6-month-old son, who was sick. She said the US government attorney assured the court that her client’s ID, which was in the possession of immigration authorities, would be returned at the border. But that did not happen, she said. According to Oretskin and Ariana Sawyer, a worker with Human Rights Watch, advocates went to the middle of the bridge connecting Juarez and El Paso, Texas, in a last-ditch effort to get his ID back, but US officials refused to speak with them. DHS declined to comment on the case. In an interview with Reuters, the migrant, Elmer, said he decided his only recourse was to travel 700 miles by bus to the Salvadoran consulate in Monterrey, seeking a replacement ID. Elmer spoke on condition that only his first name be used because he said he feared for his safety in El Salvador. Even boarding the bus could have been complicated without ID, but Elmer said the driver was sympathetic and offered to help him explain if the vehicle was stopped by authorities. “Your son is more important,” Elmer recalled the bus driver says. Elmer returned home last Friday after the consulate issued him a temporary ID and he was able to journey south by hitching rides and taking the bus. He said he was relieved to have made it back safely. “Without documents," he said of his time in Ciudad Juarez, "I felt as though I was imprisoned.”

Asylum seekers say US officials returned them to Mexico but kept their IDs

The United States is attempting to check on&nbsp;reports&nbsp;that a senior&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-executes-its-special-envoy-to-us-after-hanoi-summit-collapse-223029">North&nbsp;Korean&nbsp;official involved in Pyongyang</a>'s non-proliferation talks with Washington has been executed, Secretary of State Mike&nbsp;Pompeo&nbsp;said on Friday.

"We've seen the reporting to which you are referring,"&nbsp;Pompeo&nbsp;told a news conference in Berlin in answer to a reporter's question. "We're doing our best to check it out. I don't have anything else to add to that today."

Earlier on Friday, a South&nbsp;Korean&nbsp;newspaper reported that nuclear envoy Kim Hyok Choi had been executed as part of a purge of officials who steered negotiations for a failed summit between leader Kim Jong Un and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-says-still-has-confidence-in-north-koreas-kim-jong-un-221636">US President Donald Trump</a>.

The United States is attempting to check on reports that a senior North Korean official involved in Pyongyang's non-proliferation talks with Washington has been executed, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Friday.

The United States is attempting to check on reports that a senior North Korean official involved in Pyongyang's non-proliferation talks with Washington has been executed, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Friday. "We've seen the reporting to which you are referring," Pompeo told a news conference in Berlin in answer to a reporter's question. "We're doing our best to check it out. I don't have anything else to add to that today." Earlier on Friday, a South Korean newspaper reported that nuclear envoy Kim Hyok Choi had been executed as part of a purge of officials who steered negotiations for a failed summit between leader Kim Jong Un and US President Donald Trump.

US checking reports of North Korean envoy's execution: Pompeo

The United States will sanction any country which buys oil from Iran after the expiration of waivers on May 2, US Special Representative for Iran Brian Hook said on Thursday.

Sanctions would be imposed "even if a country had not met its previously-negotiated purchase caps," Hook said in a statement. "Our firm policy is to completely zero out purchases of Iranian oil. Period."

The Wall Street Journal reported earlier on Thursday that countries like China and India which were issued waivers in November to buy Iranian could continue the purchases after May 2 until they reached a negotiated cap.

&nbsp;Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Thursday blamed Iran for attacks on oil tankers in the Gulf, saying it was an effort by Tehran to raise the global price of oil.

"These were efforts by the Iranians to raise the price of crude oil throughout the world," Pompeo told reporters shortly before leaving on a trip to Europe.

He suggested he had seen evidence of Iran's involvement cited earlier on Thursday by White House National Security Adviser John Bolton.

Speaking in London, Bolton said evidence that Iran was behind the attacks would be presented to the United Nations Security Council next week.

Asked if he had seen the evidence, Pompeo said: "Oh yes. Ambassador Bolton got it right."

Arab leaders are meeting in the Saudi city of Mecca to discuss drone strikes on oil installations in Saudi Arabia and attacks on four vessels, including two Saudi tankers, off the UAE coast earlier this month.

Tehran has denied involvement.

The United States will sanction any country which buys oil from Iran after the expiration of waivers on May 2, US Special Representative for Iran Brian Hook said on Thursday.

The United States will sanction any country which buys oil from Iran after the expiration of waivers on May 2, US Special Representative for Iran Brian Hook said on Thursday. Sanctions would be imposed "even if a country had not met its previously-negotiated purchase caps," Hook said in a statement. "Our firm policy is to completely zero out purchases of Iranian oil. Period." The Wall Street Journal reported earlier on Thursday that countries like China and India which were issued waivers in November to buy Iranian could continue the purchases after May 2 until they reached a negotiated cap. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Thursday blamed Iran for attacks on oil tankers in the Gulf, saying it was an effort by Tehran to raise the global price of oil. "These were efforts by the Iranians to raise the price of crude oil throughout the world," Pompeo told reporters shortly before leaving on a trip to Europe. He suggested he had seen evidence of Iran's involvement cited earlier on Thursday by White House National Security Adviser John Bolton. Speaking in London, Bolton said evidence that Iran was behind the attacks would be presented to the United Nations Security Council next week. Asked if he had seen the evidence, Pompeo said: "Oh yes. Ambassador Bolton got it right." Arab leaders are meeting in the Saudi city of Mecca to discuss drone strikes on oil installations in Saudi Arabia and attacks on four vessels, including two Saudi tankers, off the UAE coast earlier this month. Tehran has denied involvement.

US says countries buying Iranian oil will be subject to sanctions

China&nbsp;hopes&nbsp;Canada&nbsp;understands&nbsp;the&nbsp;consequences&nbsp;of&nbsp;siding&nbsp;with the United States and doing its bidding,&nbsp;China's foreign ministry said on Friday after US&nbsp;Vice President Mike Pence called for the release of two <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-formally-arrests-two-canadians-detained-for-months-on-national-security-grounds-219091">Canadians detained in&nbsp;China</a>.

Chinese authorities detained Canadian businessman Michael Spavor and former diplomat Michael Kovrig in December, shortly after&nbsp;Canada&nbsp;arrested&nbsp;China-based Huawei Technologies Co Ltd's Chief Financial Officer, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/huawei-cfo-house-arrest-contrasts-with-canadians-detained-in-china-220064">Meng Wanzhou</a>, on a US warrant.

She faces extradition to the United States on charges she conspired to defraud global banks about Huawei's relationship with a company operating in Iran. She and the company have denied the charges and&nbsp;China&nbsp;has called for her release.

Asked about Pence comments that US&nbsp;President Donald Trump would speak with Chinese President Xi Jinping about the detained Canadians at a G20 meeting in Japan in June, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang implied&nbsp;Canada&nbsp;was to blame for its problems in&nbsp;China.

"We hope that the Canadian side will come to understand the full&nbsp;consequences&nbsp;of pulling chestnuts from the fire on behalf of the United States, and not inflict more harm on themselves," Geng told reporters, without elaborating.

Pence, who has taken a hard line on&nbsp;China, discussed the detained Canadians with<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pence-trudeau-to-discuss-huawei-and-china-trade-issues-in-ottawa-official-222633"> Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Ottawa</a> on Thursday, where they also talked about Huawei andChina&nbsp;trade issues.

Kovrig and Spavor were formally charged with espionage this month.&nbsp;China&nbsp;has also cut off imports of key Canadian commodities in an effort to press it.

Canada&nbsp;has called the arrests arbitrary.

During his visit, Pence thanked&nbsp;Canada&nbsp;for standing up for the rule of law in detaining Meng.

While&nbsp;Canada&nbsp;says&nbsp;China&nbsp;has made no specific link between the detentions of the two men and Meng's arrest, experts and former diplomats say they have no doubt it is&nbsp;using their cases to pressure&nbsp;Canada.

China hopes Canada understands the consequences of siding with the United States and doing its bidding, China's foreign ministry said on Friday after US Vice President Mike Pence called for the release of two Canadians detained in China.

China hopes Canada understands the consequences of siding with the United States and doing its bidding, China's foreign ministry said on Friday after US Vice President Mike Pence called for the release of two Canadians detained in China. Chinese authorities detained Canadian businessman Michael Spavor and former diplomat Michael Kovrig in December, shortly after Canada arrested China-based Huawei Technologies Co Ltd's Chief Financial Officer, Meng Wanzhou, on a US warrant. She faces extradition to the United States on charges she conspired to defraud global banks about Huawei's relationship with a company operating in Iran. She and the company have denied the charges and China has called for her release. Asked about Pence comments that US President Donald Trump would speak with Chinese President Xi Jinping about the detained Canadians at a G20 meeting in Japan in June, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang implied Canada was to blame for its problems in China. "We hope that the Canadian side will come to understand the full consequences of pulling chestnuts from the fire on behalf of the United States, and not inflict more harm on themselves," Geng told reporters, without elaborating. Pence, who has taken a hard line on China, discussed the detained Canadians with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Ottawa on Thursday, where they also talked about Huawei andChina trade issues. Kovrig and Spavor were formally charged with espionage this month. China has also cut off imports of key Canadian commodities in an effort to press it. Canada has called the arrests arbitrary. During his visit, Pence thanked Canada for standing up for the rule of law in detaining Meng. While Canada says China has made no specific link between the detentions of the two men and Meng's arrest, experts and former diplomats say they have no doubt it is using their cases to pressure Canada.

Huawei case: We hope that Canada understands consequences of siding with US, says China

By Ian Sheldon

Soybeans may not seem all that useful in a war. Nonetheless, they’ve become China’s most important weapon in its ever-worsening trade conflict with the US.

China, the world’s biggest buyer of the crop, has reportedly stopped purchasing any American soybeans in retaliation for the Trump administration raising tariffs on $250 billion of Chinese goods. This is very bad news for US farmers.

While China’s targeting of soybeans may have come as something of a surprise to most Americans, to a professor of agricultural economics who studies international commodity markets for a living, this was not at all unexpected.

Even before the conclusion of the 2016 presidential race, trade analysts were already weighing the possibility that China might impose an embargo on US&nbsp;soybean imports based on protectionist rhetoric from both candidates.

As a result, with the trade war in full swing, American soybean farmers are now among its biggest losers. 
 
Here are a few figures that show why.

Soybeans, by the numbers

Soybeans are a crucial part of the global food chain, particularly as a source of protein in the production of hogs and poultry.

The importance of China as a market for soybeans has been driven by an explosion in demand for meat as consumers switch from a diet dominated by rice to one where pork, poultry and beef play an important part. Chinese production of meat from those three animals surged 250 per cent&nbsp;from 1986 to 2012 and is projected to increase another 30 per cent by the end of the current decade. However, China is unable to produce enough animal feed itself, hence the need to import soybeans from the United States and Brazil.

In 2017, the US accounted for $21.4 billion worth of global soybean exports, the second largest after its main competitor Brazil, which exported $25.7 billion.

Back in 2017, that was good news for American farmers, when US&nbsp;exports made up about a third of Chinese purchases, or $13.9 billion. That made soybeans the United States’ second-most valuable export to China after airplanes.

But US exports to China have fallen dramatically since China slapped a 25 per cent tariff on Americans soybeans last April as part of its initial response to President Donald Trump’s trade war.

In the current farm marketing year, which began September&nbsp;1, US farmers have exported just 5.9 million metric tons of soybeans to China, compared with an average of 29 million at the same point during the previous three years – or about 80 per cent less.

That’s why the tariffs have tremendous potential to hurt farmers in my state of Ohio, where soybeans were the number one agricultural export in 2017 at $1.3 billion. China is the state’s largest export market.

And yet nationally, Ohio is just the seventh-largest exporter of soybeans, after Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, Indiana and Missouri, all of which are suffering from the tariffs.

Not only do farmers stand to lose out by giving up market share to Brazilian farmers, but soybean prices at the port of New Orleans have fallen as well and are currently $9.35 a bushel compared with $10.82 per b\ushel a year ago. This has hurt incomes and created a double whammy for Midwest farms.

(Ian Sheldon is Chair in Agricultural Marketing, Trade and Policy, The Ohio State University)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-soybeans-became-chinas-most-powerful-weapon-in-trumps-trade-war-118088">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;

By Ian Sheldon Soybeans may not seem all that useful in a war. Nonetheless, they’ve become China’s most important weapon in its ever-worsening trade conflict with the US.

By Ian Sheldon Soybeans may not seem all that useful in a war. Nonetheless, they’ve become China’s most important weapon in its ever-worsening trade conflict with the US. China, the world’s biggest buyer of the crop, has reportedly stopped purchasing any American soybeans in retaliation for the Trump administration raising tariffs on $250 billion of Chinese goods. This is very bad news for US farmers. While China’s targeting of soybeans may have come as something of a surprise to most Americans, to a professor of agricultural economics who studies international commodity markets for a living, this was not at all unexpected. Even before the conclusion of the 2016 presidential race, trade analysts were already weighing the possibility that China might impose an embargo on US soybean imports based on protectionist rhetoric from both candidates. As a result, with the trade war in full swing, American soybean farmers are now among its biggest losers. Here are a few figures that show why. Soybeans, by the numbers Soybeans are a crucial part of the global food chain, particularly as a source of protein in the production of hogs and poultry. The importance of China as a market for soybeans has been driven by an explosion in demand for meat as consumers switch from a diet dominated by rice to one where pork, poultry and beef play an important part. Chinese production of meat from those three animals surged 250 per cent from 1986 to 2012 and is projected to increase another 30 per cent by the end of the current decade. However, China is unable to produce enough animal feed itself, hence the need to import soybeans from the United States and Brazil. In 2017, the US accounted for $21.4 billion worth of global soybean exports, the second largest after its main competitor Brazil, which exported $25.7 billion. Back in 2017, that was good news for American farmers, when US exports made up about a third of Chinese purchases, or $13.9 billion. That made soybeans the United States’ second-most valuable export to China after airplanes. But US exports to China have fallen dramatically since China slapped a 25 per cent tariff on Americans soybeans last April as part of its initial response to President Donald Trump’s trade war. In the current farm marketing year, which began September 1, US farmers have exported just 5.9 million metric tons of soybeans to China, compared with an average of 29 million at the same point during the previous three years – or about 80 per cent less. That’s why the tariffs have tremendous potential to hurt farmers in my state of Ohio, where soybeans were the number one agricultural export in 2017 at $1.3 billion. China is the state’s largest export market. And yet nationally, Ohio is just the seventh-largest exporter of soybeans, after Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, Indiana and Missouri, all of which are suffering from the tariffs. Not only do farmers stand to lose out by giving up market share to Brazilian farmers, but soybean prices at the port of New Orleans have fallen as well and are currently $9.35 a bushel compared with $10.82 per b\ushel a year ago. This has hurt incomes and created a double whammy for Midwest farms. (Ian Sheldon is Chair in Agricultural Marketing, Trade and Policy, The Ohio State University) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

How soybeans became China’s most powerful weapon in Trump’s trade war

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