US President Joe Biden said he'll talk to his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping soon. He is in the process of making up his mind on easing US tariffs on China.

Biden to talk to Xi soon: Trade restrictions on China now hurting US?

White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan has tested positive for COVID-19, according to the White House.

Sullivan typically has frequent contact with President Joe Biden but last was in contact with the president early in the week, according to a senior administration official who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-call-us-national-security-adviser-sullivan-chinas-top-diplomat-yang-talk-north-korea-taiwan-480259">&nbsp;In call, US national security adviser Sullivan, China's top diplomat Yang talk North Korea, Taiwan</a>

Sullivan had been keeping his distance from Biden after 'a couple' of people he had been in close contact with had tested positive for the virus, the official said.

Watch |&nbsp;US President Joe Biden speaks on Inflation: 'Recession is not inevitable'

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Adrienne Watson, a National Security Council spokeswoman, said Sullivan 'is asymptomatic and he has not been in close contact with the president'.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-signs-executive-order-aimed-against-lgbtqi-discrimination-488739">Biden signs executive order aimed against LGBTQI+ discrimination</a>

The White House confirmed on Thursday that Biden had tested negative that day. White House officials did not immediately respond a request for comment on whether Biden has been tested more recently.&nbsp;

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White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan has tested positive for COVID-19, according to the White House. Sullivan typically has frequent contact with President Joe Biden but last was in contact with the president early in the week, according to a senior administration official who spoke on condition of anonymity.

White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan has tested positive for COVID-19, according to the White House. Sullivan typically has frequent contact with President Joe Biden but last was in contact with the president early in the week, according to a senior administration official who spoke on condition of anonymity. Also read | In call, US national security adviser Sullivan, China's top diplomat Yang talk North Korea, Taiwan Sullivan had been keeping his distance from Biden after 'a couple' of people he had been in close contact with had tested positive for the virus, the official said. Watch | US President Joe Biden speaks on Inflation: 'Recession is not inevitable' Adrienne Watson, a National Security Council spokeswoman, said Sullivan 'is asymptomatic and he has not been in close contact with the president'. Also read | Biden signs executive order aimed against LGBTQI+ discrimination The White House confirmed on Thursday that Biden had tested negative that day. White House officials did not immediately respond a request for comment on whether Biden has been tested more recently. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

COVID-19: Joe Biden's adviser Jake Sullivan tests positive

President Joe Biden urged China and other major economies to increase their efforts to tackle climate change by reducing methane emissions, adopting aggressive zero-emission vehicle objectives, and cleaning up shipping.

Joe Biden urges world leader to increase efforts on climate change

A select House committee is probing the January 6 Capitol Hill riots. Now, Former US President Donald Trump tears into the select committee. He called the Congressional hearing a witch-hunt against him.

Former US President Donald Trump tears into select committee: 'Congressional hearing a witch-hunt'

Amid a decline in his approval ratings, US President Joe Biden spoke on inflation that has gripped the US economy. He says that Recession is not inevitable.

US President Joe Biden speaks on Inflation: 'Recession is not inevitable'

The Iowa state Supreme Court overruled a 2018 judgement that stated that Iowans have a constitutional right to abortion. June 17's decision, combined with the possibility of the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade, the 1973 decision that established a countrywide right to abortion, would give Iowa politicians far more leeway in passing and enforcing draconian abortion restrictions.

In a challenge to a 2020 legislation providing a 24-hour waiting period before an abortion, the Iowa Supreme Court issued a split judgement. On Friday, it remained unclear whether the judgement meant that the law, which had been blocked by a district judge, would go into effect. Representatives from Planned Parenthood of the Heartland, which filed a lawsuit against the law, said they are working on the assumption that it does.

The court's prior finding recognising a constitutional right to abortion "insufficiently recognises that future human lives are at stake," according to the majority opinion. It remanded the case to a lower court for further review. 
 
Watch | Gravitas: US top court is set to overturn abortion rights, reveals leaked document

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In their lawsuit against the waiting period, Planned Parenthood said that the law's enactment had broken procedural norms and placed an unlawful barrier on women seeking abortions.

Since the 2018 decision, the Supreme Court's composition has evolved, with Republican Governor Kim Reynolds nominating four of the seven members.

While the court on Friday rejected the finding of a state constitutional right to abortion, it did not specify what the new criteria should be.

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The Iowa state Supreme Court overruled a 2018 judgement that stated that Iowans have a constitutional right to abortion. June 17's decision, combined with the possibility of the Supreme Court overturning Roe v.

The Iowa state Supreme Court overruled a 2018 judgement that stated that Iowans have a constitutional right to abortion. June 17's decision, combined with the possibility of the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade, the 1973 decision that established a countrywide right to abortion, would give Iowa politicians far more leeway in passing and enforcing draconian abortion restrictions. In a challenge to a 2020 legislation providing a 24-hour waiting period before an abortion, the Iowa Supreme Court issued a split judgement. On Friday, it remained unclear whether the judgement meant that the law, which had been blocked by a district judge, would go into effect. Representatives from Planned Parenthood of the Heartland, which filed a lawsuit against the law, said they are working on the assumption that it does. The court's prior finding recognising a constitutional right to abortion "insufficiently recognises that future human lives are at stake," according to the majority opinion. It remanded the case to a lower court for further review. Watch | Gravitas: US top court is set to overturn abortion rights, reveals leaked document In their lawsuit against the waiting period, Planned Parenthood said that the law's enactment had broken procedural norms and placed an unlawful barrier on women seeking abortions. Since the 2018 decision, the Supreme Court's composition has evolved, with Republican Governor Kim Reynolds nominating four of the seven members. While the court on Friday rejected the finding of a state constitutional right to abortion, it did not specify what the new criteria should be. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US: Iowa Supreme Court rules against abortion protections

Russia&nbsp;on Monday (September 18) called on the United Nations' highest court in The Hague, Netherlands, to toss out what it has described as a “hopelessly flawed” case that challenges Moscow’s claim that “genocide” in eastern Ukraine was a pretext for its invasion, last year.&nbsp;

The recent request was made during a hearing at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) or the World Court, where Ukraine filed a lawsuit against Russia&nbsp;days after the war began on February 24, 2022.&nbsp;

The suit brought by Ukraine has “emphatically” denied Moscow’s claim that pro-Russian people in eastern Ukraine were being “subjected to bullying and genocide by the Kyiv regime.”&nbsp;

<h2>‘Hopelessly flawed’: Russia about Ukraine’s case</h2>

Russian representative, Gennady Kuzmin, said Ukraine’s case accusing Russia of abusing the UN Genocide Convention as a reason to launch its war “couldn’t be further from the truth”.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-united-nations-top-court-ukraine-registers-genocide-case-against-russia-457279">At United Nations' top court, Ukraine registers genocide case against Russia</a>

This comes as Kyiv has argued that Russia is abusing international law by saying the invasion was justified to prevent an alleged genocide in eastern Ukraine considering that the treaty does not allow an invasion to stop an alleged genocide.

Kuzmin also went on to say how Ukraine’s legal position is “hopelessly flawed” and “at odds with the longstanding jurisprudence” of the court, urging the ICJ to throw out the case.&nbsp;

“Ukraine insists no genocide has occurred,” said Kuzmin. He added, “That alone should be enough to reject the case. Because according to the court’s jurisprudence, if there was no genocide, there cannot be a violation of the Genocide Convention.”

Russia, reiterating its accusation of Ukraine committing genocide, on Monday said the “Russophobic and neo-Nazi regime in Kyiv” was using the 1948 UN Genocide Convention to which both countries are a party, as a pretext to “drag” a case before the court.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/terrorist-state-ukraine-slams-russia-at-international-court-of-justice-hearing-601468">‘Terrorist state’: Ukraine slams Russia at International Court of Justice hearing</a>

<h2>About the case</h2>

A report by Reuters citing experts said that even if the ruling is in Kyiv’s favour, it would not stop the war but could impact future reparations payments.&nbsp;

In March 2022, the ICJ sided with Ukraine and ordered Russia to “immediately suspend” its military action in Ukraine but it was just a “preliminary ruling”. Not to mention the debate about the court’s competence to rule on the content of the matter since while their rulings are binding, there is no “police force” to enforce them.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-to-face-off-at-international-court-of-justice-over-genocide-claims-636923">Russia, Ukraine to face off at International Court of Justice over genocide claims</a>

Therefore the hearings, which are set to run until September 27, will not delve into the merits of the case but rather focus on legal arguments about its jurisdiction. The ICJ will also hear from 32 other states, all supporting Ukraine’s argument saying that the court has jurisdiction to move the case forward.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;

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Russia on Monday (September 18) called on the United Nations' highest court in The Hague, Netherlands, to toss out what it has described as a “hopelessly flawed” case that challenges Moscow’s claim that “genocide” in eastern Ukraine was a pretext for its invasion, last year.

Russia on Monday (September 18) called on the United Nations' highest court in The Hague, Netherlands, to toss out what it has described as a “hopelessly flawed” case that challenges Moscow’s claim that “genocide” in eastern Ukraine was a pretext for its invasion, last year. The recent request was made during a hearing at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) or the World Court, where Ukraine filed a lawsuit against Russia days after the war began on February 24, 2022. The suit brought by Ukraine has “emphatically” denied Moscow’s claim that pro-Russian people in eastern Ukraine were being “subjected to bullying and genocide by the Kyiv regime.” ‘Hopelessly flawed’: Russia about Ukraine’s case Russian representative, Gennady Kuzmin, said Ukraine’s case accusing Russia of abusing the UN Genocide Convention as a reason to launch its war “couldn’t be further from the truth”. ALSO READ | At United Nations' top court, Ukraine registers genocide case against Russia This comes as Kyiv has argued that Russia is abusing international law by saying the invasion was justified to prevent an alleged genocide in eastern Ukraine considering that the treaty does not allow an invasion to stop an alleged genocide. Kuzmin also went on to say how Ukraine’s legal position is “hopelessly flawed” and “at odds with the longstanding jurisprudence” of the court, urging the ICJ to throw out the case. “Ukraine insists no genocide has occurred,” said Kuzmin. He added, “That alone should be enough to reject the case. Because according to the court’s jurisprudence, if there was no genocide, there cannot be a violation of the Genocide Convention.” Russia, reiterating its accusation of Ukraine committing genocide, on Monday said the “Russophobic and neo-Nazi regime in Kyiv” was using the 1948 UN Genocide Convention to which both countries are a party, as a pretext to “drag” a case before the court. ALSO READ | ‘Terrorist state’: Ukraine slams Russia at International Court of Justice hearing About the case A report by Reuters citing experts said that even if the ruling is in Kyiv’s favour, it would not stop the war but could impact future reparations payments. In March 2022, the ICJ sided with Ukraine and ordered Russia to “immediately suspend” its military action in Ukraine but it was just a “preliminary ruling”. Not to mention the debate about the court’s competence to rule on the content of the matter since while their rulings are binding, there is no “police force” to enforce them. ALSO READ | Russia, Ukraine to face off at International Court of Justice over genocide claims Therefore the hearings, which are set to run until September 27, will not delve into the merits of the case but rather focus on legal arguments about its jurisdiction. The ICJ will also hear from 32 other states, all supporting Ukraine’s argument saying that the court has jurisdiction to move the case forward. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Cancelled flights rise across US as summer travel heats up

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has left the world divided. For many, he's a man fighting for the truth, for his critics Assange is a criminal who endangered lives; since 2012 Assange has been on a run trying to escape an extradition to the United States.

UK approves US extradition of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange

Today is the last trading day of the week and clearly, it's not going to be as good as it was last year. Yesterday, US stock markets closed sharply lower in a broad sell-off.

Wall Street plunges as recession fear grows

Three Americans have been reported missing in Ukraine amid the ongoing Russian invasion. The US says it is working hard to verify these reports. Two American veterans were fighting in the Ukraine war.

3 Americans reported missing in Ukraine: The US says working hard to verify reports

Hearing into January 6 Capitol Hill riots is underway. At the latest, more dramatic revelations were made. Committee revealed that former President Donald Trump pressurised Pence to overturn the election.

Jan 6 Capitol riots hearing: 'Trump urged Pence to overturn election'

China has blocked India & US's joint proposal to list Pakistan-based Abdul Rehman Makki as an international terrorist at the UNSC. Makki is the brother-in-law of LeT chief Hafiz Saeed.

Proposal to list LeT chief Hafiz Saeed's brother-in-law Makki as a global terrorist blocked by China

China blocks India, US proposal to list Pakistan-based Abdul Rehman Makki as an international terrorist

The secretary of agriculture on Thursday announced at the United Nations a three-year agriculture partnership between the United States and Ukraine to address global food insecurity, which has been exacerbated by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The partnership, in the form of a memorandum of understanding, was signed virtually earlier this week by the secretary, Tom Vilsack, and Ukraine’s minister of agriculture. Vilsack said the agreement was focused on providing technical assistance to Ukraine, which before the war was the world’s fourth-largest exporter of grain and seeds, and helping the country rebuild its agriculture industry after the war ends.

Vilsack said the United States would take several other steps to address the crisis, including incentives to growers to expand their production and, accordingly, increase the amount of grain available for food aid.

The war in Ukraine has caused global food and energy prices to soar and risks creating grain supply shortages in countries in the Middle East, Asia and Africa that depend heavily on imported wheat and grain from Ukraine. The United Nations has warned that a global food crisis, already in the making because of climate change and the pandemic’s disruption of supply chains, would place hundreds of thousands of people at risk of starvation.

A global effort is underway to release some 25 million tons of Ukrainian grain that are trapped by Russia’s blockade of the country. The U.N. is also negotiating a deal in which Russia would allow transport of Ukrainian grain from ports in the Black Sea in exchange for exports of Russian fertilizers to the world market without the threat of sanctions.

“Food should not be a weapon,” Vilsack said. “It’s essential to get the grain most needed out of the ports.”

Turkey, which has played a mediating role in the food conflict, offered Wednesday to host four-way talks with Ukraine, Russia and the UN. But a breakthrough would require ports in Ukraine to be de-mined and ships to be escorted through safe corridors to avoid mines in the Black Sea. A UN&nbsp;spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, said Thursday that there was no update on negotiations.

Vilsack said that while negotiations for sea transportation continued, a parallel track was necessary to move and store grain overland through Romania and Poland by railway. This would reduce the risk of grain being stolen and would free up storage for Ukrainian farmers who will soon need to harvest winter crops, he said.

“These negotiations are incredibly important,” Vilsack said, but added: “We remain skeptical about the Russians and whether or not they are coming to this to get to the ultimate yes.”

The secretary of agriculture on Thursday announced at the United Nations a three-year agriculture partnership between the United States and Ukraine to address global food insecurity, which has been exacerbated by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The secretary of agriculture on Thursday announced at the United Nations a three-year agriculture partnership between the United States and Ukraine to address global food insecurity, which has been exacerbated by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The partnership, in the form of a memorandum of understanding, was signed virtually earlier this week by the secretary, Tom Vilsack, and Ukraine’s minister of agriculture. Vilsack said the agreement was focused on providing technical assistance to Ukraine, which before the war was the world’s fourth-largest exporter of grain and seeds, and helping the country rebuild its agriculture industry after the war ends. Vilsack said the United States would take several other steps to address the crisis, including incentives to growers to expand their production and, accordingly, increase the amount of grain available for food aid. The war in Ukraine has caused global food and energy prices to soar and risks creating grain supply shortages in countries in the Middle East, Asia and Africa that depend heavily on imported wheat and grain from Ukraine. The United Nations has warned that a global food crisis, already in the making because of climate change and the pandemic’s disruption of supply chains, would place hundreds of thousands of people at risk of starvation. A global effort is underway to release some 25 million tons of Ukrainian grain that are trapped by Russia’s blockade of the country. The U.N. is also negotiating a deal in which Russia would allow transport of Ukrainian grain from ports in the Black Sea in exchange for exports of Russian fertilizers to the world market without the threat of sanctions. “Food should not be a weapon,” Vilsack said. “It’s essential to get the grain most needed out of the ports.” Turkey, which has played a mediating role in the food conflict, offered Wednesday to host four-way talks with Ukraine, Russia and the UN. But a breakthrough would require ports in Ukraine to be de-mined and ships to be escorted through safe corridors to avoid mines in the Black Sea. A UN spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, said Thursday that there was no update on negotiations. Vilsack said that while negotiations for sea transportation continued, a parallel track was necessary to move and store grain overland through Romania and Poland by railway. This would reduce the risk of grain being stolen and would free up storage for Ukrainian farmers who will soon need to harvest winter crops, he said. “These negotiations are incredibly important,” Vilsack said, but added: “We remain skeptical about the Russians and whether or not they are coming to this to get to the ultimate yes.”

US announces three-year agriculture partnership with Ukraine to address food crisis

Amid growing China's influence in the Pacific, the United States has decided to counter China by promising a new Pacific initiative. Pacific Islands Forum meeting is scheduled for next month.

Countering China's influence in the Pacific: The US promises a new Pacific initiative

The US Federal Reserve raised its benchmark interest rate by 75 basis point. This is the biggest and most aggressive interest rate increase since 1994. The Federal Open Market Committee said that it decided to raise the target range for the benchmark borrowing rate to 1.5%-1.75%.

Federal reserve raises benchmark rates, biggest interest rate hike in 3 decades

In a latest update on Russia-Ukraine conflict, US has announced arms aid worth $1 billion for Ukrainian troops. US has also announced $225mn Humanitarian Assistance and urged allies to step up aid to Kyiv.

US pledges new $1bn arms aid, announces $225mn Humanitarian assistance to Ukraine

Federal reserve raises rates by 75 basis-point, most aggressive rate hike since 1994

Heatwave and humidity cause deaths of thousands of cattle in Kansas, USA. The sizzling temperatures are threatening the life stock in the third largest cattle state in US.

US: Heatwave kills thousands of cattle in Kansas

At the end of three-day official visit to Washington DC,&nbsp;Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said on Friday that&nbsp;India and the United States are closely watching Pakistan's actions in Afghanistan.

The foreign secretary added that in the limited engagement which India has had with the Taliban, the new Afghan rulers&nbsp;have showed they would be reasonable in addressing New Delhi's concerns.

Watch | Gravitas: Taliban holds 'chilling' victory parade

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"Obviously, like us, they're also watching carefully and we have to watch Pakistan's actions with a fine tooth comb," Shringla said in a media briefing.

The US seems to have a wait-and-watch policy with regard to how the situation evolves in Afghanistan.&nbsp;India also has the similar policy. "That doesn't mean you don't do anything. It simply means that you have to... The situation is very fluid on the ground, you have to allow it to see how it evolves. You have to see whether the assurances that have been made publicly are actually maintained on the ground, and how things work out," Shringla added.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/panjshir-taliban-declare-victory-over-last-holdout-resistance-leaders-deny-410569" hreflang="en">Panjshir: Taliban declare victory over last holdout, resistance leaders deny</a>&nbsp;

"Our engagement with them (the Taliban) has been limited. It's not that we have (had) a robust conversation. But for whatever conversation we've had so far, they've been sort of. At least, the Taliban seem to indicate that they will be reasonable in the way they handle this," he said.

The Indian diplomat was in the US capital for a series of meetings with his American counterpart and top officials of the Biden administration. He also had&nbsp;interaction with representations from the industry and think-tanks.

(With inputs from agencies)

At the end of three-day official visit to Washington DC, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said on Friday that India and the United States are closely watching Pakistan's actions in Afghanistan.

At the end of three-day official visit to Washington DC, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said on Friday that India and the United States are closely watching Pakistan's actions in Afghanistan. The foreign secretary added that in the limited engagement which India has had with the Taliban, the new Afghan rulers have showed they would be reasonable in addressing New Delhi's concerns. Watch | Gravitas: Taliban holds 'chilling' victory parade × "Obviously, like us, they're also watching carefully and we have to watch Pakistan's actions with a fine tooth comb," Shringla said in a media briefing. The US seems to have a wait-and-watch policy with regard to how the situation evolves in Afghanistan. India also has the similar policy. "That doesn't mean you don't do anything. It simply means that you have to... The situation is very fluid on the ground, you have to allow it to see how it evolves. You have to see whether the assurances that have been made publicly are actually maintained on the ground, and how things work out," Shringla added. Also Read | Panjshir: Taliban declare victory over last holdout, resistance leaders deny "Our engagement with them (the Taliban) has been limited. It's not that we have (had) a robust conversation. But for whatever conversation we've had so far, they've been sort of. At least, the Taliban seem to indicate that they will be reasonable in the way they handle this," he said. The Indian diplomat was in the US capital for a series of meetings with his American counterpart and top officials of the Biden administration. He also had interaction with representations from the industry and think-tanks. (With inputs from agencies)

India, US closely watching Pakistan's actions in Afghanistan, says Foreign Secretary Shringla

For several years, South China Sea seems to have become a bone of contention. After China militarised some artificially constructed islands in the area to assert its claim over the waterway, several countries of the world seem to have been making concerted efforts to push back the Chinese. &nbsp;

Be it the formation of the Quad or Aukus, the focus of the major powers in the region has been to keep a tab over the increasingly aggressive China. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Calling it ‘freedom of navigation’, the US, the UK and other countries have been sending their warships to the region as a show of power but with little or no effect on the adversary China. They regularly pass through the area to demonstrate the right to sail through what is considered to be international waters. It seems to have been only making the Beijing more aggressive. &nbsp;

Watch:

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The China has been militarising the region by allegedly deploying anti-ship cruise missiles, anti-aircraft guns, surface-to-air missiles and electronic jamming equipment on the disputed artificial islands in the South China Sea. &nbsp;&nbsp;

It has also constructed airstrips and harbours, capable of housing military aircraft and warships. The stationing of missiles has effectively put all of the South China Sea within range of the military. &nbsp;

The Chinese have also been carrying out military drills in the region. They have been making all attempts to protect its occupation of these islands. For this, it has been sending its vessels to the area in large number to either terrorise other navies or sink the fishing vessels to discourage people from venturing into the area. &nbsp;

The China’s actions in the busy shipping lane, which is contested by several countries, has raised many eyebrows. &nbsp;

China has wrangled with ASEAN countries, such as the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei over the resource-rich South China Sea in a bitter territorial spat that has flared on and off for decades. &nbsp;&nbsp;

China and Taiwan claim most of the sea, through which around $5 trillion in maritime trade passes every year, while the other countries also have competing claims. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-lashes-out-deploys-fighter-jets-after-us-warship-sails-past-mischief-reef-in-south-china-sea-411697" hreflang="en">China lashes out, deploys fighter jets after US warship sails past Mischief Reef in South China Sea</a>

The Chinese have an upper hand in the area as the other claimants, such as Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei, are not as powerful as China, and they also have a crucial economic relationship with the Beijing, which they can’t afford to jeaopardise. &nbsp;&nbsp;

These factors have been working in the favour of the Chinese. But this has also been giving sleepless nights to several in the other parts of the world. &nbsp;

It has also forced the UK to shift its foreign policy and concentrate on Indo-Pacific. India has also been doing the same. &nbsp;

The current situation is such that one small clash can lead to a full-scale war anytime as none of the parties to the dispute seem to be in a mood to deescalate easily. Only time will tell about what will happen in future.&nbsp;

For several years, South China Sea seems to have become a bone of contention. After China militarised some artificially constructed islands in the area to assert its claim over the waterway, several countries of the world seem to have been making concerted efforts to push back the Chinese.

For several years, South China Sea seems to have become a bone of contention. After China militarised some artificially constructed islands in the area to assert its claim over the waterway, several countries of the world seem to have been making concerted efforts to push back the Chinese. Be it the formation of the Quad or Aukus, the focus of the major powers in the region has been to keep a tab over the increasingly aggressive China. Calling it ‘freedom of navigation’, the US, the UK and other countries have been sending their warships to the region as a show of power but with little or no effect on the adversary China. They regularly pass through the area to demonstrate the right to sail through what is considered to be international waters. It seems to have been only making the Beijing more aggressive. Watch: × The China has been militarising the region by allegedly deploying anti-ship cruise missiles, anti-aircraft guns, surface-to-air missiles and electronic jamming equipment on the disputed artificial islands in the South China Sea. It has also constructed airstrips and harbours, capable of housing military aircraft and warships. The stationing of missiles has effectively put all of the South China Sea within range of the military. The Chinese have also been carrying out military drills in the region. They have been making all attempts to protect its occupation of these islands. For this, it has been sending its vessels to the area in large number to either terrorise other navies or sink the fishing vessels to discourage people from venturing into the area. The China’s actions in the busy shipping lane, which is contested by several countries, has raised many eyebrows. China has wrangled with ASEAN countries, such as the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei over the resource-rich South China Sea in a bitter territorial spat that has flared on and off for decades. China and Taiwan claim most of the sea, through which around $5 trillion in maritime trade passes every year, while the other countries also have competing claims. Also Read: China lashes out, deploys fighter jets after US warship sails past Mischief Reef in South China Sea The Chinese have an upper hand in the area as the other claimants, such as Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei, are not as powerful as China, and they also have a crucial economic relationship with the Beijing, which they can’t afford to jeaopardise. These factors have been working in the favour of the Chinese. But this has also been giving sleepless nights to several in the other parts of the world. It has also forced the UK to shift its foreign policy and concentrate on Indo-Pacific. India has also been doing the same. The current situation is such that one small clash can lead to a full-scale war anytime as none of the parties to the dispute seem to be in a mood to deescalate easily. Only time will tell about what will happen in future.

Can South China Sea dispute escalate into a full-scale war?

A US based think tank said, North Korea appears to be working at its nuclear test site to include a 2nd tunnel. Meanwhile, South Korean and US officials have said a new nuclear test could happen any day. for more details, we're joined by WION's correspondent Phoebe Amoroso.

North Korea working to include 2nd tunnel at nuclear test site, says US Think Tank

Following the stalled Iran nuclear talks, the IAEA reprimanded Iran for its failure to explain traces of uranium found at undeclared sites and Iran turning off 27 surveillance cameras from nuclear sites across the country. Satellite images have now shown Iran reportedly making preparations for a space rocket launch

'Iran's satellite launch breaks UNSC resolution,' says US

It all began when a vigilant night watchman noticed a piece of tape on a door of the building where the Democratic National Committee's headquarters was located in Washington in June 1972.

Calling the police, he triggered the&nbsp;Watergate&nbsp;scandal that would topple the presidency of Richard Nixon, the only US leader ever to resign.

The tape, it turned out, was placed during a break-in by five men who had been tasked by officials with ties to the White House with placing microphones and taking pictures of documents to find compromising information on Nixon's opponents.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/us-election-2020-controversies-associated-with-watergate-scandal-reporter-bob-woodward-326637">&nbsp;US election 2020: Controversies associated with Watergate scandal reporter Bob Woodward</a>

Tape on a door

The night of June 16-17, 24-year-old security guard Frank Wills was making the rounds at the&nbsp;Watergate&nbsp;buliding complex when he noticed the tape on a door that prevented it from locking.

At first, he didn't worry, removing it and continuing working.

But when he returned, so had the tape, leading him to suspect a break-in had occurred. Wills -- who plays himself for a few seconds at the beginning of the film "All the President's Men" that chronicles the saga -- immediately called police.

"Found tape on door. Call police to make a inspection," he wrote in a building security officer's log, which has been preserved by the US National Archives.

Police officers arrived on the scene within "a minute, a minute and a half," one of them, John Barrett, told ABC News in 2017.

He and fellow officer Paul Leeper were dressed in plain clothes, and were even a little scruffy.

That worked in their favor, as Alfred Baldwin, the man who was supposed to be keeping watch during the break-in, did not seem to notice them right away. His attention may have been focused on the movie "Attack of the Puppet People," which was being shown on TV.

"He was glued to the TV set," and by the time he warned the others, "it was too late and they had to run and hide like rats," Barrett said.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: US stocks fall into bear market territory

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Come out with your hands up

Once inside the office, the two officers found tape on several doors, realizing that something fishy was going on.

"Our adrenaline is pumped," Leeper told ABC.

They found ransacked offices and suspected that the perpetrators were still present, and started to search for them room by room.

Suddenly, Barrett saw an arm. "It scared the living bejeezus out of me," he said.

"I scream something to the effect, 'Come out with your hands up or I'm gonna blow your head off.'"

"Ten hands went up, and they came out, and that's where the arrest occurred," Barrett said.

Across the street, Baldwin had his ear to a walkie-talkie. "In a very soft whisper, I heard a voice: They've got us," he said.

Not a 'typical burglary'

The 10 hands belonged to James McCord, Virgilio Gonzalez, Frank Sturgis, Eugenio Martinez and Bernard Barker.

The police soon realized that this "was not your normal, typical burglary," Barrett said.

Not only were the burglars dressed in suits and ties, but they had bugging devices, tear gas pens, numerous rolls of film, locksmith tools, and thousands of dollars in hundred dollar bills, he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g-gordon-liddy-watergate-break-in-mastermind-dies-at-90-374414">G Gordon Liddy, Watergate break-in mastermind, dies at 90</a>

On June 18, The Washington Post published its first article on the subject. It was bylined Alfred E Lewis, the reporter covering the police. But its list of contributors at the end also included the names Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein.

The two young reporters took over, investigating the details of the case that brought down Nixon's presidency two years later, and winning the prestigious Pulitzer Prize for their work.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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It all began when a vigilant night watchman noticed a piece of tape on a door of the building where the Democratic National Committee's headquarters was located in Washington in June 1972.

It all began when a vigilant night watchman noticed a piece of tape on a door of the building where the Democratic National Committee's headquarters was located in Washington in June 1972. Calling the police, he triggered the Watergate scandal that would topple the presidency of Richard Nixon, the only US leader ever to resign. The tape, it turned out, was placed during a break-in by five men who had been tasked by officials with ties to the White House with placing microphones and taking pictures of documents to find compromising information on Nixon's opponents. Also read | US election 2020: Controversies associated with Watergate scandal reporter Bob Woodward Tape on a door The night of June 16-17, 24-year-old security guard Frank Wills was making the rounds at the Watergate buliding complex when he noticed the tape on a door that prevented it from locking. At first, he didn't worry, removing it and continuing working. But when he returned, so had the tape, leading him to suspect a break-in had occurred. Wills -- who plays himself for a few seconds at the beginning of the film "All the President's Men" that chronicles the saga -- immediately called police. "Found tape on door. Call police to make a inspection," he wrote in a building security officer's log, which has been preserved by the US National Archives. Police officers arrived on the scene within "a minute, a minute and a half," one of them, John Barrett, told ABC News in 2017. He and fellow officer Paul Leeper were dressed in plain clothes, and were even a little scruffy. That worked in their favor, as Alfred Baldwin, the man who was supposed to be keeping watch during the break-in, did not seem to notice them right away. His attention may have been focused on the movie "Attack of the Puppet People," which was being shown on TV. "He was glued to the TV set," and by the time he warned the others, "it was too late and they had to run and hide like rats," Barrett said. Watch | Gravitas: US stocks fall into bear market territory Come out with your hands up Once inside the office, the two officers found tape on several doors, realizing that something fishy was going on. "Our adrenaline is pumped," Leeper told ABC. They found ransacked offices and suspected that the perpetrators were still present, and started to search for them room by room. Suddenly, Barrett saw an arm. "It scared the living bejeezus out of me," he said. "I scream something to the effect, 'Come out with your hands up or I'm gonna blow your head off.'" "Ten hands went up, and they came out, and that's where the arrest occurred," Barrett said. Across the street, Baldwin had his ear to a walkie-talkie. "In a very soft whisper, I heard a voice: They've got us," he said. Not a 'typical burglary' The 10 hands belonged to James McCord, Virgilio Gonzalez, Frank Sturgis, Eugenio Martinez and Bernard Barker. The police soon realized that this "was not your normal, typical burglary," Barrett said. Not only were the burglars dressed in suits and ties, but they had bugging devices, tear gas pens, numerous rolls of film, locksmith tools, and thousands of dollars in hundred dollar bills, he said. Also read | G Gordon Liddy, Watergate break-in mastermind, dies at 90 On June 18, The Washington Post published its first article on the subject. It was bylined Alfred E Lewis, the reporter covering the police. But its list of contributors at the end also included the names Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein. The two young reporters took over, investigating the details of the case that brought down Nixon's presidency two years later, and winning the prestigious Pulitzer Prize for their work. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Watergate: The president-toppling scandal triggered by a piece of tape

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