<p>The US said on Tuesday that it was committed to supporting nations in the Pacific Ocean region. The words have come just a day after ten Pacific nations rejected a pact with China. The US said Beijing's own actions showed how opaque its offer was.</p>

<p>The rejection of the pact is being seen as a diplomatic setback to China.</p>

<p>State Department spokesman Ned Price reiterated that the United States, like Australia, had made clear its concerns that China had offered a "shadowy" deal with regional consultations.</p>

<p>In keeping with Secretary of State Antony Blinken's tone on the US rivalry with China, Price did not gloat and said the Pacific islands made their "own sovereign decisions."</p>

<p>"We are committed to continue deepening our relationship with our Pacific Island partners and in the Indo-Pacific, including working together to deliver for our people," Price told reporters.</p>

<p>Price highlighted concerns raised by journalists in Fiji, Samoa and the Solomon Islands who covered the visit by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi including a refusal to permit questions.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wang-yi-visit-journalists-blocked-from-covering-events-in-pacific-483852">Wang Yi visit: Journalists blocked from covering events in Pacific?</a></strong></p>

<p>"When we talk about these opaque, shadowy deals, I think you need only look at... the PRC's efforts to obscure these very deals," Price said, referring to the People's Republic of China.</p>

<p>Beijing attempted to "even go so far as to prevent officials in the region from facing reporters in their own countr(ies)," he said.</p>

<p>China had proposed a pact that would include expanded training of Pacific islands' police, conducting sensitive marine mapping and gaining greater access to natural resources.</p>

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The US said on Tuesday that it was committed to supporting nations in the Pacific Ocean region. The words have come just a day after ten Pacific nations rejected a pact with China.

The US said on Tuesday that it was committed to supporting nations in the Pacific Ocean region. The words have come just a day after ten Pacific nations rejected a pact with China. The US said Beijing's own actions showed how opaque its offer was. The rejection of the pact is being seen as a diplomatic setback to China. State Department spokesman Ned Price reiterated that the United States, like Australia, had made clear its concerns that China had offered a "shadowy" deal with regional consultations. In keeping with Secretary of State Antony Blinken's tone on the US rivalry with China, Price did not gloat and said the Pacific islands made their "own sovereign decisions." "We are committed to continue deepening our relationship with our Pacific Island partners and in the Indo-Pacific, including working together to deliver for our people," Price told reporters. Price highlighted concerns raised by journalists in Fiji, Samoa and the Solomon Islands who covered the visit by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi including a refusal to permit questions. Also Read | Wang Yi visit: Journalists blocked from covering events in Pacific? "When we talk about these opaque, shadowy deals, I think you need only look at... the PRC's efforts to obscure these very deals," Price said, referring to the People's Republic of China. Beijing attempted to "even go so far as to prevent officials in the region from facing reporters in their own countr(ies)," he said. China had proposed a pact that would include expanded training of Pacific islands' police, conducting sensitive marine mapping and gaining greater access to natural resources. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

US expresses commitment to Pacific islands that rejected China pact

US President Joe Biden has agreed to provide Ukraine with advanced rocket systems that can strike with precision at long-range Russian targets as part of a $700 million weapons package expected to be unveiled on Wednesday.

US President Joe Biden agrees to provide Ukraine with longer range missiles

US President Joe Biden welcomed New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern to the White House on Tuesday to discuss economic ties and gun control.

US President Biden meets with New Zealand PM Ardern, discusses gun control

President Joe Biden said Monday that the US won't supply Ukraine with long-range rocket systems that can hit Russian territory. Biden did not elaborate on which specific long-range rocket systems the US had ruled out sending.

US President Joe Biden says 'won't send rockets that could reach Russia'

<p>A man has been arrested in the US on Sunday for posting a school shooting threat on social media. According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office in Florida, 18-year-old Corey Anderson, in his social media post, wrote, “Hey Siri, directions to the nearest school.” In the post, Anderson had also shared his photos in a tactical-style vest and weapons, which looked like a handgun and rifle. "This type of threat is unacceptable. This man intentionally instilled fear into our community as a sick joke, but be warned, this is no laughing matter," Sheriff Chad Chronister said. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-school-shooting-in-3-days-over-25-mn-raised-in-donations-for-four-children-left-without-parents-483350" hreflang="en">US school shooting: In 3 days, over $2.5 mn raised in donations for four children left without parents</a></strong></p>

<p>On Sunday, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office received a tip about the post of Anderson. &nbsp;"We will do everything within our power to apprehend, and pursue charges on those who make school-based threats. Protecting students is our greatest priority. We take school threats very seriously, if you see something suspicious, please contact us immediately,” Chronister added. &nbsp;</p>

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<p>On investigation, the detectives determined that the handgun and rifle were actually “airsoft guns.” &nbsp;The accused was arrested at his home and charged with a written or electronic threat to carry out a mass shooting or act of terrorism. &nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

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A man has been arrested in the US on Sunday for posting a school shooting threat on social media. According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office in Florida, 18-year-old Corey Anderson, in his social media post, wrote, “Hey Siri, directions to the nearest school.

A man has been arrested in the US on Sunday for posting a school shooting threat on social media. According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office in Florida, 18-year-old Corey Anderson, in his social media post, wrote, “Hey Siri, directions to the nearest school.” In the post, Anderson had also shared his photos in a tactical-style vest and weapons, which looked like a handgun and rifle. "This type of threat is unacceptable. This man intentionally instilled fear into our community as a sick joke, but be warned, this is no laughing matter," Sheriff Chad Chronister said. Also Read: US school shooting: In 3 days, over $2.5 mn raised in donations for four children left without parents On Sunday, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office received a tip about the post of Anderson. "We will do everything within our power to apprehend, and pursue charges on those who make school-based threats. Protecting students is our greatest priority. We take school threats very seriously, if you see something suspicious, please contact us immediately,” Chronister added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE On investigation, the detectives determined that the handgun and rifle were actually “airsoft guns.” The accused was arrested at his home and charged with a written or electronic threat to carry out a mass shooting or act of terrorism. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

With ‘airsoft guns’, US man posts school shooting threat on social media, gets arrested

In the latest uptick in China-Taiwan tensions, At least 30 Chinese aircraft entered Taiwanese airspace. The US says it will send military if China attacks.

At least 30 Chinese aircraft enter Taiwanese airspace in latest uptick in China-Taiwan tensions

<p>A man in the US has finally got his high school diploma at the age of 78. Ted Sams, could not get it back in 1962 even after sitting for the exams as he owed $4.80 for a book. In the last six decades, Sams regretted missing high school graduation and the joy of holding the degree or adorning the cap and gown. But finally, he was able to fulfill his dream and call himself a graduate as he got his diploma with the class of 2022 at Southern California's San Gabriel High School on Friday. &nbsp;</p>

<p>In 1962, Sams, who was a high school senior, got in trouble. He was suspended for five days before the end of the school year. Sams missed a crucial final exam and had to make it up over the summer, he said. &nbsp;</p>

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<p>"When I went back with my grade, they wouldn't give me my diploma because I owed $4.80 for a book. And so, I just walked away and said forget it," Sams told KABC-TV. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Over the years, I complained to my kids a number of times about how $4.80 kept me from having my diploma,” Sams added. &nbsp;</p>

<p>But the school still had the original diploma of Sams in an old filing cabinet. When he finally walked across the graduation stage to receive the diploma at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, he was full of pride. Sams now plans to hang the diploma on a wall at his home. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

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A man in the US has finally got his high school diploma at the age of 78. Ted Sams, could not get it back in 1962 even after sitting for the exams as he owed $4.

A man in the US has finally got his high school diploma at the age of 78. Ted Sams, could not get it back in 1962 even after sitting for the exams as he owed $4.80 for a book. In the last six decades, Sams regretted missing high school graduation and the joy of holding the degree or adorning the cap and gown. But finally, he was able to fulfill his dream and call himself a graduate as he got his diploma with the class of 2022 at Southern California's San Gabriel High School on Friday. In 1962, Sams, who was a high school senior, got in trouble. He was suspended for five days before the end of the school year. Sams missed a crucial final exam and had to make it up over the summer, he said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE "When I went back with my grade, they wouldn't give me my diploma because I owed $4.80 for a book. And so, I just walked away and said forget it," Sams told KABC-TV. “Over the years, I complained to my kids a number of times about how $4.80 kept me from having my diploma,” Sams added. But the school still had the original diploma of Sams in an old filing cabinet. When he finally walked across the graduation stage to receive the diploma at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, he was full of pride. Sams now plans to hang the diploma on a wall at his home. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

After missing high school diploma for owing just $4.80, US man finally gets it six decades later

The battle for Eastern Ukraine is hitting up, Russian forces are trying to surround the towns under Ukrainian control. The ground troops are outnumbered and outgunned and the US has backed off from helping Ukraine with rocket systems

US dismisses Ukraine's demand for long-range weapons

Asian stocks swing to 3-week high on Monday while the dollar was pinned near five-week lows as investors wagered on an eventual slowdown in US monetary tightening.

Asia stocks hit 3-week top, dollar near 5 weeks low

The US surpassed China to become India's top trading partner in 2021-22, reflecting strengthening economic ties between the two countries. While India's two-way commerce with China aggregated at $115.42 billion in 2021-22.

US replaces China as India's biggest trading partner in FY22 at $119.42 bn

The US President has visited a memorial to the 19 students and two teachers killed in a mass shooting at an elementary school in Texas earlier this week.

Texas Elementary School Shooting: US President Joe Biden visits Uvalde, promises to 'do something'

<p>After mom was killed in Texas elementary school shooting and father died of a heart attack a few days later, donations are pouring in for the bereaved family of four children, who are now left without parents. Till now, more than $2.5 million has been raised through a GoFundMe page.&nbsp;The mother of these children, Irma Garcia, was a teacher at Robb Elementary School, Uvalde, Texas. She died trying to protect her students in the shooting on Tuesday. Her husband of nearly 25 years, Joe Garcia, died of a heart attack on Thursday, the family announced.&nbsp;The couple reportedly had four children, who are in the age group of 12 to 23 years, as per the Washington Post. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/texas-shooting-biden-visits-uvalde-pays-tribute-to-victims-483347" hreflang="en">Texas shooting: Biden visits Uvalde, pays tribute to victims</a></strong></p>

<p>Since the shooting, several GoFundMe accounts have started. The original goal of page for Garcia’s family was $10,000. In just three days, more than 46,000 donations have come in. &nbsp;</p>

<p>In an update at the GoFundMe campaign page for the Garcia family on Sunday morning, Debra Austin, a woman, who claims to be Irma Garcia’s cousin, posted, “I would like to thank all the donors worldwide that have contributed to these wonderful kids. The prayers and love and support you have sent are so very much appreciated and needed as they continue their journey through life without their mother and father.” &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Texas school shooting: Police lost an hour waiting for back up, angry parents confront them</strong></p>

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<p>“Joe and Irma were amazing people and two of the most loving parents we as a family have ever known. They were so proud of all their kids. They are loved and missed beyond what words can explain. Thank you again from the entire family,” Austin wrote.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

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After mom was killed in Texas elementary school shooting and father died of a heart attack a few days later, donations are pouring in for the bereaved family of four children, who are now left without parents.

After mom was killed in Texas elementary school shooting and father died of a heart attack a few days later, donations are pouring in for the bereaved family of four children, who are now left without parents. Till now, more than $2.5 million has been raised through a GoFundMe page. The mother of these children, Irma Garcia, was a teacher at Robb Elementary School, Uvalde, Texas. She died trying to protect her students in the shooting on Tuesday. Her husband of nearly 25 years, Joe Garcia, died of a heart attack on Thursday, the family announced. The couple reportedly had four children, who are in the age group of 12 to 23 years, as per the Washington Post. Also Read | Texas shooting: Biden visits Uvalde, pays tribute to victims Since the shooting, several GoFundMe accounts have started. The original goal of page for Garcia’s family was $10,000. In just three days, more than 46,000 donations have come in. In an update at the GoFundMe campaign page for the Garcia family on Sunday morning, Debra Austin, a woman, who claims to be Irma Garcia’s cousin, posted, “I would like to thank all the donors worldwide that have contributed to these wonderful kids. The prayers and love and support you have sent are so very much appreciated and needed as they continue their journey through life without their mother and father.” Watch: Texas school shooting: Police lost an hour waiting for back up, angry parents confront them × “Joe and Irma were amazing people and two of the most loving parents we as a family have ever known. They were so proud of all their kids. They are loved and missed beyond what words can explain. Thank you again from the entire family,” Austin wrote. WATCH WION LIVE HERE (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

US school shooting: In 3 days, over $2.5 mn raised in donations for four children left without parents

The killing of 19 children and two teachers has revived a push for new gun safety laws in the US. The country has more firearms than people. It also has more permissive gun laws than many other high-income countries. In 2022, over 200 mass shootings have been reported in the US. Yet there's hardly any action. But how are other countries dealing with the issue?

As US grapples with gun terror, this is how NZ, Canada, Australia changed laws after mass shootings

Taiwan has showcased its military might. The US made Stander missiles were launched from war ships by Taiwan in a show of strength.

Taiwan showcases military might: US made missile part of Taiwan drills

A shootout at a Texas school has shaken the world. Amid widespread call for stricter firearm laws, an official admits to an error by police during the incident.

Texas school massacre: Official admits to an error by police

Israel's national security adviser Eyal Hulata will be going to Washington next week. He will be meeting his White House counterpart Jake Sullivan. Talks are expected to focus on Israel's ties with Saudi Arabia.

Israeli NSA to visit the US next week, Biden's Israel trip may be discussed

The baby food crisis in the United States is growing with each passing day. According to reports, the situation continues to worsen and more than two-thirds of the states in US have reported a shortage of over 70 percent.

Baby formula shortage worsens in US, Texas worst hit by infant formula crisis

The National Rifle Association of America held its annual meeting in Houston. Former President Donald Trump spoke at the pro-gun NRA event.

Texas school massacre: Trump speaks at pro-gun NRA event

The monkeypox outbreak is taking the western nations by storm. Now, Argentina reported its Monkeypox case. Meanwhile, Russia has alleged the US role in the outbreak.

Argentina reports first Monkeypox case as Russia alleges US role in the outbreak

A shootout at a Texas school has shaken the world. Amid widespread call for stricter firearm laws, an official admits to an error by police during the incident. For more details, we're joined by Edward P. Joseph, faculty of Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies in Washington.

Texas school massacre: 'More kids die because of guns than motor crashes'

Beijing is all set to expand in South Pacific region but China's expansion plan is troubling West and that has now led to an Australia vs China fight in Oceania. Australia has now warned Pacific nations against Beijing deals.

US, Australia & allies counter China as it steadily builds influence in the South Pacific

The mass shooting that killed 19 children in Texas, sent shockwaves around the world, it brought America's gun laws and gun culture back into focus. Let's take a look at what are global gun laws.

Global gun laws explained: Gun violence in the US at par with much poorer nations

Taiwan conducts annual missile drills in Eastern waters

Days after Texas school shooting killed 19 children, videos have surfaced online showing parents pleading with police officers to go inside the school and save their children. Parents say police did not respond in time, and did not do enough. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Texas school shooting: Videos show parents pleading with police to do more

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