This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning, June 3rd 2019

President Trump and first lady Melania Trump were treated to a viewing of items from the Queen's priceless Royal Collection on Monday, shortly after their arrival in the U.K. for a state visit. The collection showcases items of historical significance to the U.S. They were displayed in the Buckingham Palace Picture Gallery.

Queen Elizabeth shows Trump, Melania royal gift collection

A blimp depicting Donald Trump as a snarling nappy-wearing orange baby will fly outside the British parliament again when the U.S. president makes a state visit in June if protesters can raise 30,000 pounds ($38,000) for advocacy groups.

'Trump baby' blimp to mock U.S. president in Britain

Any presidential visit presents a massive security challenge, but a state visit from Donald Trump is one royal painstaking operation. Thousands protested during President Trump's last visit to the U.K.

US President Donald Trump to visit Britain as political mayhem grips UK

Tehran on Sunday ruled out talks with Washington unless it changes its "general behaviour", after US Secretary of State Mike <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-prepared-to-engage-with-iran-without-pre-conditions-pompeo-223645">Pompeo said his country was ready for negotiations with Iran</a>.

"The change of the general behaviour and actions of the United States of America regarding the Iranian nation is the criterion" required for any talks to take place, said foreign ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran ignores word games and the use of new language to express secret aims," said Mousavi.

"Mr. Pompeo's emphasis on maintaining maximum pressure on Iran reflects the continuation of the same faulty behaviour that must be corrected," the spokesman said, quoted in a ministry statement.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-will-not-be-bullied-into-us-talks-president-hassan-rouhani-223523">Will not be 'bullied' into US talks: Iran President Hassan Rouhani</a>

Pompeo, who is considered a hawk on Iranian issues, appeared to soften the US stance somewhat on Sunday following weeks of escalating tensions with Tehran.

"We are prepared to engage in a conversation with no preconditions," Pompeo said in Switzerland, which in the absence of US-Iranian diplomatic ties represents Washington's interests in the Islamic republic.

"We are ready to sit down with them," he said.

But Pompeo appeared to immediately back-pedal on the offer of conditions-free talks, stating that Washington was "certainly prepared to have (a) conversation when the Iranians will prove they are behaving as a normal nation."&nbsp;

Tehran on Sunday ruled out talks with Washington unless it changes its "general behaviour", after US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said his country was ready for negotiations with Iran.

Tehran on Sunday ruled out talks with Washington unless it changes its "general behaviour", after US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said his country was ready for negotiations with Iran. "The change of the general behaviour and actions of the United States of America regarding the Iranian nation is the criterion" required for any talks to take place, said foreign ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi. "The Islamic Republic of Iran ignores word games and the use of new language to express secret aims," said Mousavi. "Mr. Pompeo's emphasis on maintaining maximum pressure on Iran reflects the continuation of the same faulty behaviour that must be corrected," the spokesman said, quoted in a ministry statement. Also read: Will not be 'bullied' into US talks: Iran President Hassan Rouhani Pompeo, who is considered a hawk on Iranian issues, appeared to soften the US stance somewhat on Sunday following weeks of escalating tensions with Tehran. "We are prepared to engage in a conversation with no preconditions," Pompeo said in Switzerland, which in the absence of US-Iranian diplomatic ties represents Washington's interests in the Islamic republic. "We are ready to sit down with them," he said. But Pompeo appeared to immediately back-pedal on the offer of conditions-free talks, stating that Washington was "certainly prepared to have (a) conversation when the Iranians will prove they are behaving as a normal nation."

Iran rules out talks unless US changes 'general behaviour and actions'

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

The United States cannot use pressure to force a trade deal on China, a senior Chinese official and trade negotiator said on Sunday, refusing to be drawn on whether the leaders of the two countries would meet at the G20 summit to bash out an agreement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-says-war-with-us-would-be-a-disaster-as-tensions-mount-223556">Trade tensions rose sharply</a> last month 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 per cent&nbsp;on $200 billion of Chinese goods, prompting Beijing to retaliate.&nbsp;

Speaking at a news conference, Chinese Vice Commerce Minister Wang Shouwen said it was irresponsible of the United States to accuse China of backtracking.

"If the US side wants to use extreme pressure, to escalate the trade friction, to force China to submit and make concessions, this is absolutely impossible," said Wang, who has been part of China`s negotiating team.

Switching into English, he said,&nbsp;"Nothing is agreed until everything is agreed".

"During the consultations, China has overcome many difficulties and put forward pragmatic solutions. However, the US has backtracked, and when you give them an inch, they want a yard," he said.

Wang said the US&nbsp;had made "unreasonably high" demands and insisted on adding "demands relating to China`s sovereign rights" to the countries` agreement. The raising of tariffs escalated tensions and severely frustrated the talks, he added.

His comments were echoed by Chinese Defence Minister Wei Fenghe at a defence forum in Singapore on Sunday.

"If the US wants to talk, we will keep the door open. If they want a fight, we will fight till the end," Wei said.&nbsp;

Trump has said he will meet President Xi Jinping at the G20 summit in Osaka at the end of the month, though China has not confirmed the meeting.&nbsp;

When asked if Xi would meet Trump in Japan, Wang said: "I don`t have any information on this to provide."

WHITE PAPER

Wang, who was speaking at the unveiling of a new government policy paper on the trade war, said US officials overestimate the trade deficit between the two countries and China should not be blamed for a decline in US manufacturing jobs.

The US&nbsp;goods and services deficit with China is closer to $150 billion and not the $410 billion quoted by US officials, he said, adding that China`s processing trade with the United States should not be included in deficit calculations.&nbsp;

The white paper cited three instances of the US backtracking on its commitments, adding that Washington was responsible for setbacks in the talks.&nbsp;

It said China had enough fiscal and monetary policy tools and "good momentum" to sustain economic development despite the trade war. Data last week showed China`s factory activity shrank in May at a more severe pace than expected.&nbsp;

It followed soft data in China`s retail, export and construction sectors, raising expectations that Beijing may need to roll out more stimulus to support the economy.

Wang also rejected assertions that Beijing is directing domestic companies on overseas acquisitions and investments.

"China`s government is not involved in the specific commercial behaviour of companies, and won`t instruct or require companies to invest in a project or buy a technology," he said.

Wang reiterated that China is willing to meet demand for rare earths from other countries, but it would be unacceptable if some nations used Chinese rare earths to create products that limited China`s development.

Xi`s visit to a rare earths plant last month sparked speculation that China would use its dominant position as an exporter of rare earths to the United States as leverage in the trade war.

Wang said the commerce ministry is investigating reports of delays in customs checks and will make efforts to speed up inspections and reduce costs for importers.

A top US business lobby group said last month that its members face increased obstacles in China such as government inspections, slower customs clearance and slower approval for licensing and other applications.

The United States cannot use pressure to force a trade deal on China, a senior Chinese official and trade negotiator said on Sunday, refusing to be drawn on whether the leaders of the two countries would meet at the G20 summit to bash out an agreement.

The United States cannot use pressure to force a trade deal on China, a senior Chinese official and trade negotiator said on Sunday, refusing to be drawn on whether the leaders of the two countries would meet at the G20 summit to bash out an agreement. Trade tensions rose sharply last month 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 per cent on $200 billion of Chinese goods, prompting Beijing to retaliate. Speaking at a news conference, Chinese Vice Commerce Minister Wang Shouwen said it was irresponsible of the United States to accuse China of backtracking. "If the US side wants to use extreme pressure, to escalate the trade friction, to force China to submit and make concessions, this is absolutely impossible," said Wang, who has been part of China`s negotiating team. Switching into English, he said, "Nothing is agreed until everything is agreed". "During the consultations, China has overcome many difficulties and put forward pragmatic solutions. However, the US has backtracked, and when you give them an inch, they want a yard," he said. Wang said the US had made "unreasonably high" demands and insisted on adding "demands relating to China`s sovereign rights" to the countries` agreement. The raising of tariffs escalated tensions and severely frustrated the talks, he added. His comments were echoed by Chinese Defence Minister Wei Fenghe at a defence forum in Singapore on Sunday. "If the US wants to talk, we will keep the door open. If they want a fight, we will fight till the end," Wei said. Trump has said he will meet President Xi Jinping at the G20 summit in Osaka at the end of the month, though China has not confirmed the meeting. When asked if Xi would meet Trump in Japan, Wang said: "I don`t have any information on this to provide." WHITE PAPER Wang, who was speaking at the unveiling of a new government policy paper on the trade war, said US officials overestimate the trade deficit between the two countries and China should not be blamed for a decline in US manufacturing jobs. The US goods and services deficit with China is closer to $150 billion and not the $410 billion quoted by US officials, he said, adding that China`s processing trade with the United States should not be included in deficit calculations. The white paper cited three instances of the US backtracking on its commitments, adding that Washington was responsible for setbacks in the talks. It said China had enough fiscal and monetary policy tools and "good momentum" to sustain economic development despite the trade war. Data last week showed China`s factory activity shrank in May at a more severe pace than expected. It followed soft data in China`s retail, export and construction sectors, raising expectations that Beijing may need to roll out more stimulus to support the economy. Wang also rejected assertions that Beijing is directing domestic companies on overseas acquisitions and investments. "China`s government is not involved in the specific commercial behaviour of companies, and won`t instruct or require companies to invest in a project or buy a technology," he said. Wang reiterated that China is willing to meet demand for rare earths from other countries, but it would be unacceptable if some nations used Chinese rare earths to create products that limited China`s development. Xi`s visit to a rare earths plant last month sparked speculation that China would use its dominant position as an exporter of rare earths to the United States as leverage in the trade war. Wang said the commerce ministry is investigating reports of delays in customs checks and will make efforts to speed up inspections and reduce costs for importers. A top US business lobby group said last month that its members face increased obstacles in China such as government inspections, slower customs clearance and slower approval for licensing and other applications.

China says US can't use pressure to force trade deal

The United States was prepared to engage with Iran without pre-conditions about its nuclear program but needed to see the country behaving like "a normal nation", US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Sunday.&nbsp;

Iran`s President Hassan Rouhani suggested on Saturday that Iran may be willing to hold talks <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-will-not-be-bullied-into-us-talks-president-hassan-rouhani-223523">if Washington showed it respect</a>, but said Tehran would not be pressured into talks.&nbsp;

In an apparent softening of his previous stance, Pompeo said when asked about Rouhani`s remarks, "We are prepared ... to engage in conversations with no pre-conditions, we are ready to sit down."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-says-countries-buying-iranian-oil-will-be-subject-to-sanctions-223000">US says countries buying Iranian oil will be subject to sanctions</a>

However, he said Washington would continue to work to "reverse the malign activity" of Iran in the Middle East.

Pompeo said US President Donald Trump had been saying for a long time that he was willing to talk to Iran.

"We are certainly prepared to have that conversation when the Iranians can prove that they want to behave like a normal nation," Pompeo said at a joint news conference with his Swiss counterpart in the southern Swiss city of Bellinzona.

Trump said last Monday he was hopeful Iran would come to the negotiating table. But Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Wednesday Tehran would not negotiate with Washington, even after Rouhani had previously signalled talks might be possible if sanctions were lifted.

Last year, Pompeo outlined 12 ways Iran must change — including stopping its support for proxy groups and halting its missile program — before the United States lifts sanctions.

He also called on Iran to stop uranium enrichment, never to pursue plutonium reprocessing and to close its heavy water reactor. He said it also had to declare all previous military dimensions of its nuclear program and to permanently and verifiably abandon such work.

The United States was prepared to engage with Iran without pre-conditions about its nuclear program but needed to see the country behaving like "a normal nation", US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Sunday.

The United States was prepared to engage with Iran without pre-conditions about its nuclear program but needed to see the country behaving like "a normal nation", US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Sunday. Iran`s President Hassan Rouhani suggested on Saturday that Iran may be willing to hold talks if Washington showed it respect, but said Tehran would not be pressured into talks. In an apparent softening of his previous stance, Pompeo said when asked about Rouhani`s remarks, "We are prepared ... to engage in conversations with no pre-conditions, we are ready to sit down." Also read: US says countries buying Iranian oil will be subject to sanctions However, he said Washington would continue to work to "reverse the malign activity" of Iran in the Middle East. Pompeo said US President Donald Trump had been saying for a long time that he was willing to talk to Iran. "We are certainly prepared to have that conversation when the Iranians can prove that they want to behave like a normal nation," Pompeo said at a joint news conference with his Swiss counterpart in the southern Swiss city of Bellinzona. Trump said last Monday he was hopeful Iran would come to the negotiating table. But Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Wednesday Tehran would not negotiate with Washington, even after Rouhani had previously signalled talks might be possible if sanctions were lifted. Last year, Pompeo outlined 12 ways Iran must change — including stopping its support for proxy groups and halting its missile program — before the United States lifts sanctions. He also called on Iran to stop uranium enrichment, never to pursue plutonium reprocessing and to close its heavy water reactor. He said it also had to declare all previous military dimensions of its nuclear program and to permanently and verifiably abandon such work.

US prepared to engage with Iran without pre-conditions: Pompeo

Acting US Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan said on Sunday that it was not necessary to resume major joint military exercises with South Korea that were suspended in the last year to support diplomatic efforts with North Korea.

The United States and South Korea have suspended a number of combined military exercises in the past year after talks between US&nbsp;President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

However, since then negotiations between the United States and North Korea have stalled.&nbsp;

"I don`t think it is necessary," Shanahan told reporters travelling with him to Seoul when asked about restoring any of the major exercises.&nbsp;

Shanahan said he had been told by senior military leaders that troops on the Korean peninsula had the required military readiness despite the suspension of the exercises.&nbsp;

He added that he would have more to say on the topic after discussions in South Korea on Monday.&nbsp;

Trump caught many US&nbsp;officials off guard when he announced after his first summit with Kim last year that the United States was suspending the summer`s joint military drills with South Korea.&nbsp;

The suspension was criticized in the United States as a premature concession to North Korea, which has resisted US&nbsp;efforts to persuade it to give up its nuclear weapons.

Since then, the United States and South Korea have also replaced the spring exercises, known as Foal Eagle and Key Resolve, with smaller scale drills. 
During his September confirmation hearing to lead US&nbsp;forces in South Korea, Army General Robert Abrams said that the suspension of exercises had caused a "slight degradation" in military readiness. Since then, other military leaders have said readiness is at an acceptable level.

North Korea has long sought an end to joint US-South Korean military exercises.

A February summit in Vietnam`s capital Hanoi, the second between Kim and Trump, failed to reach a deal because of conflicts over US calls for complete denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula and North Korean demands for sanctions relief.

In May, North Korean test fired several rockets and missiles, including guided missiles that experts said could be used to penetrate South Korean and US&nbsp;defences.

Shanahan also said that he could not confirm a news report that North Korea had executed its nuclear envoy to the United States.

Acting US Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan said on Sunday that it was not necessary to resume major joint military exercises with South Korea that were suspended in the last year to support diplomatic efforts with North Korea.

Acting US Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan said on Sunday that it was not necessary to resume major joint military exercises with South Korea that were suspended in the last year to support diplomatic efforts with North Korea. The United States and South Korea have suspended a number of combined military exercises in the past year after talks between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. However, since then negotiations between the United States and North Korea have stalled. "I don`t think it is necessary," Shanahan told reporters travelling with him to Seoul when asked about restoring any of the major exercises. Shanahan said he had been told by senior military leaders that troops on the Korean peninsula had the required military readiness despite the suspension of the exercises. He added that he would have more to say on the topic after discussions in South Korea on Monday. Trump caught many US officials off guard when he announced after his first summit with Kim last year that the United States was suspending the summer`s joint military drills with South Korea. The suspension was criticized in the United States as a premature concession to North Korea, which has resisted US efforts to persuade it to give up its nuclear weapons. Since then, the United States and South Korea have also replaced the spring exercises, known as Foal Eagle and Key Resolve, with smaller scale drills. During his September confirmation hearing to lead US forces in South Korea, Army General Robert Abrams said that the suspension of exercises had caused a "slight degradation" in military readiness. Since then, other military leaders have said readiness is at an acceptable level. North Korea has long sought an end to joint US-South Korean military exercises. A February summit in Vietnam`s capital Hanoi, the second between Kim and Trump, failed to reach a deal because of conflicts over US calls for complete denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula and North Korean demands for sanctions relief. In May, North Korean test fired several rockets and missiles, including guided missiles that experts said could be used to penetrate South Korean and US defences. Shanahan also said that he could not confirm a news report that North Korea had executed its nuclear envoy to the United States.

US defence chief says no need to restore suspended US-South Korea military drills

In a move likely to plunge the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/strains-in-us-pak-relations-what-does-it-mean-for-india-191158">already strained relations between the United States and Pakistan</a> to a new low, Washington on Friday announced that it has withdrawn its tax exemption programme for Pakistani diplomats.

The move has come a year after the US barred Pakistani diplomats working in Washington from travelling outside a 25-kilometre radius around the city without approval, reports Sputnik.

With the decision turning effective immediately, over 20 members in the Pakistan embassy on Friday surrendered their Tax Exemption cards to the US authorities.

Notably, Pakistan has yet to provide tax exemption facilities to the US diplomats working in Islamabad since they applied for the same last year.&nbsp;

Diplomatic Tax Exemption Cards provides an exemption from sales, occupancy, and other similar taxes for the eligible foreign officials working in the United States, or its territory.

On Thursday, the Pakistani Embassy in the US had said that the two countries were discussing the said matter and were hoping to resolve it soon.

"There are thus ongoing discussions between Pakistan and the US on the status of exemption/refunds on the basis of the principle of reciprocity, which should not be construed as withdrawal of any privileges," the Embassy said in a statement.

Bilateral relations between the US and Pakistan have been strained since January 2018 when President Donald Trump suspended $1.3 billion annual security aid given to Pakistan.

In a move likely to plunge the already strained relations between the United States and Pakistan to a new low, Washington on Friday announced that it has withdrawn its tax exemption programme for Pakistani diplomats.

In a move likely to plunge the already strained relations between the United States and Pakistan to a new low, Washington on Friday announced that it has withdrawn its tax exemption programme for Pakistani diplomats. The move has come a year after the US barred Pakistani diplomats working in Washington from travelling outside a 25-kilometre radius around the city without approval, reports Sputnik. With the decision turning effective immediately, over 20 members in the Pakistan embassy on Friday surrendered their Tax Exemption cards to the US authorities. Notably, Pakistan has yet to provide tax exemption facilities to the US diplomats working in Islamabad since they applied for the same last year. Diplomatic Tax Exemption Cards provides an exemption from sales, occupancy, and other similar taxes for the eligible foreign officials working in the United States, or its territory. On Thursday, the Pakistani Embassy in the US had said that the two countries were discussing the said matter and were hoping to resolve it soon. "There are thus ongoing discussions between Pakistan and the US on the status of exemption/refunds on the basis of the principle of reciprocity, which should not be construed as withdrawal of any privileges," the Embassy said in a statement. Bilateral relations between the US and Pakistan have been strained since January 2018 when President Donald Trump suspended $1.3 billion annual security aid given to Pakistan.

US withdraws tax exemption for Pakistan's diplomats

UK Labour opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn said on Saturday US President Donald Trump`s comments endorsing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-boris-johnson-would-be-very-good-as-next-uk-prime-minister-223289">Conservative front-runner Boris Johnson as the next prime minister </a>were an "unacceptable interference" in Britain`s affairs.

In an interview with the Sun newspaper ahead of his three-day state visit to Britain next week, Trump said of the former foreign secretary, "I think Boris would do a very good job. I think he would be excellent."

Other Conservative lawmakers in the leadership race had sought his backing, he said, although not environment minister Michael Gove, who has criticised his stance on Iran.

Veteran Socialist Corbyn, who has declined an invitation to attend a state banquet with Trump during the visit, said: "President Trump’s attempt to decide who will be Britain’s next prime minister is an entirely unacceptable interference in our country’s democracy."

He added in a statement on Saturday, "The next prime minister should be chosen not by the US president, nor by 100,000 unrepresentative Conservative party members, but by the British people in a general election."

After failing three times this year to get parliament to back her plan for leaving the European Union, Prime Minister Theresa May said last week she would step down as leader of the governing Conservative Party on June 7 to open the way for a contest to succeed her.

So far, 12 Members of Parliament have said they will stand in the leadership election. They will be whittled down by their fellow lawmakers to a final two before the grassroots party members make the final choice.

Trump praised Johnson on his last visit to Britain in July 2018, saying that he thought he had the skills needed to be prime minister, shortly after Johnson resigned in protest at May`s handling of Brexit.

Johnson, who has said he would be prepared to take Britain out of the EU without a deal on October 31, has not commented on Trump`s latest endorsement.

Corbyn himself has been widely accused of failing to clarify Labour`s position on Brexit by not saying outright whether or not it is decisively in favour of a second referendum on Brexit.&nbsp;

Trump also praised current foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt, also a Conservative leadership candidate, for his pledge to increase British defence spending.

He arrives in Britain on Monday for a state visit at the invitation of Queen Elizabeth before attending World War Two commemorations in France and visiting Ireland.

It is only the third state visit of a US president to Britain.

UK Labour opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn said on Saturday US President Donald Trump`s comments endorsing Conservative front-runner Boris Johnson as the next prime minister were an "unacceptable interference" in Britain`s affairs.

UK Labour opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn said on Saturday US President Donald Trump`s comments endorsing Conservative front-runner Boris Johnson as the next prime minister were an "unacceptable interference" in Britain`s affairs. In an interview with the Sun newspaper ahead of his three-day state visit to Britain next week, Trump said of the former foreign secretary, "I think Boris would do a very good job. I think he would be excellent." Other Conservative lawmakers in the leadership race had sought his backing, he said, although not environment minister Michael Gove, who has criticised his stance on Iran. Veteran Socialist Corbyn, who has declined an invitation to attend a state banquet with Trump during the visit, said: "President Trump’s attempt to decide who will be Britain’s next prime minister is an entirely unacceptable interference in our country’s democracy." He added in a statement on Saturday, "The next prime minister should be chosen not by the US president, nor by 100,000 unrepresentative Conservative party members, but by the British people in a general election." After failing three times this year to get parliament to back her plan for leaving the European Union, Prime Minister Theresa May said last week she would step down as leader of the governing Conservative Party on June 7 to open the way for a contest to succeed her. So far, 12 Members of Parliament have said they will stand in the leadership election. They will be whittled down by their fellow lawmakers to a final two before the grassroots party members make the final choice. Trump praised Johnson on his last visit to Britain in July 2018, saying that he thought he had the skills needed to be prime minister, shortly after Johnson resigned in protest at May`s handling of Brexit. Johnson, who has said he would be prepared to take Britain out of the EU without a deal on October 31, has not commented on Trump`s latest endorsement. Corbyn himself has been widely accused of failing to clarify Labour`s position on Brexit by not saying outright whether or not it is decisively in favour of a second referendum on Brexit. Trump also praised current foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt, also a Conservative leadership candidate, for his pledge to increase British defence spending. He arrives in Britain on Monday for a state visit at the invitation of Queen Elizabeth before attending World War Two commemorations in France and visiting Ireland. It is only the third state visit of a US president to Britain.

Jeremy Corbyn accuses Trump of interfering in UK politics

The US envoy <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-leader-indicates-no-ceasefire-anytime-soon-223361">negotiating with the Taliban</a> will hold new talks this month with the insurgents in Qatar, the State Department said Saturday, as momentum builds for a deal to end America's longest war.

Zalmay Khalilzad, a veteran US policymaker who is leading President Donald Trump's push to broker a peace deal with the Taliban, left Friday on a 17-day trip that will also take him to Afghanistan, Pakistan, Germany, Belgium and the United Arab Emirates, the State Department said.

In Doha, he will resume talks with the Taliban after a break of around a month "to move the peace process forward," the State Department said in a statement.

Khalilzad has already met six times with the Taliban in recent months as he looks to seal a deal under which the United States will pull out troops who were first deployed following the September 11, 2001 attacks.

The United States and the Taliban are believed to have largely agreed on the key demand of Washington from 2001 and again now -- that the Taliban not allow Afghanistan to be used by violent extremists.

But a major sticking point remains the refusal of the Taliban to negotiate with President Ashraf Ghani's government, which enjoys international support.

The Taliban, believing they have leverage on the military front, have also rejected Ghani's overtures for a nationwide ceasefire.

"No one should expect us to pour cold water on the heated battlefronts of jihad or forget our 40-year sacrifices before reaching our objectives," Taliban chief Haibatullah Akhundzada said in a rare message released Saturday.

In Kabul, Khalilzad will meet representatives of civil society and women's rights groups, which have been especially concerned about a larger role for the Taliban.

Khalilzad will "encourage all parties to work towards intra-Afghan negotiations that lead to a final peace settlement," the State Department said.

Germany, another of Khalilzad's stops, has voiced willingness to hold a meeting on peace in Afghanistan.

He will start his trip in Pakistan, the chief backer of the Taliban before September 11, which has used its contacts to facilitate the talks with the Taliban.

The US envoy negotiating with the Taliban will hold new talks this month with the insurgents in Qatar, the State Department said Saturday, as momentum builds for a deal to end America's longest war.

The US envoy negotiating with the Taliban will hold new talks this month with the insurgents in Qatar, the State Department said Saturday, as momentum builds for a deal to end America's longest war. Zalmay Khalilzad, a veteran US policymaker who is leading President Donald Trump's push to broker a peace deal with the Taliban, left Friday on a 17-day trip that will also take him to Afghanistan, Pakistan, Germany, Belgium and the United Arab Emirates, the State Department said. In Doha, he will resume talks with the Taliban after a break of around a month "to move the peace process forward," the State Department said in a statement. Khalilzad has already met six times with the Taliban in recent months as he looks to seal a deal under which the United States will pull out troops who were first deployed following the September 11, 2001 attacks. The United States and the Taliban are believed to have largely agreed on the key demand of Washington from 2001 and again now -- that the Taliban not allow Afghanistan to be used by violent extremists. But a major sticking point remains the refusal of the Taliban to negotiate with President Ashraf Ghani's government, which enjoys international support. The Taliban, believing they have leverage on the military front, have also rejected Ghani's overtures for a nationwide ceasefire. "No one should expect us to pour cold water on the heated battlefronts of jihad or forget our 40-year sacrifices before reaching our objectives," Taliban chief Haibatullah Akhundzada said in a rare message released Saturday. In Kabul, Khalilzad will meet representatives of civil society and women's rights groups, which have been especially concerned about a larger role for the Taliban. Khalilzad will "encourage all parties to work towards intra-Afghan negotiations that lead to a final peace settlement," the State Department said. Germany, another of Khalilzad's stops, has voiced willingness to hold a meeting on peace in Afghanistan. He will start his trip in Pakistan, the chief backer of the Taliban before September 11, which has used its contacts to facilitate the talks with the Taliban.

US heads to new talks with Taliban

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning, June 1st 2019

In this segment WION Exclusively speaks with Mr. Ray Locker, Senior Journalist over Trump's fresh announcement to stop Preferential trade with India.

WION Exclusive: In Conversation with Mr. Ray Locker, Senior Journalist over India-US Trade

At least 12 people were killed and several injured on Friday in a mass shooting at a government building in the US state of Virginia.

11 people killed in mass shooting in US government building

In a blow to India, US President Donald Trump on Friday said that the United States would end its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/suspension-of-preferential-trade-status-for-india-under-gsp-is-done-deal-us-222997">preferential trade treatment </a>for India on June 5, reported news agency Reuters.

Trump had announced his intention to remove India from the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program in early March.

"I have determined that India has not assured the United States that India will provide <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-is-not-a-tariff-king-has-the-right-to-protect-specific-sectors-under-wto-experts-212214">equitable and reasonable</a> access to its markets," Reuters report said Trump as saying in a statement on Friday.

India is the biggest beneficiary of the GSP, which allows preferential duty-free imports of up to $5.6 billion from the South Asian nation, the report added.

Indian officials have raised the prospect of higher import duties on more than 20 US goods if Trump drops India from the programme.

Twenty-four members of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-lawmakers-urge-trump-administration-to-not-end-indias-trade-privileges-215783">US Congress</a> sent the administration a letter on May 3 urging it not to terminate India's access to the GSP.

Trump had time and again called India&nbsp;&nbsp;'tariff king'&nbsp;and imposes "tremendously high" import duties on American goods.

In a blow to India, US President Donald Trump on Friday said that the United States would end its preferential trade treatment for India on June 5, reported news agency Reuters.

In a blow to India, US President Donald Trump on Friday said that the United States would end its preferential trade treatment for India on June 5, reported news agency Reuters. Trump had announced his intention to remove India from the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program in early March. "I have determined that India has not assured the United States that India will provide equitable and reasonable access to its markets," Reuters report said Trump as saying in a statement on Friday. India is the biggest beneficiary of the GSP, which allows preferential duty-free imports of up to $5.6 billion from the South Asian nation, the report added. Indian officials have raised the prospect of higher import duties on more than 20 US goods if Trump drops India from the programme. Twenty-four members of the US Congress sent the administration a letter on May 3 urging it not to terminate India's access to the GSP. Trump had time and again called India 'tariff king' and imposes "tremendously high" import duties on American goods.

US President Trump to end trade privileges for India on June 5

Iranians in the capital Tehran set fire to effigies of President Donald Trump, while in the Iraqi capital, Iran-backed militiamen marched over a large Israeli flag as part of rallies Friday marking Quds, or Jerusalem Day. The annual protests come as the Trump administration tries to market its long-awaited Israeli-Palestinian peace plan.

Protesters in Iran, Iraq burn Israel, US flags on ‘Quds Day’

US immigration authorities on Friday said the government would limit which migrant children who enter the country alone qualify for special protections in the United States, the latest move by the Trump administration to tighten immigration restrictions.

President Donald Trump has become increasingly aggressive in his fight to stem the surge of migrants crossing the US border from Mexico. On Thursday he announced plans to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-plans-5-tariff-on-mexican-imports-over-illegal-immigration-222998">slap tariffs on goods from Mexico</a> if it does not act to stop the flow of migrants.

Children who are not accompanied by an adult have a special status under US law, which allows them to make their claims to a United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) asylum officer, in a non-adversarial setting, instead of an immigration judge. If they are denied, they get a second chance in immigration court.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mexico-eyes-steps-to-cut-immigrant-flows-to-us-border-official-223382">Mexico eyes steps to cut immigrant flows to US border: Official</a>

USCIS spokeswoman Jessica Collins said the agency was rescinding a memorandum put in place by the administration of Democratic President Barack Obama that allowed children to keep their special status even if they turned 18 or reunited with a parent or legal guardian before filing an asylum application.&nbsp;

Trump has repeatedly said many of the protections for migrants are "legal loopholes" that have spurred much of the migration of children.&nbsp;

U.S. border patrol agents have apprehended almost 45,000 unaccompanied children at the southwest border since October. Most of them are teenagers and have often endured trauma and abuse in their home countries and on the journey north.

USCIS said it was returning to a previous policy from 2009. Immigration advocates said the move could have a wide impact as many unaccompanied minors reunite with parents in the United States.&nbsp;

"Congress must reform the law to address the underlying issues fueling the border crisis and encouraging unaccompanied minors to make the dangerous journey to the United States,” Collins said.

The new guidance, first reported by BuzzFeed News, is the latest example of moves by the Trump administration to tighten immigration policy in the absence of Congressional action. It goes into effect on June 30, USCIS said.

Maria Odom, vice president for legal services at Kids In Need of Defense, who was the agency`s ombudsman when the 2013 memo was issued, said it was often not practical for children to quickly file for asylum.&nbsp;

“We have many kids who are so traumatized, and it takes a considerable amount of time to get them to talk,” she said. Children also are often moved from shelter to shelter when they initially arrive in the United States.

The memo was issued by the outgoing director of USCIS, Francis Cissna, the latest casualty of Trump`s purge of high-level officials of the Department of Homeland Security over concerns they were not doing enough to stem the flow of migrants. Trump has also threatened tariffs on all Mexican goods if Mexico does not do more to stop migration to the United States.

Cissna, who was popular with immigration restrictionists, made a number of rule changes during his tenure that have made it more difficult for legal immigrants to come to and stay in the United States. Cissna`s resignation is effective June 1.

US immigration authorities on Friday said the government would limit which migrant children who enter the country alone qualify for special protections in the United States, the latest move by the Trump administration to tighten immigration restrictions.

US immigration authorities on Friday said the government would limit which migrant children who enter the country alone qualify for special protections in the United States, the latest move by the Trump administration to tighten immigration restrictions. President Donald Trump has become increasingly aggressive in his fight to stem the surge of migrants crossing the US border from Mexico. On Thursday he announced plans to slap tariffs on goods from Mexico if it does not act to stop the flow of migrants. Children who are not accompanied by an adult have a special status under US law, which allows them to make their claims to a United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) asylum officer, in a non-adversarial setting, instead of an immigration judge. If they are denied, they get a second chance in immigration court. Also read: Mexico eyes steps to cut immigrant flows to US border: Official USCIS spokeswoman Jessica Collins said the agency was rescinding a memorandum put in place by the administration of Democratic President Barack Obama that allowed children to keep their special status even if they turned 18 or reunited with a parent or legal guardian before filing an asylum application. Trump has repeatedly said many of the protections for migrants are "legal loopholes" that have spurred much of the migration of children. U.S. border patrol agents have apprehended almost 45,000 unaccompanied children at the southwest border since October. Most of them are teenagers and have often endured trauma and abuse in their home countries and on the journey north. USCIS said it was returning to a previous policy from 2009. Immigration advocates said the move could have a wide impact as many unaccompanied minors reunite with parents in the United States. "Congress must reform the law to address the underlying issues fueling the border crisis and encouraging unaccompanied minors to make the dangerous journey to the United States,” Collins said. The new guidance, first reported by BuzzFeed News, is the latest example of moves by the Trump administration to tighten immigration policy in the absence of Congressional action. It goes into effect on June 30, USCIS said. Maria Odom, vice president for legal services at Kids In Need of Defense, who was the agency`s ombudsman when the 2013 memo was issued, said it was often not practical for children to quickly file for asylum. “We have many kids who are so traumatized, and it takes a considerable amount of time to get them to talk,” she said. Children also are often moved from shelter to shelter when they initially arrive in the United States. The memo was issued by the outgoing director of USCIS, Francis Cissna, the latest casualty of Trump`s purge of high-level officials of the Department of Homeland Security over concerns they were not doing enough to stem the flow of migrants. Trump has also threatened tariffs on all Mexican goods if Mexico does not do more to stop migration to the United States. Cissna, who was popular with immigration restrictionists, made a number of rule changes during his tenure that have made it more difficult for legal immigrants to come to and stay in the United States. Cissna`s resignation is effective June 1.

US limits protections for some migrant children

The United States` actions on Taiwan and the South China Sea are hardly conducive to maintaining stability in the region, a senior Chinese military official said on Saturday, responding to comments by acting US Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-raises-tariffs-on-us-goods-amid-esclating-tensions-223347">China raises tariffs on US goods amid esclating tensions</a>

"He (Shanahan) has been expressing inaccurate views and repeating old tunes about the issues of Taiwan and the South China Sea," Shao Yuanming, a senior official of the People`s Liberation Army, told reporters after Shanahan`s speech.

"This is harming regional peace and stability."

Shao added that China would defend its sovereignty at any cost should anyone try to separate Taiwan from its territory. It views the self-ruled island as a wayward province and has not ruled out the use of force to return it to the fold.

"China will have to be reunified," Shao said. "If anybody wants to separate Taiwan from China, the Chinese military will protect the country`s sovereignty at all costs."

China translates the Chinese word "tong yi" as "reunification", but it can also be translated as "unification", a term in English preferred by Taiwan independence supporters who say the Communist government has never ruled the island, so it cannot be "reunified".&nbsp;

Earlier, Shanahan told delegates at a defence forum in Singapore that the United States would no longer "tiptoe" around Chinese behaviour in Asia, with stability in the region at threat on issues ranging from the South China Sea to Taiwan.

Shanahan did not directly name China when he spoke of "actors" destabilising the region, but went on to say the United States would not ignore Chinese behaviour. 
However, Shao responded by saying it was the United States that was destabilising the region with its recent actions.

In May, a US&nbsp;warship sailed near the disputed Scarborough Shoal claimed by China in the South China Sea, angering Beijing at a time of tension over trade between the world`s two biggest economies.

The United States` actions on Taiwan and the South China Sea are hardly conducive to maintaining stability in the region, a senior Chinese military official said on Saturday, responding to comments by acting US Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan.

The United States` actions on Taiwan and the South China Sea are hardly conducive to maintaining stability in the region, a senior Chinese military official said on Saturday, responding to comments by acting US Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan. Also read: China raises tariffs on US goods amid esclating tensions "He (Shanahan) has been expressing inaccurate views and repeating old tunes about the issues of Taiwan and the South China Sea," Shao Yuanming, a senior official of the People`s Liberation Army, told reporters after Shanahan`s speech. "This is harming regional peace and stability." Shao added that China would defend its sovereignty at any cost should anyone try to separate Taiwan from its territory. It views the self-ruled island as a wayward province and has not ruled out the use of force to return it to the fold. "China will have to be reunified," Shao said. "If anybody wants to separate Taiwan from China, the Chinese military will protect the country`s sovereignty at all costs." China translates the Chinese word "tong yi" as "reunification", but it can also be translated as "unification", a term in English preferred by Taiwan independence supporters who say the Communist government has never ruled the island, so it cannot be "reunified". Earlier, Shanahan told delegates at a defence forum in Singapore that the United States would no longer "tiptoe" around Chinese behaviour in Asia, with stability in the region at threat on issues ranging from the South China Sea to Taiwan. Shanahan did not directly name China when he spoke of "actors" destabilising the region, but went on to say the United States would not ignore Chinese behaviour. However, Shao responded by saying it was the United States that was destabilising the region with its recent actions. In May, a US warship sailed near the disputed Scarborough Shoal claimed by China in the South China Sea, angering Beijing at a time of tension over trade between the world`s two biggest economies.

China says US actions on Taiwan, South China Sea threaten stability

Patrick Shanahan, the acting US Defence Secretary, and Wei Fenghe, the Chinese Defence Minister, discussed ways to better enforce UN sanctions on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-executes-its-special-envoy-to-us-after-hanoi-summit-collapse-223029">North Korea</a> during a "constructive and productive" meeting held on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue security forum here on Friday.

"The two leaders discussed ways to build military-to-military relations that reduce the risk of misunderstanding and miscalculation between our nations," Yonhap News Agency quoted a Pentagon spokesman, Lieutenant Colonel Joe Buccino, as saying.

"Secretary Shanahan specifically discussed how our militaries can better cooperate to enforce UN Security Council Resolutions related to DPRK (North Korea) sanctions," the spokesman added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-holds-mass-rally-to-celebrate-kim-jong-uns-re-election-210230">North Korea holds mass rally to celebrate Kim Jong-un's re-election</a>

This comes as denuclearisation talks between Washington and Pyongyang have come to a standstill, especially after the breakdown of the second US-North Korea summit at Vietnam earlier this year.

The two countries reportedly failed to see eye-to-eye on sanctions waivers.

While North Korea wants the sanctions to be removed, the United States has remained steadfast in its stance to remove sanctions only once complete denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula is achieved.

The US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo recently acknowledged that China had done "good work" when it came to sanctions enforcement on North Korea, but highlighted that there was scope to do better.

"It`s not perfect. It`s not perfect anywhere...We`re always looking to do better with respect to enforcement. But they`ve been a very good partner on that issue even while there have been difficult conversations on trade taking place," Pompeo said.

The Secretary of State`s statements and the defence chiefs` meeting comes despite the United States and China being locked in a trade dispute currently.&nbsp;

Patrick Shanahan, the acting US Defence Secretary, and Wei Fenghe, the Chinese Defence Minister, discussed ways to better enforce UN sanctions on North Korea during a "constructive and productive" meeting held on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue security forum here on Friday.

Patrick Shanahan, the acting US Defence Secretary, and Wei Fenghe, the Chinese Defence Minister, discussed ways to better enforce UN sanctions on North Korea during a "constructive and productive" meeting held on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue security forum here on Friday. "The two leaders discussed ways to build military-to-military relations that reduce the risk of misunderstanding and miscalculation between our nations," Yonhap News Agency quoted a Pentagon spokesman, Lieutenant Colonel Joe Buccino, as saying. "Secretary Shanahan specifically discussed how our militaries can better cooperate to enforce UN Security Council Resolutions related to DPRK (North Korea) sanctions," the spokesman added. Also read: North Korea holds mass rally to celebrate Kim Jong-un's re-election This comes as denuclearisation talks between Washington and Pyongyang have come to a standstill, especially after the breakdown of the second US-North Korea summit at Vietnam earlier this year. The two countries reportedly failed to see eye-to-eye on sanctions waivers. While North Korea wants the sanctions to be removed, the United States has remained steadfast in its stance to remove sanctions only once complete denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula is achieved. The US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo recently acknowledged that China had done "good work" when it came to sanctions enforcement on North Korea, but highlighted that there was scope to do better. "It`s not perfect. It`s not perfect anywhere...We`re always looking to do better with respect to enforcement. But they`ve been a very good partner on that issue even while there have been difficult conversations on trade taking place," Pompeo said. The Secretary of State`s statements and the defence chiefs` meeting comes despite the United States and China being locked in a trade dispute currently.

US, Chinese defence chiefs discuss sanctions enforcement on North Korea

On Saturday, India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry issued a statement saying it will continue to build on strong ties with the US. “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,” the government said in the statement. “It is unfortunate that this did not find acceptance by the US.”

Donald Trump to end preferential trade treatment for India on June 5

US President Donald Trump has announced tariffs on all Mexico goods. Watch this video to know more.

US President Trump announces tariffs on all Mexico goods

Mike Pompeo has said the US is attempting to check reports that a senior North Korean official involved in Pyongyang’s nuclear negotiations with Washington had been executed.

North Korea executes nuclear envoy to US after failed Trump summit

The US-led coalition said Friday it had unintentionally killed more than 1,300 civilians in air strikes during its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/after-caliphate-collapse-jihadists-head-to-afghanistan-to-plot-attacks-214689">fight against the Islamic State group</a> in Iraq and Syria since 2014.

The figure is far lower than the death tolls given by groups which have monitored the conflicts in the two countries.

"The coalition conducted 34,502 strikes between August 2014 and the end of April 2019," it said in a statement.

During this period, it "assesses at least 1,302 civilians have been unintentionally killed by coalition strikes".

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/long-after-guns-fall-silent-mosul-residents-suffer-hearing-loss-221700">Long after guns fall silent, Mosul residents suffer hearing loss</a>

The coalition said it was still assessing 111 additional claims of civilians deaths and was ready to receive new allegations or fresh evidence to review.

The coalition has repeatedly said it does all it can to avoid civilian deaths.

Watch: Wounded and alone, children emerge from last Islamic State enclave in Baghouz

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Airwars, an NGO which monitors civilian casualties from air strikes worldwide, estimates more than 7,900 civilians have been killed in coalition raids -- well in excess of the total acknowledged by the coalition.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based monitor, says coalition strikes have taken the lives of 3,800 civilians in Syria alone.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/islamic-state-airs-video-purporting-to-be-leader-abu-bakr-al-baghdadi-214624">IS jihadists </a>seized large swathes of Iraq and Syria in 2014, declaring a "caliphate" in areas they controlled.

But several offensives with coalition backing chipped away at the "caliphate" until it was declared eliminated on March 23.

Ambushes and hit-and-run attacks have continued in both countries.

The coalition is continuing to work "to deny Daesh any physical space and influence in the region as well as deny Daesh the resources they need to resurge", it said, using an Arabic acronym for IS. 
&nbsp;

The US-led coalition said Friday it had unintentionally killed more than 1,300 civilians in air strikes during its fight against the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria since 2014.

The US-led coalition said Friday it had unintentionally killed more than 1,300 civilians in air strikes during its fight against the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria since 2014. The figure is far lower than the death tolls given by groups which have monitored the conflicts in the two countries. "The coalition conducted 34,502 strikes between August 2014 and the end of April 2019," it said in a statement. During this period, it "assesses at least 1,302 civilians have been unintentionally killed by coalition strikes". Also read: Long after guns fall silent, Mosul residents suffer hearing loss The coalition said it was still assessing 111 additional claims of civilians deaths and was ready to receive new allegations or fresh evidence to review. The coalition has repeatedly said it does all it can to avoid civilian deaths. Watch: Wounded and alone, children emerge from last Islamic State enclave in Baghouz × Airwars, an NGO which monitors civilian casualties from air strikes worldwide, estimates more than 7,900 civilians have been killed in coalition raids -- well in excess of the total acknowledged by the coalition. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based monitor, says coalition strikes have taken the lives of 3,800 civilians in Syria alone. IS jihadists seized large swathes of Iraq and Syria in 2014, declaring a "caliphate" in areas they controlled. But several offensives with coalition backing chipped away at the "caliphate" until it was declared eliminated on March 23. Ambushes and hit-and-run attacks have continued in both countries. The coalition is continuing to work "to deny Daesh any physical space and influence in the region as well as deny Daesh the resources they need to resurge", it said, using an Arabic acronym for IS.

We unintentionally killed 1,300 civilians in air strikes on Islamic State: US-led coalition

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

The United States is "playing with fire" with its support for self-ruled Taiwan, China said on Thursday, in angry comments ahead of a meeting between Defence Minister Wei Fenghe and acting US Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan.

The two countries, locked in an escalating trade war, are also at odds over a series of strategic issues, from the disputed South China Sea to democratic Taiwan, claimed by China as its sacred territory, to be taken by force if needed.

Wei and Shanahan - who on his first day as acting defence secretary in January said the US military would focus on "China, China, China" - are both attending the annual Shangri-La defence forum in Singapore which begins on Friday, where they are expected to meet.

China has been particularly incensed by recent U.S. Navy patrols in the Taiwan Strait, US&nbsp;legislation in support of Taiwan and a meeting between Taiwan`s national security chief David Lee and White House national security adviser John Bolton.

Speaking at a regular monthly news briefing, Chinese Defence Ministry spokesman Wu Qian described military ties between Beijing and Washington as generally good.&nbsp;

But he took a much darker tone when asked about US support for Taiwan, an issue China has long described as the most sensitive in relations between the two countries.

"Recently, the US sides has been continually playing the `Taiwan card`, trying in futile to `use Taiwan to control China`. This is deluded," Wu said.

"The series of actions the US side has taken is playing with fire, seriously harms the development of military relations between China and the United States, and seriously harms peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait area."

Taiwan`s air, sea and land forces conducted an exercise to repel an invading force on Thursday, as its defence minister pledged to defend the island against what it sees as China`s rising military threat.

Washington has no formal ties with Taipei, but is its most important international supporter and main supplier of arms.

A senior US&nbsp;defence official said the fact that Shanahan was going to the Shangri-la dialogue during a period of tension with Iran was a sign that the United States was committed to the region and its allies.&nbsp;

During a meeting with Wei, Shanahan is expected to bring up better communication between the two militaries to avoid the risk of miscalculation, the US official said.

While Wei will likely tackle the Sino-US trade dispute and the hardening Trump administration approaches to Taiwan and the South China Sea, Asian states will be looking for calming messages, according to security experts and regional diplomats.&nbsp;

"Regional countries will be expecting reassurances that China`s intentions are in fact peaceful given its growing military might," said Singapore-based regional security analyst Ian Storey. Storey, of Singapore`s ISEAS Yusof Ishak Institute, said Wei must also speak to his domestic constituents, given the fact his address and a rare question-and-answer session are expected to be shown prominently in China.

"In the current environment maybe they won`t want him to be too accommodating. He can be expected to blame the US&nbsp;for growing tensions in the South China Sea and there is no way he is going to admit that China is part of the problem."

The United States is "playing with fire" with its support for self-ruled Taiwan, China said on Thursday, in angry comments ahead of a meeting between Defence Minister Wei Fenghe and acting US Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan.

The United States is "playing with fire" with its support for self-ruled Taiwan, China said on Thursday, in angry comments ahead of a meeting between Defence Minister Wei Fenghe and acting US Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan. The two countries, locked in an escalating trade war, are also at odds over a series of strategic issues, from the disputed South China Sea to democratic Taiwan, claimed by China as its sacred territory, to be taken by force if needed. Wei and Shanahan - who on his first day as acting defence secretary in January said the US military would focus on "China, China, China" - are both attending the annual Shangri-La defence forum in Singapore which begins on Friday, where they are expected to meet. China has been particularly incensed by recent U.S. Navy patrols in the Taiwan Strait, US legislation in support of Taiwan and a meeting between Taiwan`s national security chief David Lee and White House national security adviser John Bolton. Speaking at a regular monthly news briefing, Chinese Defence Ministry spokesman Wu Qian described military ties between Beijing and Washington as generally good. But he took a much darker tone when asked about US support for Taiwan, an issue China has long described as the most sensitive in relations between the two countries. "Recently, the US sides has been continually playing the `Taiwan card`, trying in futile to `use Taiwan to control China`. This is deluded," Wu said. "The series of actions the US side has taken is playing with fire, seriously harms the development of military relations between China and the United States, and seriously harms peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait area." Taiwan`s air, sea and land forces conducted an exercise to repel an invading force on Thursday, as its defence minister pledged to defend the island against what it sees as China`s rising military threat. Washington has no formal ties with Taipei, but is its most important international supporter and main supplier of arms. A senior US defence official said the fact that Shanahan was going to the Shangri-la dialogue during a period of tension with Iran was a sign that the United States was committed to the region and its allies. During a meeting with Wei, Shanahan is expected to bring up better communication between the two militaries to avoid the risk of miscalculation, the US official said. While Wei will likely tackle the Sino-US trade dispute and the hardening Trump administration approaches to Taiwan and the South China Sea, Asian states will be looking for calming messages, according to security experts and regional diplomats. "Regional countries will be expecting reassurances that China`s intentions are in fact peaceful given its growing military might," said Singapore-based regional security analyst Ian Storey. Storey, of Singapore`s ISEAS Yusof Ishak Institute, said Wei must also speak to his domestic constituents, given the fact his address and a rare question-and-answer session are expected to be shown prominently in China. "In the current environment maybe they won`t want him to be too accommodating. He can be expected to blame the US for growing tensions in the South China Sea and there is no way he is going to admit that China is part of the problem."

US 'playing with fire' on Taiwan, China says ahead of defence meeting

The United States will respond with military force if its interests are attacked by Iran, the US Iran envoy said on Thursday as Arab leaders gathered in Saudi Arabia to discuss what they see as the threat from Tehran amid rising tensions.&nbsp;

But US Special Representative for Iran Brian Hook said US actions taken so far in the Gulf region, which include repositioning military assets, have had the "desired deterrent effect on the (Iranian) regime`s risk calculations".

The US military has sent forces, including an aircraft carrier and B-52 bombers, to the Middle East in a move that US officials said was made to counter "clear indications" of threats from Iran to American forces in the region.&nbsp;

Hook was speaking to reporters by phone ahead of emergency summits of Arab leaders in the Saudi city of Mecca due on Thursday to discuss drone strikes on oil installations in Saudi Arabia and attacks on four vessels, including two Saudi oil tankers, off the UAE coast earlier this month.&nbsp;

Tehran has denied involvement in either attack.

The US is pursuing what it calls a "maximum pressure campaign" of sanctions against Iran to reduce its revenue streams from oil and other economic activities, in an attempt to curb what it sees as Tehran`s disruptive policies in the region.

Responding to a question about China and India importing Iranian oil and whether it was possible for them to keep importing small amounts, Hook said there would be no more exceptions granted to sanctions against Iran oil imports.&nbsp;

"There will be no more oil waivers granted," he said, adding that any oil imported by any country beyond waiver limits that ran from November last year to May, would be subject to sanctions.

The United States will respond with military force if its interests are attacked by Iran, the US Iran envoy said on Thursday as Arab leaders gathered in Saudi Arabia to discuss what they see as the threat from Tehran amid rising tensions.

The United States will respond with military force if its interests are attacked by Iran, the US Iran envoy said on Thursday as Arab leaders gathered in Saudi Arabia to discuss what they see as the threat from Tehran amid rising tensions. But US Special Representative for Iran Brian Hook said US actions taken so far in the Gulf region, which include repositioning military assets, have had the "desired deterrent effect on the (Iranian) regime`s risk calculations". The US military has sent forces, including an aircraft carrier and B-52 bombers, to the Middle East in a move that US officials said was made to counter "clear indications" of threats from Iran to American forces in the region. Hook was speaking to reporters by phone ahead of emergency summits of Arab leaders in the Saudi city of Mecca due on Thursday to discuss drone strikes on oil installations in Saudi Arabia and attacks on four vessels, including two Saudi oil tankers, off the UAE coast earlier this month. Tehran has denied involvement in either attack. The US is pursuing what it calls a "maximum pressure campaign" of sanctions against Iran to reduce its revenue streams from oil and other economic activities, in an attempt to curb what it sees as Tehran`s disruptive policies in the region. Responding to a question about China and India importing Iranian oil and whether it was possible for them to keep importing small amounts, Hook said there would be no more exceptions granted to sanctions against Iran oil imports. "There will be no more oil waivers granted," he said, adding that any oil imported by any country beyond waiver limits that ran from November last year to May, would be subject to sanctions.

US will respond with military force if Iran attacks its interests: US Iran envoy

Russia rebuffed as a baseless smear on Thursday a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-believes-russia-conducting-low-level-nuclear-tests-official-222787">US&nbsp;allegation that Moscow may be conducting low-level nuclear tests </a>in violation of a moratorium.&nbsp;

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Russia was in full compliance with the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), which Moscow ratified in 2000.&nbsp;

It called for the United States itself to ratify the treaty.&nbsp;

The head of the US Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) said on Wednesday that Russia was probably not adhering to its nuclear testing moratorium in line with the "zero-yield" limit set by the CTBT.

"Such accusations are absolutely groundless and aimed at trying again to smear our country," the ministry statement said.

Negotiated in the 1990s, the CTBT enjoys wide global support but must be ratified by eight more nuclear technology states - among them Israel, Iran, Egypt and the United States - to come into force.&nbsp;

"We again call on the United States to show a responsible approach and to ratify the CTBT, without which its entry into force is not possible," Russia`s statement said.&nbsp;

Russia rebuffed as a baseless smear on Thursday a US allegation that Moscow may be conducting low-level nuclear tests in violation of a moratorium. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Russia was in full compliance with the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), which Moscow ratified in 2000.

Russia rebuffed as a baseless smear on Thursday a US allegation that Moscow may be conducting low-level nuclear tests in violation of a moratorium. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Russia was in full compliance with the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), which Moscow ratified in 2000. It called for the United States itself to ratify the treaty. The head of the US Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) said on Wednesday that Russia was probably not adhering to its nuclear testing moratorium in line with the "zero-yield" limit set by the CTBT. "Such accusations are absolutely groundless and aimed at trying again to smear our country," the ministry statement said. Negotiated in the 1990s, the CTBT enjoys wide global support but must be ratified by eight more nuclear technology states - among them Israel, Iran, Egypt and the United States - to come into force. "We again call on the United States to show a responsible approach and to ratify the CTBT, without which its entry into force is not possible," Russia`s statement said.

Russia calls US nuclear accusation 'smear'

Apple is seen as a prime target for retaliation over US moves against the Chinese tech giant Huawei, but the roots planted by the company in China should help it weather the storm, analysts say.

While Beijing may take aim at Apple in the countries' high-stakes trade war, experts believe that the company's size, cachet, and years spent cultivating business relationships in China should protect it from any direct retaliation.

"As the US pounds on Huawei, Apple is the likely target for China to pound back," technology analyst Rob Enderle of Enderle Group said.

"As the trade war accelerates, then Apple and Huawei are the two firms likely to get the damage," he said.

Huawei has been thrust to the centre of escalating tensions between the world's two top economies, which have exchanged tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars in two-way trade.

President Donald Trump's administration has infuriated Beijing by blacklisting the smartphone and telecommunications company over worries that China uses it as a tool for espionage and allegations of breaking Iran-related sanctions -- charges the company has denied.

Trump has said that Huawei's fate could be included in any deal to resolve their trade war, but such a deal has proved elusive, and in the interim, tensions remain high.

The company is considered a "national treasure" in China, and Apple has similar status in the US, said Enderle.

"It is always difficult dealing with companies considered national treasures," he said.

"There is certainly a risk of this escalating beyond reason."

Points in Apple's favour

But Apple has various factors in its favour.

Increasing costs or crimping production for Apple directly in China could cause self-inflicted wounds, since much of the company's manufacturing is done there and jobs could be lost, analysts say.

Playing into nationalist sentiment that shunning Apple is a sign of Chinese loyalty is something the government "could get away with," Enderle said.

But boycotts of Apple products that began in China last year due to the US's treatment of Huawei had no meaningful impact on the American company, according to Creative Strategies analyst Carolina Milanesi.

And in a Bloomberg interview on Monday, the chief executive of Huawei said he was against the idea of calling for a boycott of Apple products in China.

"At the end of the day, there is a lot that Apple is doing in China from an economy perspective that helps China," Milanesi said.

"I struggle to see China using Apple as a way to retaliate against the US."

On its website, Apple says it has created five million jobs in China, three million of which were related to contractors and investment.

A million of those jobs were its staff, and about 1.8 million were through the App Store ecosystem for developers who make digital content or services for its mobile devices, the company said.

Targeting Trump's base?&nbsp;

And while hampering Apple product production in China would hurt that country's economy, forcing up the price of iPhones exported to the US would not be much of a political blow against the Trump administration, according to Forrester analyst Frank Gillett.

"The Chinese government is more likely to target the Trump base," Gillet said.

"Hitting a California-based company doesn't seem to give them a lot of leverage, it makes more sense to go after agriculture and everyday stuff."

Analysts also noted that Apple chief Tim Cook ran supply chain logistics for the company before succeeding the late co-founder Steve Jobs at the helm in 2011.

"Tim Cook knows the culture in China and has worked very closely understanding how to tread carefully to make more of an impact there," Milanesi said.

Cook's supply chain expertise also makes him an ideal executive to figure out ways to move manufacturing out of China if the need arises.

Apple's rise to one of the world's most valuable companies has involved cultivating strong relationships with Asian suppliers and manufacturers such as Taiwan-based Foxconn Technology Group and Pegatron.

"Everybody and their brother is trying to find ways to ship manufacturing out of China," Enderle said.

"Tim Cook was a logistics guy, so if anyone can do this well it should be him." 
&nbsp;

Apple is seen as a prime target for retaliation over US moves against the Chinese tech giant Huawei, but the roots planted by the company in China should help it weather the storm, analysts say.

Apple is seen as a prime target for retaliation over US moves against the Chinese tech giant Huawei, but the roots planted by the company in China should help it weather the storm, analysts say. While Beijing may take aim at Apple in the countries' high-stakes trade war, experts believe that the company's size, cachet, and years spent cultivating business relationships in China should protect it from any direct retaliation. "As the US pounds on Huawei, Apple is the likely target for China to pound back," technology analyst Rob Enderle of Enderle Group said. "As the trade war accelerates, then Apple and Huawei are the two firms likely to get the damage," he said. Huawei has been thrust to the centre of escalating tensions between the world's two top economies, which have exchanged tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars in two-way trade. President Donald Trump's administration has infuriated Beijing by blacklisting the smartphone and telecommunications company over worries that China uses it as a tool for espionage and allegations of breaking Iran-related sanctions -- charges the company has denied. Trump has said that Huawei's fate could be included in any deal to resolve their trade war, but such a deal has proved elusive, and in the interim, tensions remain high. The company is considered a "national treasure" in China, and Apple has similar status in the US, said Enderle. "It is always difficult dealing with companies considered national treasures," he said. "There is certainly a risk of this escalating beyond reason." Points in Apple's favour But Apple has various factors in its favour. Increasing costs or crimping production for Apple directly in China could cause self-inflicted wounds, since much of the company's manufacturing is done there and jobs could be lost, analysts say. Playing into nationalist sentiment that shunning Apple is a sign of Chinese loyalty is something the government "could get away with," Enderle said. But boycotts of Apple products that began in China last year due to the US's treatment of Huawei had no meaningful impact on the American company, according to Creative Strategies analyst Carolina Milanesi. And in a Bloomberg interview on Monday, the chief executive of Huawei said he was against the idea of calling for a boycott of Apple products in China. "At the end of the day, there is a lot that Apple is doing in China from an economy perspective that helps China," Milanesi said. "I struggle to see China using Apple as a way to retaliate against the US." On its website, Apple says it has created five million jobs in China, three million of which were related to contractors and investment. A million of those jobs were its staff, and about 1.8 million were through the App Store ecosystem for developers who make digital content or services for its mobile devices, the company said. Targeting Trump's base? And while hampering Apple product production in China would hurt that country's economy, forcing up the price of iPhones exported to the US would not be much of a political blow against the Trump administration, according to Forrester analyst Frank Gillett. "The Chinese government is more likely to target the Trump base," Gillet said. "Hitting a California-based company doesn't seem to give them a lot of leverage, it makes more sense to go after agriculture and everyday stuff." Analysts also noted that Apple chief Tim Cook ran supply chain logistics for the company before succeeding the late co-founder Steve Jobs at the helm in 2011. "Tim Cook knows the culture in China and has worked very closely understanding how to tread carefully to make more of an impact there," Milanesi said. Cook's supply chain expertise also makes him an ideal executive to figure out ways to move manufacturing out of China if the need arises. Apple's rise to one of the world's most valuable companies has involved cultivating strong relationships with Asian suppliers and manufacturers such as Taiwan-based Foxconn Technology Group and Pegatron. "Everybody and their brother is trying to find ways to ship manufacturing out of China," Enderle said. "Tim Cook was a logistics guy, so if anyone can do this well it should be him."

Will Apple's roots in China hold fast amid political storm?

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-putin-discuss-possible-new-nuclear-accord-white-house-215736">United States believes Russia </a>may be conducting low-level nuclear tests, a US&nbsp;intelligence official said on Wednesday, while the head of a body monitoring a global nuclear treaty said there was no sign of such violations by Moscow.

Negotiated in the 1990s, the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) enjoys wide global support but must be ratified by eight more nuclear technology states, among them Israel, Iran, Egypt and the United States to come into force.

Russia ratified it in 2000.

However, the head of the US Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) said, "The United States believes that Russia probably is not adhering to its nuclear testing moratorium in a manner consistent with the ‘zero-yield’ standard."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-russia-test-tense-ties-as-pompeo-visits-putin-218519">US, Russia test tense ties as Mike Pompeo visits Russian President Vladimir Putin</a>

At an arms control forum at the Hudson Institute, DIA head Lieutenant General Robert P. Ashley said, "We believe they have the capability in the way they are set up" to conduct low-level nuclear tests that exceed the zero yield limit set in the CTBT.

There was no immediate response from the Russian government, but the head of the Russian State Duma Defense Committee, Vladimir Shamanov, told the Interfax news agency that Ashley "could not have made a more irresponsible statement".

"Nuclear tests cannot be carried out secretly," it quoted him as saying.

"These kinds of statements reveal that the professionalism of the military is systemically falling in America," Shamanov said.

The head of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), Lassina Zerbo, said media reports appeared to "probably overstate" Ashley`s comments.

"It wasn`t about Russia conducting any low-yield tests but that Russia may have the capability for doing so," he told Reuters in an interview during a visit to Seoul on Thursday.

The organization`s global detection systems have not detected any tests, Zerbo said.

"We`re pretty confident that any militarily significant explosive test would not go undetected. So far we haven`t had any signal to that effect and we`re looking for further evidence."

US State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus referred specific questions to the DIA, but said Russia "routinely" disregarded its international obligations and was in breach of the Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces Treaty.

"They have been in breach for several years and they have tested, produced, fielded an INF weapon ... We are certainly alarmed that they continue to disregard their international obligations as it relates to arms control."

Russia announced last month it was suspending the INF treaty after the United States said it would withdraw because of violations by Moscow. Russia denies flouting the accord and has accused Washington of breaking the accord itself.

Watch: Russian President Putin open to meet US President at G20 in June

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Ashley`s comments underscore the need for countries like the United States to ratify the CTBT, Zerbo said.

"You’re not ready to ratify the CTBT but you’re asking for someone to comply with it, so you’re referring to a treaty that seems to be important," he said. 
"If the treaty is important, why don’t we lock it in?"

The United States believes Russia may be conducting low-level nuclear tests, a US intelligence official said on Wednesday, while the head of a body monitoring a global nuclear treaty said there was no sign of such violations by Moscow.

The United States believes Russia may be conducting low-level nuclear tests, a US intelligence official said on Wednesday, while the head of a body monitoring a global nuclear treaty said there was no sign of such violations by Moscow. Negotiated in the 1990s, the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) enjoys wide global support but must be ratified by eight more nuclear technology states, among them Israel, Iran, Egypt and the United States to come into force. Russia ratified it in 2000. However, the head of the US Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) said, "The United States believes that Russia probably is not adhering to its nuclear testing moratorium in a manner consistent with the ‘zero-yield’ standard." Also read: US, Russia test tense ties as Mike Pompeo visits Russian President Vladimir Putin At an arms control forum at the Hudson Institute, DIA head Lieutenant General Robert P. Ashley said, "We believe they have the capability in the way they are set up" to conduct low-level nuclear tests that exceed the zero yield limit set in the CTBT. There was no immediate response from the Russian government, but the head of the Russian State Duma Defense Committee, Vladimir Shamanov, told the Interfax news agency that Ashley "could not have made a more irresponsible statement". "Nuclear tests cannot be carried out secretly," it quoted him as saying. "These kinds of statements reveal that the professionalism of the military is systemically falling in America," Shamanov said. The head of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), Lassina Zerbo, said media reports appeared to "probably overstate" Ashley`s comments. "It wasn`t about Russia conducting any low-yield tests but that Russia may have the capability for doing so," he told Reuters in an interview during a visit to Seoul on Thursday. The organization`s global detection systems have not detected any tests, Zerbo said. "We`re pretty confident that any militarily significant explosive test would not go undetected. So far we haven`t had any signal to that effect and we`re looking for further evidence." US State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus referred specific questions to the DIA, but said Russia "routinely" disregarded its international obligations and was in breach of the Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces Treaty. "They have been in breach for several years and they have tested, produced, fielded an INF weapon ... We are certainly alarmed that they continue to disregard their international obligations as it relates to arms control." Russia announced last month it was suspending the INF treaty after the United States said it would withdraw because of violations by Moscow. Russia denies flouting the accord and has accused Washington of breaking the accord itself. Watch: Russian President Putin open to meet US President at G20 in June × Ashley`s comments underscore the need for countries like the United States to ratify the CTBT, Zerbo said. "You’re not ready to ratify the CTBT but you’re asking for someone to comply with it, so you’re referring to a treaty that seems to be important," he said. "If the treaty is important, why don’t we lock it in?"

US believes Russia conducting low-level nuclear tests: Official

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dont-say-we-didnt-warn-you-china-ready-to-hit-back-at-us-with-rare-earths-222406">China accused the United States</a> of "naked economic terrorism" on Thursday as Beijing ramps up the rhetoric in their trade war.

The world's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rare-earths-the-latest-weapon-in-the-us-china-trade-war-222578">top two economies are at loggerheads</a> as trade talks have apparently stalled, with US President Donald Trump hiking tariffs on $200 billion in Chinese goods earlier this month and blacklisting telecoms giant Huawei.

"We are against the trade war, but we are not afraid of it," vice foreign minister Zhang Hanhui said at a press briefing to preview President Xi Jinping's trip to Russia next week.

"This premeditated instigation of a trade conflict is naked economic terrorism, economic chauvinism, and economic bullying," Zhang said, stressing that China opposes the systematic use of sanctions, tariffs and protectionism.

"There is no winner in a trade war," he warned.

China has hit back with its own tariff increase on $60 billion in US products that will take effect Saturday, while state media has suggested that Beijing could stop exports of rare earths to the United States, depriving Washington of a key resource used to make hi-tech products.

Watch- US-China Trade War: No End In Sight

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TV debate

Meanwhile, state media and officials have stepped up the rhetoric as the Communist Party digs in for what could be a long fight with the United States.

An anchor for the English-language state broadcaster China Global Television Network (CGTN) even held a rare debate on Thursday with a presenter from Fox Business Network to discuss the trade war after jousting on social media.

The debate between CGTN's Liu Xin and Fox Business's Trish Regan was civil, with the American journalist saying "I appreciate you being here" and the Chinese anchor inviting her to come to China, adding "I'll take you around".

But China's propaganda apparatus has hardened the tone.

The party's mouthpiece, The People's Daily, warned in an editorial on Wednesday that rare earths could be used as a counter-measure, adding that the US shouldn't "say we didn't warn you."

China produces more than 95 per cent of the world's rare earths, and the United States relies on the Asian superpower for upwards of 80 percent of its imports.

"It is unacceptable for any country to use rare earth products exported by China to curb and suppress China's development," commerce ministry spokesman Gao Feng said Thursday.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo asked about the rare earths threat during an interview, said that Americans have already "lost and suffered for decades under the current rules" and that Trump's "singular focus is to push back" on China.

He renewed his attack on Huawei, saying there was a "deep connectivity" between the company and the Chinese state.

"If it's the case that the Chinese Communist Party wanted to get information from technology that was in the possession of Huawei, it is almost certainly the case that Huawei would provide that to them," he told the Fox Business Network.

Huawei has rejected the accusations and on Tuesday filed a motion for summary judgment in a US court, hoping it would swiftly win a lawsuit against US legislation that bars federal agencies from using the company's equipment.

"You have seen that for some time, the US government has tried very hard to fabricate various topics, misleading the public in the US or in other countries of the international community, in order to suppress Huawei," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang told reporters.

Russia, China get closer

While Washington and Beijing spar, Xi is preparing to meet with President Vladimir Putin from June 5 to June 7 as the neighbouring giants forge closer ties.

"This trade conflict will also have a serious negative impact on the development and revival of the global economy," Zhang said.

China and Russia have broad consensus and common interests on the trade war issue, and the two countries will "certainly" strengthen their economic cooperation, Zhang said.

"We will certainly respond to various external challenges, do what we have to do, develop our economies, and constantly improve the living standards of our two peoples," he said.

Watch:&nbsp;China's utmost sincerity in trade talks a sign of strength

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China accused the United States of "naked economic terrorism" on Thursday as Beijing ramps up the rhetoric in their trade war. The world's top two economies are at loggerheads as trade talks have apparently stalled, with US President Donald Trump hiking tariffs on $200 billion in Chinese goods earlier this month and blacklisting telecoms giant Huawei.

China accused the United States of "naked economic terrorism" on Thursday as Beijing ramps up the rhetoric in their trade war. The world's top two economies are at loggerheads as trade talks have apparently stalled, with US President Donald Trump hiking tariffs on $200 billion in Chinese goods earlier this month and blacklisting telecoms giant Huawei. "We are against the trade war, but we are not afraid of it," vice foreign minister Zhang Hanhui said at a press briefing to preview President Xi Jinping's trip to Russia next week. "This premeditated instigation of a trade conflict is naked economic terrorism, economic chauvinism, and economic bullying," Zhang said, stressing that China opposes the systematic use of sanctions, tariffs and protectionism. "There is no winner in a trade war," he warned. China has hit back with its own tariff increase on $60 billion in US products that will take effect Saturday, while state media has suggested that Beijing could stop exports of rare earths to the United States, depriving Washington of a key resource used to make hi-tech products. Watch- US-China Trade War: No End In Sight × TV debate Meanwhile, state media and officials have stepped up the rhetoric as the Communist Party digs in for what could be a long fight with the United States. An anchor for the English-language state broadcaster China Global Television Network (CGTN) even held a rare debate on Thursday with a presenter from Fox Business Network to discuss the trade war after jousting on social media. The debate between CGTN's Liu Xin and Fox Business's Trish Regan was civil, with the American journalist saying "I appreciate you being here" and the Chinese anchor inviting her to come to China, adding "I'll take you around". But China's propaganda apparatus has hardened the tone. The party's mouthpiece, The People's Daily, warned in an editorial on Wednesday that rare earths could be used as a counter-measure, adding that the US shouldn't "say we didn't warn you." China produces more than 95 per cent of the world's rare earths, and the United States relies on the Asian superpower for upwards of 80 percent of its imports. "It is unacceptable for any country to use rare earth products exported by China to curb and suppress China's development," commerce ministry spokesman Gao Feng said Thursday. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo asked about the rare earths threat during an interview, said that Americans have already "lost and suffered for decades under the current rules" and that Trump's "singular focus is to push back" on China. He renewed his attack on Huawei, saying there was a "deep connectivity" between the company and the Chinese state. "If it's the case that the Chinese Communist Party wanted to get information from technology that was in the possession of Huawei, it is almost certainly the case that Huawei would provide that to them," he told the Fox Business Network. Huawei has rejected the accusations and on Tuesday filed a motion for summary judgment in a US court, hoping it would swiftly win a lawsuit against US legislation that bars federal agencies from using the company's equipment. "You have seen that for some time, the US government has tried very hard to fabricate various topics, misleading the public in the US or in other countries of the international community, in order to suppress Huawei," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang told reporters. Russia, China get closer While Washington and Beijing spar, Xi is preparing to meet with President Vladimir Putin from June 5 to June 7 as the neighbouring giants forge closer ties. "This trade conflict will also have a serious negative impact on the development and revival of the global economy," Zhang said. China and Russia have broad consensus and common interests on the trade war issue, and the two countries will "certainly" strengthen their economic cooperation, Zhang said. "We will certainly respond to various external challenges, do what we have to do, develop our economies, and constantly improve the living standards of our two peoples," he said. Watch: China's utmost sincerity in trade talks a sign of strength ×

China accuses US of 'naked economic terrorism'

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