China has demonstrated more than enough sincerity to reach a mutually beneficial deal and end trade tensions with the United States. However, trapped in hegemonic ideology, the U.S. has responded by unilateral and protectionist tariff hikes that put world economy in danger, according to a commentary published by China's Xinhua News Agency on Sunday.

China's utmost sincerity in trade talks a sign of strength

The US Treasury expanded the number of countries subject to scrutiny in a semi-annual report released Tuesday, but again found that neither China nor any other trading partners was manipulating its currency.

Treasury urged the Asian giant to avoid allowing the renminbi (RMB) to weaken persistently -- which would give its products more competitive advantage.

Germany remained on the US "monitoring list" due to its large trade surplus, as did Japan and South Korea, indicating they "merit close attention to their currency practices."

Despite a bitter trade war with China focused on bringing down the US trade deficit, Treasury held back from escalating the fight further.

Tensions between the two economic superpowers have risen in recent weeks after President Donald Trump accused Beijing of reneging on its commitments, and with a US crackdown on Chinese telecom giant Huawei.

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said his agency "takes seriously any potentially unfair currency practices," and "is working vigorously to achieve stronger growth and to ensure that trade expands in a way that helps US workers and firms and protects them from unfair foreign trade practices."

Treasury said the report concluded that "direct intervention by the People's Bank of China in the last year has been limited."&nbsp;

However, the US "continues to urge China to take the necessary steps to avoid a persistently weak currency."

Expanding scrutiny

The closely watched report broadened the field of its scrutiny for potential exchange rate manipulation, since a weak currency makes US products less competitive and could undermine Washington's efforts to cut a soaring global trade imbalance.

Mnuchin said Treasury "is expanding the number of US trading partners it reviews to make currency practices fairer and more transparent."

With the newly expanded list, Treasury put nine trading partners on the monitoring list, including Ireland, Italy, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam.&nbsp;

Beginning with this report, the Treasury is assessing all US trading partners with annual trade surpluses in goods of more than $40 billion.

Based on trade in 2018, that standard covered 21 countries with nearly $3.5 trillion in goods trade with the United States, according to the report.

China's currency dropped 3.8 per cent against the US dollar in the second half of last year, making it eight per cent weaker over the last year.&nbsp;

However, China only triggered one of the criteria used to determine whether a country merits close monitoring.

A senior Treasury official told reporters that China still merited inclusion "given the importance of China and their large, increasing surplus."

Punitive duties

Treasury's analysis could become even more critical after the Commerce Department last week announced it intends to change its rules in order to impose duties on countries that "act to undervalue their currency relative to the dollar, resulting in a subsidy to their exports."

In the details of the proposed change, Commerce said it will "defer to Treasury's evaluation as to undervaluation" of a currency.

However, a senior Treasury official said that would be "a distinct, different process" from the currency report.

The text is largely symbolic since it only calls for consultations with countries deemed to be currency manipulators, but would gain more teeth if Commerce can impose duties to retaliate.

Germany remains on the monitoring list for a third year, and Treasury noted it has "the world's largest current account surplus," and a $68 billion trade surplus with the United States in 2018.&nbsp;

While Germany has repeatedly been listed, like Italy and Ireland it is part of the eurozone and no longer has independent control over its currency or monetary policy, which is handled by the European Central Bank.

The latest report removed India and Switzerland because for two consecutive reports they had both met only one of three criteria necessary for inclusion on the monitoring list.

While India had a significant bilateral surplus, Switzerland had a material current account surplus, according to the report.

The US Treasury expanded the number of countries subject to scrutiny in a semi-annual report released Tuesday, but again found that neither China nor any other trading partners was manipulating its currency.

The US Treasury expanded the number of countries subject to scrutiny in a semi-annual report released Tuesday, but again found that neither China nor any other trading partners was manipulating its currency. Treasury urged the Asian giant to avoid allowing the renminbi (RMB) to weaken persistently -- which would give its products more competitive advantage. Germany remained on the US "monitoring list" due to its large trade surplus, as did Japan and South Korea, indicating they "merit close attention to their currency practices." Despite a bitter trade war with China focused on bringing down the US trade deficit, Treasury held back from escalating the fight further. Tensions between the two economic superpowers have risen in recent weeks after President Donald Trump accused Beijing of reneging on its commitments, and with a US crackdown on Chinese telecom giant Huawei. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said his agency "takes seriously any potentially unfair currency practices," and "is working vigorously to achieve stronger growth and to ensure that trade expands in a way that helps US workers and firms and protects them from unfair foreign trade practices." Treasury said the report concluded that "direct intervention by the People's Bank of China in the last year has been limited." However, the US "continues to urge China to take the necessary steps to avoid a persistently weak currency." Expanding scrutiny The closely watched report broadened the field of its scrutiny for potential exchange rate manipulation, since a weak currency makes US products less competitive and could undermine Washington's efforts to cut a soaring global trade imbalance. Mnuchin said Treasury "is expanding the number of US trading partners it reviews to make currency practices fairer and more transparent." With the newly expanded list, Treasury put nine trading partners on the monitoring list, including Ireland, Italy, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam. Beginning with this report, the Treasury is assessing all US trading partners with annual trade surpluses in goods of more than $40 billion. Based on trade in 2018, that standard covered 21 countries with nearly $3.5 trillion in goods trade with the United States, according to the report. China's currency dropped 3.8 per cent against the US dollar in the second half of last year, making it eight per cent weaker over the last year. However, China only triggered one of the criteria used to determine whether a country merits close monitoring. A senior Treasury official told reporters that China still merited inclusion "given the importance of China and their large, increasing surplus." Punitive duties Treasury's analysis could become even more critical after the Commerce Department last week announced it intends to change its rules in order to impose duties on countries that "act to undervalue their currency relative to the dollar, resulting in a subsidy to their exports." In the details of the proposed change, Commerce said it will "defer to Treasury's evaluation as to undervaluation" of a currency. However, a senior Treasury official said that would be "a distinct, different process" from the currency report. The text is largely symbolic since it only calls for consultations with countries deemed to be currency manipulators, but would gain more teeth if Commerce can impose duties to retaliate. Germany remains on the monitoring list for a third year, and Treasury noted it has "the world's largest current account surplus," and a $68 billion trade surplus with the United States in 2018. While Germany has repeatedly been listed, like Italy and Ireland it is part of the eurozone and no longer has independent control over its currency or monetary policy, which is handled by the European Central Bank. The latest report removed India and Switzerland because for two consecutive reports they had both met only one of three criteria necessary for inclusion on the monitoring list. While India had a significant bilateral surplus, Switzerland had a material current account surplus, according to the report.

US Treasury again says China is not manipulating currency

The US military said on Tuesday that it had identified a total of six American troops from 55 boxes of human remains from the 1950-53 Korean War that North Korea handed over last year, even as the Pentagon has said it has given up hope of recovering more of them in the near future.

The US Defense POW/MIA Account Agency (DPAA), which works to recover missing American troops around the world, earlier this month said it had not heard from North Korea since the second US-North Korean summit, held in Hanoi in February, ended with no agreement. The agency said it had suspended efforts for 2019.&nbsp;

After their first summit in June last year, US&nbsp;President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed a declaration committing to the recovery of remains of soldiers killed in the war.

In July, North Korea handed over 55 boxes of human remains, a move Trump hailed as evidence of the success of his negotiations with Kim.

On Tuesday, Lieutenant Colonel Ken Hoffman, a spokesman for DPAA, said that four families had been notified of the remains, while two other family notifications were pending. That brings the total service members identified to six from the 55 boxes.

Forensic anthropologists are combing through the remains at a secure facility on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, which acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan visited on Tuesday.

The July transfer coincided with the 65th anniversary of the 1953 armistice that ended fighting between North Korean and Chinese forces and South Korean and US-led forces under the UN Command.

Since July, there has been little progress on resuming the search for the roughly 5,300 Americans believed to be lost in what is now North Korea.

Despite that lack of progress, as recently as April 26 Trump touted the return of the remains and said they "continued to come back."

The two sides remain technically at war because a peace treaty was never signed.

The United States and North Korea conducted joint searches for remains from 1996 until 2005, when Washington halted the operations citing concerns about the safety of its personnel as Pyongyang stepped up its nuclear program.

The US military said on Tuesday that it had identified a total of six American troops from 55 boxes of human remains from the 1950-53 Korean War that North Korea handed over last year, even as the Pentagon has said it has given up hope of recovering more of them in the near future.

The US military said on Tuesday that it had identified a total of six American troops from 55 boxes of human remains from the 1950-53 Korean War that North Korea handed over last year, even as the Pentagon has said it has given up hope of recovering more of them in the near future. The US Defense POW/MIA Account Agency (DPAA), which works to recover missing American troops around the world, earlier this month said it had not heard from North Korea since the second US-North Korean summit, held in Hanoi in February, ended with no agreement. The agency said it had suspended efforts for 2019. After their first summit in June last year, US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed a declaration committing to the recovery of remains of soldiers killed in the war. In July, North Korea handed over 55 boxes of human remains, a move Trump hailed as evidence of the success of his negotiations with Kim. On Tuesday, Lieutenant Colonel Ken Hoffman, a spokesman for DPAA, said that four families had been notified of the remains, while two other family notifications were pending. That brings the total service members identified to six from the 55 boxes. Forensic anthropologists are combing through the remains at a secure facility on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, which acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan visited on Tuesday. The July transfer coincided with the 65th anniversary of the 1953 armistice that ended fighting between North Korean and Chinese forces and South Korean and US-led forces under the UN Command. Since July, there has been little progress on resuming the search for the roughly 5,300 Americans believed to be lost in what is now North Korea. Despite that lack of progress, as recently as April 26 Trump touted the return of the remains and said they "continued to come back." The two sides remain technically at war because a peace treaty was never signed. The United States and North Korea conducted joint searches for remains from 1996 until 2005, when Washington halted the operations citing concerns about the safety of its personnel as Pyongyang stepped up its nuclear program.

US military identifies more remains of American war dead handed over by North Korea

President Trump said he wasn’t bothered by North Korea’s latest round of missile tests and the U.S. wasn’t seeking regime change in Iran, striking conciliatory notes on the two nations’ nuclear programs as he wrapped up his second trip to Japan since taking office.

Did North Korea violate United Nations resolutions?

The United States is seriously considering suspending training for Turkish pilots on advanced F-35 fighter jets as Ankara moves ahead with plans to purchase a Russian missile defence system despite objections from Washington, sources told Reuters on Tuesday.

The two NATO allies have argued for months over Turkey's order for the Russian S-400 defences, which Washington says are incompatible with the Western alliance's defence network and would pose a threat to American F-35 stealth fighters which Turkey also plans to buy.

The two sources, who are familiar with Turkey's role in the F-35 program and who spoke on condition of anonymity, said a final decision had not yet been made.

The deliberation follows signs that Turkey is moving ahead with the S-400 purchase. Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said on May 22 that Turkish military personnel were receiving training in Russia to use the S-400, and said Russian personnel may come to Turkey.

Turkish pilots have also been training at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona. It was unclear whether a decision to suspend their training would mean they would have to leave the country or would be allowed to remain at the base until a final decision is made about Turkey's future in the F-35 program.

The United States has said plainly that Turkey cannot have the S-400 and be part of the F-35 program. The F-35 is made by Lockheed Martin Corp.

If Turkey was removed from the program, it would be one of the most significant ruptures in recent history in the relationship between the two allies, experts say.

"Washington is signalling that while it would rather not break military ties with Turkey, it is ready to do so if Ankara does not change its mind regarding the S-400 purchase," said Soner Cagaptay, director of the Turkish program at the Washington Institute.

Strains in ties between Washington and Ankara already extend beyond the F-35 to include conflicting strategy in Syria, Iran sanctions and the detention of US&nbsp;consular staff in Turkey.

Done deal

The Pentagon and State Department declined to comment on any deliberations about the pilots. But Pentagon spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Mike Andrews noted discussions are taking place with Ankara on potentially buying the Patriot missile defence system.

Andrews said the Patriot system, made by Raytheon Co., "remains a robust, NATO-interoperable alternative to the S-400 for (Turkey's) national defence requirements."

On Monday, Turkish broadcaster Haberturk quoted Akar as saying in an interview that the delivery of the S-400 may not happen in June, when Turkey previously said the missiles were due to arrive. He added the agreement was a done deal, however.

"They may not make it by June but they will come in the months ahead. The process has begun," he was quoted as saying.

Objecting to Ankara's planned Russian defence purchase, the United States in late March halted delivery of equipment related to the F-35 to Turkey, which is both a buyer and a production partner in the program. The move was the first concrete step of what could eventually be the full removal of Turkey from the F-35 program.

The United States has warned that if Turkey takes delivery of the Russian system, it will also trigger US&nbsp;sanctions under CATSAA, a law calling for sanctions against countries procuring military equipment from Russia.

Turkey has said that as a NATO member it poses no threat to the United States and the sanctions should not apply. Ankara has also increasingly pinned its hopes on President Donald Trump to protect it from such penalties.

US officials have called Turkey's planned purchase of the S-400 system "deeply problematic." Washington and other NATO allies that own F-35s fear the system's radar will learn how to spot and track the jet, making it less able to evade Russian weapons.

The United States is seriously considering suspending training for Turkish pilots on advanced F-35 fighter jets as Ankara moves ahead with plans to purchase a Russian missile defence system despite objections from Washington, sources told Reuters on Tuesday.

The United States is seriously considering suspending training for Turkish pilots on advanced F-35 fighter jets as Ankara moves ahead with plans to purchase a Russian missile defence system despite objections from Washington, sources told Reuters on Tuesday. The two NATO allies have argued for months over Turkey's order for the Russian S-400 defences, which Washington says are incompatible with the Western alliance's defence network and would pose a threat to American F-35 stealth fighters which Turkey also plans to buy. The two sources, who are familiar with Turkey's role in the F-35 program and who spoke on condition of anonymity, said a final decision had not yet been made. The deliberation follows signs that Turkey is moving ahead with the S-400 purchase. Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said on May 22 that Turkish military personnel were receiving training in Russia to use the S-400, and said Russian personnel may come to Turkey. Turkish pilots have also been training at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona. It was unclear whether a decision to suspend their training would mean they would have to leave the country or would be allowed to remain at the base until a final decision is made about Turkey's future in the F-35 program. The United States has said plainly that Turkey cannot have the S-400 and be part of the F-35 program. The F-35 is made by Lockheed Martin Corp. If Turkey was removed from the program, it would be one of the most significant ruptures in recent history in the relationship between the two allies, experts say. "Washington is signalling that while it would rather not break military ties with Turkey, it is ready to do so if Ankara does not change its mind regarding the S-400 purchase," said Soner Cagaptay, director of the Turkish program at the Washington Institute. Strains in ties between Washington and Ankara already extend beyond the F-35 to include conflicting strategy in Syria, Iran sanctions and the detention of US consular staff in Turkey. Done deal The Pentagon and State Department declined to comment on any deliberations about the pilots. But Pentagon spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Mike Andrews noted discussions are taking place with Ankara on potentially buying the Patriot missile defence system. Andrews said the Patriot system, made by Raytheon Co., "remains a robust, NATO-interoperable alternative to the S-400 for (Turkey's) national defence requirements." On Monday, Turkish broadcaster Haberturk quoted Akar as saying in an interview that the delivery of the S-400 may not happen in June, when Turkey previously said the missiles were due to arrive. He added the agreement was a done deal, however. "They may not make it by June but they will come in the months ahead. The process has begun," he was quoted as saying. Objecting to Ankara's planned Russian defence purchase, the United States in late March halted delivery of equipment related to the F-35 to Turkey, which is both a buyer and a production partner in the program. The move was the first concrete step of what could eventually be the full removal of Turkey from the F-35 program. The United States has warned that if Turkey takes delivery of the Russian system, it will also trigger US sanctions under CATSAA, a law calling for sanctions against countries procuring military equipment from Russia. Turkey has said that as a NATO member it poses no threat to the United States and the sanctions should not apply. Ankara has also increasingly pinned its hopes on President Donald Trump to protect it from such penalties. US officials have called Turkey's planned purchase of the S-400 system "deeply problematic." Washington and other NATO allies that own F-35s fear the system's radar will learn how to spot and track the jet, making it less able to evade Russian weapons.

US may suspend training of Turkish pilots for F-35 jets over Russia missile deal

Who pays Trump's tariffs? China, US customers or companies

US President Donald Trump is on a purposeful trip to Japan. The bilateral ties between US and Japan has been escalates with a mega defence deal. Both nations are on a edge to make ties more stronger and wealthier.

In eventful trip to Japan, Trump inks mega defence deal with Abe

Senior national security officials from the United States and Taiwan have held their first meeting in four decades this month, with the aim of deepening cooperation, the government in Taipei has said.

Taiwan and US officials hold rare meeting amid China tension

The winner of a sumo tournament in Tokyo this weekend will take home a unique prize: a custom-made “Trump Award” presented by President Trump himself.

Trump honours Japanese sumo wrestler with 'Trump Award'

US President Donald Trump met new Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako today in the ceremonial highlight of a state visit overshadowed by trade tensions between the two allies.

Trump meets new Japanese emperor in ceremonial highlight of state visit

With the Trump administration in command, there have been a lot of moderation done in the norms and reports of Immigration, the most widely touched been the H1B visa schemes.

Trump administration to ban work permits for spouses of H-1B holders

US President Donald Trump arrived in Tokyo for a four-day visit to Japan on Saturday. Under the threat of potentially devastating US tariffs on cars, Japan is rolling out the newest phase of its charm offensive targeting Trump, as it welcomed him on a state visit tailor-made to his whims and ego.

Trump arrives in Japan for four-day visit

Frank DeVita a World War II veteran remembers the D-Day invasion.

US D-Day vet tells his story: 'Why am I alive?'

Lawmakers on Capitol Hill were briefed behind closed doors Tuesday about the escalation in tensions with Iran. Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and intelligence officials were on hand to get lawmakers up to speed on recent threats in the region as well as explain U.S. military posturing.

US officials seek to tamp down Trump rhetoric on Iran

The US&nbsp;seizure of a North Korean cargo ship is the biggest stumbling block to improving bilateral relations, a senior North Korean official said on Wednesday, warning Washington against using the "logic of strength" against Pyongyang.

The Trump administration must make a "big decision" on lifting sanctions before stalled nuclear negotiations can resume, Han Tae Song, North Korea`s ambassador to the UN&nbsp;in Geneva, added in an interview.

"It would be the greatest miscalculation if America thought my country is among the countries where American-style logic of strength or pressure might work," Han, who is also North Korea`s disarmament ambassador, told Reuters.

North Korea, under US&nbsp;and UN sanctions for its nuclear and missile programmes, has stepped up a campaign for the return of the ship, which Washington says it seized over accusations it was used for coal shipments in violation of the curbs.

The country has warned Washington that the impounding of the "Wise Honest" ship had violated its sovereignty and could affect "future developments" between the two countries.

"Yes, (it is) the biggest issue," Han said of the vessel, which US officials say is en route to American Samoa. "It is because it is the infringing upon the sovereignty of our country."

Han described the seizure as a "wanton violation of international law" and demanded its immediate return.

Han said he had no information on its cargo, but on the consequences of a US failure to return the ship, he said: "We don`t want, the Americans also don`t want and the international community don`t want the situation again worsening."

At their second summit meeting in February, talks broke down between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, stalling moves toward denuclearisation.&nbsp;

Han said his country`s short-range missile tests carried out earlier in May were a "routine checking of our national defence capabilities", indicating that they would continue.

"WE ARE NOT OBSESSED" OVER MORE TALKS

The UN Security Council has unanimously strengthened sanctions on North Korea since 2006 in a bid to choke funding for Pyongyang’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs, banning exports including coal, iron, lead, textiles and seafood, and capping imports of crude oil and refined petroleum products.

Asked whether North Korea was ready to resume nuclear negotiations with the United States, Han referred to Kim`s speech to the Supreme People`s Assembly in April.

"If they don`t change their minds, if they don`t make a big decision, we are not obsessed over another round of talks with the USA, out of (being) thirsty for lifting sanctions," Han said.

"That`s why our leader said that if they made a big decision, there will be another round of talks with America."

Han said that North Korean grain production was lower last year following drought, leading to a "shortage of food".

UN&nbsp;agencies, including the World Food Programme (WFP), are providing food assistance, from donor contributions, he said.

"If there is food aid, it`s ok. But if there is no food aid, then we have to manage ourselves."

Asked whether the food shortages were manageable, he replied: "It is manageable, but the problem is UN sanctions.

"We can`t transact for importing the food through banking systems, that is the main problem."&nbsp;

The US seizure of a North Korean cargo ship is the biggest stumbling block to improving bilateral relations, a senior North Korean official said on Wednesday, warning Washington against using the "logic of strength" against Pyongyang.

The US seizure of a North Korean cargo ship is the biggest stumbling block to improving bilateral relations, a senior North Korean official said on Wednesday, warning Washington against using the "logic of strength" against Pyongyang. The Trump administration must make a "big decision" on lifting sanctions before stalled nuclear negotiations can resume, Han Tae Song, North Korea`s ambassador to the UN in Geneva, added in an interview. "It would be the greatest miscalculation if America thought my country is among the countries where American-style logic of strength or pressure might work," Han, who is also North Korea`s disarmament ambassador, told Reuters. North Korea, under US and UN sanctions for its nuclear and missile programmes, has stepped up a campaign for the return of the ship, which Washington says it seized over accusations it was used for coal shipments in violation of the curbs. The country has warned Washington that the impounding of the "Wise Honest" ship had violated its sovereignty and could affect "future developments" between the two countries. "Yes, (it is) the biggest issue," Han said of the vessel, which US officials say is en route to American Samoa. "It is because it is the infringing upon the sovereignty of our country." Han described the seizure as a "wanton violation of international law" and demanded its immediate return. Han said he had no information on its cargo, but on the consequences of a US failure to return the ship, he said: "We don`t want, the Americans also don`t want and the international community don`t want the situation again worsening." At their second summit meeting in February, talks broke down between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, stalling moves toward denuclearisation. Han said his country`s short-range missile tests carried out earlier in May were a "routine checking of our national defence capabilities", indicating that they would continue. "WE ARE NOT OBSESSED" OVER MORE TALKS The UN Security Council has unanimously strengthened sanctions on North Korea since 2006 in a bid to choke funding for Pyongyang’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs, banning exports including coal, iron, lead, textiles and seafood, and capping imports of crude oil and refined petroleum products. Asked whether North Korea was ready to resume nuclear negotiations with the United States, Han referred to Kim`s speech to the Supreme People`s Assembly in April. "If they don`t change their minds, if they don`t make a big decision, we are not obsessed over another round of talks with the USA, out of (being) thirsty for lifting sanctions," Han said. "That`s why our leader said that if they made a big decision, there will be another round of talks with America." Han said that North Korean grain production was lower last year following drought, leading to a "shortage of food". UN agencies, including the World Food Programme (WFP), are providing food assistance, from donor contributions, he said. "If there is food aid, it`s ok. But if there is no food aid, then we have to manage ourselves." Asked whether the food shortages were manageable, he replied: "It is manageable, but the problem is UN sanctions. "We can`t transact for importing the food through banking systems, that is the main problem."

North Korea says 'biggest issue' in US ties is impounded ship

The United States and its supporters do not dare attack Iran because of its "spirit of resistance", a senior Revolutionary Guards commander was quoted on Wednesday as saying.

Tensions have spiked between Iran and the United States after Washington sent more military forces to the Middle East, including an aircraft carrier, B-52 bombers and Patriot missiles, in a show of force against what US officials say are Iranian threats to its troops and interests in the region.

"If the criminal America and its Western and regional allies don`t dare carry out a face-to-face military attack against our country it is because of the spirit of resistance and sacrifice of the people and youth," Major General Gholamali Rashid said, according to the Fars news agency.

In a Twitter message addressed to US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday, an adviser to Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said the US military deployment to the region was a deliberate provocation.

"You @SecPompeo do not bring warships to our region and call it deterrence. That`s called provocation. It compels Iran to illustrate its own deterrence, which you call provocation. You see the cycle?," the adviser, Hesameddin Ashena, tweeted in English.&nbsp;

On Sunday, US President Donald Trump tweeted, "If Iran wants to fight, that will be the official end of Iran. Never threaten the United States again!"

The United States and its supporters do not dare attack Iran because of its "spirit of resistance", a senior Revolutionary Guards commander was quoted on Wednesday as saying.

The United States and its supporters do not dare attack Iran because of its "spirit of resistance", a senior Revolutionary Guards commander was quoted on Wednesday as saying. Tensions have spiked between Iran and the United States after Washington sent more military forces to the Middle East, including an aircraft carrier, B-52 bombers and Patriot missiles, in a show of force against what US officials say are Iranian threats to its troops and interests in the region. "If the criminal America and its Western and regional allies don`t dare carry out a face-to-face military attack against our country it is because of the spirit of resistance and sacrifice of the people and youth," Major General Gholamali Rashid said, according to the Fars news agency. In a Twitter message addressed to US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday, an adviser to Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said the US military deployment to the region was a deliberate provocation. "You @SecPompeo do not bring warships to our region and call it deterrence. That`s called provocation. It compels Iran to illustrate its own deterrence, which you call provocation. You see the cycle?," the adviser, Hesameddin Ashena, tweeted in English. On Sunday, US President Donald Trump tweeted, "If Iran wants to fight, that will be the official end of Iran. Never threaten the United States again!"

US does not dare attack Iran: Revolutionary Guards commander

Abortion-rights advocates held demonstrations across the the U.S. on Tuesday (May 21) to protest new restrictions on abortion passed by Republican-dominated legislatures in eight states.

Heated abortion-rights rallies sweep the US

North Korea stepped up its campaign on Tuesday for the United States to return a seized cargo ship belonging to Pyongyang, warning Washington that it had violated its sovereignty in a move that could affect "future developments" between the countries.

North Korea's UN Ambassador Kim Song held a rare news conference at the United Nations in New York to demand the immediate return of the ship, which the United States said earlier this month it had seized over accusations it was used for coal shipments in violation of US and UN sanctions.

"The United States should deliberate and think over the consequences its outrageous act might have on the future developments. Also, the United States must return our cargo ship without delay," Kim said. "We regard it as part of our territory where our sovereignty is fully exercised."

He said the seizure of the ship, known as the "Wise Honest," defied the spirit of a statement by US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un after their first meeting in Singapore in June 2018. They pledged to build new ties between their countries and work toward North Korea's denuclearization.

The US Justice Department earlier this month said the ship was seized and impounded to American Samoa. The vessel was first detained by Indonesia in April 2018.

A second meeting between Trump and Kim Jong Un in Hanoi broke down in February. With talks on denuclearization stalled, North Korea went ahead with more weapons tests this month. The tests were seen as a protest by Kim Jong Un after Trump rejected his calls for sanctions relief at the Hanoi summit.

The UN Security Council has unanimously strengthened sanctions on North Korea since 2006 in a bid to choke funding for Pyongyang's nuclear and ballistic missile programs, banning exports including coal, iron, lead, textiles and seafood, and capping imports of crude oil and refined petroleum products.

"We will carefully watch every move of the United States," said Kim.

Kim wrote to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday to ask him to take "urgent measures" over the issue. U.N spokesman Stephane Dujarric said on Tuesday that the letter had been received.

"We're taking a look at it. The issue of sanctions, the implementation of sanctions, the interpretation of sanctions, is really a matter for the UN Security Council to decide and to discuss," he said.

North Korea stepped up its campaign on Tuesday for the United States to return a seized cargo ship belonging to Pyongyang, warning Washington that it had violated its sovereignty in a move that could affect "future developments" between the countries.

North Korea stepped up its campaign on Tuesday for the United States to return a seized cargo ship belonging to Pyongyang, warning Washington that it had violated its sovereignty in a move that could affect "future developments" between the countries. North Korea's UN Ambassador Kim Song held a rare news conference at the United Nations in New York to demand the immediate return of the ship, which the United States said earlier this month it had seized over accusations it was used for coal shipments in violation of US and UN sanctions. "The United States should deliberate and think over the consequences its outrageous act might have on the future developments. Also, the United States must return our cargo ship without delay," Kim said. "We regard it as part of our territory where our sovereignty is fully exercised." He said the seizure of the ship, known as the "Wise Honest," defied the spirit of a statement by US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un after their first meeting in Singapore in June 2018. They pledged to build new ties between their countries and work toward North Korea's denuclearization. The US Justice Department earlier this month said the ship was seized and impounded to American Samoa. The vessel was first detained by Indonesia in April 2018. A second meeting between Trump and Kim Jong Un in Hanoi broke down in February. With talks on denuclearization stalled, North Korea went ahead with more weapons tests this month. The tests were seen as a protest by Kim Jong Un after Trump rejected his calls for sanctions relief at the Hanoi summit. The UN Security Council has unanimously strengthened sanctions on North Korea since 2006 in a bid to choke funding for Pyongyang's nuclear and ballistic missile programs, banning exports including coal, iron, lead, textiles and seafood, and capping imports of crude oil and refined petroleum products. "We will carefully watch every move of the United States," said Kim. Kim wrote to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday to ask him to take "urgent measures" over the issue. U.N spokesman Stephane Dujarric said on Tuesday that the letter had been received. "We're taking a look at it. The issue of sanctions, the implementation of sanctions, the interpretation of sanctions, is really a matter for the UN Security Council to decide and to discuss," he said.

North Korea warns US over seized ship at rare UN news conference

The Trump administration gave a little ground today in its dispute with Chinese tech giant Huawei. It is backing off on restrictions placed on the company less than a week ago. The Commerce Department had barred U.S. companies from doing business with Huawei unless they received a special license. The idea was to hurt Huawei, but U.S. tech company stocks were caught in the crossfire.

Google restricts Huawei's access to Android systems

The Iranian foreign minister, Javad Zarif, has hit back at Donald Trump’s “genocidal taunts” after a strongly worded warning from Trump that Tehran should not think of attacking the US.

Iran slams Donald Trump over his 'genocidal tauts'

Chinese telecoms equipment maker <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-eases-some-restrictions-on-chinas-huawei-to-keep-networks-operating-220249">Huawei called</a> itself the victim of US "bullying" on Tuesday and said it was working with Google to counter trade restrictions imposed by Washington last week, a senior Huawei executive said.

The US government said it imposed the restrictions because of Huawei's involvement in activities contrary to national security or foreign policy interests.

On Monday, it temporarily eased the curbs to minimize disruption for customers, a move dismissed by Huawei's founder who said the tech firm had prepared for US action.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/google-suspends-some-business-with-huawei-after-trump-blacklist-source-220001">Alphabet Inc's Google </a>Sunday suspended business with Huawei that requires the transfer of hardware, software and technical services except those publicly available via open source licensing, citing a source familiar with the matter.

"They (Google) have zero motivation to block us. We are working closely with Google to find out how Huawei can handle the situation and the impact from the US Department of Commerce decision," Abraham Liu, Huawei's representative to the EU institutions told Reuters.

Liu said Huawei did not blame Google for its decision and that it was too early to say what the consequences will be.

"Huawei is becoming the victim of the bullying by the US administration. This is not just an attack against Huawei. It is an attack on the liberal, rules-based order," Liu added.

Chinese telecoms equipment maker Huawei called itself the victim of US "bullying" on Tuesday and said it was working with Google to counter trade restrictions imposed by Washington last week, a senior Huawei executive said.

Chinese telecoms equipment maker Huawei called itself the victim of US "bullying" on Tuesday and said it was working with Google to counter trade restrictions imposed by Washington last week, a senior Huawei executive said. The US government said it imposed the restrictions because of Huawei's involvement in activities contrary to national security or foreign policy interests. On Monday, it temporarily eased the curbs to minimize disruption for customers, a move dismissed by Huawei's founder who said the tech firm had prepared for US action. Alphabet Inc's Google Sunday suspended business with Huawei that requires the transfer of hardware, software and technical services except those publicly available via open source licensing, citing a source familiar with the matter. "They (Google) have zero motivation to block us. We are working closely with Google to find out how Huawei can handle the situation and the impact from the US Department of Commerce decision," Abraham Liu, Huawei's representative to the EU institutions told Reuters. Liu said Huawei did not blame Google for its decision and that it was too early to say what the consequences will be. "Huawei is becoming the victim of the bullying by the US administration. This is not just an attack against Huawei. It is an attack on the liberal, rules-based order," Liu added.

Huawei accuses US of bullying, says working with Google to counter ban

The U.S. accusation that China has been forcing foreign companies to transfer technology is groundless and nothing but a pretext aimed at suppressing China's development, said Chinese experts.

US accusation of 'forced technology transfer' is baseless: experts

US President Donald Trump on Monday claimed that former Vice President Joe Biden "deserted" Pennsylvania. Trump and Biden have made Pennsylvania front and centre in the efforts to win the presidency in 2020.

Trump tells Penn. rally: 'Biden deserted you'

US President Donald Trump threatened Iran in a tweet on Sunday, raising concerns about a potential US-Iran conflict at a time when tensions between Washington and Tehran have risen. Discusses this topic with Syed Mohd Marandi, Political Analyst from Tehran & also with Mr. Stephen Golub, International Affairs Expert from California.

US-Iran Tensions; Discusses with some experts

US President Donald Trump threatened Iran in a tweet on Sunday, raising concerns about a potential US-Iran conflict at a time when tensions between Washington and Tehran have risen.

Trump threatens Iran in tweet as tension between two countries escalate

"If Iran wants to fight, that will be the official end of Iran," he said in a tweet on Sunday. "Never threaten the United States again!" The US has deployed additional warships and planes to the Gulf in recent days.

'If Iran wants to fight, that will be the official end of Iran': Donald Trump

Google has suspended business with Huawei that requires the transfer of hardware, software and technical services except those publicly available via open source licensing, a source familiar with the matter told on Sunday, in a blow to the Chinese technology company that the U.S. government has sought to blacklist around the world.

Google suspends business with  Huawei; big blow to Chinese tech firm

Afghanistan has asked the US to reveal the exact nature of the relationship between Pakistan and Taliban.

Afghanistan seeks clarity from US on Pakistan's relationship with Taliban

The U.S. Commerce Department said on Friday it may soon scale back restrictions on Huawei Technologies after this week’s blacklisting would have made it nearly impossible for the Chinese company to service its existing customers.

US may scale back Huawei trade restrictions to help existing customers

Is The American Dream Getting Over For People From Other Countries?

Gravitas: Trump's 'Visa' Wall: What It Means

How Will Trump's New 'Visa' Policy Affect India?

Gravitas: Trump's 'Visa' Wall: What Happens To India's H-1B Visa Story?

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