India is concerned about the "threats" it faces in space, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-continue-to-collaborate-with-india-on-security-and-safety-in-space-us-on-asat-test-207649">the Pentagon has said</a>, defending the country for acquiring anti-satellite (ASAT) missile test capabilities.

On March 27, India achieved a historic feat by shooting down its own <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-tracking-250-270-objects-from-indian-asat-test-debris-iss-not-at-risk-pentagon-206638">low-orbit satellite with a ground-to-space</a> missile, making the country a space power.

The test made India the fourth country in the world after the US, Russia and China to have the ASAT capabilities.

"The first lesson from the Indian ASAT is just the simple question of why did they do that. And the answer should be, I think to all the committee looking at it, is that they did that because they are concerned about threats to their nation from space," US Strategic Command Commander General John E Hyten told members of the powerful Senate Armed Services Committee on Thursday.

"And therefore, they feel they have to have a capability to defend themselves in space," Hyten told Senate Armed Services Committee while responding to a question from Senators on the need for India to do anti-satellite missile test, and the debris it generated in the space.

After India's test, NASA had termed as a "terrible thing" the country's shooting down of one of its satellites, saying it created about 400 pieces of orbital debris, endangering the&nbsp;International Space Station (ISS).

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine had said about 60 pieces were tracked and out of which 24 are going above the apogee of the ISS.

Hyten advocated for the development of some kind of international norms of behaviour in space.

"And where those norms of behaviour should begin, from my opinion, is with debris, because as the combatant commander responsible for space today, I don't want more debris," said the top Pentagon commander.

Raising the issue, Senator Tim Kaine said India announced last month that it had successfully conducted a test of an anti-satellite weapon.

"So, they had something in low earth orbit. They used an anti-satellite weapon to down, and it resulted in - the estimate's right now 400 pieces of debris, 24 which are large enough to potentially pose a threat to the International Space Station," he said.

"There have been other instances like this. There was a Chinese - a similar effort in 2007 that led to the catalogued 100,000 pieces of debris, many of which are still observing in debris fields that pose danger to other assets in space," he said.

There was a collision in '09 between a working US satellite and a sort of defunct Soviet-era satellite that - kind of a fender bender that produced debris. Then this debris causes challenges, he added.

"If we think that space is going to be more of a traffic jam, more satellites for all kinds of purposes up there, what should we be thinking about as a Senate in this committee or in Foreign Relations about sort of the rules?" he asked.

"What should the rules environment be, and what should we be doing to try to promote rules? India is an ally. We're not talking about an adversary doing something. We're talking about them testing some capacity, but then that creates challenges for all kinds of uses of space. How should we be solving problems like that?" Kaine asked.&nbsp;

India is concerned about the "threats" it faces in space, the Pentagon has said, defending the country for acquiring anti-satellite (ASAT) missile test capabilities.

India is concerned about the "threats" it faces in space, the Pentagon has said, defending the country for acquiring anti-satellite (ASAT) missile test capabilities. On March 27, India achieved a historic feat by shooting down its own low-orbit satellite with a ground-to-space missile, making the country a space power. The test made India the fourth country in the world after the US, Russia and China to have the ASAT capabilities. "The first lesson from the Indian ASAT is just the simple question of why did they do that. And the answer should be, I think to all the committee looking at it, is that they did that because they are concerned about threats to their nation from space," US Strategic Command Commander General John E Hyten told members of the powerful Senate Armed Services Committee on Thursday. "And therefore, they feel they have to have a capability to defend themselves in space," Hyten told Senate Armed Services Committee while responding to a question from Senators on the need for India to do anti-satellite missile test, and the debris it generated in the space. After India's test, NASA had termed as a "terrible thing" the country's shooting down of one of its satellites, saying it created about 400 pieces of orbital debris, endangering the International Space Station (ISS). NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine had said about 60 pieces were tracked and out of which 24 are going above the apogee of the ISS. Hyten advocated for the development of some kind of international norms of behaviour in space. "And where those norms of behaviour should begin, from my opinion, is with debris, because as the combatant commander responsible for space today, I don't want more debris," said the top Pentagon commander. Raising the issue, Senator Tim Kaine said India announced last month that it had successfully conducted a test of an anti-satellite weapon. "So, they had something in low earth orbit. They used an anti-satellite weapon to down, and it resulted in - the estimate's right now 400 pieces of debris, 24 which are large enough to potentially pose a threat to the International Space Station," he said. "There have been other instances like this. There was a Chinese - a similar effort in 2007 that led to the catalogued 100,000 pieces of debris, many of which are still observing in debris fields that pose danger to other assets in space," he said. There was a collision in '09 between a working US satellite and a sort of defunct Soviet-era satellite that - kind of a fender bender that produced debris. Then this debris causes challenges, he added. "If we think that space is going to be more of a traffic jam, more satellites for all kinds of purposes up there, what should we be thinking about as a Senate in this committee or in Foreign Relations about sort of the rules?" he asked. "What should the rules environment be, and what should we be doing to try to promote rules? India is an ally. We're not talking about an adversary doing something. We're talking about them testing some capacity, but then that creates challenges for all kinds of uses of space. How should we be solving problems like that?" Kaine asked.

India conducted ASAT test because they face threats from other nations in space: US commander to Senate committee

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, April 11th 2019

A UK court on Thursday found Julian Assange guilty on the charge of breaching his bail conditions after the Wikileaks co-founder was arrested by Scotland Yard officers from his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ecuadors-withdrawal-of-asylum-for-assange-illegal-wikileaks-209553">Ecuador Embassy</a> hideout in London as the South American country withdrew the asylum granted to him.

Assange, who has also been arrested on a provisional US extradition warrant, was produced before Westminster Magistrates Court in London where he pleaded not guilty to the charge of failing to surrender.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/julian-assange-is-no-hero-british-foreign-secretary-jeremy-hunt-209613">Julian Assange 'is no hero': British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt</a>

Describing his behaviour as that of a "narcissist who cannot get beyond his own selfish interest", District Judge Michael Snow ruled Assange was guilty for breaching bail and ordered him to appear via videolink on May 2 for an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/julian-assange-to-fight-us-extradition-request-lawyer-209644">extradition hearing</a>.

The court heard that during his arrest at the embassy after nearly seven years in hiding, the 47-year-old had to be restrained as he shouted, "This is unlawful, I am not leaving."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/timeline-key-developments-leading-to-julian-assanges-arrest-209585">Timeline: Key developments leading to Julian Assange's arrest</a>

Scotland Yard said after his initial arrest on breach of bail conditions in the UK, Assange was further arrested on behalf of the US authorities after his arrival at a central London police station on an extradition warrant.

British Prime Minister Theresa May confirmed the arrest in Parliament, describing it as a "legal matter" as Assange now faces extradition proceedings to the US on "charges relating to computer offences".

"He has also been arrested in relation to an extradition request from the United States authorities," May told the Commons in a statement. "This goes to show that in the United Kingdom, no one is above the law," she said.

Assange, who was seen in public after many years as he was dragged out of the Ecuador Embassy, appeared visibly aged and sporting a long white beard. He waved a thumbs-up sign at the public gallery in court as he was produced in court. He now faces a 12-month sentence in the UK on the charge of failure to surrender and will remain in judicial custody until he is sentenced at Southwark Crown Court in London next month. According to details that emerged in court, his extradition to the US is sought on alleged conspiracy charges related to one of the largest leaks of government secrets.

Earlier on Thursday, the Metropolitan Police said its officers had executed a warrant against Assange dating back to June 29, 2012 for "failing to surrender"&nbsp;before a UK.&nbsp;

The Australian-born campaigner has been holed up in a back room of the Ecuador embassy in central London for nearly seven years since his arrest on sexual assault charges in Sweden.&nbsp;

He had claimed asylum on the grounds that he feared ultimate extradition to the US, where he claims to face a possible death sentence or torture for Wikileaks' alleged leak of American secrets.&nbsp;

Assange sought refuge at the Ecuador Embassy in Knightsbridge in June 2012, having lost an appeal against extradition to Sweden for questioning on allegations of rape and sexual assault that went up to the UK Supreme Court.&nbsp;

While the Swedish case has since been dropped, Assange was wanted by Scotland Yard for breach of bail and faced arrest the moment he stepped out of the diplomatically immune territory. But once that immunity was lifted, he was taken into custody.

The UK government welcomed the arrest, which it said was the result of "extensive dialogue" between the UK and Ecuador. A Downing Street spokesperson stressed that the UK did not lobby for his arrest in any way and the "decision to revoke asylum"&nbsp;was entirely made by Ecuador.&nbsp;

"Ecuador's actions recognise that the UK's justice system is one in which rights are protected and in which, contrary to what Mr Assange and his supporters may claim, he and his legitimate interests will be protected," UK home secretary Sajid Javid said in a statement to Parliament.

UK foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt, stressed in his statement that Assange was no "hero"&nbsp;as he had hidden from the truth for years.&nbsp;

Ecuador's President, Lenin Moreno, said the country had withdrawn Assange's asylum after he repeatedly violated the conditions of his asylum. 
Wikileaks tweeted that Ecuador had acted illegally in terminating Assange's political asylum "in violation of international law".

The relationship between Assange and his host country had soured considerably in recent months, resulting in the Wikileaks co-founder taking legal action against Ecuador last October for allegedly violating his "fundamental rights and freedoms". He was placed under a new set of house rules and allowed only limited internet access.&nbsp;

The US authorities have never officially confirmed that they have charged Assange but the criminal charges related to the publication of classified documents were accidentally made public last year.&nbsp;

In December 2017, Ecuador gave Assange citizenship and was reportedly preparing to appoint him to a diplomatic post in Russia, but the British government made clear that if he left the embassy, he would be arrested.&nbsp;

Assange set up Wikileaks in 2006 with the stated aim of obtaining and publishing confidential documents and images. The organisation hit the headlines four years later when it released footage of US soldiers killing civilians from a helicopter in Iraq.&nbsp;

The US Department of Justice said in a statement that the extradition request was in connection with federal charges of conspiracy to commit computer intrusion, relating to the Chelsea Manning revelations. They carry a maximum penalty of five years in prison.&nbsp;

A UK court on Thursday found Julian Assange guilty on the charge of breaching his bail conditions after the Wikileaks co-founder was arrested by Scotland Yard officers from his Ecuador Embassy hideout in London as the South American country withdrew the asylum granted to him.

A UK court on Thursday found Julian Assange guilty on the charge of breaching his bail conditions after the Wikileaks co-founder was arrested by Scotland Yard officers from his Ecuador Embassy hideout in London as the South American country withdrew the asylum granted to him. Assange, who has also been arrested on a provisional US extradition warrant, was produced before Westminster Magistrates Court in London where he pleaded not guilty to the charge of failing to surrender. Also read: Julian Assange 'is no hero': British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt Describing his behaviour as that of a "narcissist who cannot get beyond his own selfish interest", District Judge Michael Snow ruled Assange was guilty for breaching bail and ordered him to appear via videolink on May 2 for an extradition hearing. The court heard that during his arrest at the embassy after nearly seven years in hiding, the 47-year-old had to be restrained as he shouted, "This is unlawful, I am not leaving." Timeline: Key developments leading to Julian Assange's arrest Scotland Yard said after his initial arrest on breach of bail conditions in the UK, Assange was further arrested on behalf of the US authorities after his arrival at a central London police station on an extradition warrant. British Prime Minister Theresa May confirmed the arrest in Parliament, describing it as a "legal matter" as Assange now faces extradition proceedings to the US on "charges relating to computer offences". "He has also been arrested in relation to an extradition request from the United States authorities," May told the Commons in a statement. "This goes to show that in the United Kingdom, no one is above the law," she said. Assange, who was seen in public after many years as he was dragged out of the Ecuador Embassy, appeared visibly aged and sporting a long white beard. He waved a thumbs-up sign at the public gallery in court as he was produced in court. He now faces a 12-month sentence in the UK on the charge of failure to surrender and will remain in judicial custody until he is sentenced at Southwark Crown Court in London next month. According to details that emerged in court, his extradition to the US is sought on alleged conspiracy charges related to one of the largest leaks of government secrets. Earlier on Thursday, the Metropolitan Police said its officers had executed a warrant against Assange dating back to June 29, 2012 for "failing to surrender" before a UK. The Australian-born campaigner has been holed up in a back room of the Ecuador embassy in central London for nearly seven years since his arrest on sexual assault charges in Sweden. He had claimed asylum on the grounds that he feared ultimate extradition to the US, where he claims to face a possible death sentence or torture for Wikileaks' alleged leak of American secrets. Assange sought refuge at the Ecuador Embassy in Knightsbridge in June 2012, having lost an appeal against extradition to Sweden for questioning on allegations of rape and sexual assault that went up to the UK Supreme Court. While the Swedish case has since been dropped, Assange was wanted by Scotland Yard for breach of bail and faced arrest the moment he stepped out of the diplomatically immune territory. But once that immunity was lifted, he was taken into custody. The UK government welcomed the arrest, which it said was the result of "extensive dialogue" between the UK and Ecuador. A Downing Street spokesperson stressed that the UK did not lobby for his arrest in any way and the "decision to revoke asylum" was entirely made by Ecuador. "Ecuador's actions recognise that the UK's justice system is one in which rights are protected and in which, contrary to what Mr Assange and his supporters may claim, he and his legitimate interests will be protected," UK home secretary Sajid Javid said in a statement to Parliament. UK foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt, stressed in his statement that Assange was no "hero" as he had hidden from the truth for years. Ecuador's President, Lenin Moreno, said the country had withdrawn Assange's asylum after he repeatedly violated the conditions of his asylum. Wikileaks tweeted that Ecuador had acted illegally in terminating Assange's political asylum "in violation of international law". The relationship between Assange and his host country had soured considerably in recent months, resulting in the Wikileaks co-founder taking legal action against Ecuador last October for allegedly violating his "fundamental rights and freedoms". He was placed under a new set of house rules and allowed only limited internet access. The US authorities have never officially confirmed that they have charged Assange but the criminal charges related to the publication of classified documents were accidentally made public last year. In December 2017, Ecuador gave Assange citizenship and was reportedly preparing to appoint him to a diplomatic post in Russia, but the British government made clear that if he left the embassy, he would be arrested. Assange set up Wikileaks in 2006 with the stated aim of obtaining and publishing confidential documents and images. The organisation hit the headlines four years later when it released footage of US soldiers killing civilians from a helicopter in Iraq. The US Department of Justice said in a statement that the extradition request was in connection with federal charges of conspiracy to commit computer intrusion, relating to the Chelsea Manning revelations. They carry a maximum penalty of five years in prison.

Julian Assange found guilty of breach of bail in UK after arrest, faces extradition to US

WikiLeaks founder <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/timeline-of-wikileaks-founder-julian-assanges-arrest-209547">Julian Assange</a> will be "contesting and fighting" a US request for his extradition, his lawyer Jennifer Robinson said on Thursday following his arrest by British police.

Robinson said Assange had also told her to pass a message to his supporters that his repeated warnings about the risk of US extradition had been proved right.

"He said, 'I told you so'," she said outside Westminster Magistrates Court in London.

Wikileaks founder&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/timeline-of-wikileaks-founder-julian-assanges-arrest-209547">Julian Assange</a>&nbsp;was arrested in London on Thursday&nbsp;after being evicted from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ecuadors-withdrawal-of-asylum-for-assange-illegal-wikileaks-209553">Ecuadorean Embassy</a>.

UK police say they were invited into the Ecuadorian embassy after its government withdrew asylum.

Assange was taken into custody at a central London police station, before he’s presented at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.

The United States Justice Department has filed criminal charges against Assange, 47, related to the publication of classified documents, a fact that prosecutors accidentally made public in November. He also faces a charge in a British court of jumping bail.

Assange is also suspected of aiding Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election by releasing material stolen from the computers of the Clinton campaign and the Democratic Party. In July, the Justice Department charged 12 Russian intelligence officers with hacking those computers, and the indictment contends that at least one of them was in contact with WikiLeaks.

Julian Assange has been the subject of a sophisticated spying operation in the Ecuadorean embassy where he has been holed up since 2012, the group said.

Assange’s future in the embassy was called into question last year after the president of Ecuador said he would “eventually” have to leave the property and revealed that he was in discussions with British authorities to end his asylum.&nbsp;

The WikiLeaks founder was first granted asylum in 2012 in order to avoid extradition to Sweden over allegations of sexual assault.

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange will be "contesting and fighting" a US request for his extradition, his lawyer Jennifer Robinson said on Thursday following his arrest by British police.

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange will be "contesting and fighting" a US request for his extradition, his lawyer Jennifer Robinson said on Thursday following his arrest by British police. Robinson said Assange had also told her to pass a message to his supporters that his repeated warnings about the risk of US extradition had been proved right. "He said, 'I told you so'," she said outside Westminster Magistrates Court in London. Wikileaks founder Julian Assange was arrested in London on Thursday after being evicted from the Ecuadorean Embassy. UK police say they were invited into the Ecuadorian embassy after its government withdrew asylum. Assange was taken into custody at a central London police station, before he’s presented at Westminster Magistrates’ Court. The United States Justice Department has filed criminal charges against Assange, 47, related to the publication of classified documents, a fact that prosecutors accidentally made public in November. He also faces a charge in a British court of jumping bail. Assange is also suspected of aiding Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election by releasing material stolen from the computers of the Clinton campaign and the Democratic Party. In July, the Justice Department charged 12 Russian intelligence officers with hacking those computers, and the indictment contends that at least one of them was in contact with WikiLeaks. Julian Assange has been the subject of a sophisticated spying operation in the Ecuadorean embassy where he has been holed up since 2012, the group said. Assange’s future in the embassy was called into question last year after the president of Ecuador said he would “eventually” have to leave the property and revealed that he was in discussions with British authorities to end his asylum. The WikiLeaks founder was first granted asylum in 2012 in order to avoid extradition to Sweden over allegations of sexual assault.

Julian Assange to fight US extradition request: Lawyer

Julian Assange, the WikiLeaks founder who released reams of secret documents that embarrassed the United States government, was arrested by the British police on Thursday at the Ecuadorean Embassy in London, where he had lived since 2012, after Ecuador withdrew the asylum it had granted him.

WikiLeaks founder, Julian Assange is arrested in London

US Attorney General William Barr left senators confused about whether he believed that unauthorized spying on President Trump's campaign had occurred, as he was pressed on the impending release of special counsel Robert Mueller's final report on Russian interference in the 2016 election.

William Barr: Spying "did occur" on Trump campaign'16

President Donald Trump continued to dismantle the nation’s top domestic security agency Monday as the White House announced the imminent removal of U.S. Secret Service Director, the latest in a series of departures from the Department of Homeland Security.

A purge underway at US Homeland Security Department?

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is calling on President Donald Trump to sign into law a resolution ending American involvement in the war in Yemen.

Historic resolution to end US role in Yemen war

Sixteen parents, including actress Lori Loughlin and her husband, fashion designer Mossimo Giannulli, face new charges in the college admissions scandal that has already snared dozens of wealthy individuals.

US: 16 more parents faces allegations in college admission scandal

Three Russian ships docked in Manila, the Philippines for a five-day port call on Monday aimed at improving navy-to-navy relations amid heightened tensions in the South China Sea.

Russian Warships arrive in Philippines as Manila distances itself from US

Three American soldiers and a US contractor were killed when their convoy hit a roadside bomb on Monday near the main US base in Afghanistan. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack.

4 Americans die in roadside Afghanistan blast, Taliban claims responsiblity

Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Monday his country would forge ahead with the purchase of an air-defense system from Russia despite U.S. warnings that using the equipment would jeopardize Ankara’s role within the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

Turkey vows to buy Russian Missiles despite US warnings

Iran will take reciprocal action against the United States if Washington designates the elite Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) as terrorists, a majority of Iranian parliamentarians said on Sunday, according to state news agency IRNA.

The United States is expected to designate the Revolutionary Guards a foreign terrorist organisation, three US officials told Reuters, marking the first time Washington has formally labelled another country’s military a terrorist group.

"We will answer any action taken against this force with a reciprocal action," a statement issued by 255 out of the 290 Iranian lawmakers said, according to IRNA.

"So the leaders of America, who themselves are the creators and supporters of terrorists in the (Middle East) region, will regret this inappropriate and idiotic action."

The US&nbsp;decision, which critics warn could open US&nbsp;military and intelligence officials to similar actions by unfriendly governments abroad, is expected to be announced by the State Department perhaps as early as Monday, the U.S. officials said last week. The move has been rumoured for years.

Iran's foreign minister said on Sunday US&nbsp;officials aiming to designate the IRGC as terrorist wanted to "drag the US&nbsp;into a quagmire" on behalf of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

"#NetanyahuFirsters who have long agitated for FTO (Foreign Terrorist Organisation) of the IRGC fully understand its consequences for US forces in the region. In fact, they seek to drag US into a quagmire on his behalf," Mohammed Javad Zarif said on his Twitter account. "@realDonaldTrump should know better than to be conned into another US disaster."

Israel and Iran are arch-enemies in the Middle East.

Zarif appeared to be implying that classifying the Guards as terrorists would draw them into conflict with US&nbsp;forces in the region.

Netanyahu has described the Tehran government as a "terrorist regime" that threatens the world and promotes attacks worldwide in the name of radical Islam. Iran denies this.

IRGC commander Mohammad Ali Jafari also chimed in on Sunday over the pending US&nbsp;designation, warning the US&nbsp;military would lose all the security it enjoyed in west Asia.

"With this stupidity, the American army and security forces will no longer have today's calm in the west Asia region," Jafari was quoted as saying by semi-official Fars news agency.

Set up after the 1979 Islamic Revolution to protect the Shi'ite clerical ruling system, the IRGC is Iran's most powerful security organisation. It controls large sectors of the Iranian economy and has huge influence in its political system.

Iran will take reciprocal action against the United States if Washington designates the elite Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) as terrorists, a majority of Iranian parliamentarians said on Sunday, according to state news agency IRNA.

Iran will take reciprocal action against the United States if Washington designates the elite Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) as terrorists, a majority of Iranian parliamentarians said on Sunday, according to state news agency IRNA. The United States is expected to designate the Revolutionary Guards a foreign terrorist organisation, three US officials told Reuters, marking the first time Washington has formally labelled another country’s military a terrorist group. "We will answer any action taken against this force with a reciprocal action," a statement issued by 255 out of the 290 Iranian lawmakers said, according to IRNA. "So the leaders of America, who themselves are the creators and supporters of terrorists in the (Middle East) region, will regret this inappropriate and idiotic action." The US decision, which critics warn could open US military and intelligence officials to similar actions by unfriendly governments abroad, is expected to be announced by the State Department perhaps as early as Monday, the U.S. officials said last week. The move has been rumoured for years. Iran's foreign minister said on Sunday US officials aiming to designate the IRGC as terrorist wanted to "drag the US into a quagmire" on behalf of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. "#NetanyahuFirsters who have long agitated for FTO (Foreign Terrorist Organisation) of the IRGC fully understand its consequences for US forces in the region. In fact, they seek to drag US into a quagmire on his behalf," Mohammed Javad Zarif said on his Twitter account. "@realDonaldTrump should know better than to be conned into another US disaster." Israel and Iran are arch-enemies in the Middle East. Zarif appeared to be implying that classifying the Guards as terrorists would draw them into conflict with US forces in the region. Netanyahu has described the Tehran government as a "terrorist regime" that threatens the world and promotes attacks worldwide in the name of radical Islam. Iran denies this. IRGC commander Mohammad Ali Jafari also chimed in on Sunday over the pending US designation, warning the US military would lose all the security it enjoyed in west Asia. "With this stupidity, the American army and security forces will no longer have today's calm in the west Asia region," Jafari was quoted as saying by semi-official Fars news agency. Set up after the 1979 Islamic Revolution to protect the Shi'ite clerical ruling system, the IRGC is Iran's most powerful security organisation. It controls large sectors of the Iranian economy and has huge influence in its political system.

Iran will retaliate in kind if US designates Revolutionary Guards as terrorists: MPs

China trade deal possible in 4 weeks, says Donald Trump

WION Gravitas: Amidst US shutdown, Trump admin spends $100 million of public money

Chinese diplomats have contacted a woman arrested at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/trumps-criticizes-india-for-tremendously-high-tariffs-on-us-goods-says-its-one-of-the-highest-taxing-nations-in-world-207904">US President Donald Trump</a>'s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida and offered her consular services, the Chinese foreign ministry said Thursday.

The woman was arrested Saturday at Trump's resort after attempting to gain access while carrying multiple mobile phones and a thumb drive containing malware, court documents revealed.

The US president was staying at the Florida resort at the time.

Zhang Yujing was arrested and charged with making false statements to federal officers and knowingly entering a restricted building -- which Mar-a-Lago becomes while Trump is in residence.

The Chinese Consulate General in Houston was notified of the arrest and "contacted the person concerned" to provide assistance, foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said at a regular briefing Thursday, without offering details.

An arrest document in the federal district court of Palm Beach said Zhang first presented herself as a member and said she was headed to the pool — despite not having a swimsuit.

She then claimed to be attending a non-existent Chinese-American friendship event.&nbsp;

After she was detained, Zhang said she had been asked by a Chinese friend named Charles to attend the event and try to speak with a member of the president's family about US-China economic relations, the document said.

The woman carried two passports from the People's Republic of China, according to the US Secret Service, which arrested her.

Trump owns the luxurious beachside club in the wealthy Atlantic coast city of Palm Beach, and travels there frequently on weekends to play golf and meet friends.

He keeps a residence in a private area of the club, but was reportedly golfing at a nearby course around the time Zhang was there.

Two events had been recently advertised at Mar-a-Lago for Saturday by a local Chinese-American businesswoman, Cindy Yang, on Chinese language social media, the Miami Herald said.

Yang is a Mar-a-Lago member who built and later sold a chain of massage parlours in Florida, which were recently raided by police over prostitution.&nbsp;

In recent years she has promoted herself as a path of access to the US president, and Yang's website featured pictures of her with Trump, his family and officials.

The Herald also said an event promoter who Yang worked with was named Charles Lee.

Chinese diplomats have contacted a woman arrested at US President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida and offered her consular services, the Chinese foreign ministry said Thursday.

Chinese diplomats have contacted a woman arrested at US President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida and offered her consular services, the Chinese foreign ministry said Thursday. The woman was arrested Saturday at Trump's resort after attempting to gain access while carrying multiple mobile phones and a thumb drive containing malware, court documents revealed. The US president was staying at the Florida resort at the time. Zhang Yujing was arrested and charged with making false statements to federal officers and knowingly entering a restricted building -- which Mar-a-Lago becomes while Trump is in residence. The Chinese Consulate General in Houston was notified of the arrest and "contacted the person concerned" to provide assistance, foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said at a regular briefing Thursday, without offering details. An arrest document in the federal district court of Palm Beach said Zhang first presented herself as a member and said she was headed to the pool — despite not having a swimsuit. She then claimed to be attending a non-existent Chinese-American friendship event. After she was detained, Zhang said she had been asked by a Chinese friend named Charles to attend the event and try to speak with a member of the president's family about US-China economic relations, the document said. The woman carried two passports from the People's Republic of China, according to the US Secret Service, which arrested her. Trump owns the luxurious beachside club in the wealthy Atlantic coast city of Palm Beach, and travels there frequently on weekends to play golf and meet friends. He keeps a residence in a private area of the club, but was reportedly golfing at a nearby course around the time Zhang was there. Two events had been recently advertised at Mar-a-Lago for Saturday by a local Chinese-American businesswoman, Cindy Yang, on Chinese language social media, the Miami Herald said. Yang is a Mar-a-Lago member who built and later sold a chain of massage parlours in Florida, which were recently raided by police over prostitution. In recent years she has promoted herself as a path of access to the US president, and Yang's website featured pictures of her with Trump, his family and officials. The Herald also said an event promoter who Yang worked with was named Charles Lee.

China offers assistance to woman arrested at Trump resort: Foreign ministry

Actresses, Business Leaders and other wealthy Parents charged in US College admission scam

Mexicans tries to emigrate to US by crossing under the border fence

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Tuesday blamed Iran for the level of devastation from major floods, and said Washington was ready to help.

Pompeo issued a statement in implicit response to Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, who on Twitter blamed "economic terrorism" by the United States whose sanctions have led to a chronic shortage of rescue helicopters.

"These floods once again show the level of Iranian regime mismanagement in urban planning and in emergency preparedness. The regime blames outside entities when, in fact, it is their mismanagement that has led to this disaster," Pompeo said in a statement.

"The United States stands ready to assist and contribute to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, which would then direct the money through the Iranian Red Crescent for relief," he said.

Vast stretches of Iran have been inundated since mid-March, killing some 50 people and disrupting major transportation and communications. The Iranian Red Crescent said Tuesday it was preparing to accommodate 100,000 people as rain hits southwestern Khuzestan province.

The disaster struck just as Iran was reeling from the reimposition of sweeping US sanctions with President Donald Trump hoping to curb the clerical regime's influence around the Middle East.

In contrast with earlier disasters such as the 2003 Bam earthquake, foreign assistance has been minimal amid fear of US penalties for dealings with Iran.

Pompeo in his statement also highlighted Iran's targeting of environmentalists "for attempting to help Iran prepare for these very issues."

Eight environmentalists appeared in court earlier this year on charges they were spying on military bases. 
&nbsp;

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Tuesday blamed Iran for the level of devastation from major floods, and said Washington was ready to help. Pompeo issued a statement in implicit response to Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, who on Twitter blamed "economic terrorism" by the United States whose sanctions have led to a chronic shortage of rescue helicopters.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Tuesday blamed Iran for the level of devastation from major floods, and said Washington was ready to help. Pompeo issued a statement in implicit response to Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, who on Twitter blamed "economic terrorism" by the United States whose sanctions have led to a chronic shortage of rescue helicopters. "These floods once again show the level of Iranian regime mismanagement in urban planning and in emergency preparedness. The regime blames outside entities when, in fact, it is their mismanagement that has led to this disaster," Pompeo said in a statement. "The United States stands ready to assist and contribute to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, which would then direct the money through the Iranian Red Crescent for relief," he said. Vast stretches of Iran have been inundated since mid-March, killing some 50 people and disrupting major transportation and communications. The Iranian Red Crescent said Tuesday it was preparing to accommodate 100,000 people as rain hits southwestern Khuzestan province. The disaster struck just as Iran was reeling from the reimposition of sweeping US sanctions with President Donald Trump hoping to curb the clerical regime's influence around the Middle East. In contrast with earlier disasters such as the 2003 Bam earthquake, foreign assistance has been minimal amid fear of US penalties for dealings with Iran. Pompeo in his statement also highlighted Iran's targeting of environmentalists "for attempting to help Iran prepare for these very issues." Eight environmentalists appeared in court earlier this year on charges they were spying on military bases.

US blames Iran for flood toll, says ready to help

Arab leaders slam US decision over Golan Heights

China's State Council said on Sunday that the country would continue to suspend additional tariffs on US vehicles and auto parts after April 1, in a goodwill gesture following a US decision to delay tariff hikes on Chinese imports.

In December, China said it would suspend additional 25 percent tariffs on US-made vehicles and auto parts for three months, following a truce in a trade war between the world's two largest economies.

The State Council, or cabinet, said Sunday's move was aimed at "continuing to create a good atmosphere for the ongoing trade negotiations between both sides".

"It is a positive reaction to the US decision to delay tariff hikes and a concrete action adopted (by the Chinese side) to promote bilateral trade negotiations," the State Council said.

"We hope the US can work together with China, accelerate negotiations and make concrete efforts towards the goal of terminating trade tensions."

The government also said it would announce separately when the suspension would end.

US President Donald Trump said on Friday that trade talks with China were going very well, but cautioned that he would not accept anything less than a "great deal" after top US and Chinese trade officials wrapped up two days of negotiations in Beijing.

US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer were in the Chinese capital for the first face-to-face meetings between the two sides since Trump delayed a scheduled March 2 increase in tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods.

The talks are set to resume next week in Washington with a Chinese delegation led by Vice Premier Liu He.

China's State Council said on Sunday that the country would continue to suspend additional tariffs on US vehicles and auto parts after April 1, in a goodwill gesture following a US decision to delay tariff hikes on Chinese imports.

China's State Council said on Sunday that the country would continue to suspend additional tariffs on US vehicles and auto parts after April 1, in a goodwill gesture following a US decision to delay tariff hikes on Chinese imports. In December, China said it would suspend additional 25 percent tariffs on US-made vehicles and auto parts for three months, following a truce in a trade war between the world's two largest economies. The State Council, or cabinet, said Sunday's move was aimed at "continuing to create a good atmosphere for the ongoing trade negotiations between both sides". "It is a positive reaction to the US decision to delay tariff hikes and a concrete action adopted (by the Chinese side) to promote bilateral trade negotiations," the State Council said. "We hope the US can work together with China, accelerate negotiations and make concrete efforts towards the goal of terminating trade tensions." The government also said it would announce separately when the suspension would end. US President Donald Trump said on Friday that trade talks with China were going very well, but cautioned that he would not accept anything less than a "great deal" after top US and Chinese trade officials wrapped up two days of negotiations in Beijing. US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer were in the Chinese capital for the first face-to-face meetings between the two sides since Trump delayed a scheduled March 2 increase in tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods. The talks are set to resume next week in Washington with a Chinese delegation led by Vice Premier Liu He.

China says it will continue to suspend additional tariffs on US vehicles, auto parts

Former US&nbsp;Vice President Joe Biden said on Sunday he believed he had never acted inappropriately following allegations by a female activist that he made her feel uncomfortable by kissing her at a campaign event in 2014.

"In my many years on the campaign trail and in public life, I have offered countless handshakes, hugs, expressions of affection, support and comfort. And not once - never - did I believe I acted inappropriately. If it is suggested I did so, I will listen respectfully. But it was never my intention," Biden said.

Biden said he does not recall the 2014 incident.

The allegation was made in an online essay published on Friday by Lucy Flores, a party activist who was running to be Nevada’s lieutenant governor. Flores said Biden also touched her shoulders and smelled her hair when they appeared at an event together, making her feel uncomfortable.

"I may not recall these moments the same way, and I may be surprised at what I hear. But we have arrived at an important time when women feel they can and should relate their experiences, and men should pay attention. And I will," Biden's statement continued.

Biden served eight years as vice president under former President Barack Obama and 36 years in the US&nbsp;Senate. He has not yet said whether he will run for president in 2020, but has been expected to throw his hat into the ring soon. 
&nbsp;

Former US Vice President Joe Biden said on Sunday he believed he had never acted inappropriately following allegations by a female activist that he made her feel uncomfortable by kissing her at a campaign event in 2014.

Former US Vice President Joe Biden said on Sunday he believed he had never acted inappropriately following allegations by a female activist that he made her feel uncomfortable by kissing her at a campaign event in 2014. "In my many years on the campaign trail and in public life, I have offered countless handshakes, hugs, expressions of affection, support and comfort. And not once - never - did I believe I acted inappropriately. If it is suggested I did so, I will listen respectfully. But it was never my intention," Biden said. Biden said he does not recall the 2014 incident. The allegation was made in an online essay published on Friday by Lucy Flores, a party activist who was running to be Nevada’s lieutenant governor. Flores said Biden also touched her shoulders and smelled her hair when they appeared at an event together, making her feel uncomfortable. "I may not recall these moments the same way, and I may be surprised at what I hear. But we have arrived at an important time when women feel they can and should relate their experiences, and men should pay attention. And I will," Biden's statement continued. Biden served eight years as vice president under former President Barack Obama and 36 years in the US Senate. He has not yet said whether he will run for president in 2020, but has been expected to throw his hat into the ring soon.

Ex-US Vice President Biden denies inappropriate conduct over alleged kiss

Trade ministry has proposed that the government delays by a month the imposition of retaliatory tariffs on some US&nbsp;goods that were due to go into effect from April 1, a trade ministry spokeswoman told Reuters on Friday.

Trade friction between India and the United States has escalated after US&nbsp;President Donald Trump announced plans earlier this month to end preferential trade treatment for India that allows duty-free entry for up to $5.6 billion worth of its exports to the United States.

Indian officials believe India could lose its preferential treatment in early May. The government has asked the US&nbsp;administration to review its decision, two government officials with close knowledge of the matter said.

In June last year, India said it would increase import duties varying from 20 per cent to 120 per cent on a slew of US&nbsp;farm, steel and iron products, angered by Washington's refusal to exempt it from new steel and aluminium tariffs.

But since then, New Delhi has repeatedly delayed the implementation of the higher duties.

The trade ministry spokeswoman said the government planned to send a delegation to Washington to address bilateral trade issues, and that the ministry was seeking to hold off imposing retaliatory tariffs until May.

"The Ministry of Commerce has requested the Department of Revenue to extend the deadline for the&nbsp;imposition of tariffs on US&nbsp;goods by another 30 days," the spokeswoman said.

The revenue department falls within the finance ministry, and the two ministries need to consult over any decision to delay the tariffs.

India is the world's largest beneficiary of the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), which dates from the 1970s.

Ending its participation would be the strongest punitive action the United States has taken against India since Trump took office.

The timing of the US&nbsp;decision to revoke the trade privileges is awkward for India as Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government is heading into a general election from April 11 to May 19, with results due out on May 23.

India and the United States have developed close political and security ties. But bilateral trade, which stood at $126 billion in 2017, is widely seen to be performing at nearly a quarter of its potential.

Trump has criticised India for its high tariffs, and the dispute has widened over investment policies such as new rules on the e-commerce sector that led to the US&nbsp;pulling the plug on India's vital trade concessions.

India, however, does not want to escalate the trade fight, two sources with knowledge of the matter said.

"India is obviously upset. But what can we do? Can we stop trade? You are importing oil, gas, defence equipment and aircraft&nbsp;and nuclear energy. The stakes are much larger," one of the officials said.

The USTR did not answer questions emailed to them about any ongoing trade discussions.

If the United States eliminates duty-free access for about 2,000 Indian product lines, it will mostly hurt small and medium businesses, such as engineering goods. The number of items qualifying for preferential treatment could be reduced, or the whole programme could be withdrawn.

A leading Indian trade body official said both the US&nbsp;customers and domestic suppliers could be hit in some categories of engineering products where clients typically enter into long-term contracts.

However, China could benefit on exports of products made from iron and steel and low-end engineering goods, said Suranjan Gupta, executive director, EEPC India, a government-affiliated engineering exports trade body.

"Some of the low-value exports of engineering goods are likely to face competitive pressure from other suppliers, with China being one of the major ones," Gupta said.

Trade ministry has proposed that the government delays by a month the imposition of retaliatory tariffs on some US goods that were due to go into effect from April 1, a trade ministry spokeswoman told Reuters on Friday.

Trade ministry has proposed that the government delays by a month the imposition of retaliatory tariffs on some US goods that were due to go into effect from April 1, a trade ministry spokeswoman told Reuters on Friday. Trade friction between India and the United States has escalated after US President Donald Trump announced plans earlier this month to end preferential trade treatment for India that allows duty-free entry for up to $5.6 billion worth of its exports to the United States. Indian officials believe India could lose its preferential treatment in early May. The government has asked the US administration to review its decision, two government officials with close knowledge of the matter said. In June last year, India said it would increase import duties varying from 20 per cent to 120 per cent on a slew of US farm, steel and iron products, angered by Washington's refusal to exempt it from new steel and aluminium tariffs. But since then, New Delhi has repeatedly delayed the implementation of the higher duties. The trade ministry spokeswoman said the government planned to send a delegation to Washington to address bilateral trade issues, and that the ministry was seeking to hold off imposing retaliatory tariffs until May. "The Ministry of Commerce has requested the Department of Revenue to extend the deadline for the imposition of tariffs on US goods by another 30 days," the spokeswoman said. The revenue department falls within the finance ministry, and the two ministries need to consult over any decision to delay the tariffs. India is the world's largest beneficiary of the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), which dates from the 1970s. Ending its participation would be the strongest punitive action the United States has taken against India since Trump took office. The timing of the US decision to revoke the trade privileges is awkward for India as Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government is heading into a general election from April 11 to May 19, with results due out on May 23. India and the United States have developed close political and security ties. But bilateral trade, which stood at $126 billion in 2017, is widely seen to be performing at nearly a quarter of its potential. Trump has criticised India for its high tariffs, and the dispute has widened over investment policies such as new rules on the e-commerce sector that led to the US pulling the plug on India's vital trade concessions. India, however, does not want to escalate the trade fight, two sources with knowledge of the matter said. "India is obviously upset. But what can we do? Can we stop trade? You are importing oil, gas, defence equipment and aircraft and nuclear energy. The stakes are much larger," one of the officials said. The USTR did not answer questions emailed to them about any ongoing trade discussions. If the United States eliminates duty-free access for about 2,000 Indian product lines, it will mostly hurt small and medium businesses, such as engineering goods. The number of items qualifying for preferential treatment could be reduced, or the whole programme could be withdrawn. A leading Indian trade body official said both the US customers and domestic suppliers could be hit in some categories of engineering products where clients typically enter into long-term contracts. However, China could benefit on exports of products made from iron and steel and low-end engineering goods, said Suranjan Gupta, executive director, EEPC India, a government-affiliated engineering exports trade body. "Some of the low-value exports of engineering goods are likely to face competitive pressure from other suppliers, with China being one of the major ones," Gupta said.

Trade ministry proposes delaying retaliatory tariffs on US goods

The United States and China said they made progress in trade talks that concluded on Friday in Beijing that Washington called "candid and constructive" as the world`s two largest economies try to resolve a bitter, nearly nine-month trade war.

"The two parties continued to make progress during candid and constructive discussions on the negotiations and important next steps," the White House said in a statement, adding that it looked forward to the visit to Washington next week by a Chinese delegation led by Vice Premier Liu He.

The statement gave no other details on the nature of the progress.&nbsp;

US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer were in the Chinese capital for the first face-to-face meetings between the two sides since President Donald Trump delayed a scheduled March 2 hike in tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods, citing progress in negotiations.&nbsp;

China`s state news agency Xinhua said the two sides discussed "relevant agreement documents" and made new progress in their talks, but did not elaborate in a brief report.

"@USTradeRep and I concluded constructive trade talks in Beijing," Mnuchin said on social media network Twitter.

Earlier, Mnuchin told reporters that US officials had a "very productive working dinner" on Thursday. He did not elaborate and it was not immediately clear with whom he had dined.

Trump imposed tariffs on $250 billion of Chinese imports beginning last July in a move to force China to change the way it does business with the rest of the world and to pry open more of its economy to US companies.

Though his blunt-force use of tariffs has angered many, his push to change what are widely viewed as China`s market-distorting trade and subsidy practices has drawn broad support.&nbsp;

Lobbyists, company executives and US lawmakers from both parties have urged Trump not to settle simply for Beijing`s offers to make big-ticket purchases from the United States to help reduce a record trade gap.

LOST IN TRANSLATION?&nbsp;

Details of where the two sides made progress were not immediately clear. Going into the talks, people familiar with the negotiations had said there were still significant differences on an enforcement mechanism and the sequence of when and how US tariffs on Chinese products would be lifted.

Mnuchin and Lighthizer greeted a waiting Liu at the Diaoyutai State Guest House just before 9 a.m. (0100 GMT), and in two brief appearances before journalists, the three mingled and joked with members of the opposite teams.&nbsp;

Observers had anticipated the scope of this round of talks, which wrapped up about 24 hours after the US delegation arrived, to be quite narrow, but that both countries hoped to signal they were working hard toward a resolution.&nbsp;

Reuters reported previously that the two sides were negotiating written pacts in six areas: forced technology transfer and cyber theft, intellectual property rights, services, currency, agriculture and non-tariff barriers to trade.&nbsp;

A US administration official told Reuters earlier this week that Lighthizer and Mnuchin were "literally sitting there going through the texts", a task typically delegated to lower-level deputies.

One person with knowledge of the talks said "translation is definitely an issue", referring to discrepancies between the Chinese and English-language versions.

On Thursday, Premier Li Keqiang said Beijing would sharply expand market access for foreign banks and securities and insurance companies, fuelling speculation that China may soon announce new rules allowing foreign financial firms to increase their presence.&nbsp;

White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow said the United States may drop some tariffs if a trade deal is reached, while keeping others in place to ensure Beijing`s compliance.

"We`re not going to give up our leverage," he told reporters in Washington on Thursday.

`THERE ARE GOING TO BE PROBLEMS`

Many have expressed scepticism that any deal can permanently resolve US-China trade tensions.

"Whatever implementation mechanism China agrees to, whether it is monthly or quarterly meetings or other check-ins, there are going to be problems," James Green, a senior advisor at McLarty Associates who until August was the top USTR official at the embassy in Beijing, told Reuters.

"Either the purchases are going to be off, or the market access is not going to be there. And then the question is, `When do you consider putting tariffs back on?`" he added. "The trade issue is not going to be put to bed."

Trump`s demands include an end to Beijing`s practices that Washington says result in the systematic theft of US intellectual property and the forced transfer of American technology to Chinese companies.

US companies say they are often pressured into handing over technological know-how to Chinese joint venture partners, local officials or regulators as a condition for doing business in China.&nbsp;

The US government says technology is often subsequently transferred to, and used by, Chinese competitors.

The issue has proved tough for negotiators as US officials say China has previously refused to acknowledge the problem exists to the extent alleged by the United States, making it hard to discuss resolution.

China says its laws enshrine no requirements on technology transfers that are a result of legitimate transactions.

The United States and China said they made progress in trade talks that concluded on Friday in Beijing that Washington called "candid and constructive" as the world`s two largest economies try to resolve a bitter, nearly nine-month trade war.

The United States and China said they made progress in trade talks that concluded on Friday in Beijing that Washington called "candid and constructive" as the world`s two largest economies try to resolve a bitter, nearly nine-month trade war. "The two parties continued to make progress during candid and constructive discussions on the negotiations and important next steps," the White House said in a statement, adding that it looked forward to the visit to Washington next week by a Chinese delegation led by Vice Premier Liu He. The statement gave no other details on the nature of the progress. US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer were in the Chinese capital for the first face-to-face meetings between the two sides since President Donald Trump delayed a scheduled March 2 hike in tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods, citing progress in negotiations. China`s state news agency Xinhua said the two sides discussed "relevant agreement documents" and made new progress in their talks, but did not elaborate in a brief report. "@USTradeRep and I concluded constructive trade talks in Beijing," Mnuchin said on social media network Twitter. Earlier, Mnuchin told reporters that US officials had a "very productive working dinner" on Thursday. He did not elaborate and it was not immediately clear with whom he had dined. Trump imposed tariffs on $250 billion of Chinese imports beginning last July in a move to force China to change the way it does business with the rest of the world and to pry open more of its economy to US companies. Though his blunt-force use of tariffs has angered many, his push to change what are widely viewed as China`s market-distorting trade and subsidy practices has drawn broad support. Lobbyists, company executives and US lawmakers from both parties have urged Trump not to settle simply for Beijing`s offers to make big-ticket purchases from the United States to help reduce a record trade gap. LOST IN TRANSLATION? Details of where the two sides made progress were not immediately clear. Going into the talks, people familiar with the negotiations had said there were still significant differences on an enforcement mechanism and the sequence of when and how US tariffs on Chinese products would be lifted. Mnuchin and Lighthizer greeted a waiting Liu at the Diaoyutai State Guest House just before 9 a.m. (0100 GMT), and in two brief appearances before journalists, the three mingled and joked with members of the opposite teams. Observers had anticipated the scope of this round of talks, which wrapped up about 24 hours after the US delegation arrived, to be quite narrow, but that both countries hoped to signal they were working hard toward a resolution. Reuters reported previously that the two sides were negotiating written pacts in six areas: forced technology transfer and cyber theft, intellectual property rights, services, currency, agriculture and non-tariff barriers to trade. A US administration official told Reuters earlier this week that Lighthizer and Mnuchin were "literally sitting there going through the texts", a task typically delegated to lower-level deputies. One person with knowledge of the talks said "translation is definitely an issue", referring to discrepancies between the Chinese and English-language versions. On Thursday, Premier Li Keqiang said Beijing would sharply expand market access for foreign banks and securities and insurance companies, fuelling speculation that China may soon announce new rules allowing foreign financial firms to increase their presence. White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow said the United States may drop some tariffs if a trade deal is reached, while keeping others in place to ensure Beijing`s compliance. "We`re not going to give up our leverage," he told reporters in Washington on Thursday. `THERE ARE GOING TO BE PROBLEMS` Many have expressed scepticism that any deal can permanently resolve US-China trade tensions. "Whatever implementation mechanism China agrees to, whether it is monthly or quarterly meetings or other check-ins, there are going to be problems," James Green, a senior advisor at McLarty Associates who until August was the top USTR official at the embassy in Beijing, told Reuters. "Either the purchases are going to be off, or the market access is not going to be there. And then the question is, `When do you consider putting tariffs back on?`" he added. "The trade issue is not going to be put to bed." Trump`s demands include an end to Beijing`s practices that Washington says result in the systematic theft of US intellectual property and the forced transfer of American technology to Chinese companies. US companies say they are often pressured into handing over technological know-how to Chinese joint venture partners, local officials or regulators as a condition for doing business in China. The US government says technology is often subsequently transferred to, and used by, Chinese competitors. The issue has proved tough for negotiators as US officials say China has previously refused to acknowledge the problem exists to the extent alleged by the United States, making it hard to discuss resolution. China says its laws enshrine no requirements on technology transfers that are a result of legitimate transactions.

US, China hold 'candid and constructive' trade talks in Beijing

Gravitas: US identifies Pakistan as a security threat

Gravitas: Trump says 'Russia has to get out' of Venezuela

US and European regulators knew at least two years before a Lion Air crash that the usual method for controlling the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/lawsuit-filed-against-boeing-over-ethiopian-plane-crash-206465">Boeing 737 MAX</a>'s nose angle might not work in conditions similar to those in two recent disasters, a document shows.

The European Aviation and Space Agency (EASA) certified the plane as safe in part because it said additional procedures and training would "clearly explain" to pilots the "unusual" situations in which they would need to manipulate a rarely used manual wheel to control, or "trim," the plane's angle.

Those situations, however, were not listed in the flight manual, according to a copy from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-regulators-under-fire-boeing-launches-charm-offensive-206100">American Airlines</a> seen by Reuters.

The undated EASA certification document, available online, was issued in February 2016, an agency spokesman said.

It specifically noted that at speeds greater than 230 knots (265mph, 425kph) with flaps retracted, pilots might have to use the wheel in the cockpit's centre console rather than an electric thumb switch on the control yoke.

EASA and the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ultimately determined that set-up was safe enough for the plane to be certified, with the European agency citing training plans and the relative rarity of conditions requiring the trim wheel.

In the deadly Lion Air crash in October, the pilots lost control after initially countering the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS), a new automated anti-stall feature that was pushing the nose down based on data from a faulty sensor, according to a preliminary report from Indonesian investigators released in November.

The flight conditions were similar to those described in the EASA document, a source at Lion Air said. The source said that training materials before the crash did not say the wheel could be required under those conditions but that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/boeing-unveils-737-max-software-fix-after-fatal-crashes-206305">Boeing </a>advised the airline about it after the crash.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boeing-confirms-it-will-make-safety-feature-standard-on-737-max-206107">Boeing</a> declined to comment on the EASA document or its advice to Lion Air, citing the ongoing investigation into the crash.

Ethiopia's Transport Ministry, France's BEA air accident authority and the FAA have all pointed to similarities between the Lion Air crash and an Ethiopian Airlines disaster this month. But safety officials stress that the Ethiopian investigation is at an early stage.

'Not physically easy'

The crashes have also heightened scrutiny of the certification and pilot training for the latest model of Boeing Co's best-selling workhorse narrowbody, now grounded globally.

In the EASA document, the regulator said simulations showed the electric thumb switches could not keep the 737 MAX properly trimmed under certain conditions, including those of the Lion Air and Ethiopian Airlines crashes, according to the Indonesian preliminary report and a source with knowledge of the Ethiopian air traffic control recordings.

The trim system adjusts the angle of the nose. If the nose is too far up, the jet risks entering a stall.

Additional procedures and training needed to "clearly explain" when the manual wheel might be needed, according to the document. The EASA spokesman said that was a reference to the Boeing flight crew operations manual.

An American Airlines Group Inc flight manual for 737 MAX pilots dated October 2017 said the thumb switches had less ability to move the nose than the manual wheel.

The manual, which is 1,400 pages long, did not specify the flight conditions in which the wheel might be needed.

The trim wheel is a relic of the Boeing 737's 1960s origins and does not appear in more modern planes like the 787 and Airbus SE A350. It is not often used, several current and former 737 pilots told Reuters.

"It would be very unusual to use the trim wheel in flight. I have only used manual trim once in the simulator," said a 737 pilot. "It is not physically easy to make large trim changes to correct, say, an MCAS input. You - or more than likely the other pilot - have to flip out a little handle and wind, much like a boat winch."

The EASA document said that after flight testing, the FAA's Transport Airplane Directorate, which oversees design approvals and modifications, was concerned about whether the 737 MAX system complied with regulations because the thumb switches could not control trim on their own in all conditions.

FAA declined to comment on the European document. A trim-related "equivalent level of safety" (ELOS) memorandum listed in its 737 MAX certification document is not available on the FAA website. The agency declined to provide it to Reuters.

Confusing signals

The night before the Lion Air crash, different pilots on the same plane faced a similar problem with MCAS and tried to use electric trim to counteract it, according to the preliminary report from Indonesian investigators.

After the third time MCAS forced the nose down, the first officer commented that the control column was "too heavy to hold back" to counter the automated movements, the preliminary report said.

Former FAA accident investigator Mike Daniel said that to prevent stalls, the control column was designed to require more force for a pilot to pull back than to push forward.

Boeing on Wednesday said software changes to MCAS would provide additional layers of protection, including making it impossible for the system to keep the flight crew from counteracting it.

On the 737 MAX, Boeing removed the "yoke jerk" function that enabled pilots to disable the automated trim system with a hard pull on the control column rather than hitting two cut-out switches on the centre console.

In a blog post on his personal website, former Boeing engineer Peter Lemme said that could make things harder for a pilot in a crisis.

"In the scenario where the stabiliser is running away nose down, the pilot may only fixate on pulling the column back in response," he said. "They may not be mentally capable to trim back or cutout the trim - instead they just keep pulling."

Ultimately the crew the evening before the Lion Air crash stopped the automated nose-down movement with the cut-out switches and used the wheel to control trim for the remainder of the flight, the preliminary report said.

That was the proper procedure to deal with a runaway stabiliser, according to Boeing.

However, current and former pilots told Reuters that the way the trim wheel and other controls behaved in practice compared with in training may have confused the Lion Air crews, who were also dealing with warnings about unreliable airspeed and altitude.

"MCAS activation produces conditions similar to a runaway trim, but the training is not done with a stick shaker active and multiple other failures, which make the diagnosis much more difficult," said John Cox, an aviation safety consultant and former commercial pilot. The stick shaker alerts pilots to a potential stall by vibrating the control column.

Reuters this month reported that an off-duty pilot in the cockpit on the night before the Lion Air crash spotted the runaway stabiliser problem, according to two sources familiar with the matter.

US and European regulators knew at least two years before a Lion Air crash that the usual method for controlling the Boeing 737 MAX's nose angle might not work in conditions similar to those in two recent disasters, a document shows.

US and European regulators knew at least two years before a Lion Air crash that the usual method for controlling the Boeing 737 MAX's nose angle might not work in conditions similar to those in two recent disasters, a document shows. The European Aviation and Space Agency (EASA) certified the plane as safe in part because it said additional procedures and training would "clearly explain" to pilots the "unusual" situations in which they would need to manipulate a rarely used manual wheel to control, or "trim," the plane's angle. Those situations, however, were not listed in the flight manual, according to a copy from American Airlines seen by Reuters. The undated EASA certification document, available online, was issued in February 2016, an agency spokesman said. It specifically noted that at speeds greater than 230 knots (265mph, 425kph) with flaps retracted, pilots might have to use the wheel in the cockpit's centre console rather than an electric thumb switch on the control yoke. EASA and the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ultimately determined that set-up was safe enough for the plane to be certified, with the European agency citing training plans and the relative rarity of conditions requiring the trim wheel. In the deadly Lion Air crash in October, the pilots lost control after initially countering the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS), a new automated anti-stall feature that was pushing the nose down based on data from a faulty sensor, according to a preliminary report from Indonesian investigators released in November. The flight conditions were similar to those described in the EASA document, a source at Lion Air said. The source said that training materials before the crash did not say the wheel could be required under those conditions but that Boeing advised the airline about it after the crash. Boeing declined to comment on the EASA document or its advice to Lion Air, citing the ongoing investigation into the crash. Ethiopia's Transport Ministry, France's BEA air accident authority and the FAA have all pointed to similarities between the Lion Air crash and an Ethiopian Airlines disaster this month. But safety officials stress that the Ethiopian investigation is at an early stage. 'Not physically easy' The crashes have also heightened scrutiny of the certification and pilot training for the latest model of Boeing Co's best-selling workhorse narrowbody, now grounded globally. In the EASA document, the regulator said simulations showed the electric thumb switches could not keep the 737 MAX properly trimmed under certain conditions, including those of the Lion Air and Ethiopian Airlines crashes, according to the Indonesian preliminary report and a source with knowledge of the Ethiopian air traffic control recordings. The trim system adjusts the angle of the nose. If the nose is too far up, the jet risks entering a stall. Additional procedures and training needed to "clearly explain" when the manual wheel might be needed, according to the document. The EASA spokesman said that was a reference to the Boeing flight crew operations manual. An American Airlines Group Inc flight manual for 737 MAX pilots dated October 2017 said the thumb switches had less ability to move the nose than the manual wheel. The manual, which is 1,400 pages long, did not specify the flight conditions in which the wheel might be needed. The trim wheel is a relic of the Boeing 737's 1960s origins and does not appear in more modern planes like the 787 and Airbus SE A350. It is not often used, several current and former 737 pilots told Reuters. "It would be very unusual to use the trim wheel in flight. I have only used manual trim once in the simulator," said a 737 pilot. "It is not physically easy to make large trim changes to correct, say, an MCAS input. You - or more than likely the other pilot - have to flip out a little handle and wind, much like a boat winch." The EASA document said that after flight testing, the FAA's Transport Airplane Directorate, which oversees design approvals and modifications, was concerned about whether the 737 MAX system complied with regulations because the thumb switches could not control trim on their own in all conditions. FAA declined to comment on the European document. A trim-related "equivalent level of safety" (ELOS) memorandum listed in its 737 MAX certification document is not available on the FAA website. The agency declined to provide it to Reuters. Confusing signals The night before the Lion Air crash, different pilots on the same plane faced a similar problem with MCAS and tried to use electric trim to counteract it, according to the preliminary report from Indonesian investigators. After the third time MCAS forced the nose down, the first officer commented that the control column was "too heavy to hold back" to counter the automated movements, the preliminary report said. Former FAA accident investigator Mike Daniel said that to prevent stalls, the control column was designed to require more force for a pilot to pull back than to push forward. Boeing on Wednesday said software changes to MCAS would provide additional layers of protection, including making it impossible for the system to keep the flight crew from counteracting it. On the 737 MAX, Boeing removed the "yoke jerk" function that enabled pilots to disable the automated trim system with a hard pull on the control column rather than hitting two cut-out switches on the centre console. In a blog post on his personal website, former Boeing engineer Peter Lemme said that could make things harder for a pilot in a crisis. "In the scenario where the stabiliser is running away nose down, the pilot may only fixate on pulling the column back in response," he said. "They may not be mentally capable to trim back or cutout the trim - instead they just keep pulling." Ultimately the crew the evening before the Lion Air crash stopped the automated nose-down movement with the cut-out switches and used the wheel to control trim for the remainder of the flight, the preliminary report said. That was the proper procedure to deal with a runaway stabiliser, according to Boeing. However, current and former pilots told Reuters that the way the trim wheel and other controls behaved in practice compared with in training may have confused the Lion Air crews, who were also dealing with warnings about unreliable airspeed and altitude. "MCAS activation produces conditions similar to a runaway trim, but the training is not done with a stick shaker active and multiple other failures, which make the diagnosis much more difficult," said John Cox, an aviation safety consultant and former commercial pilot. The stick shaker alerts pilots to a potential stall by vibrating the control column. Reuters this month reported that an off-duty pilot in the cockpit on the night before the Lion Air crash spotted the runaway stabiliser problem, according to two sources familiar with the matter.

Regulators knew before crashes that 737 MAX trim control was confusing in some conditions: Document

US Democratic presidential contender Amy Klobuchar presented a trillion-dollar plan on Thursday to fix the country`s roads, bridges and other public works that she said would be her top budget priority if elected.

The US senator`s plan would include the repair and replacement of roads and bridges, modernisation of flood protection and airports, expansion of public transportation and the increase of rural access to broadband internet, among other policies.

Klobuchar often refers to one of the worst bridge collapses in US history, in her home state of Minnesota, repeating her admonition at the time that "A bridge in America just shouldn`t fall down." An interstate highway bridge spanning the Mississippi River collapsed in 2007, killing 13 people and injuring more than 100 others.

Republicans and Democrats in Congress have long called for fixes to the United States` infrastructure, including aging schools and water systems, but plans have foundered over disputes over how to fund the projects.

To pay for the investments, Klobuchar said she would commit more than $650 billion in federal funding for infrastructure, partly by changing parts of the tax overhaul legislation passed in 2017 to adjust the corporate tax rate to 25 per cent.

She would establish an Infrastructure Financing Authority to help states better leverage private funds for projects and steer money to rural areas, as well as bring back a bond program to give a 35 per cent subsidy to state and local governments for public projects.

In President Donald Trump`s annual State of the Union address to Congress in February, he once again called on lawmakers to pass legislation to aid the country`s infrastructure.&nbsp;

An infrastructure plan Trump asked lawmakers to support in February 2018 was roundly criticised and never received a vote in Congress, which was then controlled by his Republican Party.

Klobuchar, who is in her third term in the US Senate, is one of more than a dozen Democrats running for their party`s 2020 presidential nomination.&nbsp;

US Democratic presidential contender Amy Klobuchar presented a trillion-dollar plan on Thursday to fix the country`s roads, bridges and other public works that she said would be her top budget priority if elected.

US Democratic presidential contender Amy Klobuchar presented a trillion-dollar plan on Thursday to fix the country`s roads, bridges and other public works that she said would be her top budget priority if elected. The US senator`s plan would include the repair and replacement of roads and bridges, modernisation of flood protection and airports, expansion of public transportation and the increase of rural access to broadband internet, among other policies. Klobuchar often refers to one of the worst bridge collapses in US history, in her home state of Minnesota, repeating her admonition at the time that "A bridge in America just shouldn`t fall down." An interstate highway bridge spanning the Mississippi River collapsed in 2007, killing 13 people and injuring more than 100 others. Republicans and Democrats in Congress have long called for fixes to the United States` infrastructure, including aging schools and water systems, but plans have foundered over disputes over how to fund the projects. To pay for the investments, Klobuchar said she would commit more than $650 billion in federal funding for infrastructure, partly by changing parts of the tax overhaul legislation passed in 2017 to adjust the corporate tax rate to 25 per cent. She would establish an Infrastructure Financing Authority to help states better leverage private funds for projects and steer money to rural areas, as well as bring back a bond program to give a 35 per cent subsidy to state and local governments for public projects. In President Donald Trump`s annual State of the Union address to Congress in February, he once again called on lawmakers to pass legislation to aid the country`s infrastructure. An infrastructure plan Trump asked lawmakers to support in February 2018 was roundly criticised and never received a vote in Congress, which was then controlled by his Republican Party. Klobuchar, who is in her third term in the US Senate, is one of more than a dozen Democrats running for their party`s 2020 presidential nomination.

US presidential candidate Klobuchar calls for trillion-dollar infrastructure plan

US: UPS launches drone service to transport medical samples

"Act Cautiously," China Tells US After Its Move On Masood Azhar At UN

US steps up push for UN to blacklist JeM leader Masood Azhar

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