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The escalating trade war between the United States and China has gone beyond tariffs as the countries increase pressure on each other to cede ground.

Beijing has said it would retaliate after President Donald Trump blacklisted Chinese telecom giant Huawei and the United States extended tariffs to cover almost all Chinese imports.&nbsp;

Chinese state media has warned that Beijing could use rare earths for its next strike in the trade war. The United States relies on China for supplies of the rare earths to make a host of high-tech products, from satellites to electric car batteries.&nbsp;

Here are some other possible pressure points for each side.

POTENTIAL CHINESE RESPONSES 
HIKING TARIFFS FURTHER&nbsp;

China could impose tariffs on around $10 billion of US goods that as yet carry no retaliatory tariffs.&nbsp;

Beijing removed some tariffs on US car imports in December, and could reimpose them.

China could raise tariffs from 25 per cent on some US goods such as soybeans. China was the top US buyer of soybeans until the trade war, which came close to halting the flow altogether. If it raises tariffs again, Chinese soy importers will seek more supplies from Brazil and elsewhere, as they did in 2018, which would hurt US farmers. These are targeted tariffs, aimed at the US farming community that supported Trump`s 2016 presidential election victory.

High-tech items, such as semi-conductor manufacturing equipment and chips, would be unlikely to feature on a list for higher tariffs, because China cannot easily find alternatives.

China has so far spared Boeing passenger jets, its single most valuable US import, from tariffs. Chinese carriers are expanding rapidly to meet rising demand, so tariffs on Boeing could slow development of the domestic travel industry.

China could buy more aircraft from France`s Airbus instead of Boeing, which would make it more reliant on Europe for a few years until it completes development of homegrown commercial aircraft, COMAC`s C919. 
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
DUMPING TREASURIES

China is the biggest holder of US government debt, with about $1.12 trillion in US Treasuries. Beijing buys Treasuries as a safe-haven for foreign exchange reserves.

The editor-in-chief of China`s influential Global Times tweeted in May that "many Chinese scholars are discussing the possibility of dumping U.S. Treasuries and how to do it specifically."

A selloff would hurt US markets, driving up interest rates and pushing up borrowing costs. The US central bank could lower its benchmark interest rate or buy debt to counter the move.

China sold the most long-dated US Treasuries in almost 2-1/2 years in March. But most China experts say Beijing is unlikely to undertake a big selloff because that would lower the value of China`s foreign exchange reserves. The Chinese would be hard-pressed to find a safe alternative investment with a good yield. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
DEVALUATION

Some analysts have floated the idea of a one-off devaluation of the Chinese currency to make the country`s exports more competitive despite US tariffs. But that would spook foreign and domestic investors and give the United States ammunition to sanction the country for currency manipulation.&nbsp;

"That is not retaliation. That is escalation of the trade war," said Gary Hufbauer, a senior fellow and trade expert at the Peterson Institute for International Economics.&nbsp;

The Chinese currency has weakened nearly 4 per cent since July 2018, when US authorities began collecting the first China-specific tariffs. That has absorbed some of the impact of tariffs on Chinese exporters.

HARASSING US COMPANIES OR SLOWING VISA APPROVALS

China`s Commerce Ministry said on Friday it will draft a list of foreign companies, organisations and individuals that it deems "unreliable" for harming Chinese companies, state-run China National Radio reported.

The move does not single out any countries or companies, but the report cited a ministry spokesman as saying the "unreliable entities list" will apply to those that flout market rules and the spirit of contracts, block supplies to Chinese companies for non-commercial reasons and "seriously harm the legitimate rights and interests" of Chinese companies.&nbsp;

China could target high-profile US companies such as Apple , although that could backfire as millions of Chinese people depend on the tech firm for their jobs.

Goldman Sachs estimates that banning Apple products could slash profits of the iPhone maker by almost a third. Apple and other US firms are also vulnerable to consumer boycotts in China. There is precedent for this: South Korean companies faced boycotts when deployment of a US anti-missile system angered China`s government.

Beijing could make life difficult for American banks, restaurant chains such as Starbucks , courier companies such as Fedex and commodity suppliers by opening tax inquiries, withholding licenses and other similar bureaucratic moves.

Big US businesses, however, have been among those pushing for a more moderate stance in Washington, so it would not help Beijing`s case to alienate them. Many American brands in China have joint ventures with Chinese partners, and these would also be hurt by government pressure.

Both sides have already slowed visa approvals for academics; authorities could do the same for executives and government officials.&nbsp;

DIPLOMATIC RECALCITRANCE AND MILITARY POSTURING

Beijing could reduce cooperation with the United States on thorny international issues, such as North Korea and Iran. It could also step up military gestures in the South China Sea and around Taiwan, an unofficial US ally.&nbsp;

RARE EARTH METALS&nbsp;

President Xi Jinping visited a rare earth firm in Southern China earlier in May, fuelling speculation China could cut off supplies of the metals, a key ingredient in high-technology consumer electronics and military equipment, to the United States as part of the trade war. China supplies 80 per cent of US rare earths.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
&nbsp;US RETALIATION AGAINST CHINA HIGHER TARIFFS

The United States could increase tariffs on Chinese imports. Authority for that rests with Trump, who has described himself as tariff-man. 
One option would be to raise levies on $50 billion worth of Chinese technology goods, including machinery, semiconductors, autos aircraft parts and intermediate electronic components on which tariffs were imposed last July and August. The products, taxed at a 25 per cent rate, were selected to avoid hitting US consumers and to hamper China`s technology development.

SANCTIONS AGAINST SPECIFIC COMPANIES

The United States could sanction additional Chinese companies flagged for a host of issues, from alleged intellectual property theft to sanctions violations or human rights concerns.

One option would be placing more companies on a blacklist that bars US suppliers from selling to them without special permits, as the Trump administration did with Huawei Technologies last month. &nbsp;

Washington is already considering sanctions for Chinese video surveillance firm Hikvision and equipment maker Zhejiang Dahua Technology. They are involved in surveillance at Chinese detention centres for ethnic Uighurs and other Muslims. &nbsp;

The downside would be hurting US companies that do business with the targeted firm.

Administration officials could further increase pressure on foreign governments to exclude Huawei from their 5G networks. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
JUSTICE DEPARTMENT CRACKDOWN

The Justice Department is likely to continue to crack down on Chinese spies and hackers for stealing technology and trade secrets from American corporations, as part of its China initiative to counter Chinese economic and security threats.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
FOREIGN POLICY AND DEFENSE LEVERS?&nbsp;

Tension has already risen as the United States undertakes freedom of navigation operations through the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea. China has been increasingly assertive about its sovereignty over Taiwan, which it considers Chinese territory to be brought under Beijing`s control by force if needed.

US warships have sailed through the Taiwan Strait at least once a month since the start of this year. The United States restarted such missions on a regular basis last July.&nbsp;

Trump`s government could impose sanctions on prominent Chinese officials seen as complicit in human rights violations of the Uighur population. Congress has urged Trump to impose such sanctions.

Washington could also deepen a crackdown on Chinese companies that fund or supply North Korea`s nuclear programs.&nbsp;

The escalating trade war between the United States and China has gone beyond tariffs as the countries increase pressure on each other to cede ground. Beijing has said it would retaliate after President Donald Trump blacklisted Chinese telecom giant Huawei and the United States extended tariffs to cover almost all Chinese imports.

The escalating trade war between the United States and China has gone beyond tariffs as the countries increase pressure on each other to cede ground. Beijing has said it would retaliate after President Donald Trump blacklisted Chinese telecom giant Huawei and the United States extended tariffs to cover almost all Chinese imports. Chinese state media has warned that Beijing could use rare earths for its next strike in the trade war. The United States relies on China for supplies of the rare earths to make a host of high-tech products, from satellites to electric car batteries. Here are some other possible pressure points for each side. POTENTIAL CHINESE RESPONSES HIKING TARIFFS FURTHER China could impose tariffs on around $10 billion of US goods that as yet carry no retaliatory tariffs. Beijing removed some tariffs on US car imports in December, and could reimpose them. China could raise tariffs from 25 per cent on some US goods such as soybeans. China was the top US buyer of soybeans until the trade war, which came close to halting the flow altogether. If it raises tariffs again, Chinese soy importers will seek more supplies from Brazil and elsewhere, as they did in 2018, which would hurt US farmers. These are targeted tariffs, aimed at the US farming community that supported Trump`s 2016 presidential election victory. High-tech items, such as semi-conductor manufacturing equipment and chips, would be unlikely to feature on a list for higher tariffs, because China cannot easily find alternatives. China has so far spared Boeing passenger jets, its single most valuable US import, from tariffs. Chinese carriers are expanding rapidly to meet rising demand, so tariffs on Boeing could slow development of the domestic travel industry. China could buy more aircraft from France`s Airbus instead of Boeing, which would make it more reliant on Europe for a few years until it completes development of homegrown commercial aircraft, COMAC`s C919. DUMPING TREASURIES China is the biggest holder of US government debt, with about $1.12 trillion in US Treasuries. Beijing buys Treasuries as a safe-haven for foreign exchange reserves. The editor-in-chief of China`s influential Global Times tweeted in May that "many Chinese scholars are discussing the possibility of dumping U.S. Treasuries and how to do it specifically." A selloff would hurt US markets, driving up interest rates and pushing up borrowing costs. The US central bank could lower its benchmark interest rate or buy debt to counter the move. China sold the most long-dated US Treasuries in almost 2-1/2 years in March. But most China experts say Beijing is unlikely to undertake a big selloff because that would lower the value of China`s foreign exchange reserves. The Chinese would be hard-pressed to find a safe alternative investment with a good yield. DEVALUATION Some analysts have floated the idea of a one-off devaluation of the Chinese currency to make the country`s exports more competitive despite US tariffs. But that would spook foreign and domestic investors and give the United States ammunition to sanction the country for currency manipulation. "That is not retaliation. That is escalation of the trade war," said Gary Hufbauer, a senior fellow and trade expert at the Peterson Institute for International Economics. The Chinese currency has weakened nearly 4 per cent since July 2018, when US authorities began collecting the first China-specific tariffs. That has absorbed some of the impact of tariffs on Chinese exporters. HARASSING US COMPANIES OR SLOWING VISA APPROVALS China`s Commerce Ministry said on Friday it will draft a list of foreign companies, organisations and individuals that it deems "unreliable" for harming Chinese companies, state-run China National Radio reported. The move does not single out any countries or companies, but the report cited a ministry spokesman as saying the "unreliable entities list" will apply to those that flout market rules and the spirit of contracts, block supplies to Chinese companies for non-commercial reasons and "seriously harm the legitimate rights and interests" of Chinese companies. China could target high-profile US companies such as Apple , although that could backfire as millions of Chinese people depend on the tech firm for their jobs. Goldman Sachs estimates that banning Apple products could slash profits of the iPhone maker by almost a third. Apple and other US firms are also vulnerable to consumer boycotts in China. There is precedent for this: South Korean companies faced boycotts when deployment of a US anti-missile system angered China`s government. Beijing could make life difficult for American banks, restaurant chains such as Starbucks , courier companies such as Fedex and commodity suppliers by opening tax inquiries, withholding licenses and other similar bureaucratic moves. Big US businesses, however, have been among those pushing for a more moderate stance in Washington, so it would not help Beijing`s case to alienate them. Many American brands in China have joint ventures with Chinese partners, and these would also be hurt by government pressure. Both sides have already slowed visa approvals for academics; authorities could do the same for executives and government officials. DIPLOMATIC RECALCITRANCE AND MILITARY POSTURING Beijing could reduce cooperation with the United States on thorny international issues, such as North Korea and Iran. It could also step up military gestures in the South China Sea and around Taiwan, an unofficial US ally. RARE EARTH METALS President Xi Jinping visited a rare earth firm in Southern China earlier in May, fuelling speculation China could cut off supplies of the metals, a key ingredient in high-technology consumer electronics and military equipment, to the United States as part of the trade war. China supplies 80 per cent of US rare earths. US RETALIATION AGAINST CHINA HIGHER TARIFFS The United States could increase tariffs on Chinese imports. Authority for that rests with Trump, who has described himself as tariff-man. One option would be to raise levies on $50 billion worth of Chinese technology goods, including machinery, semiconductors, autos aircraft parts and intermediate electronic components on which tariffs were imposed last July and August. The products, taxed at a 25 per cent rate, were selected to avoid hitting US consumers and to hamper China`s technology development. SANCTIONS AGAINST SPECIFIC COMPANIES The United States could sanction additional Chinese companies flagged for a host of issues, from alleged intellectual property theft to sanctions violations or human rights concerns. One option would be placing more companies on a blacklist that bars US suppliers from selling to them without special permits, as the Trump administration did with Huawei Technologies last month. Washington is already considering sanctions for Chinese video surveillance firm Hikvision and equipment maker Zhejiang Dahua Technology. They are involved in surveillance at Chinese detention centres for ethnic Uighurs and other Muslims. The downside would be hurting US companies that do business with the targeted firm. Administration officials could further increase pressure on foreign governments to exclude Huawei from their 5G networks. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT CRACKDOWN The Justice Department is likely to continue to crack down on Chinese spies and hackers for stealing technology and trade secrets from American corporations, as part of its China initiative to counter Chinese economic and security threats. FOREIGN POLICY AND DEFENSE LEVERS? Tension has already risen as the United States undertakes freedom of navigation operations through the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea. China has been increasingly assertive about its sovereignty over Taiwan, which it considers Chinese territory to be brought under Beijing`s control by force if needed. US warships have sailed through the Taiwan Strait at least once a month since the start of this year. The United States restarted such missions on a regular basis last July. Trump`s government could impose sanctions on prominent Chinese officials seen as complicit in human rights violations of the Uighur population. Congress has urged Trump to impose such sanctions. Washington could also deepen a crackdown on Chinese companies that fund or supply North Korea`s nuclear programs.

US-China trade war: The levers they can pull

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

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - June 06th, 2019

The International Monetary Fund does not see the threat of a global recession brought on by a widening US-China trade war and potential US tariffs on Mexican goods and autos, IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde said on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Lagarde told Reuters in an interview, however, that such escalating tariff threats were sapping business and market confidence, and could slow growth that is currently expected to improve next year.

"We don`t see a recession," Lagarde said when asked whether US President Donald Trump`s threatened tariff actions could turn global growth negative. "Decelerating growth, but growth nonetheless -- 3.3 per cent at the end of this year, and certainly a strong US economy. We do not see at the moment, in our baseline, a recession."

Earlier on Wednesday, the IMF said current and threatened US-China tariffs could cut 2020 global gross domestic product by 0.5%, or about $455 billion -- a loss larger than G20 member South Africa`s annual economic output.

The estimate includes a recent US tariff increase to 25% on a $200 billion list of Chinese imports as well as Trump`s threat to tax another $300 billion worth of consumer imports, representing nearly all trade between the world`s two largest economies.&nbsp;

MEXICO TARIFFS&nbsp;

The IMF`s estimate does not include Trump`s threatened 5 per cent tariffs on goods from Mexico starting on Monday over immigration issues and ratcheting up monthly. Mexico has overtaken China this year as the largest US trading partner.

Lagarde called such actions "self-inflicted wounds" that must be avoided, a message she will take to a G20 finance ministers and central bank governors meeting in Fukuoka, Japan this weekend.

"One more tariff here, one more threat there, one more negotiation that has not yet started, add to a global uncertainty which is not conducive to additional growth," she told Reuters.

In a briefing note for G20 finance leaders, the IMF said that US tariffs and Chinese retaliatory measures currently in place could cut 2020 output 0.3 per cent, with more than half of that impact coming from negative effects on business confidence and financial market sentiment.

The IMF also on Wednesday cut its China growth forecasts for 2019 and 2020 due to the growing trade tensions. The Fund is due to release preliminary findings of its annual assessment of the US economy on Thursday.&nbsp; 
The IMF is predicting 3.6 per cent global growth for 2020, but said this outlook is vulnerable to trade tensions, uncertainty over Britain`s exit from the European Union, and uncertain recoveries in some stressed economies such as Argentina and Turkey. &nbsp;

FIGHTING WITH FACTS

Asked whether the IMF needed to take a tougher stance against US tariff actions, Lagarde said the Fund had to keep presenting facts and economic research to tell leaders: "If you go in that direction, these are the consequences. It`s for political leaders and for policymakers to decide what is in their interest."&nbsp;

Lagarde said she would discuss the IMF review of its quotas and other financial resources with G20 policymakers in Fukuoka this weekend.

While the United States is opposed to increasing the Fund`s quotas, or voting shares, Lagarde said she has had good dialogues with US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin about the need to maintain the IMF`s total lending war chest of about $1 trillion.&nbsp;

"Having gone through the crisis 10 years ago and knowing the power of the fire powder that you can commit, I think it`s critically important to give a signal that the capacity to commit $1 trillion today if there is a multiple-country crisis should actually be preserved," Lagarde said, adding she was confident that the IMF will find ways to maintain its crisis lending fund by an October deadline.&nbsp;

The International Monetary Fund does not see the threat of a global recession brought on by a widening US-China trade war and potential US tariffs on Mexican goods and autos, IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde said on Wednesday.

The International Monetary Fund does not see the threat of a global recession brought on by a widening US-China trade war and potential US tariffs on Mexican goods and autos, IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde said on Wednesday. Lagarde told Reuters in an interview, however, that such escalating tariff threats were sapping business and market confidence, and could slow growth that is currently expected to improve next year. "We don`t see a recession," Lagarde said when asked whether US President Donald Trump`s threatened tariff actions could turn global growth negative. "Decelerating growth, but growth nonetheless -- 3.3 per cent at the end of this year, and certainly a strong US economy. We do not see at the moment, in our baseline, a recession." Earlier on Wednesday, the IMF said current and threatened US-China tariffs could cut 2020 global gross domestic product by 0.5%, or about $455 billion -- a loss larger than G20 member South Africa`s annual economic output. The estimate includes a recent US tariff increase to 25% on a $200 billion list of Chinese imports as well as Trump`s threat to tax another $300 billion worth of consumer imports, representing nearly all trade between the world`s two largest economies. MEXICO TARIFFS The IMF`s estimate does not include Trump`s threatened 5 per cent tariffs on goods from Mexico starting on Monday over immigration issues and ratcheting up monthly. Mexico has overtaken China this year as the largest US trading partner. Lagarde called such actions "self-inflicted wounds" that must be avoided, a message she will take to a G20 finance ministers and central bank governors meeting in Fukuoka, Japan this weekend. "One more tariff here, one more threat there, one more negotiation that has not yet started, add to a global uncertainty which is not conducive to additional growth," she told Reuters. In a briefing note for G20 finance leaders, the IMF said that US tariffs and Chinese retaliatory measures currently in place could cut 2020 output 0.3 per cent, with more than half of that impact coming from negative effects on business confidence and financial market sentiment. The IMF also on Wednesday cut its China growth forecasts for 2019 and 2020 due to the growing trade tensions. The Fund is due to release preliminary findings of its annual assessment of the US economy on Thursday. The IMF is predicting 3.6 per cent global growth for 2020, but said this outlook is vulnerable to trade tensions, uncertainty over Britain`s exit from the European Union, and uncertain recoveries in some stressed economies such as Argentina and Turkey. FIGHTING WITH FACTS Asked whether the IMF needed to take a tougher stance against US tariff actions, Lagarde said the Fund had to keep presenting facts and economic research to tell leaders: "If you go in that direction, these are the consequences. It`s for political leaders and for policymakers to decide what is in their interest." Lagarde said she would discuss the IMF review of its quotas and other financial resources with G20 policymakers in Fukuoka this weekend. While the United States is opposed to increasing the Fund`s quotas, or voting shares, Lagarde said she has had good dialogues with US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin about the need to maintain the IMF`s total lending war chest of about $1 trillion. "Having gone through the crisis 10 years ago and knowing the power of the fire powder that you can commit, I think it`s critically important to give a signal that the capacity to commit $1 trillion today if there is a multiple-country crisis should actually be preserved," Lagarde said, adding she was confident that the IMF will find ways to maintain its crisis lending fund by an October deadline.

IMF's Lagarde warns US-China tariffs to slash global growth in 2020

The US&nbsp;House of Representatives on Tuesday passed legislation to end the threat of deportation that has long hung over undocumented immigrants known as "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/end-of-the-american-dream-for-8000-indian-dreamers-19919">Dreamers</a>" who entered the United States when they were children.&nbsp;

By a vote of 237-187, the Democratic-controlled House approved the legislation despite opposition from the White House, which said the move would "reward illegal immigration."

Only seven Republicans voted for the bill.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-no-amnesty-for-dreamers-signals-support-in-broader-deal-191666">Trump says no amnesty for 'Dreamers,' signals support in broader deal</a>

There have been no signs that the Republican-controlled Senate would consider the House bill, likely leaving this Democratic initiative to be fought over during the 2020 presidential and congressional election campaigns.

Earlier in his administration, Republican President Donald Trump said he wanted to help Dreamers, many of whom were very young when they arrived in the United States with their parents.

But following a series of failed negotiations, Trump mainly has focused on clamping down on immigration and building a wall along the US-Mexico border to keep out undocumented immigrants from Central America and other countries.

The Democratic bill would shield an estimated 2 million Dreamers from deportation if they meet certain criteria, and put them on a path to US citizenship. 
Some of these immigrants have had temporary protections under a program put in place in 2012 by President Barack Obama. Trump`s move to end that program is being challenged in court.

Referring to the young immigrants, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler said during debate of the bill,&nbsp;"Many did not even know they were not born here and were not American citizens until they found they could not get a drivers license or in-state tuition rates for college."

The House bill also would protect from deportation another 460,000 immigrants who have been legally staying in the United States under a temporary protection program aimed at countries suffering from natural disasters, wars and other traumas.

Trump has been phasing out this program.

In its statement threatening a presidential veto, the White House said that legislation to protect Dreamers would have to be coupled with other immigration provisions. These include tightening US asylum law, providing money to build a border wall, and encouraging the immigration of high-skilled workers rather than relatives of immigrants already in the United States.

Those ideas have drawn opposition from many Democrats and immigration advocacy groups.

The US House of Representatives on Tuesday passed legislation to end the threat of deportation that has long hung over undocumented immigrants known as "Dreamers" who entered the United States when they were children.

The US House of Representatives on Tuesday passed legislation to end the threat of deportation that has long hung over undocumented immigrants known as "Dreamers" who entered the United States when they were children. By a vote of 237-187, the Democratic-controlled House approved the legislation despite opposition from the White House, which said the move would "reward illegal immigration." Only seven Republicans voted for the bill. Also read: Trump says no amnesty for 'Dreamers,' signals support in broader deal There have been no signs that the Republican-controlled Senate would consider the House bill, likely leaving this Democratic initiative to be fought over during the 2020 presidential and congressional election campaigns. Earlier in his administration, Republican President Donald Trump said he wanted to help Dreamers, many of whom were very young when they arrived in the United States with their parents. But following a series of failed negotiations, Trump mainly has focused on clamping down on immigration and building a wall along the US-Mexico border to keep out undocumented immigrants from Central America and other countries. The Democratic bill would shield an estimated 2 million Dreamers from deportation if they meet certain criteria, and put them on a path to US citizenship. Some of these immigrants have had temporary protections under a program put in place in 2012 by President Barack Obama. Trump`s move to end that program is being challenged in court. Referring to the young immigrants, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler said during debate of the bill, "Many did not even know they were not born here and were not American citizens until they found they could not get a drivers license or in-state tuition rates for college." The House bill also would protect from deportation another 460,000 immigrants who have been legally staying in the United States under a temporary protection program aimed at countries suffering from natural disasters, wars and other traumas. Trump has been phasing out this program. In its statement threatening a presidential veto, the White House said that legislation to protect Dreamers would have to be coupled with other immigration provisions. These include tightening US asylum law, providing money to build a border wall, and encouraging the immigration of high-skilled workers rather than relatives of immigrants already in the United States. Those ideas have drawn opposition from many Democrats and immigration advocacy groups.

US House votes to protect 'Dreamer' immigrants amid White House opposition

Members of the US Congress, including some of President Donald Trump`s fellow Republicans as well as Democrats, are preparing legislation seeking to block his plan for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/defying-congress-trump-sets-8-billion-plus-in-weapons-sales-to-saudi-arabia-uae-221419">$8 billion in weapons sales to Saudi Arabia</a>, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan, congressional aides and lawmakers said on Tuesday.&nbsp;

The first measures could be introduced within days, congressional aides said.

Declaring a national emergency because of tensions with Iran, the Trump administration informed congressional committees on May 24 that it was going ahead with the 22 military deals, circumventing a long-standing precedent for lawmakers to review major weapons sales.

The decision angered members of both parties, who worried that Trump`s decision to blow through the "holds" process would eliminate Congress` ability to prevent not just Trump but future presidents from selling weapons where they liked.

The array of military products cleared for sale by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo included offensive equipment like precision-guided munitions, mortars and fighter jet engines, some of which would take many months to be produced and shipped, which lawmakers said belied the administration`s contention that it was addressing an emergency.

Some of the licenses would allow US defence contractors like Raytheon Co and Boeing Co to run production lines in Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;

In the House of Representatives, which is controlled by Democrats, lawmakers were considering a bill that would require the 22 licenses approved by the administration to be pulled back and resubmitted through the regular notification procedure, including a 30-day congressional review, Democratic congressional aides said.

House members also may seek to rewrite the Arms Export Control Act of 1976 to impose tighter restrictions on the use of the "emergency authority" provision, tightening the loophole the Trump administration used to justify the sale so it could only be used for "true emergencies," aides said.

BIPARTISAN SUPPORT

House members said they expected any measure would have support from members of both parties.

"There`s a bipartisan resolve that we need to re-evaluate our relationship with Saudi Arabia, most especially the weapons that we sell them," Representative Joaquin Castro, a Democratic member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, told Reuters.

Members of Congress had been blocking sales of offensive military equipment to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates for months, angry about the huge civilian toll from their air campaign in Yemen, as well as human rights abuses such as the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi at a Saudi consulate in Turkey.

When Pompeo announced the sales in May, Representative Mike McCaul, the top Republican on the Foreign Affairs panel, called the action "unfortunate" and likely to damage future White House interactions with Congress.

In the Senate, congressional aides said, lawmakers planned to file "resolutions of disapproval," setting up votes on each of the weapons deals approved by the Trump administration.

Senator Bob Menendez, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a close ally of Trump`s, told the Washington Post that they would work together to introduce 22 resolutions.

The Arms Export Control Act gives Congress the right to vote on whether to stop major weapons sales by passing a resolution of disapproval.

Opponents of the weapons sale plan said strong bipartisan support for such resolutions would send a strong message to the administration - as well as defence contractors and the three countries - that Congress was unhappy about the process.

Backers of the plan also said it was possible, given the level of congressional anger over Trump`s use of the emergency declaration, that some of the resolutions would garner the two-thirds majorities in the Senate and House needed to override a Trump veto.

Lawmakers could also include legislation related to the weapons sale in a must-pass bill such as the annual National Defence Authorization Act, a massive defence policy measure currently making its way through Congress.

The US military has cited what it sees as a threat of potential attack by Iran to deploy hundreds of troops to the Middle East, in addition to Patriot missiles, bombers and the accelerated movement of a carrier strike group.

However, administration officials have also sought to reassure members of Congress, and the public, that they are not rushing to war with the Islamic republic.

Members of the US Congress, including some of President Donald Trump`s fellow Republicans as well as Democrats, are preparing legislation seeking to block his plan for $8 billion in weapons sales to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan, congressional aides and lawmakers said on Tuesday.

Members of the US Congress, including some of President Donald Trump`s fellow Republicans as well as Democrats, are preparing legislation seeking to block his plan for $8 billion in weapons sales to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan, congressional aides and lawmakers said on Tuesday. The first measures could be introduced within days, congressional aides said. Declaring a national emergency because of tensions with Iran, the Trump administration informed congressional committees on May 24 that it was going ahead with the 22 military deals, circumventing a long-standing precedent for lawmakers to review major weapons sales. The decision angered members of both parties, who worried that Trump`s decision to blow through the "holds" process would eliminate Congress` ability to prevent not just Trump but future presidents from selling weapons where they liked. The array of military products cleared for sale by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo included offensive equipment like precision-guided munitions, mortars and fighter jet engines, some of which would take many months to be produced and shipped, which lawmakers said belied the administration`s contention that it was addressing an emergency. Some of the licenses would allow US defence contractors like Raytheon Co and Boeing Co to run production lines in Saudi Arabia. In the House of Representatives, which is controlled by Democrats, lawmakers were considering a bill that would require the 22 licenses approved by the administration to be pulled back and resubmitted through the regular notification procedure, including a 30-day congressional review, Democratic congressional aides said. House members also may seek to rewrite the Arms Export Control Act of 1976 to impose tighter restrictions on the use of the "emergency authority" provision, tightening the loophole the Trump administration used to justify the sale so it could only be used for "true emergencies," aides said. BIPARTISAN SUPPORT House members said they expected any measure would have support from members of both parties. "There`s a bipartisan resolve that we need to re-evaluate our relationship with Saudi Arabia, most especially the weapons that we sell them," Representative Joaquin Castro, a Democratic member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, told Reuters. Members of Congress had been blocking sales of offensive military equipment to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates for months, angry about the huge civilian toll from their air campaign in Yemen, as well as human rights abuses such as the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi at a Saudi consulate in Turkey. When Pompeo announced the sales in May, Representative Mike McCaul, the top Republican on the Foreign Affairs panel, called the action "unfortunate" and likely to damage future White House interactions with Congress. In the Senate, congressional aides said, lawmakers planned to file "resolutions of disapproval," setting up votes on each of the weapons deals approved by the Trump administration. Senator Bob Menendez, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a close ally of Trump`s, told the Washington Post that they would work together to introduce 22 resolutions. The Arms Export Control Act gives Congress the right to vote on whether to stop major weapons sales by passing a resolution of disapproval. Opponents of the weapons sale plan said strong bipartisan support for such resolutions would send a strong message to the administration - as well as defence contractors and the three countries - that Congress was unhappy about the process. Backers of the plan also said it was possible, given the level of congressional anger over Trump`s use of the emergency declaration, that some of the resolutions would garner the two-thirds majorities in the Senate and House needed to override a Trump veto. Lawmakers could also include legislation related to the weapons sale in a must-pass bill such as the annual National Defence Authorization Act, a massive defence policy measure currently making its way through Congress. The US military has cited what it sees as a threat of potential attack by Iran to deploy hundreds of troops to the Middle East, in addition to Patriot missiles, bombers and the accelerated movement of a carrier strike group. However, administration officials have also sought to reassure members of Congress, and the public, that they are not rushing to war with the Islamic republic.

US lawmakers to push back against Trump on Saudi weapons sales

In response to years of allegations by the United States and its allies that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/huawei-lawyer-tells-us-jury-spelling-errors-video-shows-rival-stole-trade-secrets-224361">Huawei</a>`s products could be accessed by Chinese Intelligence Agencies for spying, the company said on Tuesday that it is willing to sign a "no-spy agreement" with the US government if the opportunity opens up.

"We are willing to sign a no-spy agreement with the US," The Hill quoted Huawei`s Chairman Liang Hua, as saying.

"The US has not bought from us, is not buying from us and doesn't have plans to buy from us. So, I don`t know if there`s an opportunity to sign such an agreement."

The Chinese tech giant has offered similar agreements to the UK and Germany, in consideration to the fact that the US has been urging its allies, including the said countries to sever its ties with the company.

Last week, Huawei filed a "motion for summary judgement" in its lawsuit that challenges the constitutionality of the US law banning federal agencies from buying its products.

The new motion requests the court to overturn a portion of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) which specifically forbids government agencies from using technology from Huawei and its smaller Chinese rival, ZTE.&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump had signed the NDAA last year, alleging that Huawei`s products posed a risk to national security, as they could be used by Chinese Intelligence agencies to spy on Americans.&nbsp;

Calling a portion of the act "unconstitutional", the Chinese tech giant had sued the US government in March.

Huawei is the world`s largest telecommunications company and its smartphones compete with the likes of Apple and Samsung.

In response to years of allegations by the United States and its allies that Huawei`s products could be accessed by Chinese Intelligence Agencies for spying, the company said on Tuesday that it is willing to sign a "no-spy agreement" with the US government if the opportunity opens up.

In response to years of allegations by the United States and its allies that Huawei`s products could be accessed by Chinese Intelligence Agencies for spying, the company said on Tuesday that it is willing to sign a "no-spy agreement" with the US government if the opportunity opens up. "We are willing to sign a no-spy agreement with the US," The Hill quoted Huawei`s Chairman Liang Hua, as saying. "The US has not bought from us, is not buying from us and doesn't have plans to buy from us. So, I don`t know if there`s an opportunity to sign such an agreement." The Chinese tech giant has offered similar agreements to the UK and Germany, in consideration to the fact that the US has been urging its allies, including the said countries to sever its ties with the company. Last week, Huawei filed a "motion for summary judgement" in its lawsuit that challenges the constitutionality of the US law banning federal agencies from buying its products. The new motion requests the court to overturn a portion of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) which specifically forbids government agencies from using technology from Huawei and its smaller Chinese rival, ZTE. US President Donald Trump had signed the NDAA last year, alleging that Huawei`s products posed a risk to national security, as they could be used by Chinese Intelligence agencies to spy on Americans. Calling a portion of the act "unconstitutional", the Chinese tech giant had sued the US government in March. Huawei is the world`s largest telecommunications company and its smartphones compete with the likes of Apple and Samsung.

Huawei willing to sign 'no-spy agreement' with US government: Chairman Liang Hua

A rise in tensions in the Middle East owing to US pressure on Iran is worrying and all parties need to exercise restraint, Chinese President Xi Jinping told Russian media ahead of a visit to the country.

Tensions between Iran and the United States have escalated in the past month, a year after the United States pulled out of a deal between Iran and global powers to curb Tehran`s nuclear programme in return for lifting sanctions.

Washington reimposed sanctions last year and tightened them sharply at the start of last month, ordering all countries to halt imports of Iranian oil. It has also hinted at military confrontation, sending extra forces to the region to counter what it describes as Iranian threats.

Xi told TASS news agency and Rossiyskaya Gazeta newspaper that because of the "extreme pressure" Washington has put on Tehran and the unilateral sanctions, tensions have continued to rise in the Middle East.

"The development of the situation is worrying," Xi said, according to a transcript published by China`s Foreign Ministry ahead of his arrival in Russia on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The Iran nuclear deal should be fully implemented and respected, as it is of crucial importance for peace and stability in the Middle East and non-proliferation, Xi added.&nbsp;

"China and Russia`s views and positions on the Iran nuclear issue are highly aligned, and both hope that all relevant parties remain rational and exercise restraint, step up dialogue and consultations and lower the temperature on the present tense situation," he said.

China has been angered by US threats against countries and companies that violate US sanctions by importing Iranian oil. China and Iran have close energy ties.

Xi did not directly address the oil sanctions issue, but appeared to allude to them by saying, "China will continue to firmly safeguard its own legitimate and lawful rights and interests".

A rise in tensions in the Middle East owing to US pressure on Iran is worrying and all parties need to exercise restraint, Chinese President Xi Jinping told Russian media ahead of a visit to the country.

A rise in tensions in the Middle East owing to US pressure on Iran is worrying and all parties need to exercise restraint, Chinese President Xi Jinping told Russian media ahead of a visit to the country. Tensions between Iran and the United States have escalated in the past month, a year after the United States pulled out of a deal between Iran and global powers to curb Tehran`s nuclear programme in return for lifting sanctions. Washington reimposed sanctions last year and tightened them sharply at the start of last month, ordering all countries to halt imports of Iranian oil. It has also hinted at military confrontation, sending extra forces to the region to counter what it describes as Iranian threats. Xi told TASS news agency and Rossiyskaya Gazeta newspaper that because of the "extreme pressure" Washington has put on Tehran and the unilateral sanctions, tensions have continued to rise in the Middle East. "The development of the situation is worrying," Xi said, according to a transcript published by China`s Foreign Ministry ahead of his arrival in Russia on Wednesday. The Iran nuclear deal should be fully implemented and respected, as it is of crucial importance for peace and stability in the Middle East and non-proliferation, Xi added. "China and Russia`s views and positions on the Iran nuclear issue are highly aligned, and both hope that all relevant parties remain rational and exercise restraint, step up dialogue and consultations and lower the temperature on the present tense situation," he said. China has been angered by US threats against countries and companies that violate US sanctions by importing Iranian oil. China and Iran have close energy ties. Xi did not directly address the oil sanctions issue, but appeared to allude to them by saying, "China will continue to firmly safeguard its own legitimate and lawful rights and interests".

China's Xi says Iran tensions worrying, calls for restraint

Chinese President Xi Jinping said the country's economy is stable, healthy and well placed to meet all <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-take-unprecedented-action-to-ensure-supply-of-rare-earths-critical-to-tech-military-us-224397">risks and challenges</a>, according to a transcript published by the Xinhua news agency.

Xi made the remarks to the TASS Russian News Agency and Rossiyskaya Gazeta newspaper on Tuesday ahead of his state visit to Russia where he will attend a major Russian investor forum in St Petersburg. The transcript of that interview was published by Xinhua on Wednesday.

Xi did not mention <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rare-earths-the-latest-weapon-in-the-us-china-trade-war-222578">China`s trade war with the United States</a>, which escalated last month after Washington and Beijing slapped new tit-for-tat tariffs on each other.&nbsp;

"Looking into the future, China`s economy bears the supporting conditions for stable, healthy and sustainable growth," he said.

Xi noted China had ample room to manoeuvre in the macroeconomic policy space and that the country`s economy got off to a good start in 2019 as key indicators were kept in a reasonable range.

China`s economy grew at a steady 6.4 per cent pace in the first quarter, defying expectations for a further slowdown, as industrial production jumped sharply and consumer demand showed signs of improvement.

However, it reported surprisingly weaker growth in retail sales and industrial output for April, putting pressure on Beijing to roll out more stimulus as the trade war with the United States escalates.&nbsp;

Chinese President Xi Jinping said the country's economy is stable, healthy and well placed to meet all risks and challenges, according to a transcript published by the Xinhua news agency.

Chinese President Xi Jinping said the country's economy is stable, healthy and well placed to meet all risks and challenges, according to a transcript published by the Xinhua news agency. Xi made the remarks to the TASS Russian News Agency and Rossiyskaya Gazeta newspaper on Tuesday ahead of his state visit to Russia where he will attend a major Russian investor forum in St Petersburg. The transcript of that interview was published by Xinhua on Wednesday. Xi did not mention China`s trade war with the United States, which escalated last month after Washington and Beijing slapped new tit-for-tat tariffs on each other. "Looking into the future, China`s economy bears the supporting conditions for stable, healthy and sustainable growth," he said. Xi noted China had ample room to manoeuvre in the macroeconomic policy space and that the country`s economy got off to a good start in 2019 as key indicators were kept in a reasonable range. China`s economy grew at a steady 6.4 per cent pace in the first quarter, defying expectations for a further slowdown, as industrial production jumped sharply and consumer demand showed signs of improvement. However, it reported surprisingly weaker growth in retail sales and industrial output for April, putting pressure on Beijing to roll out more stimulus as the trade war with the United States escalates.

Xi Jinping says China's economy positioned to meet all challenges: Report

The Normandy landings took place on 6 June 1944 and it was one of the biggest seaborne invasions in history. The operation against Nazi Germany was a combined effort, and included support from the UK, US and Canada, and it is considered to be a key component to securing victory during the Second World War.

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The 75th anniversary of World War II’s D-Day is June 6, commemorating the largest invasion by air, land and sea in history. More than 5,000 ships, 11,000 airplanes and 150,000 soldiers from the United States, Britain and Canada stormed the Nazi-occupied French beaches of Normandy in a surprise attack.

World War II D-Day: 6th June marks 75 years since D-Day

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump joined Queen Elizabeth II and more than 300 D-Day veterans in Portsmouth on Wednesday for a national ceremony of remembrance on the 75th anniversary of the allied military invasion remembered as a turning point of World War II.

Donald Trump reads a tribute on behalf of United States

The Trump Administration Has Removed Trade Benefits To India, Kicking Off Another Trade Dispute. What Does It Mean? Palki Sharma Upadhyay Explains.

Gravitas: US Withdraws Trade Incentives To India

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Gravitas: Fox News Vs CGTN: News Anchors Go Head To Head

Can The US - China Trade War Benefit India? Trade War Can Force Major Companies To Source More From India. Palki Sharma Upadhyay Explains.

Gravitas: US - China Trade War: Advantage For India?

On the second day of his visit to Britain, US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said that he sees "tremendous potential" in US-UK trade deal.&nbsp;

Addressing a joint press conference, outgoing Prime Minister Theresa May also resounded Trump's sentiments and&nbsp;added that the UK is "committed to a trade deal with the United States".&nbsp;Trump said everything is on the table in UK trade talks.

Earlier in the day, Trump touted a "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-promises-uk-pm-theresa-may-very-substantial-trade-deal-after-brexit-224218">very, very substantial trade deal</a>" between the United States and Britain after Brexit.&nbsp;He met May at her Downing Street residence, earlier in the day, as part of his state visit to Britain.

"I think we will have a very very substantial trade deal. It will be a very fair deal," he told her at a meeting with business leaders and ministers, adding, "We're going to get it done."

Watch:&nbsp;Thousands protesting against Donald Trump's UK state visit

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/thousands-protesting-against-donald-trumps-uk-state-visit-224040/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Both the leaders also expressed similar views on Iran. "We have similar goals on Iran," said May, adding that the UK and the US will "work together to strengthen our alliance".

The US President also slipped out his intentions with respect to neighbouring Mexico stating that the "US will most likely impose tariffs on Mexico".&nbsp;

On Brexit, Trump said that he thinks that it will happen and "it probably should happen".&nbsp;

"I would think it will happen and it probably should happen. This is a great, great country and it wants its own identity, it wants to have its own borders, it wants to run its own affairs. This is a very, very special place," he said.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-turns-to-brexit-and-huawei-as-protesters-mock-with-a-blimp-224195">On Huawei</a>, Trump said that there is going to be an agreement on the same.

"We are going to have absolutely an agreement on Huawei and everything else. We have an incredible intelligence relationship and we are going to be able to work out any differences. We did discuss it. I see absolutely no limitations, we have never (had) limitations, this is a truly great ally and partner and we will have no problem with that," news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

Trump's UK visit is marred by protests.&nbsp;Protesters shouted, banged drums and waved placards at what organisers called a "Carnival of Resistance" at Trafalgar Square.

(With inputs from agencies)

On the second day of his visit to Britain, US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said that he sees "tremendous potential" in US-UK trade deal. Addressing a joint press conference, outgoing Prime Minister Theresa May also resounded Trump's sentiments and added that the UK is "committed to a trade deal with the United States".

On the second day of his visit to Britain, US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said that he sees "tremendous potential" in US-UK trade deal. Addressing a joint press conference, outgoing Prime Minister Theresa May also resounded Trump's sentiments and added that the UK is "committed to a trade deal with the United States". Trump said everything is on the table in UK trade talks. Earlier in the day, Trump touted a "very, very substantial trade deal" between the United States and Britain after Brexit. He met May at her Downing Street residence, earlier in the day, as part of his state visit to Britain. "I think we will have a very very substantial trade deal. It will be a very fair deal," he told her at a meeting with business leaders and ministers, adding, "We're going to get it done." Watch: Thousands protesting against Donald Trump's UK state visit Both the leaders also expressed similar views on Iran. "We have similar goals on Iran," said May, adding that the UK and the US will "work together to strengthen our alliance". The US President also slipped out his intentions with respect to neighbouring Mexico stating that the "US will most likely impose tariffs on Mexico". On Brexit, Trump said that he thinks that it will happen and "it probably should happen". "I would think it will happen and it probably should happen. This is a great, great country and it wants its own identity, it wants to have its own borders, it wants to run its own affairs. This is a very, very special place," he said. On Huawei, Trump said that there is going to be an agreement on the same. "We are going to have absolutely an agreement on Huawei and everything else. We have an incredible intelligence relationship and we are going to be able to work out any differences. We did discuss it. I see absolutely no limitations, we have never (had) limitations, this is a truly great ally and partner and we will have no problem with that," news agency Reuters reported. Trump's UK visit is marred by protests. Protesters shouted, banged drums and waved placards at what organisers called a "Carnival of Resistance" at Trafalgar Square. (With inputs from agencies)

Donald Trump, Theresa May reiterate commitment for US-UK trade deal

Theresa May said, We are committed to trade deal with US after Brexit. She also said, We will work together to strengthen our alliance. Watch this complete video to know more.

Trump & May Hold Joint Press Conference

By Janos Besenyo

Russia has never had an African colony. It stayed out of the scramble for Africa, only engaging with African states in the 19th Century. In 1869, for instance, the Russians gave Ethiopia military support to threaten the position of the British in their quest to control the Suez Canal. They did this because Britain was one of their main European rivals.

It wasn’t until the Cold War started in 1947 that Russia began to develop diplomatic relations with several African countries. This was a way to counter the influence of its rivals such as the US.

The Cold War dictated the former USSR’s relations with many African countries for decades. This was followed by a period of relative inactivity. But more recently, relations have become increasingly important for Russia as well as some African countries.

The result is that some African countries no longer need to choose between the American and the Chinese way of development.

Ostensibly, China has the most pragmatic engagement with Africa. Its policy is not to interfere with the internal workings of nation states or play geopolitics by pitting countries against each other. But it has become increasingly difficult for the country to resist using its military power to protect its economic interests.

For its part, the US’s ultimate aim is to tip the regional balance of power in its favour while also gaining access to Africa’s resources.

My research explores Russia’s current relationship with the continent. The research examines Russian President Vladimir Putin’s strategy to redress the global balance of power by countering America’s influence in Africa and trying to match China’s large economic footprint on the continent.

I conclude that Russia’s primary goal is the political influence. This is achieved by gaining control of natural resources and providing military support and intelligence. Yet, despite making massive inroads, the Russian Federation is still less influential than the US and China on the continent.

From the African point of view, Russia offers a strategic alternative to America’s global hegemony, China’s economic diplomacy, and the lingering influence of Africa’s former colonial masters.

The history

During the Cold War the Russians provided diplomatic, economic, military, and educational support for numerous African liberation movements. These included Algeria, Angola, Cape Verde, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Guinea, Madagascar, Sao Tome &amp; Principe, and Tanzania. As a result, many young Africans were educated in Moscow.

Russia began to trade and interact with these states routinely. It sent in military intelligence officers to establish a strong presence and ensure that Africa was not purely influenced by the West. The Russians developed relations with Africa so intensely that for the 10 years between 1950 and 1960 it surpassed the influence of colonising powers.

That influence would remain more or less intact until the Boris Yeltsin era. Between 1990 and 1999 Russia’s impact on the continent was spectacularly lowered. Nine embassies and three consulates were closed. The number of personnel subordinated to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs was drastically reduced. Russian cultural institutions were closed, and economic relations were unilaterally terminated. Previously generous aid programmes were scrapped.

This all changed when Putin came to power in 1999. Under his leadership Russia has started to regain its economic and political clout in Africa. Putin has jumpstarted Russia’s diplomatic, economic, and military ties with its former African allies.

Russian interests in Africa

From my research I can conclude that Russia’s primary intent is to build political alliances by supporting nation states economically and militarily while remaining non-judgemental about their internal governance structures.

Its long-term goal is to become a political, economic and military mediator that can stand behind Africa’s global interests and count on the continent’s support in return. Here are some of the areas where Russia are mainly active:

Economic interests: Russia is now seeking to exploit conventional gas and oil fields in Africa and elsewhere. Part of its long term energy strategy is to use Russian companies to create new streams of energy supply. For example, Russian companies have made significant investments in Algeria’s oil and gas industries. They have also invested in Libya, Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast and Egypt.

Russia is also expanding its African interests in minerals. Uranium – which is key to the nuclear power industry – is at the top of its list.

In addition, Russian companies are producing aluminium in Nigeria, and have constructed hydropower stations in Angola, Namibia, Botswana.

Russia is also on track to build nuclear plants in Egypt, Nigeria and Algeria. These investments are a means to becoming an integral part of Africa’s energy sector.

Russia has also improved its commercial relations with its African partners. In 2009, it established the Coordinating Committee for Economic Cooperation with sub-Saharan Africa to assist in promoting Russian business interests.

Defence interests: Russia has traditionally been one of Africa’s main arms suppliers. During the Cold War many armed liberation organisations and African countries – among them Angola, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Guinea –bought military equipment from Russia. More recently Russia has made significant arms deals with Angola and Algeria. Egypt, Tanzania, Somalia, Mali, Sudan and Libya have also bought arms from Russia. The Russians also provide military training and support.

Aid: Under Putin Russia has made sizeable aid donations to a variety of African countries averaging about $400 million per year. Around 60% of Russian aid is delivered through international organisations; global humanitarian organisations like the World Food Programme and the UN refugee agency. The remaining 40 per cent gets to Africa in a framework of bilateral cooperation. It also makes donations to support education, health care, agriculture, environment and energy.

The danger for Moscow is that, the more progress it makes with African governments, the more likely it is that its interests will collide with those of either China or the US – or both.

 
(Janos Besenyo is Associate Professor, Óbuda University)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/russia-in-africa-can-it-offer-an-alternative-to-the-us-and-china-117764">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

By Janos Besenyo Russia has never had an African colony. It stayed out of the scramble for Africa, only engaging with African states in the 19th Century. In 1869, for instance, the Russians gave Ethiopia military support to threaten the position of the British in their quest to control the Suez Canal.

By Janos Besenyo Russia has never had an African colony. It stayed out of the scramble for Africa, only engaging with African states in the 19th Century. In 1869, for instance, the Russians gave Ethiopia military support to threaten the position of the British in their quest to control the Suez Canal. They did this because Britain was one of their main European rivals. It wasn’t until the Cold War started in 1947 that Russia began to develop diplomatic relations with several African countries. This was a way to counter the influence of its rivals such as the US. The Cold War dictated the former USSR’s relations with many African countries for decades. This was followed by a period of relative inactivity. But more recently, relations have become increasingly important for Russia as well as some African countries. The result is that some African countries no longer need to choose between the American and the Chinese way of development. Ostensibly, China has the most pragmatic engagement with Africa. Its policy is not to interfere with the internal workings of nation states or play geopolitics by pitting countries against each other. But it has become increasingly difficult for the country to resist using its military power to protect its economic interests. For its part, the US’s ultimate aim is to tip the regional balance of power in its favour while also gaining access to Africa’s resources. My research explores Russia’s current relationship with the continent. The research examines Russian President Vladimir Putin’s strategy to redress the global balance of power by countering America’s influence in Africa and trying to match China’s large economic footprint on the continent. I conclude that Russia’s primary goal is the political influence. This is achieved by gaining control of natural resources and providing military support and intelligence. Yet, despite making massive inroads, the Russian Federation is still less influential than the US and China on the continent. From the African point of view, Russia offers a strategic alternative to America’s global hegemony, China’s economic diplomacy, and the lingering influence of Africa’s former colonial masters. The history During the Cold War the Russians provided diplomatic, economic, military, and educational support for numerous African liberation movements. These included Algeria, Angola, Cape Verde, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Guinea, Madagascar, Sao Tome & Principe, and Tanzania. As a result, many young Africans were educated in Moscow. Russia began to trade and interact with these states routinely. It sent in military intelligence officers to establish a strong presence and ensure that Africa was not purely influenced by the West. The Russians developed relations with Africa so intensely that for the 10 years between 1950 and 1960 it surpassed the influence of colonising powers. That influence would remain more or less intact until the Boris Yeltsin era. Between 1990 and 1999 Russia’s impact on the continent was spectacularly lowered. Nine embassies and three consulates were closed. The number of personnel subordinated to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs was drastically reduced. Russian cultural institutions were closed, and economic relations were unilaterally terminated. Previously generous aid programmes were scrapped. This all changed when Putin came to power in 1999. Under his leadership Russia has started to regain its economic and political clout in Africa. Putin has jumpstarted Russia’s diplomatic, economic, and military ties with its former African allies. Russian interests in Africa From my research I can conclude that Russia’s primary intent is to build political alliances by supporting nation states economically and militarily while remaining non-judgemental about their internal governance structures. Its long-term goal is to become a political, economic and military mediator that can stand behind Africa’s global interests and count on the continent’s support in return. Here are some of the areas where Russia are mainly active: Economic interests: Russia is now seeking to exploit conventional gas and oil fields in Africa and elsewhere. Part of its long term energy strategy is to use Russian companies to create new streams of energy supply. For example, Russian companies have made significant investments in Algeria’s oil and gas industries. They have also invested in Libya, Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast and Egypt. Russia is also expanding its African interests in minerals. Uranium – which is key to the nuclear power industry – is at the top of its list. In addition, Russian companies are producing aluminium in Nigeria, and have constructed hydropower stations in Angola, Namibia, Botswana. Russia is also on track to build nuclear plants in Egypt, Nigeria and Algeria. These investments are a means to becoming an integral part of Africa’s energy sector. Russia has also improved its commercial relations with its African partners. In 2009, it established the Coordinating Committee for Economic Cooperation with sub-Saharan Africa to assist in promoting Russian business interests. Defence interests: Russia has traditionally been one of Africa’s main arms suppliers. During the Cold War many armed liberation organisations and African countries – among them Angola, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Guinea –bought military equipment from Russia. More recently Russia has made significant arms deals with Angola and Algeria. Egypt, Tanzania, Somalia, Mali, Sudan and Libya have also bought arms from Russia. The Russians also provide military training and support. Aid: Under Putin Russia has made sizeable aid donations to a variety of African countries averaging about $400 million per year. Around 60% of Russian aid is delivered through international organisations; global humanitarian organisations like the World Food Programme and the UN refugee agency. The remaining 40 per cent gets to Africa in a framework of bilateral cooperation. It also makes donations to support education, health care, agriculture, environment and energy. The danger for Moscow is that, the more progress it makes with African governments, the more likely it is that its interests will collide with those of either China or the US – or both. (Janos Besenyo is Associate Professor, Óbuda University) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Russia in Africa: Can it offer an alternative to the US and China?

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

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

Queen Elizabeth shows Trump, Melania royal gift collection

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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