US President Donald Trump said on Monday Washington had struck trade agreements with Tokyo that could be implemented without congressional approval, but stopped short of assuring Japan that new tariffs would not be slapped on vital auto exports.

In a letter to the US&nbsp;Congress released by the White House, Trump said that he intends to enter into the agreements on tariff barriers and digital trade "in the coming weeks" and was notifying lawmakers that the tariff deal would be made under a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-japan-agree-trade-deal-in-principle-245579">trade</a> law provision allowing the US&nbsp;president to make reciprocal tariff reductions by proclamation.

"In addition, I also will be entering into an Executive Agreement with Japan regarding digital trade," Trump said in the letter.

Neither agreement would require a vote in Congress under the so-called "fast track" approval process.

The Trump administration last year notified Congress that it would pursue negotiations with Japan under this method.

On a critical issue to Japan, Trump's announcement left unclear whether he has agreed not to impose threatened national security tariffs on Japanese vehicles and auto parts.

Avoiding the "Section 232" tariffs of up to 25 per cent&nbsp;was a major motivating factor for Tokyo in negotiating with Washington on trade.

"At the finishing stage, we plan to reconfirm that 232 won't be imposed," Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, Japan's lead negotiator, told a regular news conference in Tokyo on Tuesday.

Finance Minister Taro Aso said the deal won't contain any provision on currencies another worry for Tokyo.

Japan wants to avoid any agreement hindering its ability to intervene in the foreign-exchange markets in the event of a spike in the yen, or to expand the Bank of Japan's massive monetary stimulus.

Trump said after the&nbsp;G7 summit last month that he was not considering auto tariffs "at this moment".

Over much of the past year, the scope of talks has narrowed to exclude the automotive sector, the source of most of the $67 billion US&nbsp;trade deficit with Japan.

Instead, Trump and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in August announced an agreement in principle of a deal that covered reductions in tariffs on agricultural and industrial goods, but not autos.

A spokesman for US&nbsp;Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer could not immediately be reached for comment on the letter and the trade deals.

Trump and Abe said at the G7 summit in France that they hoped to sign the agreement at this month's United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Trump's letter did not disclose any content of the agreements, but Japan had previously said it was willing to consider a deal that would reduce agriculture tariffs to levels previously contemplated under the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a trade deal that Trump quit on his third day in office in 2017.

Trump's letter said that the United States would pursue further trade negotiations with Japan.

"My Administration looks forward to continued collaboration with the Congress on further negotiations with Japan to achieve a comprehensive trade agreement that results in more fair and reciprocal trade between the United States and Japan," Trump said.

The US&nbsp;technology industry officials say they expect the digital trade agreement with Japan to be closely aligned with provisions in the new US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which follow the US&nbsp;model for internet development.

The USMCA provisions aim to ensure the free flow of data across borders without taxation, prohibit data server localization requirements and limit governments' ability to require the disclosure of source code by the companies they regulate.

For Trump, the signing of even a partial trade deal with Japan centred largely on agriculture would provide some relief to US&nbsp;farmers who have been battered by a 14-month US-China trade war and lost market share.

US President Donald Trump said on Monday Washington had struck trade agreements with Tokyo that could be implemented without congressional approval, but stopped short of assuring Japan that new tariffs would not be slapped on vital auto exports.

US President Donald Trump said on Monday Washington had struck trade agreements with Tokyo that could be implemented without congressional approval, but stopped short of assuring Japan that new tariffs would not be slapped on vital auto exports. In a letter to the US Congress released by the White House, Trump said that he intends to enter into the agreements on tariff barriers and digital trade "in the coming weeks" and was notifying lawmakers that the tariff deal would be made under a trade law provision allowing the US president to make reciprocal tariff reductions by proclamation. "In addition, I also will be entering into an Executive Agreement with Japan regarding digital trade," Trump said in the letter. Neither agreement would require a vote in Congress under the so-called "fast track" approval process. The Trump administration last year notified Congress that it would pursue negotiations with Japan under this method. On a critical issue to Japan, Trump's announcement left unclear whether he has agreed not to impose threatened national security tariffs on Japanese vehicles and auto parts. Avoiding the "Section 232" tariffs of up to 25 per cent was a major motivating factor for Tokyo in negotiating with Washington on trade. "At the finishing stage, we plan to reconfirm that 232 won't be imposed," Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, Japan's lead negotiator, told a regular news conference in Tokyo on Tuesday. Finance Minister Taro Aso said the deal won't contain any provision on currencies another worry for Tokyo. Japan wants to avoid any agreement hindering its ability to intervene in the foreign-exchange markets in the event of a spike in the yen, or to expand the Bank of Japan's massive monetary stimulus. Trump said after the G7 summit last month that he was not considering auto tariffs "at this moment". Over much of the past year, the scope of talks has narrowed to exclude the automotive sector, the source of most of the $67 billion US trade deficit with Japan. Instead, Trump and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in August announced an agreement in principle of a deal that covered reductions in tariffs on agricultural and industrial goods, but not autos. A spokesman for US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer could not immediately be reached for comment on the letter and the trade deals. Trump and Abe said at the G7 summit in France that they hoped to sign the agreement at this month's United Nations General Assembly in New York. Trump's letter did not disclose any content of the agreements, but Japan had previously said it was willing to consider a deal that would reduce agriculture tariffs to levels previously contemplated under the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a trade deal that Trump quit on his third day in office in 2017. Trump's letter said that the United States would pursue further trade negotiations with Japan. "My Administration looks forward to continued collaboration with the Congress on further negotiations with Japan to achieve a comprehensive trade agreement that results in more fair and reciprocal trade between the United States and Japan," Trump said. The US technology industry officials say they expect the digital trade agreement with Japan to be closely aligned with provisions in the new US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which follow the US model for internet development. The USMCA provisions aim to ensure the free flow of data across borders without taxation, prohibit data server localization requirements and limit governments' ability to require the disclosure of source code by the companies they regulate. For Trump, the signing of even a partial trade deal with Japan centred largely on agriculture would provide some relief to US farmers who have been battered by a 14-month US-China trade war and lost market share.

Trump says the US reaches trade deals with Japan, no word on cars

Belgium's candidate for the incoming European Commission, Foreign Minister Didier Reynders, faces a preliminary probe into accusations of money laundering in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Belgian authorities and two newspapers said.

The accusations were made by an ex-member of Belgium's intelligence services, Brussels's state prosecutor's office said late on Saturday, declining to give more details.

It was not available for further comment on Sunday.

First reported by Belgium's L'Echo and De Tijd newspapers on Saturday, the investigation is at a very early stage but comes as Reynders bids to become EU justice commissioner, which is responsible for ensuring rule of law across the bloc.

Reynders office was not immediately available for comment.

Hearings at the European Parliament into the suitability of the next group of commissioners start on September&nbsp;30, with European Commission President-elect Ursula von der Leyen seeking a strong mandate to challenges including climate change, better ties with Washington and a more assertive China.

Belgium's candidate for the incoming European Commission, Foreign Minister Didier Reynders, faces a preliminary probe into accusations of money laundering in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Belgian authorities and two newspapers said.

Belgium's candidate for the incoming European Commission, Foreign Minister Didier Reynders, faces a preliminary probe into accusations of money laundering in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Belgian authorities and two newspapers said. The accusations were made by an ex-member of Belgium's intelligence services, Brussels's state prosecutor's office said late on Saturday, declining to give more details. It was not available for further comment on Sunday. First reported by Belgium's L'Echo and De Tijd newspapers on Saturday, the investigation is at a very early stage but comes as Reynders bids to become EU justice commissioner, which is responsible for ensuring rule of law across the bloc. Reynders office was not immediately available for comment. Hearings at the European Parliament into the suitability of the next group of commissioners start on September 30, with European Commission President-elect Ursula von der Leyen seeking a strong mandate to challenges including climate change, better ties with Washington and a more assertive China.

Belgium's pick for European Commission faces graft inquiry

President Donald Trump wants US "interest rates down to zero, or less," he tweeted Wednesday amid widespread expectations that the Federal Reserve will cut rates later this month.

"We should then start to refinance our debt. Interest cost could be brought way down,&nbsp;while at the same time substantially lengthening the term," he added.

"It is only the naivete of Jay Powell and the Federal Reserve that doesn't allow us to do what other countries are already doing," he asserted.

"A once in a lifetime opportunity that we are missing because of 'Boneheads,"&nbsp;Trump said, in perhaps his most insulting comment to date about the US central bank.

As it becomes increasingly apparent that the US economy has slowed in 2019, in large part because of concerns about Trump's trade war with China, Trump has publicly berated Fed Chair Jerome Powell and the independent Fed for failing to loosen monetary policy fast enough.

The "Federal Reserve should get our interest rates down to zero, or less," Trump said.

Investors overwhelmingly expect the Fed to deliver a 25-basis-point rate cut next week. But cutting to zero would be an extreme move reserved only for a severe economic crisis.

After raising the benchmark lending rate four times last year, to a range of 2.0-2.25 per cent, the central bank cut in July for the first time in more than a decade, partly as insurance against the impact of trade uncertainties on the economy.

Powell has vowed to act to ensure that American economic expansion continues but warned the central bank has no "rulebook" for dealing with trade conflict.

Trump selected Powell to take over Fed leadership but has heaped constant criticism on him for his handling of the policy, even speculating about whether he may be a bigger "enemy" than Beijing.

With many of the world's central banks cutting rates amid signs of flagging economic growth, Trump says the Fed is putting the United States at a disadvantage.

He also has complained about the Fed's efforts to reduce its massive holdings of securities, that were built up during the 2008 global financial crisis after rates were cut to zero in an attempt to shore up the ravaged economy.

"We have the great currency, power, and balance sheet," he tweeted.

While the Fed is not expecting a recession, trade frictions, as well as slower global growth and persistently low inflation, are among the "significant risks" that policymakers are watching, the Fed chair said during a conversation at the University of Zurich on Friday.

The US economic landscape has shifted this year, as business investment has weakened noticeably, manufacturing has fallen into decline and job creation has slowed.

And with other world economies slowing, the US dollar has strengthened as investors find a safe haven in purchases of US assets like government debt.

The stronger dollar tends to make US exports more expensive.

The Fed chair noted, however, that unemployment had remained near historic lows for about 18 months while wages were rising, fueling consumer spending.

Powell, whom Trump promoted to Fed chairman last year, has reiterated that he and his Fed colleagues ignore such comments when they set monetary policy.

President Donald Trump wants US "interest rates down to zero, or less," he tweeted Wednesday amid widespread expectations that the Federal Reserve will cut rates later this month.

President Donald Trump wants US "interest rates down to zero, or less," he tweeted Wednesday amid widespread expectations that the Federal Reserve will cut rates later this month. "We should then start to refinance our debt. Interest cost could be brought way down, while at the same time substantially lengthening the term," he added. "It is only the naivete of Jay Powell and the Federal Reserve that doesn't allow us to do what other countries are already doing," he asserted. "A once in a lifetime opportunity that we are missing because of 'Boneheads," Trump said, in perhaps his most insulting comment to date about the US central bank. As it becomes increasingly apparent that the US economy has slowed in 2019, in large part because of concerns about Trump's trade war with China, Trump has publicly berated Fed Chair Jerome Powell and the independent Fed for failing to loosen monetary policy fast enough. The "Federal Reserve should get our interest rates down to zero, or less," Trump said. Investors overwhelmingly expect the Fed to deliver a 25-basis-point rate cut next week. But cutting to zero would be an extreme move reserved only for a severe economic crisis. After raising the benchmark lending rate four times last year, to a range of 2.0-2.25 per cent, the central bank cut in July for the first time in more than a decade, partly as insurance against the impact of trade uncertainties on the economy. Powell has vowed to act to ensure that American economic expansion continues but warned the central bank has no "rulebook" for dealing with trade conflict. Trump selected Powell to take over Fed leadership but has heaped constant criticism on him for his handling of the policy, even speculating about whether he may be a bigger "enemy" than Beijing. With many of the world's central banks cutting rates amid signs of flagging economic growth, Trump says the Fed is putting the United States at a disadvantage. He also has complained about the Fed's efforts to reduce its massive holdings of securities, that were built up during the 2008 global financial crisis after rates were cut to zero in an attempt to shore up the ravaged economy. "We have the great currency, power, and balance sheet," he tweeted. While the Fed is not expecting a recession, trade frictions, as well as slower global growth and persistently low inflation, are among the "significant risks" that policymakers are watching, the Fed chair said during a conversation at the University of Zurich on Friday. The US economic landscape has shifted this year, as business investment has weakened noticeably, manufacturing has fallen into decline and job creation has slowed. And with other world economies slowing, the US dollar has strengthened as investors find a safe haven in purchases of US assets like government debt. The stronger dollar tends to make US exports more expensive. The Fed chair noted, however, that unemployment had remained near historic lows for about 18 months while wages were rising, fueling consumer spending. Powell, whom Trump promoted to Fed chairman last year, has reiterated that he and his Fed colleagues ignore such comments when they set monetary policy.

Bring interest rates down to zero, or less: Trump to Federal Reserve

Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Tuesday that Washington is stalling the implementation of an agreement to create a "safe zone" in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-turkey-launch-joint-patrols-in-northeast-syria-248400">northeast Syria</a>.

The NATO allies carried out their first joint military land patrol in the region on Sunday.

Turkey wants the operations to expand rapidly and push back Kurdish forces 20 miles (32 km) from the border, creating a zone which Ankara says should be controlled by Turkish troops.

Cavusoglu said Turkey wanted to work with the United States, but was prepared to clear the area of<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/now-us-imposes-sanctions-on-irans-shipping-network-over-supplying-oil-to-syria-247630"> Kurdish YPG fighters </a>itself if necessary.

"Yes, there are some joint patrols but other than that, the steps that have been taken or the steps that are said to be taken are cosmetic steps," he told reporters in Ankara.

"We are seeing that the United States is entering a stalling process and that it is trying to get Turkey accustomed to this stalling process."

Cavusoglu said Washington's approach so far had served the Syrian Kurdish YPG forces more than Turkey.

The YPG, which has been the main US ally in the fight against Islamic State in Syria, is considered a terrorist organisation by Ankara, which says it is an extension of Kurdish militants in Turkey.

President Tayyip Erdogan said last week Turkey also aims to send 1 million of the 3.6 million Syrian refugees it hosts to the planned safe zone in northern Syria.

Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Tuesday that Washington is stalling the implementation of an agreement to create a "safe zone" in northeast Syria.

Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Tuesday that Washington is stalling the implementation of an agreement to create a "safe zone" in northeast Syria. The NATO allies carried out their first joint military land patrol in the region on Sunday. Turkey wants the operations to expand rapidly and push back Kurdish forces 20 miles (32 km) from the border, creating a zone which Ankara says should be controlled by Turkish troops. Cavusoglu said Turkey wanted to work with the United States, but was prepared to clear the area of Kurdish YPG fighters itself if necessary. "Yes, there are some joint patrols but other than that, the steps that have been taken or the steps that are said to be taken are cosmetic steps," he told reporters in Ankara. "We are seeing that the United States is entering a stalling process and that it is trying to get Turkey accustomed to this stalling process." Cavusoglu said Washington's approach so far had served the Syrian Kurdish YPG forces more than Turkey. The YPG, which has been the main US ally in the fight against Islamic State in Syria, is considered a terrorist organisation by Ankara, which says it is an extension of Kurdish militants in Turkey. President Tayyip Erdogan said last week Turkey also aims to send 1 million of the 3.6 million Syrian refugees it hosts to the planned safe zone in northern Syria.

US stalling on Syria 'safe zone': Turkey

A coalition of US states unveiled on Friday an antitrust investigation of Facebook, the first of what is expected to be a wave of action against dominant technology firms.

New York State Attorney General Letitia James announced the action on behalf of seven other states and the District of Columbia to probe "whether Facebook has stifled competition and put users at risk."

The case may be the first in a series of antitrust actions against Big Tech firms and highlights growing "techlash," based on worries about platforms that control the flow of online information and dominate key economic sectors.

"We will use every investigative tool at our disposal to determine whether Facebook's actions may have endangered consumer data, reduced the quality of consumers' choices, or increased the price of advertising," James said.

Joining the action were attorneys general of Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Nebraska, North Carolina, Ohio, and Tennessee, said, James.

Earlier this year the US Justice Department said it would launch a "review" of major online platforms to determine if they have stifled innovation or reduced competition.

It was not immediately clear if the states would be working in coordination with federal officials.

'Rising fears'

Facebook offered no immediate comment, but in the past, it has claimed it is not a monopoly and that consumers have many choices for how to connect with people online.

The new probe "shows how unease with large tech companies is spreading beyond Congress and the federal government agencies to the states," said Michael Carrier, professor of antitrust law at Rutgers University.

"With each passing day, there are greater fears about these companies controlling our online lives."

Yet the legal basis for an antitrust action remains unclear, said Eric Goldman, director of the High Tech Law Institute at Santa Clara University.

"It remains to be seen if the (attorneys general) has any merit to their complaints or if they will be conducting a fishing expedition hoping to find some damning evidence," Goldman said.

"Companies as large as Google or Facebook probably have minor problematic practices the AGs could target, but I'm still waiting for any evidence that would support more structural challenges to the internet giants' practices."

'More on Monday'

A separate coalition of states was set to launch another antitrust initiative, with Google reportedly a target.

The office of the Texas attorney general scheduled an event Monday in Washington with a "broad coalition of states" to unveil a probe into "whether large tech companies have engaged in anticompetitive behaviour that stifled competition, restricted access, and harmed consumers."

Google spokesman Jose Castaneda said the company's services "help people every day, create more choice for consumers, and support thousands of jobs and small businesses across the country" and pledged to "work constructively with regulators."

'What's the remedy?'

Maurice Stucke, a University of Tennessee law professor, said he expects one of the areas being investigated will be online advertising markets, which are dominated by Google and Facebook.

"This is a great area to look at because the market has been criticized as being opaque," Stucke said.

Stucke said the investigations may go further by looking at how tech platforms control data, potentially examining "the intersection between competition law and privacy."

Amazon and Apple may also be in the crosshairs. Critics have complained that Amazon wields too much power in online retail and that Apple may disadvantage rivals offering services in its app store.

In the European Union, Google has faced a series of antitrust actions and Amazon is now being targeted by enforcers.

Democratic presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren has made a breakup of the big tech firms a part of her campaign platform.

But some analysts say the case against the tech firms faces challenges because the companies have in many cases provided services for free and brought prices down, making it hard to prove they harmed "consumer welfare," a longstanding judicial precedent.

Jessica Melugin of the Competitive Enterprise Institute said the state officials are stretching the limits of antitrust.

"This sort of high-profile activism may benefit state AGs' political ambitions, but impose harmful costs on consumers, businesses, and the economy," she said in a statement.

But Stucke said it would be wrong to view antitrust law as solely focused on consumer prices, and that it may be applied to questions of competition and innovation.

The probes could end up with a variety of outcomes including fines, restrictions on conduct or a breakup, Stucke maintained.

"You'd have to show how the remedy would address the concerns," he said.

A coalition of US states unveiled on Friday an antitrust investigation of Facebook, the first of what is expected to be a wave of action against dominant technology firms.

A coalition of US states unveiled on Friday an antitrust investigation of Facebook, the first of what is expected to be a wave of action against dominant technology firms. New York State Attorney General Letitia James announced the action on behalf of seven other states and the District of Columbia to probe "whether Facebook has stifled competition and put users at risk." The case may be the first in a series of antitrust actions against Big Tech firms and highlights growing "techlash," based on worries about platforms that control the flow of online information and dominate key economic sectors. "We will use every investigative tool at our disposal to determine whether Facebook's actions may have endangered consumer data, reduced the quality of consumers' choices, or increased the price of advertising," James said. Joining the action were attorneys general of Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Nebraska, North Carolina, Ohio, and Tennessee, said, James. Earlier this year the US Justice Department said it would launch a "review" of major online platforms to determine if they have stifled innovation or reduced competition. It was not immediately clear if the states would be working in coordination with federal officials. 'Rising fears' Facebook offered no immediate comment, but in the past, it has claimed it is not a monopoly and that consumers have many choices for how to connect with people online. The new probe "shows how unease with large tech companies is spreading beyond Congress and the federal government agencies to the states," said Michael Carrier, professor of antitrust law at Rutgers University. "With each passing day, there are greater fears about these companies controlling our online lives." Yet the legal basis for an antitrust action remains unclear, said Eric Goldman, director of the High Tech Law Institute at Santa Clara University. "It remains to be seen if the (attorneys general) has any merit to their complaints or if they will be conducting a fishing expedition hoping to find some damning evidence," Goldman said. "Companies as large as Google or Facebook probably have minor problematic practices the AGs could target, but I'm still waiting for any evidence that would support more structural challenges to the internet giants' practices." 'More on Monday' A separate coalition of states was set to launch another antitrust initiative, with Google reportedly a target. The office of the Texas attorney general scheduled an event Monday in Washington with a "broad coalition of states" to unveil a probe into "whether large tech companies have engaged in anticompetitive behaviour that stifled competition, restricted access, and harmed consumers." Google spokesman Jose Castaneda said the company's services "help people every day, create more choice for consumers, and support thousands of jobs and small businesses across the country" and pledged to "work constructively with regulators." 'What's the remedy?' Maurice Stucke, a University of Tennessee law professor, said he expects one of the areas being investigated will be online advertising markets, which are dominated by Google and Facebook. "This is a great area to look at because the market has been criticized as being opaque," Stucke said. Stucke said the investigations may go further by looking at how tech platforms control data, potentially examining "the intersection between competition law and privacy." Amazon and Apple may also be in the crosshairs. Critics have complained that Amazon wields too much power in online retail and that Apple may disadvantage rivals offering services in its app store. In the European Union, Google has faced a series of antitrust actions and Amazon is now being targeted by enforcers. Democratic presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren has made a breakup of the big tech firms a part of her campaign platform. But some analysts say the case against the tech firms faces challenges because the companies have in many cases provided services for free and brought prices down, making it hard to prove they harmed "consumer welfare," a longstanding judicial precedent. Jessica Melugin of the Competitive Enterprise Institute said the state officials are stretching the limits of antitrust. "This sort of high-profile activism may benefit state AGs' political ambitions, but impose harmful costs on consumers, businesses, and the economy," she said in a statement. But Stucke said it would be wrong to view antitrust law as solely focused on consumer prices, and that it may be applied to questions of competition and innovation. The probes could end up with a variety of outcomes including fines, restrictions on conduct or a breakup, Stucke maintained. "You'd have to show how the remedy would address the concerns," he said.

Antitrust probe of Facebook may be first step against Big Tech

US&nbsp;House Democrats have launched an investigation into Vice President Mike Pence's stay at a hotel owned by President Donald Trump during a visit to Ireland this week, two committees said on Friday.

Pence drew fire from Democrats when he stayed at the Trump International Golf Club in Doonbeg on the west coast of Ireland during his visit to the country, though it was 300 kilometres (180 miles) away from his meetings in the capital, Dublin.

Elijah Cummings, the chairman of the House Oversight Committee, wrote to the White House, Trump Organisation, US Secret Service and the Vice President's Office seeking documents on the visit by September 19.

The letters cite media reports indicating the golf club had been a "problematic investment" for Trump's company and had not been profitable in years.

"The Committee does not believe that US&nbsp;taxpayer funds should be used to personally enrich President Trump, his family, and his companies," Cummings wrote, saying the stay could be a potential conflict of interest and violate the US&nbsp;Constitution.

Pence's chief of staff, Marc Short, told journalists that Trump had suggested Pence stay at the property, though Trump said later he had not been involved with the decision.

In a separate letter, the chairman of the US&nbsp;House Judiciary Committee, Jerrold Nadler, and the chairman of a Judiciary subcommittee, Steve Cohen, cited Pence's stay at Trump's Ireland golf club to press for documents for their own investigation into the White House's decision to host next year's Group of Seven economic summit at his resort in Florida.

Last month during the G7 meeting in France, Trump said his administration was considering hosting the summit at his Miami-area golf resort but insisted he would not personally profit from hosting the event.

Nadler and Cohen said in August they planned to investigate the proposal.

Trump has remained in control of his hotels, golf courses, and other businesses, though he said he handed over day-to-day operations to his sons before taking office in January 2017.

Watchdog groups and former government ethics officials say Trump has not put safeguards in place to make sure he does not directly profit from actions taken as president, as past presidents have done.

US House Democrats have launched an investigation into Vice President Mike Pence's stay at a hotel owned by President Donald Trump during a visit to Ireland this week, two committees said on Friday.

US House Democrats have launched an investigation into Vice President Mike Pence's stay at a hotel owned by President Donald Trump during a visit to Ireland this week, two committees said on Friday. Pence drew fire from Democrats when he stayed at the Trump International Golf Club in Doonbeg on the west coast of Ireland during his visit to the country, though it was 300 kilometres (180 miles) away from his meetings in the capital, Dublin. Elijah Cummings, the chairman of the House Oversight Committee, wrote to the White House, Trump Organisation, US Secret Service and the Vice President's Office seeking documents on the visit by September 19. The letters cite media reports indicating the golf club had been a "problematic investment" for Trump's company and had not been profitable in years. "The Committee does not believe that US taxpayer funds should be used to personally enrich President Trump, his family, and his companies," Cummings wrote, saying the stay could be a potential conflict of interest and violate the US Constitution. Pence's chief of staff, Marc Short, told journalists that Trump had suggested Pence stay at the property, though Trump said later he had not been involved with the decision. In a separate letter, the chairman of the US House Judiciary Committee, Jerrold Nadler, and the chairman of a Judiciary subcommittee, Steve Cohen, cited Pence's stay at Trump's Ireland golf club to press for documents for their own investigation into the White House's decision to host next year's Group of Seven economic summit at his resort in Florida. Last month during the G7 meeting in France, Trump said his administration was considering hosting the summit at his Miami-area golf resort but insisted he would not personally profit from hosting the event. Nadler and Cohen said in August they planned to investigate the proposal. Trump has remained in control of his hotels, golf courses, and other businesses, though he said he handed over day-to-day operations to his sons before taking office in January 2017. Watchdog groups and former government ethics officials say Trump has not put safeguards in place to make sure he does not directly profit from actions taken as president, as past presidents have done.

United States Democrats to probe into Mike Pence's stay at Trump hotel in Ireland

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani will travel to Washington on September 7 for talks with US President Donald Trump, a source in Ghani's administration told Sputnik on Friday.

According to the source, a 13-member delegation will accompany the Afghan leader.

The visit will come as Washington and the Taliban movement are making attempts to agree on a peace deal, under which US forces will withdraw from the country, while all the parties involved have concerns.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani will travel to Washington on September 7 for talks with US President Donald Trump, a source in Ghani's administration told Sputnik on Friday.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani will travel to Washington on September 7 for talks with US President Donald Trump, a source in Ghani's administration told Sputnik on Friday. According to the source, a 13-member delegation will accompany the Afghan leader. The visit will come as Washington and the Taliban movement are making attempts to agree on a peace deal, under which US forces will withdraw from the country, while all the parties involved have concerns.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani to hold talks with Trump on September 7 in Washington: Report

US and Chinese trade negotiators will resume talks in Washington in early October, Beijing said Thursday after new punitive tariffs raised fears of a breakdown in the protracted negotiations.

The world's two biggest economies have been embroiled in a tense year-long trade war, which escalated further on September 1 when both sides implemented fresh levies.

The negotiations were supposed to have resumed this month but the Chinese commerce ministry said Vice Premier Liu He, Beijing's point man on trade, agreed to October talks in a phone call with US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin on Thursday.

The officials agreed to "work together and take practical actions to create favourable conditions for consultations", the ministry said in a statement.

It said the two sides would "maintain close communication" ahead of the talks.

The top officials last met in Shanghai in July for a round of trade talks, which were described as "constructive" but ended with no announcements.

US President Donald Trump announced afterwards he would increase tariffs on more than half-a-trillion dollars' worth of imports in a new round of punitive measures, prompting Beijing to respond with fresh tariffs on US goods worth $75 billion.

New tensions

Tensions continued to mount over the summer, with Trump accusing Chinese negotiators of holding out for a better deal in hopes he will be voted out in next year's presidential elections.

But at the recent G7 meeting of rich democracies in France, Trump spoke of new communications between US and Chinese negotiators -- giving financial markets a brief boost -- while China's foreign ministry said it was unaware of such contacts.

This week China said it had lodged a complaint against the US with the World Trade Organization (WTO), one day after new tariffs came into force.

While the US-China negotiations began in earnest in January and seemed at first to make progress, they were abruptly called off in the spring by Trump.&nbsp;

They resumed in June at the highest levels in the margins of the G20 summit meeting in Osaka, Japan, when Trump met his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.

But in its complaint to the WTO, Beijing accused the new US tariffs of "seriously violating the consensus reached by the leaders of our two countries in Osaka".

The new round of talks will be seen as a sign of optimism in a trade war that has weighed on the global economy and shaken diplomatic relations between the two global powers.

US and Chinese trade negotiators will resume talks in Washington in early October, Beijing said Thursday after new punitive tariffs raised fears of a breakdown in the protracted negotiations.

US and Chinese trade negotiators will resume talks in Washington in early October, Beijing said Thursday after new punitive tariffs raised fears of a breakdown in the protracted negotiations. The world's two biggest economies have been embroiled in a tense year-long trade war, which escalated further on September 1 when both sides implemented fresh levies. The negotiations were supposed to have resumed this month but the Chinese commerce ministry said Vice Premier Liu He, Beijing's point man on trade, agreed to October talks in a phone call with US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin on Thursday. The officials agreed to "work together and take practical actions to create favourable conditions for consultations", the ministry said in a statement. It said the two sides would "maintain close communication" ahead of the talks. The top officials last met in Shanghai in July for a round of trade talks, which were described as "constructive" but ended with no announcements. US President Donald Trump announced afterwards he would increase tariffs on more than half-a-trillion dollars' worth of imports in a new round of punitive measures, prompting Beijing to respond with fresh tariffs on US goods worth $75 billion. New tensions Tensions continued to mount over the summer, with Trump accusing Chinese negotiators of holding out for a better deal in hopes he will be voted out in next year's presidential elections. But at the recent G7 meeting of rich democracies in France, Trump spoke of new communications between US and Chinese negotiators -- giving financial markets a brief boost -- while China's foreign ministry said it was unaware of such contacts. This week China said it had lodged a complaint against the US with the World Trade Organization (WTO), one day after new tariffs came into force. While the US-China negotiations began in earnest in January and seemed at first to make progress, they were abruptly called off in the spring by Trump. They resumed in June at the highest levels in the margins of the G20 summit meeting in Osaka, Japan, when Trump met his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping. But in its complaint to the WTO, Beijing accused the new US tariffs of "seriously violating the consensus reached by the leaders of our two countries in Osaka". The new round of talks will be seen as a sign of optimism in a trade war that has weighed on the global economy and shaken diplomatic relations between the two global powers.

US, China officials agree to 'take practical actions' and resume trade talks in October

US President Donald Trump showed a map of Hurricane Dorian's projected path on Wednesday that appeared to have been altered with a Sharpie pen to include the state of Alabama, which was never in harm's way.

In a White House video released on Wednesday Trump points to an official weather chart dated Aug 29 showing the states that could be hit in what the National Hurricane Center calls the "cone of uncertainty." A curved line had been added to the cone on the chart to show a risk that Dorian could move from Florida to Alabama.

"It was going to hit not only Florida but Georgia, it could have, it was going towards the Gulf, that was what we, what was originally projected,''&nbsp;Trump says in the video.

Dorian was never projected to be heading toward the Gulf of Mexico, where Alabama has a coastline.

Trump at the weekend in a tweet had named Alabama as one of the states that could be hit. The National Weather Service denied that in its own tweet 20 minutes later.

"Alabama will not see any impacts from Dorian. We repeat, no impacts from Hurricane Dorian will be felt across Alabama. The system will remain too far east,'' the National Weather Service in Alabama tweeted.

When reporters later asked Trump whether the chart had been drawn on with a Sharpie pen, the president said: “I don’t know; I don’t know.” 
&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump showed a map of Hurricane Dorian's projected path on Wednesday that appeared to have been altered with a Sharpie pen to include the state of Alabama, which was never in harm's way.

US President Donald Trump showed a map of Hurricane Dorian's projected path on Wednesday that appeared to have been altered with a Sharpie pen to include the state of Alabama, which was never in harm's way. In a White House video released on Wednesday Trump points to an official weather chart dated Aug 29 showing the states that could be hit in what the National Hurricane Center calls the "cone of uncertainty." A curved line had been added to the cone on the chart to show a risk that Dorian could move from Florida to Alabama. "It was going to hit not only Florida but Georgia, it could have, it was going towards the Gulf, that was what we, what was originally projected,'' Trump says in the video. Dorian was never projected to be heading toward the Gulf of Mexico, where Alabama has a coastline. Trump at the weekend in a tweet had named Alabama as one of the states that could be hit. The National Weather Service denied that in its own tweet 20 minutes later. "Alabama will not see any impacts from Dorian. We repeat, no impacts from Hurricane Dorian will be felt across Alabama. The system will remain too far east,'' the National Weather Service in Alabama tweeted. When reporters later asked Trump whether the chart had been drawn on with a Sharpie pen, the president said: “I don’t know; I don’t know.”

Sharpie-gate? Trump shows apparently altered hurricane map

The US economy grew at an unspectacular pace in recent weeks, while businesses still took a rosy view of the near future despite the escalating US-China trade war, the Federal Reserve said Wednesday.

But Fed still drew a spotty portrait, pointing to an array of softening or deteriorating conditions just as concrete signs emerge that the trade conflict is weighing on growth.

"Although concerns regarding tariffs and trade policy uncertainty continued, the majority of businesses remained optimistic about the near-term outlook," the central bank said in a nationwide survey of economic activity.

Though disagreements remain, policymakers are widely expected to cut interest rates again in two weeks to insulate the United States from the weakening global economy and mounting fears of economic damage wrought by President Donald Trump's trade wars.

The Fed cut rates last month for similar reasons, marking the first downshift for monetary policy in a decade.

The latest "beige book" survey, which gathers anecdotal reports from business people and other contacts in the Fed's 12 districts, said growth had continued "at a modest pace."&nbsp;

- Sharp deterioration -

 
The report may not have reflected all of last month's sharp deterioration in the trade conflict with Beijing, as research concluded on August 23, just as Beijing and Washington announced fresh increases on hundreds of billions of dollars in two-way trade.

According to the Fed, anecdotal reports say auto sales rose and tourism was "solid," while bank lending and commercial real estate leasing both increased a little.

Elsewhere, however, things were less than stellar. Farms were beset by a trio of woes: bad weather, low prices and uncertainties from America's trade wars.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, consumer spending the sole strong point in the US economy was "mixed" outside the auto sector, demand for transportation softened, home sales "remained constrained" and housing construction was flat.

Across the nation, employers complained they had difficulty finding workers to fill open positions and faced "strong upward pressure" to offer higher pay to entry-level and low-skill workers.

Elsewhere, employers upped benefits and other deal sweeteners, such as more flexible work arrangements and signing bonuses, according to the report.

But inflation remained tame. While some companies said they were able to pass on price increases, manufacturers complained there were limits on how much they could do so.

"District reports on the impact of tariffs on pricing were mixed, with some districts anticipating that the effects would not be felt for a few months," the report said.

The US economy grew at an unspectacular pace in recent weeks, while businesses still took a rosy view of the near future despite the escalating US-China trade war, the Federal Reserve said Wednesday.

The US economy grew at an unspectacular pace in recent weeks, while businesses still took a rosy view of the near future despite the escalating US-China trade war, the Federal Reserve said Wednesday. But Fed still drew a spotty portrait, pointing to an array of softening or deteriorating conditions just as concrete signs emerge that the trade conflict is weighing on growth. "Although concerns regarding tariffs and trade policy uncertainty continued, the majority of businesses remained optimistic about the near-term outlook," the central bank said in a nationwide survey of economic activity. Though disagreements remain, policymakers are widely expected to cut interest rates again in two weeks to insulate the United States from the weakening global economy and mounting fears of economic damage wrought by President Donald Trump's trade wars. The Fed cut rates last month for similar reasons, marking the first downshift for monetary policy in a decade. The latest "beige book" survey, which gathers anecdotal reports from business people and other contacts in the Fed's 12 districts, said growth had continued "at a modest pace." - Sharp deterioration - The report may not have reflected all of last month's sharp deterioration in the trade conflict with Beijing, as research concluded on August 23, just as Beijing and Washington announced fresh increases on hundreds of billions of dollars in two-way trade. According to the Fed, anecdotal reports say auto sales rose and tourism was "solid," while bank lending and commercial real estate leasing both increased a little. Elsewhere, however, things were less than stellar. Farms were beset by a trio of woes: bad weather, low prices and uncertainties from America's trade wars. Meanwhile, consumer spending the sole strong point in the US economy was "mixed" outside the auto sector, demand for transportation softened, home sales "remained constrained" and housing construction was flat. Across the nation, employers complained they had difficulty finding workers to fill open positions and faced "strong upward pressure" to offer higher pay to entry-level and low-skill workers. Elsewhere, employers upped benefits and other deal sweeteners, such as more flexible work arrangements and signing bonuses, according to the report. But inflation remained tame. While some companies said they were able to pass on price increases, manufacturers complained there were limits on how much they could do so. "District reports on the impact of tariffs on pricing were mixed, with some districts anticipating that the effects would not be felt for a few months," the report said.

US sees 'modest' growth, businesses show 'near-term' optimism: Fed

The British pound topped $1.23 on Thursday, hitting a one-month peak on fading prospects of a "no-deal" Brexit after a series of parliamentary votes tore up Prime Minister Boris Johnson's hardline stance.

By about 1020 GMT, sterling had surged to $1.2347, the highest level since July 29 having plunged to multi-year lows Tuesday.

Asian and European stock markets mainly rose Thursday, but London was hit by the strong pound that hurts multinationals whose earnings are mostly in foreign currencies.

Parliament is currently rushing through legislation designed to keep Johnson from breaking Britain off from the European Union without a trade deal.

They appeared on course to do so by Monday a victory that would be accomplished just ahead of the five-week shutdown of parliament Johnson controversially ordered last month.

'Fresh legs on the pound'

"News that the bill to stop a no-deal Brexit should complete its passage through the House of Lords by Friday afternoon has put fresh legs on the pound's rally," City Index analyst Fiona Cincotta told AFP.

"After a volatile start, sterling has now pushed over $1.23 as Britain moves further back from the brink of a no-deal Brexit.

"Whilst there are clearly some hurdles still to be overcome, pound traders are feeling significantly more optimistic about the UK's eventual exit from the EU," she added.

The embattled British currency had tanked on Tuesday to $1.1959 which was the pound's weakest level since 1985 except for a 2016 "flash crash".

Yet it has since rallied on rising hopes that Britain will not quit the European Union without a trade deal on October 31.

"The pound has been behaving as a tidy barometer of the odds of a no-deal Brexit," Rabobank analyst Jane Foley told AFP.

"Just as fears of a no-deal Brexit pushed the pound below $1.20 earlier this week, expectations that MPs will succeed in delaying Brexit beyond October 31 have resulting in a relief rally back to $1.23.

"The pound is clearly not out of the woods with political uncertainty still at very elevated levels&nbsp;but the risk of a disorderly Brexit next month at least looks set to be pushed off the table," Foley added.

The bill would force Johnson to seek a three-month Brexit extension until January 31 should no deal emerge from an EU summit in Brussels on October 17-18.

Stocks mainly climb

Elsewhere, equities mostly rose, building on the previous day's advance as investors were cheered by a number of positive developments on trade, Hong Kong and Europe.

Markets were already on an upward trajectory after the leader of Hong Kong on Wednesday withdrew a controversial extradition bill that had sparked months of sometimes violent protests in the financial hub.

But the good news kept coming as the day wore on, with news that Italy had formed a new moderate, pro-European government, while British MPs moved closer to preventing a no-deal Brexit.

Then on Thursday morning, China announced it would resume trade talks with the United States in Washington next month.

However, Hong Kong ended with marginal losses.&nbsp;

Having soared almost four per cent on Wednesday on the back of Chief Executive Carrie Lam's shock decision, profit-takers moved in.

Lam on Thursday urged pro-democracy protesters to end their demonstrations but her surprise decision to bow to one of their key demands was condemned as too little, too late.

The British pound topped $1.23 on Thursday, hitting a one-month peak on fading prospects of a "no-deal" Brexit after a series of parliamentary votes tore up Prime Minister Boris Johnson's hardline stance.

The British pound topped $1.23 on Thursday, hitting a one-month peak on fading prospects of a "no-deal" Brexit after a series of parliamentary votes tore up Prime Minister Boris Johnson's hardline stance. By about 1020 GMT, sterling had surged to $1.2347, the highest level since July 29 having plunged to multi-year lows Tuesday. Asian and European stock markets mainly rose Thursday, but London was hit by the strong pound that hurts multinationals whose earnings are mostly in foreign currencies. Parliament is currently rushing through legislation designed to keep Johnson from breaking Britain off from the European Union without a trade deal. They appeared on course to do so by Monday a victory that would be accomplished just ahead of the five-week shutdown of parliament Johnson controversially ordered last month. 'Fresh legs on the pound' "News that the bill to stop a no-deal Brexit should complete its passage through the House of Lords by Friday afternoon has put fresh legs on the pound's rally," City Index analyst Fiona Cincotta told AFP. "After a volatile start, sterling has now pushed over $1.23 as Britain moves further back from the brink of a no-deal Brexit. "Whilst there are clearly some hurdles still to be overcome, pound traders are feeling significantly more optimistic about the UK's eventual exit from the EU," she added. The embattled British currency had tanked on Tuesday to $1.1959 which was the pound's weakest level since 1985 except for a 2016 "flash crash". Yet it has since rallied on rising hopes that Britain will not quit the European Union without a trade deal on October 31. "The pound has been behaving as a tidy barometer of the odds of a no-deal Brexit," Rabobank analyst Jane Foley told AFP. "Just as fears of a no-deal Brexit pushed the pound below $1.20 earlier this week, expectations that MPs will succeed in delaying Brexit beyond October 31 have resulting in a relief rally back to $1.23. "The pound is clearly not out of the woods with political uncertainty still at very elevated levels but the risk of a disorderly Brexit next month at least looks set to be pushed off the table," Foley added. The bill would force Johnson to seek a three-month Brexit extension until January 31 should no deal emerge from an EU summit in Brussels on October 17-18. Stocks mainly climb Elsewhere, equities mostly rose, building on the previous day's advance as investors were cheered by a number of positive developments on trade, Hong Kong and Europe. Markets were already on an upward trajectory after the leader of Hong Kong on Wednesday withdrew a controversial extradition bill that had sparked months of sometimes violent protests in the financial hub. But the good news kept coming as the day wore on, with news that Italy had formed a new moderate, pro-European government, while British MPs moved closer to preventing a no-deal Brexit. Then on Thursday morning, China announced it would resume trade talks with the United States in Washington next month. However, Hong Kong ended with marginal losses. Having soared almost four per cent on Wednesday on the back of Chief Executive Carrie Lam's shock decision, profit-takers moved in. Lam on Thursday urged pro-democracy protesters to end their demonstrations but her surprise decision to bow to one of their key demands was condemned as too little, too late.

Pound tops $1.23 on fading no-deal Brexit prospect

By day, the unforgiving sun glares off the road beside Ipah's wooden home with blinding brightness as a passing motorbike stirs a swirl of dust. By night, the beams of an occasional truck carrying coal or palm fruits pierce the darkness.

 
This remote corner of Indonesia is set to be transformed from a forest backwater on the island of Borneo to a global city&nbsp;a new capital of a country whose 260 million people make it the world's fourth most populous.

 
At her stall serving ice tea and instant noodles, Ipah, an 18-year-old single mother, worries about what the change will bring.

 
"Cities in Kalimantan are peaceful and safe," said Ipoh, who like many Indonesians uses only one name, referring to the Indonesian part of Borneo island. "The capital is a city that never sleeps. Too much smoke, too much fuss."

 
The capital Jakarta's reputation as a crowded, polluted megacity of more than 10 million people one that is slowly sinking into the sea is partly why Indonesia plans to move government offices to a "Forest City" in East Kalimantan province.

 
The logic of the plan, first mooted nearly 70 years ago, is also to escape Java's earthquake risk and to swing Indonesia's political centre nearer the middle of the archipelago and away from the politically dominant island.

 
"Within five years, we think there will be 200,000 to 300,000 people. Within 10 years, maybe the population will reach 1 million. And then after that 1.5 million," Planning Minister Bambang Brodjonegoro told Reuters in Jakarta. "We will manage the growth of the city so that it doesn't wildly expand out of control," he said.

 
The vision set out in glossy presentations for a $33 billion city is inspired by the good management of Seoul, the greenness of Singapore and Washington's separation of administration from a business, he said. The site of the new capital is about 1,300 km (800 miles) northeast of Jakarta.

 
Reuters reporters travelled more than 280 km (175 miles) across the designated area, the thinly populated forested region of North Penajam Paser and Kutai Kartanegara, between the existing cities of Balikpapan and Samarinda.

LONG-STANDING DREAM

 
By identifying the site for the yet-to-be-named capital last week, President Joko Widodo is known&nbsp;as Jokowi got closer than ever to realising a move now set to start in 2024.

 
"Our people are grateful, Alhamdulilah (praise be to God)," said Abdul Gafur Mas'ud, regent of North Penajam Paser. "This regency has been considered undeveloped."

 
The congratulatory bouquets arrayed at his office are as bright as the mood in town since the decision. Many residents spoke of their hopes for better schools and paved roads, for clean, piped water and reliable electricity.

 
But after initial celebrations, worries are also surfacing that land speculation will drive up prices, and over an influx of outsiders competing for jobs and over environmental destruction.

 
The potential for massive corruption is also not lost on Indonesians has given experiences with new capitals everywhere from Brazil's Brasilia to Myanmar's Naypyidaw with its vast projects and still largely empty highways.

 
"Our people must prepare quickly," said Awang Yacoub Luthman, secretary of the Kutai Kartanegara Ing Martadipura Sultanate, who has migration at the top of his list of worries.

 
East Kalimantan touts its openness to religions other than Islam as well as its welcome for outsiders. In fact, many residents are descendants of Javanese settlers who came to the coal mining and palm oil growing region in the 1970s. But the new planned relocation is on a different scale.

 
LAND WORRIES

 
The region's Tribun Kaltim newspaper said asking prices for land surged four times after the announcement.

 
That said, Bagus Susetyo, local chairman of the Real Estate Indonesia property association, told Reuters major property companies were not acquiring land because they had large land banks in nearby Balikpapan.

 
While some would gain from the rise in land prices, many Indonesians don't own the land they live on. Among them is Ipah, who is already resigned to losing her dwelling, protected against bad luck by two diamond-shaped charms woven from young coconut leaves.

 
"Mr Jokowi, can you give me free land, even just a square metre or a free house?" she asked. It is not only human homes at risk.&nbsp;

 
East Kalimantan is known for forests inhabited by orangutans, sun bears, and long-nosed monkeys.There will be no building in a protected forest and the government plans to reforest abandoned mines and illegal palm oil plantations, Planning Minister Brodjonegoro said.

 
He floated the idea of an orangutan conservation centre similar to one for giant pandas in the Chinese city of Chengdu.

 
The fate of the apes is particularly sensitive in Indonesia given that they have become symbols for campaigners targeting the world's biggest palm oil industry over the destruction of forests for plantations.

 
Conservationists said they were far from convinced that there would be no spillover effects from moving the capital to East Kalimantan.

 
"The city centre might be located quite far away," said Aldrianto Priadjati, an executive of the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation, which is based in Kutai Kartanegara. "But the development will be everywhere, just like - sorry to say it - Jakarta." 
($1 = 14,210.0000 rupiah)

By day, the unforgiving sun glares off the road beside Ipah's wooden home with blinding brightness as a passing motorbike stirs a swirl of dust. By night, the beams of an occasional truck carrying coal or palm fruits pierce the darkness.

By day, the unforgiving sun glares off the road beside Ipah's wooden home with blinding brightness as a passing motorbike stirs a swirl of dust. By night, the beams of an occasional truck carrying coal or palm fruits pierce the darkness. This remote corner of Indonesia is set to be transformed from a forest backwater on the island of Borneo to a global city a new capital of a country whose 260 million people make it the world's fourth most populous. At her stall serving ice tea and instant noodles, Ipah, an 18-year-old single mother, worries about what the change will bring. "Cities in Kalimantan are peaceful and safe," said Ipoh, who like many Indonesians uses only one name, referring to the Indonesian part of Borneo island. "The capital is a city that never sleeps. Too much smoke, too much fuss." The capital Jakarta's reputation as a crowded, polluted megacity of more than 10 million people one that is slowly sinking into the sea is partly why Indonesia plans to move government offices to a "Forest City" in East Kalimantan province. The logic of the plan, first mooted nearly 70 years ago, is also to escape Java's earthquake risk and to swing Indonesia's political centre nearer the middle of the archipelago and away from the politically dominant island. "Within five years, we think there will be 200,000 to 300,000 people. Within 10 years, maybe the population will reach 1 million. And then after that 1.5 million," Planning Minister Bambang Brodjonegoro told Reuters in Jakarta. "We will manage the growth of the city so that it doesn't wildly expand out of control," he said. The vision set out in glossy presentations for a $33 billion city is inspired by the good management of Seoul, the greenness of Singapore and Washington's separation of administration from a business, he said. The site of the new capital is about 1,300 km (800 miles) northeast of Jakarta. Reuters reporters travelled more than 280 km (175 miles) across the designated area, the thinly populated forested region of North Penajam Paser and Kutai Kartanegara, between the existing cities of Balikpapan and Samarinda. LONG-STANDING DREAM By identifying the site for the yet-to-be-named capital last week, President Joko Widodo is known as Jokowi got closer than ever to realising a move now set to start in 2024. "Our people are grateful, Alhamdulilah (praise be to God)," said Abdul Gafur Mas'ud, regent of North Penajam Paser. "This regency has been considered undeveloped." The congratulatory bouquets arrayed at his office are as bright as the mood in town since the decision. Many residents spoke of their hopes for better schools and paved roads, for clean, piped water and reliable electricity. But after initial celebrations, worries are also surfacing that land speculation will drive up prices, and over an influx of outsiders competing for jobs and over environmental destruction. The potential for massive corruption is also not lost on Indonesians has given experiences with new capitals everywhere from Brazil's Brasilia to Myanmar's Naypyidaw with its vast projects and still largely empty highways. "Our people must prepare quickly," said Awang Yacoub Luthman, secretary of the Kutai Kartanegara Ing Martadipura Sultanate, who has migration at the top of his list of worries. East Kalimantan touts its openness to religions other than Islam as well as its welcome for outsiders. In fact, many residents are descendants of Javanese settlers who came to the coal mining and palm oil growing region in the 1970s. But the new planned relocation is on a different scale. LAND WORRIES The region's Tribun Kaltim newspaper said asking prices for land surged four times after the announcement. That said, Bagus Susetyo, local chairman of the Real Estate Indonesia property association, told Reuters major property companies were not acquiring land because they had large land banks in nearby Balikpapan. While some would gain from the rise in land prices, many Indonesians don't own the land they live on. Among them is Ipah, who is already resigned to losing her dwelling, protected against bad luck by two diamond-shaped charms woven from young coconut leaves. "Mr Jokowi, can you give me free land, even just a square metre or a free house?" she asked. It is not only human homes at risk. East Kalimantan is known for forests inhabited by orangutans, sun bears, and long-nosed monkeys.There will be no building in a protected forest and the government plans to reforest abandoned mines and illegal palm oil plantations, Planning Minister Brodjonegoro said. He floated the idea of an orangutan conservation centre similar to one for giant pandas in the Chinese city of Chengdu. The fate of the apes is particularly sensitive in Indonesia given that they have become symbols for campaigners targeting the world's biggest palm oil industry over the destruction of forests for plantations. Conservationists said they were far from convinced that there would be no spillover effects from moving the capital to East Kalimantan. "The city centre might be located quite far away," said Aldrianto Priadjati, an executive of the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation, which is based in Kutai Kartanegara. "But the development will be everywhere, just like - sorry to say it - Jakarta." ($1 = 14,210.0000 rupiah)

Sleepy to sleepless? Indonesia's future capital in the forest

China and the United States on Thursday agreed to hold high-level trade talks in early October in Washington, amid fears that an escalating trade war could trigger a global economic recession.

 
The talks were agreed to in a phone call between Chinese Vice Premier Liu He and US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and US&nbsp;Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, China's commerce ministry said in a statement on its website.

China's central bank governor Yi Gang was also on the call. "Both sides agreed that they should work together and take practical actions to create good conditions for consultations," the ministry said.

 
"Lead negotiators from both sides had a really good phone call this morning," ministry spokesman Gao Feng said in a weekly briefing. "We'll strive to achieve substantial progress during the 13th Sino-US&nbsp;high-level negotiations in early October."

 
Gao also said Beijing opposes any escalation in the trade war. Trade teams from the two countries will hold talks in mid-September before the high-level talks next month, the ministry said.

 
A spokesman for the US&nbsp;Trade Representative's office confirmed that Lighthizer and Mnuchin spoke with Liu and said they agreed to hold ministerial-level trade talks in Washington "in the coming weeks".

 
News of the early October talks lifted most Asian share markets on Thursday, raising hopes these can de-escalate the US-China trade war before it inflicts further damage on the global economy.

 
On Sunday, Washington began imposing 15 per cent&nbsp;tariffs on an array of Chinese imports, while China began placing duties on US&nbsp;crude oil. China said on Monday it had lodged a complaint against the United States at the World Trade Organization.

 
The United States plans to increase the tariff rate to 30 per cent&nbsp;from the 25 per cent&nbsp;duty already in place on $250 billion worth of Chinese imports from October 1.

US President Donald Trump had warned on Tuesday he would be tougher on Beijing in a second term if trade talks dragged on, compounding market fears that disputes between the United States and China could trigger a US&nbsp;recession.

 
Chinese leaders will have a packed schedule next month, gearing up for National Day celebrations scheduled for October 1.

 
They will also hold a key meeting in October to discuss improving governance and "perfecting" the country's socialist system, state media has said.

China and the United States on Thursday agreed to hold high-level trade talks in early October in Washington, amid fears that an escalating trade war could trigger a global economic recession.

China and the United States on Thursday agreed to hold high-level trade talks in early October in Washington, amid fears that an escalating trade war could trigger a global economic recession. The talks were agreed to in a phone call between Chinese Vice Premier Liu He and US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, China's commerce ministry said in a statement on its website. China's central bank governor Yi Gang was also on the call. "Both sides agreed that they should work together and take practical actions to create good conditions for consultations," the ministry said. "Lead negotiators from both sides had a really good phone call this morning," ministry spokesman Gao Feng said in a weekly briefing. "We'll strive to achieve substantial progress during the 13th Sino-US high-level negotiations in early October." Gao also said Beijing opposes any escalation in the trade war. Trade teams from the two countries will hold talks in mid-September before the high-level talks next month, the ministry said. A spokesman for the US Trade Representative's office confirmed that Lighthizer and Mnuchin spoke with Liu and said they agreed to hold ministerial-level trade talks in Washington "in the coming weeks". News of the early October talks lifted most Asian share markets on Thursday, raising hopes these can de-escalate the US-China trade war before it inflicts further damage on the global economy. On Sunday, Washington began imposing 15 per cent tariffs on an array of Chinese imports, while China began placing duties on US crude oil. China said on Monday it had lodged a complaint against the United States at the World Trade Organization. The United States plans to increase the tariff rate to 30 per cent from the 25 per cent duty already in place on $250 billion worth of Chinese imports from October 1. US President Donald Trump had warned on Tuesday he would be tougher on Beijing in a second term if trade talks dragged on, compounding market fears that disputes between the United States and China could trigger a US recession. Chinese leaders will have a packed schedule next month, gearing up for National Day celebrations scheduled for October 1. They will also hold a key meeting in October to discuss improving governance and "perfecting" the country's socialist system, state media has said.

China, US to hold trade talks in October; Beijing says phone call went well

Sharpie-gate? Donald Trump shows apparently altered hurricane map

Warsaw and Washington have agreed on six locations for new US troops to be stationed in Poland, the country's Defence Minister Mariusz Blaszczak said on Friday, a day after Donald Trump cancelled a trip to the eastern European nation.

Trump called off his weekend trip due to a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hurricane-dorian-gains-strength-as-florida-braces-for-direct-hit-246598">hurricane bearing down on Florida</a>, with US&nbsp;Vice President Mike Pence to take his place at events in Poland to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the start of World War Two.

"We have agreed on six locations, we talked about a seventh location," Blaszczak said later at a joint news conference with US&nbsp;National Security Adviser John Bolton, who has come to Poland for the anniversary.

In June, Poland signed a deal to increase the American military presence on its soil to counter Russia's growing assertiveness since its 2014 annexation of Crimea from Ukraine.

Poland has a border in the northeast with the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad, where Moscow has deployed advanced nuclear-capable Iskander missiles.

The military deal signed in June will increase the number of non-permanent US&nbsp;troops in Poland by 1,000. There are on average about 4,500 US&nbsp;troops in Poland on rotation as part of NATO forces.

"Poland has been an outstanding partner of the US&nbsp;and NATO, spending more than 2% of GDP on defence," Bolton told the conference. He added that Trump's visit will be rescheduled as soon as possible.

Apart from declarations about military cooperation, some analysts had expected Trump to comment on energy and technology cooperation, and possibly on easing US&nbsp;visa requirements for Poles.

An aide to Polish President Andrzej Duda said on Thursday that Trump may visit in the coming months.

"Probably some part of the declarations, which only the US&nbsp;president can make, will be delayed (...) and probably some of the declarations will wait for his visit to Warsaw," minister at Polish president's chancellery Krzysztof Szczerski told public radio.

He did not reply directly to questions about relaxing the visa regime, saying only that there are talks about Polish-US "cooperation".

Warsaw and Washington have agreed on six locations for new US troops to be stationed in Poland, the country's Defence Minister Mariusz Blaszczak said on Friday, a day after Donald Trump cancelled a trip to the eastern European nation.

Warsaw and Washington have agreed on six locations for new US troops to be stationed in Poland, the country's Defence Minister Mariusz Blaszczak said on Friday, a day after Donald Trump cancelled a trip to the eastern European nation. Trump called off his weekend trip due to a hurricane bearing down on Florida, with US Vice President Mike Pence to take his place at events in Poland to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the start of World War Two. "We have agreed on six locations, we talked about a seventh location," Blaszczak said later at a joint news conference with US National Security Adviser John Bolton, who has come to Poland for the anniversary. In June, Poland signed a deal to increase the American military presence on its soil to counter Russia's growing assertiveness since its 2014 annexation of Crimea from Ukraine. Poland has a border in the northeast with the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad, where Moscow has deployed advanced nuclear-capable Iskander missiles. The military deal signed in June will increase the number of non-permanent US troops in Poland by 1,000. There are on average about 4,500 US troops in Poland on rotation as part of NATO forces. "Poland has been an outstanding partner of the US and NATO, spending more than 2% of GDP on defence," Bolton told the conference. He added that Trump's visit will be rescheduled as soon as possible. Apart from declarations about military cooperation, some analysts had expected Trump to comment on energy and technology cooperation, and possibly on easing US visa requirements for Poles. An aide to Polish President Andrzej Duda said on Thursday that Trump may visit in the coming months. "Probably some part of the declarations, which only the US president can make, will be delayed (...) and probably some of the declarations will wait for his visit to Warsaw," minister at Polish president's chancellery Krzysztof Szczerski told public radio. He did not reply directly to questions about relaxing the visa regime, saying only that there are talks about Polish-US "cooperation".

Warsaw, Washington agree on locations for new US troops in Poland: Defence minister

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/climate-change-defence-and-kashmir-in-the-spotlight-as-modi-meets-macron-ahead-of-g7-summit-244916">Climate change, defence and Kashmir in the spotlight as Modi meets Macron ahead of G7 summit&nbsp;</a>

Climate change, cybersecurity, defence, space cooperation and Kashmir were in the spotlight as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday met for the fifth time ahead of G7 Summit in Biarritz.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amazon-rainforest-fires-our-house-is-on-fire-says-macron-ahead-of-g7-summit-244910">Amazon rainforest fires: 'Our house is on fire', says Macron ahead of G7 Summit</a>

French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday said the Amazon wildfires were "an international crisis" and called on the globe's most industrialized nations to address it at their summit this weekend.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-says-ready-for-dialogue-or-confrontation-with-us-244911">North Korea says ready for dialogue or confrontation with US</a>

North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho said on Friday Pyongyang is ready for both dialogue and confrontation with the United States, warning Washington that continuing with sanctions would be a miscalculation, according to state media KCNA.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/google-says-youtube-campaign-targeted-hong-kong-protests-244915">Google says YouTube campaign targeted Hong Kong protests</a>

Google on Thursday said it disabled a series of YouTube channels that appeared to be part of a coordinated influence campaign against pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-launches-floating-nuclear-reactor-in-arctic-despite-warnings-244918">Russia launches floating nuclear reactor in Arctic despite warnings</a>

Russia will launch the world's first floating nuclear reactor and send it on an epic journey across the Arctic on Friday, despite environmentalists warning of serious risks to the region.

Climate change, defence and Kashmir in the spotlight as Modi meets Macron ahead of G7 summit Climate change, cybersecurity, defence, space cooperation and Kashmir were in the spotlight as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday met for the fifth time ahead of G7 Summit in Biarritz.

Climate change, defence and Kashmir in the spotlight as Modi meets Macron ahead of G7 summit Climate change, cybersecurity, defence, space cooperation and Kashmir were in the spotlight as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday met for the fifth time ahead of G7 Summit in Biarritz. Amazon rainforest fires: 'Our house is on fire', says Macron ahead of G7 Summit French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday said the Amazon wildfires were "an international crisis" and called on the globe's most industrialized nations to address it at their summit this weekend. North Korea says ready for dialogue or confrontation with US North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho said on Friday Pyongyang is ready for both dialogue and confrontation with the United States, warning Washington that continuing with sanctions would be a miscalculation, according to state media KCNA. Google says YouTube campaign targeted Hong Kong protests Google on Thursday said it disabled a series of YouTube channels that appeared to be part of a coordinated influence campaign against pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong. Russia launches floating nuclear reactor in Arctic despite warnings Russia will launch the world's first floating nuclear reactor and send it on an epic journey across the Arctic on Friday, despite environmentalists warning of serious risks to the region.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Washington's attempt to politicize the China-U.S. trade issue by interfering in China's domestic affairs is not helping to resolve the dispute, as Beijing has said time and again that it won't budge on an issue of principle, according to a China Media Group (CMG) commentary published on Tuesday.

Politicizing China-U.S. trade issue won't help resolve dispute

&nbsp;Oil&nbsp;rose further above $60 a barrel on Thursday, supported by a drop in US crude inventories and OPEC-led supply cuts, although worries about the global economy weighed.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-%26-economy/oil-prices-rise-after-us-crude-inventories-fall-154520">US crude inventories</a> fell by 2.7 million barrels last week, more than analysts expected.&nbsp;

Still, the US Energy Information Administration also said gasoline and distillate inventories rose.

Brent crude rose 46 cents to $60.76 a barrel by 1017 GMT. US West Texas Intermediate crude added 40 cents to $56.08.

Traders across the board are awaiting a speech from<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/dow-ends-above-27000-points-for-first-time-sp-500-hits-record-on-federal-reserve-rate-cut-optimism-235154"> Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell </a>on Friday in Jackson Hole, Wyoming that could indicate whether the central bank will continue to cut interest rates.

"Oil&nbsp;looks in limbo at the moment," said Craig Erlam, an analyst at OANDA.&nbsp;

"It's been steadily rising over the last couple of weeks but not in any convincing way."

"A risk rally at the end of the week may get it moving again but that hangs on Powell."

The price of Brent is up by about 13 per cent this year, supported by supply cuts led by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, and export cuts in Iran and Venezuela which are under the US 
sanctions.

Iran on Wednesday said if its&nbsp;oil&nbsp;exports are cut to zero, international waterways would not have the same security as before, cautioning Washington against raising pressure on Tehran.

But a slowdown in economic growth amid the US-China trade dispute and Brexit has been pressuring prices and forecasters such as the International Energy Agency have been lowering forecasts for world&nbsp;oil&nbsp;demand.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said he was "the chosen one" to address trade imbalances with China, even as congressional researchers warned his tariffs would reduce US economic output by 0.3per cent in 2020.

The Jackson Hole speech is important for&nbsp;oil&nbsp;as signals from the Fed on monetary easing affect the US dollar. A weaker US currency tends to support&nbsp;oil&nbsp;prices, and the dollar eased on Thursday against a basket of currencies.

"The focus now is going to be on Jackson Hole, I think, to the end of the week," said Olivier Jakob,&nbsp;oil&nbsp;analyst at Petromatrix.

Oil rose further above $60 a barrel on Thursday, supported by a drop in US crude inventories and OPEC-led supply cuts, although worries about the global economy weighed.

Oil rose further above $60 a barrel on Thursday, supported by a drop in US crude inventories and OPEC-led supply cuts, although worries about the global economy weighed. US crude inventories fell by 2.7 million barrels last week, more than analysts expected. Still, the US Energy Information Administration also said gasoline and distillate inventories rose. Brent crude rose 46 cents to $60.76 a barrel by 1017 GMT. US West Texas Intermediate crude added 40 cents to $56.08. Traders across the board are awaiting a speech from Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell on Friday in Jackson Hole, Wyoming that could indicate whether the central bank will continue to cut interest rates. "Oil looks in limbo at the moment," said Craig Erlam, an analyst at OANDA. "It's been steadily rising over the last couple of weeks but not in any convincing way." "A risk rally at the end of the week may get it moving again but that hangs on Powell." The price of Brent is up by about 13 per cent this year, supported by supply cuts led by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, and export cuts in Iran and Venezuela which are under the US sanctions. Iran on Wednesday said if its oil exports are cut to zero, international waterways would not have the same security as before, cautioning Washington against raising pressure on Tehran. But a slowdown in economic growth amid the US-China trade dispute and Brexit has been pressuring prices and forecasters such as the International Energy Agency have been lowering forecasts for world oil demand. US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said he was "the chosen one" to address trade imbalances with China, even as congressional researchers warned his tariffs would reduce US economic output by 0.3per cent in 2020. The Jackson Hole speech is important for oil as signals from the Fed on monetary easing affect the US dollar. A weaker US currency tends to support oil prices, and the dollar eased on Thursday against a basket of currencies. "The focus now is going to be on Jackson Hole, I think, to the end of the week," said Olivier Jakob, oil analyst at Petromatrix.

Oil steadies above $60 over OPEC supply cuts, global slowdown worries

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence urged China on Monday to respect the integrity of Hong Kong's laws and repeated President Donald Trump's warning that it will be harder for the United States to make a trade deal with Beijing if there was violence in the Chinese-ruled city.

Pence urges China to respect Hong Kong laws amid protest

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Monday said that Iran was not interested in talks with Washington, but any mediation should focus on bringing the United States back to the 2015 nuclear deal which it left last year. Watch this video to know more.

Iran wants US to rejoin 2015 nuclear deal

Huawei on Tuesday dismissed Washington's three-month delay to a<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-gives-huawei-another-90-days-reprieve-from-ban-amid-economic-blacklist-244165"> ban on US firms selling to the Chinese tech giant</a> and said the decision would not change the fact it had been "treated unjustly".

The US Commerce Department effectively suspended for a second time tough rules stopping the sale of components and services to the telecoms titan and a prohibition on buying equipment from it.

However, it also said it would add 46 more companies to its list of Huawei subsidiaries and affiliates that would be covered by the ban if it is implemented in full taking the total on the list to more than 100.

The original ban was announced earlier this year by US authorities who claim it provides a backdoor for Chinese intelligence services something the firm denies.

"It's clear that this decision, made at this particular time, is politically motivated and has nothing to do with national security," Huawei responded in a statement, adding that the actions "violate the basic principles of free-market competition."

"They are in no one's interests, including US companies. Attempts to suppress Huawei's business won't help the United States achieve technological leadership" Huawei said.

"The extension of the Temporary General License does not change the fact that Huawei has been treated unjustly."

Monday's move means Huawei can continue to buy US-made semiconductors and other materials crucial to its phones and network equipment, and that US telecommunications companies can continue to buy Huawei's networking equipment.

But China's foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang called on the US drop the ban altogether.

"No matter what the US does, it cannot change the erroneous nature of generalising the concept of national security, abusing export control measures, adopting discriminatory unfair practices against specific enterprises in other countries, and even undisguised suppression, without having any evidence," Geng said at a regular briefing Tuesday.

"We urge the US to immediately stop this wrong approach," he said.

Huawei considered the world leader in superfast 5G equipment and the world's number two smartphone producer was in May swept into a deepening trade war between Beijing and Washington, which has seen punitive tariffs slapped on hundreds of billions of dollars of two-way trade.

The suspension of the ban does not signal a change in US concerns that Huawei equipment poses a national security threat or lift a general prohibition on the use of its 5G systems in the United States.

"As we continue to urge consumers to transition away from Huawei's products, we recognise that more time is necessary to prevent any disruption," Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said in a statement.

Earlier this month, Huawei unveiled its own operating system called HarmonyOS, highly anticipated software considered crucial for the tech group's survival as the looming ban could remove its access to Google's Android operating system.

Huawei on Tuesday dismissed Washington's three-month delay to a ban on US firms selling to the Chinese tech giant and said the decision would not change the fact it had been "treated unjustly".

Huawei on Tuesday dismissed Washington's three-month delay to a ban on US firms selling to the Chinese tech giant and said the decision would not change the fact it had been "treated unjustly". The US Commerce Department effectively suspended for a second time tough rules stopping the sale of components and services to the telecoms titan and a prohibition on buying equipment from it. However, it also said it would add 46 more companies to its list of Huawei subsidiaries and affiliates that would be covered by the ban if it is implemented in full taking the total on the list to more than 100. The original ban was announced earlier this year by US authorities who claim it provides a backdoor for Chinese intelligence services something the firm denies. "It's clear that this decision, made at this particular time, is politically motivated and has nothing to do with national security," Huawei responded in a statement, adding that the actions "violate the basic principles of free-market competition." "They are in no one's interests, including US companies. Attempts to suppress Huawei's business won't help the United States achieve technological leadership" Huawei said. "The extension of the Temporary General License does not change the fact that Huawei has been treated unjustly." Monday's move means Huawei can continue to buy US-made semiconductors and other materials crucial to its phones and network equipment, and that US telecommunications companies can continue to buy Huawei's networking equipment. But China's foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang called on the US drop the ban altogether. "No matter what the US does, it cannot change the erroneous nature of generalising the concept of national security, abusing export control measures, adopting discriminatory unfair practices against specific enterprises in other countries, and even undisguised suppression, without having any evidence," Geng said at a regular briefing Tuesday. "We urge the US to immediately stop this wrong approach," he said. Huawei considered the world leader in superfast 5G equipment and the world's number two smartphone producer was in May swept into a deepening trade war between Beijing and Washington, which has seen punitive tariffs slapped on hundreds of billions of dollars of two-way trade. The suspension of the ban does not signal a change in US concerns that Huawei equipment poses a national security threat or lift a general prohibition on the use of its 5G systems in the United States. "As we continue to urge consumers to transition away from Huawei's products, we recognise that more time is necessary to prevent any disruption," Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said in a statement. Earlier this month, Huawei unveiled its own operating system called HarmonyOS, highly anticipated software considered crucial for the tech group's survival as the looming ban could remove its access to Google's Android operating system.

Huawei dismisses new suspension of 'unjust' US ban

Thousands&nbsp;of&nbsp;travellers&nbsp;at&nbsp;US airports faced delays late on Friday because of an&nbsp;outage&nbsp;of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-border-chief-john-sanders-quits-amid-outcry-over-child-detainees-230455">US Customs and&nbsp;Border&nbsp;Protection's</a> (CBP) processing systems, officials said.

CBP said in a statement the&nbsp;outage&nbsp;was temporary and "officers continue to process international&nbsp;travellers&nbsp;using alternative procedures until systems are back online.

&nbsp;Travellers&nbsp;at some ports of entry are experiencing longer than usual wait times."

People at various&nbsp;US airports posted videos on social media sites of lengthy lines at processing checkpoints and several airports warned of extensive delays.

&nbsp;Passengers disembarking at Dulles Airport in the Washington, DC area reported delays of two to four hours.

After several hours, CBP issued a statement saying its&nbsp;computers were coming back online.

Thousands of travellers at US airports faced delays late on Friday because of an outage of US Customs and Border Protection's (CBP) processing systems, officials said.

Thousands of travellers at US airports faced delays late on Friday because of an outage of US Customs and Border Protection's (CBP) processing systems, officials said. CBP said in a statement the outage was temporary and "officers continue to process international travellers using alternative procedures until systems are back online. Travellers at some ports of entry are experiencing longer than usual wait times." People at various US airports posted videos on social media sites of lengthy lines at processing checkpoints and several airports warned of extensive delays. Passengers disembarking at Dulles Airport in the Washington, DC area reported delays of two to four hours. After several hours, CBP issued a statement saying its computers were coming back online.

Thousands of US travellers delayed by Border Protection computer outage

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, who is on his first foreign trip after assuming power, held discussions with members of the business community in Washington DC on Saturday to explore investment opportunities for US companies in Andhra Pradesh.

He also discussed opportunities to strengthen connectivity between the US and Andhra with members of the US-India Business Council (USIBC) and the Atlantic Council's South Asia Center at a roundtable meeting.

Speaking at the meeting, Jagan welcomed the USIBC to work with his government to identify '5 big ideas' to catalyze the US-Andhra Pradesh Economic Partnership.

"Andhra Pradesh is poised to catalyze investments, capital and partnerships owing to robust infrastructure for connectivity, enabling policies, integration with global value chains, shifting demographic dividend and a ready workforce," he said.

He also said that the state government and the USIBC can prepare a roadmap to achieve investment and trade targets especially in the areas of agriculture and food security, healthcare, education, infrastructure and manufacturing.

The Chief Minister also welcomed US companies to expand their CSR activities in India.

Jagan presented his comprehensive governance and development model, built on nine assurances called 'Navaratnalu' namely support to farmers (Rythu Bharosa), irrigation development (Jala Yagnam), incentives to mothers for education of children (Amma Vodi), scholarship for higher education, women empowerment (YSR Asara/YSR Cheyutha), social safety net through pensions (Pensionla Pempu), housing for poor (Pedalandariki Illu), quality healthcare for all (Arogyasri) and ban of alcohol.

Jagan, who is on a week-long visit to the United States, was welcomed by Indian Ambassador to the United States, Harsh V Shringla, in Washington.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, who is on his first foreign trip after assuming power, held discussions with members of the business community in Washington DC on Saturday to explore investment opportunities for US companies in Andhra Pradesh.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, who is on his first foreign trip after assuming power, held discussions with members of the business community in Washington DC on Saturday to explore investment opportunities for US companies in Andhra Pradesh. He also discussed opportunities to strengthen connectivity between the US and Andhra with members of the US-India Business Council (USIBC) and the Atlantic Council's South Asia Center at a roundtable meeting. Speaking at the meeting, Jagan welcomed the USIBC to work with his government to identify '5 big ideas' to catalyze the US-Andhra Pradesh Economic Partnership. "Andhra Pradesh is poised to catalyze investments, capital and partnerships owing to robust infrastructure for connectivity, enabling policies, integration with global value chains, shifting demographic dividend and a ready workforce," he said. He also said that the state government and the USIBC can prepare a roadmap to achieve investment and trade targets especially in the areas of agriculture and food security, healthcare, education, infrastructure and manufacturing. The Chief Minister also welcomed US companies to expand their CSR activities in India. Jagan presented his comprehensive governance and development model, built on nine assurances called 'Navaratnalu' namely support to farmers (Rythu Bharosa), irrigation development (Jala Yagnam), incentives to mothers for education of children (Amma Vodi), scholarship for higher education, women empowerment (YSR Asara/YSR Cheyutha), social safety net through pensions (Pensionla Pempu), housing for poor (Pedalandariki Illu), quality healthcare for all (Arogyasri) and ban of alcohol. Jagan, who is on a week-long visit to the United States, was welcomed by Indian Ambassador to the United States, Harsh V Shringla, in Washington.

Andhra Pradesh chief minister Jagan Mohan Reddy discusses investment opportunities during US visit

Chinese state-owned construction giant CCCC is preparing a bid to dredge Argentina's Parana River, the country's main cargo superhighway that takes soy and corn from the Pampas farm belt to the shipping lanes of the South Atlantic and the world.

Chinese state-owned construction giant CCCC is preparing a bid to dredge Argentina's Parana River, the country's main cargo superhighway that takes soy and corn from the Pampas farm belt to the shipping lanes of the South Atlantic and the world. Representatives of China Communications Construction Co Ltd and its Shanghai Dredging unit have met with Argentine government and local port officials to sound out the dredging concession, according to three people involved in the talks, which have not been previously reported. CCCC is at the forefront of China's push to lock in food supplies by investing in commodities transport hubs globally. Dredging the Parana is the biggest logistics contract in Argentina. China is already the main buyer of Argentine soybeans while Chinese state-owned conglomerate Cofco has, through acquisitions, become the biggest agricultural commodities exporter operating in Argentina. Shanghai Dredging's interest in the Parana appears part of China's broader effort to "invest across international agricultural supply chains to better control supply and pricing," said Margaret Myers, head of the Asia-Latin America program at the Inter-American Dialogue, a Washington-based think tank. From 2005 through the first half of this year China invested about $579 billion internationally in the energy, power, transport and agricultural sectors, according to Washington-based American Enterprise Institute's Chinese Global Investment Tracker, of which $71 billion went to South America. There has been a flurry of meetings between the world's main dredging firms and port operators preparing a study of the river as a preliminary step to inviting bids next year, according to Argentina's Port and Maritime Activities Chamber and the ACSOJA soy industry chamber. The Parana carries 80 per cent of Argentine farm exports. Marcos De Vincenzi, dredging manager for Servimagnus, CCCC's local partner, acknowledged the Chinese firm's interest in the concession, saying, "We think that the dredging of the waterway must be upgraded to meet its new traffic and trade needs." As world food demand increases, Argentina will likely expand the Parana's navigable channel to accommodate increased cargo. Argentina is already the world's top exporter of soymeal livestock feed and a major global supplier of corn and wheat, and this week's crash of the Argentine peso, driven by political uncertainty ahead of the October presidential election, has made the country's farm exports more competitive. Argentina's transportation ministry declined to comment for this story, and CCCC officials in China did not respond to requests for comment. The Parana is dredged deep enough to allow ocean-going cargo ships to get into the heart of the grains belt, giving Argentina an advantage over agricultural rivals Brazil and the United States, where products move long distances by less-efficient trucks and barges before being loaded for export. GOING DEEPER The dredging concession, set for renewal in April 2021, involves keeping a channel in the river clear for cargo ships. In return, larger vessels pay up to $80,000 in tolls to travel to and from the grains hub of Rosario on the Parana. The current holder of the dredging concession is private, Luxembourg-based dredger Jan De Nul. The firm will compete with CCCC and other dredgers for the 2021 concession, according to industry sources with direct knowledge of the situation. In a meeting with port operators, Servimagnus offered to dredge the Parana deeper than its current 34 feet, without increasing tolls, said a ports source who attended the meeting and is involved in drawing up the tender. Each additional foot of depth would increase efficiency by allowing ships to carry 1,800 tonnes to 2,500 tonnes of additional cargo. "China is already our principal buyer of soybeans. For them to also have control over navigation would give them a very strong stance in negotiating prices," said the ports source, who asked not to be named due to the sensitivity of the matter. Myers, of the Inter-American Dialogue, said Argentine authorities should be wary of becoming over-reliant on investment or finance from anyone economic partner. "Extensive Chinese presence in critical sectors could give China undue influence over Argentine decision-making," she said. Others argue China could help to keep river cargo tolls down by bolstering competition among dredgers bidding for the job. "I see no problem in receiving offers from all serious companies around the world to make them compete," said Luis Zubizarreta, president of Argentina's ACSOJA soy industry organization that represents farmers, exporters and seed firms.

China set to deepen Argentine trade ties with a bid for grains 'superhighway'

Western intermediaries are trying to persuade arch-foes Iran and the United States to cooperate on bolstering security in Afghanistan as US President Donald Trump seeks to extract America from its longest war, according to three sources familiar with the efforts.

Western intermediaries are trying to persuade arch-foes Iran and the United States to cooperate on bolstering security in Afghanistan as US President Donald Trump seeks to extract America from its longest war, according to three sources familiar with the efforts. The intermediaries, the sources say, secretly have been relaying messages between Washington and Tehran for months in hopes of getting the sides talking at a time of heightened hostility on a range of issues. "Afghanistan is one area where there is common ground," one source with knowledge of the correspondence told Reuters, speaking on condition of anonymity. The White House declined to comment and the US State Department did not respond to requests for comment. Iran officially denies any back-channel talks with the United States over any topic. The United States and Iran share an interest in ensuring that a departure of the more than 20,000 US-led foreign troops does not plunge Afghanistan into a civil war that restores the Taliban's harsh version of Islamic rule, and does not allow al Qaeda or other Sunni Muslim extremist groups to expand there. Moreover, with US sanctions hampering its economy, Tehran wants to avoid Afghans fleeing to neighbouring Iran if there was a surge in bloodletting, regional experts said, as has happened over decades of war in the central Asian country. Trump and Tehran have another shared interest: Both want US troops out of Afghanistan. There are no signs, however, that either Tehran or Washington are ready to put aside disputes over Iran's nuclear program and the US and Iranian activities and alliances in the Mideast to cooperate on Afghanistan. One message seen by Reuters and conveyed to Washington outlined Iran's concerns with the Trump administration's negotiations with the Taliban on a US troop withdrawal and intra-Afghan talks on a political settlement. Afghan-born veteran US diplomat Zalmay Khalilzad has erred in taking "over-zealous shortcuts by talking directly to the Taliban," a senior Iranian official said in the message. This approach has given "political supremacy" to the Taliban as they are gaining militarily, the message said. Taliban leaders, it continued, have told their Iranian interlocutors they will not "accept anything less than a Taliban-dominated government" that rules "an Islamic emirate." Shi'ite Muslim-dominated Iran long has been wary of the Sunni Muslim Taliban. It nearly went to war during Taliban rule when the militants killed at least eight Iranian diplomats and an Iranian journalist in 1998. Back Channel Direct contact between Iran and the United States would be a stark contrast to the tensions that took them to the brink of military confrontation after Iran downed an unmanned US drone in the Gulf in June and Trump then halted a retaliatory air strike on Iran's coast. While Iran is open to talks, it wants at the very least a suspension of US sanctions designed to slash its oil exports to zero, Tehran's main source of income, according to two sources familiar with the US and Iranian positions. Iranian officials believe that a new peace process should be devised in which the Afghan government - which has been excluded from the US-Taliban talks in Qatar - played a "dominant" role, the message said. Several back-channel efforts, the sources said, are driven by a hope that cooperation on Afghanistan could lead to negotiations to lower the tensions ignited when Trump pulled the United States out of the 2015 international agreement designed to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon in exchange for sanctions relief. But one source familiar with the US and Iranian positions said as far as Iran was concerned, if Washington acknowledged common interests in Afghanistan "and is willing to talk to Iran based on equality about those common interests, then Iran will talk to the United States." Now all Iran is getting from the United States is that they have no common interests, the source added. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and national security adviser John Bolton oppose any sanctions relief for Iran and were opposed to any talks on Afghanistan, believing Tehran will give in to US demands, one of the sources said, who asked not to be identified. The US State Department declined to comment. One former Afghan official pointed out that since the 2001 US-led invasion to oust the Taliban government, Iran has built ties to the Taliban that it could use to help shape a peace settlement and a US troop withdrawal. Iran "could be very valuable," said Ali Jalali, who served as Afghanistan's first post-Taliban interior minister. "This is a very good opportunity for Iran." Tehran maintains high-level Taliban contacts and is a haven for some insurgent families. It has supplied limited quantities of weapons to the insurgents to keep the pressure on US forces near its border, according to Western officials. Pompeo has accused Iran of being a "co-conspirator" of the Taliban. But some regional experts counter that Tehran is hedging its bets in case the militants return to power. It also sees the Taliban as a counterforce to the Islamic State's Afghan affiliate. Tehran also wields influence in Kabul, having backed Afghan governments for nearly two decades. Iran maintains close ties with the Shi`ite Hazaras, Afghanistan’s third-largest ethnic group, and strongmen of other ethnic minorities. Washington and Tehran, regional experts said, also share the goal of preventing Afghanistan from reverting to a base of Sunni Muslim extremist groups, especially an affiliate of Islamic State, whose avowed enemies include the United States and Iran. Whether Iran can play a meaningful role in any peace effort, or that Washington would allow it to do so, is an open question, said Ryan Crocker, a former US ambassador to Kabul. "I'm pretty skeptical that they (the intermediaries) will get any traction ... because of the policy this administration has developed on Iran. I`m afraid that ship has sailed."

Shared Afghanistan interests create an opening for US-Iran backchannel: Report

European stocks fell on Wednesday as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/germanys-metro-says-66-billion-bid-undervalues-company-229824">Germany's economy </a>went into reverse, reviving fears of global recession and tempering a rally for equities after Washington delayed tariffs on some Chinese imports.

Europe's biggest economy shrank 0.1 per cent in the second quarter as the trade war and weak demand dragged on German manufacturers.

&nbsp;The eurozone as a whole reported gross domestic product grew just 0.2 per cent in the same quarter.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy?page=12">The Euro STOXX 600 fell 0.4 per cent</a>. Markets in London, Frankfurt, and Paris lost from 0.2per cent to 0.6per cent.&nbsp;

Wall Street futures gauges were also lower.

Bond markets were also flashing warning signals of recession.&nbsp;

The gap between US two-year and 10-year Treasury yields, a closely watched metric for signs of a slowdown, fell to less than a basis point after shrinking on Tuesday to its narrowest since June 2007.

The German figures, along with data showing the slowest growth for Chinese industrial output in 17 years stoking recession worries, knocked the wind out the sails for stocks.

Equity investors on Wall Street and Asia had cheered earlier when US&nbsp;President Donald Trump pushed back a Sept. 1 deadline for new tariffs on remaining Chinese imports.

The S&amp;P 500, which had fallen 1per cent on Monday, rose 1.5per cent overnight, sending Asian stocks outside Japan up 0.6per cent.&nbsp;

Benchmarks in Shanghai, Hong Kong and Tokyo all mirrored the surge in US stocks.

But the momentum ebbed in Europe, as optimism faded that Trump's move meant tensions were easing and Germany's slowdown showed the damage already done by the trade war.

"The trade war and the dispute between US and China have already had an impact, especially when you look at countries most sensitive to global trade like Germany and even Italy," said Christophe Barraud, chief economist and strategist at Market Securities in Paris.

The MSCI world equity index, which tracks shares in 47 countries, was flat.

In another sign the trade dispute is dragging on economic growth, China's industrial output slowed more than expected in July.&nbsp;

Its 4.8per cent growth was the lowest in 17 years.

The Japanese yen, considered a safe haven, gained 0.3per cent to 106.42 per dollar as the Chinese data signalled that any resolution to the trade war was a long way off.

Mirroring that view, the offshore Chinese yuan fell 0.4per cent against the dollar to 7.0337, erasing gains made the day before and remaining weaker than the 7 to the dollar it reached last week.

In commodity markets, oil prices fell after the Chinese data from China and a rise in US crude inventories, erasing some of the gains made after Trump's tariff delay.

Brent crude was down 54 cents, or 0.9per cent, at $60.76 a barrel at 0744 GMT, after rising 4.7per cent on Tuesday, its biggest percentage gain since December.

European stocks fell on Wednesday as Germany's economy went into reverse, reviving fears of global recession and tempering a rally for equities after Washington delayed tariffs on some Chinese imports.

European stocks fell on Wednesday as Germany's economy went into reverse, reviving fears of global recession and tempering a rally for equities after Washington delayed tariffs on some Chinese imports. Europe's biggest economy shrank 0.1 per cent in the second quarter as the trade war and weak demand dragged on German manufacturers. The eurozone as a whole reported gross domestic product grew just 0.2 per cent in the same quarter. The Euro STOXX 600 fell 0.4 per cent. Markets in London, Frankfurt, and Paris lost from 0.2per cent to 0.6per cent. Wall Street futures gauges were also lower. Bond markets were also flashing warning signals of recession. The gap between US two-year and 10-year Treasury yields, a closely watched metric for signs of a slowdown, fell to less than a basis point after shrinking on Tuesday to its narrowest since June 2007. The German figures, along with data showing the slowest growth for Chinese industrial output in 17 years stoking recession worries, knocked the wind out the sails for stocks. Equity investors on Wall Street and Asia had cheered earlier when US President Donald Trump pushed back a Sept. 1 deadline for new tariffs on remaining Chinese imports. The S&P 500, which had fallen 1per cent on Monday, rose 1.5per cent overnight, sending Asian stocks outside Japan up 0.6per cent. Benchmarks in Shanghai, Hong Kong and Tokyo all mirrored the surge in US stocks. But the momentum ebbed in Europe, as optimism faded that Trump's move meant tensions were easing and Germany's slowdown showed the damage already done by the trade war. "The trade war and the dispute between US and China have already had an impact, especially when you look at countries most sensitive to global trade like Germany and even Italy," said Christophe Barraud, chief economist and strategist at Market Securities in Paris. The MSCI world equity index, which tracks shares in 47 countries, was flat. In another sign the trade dispute is dragging on economic growth, China's industrial output slowed more than expected in July. Its 4.8per cent growth was the lowest in 17 years. The Japanese yen, considered a safe haven, gained 0.3per cent to 106.42 per dollar as the Chinese data signalled that any resolution to the trade war was a long way off. Mirroring that view, the offshore Chinese yuan fell 0.4per cent against the dollar to 7.0337, erasing gains made the day before and remaining weaker than the 7 to the dollar it reached last week. In commodity markets, oil prices fell after the Chinese data from China and a rise in US crude inventories, erasing some of the gains made after Trump's tariff delay. Brent crude was down 54 cents, or 0.9per cent, at $60.76 a barrel at 0744 GMT, after rising 4.7per cent on Tuesday, its biggest percentage gain since December.

Stocks take fright as recession warnings grow

After China and Hong Kong, now Russia has accused the U.S. of fueling and influencing protesters in Moscow. Watch the full video to know more.

Russia accuses U.S. of encouraging people to protest in Moscow

South Korean<a href="wionews.com/world/south-korean-president-moon-jae-indenies-us-north-korea-nuclear-talks-in-stalemate-230576"> President Moon Jae-in</a> on Friday appointed a new ambassador to the US who has described Donald Trump as "treacherous", only a month after Britain's envoy to Washington had to step down over his criticisms of the US president.

In the early 2000s, Lee Soo-hyuk, a career diplomat before becoming a ruling party lawmaker, was Seoul's chief negotiator in the six-party talks on North Korea's nuclear programme.

Now he will be responsible for guiding the relationship between Seoul and Washington, who have not always seen eye-to-eye over the nuclear-armed North or their ties.&nbsp;

But only last year the South's Chosun Ilbo newspaper cited him as criticizing Trump.

Lee had been asked about an incident at the White House when the US president declined to have Moon's answer to a reporter's question translated, saying "I'm sure I've heard it before".

Lee told the paper: "That's Trump's style. I don't think he's only done that to Moon. He's treacherous," adding that as a former businessman the US leader tended to say insincere things.

"To be honest, I don't like", Lee went on, without making clear whether his disapproval was of Trump personally or his manner.

His appointment comes only a month after Britain's ambassador to Washington resigned after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/democratic-congresswomen-hit-back-after-racist-trump-tirade-236437">Trump targeted him over highly critical </a>comments that put London and Washington's relationship on edge.

In a series of confidential diplomatic cables revealed by a British newspaper, Kim Darroch described the US leader as "inept" and his White House as "uniquely dysfunctional", adding the president was "radiating insecurity".

Trump hit back with a torrent of angry tweets, saying he would not deal with Darroch again, describing him as a "very stupid guy" and a "pompous fool", also calling Britain's then prime minister Theresa May "foolish".

Seoul and Washington are in a security alliance and the US stations 28,500 troops in the South to protect it against its neighbor, which invaded in 1950.

Trump has repeatedly demanded Seoul pay more towards the cost of the US troop presence, and has hinted that it could be withdrawn.

Negotiations on another increase had started, he tweeted Thursday, only for Seoul to deny that was the case.

The North has fired four sets of projectiles in the last two weeks to demonstrate its anger over joint military exercises between the South and the US but Trump has played them down, raising concerns among some South Koreans that Washington is concerned primarily with its security.

And while Seoul and Tokyo are embroiled in a bitter dispute over trade and history, conservative Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has established a much closer relationship with Trump, bonding over burgers and golf, than has Moon, a left-leaning former human rights lawyer.&nbsp;

South Korean President Moon Jae-in on Friday appointed a new ambassador to the US who has described Donald Trump as "treacherous", only a month after Britain's envoy to Washington had to step down over his criticisms of the US president.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in on Friday appointed a new ambassador to the US who has described Donald Trump as "treacherous", only a month after Britain's envoy to Washington had to step down over his criticisms of the US president. In the early 2000s, Lee Soo-hyuk, a career diplomat before becoming a ruling party lawmaker, was Seoul's chief negotiator in the six-party talks on North Korea's nuclear programme. Now he will be responsible for guiding the relationship between Seoul and Washington, who have not always seen eye-to-eye over the nuclear-armed North or their ties. But only last year the South's Chosun Ilbo newspaper cited him as criticizing Trump. Lee had been asked about an incident at the White House when the US president declined to have Moon's answer to a reporter's question translated, saying "I'm sure I've heard it before". Lee told the paper: "That's Trump's style. I don't think he's only done that to Moon. He's treacherous," adding that as a former businessman the US leader tended to say insincere things. "To be honest, I don't like", Lee went on, without making clear whether his disapproval was of Trump personally or his manner. His appointment comes only a month after Britain's ambassador to Washington resigned after Trump targeted him over highly critical comments that put London and Washington's relationship on edge. In a series of confidential diplomatic cables revealed by a British newspaper, Kim Darroch described the US leader as "inept" and his White House as "uniquely dysfunctional", adding the president was "radiating insecurity". Trump hit back with a torrent of angry tweets, saying he would not deal with Darroch again, describing him as a "very stupid guy" and a "pompous fool", also calling Britain's then prime minister Theresa May "foolish". Seoul and Washington are in a security alliance and the US stations 28,500 troops in the South to protect it against its neighbor, which invaded in 1950. Trump has repeatedly demanded Seoul pay more towards the cost of the US troop presence, and has hinted that it could be withdrawn. Negotiations on another increase had started, he tweeted Thursday, only for Seoul to deny that was the case. The North has fired four sets of projectiles in the last two weeks to demonstrate its anger over joint military exercises between the South and the US but Trump has played them down, raising concerns among some South Koreans that Washington is concerned primarily with its security. And while Seoul and Tokyo are embroiled in a bitter dispute over trade and history, conservative Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has established a much closer relationship with Trump, bonding over burgers and golf, than has Moon, a left-leaning former human rights lawyer.

Seoul appoints an envoy to US who called Donald Trump 'treacherous'

US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ahead-of-2020-us-presidential-election-trump-accused-google-of-very-illegal-acts-241344">Donald Trump</a> said on Wednesday talks have begun aimed at getting <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kim-jong-un-sends-missile-warning-to-south-korea-us-as-tensions-rise-241269">South Korea</a> to pay more for the cost of maintaining US troops in the region to guard against any threat from North Korea.

"Talks have begun to further increase payments to the United States. South Korea is a very wealthy nation that now feels an obligation to contribute to the military defence provided by the United States of America," the Republican president said on Twitter.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
... are NOT planning to illegally subvert the 2020 Election despite all that has been said to the contrary. It all sounded good until I watched Kevin Cernekee, a Google engineer, say terrible things about what they did in 2016 and that they want to “Make sure that Trump losses...
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1158797734394191873?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
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South Korea’s presidential Blue House did not immediately respond to request for comment on the talks.

Trump has repeatedly said Seoul should bear more of the burden for keeping some 28,500 US troops stationed in South Korea, where the United States has had a military presence since the 1950-53 Korean War.

South Korean and the US officials signed an agreement in February under which Seoul would increase its contribution to just under 1.04 trillion won ($927 million), an increase of about $70.3 million.

The interim agreement was due to expire in a year.

US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday talks have begun aimed at getting South Korea to pay more for the cost of maintaining US troops in the region to guard against any threat from North Korea.

US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday talks have begun aimed at getting South Korea to pay more for the cost of maintaining US troops in the region to guard against any threat from North Korea. "Talks have begun to further increase payments to the United States. South Korea is a very wealthy nation that now feels an obligation to contribute to the military defence provided by the United States of America," the Republican president said on Twitter. ... are NOT planning to illegally subvert the 2020 Election despite all that has been said to the contrary. It all sounded good until I watched Kevin Cernekee, a Google engineer, say terrible things about what they did in 2016 and that they want to “Make sure that Trump losses... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 6, 2019 × South Korea’s presidential Blue House did not immediately respond to request for comment on the talks. Trump has repeatedly said Seoul should bear more of the burden for keeping some 28,500 US troops stationed in South Korea, where the United States has had a military presence since the 1950-53 Korean War. South Korean and the US officials signed an agreement in February under which Seoul would increase its contribution to just under 1.04 trillion won ($927 million), an increase of about $70.3 million. The interim agreement was due to expire in a year.

United States says talks with South Korea underway over increasing defence costs

Seoul and Washington began annual joint military exercises on Monday, defying warnings from Pyongyang that the war games will jeopardise nuclear negotiations between the United States and North Korea.

Seoul and Washington began annual joint military exercises on Monday, defying warnings from Pyongyang that the war games will jeopardise nuclear negotiations between the United States and North Korea. The drills come after Pyongyang tested a series of short-range projectiles in recent days, calling one of them a "solemn warning" to Seoul against pursuing the mainly computer-simulated drills with Washington. South Korean defence minister Jeong Kyeong-doo told parliament that the joint exercise began Monday, adding that Seoul was "clearly maintaining its readiness posture against any military action by North Korea". Details about the training have not been disclosed, but a ministry official in Seoul said this year's exercise will include verifying South Korea's abilities to take operational control in wartime. Under the US-South Korea security treaty, an American general will take command of their combined forces in the event of armed conflict, but Seoul has long sought to reverse the position. Analysts say the military activities by both sides could delay talks on the North's weapons programmes - which have seen it subjected to multiple sets of UN Security Council sanctions - until later this year. After a year of mutual threats and mounting tensions, US President Donald Trump and the North's leader Kim Jong Un held a historic meeting in Singapore last year, when Kim signed a vague pledge to work towards "denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula". A second summit in Hanoi in February broke up amid disagreement on sanctions relief and what the North might be willing to give up in return. Trump and Kim agreed to resume nuclear talks during their impromptu June meeting in the Demilitarized Zone that divides the peninsula, but that working-level dialogue has yet to begin. The nuclear-armed North - which attacked its neighbour in 1950, triggering the Korean War - has always been infuriated by military exercises between the US and the South, decrying them as rehearsals for invasion. After the Singapore summit, Trump made a shock announcement halting joint drills, adopting Pyongyang's description of them as "provocative" at an extraordinary, freewheeling press conference. War games known as Ulchi Freedom Guardian (UFG) and scheduled for August last year were subsequently suspended. And the allies' biggest annual drills, Foal Eagle and Key Resolve, which took place every spring and involved tens of thousands of troops, were replaced with a shorter "Dong Maeng" or "Alliance" exercise in March. Changing stance The August drills were scaled down earlier this year, Yonhap news agency reported, and have not been named, with an official from Seoul's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) telling AFP that they "cannot comment any further" on their designation. South Korean media have dubbed the command post exercise "19-2 Dong Maeng", indicating the second Dong Maeng exercise of 2019. Pyongyang warned last week that further nuclear talks could be derailed if Seoul and Washington push ahead with the manoeuvres. And on Friday, North Korea carried out its third weapons test in the space of eight days, firing what it called a new "large calibre multiple launch guided rocket system". Seoul's presidential office said it was highly likely to be "a new type of short-range ballistic missile". Ahn Chan-il, a North Korean defector and researcher in Seoul, told AFP: "Drills might not have taken place today if there had been some concrete progress with the nuclear negotiations between Pyongyang and Washington, considering UFG was suspended last year." The North's recent launches also affected the allies' decision, he added. "This also signals Seoul's changing stance on Pyongyang." Trump has brushed off the North's tests, saying Kim will not want to "disappoint" him because he has "far too much to lose". "He will do the right thing because he is far too smart not to, and he does not want to disappoint his friend, President Trump!" he said. There are 28,500 US troops stationed in South Korea to protect it against its neighbour, many of them based south of Seoul at Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek - Washington's biggest overseas military facility.

US, South Korea defy North's warnings, start joint drills

US intermediate range missiles will not be deployed in Australia, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Monday, after the United States revealed ambitions to site missiles in the Asia Pacific region.

US intermediate range missiles will not be deployed in Australia, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Monday, after the United States revealed ambitions to site missiles in the Asia Pacific region. Officials from both governments held talks in Sydney over the weekend that ended with a joint statement in which the two allies pledged to strengthen opposition to Chinese activities in Asia-Pacific, as both sides have become increasingly concerned about China's spreading influence. During the talks, US Defence Secretary Mark Esper spoke of hopes to deploy missiles in the Asia Pacific region in the coming months following Washington's withdrawal from a landmark arms control treaty last week. Esper's comments prompted speculation that Australia had been asked to host the missiles, but Morrison denied that any request had been made and said Australia would decline if it was asked in the future. "It's not been asked to us, not being considered, not been put to us. I think I the rule a line under that," Morrison told reporters in Brisbane, the state capital of Queensland. A recent increase in tensions between Washington and Beijing, both over trade and rights of navigation in both the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait, has put Australia in an awkward spot, as the United States is its biggest ally, while China is its biggest export market. Beijing last week described Australian efforts to improve the bilateral relationship as "unsatisfactory". Australia worries China is using foreign aid to secure greater influence over small Pacific countries which control vast swathes of resource rich ocean. Australia, traditionally the major power in the South Pacific, has promised up to A$3 billion ($2.03 billion) in grants and cheap loans to counter what Washington describes as China's "payday loan diplomacy".

Australia won't host US missiles, prime minister says

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