China and the United States have agreed to roll back tariffs on each others' goods in a "phase one" trade deal if it is completed, officials from both sides said on Thursday, sparking division among some advisers to President Donald Trump.

China and the United States have agreed to roll back tariffs on each others' goods in a "phase one" trade deal if it is completed, officials from both sides said on Thursday, sparking division among some advisers to President Donald Trump. The Chinese commerce ministry, without laying out a timetable, said the two countries had agreed to cancel the tariffs in phases. A US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the rollback would be part of the first phase of a trade agreement that is still being put to paper for Trump and President Xi Jinping to sign. White House spokeswoman Stephanie Grisham told Fox News Channel the United States is "very, very optimistic" about completing a deal that would defuse a 16-month trade war between the world's two largest economies. "I cannot get ahead of the talks with China, but we are very, very optimistic that we will reach a deal soon," she said. Experts warn the pact could still fall apart. US officials said a lot of work remained to be done when Trump announced the outlines of an interim deal last month. Trump has used tariffs on billions of dollars of Chinese goods as his primary weapon in the protracted trade war. The prospect of lifting them, even in phases, has drawn fierce opposition from advisers in and outside of the White House who remain wary of giving up a key aspect of US leverage. US stocks pared gains after Reuters reported that the plan faced internal opposition. "There is no specific agreement for a phased rollback of the tariffs," said Michael Pillsbury, an outside adviser to Trump. "The American side has been ambiguous when and which tariffs will be lifted. The Chinese have some wishful thinking and are trying to soothe their domestic hardliners that the tariffs will someday come off." If an interim deal is finished and signed, it is widely expected to include a US pledge to scrap tariffs scheduled for December 15 on about $156 billion worth of Chinese imports, including cell phones, laptop computers and toys. Tariff cancellation was an important condition for any agreement, Chinese Commerce Ministry spokesman Gao Feng said, adding that both must simultaneously cancel some tariffs on each other's goods to reach the phase one pact. "Both sides have agreed to cancel additional tariffs in different phases, as both sides make progress in their negotiations," Gao told a regular briefing. A spokesman for the US Treasury department declined to comment and the U.S. Trade Representative's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Republican lawmakers are urging the Trump administration to tie any tariff rollbacks to Beijing's compliance with specific elements of the agreement. "The tariffs should be phased out piece by piece as China complies," one congressional source said. Trump-Xi meeting In what could be another gesture to boost optimism, China's state news agency Xinhua reported late on Thursday that the Chinese customs and Ministry of Agriculture are considering removing restrictions on US poultry imports. China has banned all US poultry and eggs since January 2015 due to an avian influenza outbreak. The optimism over a phase one trade deal boosted stocks globally; bond yields shuffled higher. A source previously told Reuters that Chinese negotiators wanted the United States to drop 15% tariffs on about $125 billion worth of Chinese goods that took effect on Sept. 1. They also sought relief from earlier 25% tariffs on about $250 billion of imports, ranging from machinery and semiconductors to furniture. A person familiar with China's negotiating position said it was pressing Washington to "remove all tariffs as soon as possible". A deal may be signed before the end of the year by Trump and Xi at a yet-to-be determined location. Dozens of venues have been suggested for a meeting, which had originally been set to take place on the sidelines of a now-cancelled mid-November summit of Asia-Pacific leaders in Chile, a senior Trump administration official told Reuters on Wednesday. One possible location was London, where the leaders could meet after a NATO summit that Trump is due to attend from Dec. 3-4, the official said. Gao declined to say when and where such a meeting could be. Since Trump took office in 2017, his administration has been pressing China to curb massive subsidies to state-owned firms and end the forced transfer of American technology to Chinese firms as a price of doing business in China. The president's tough stance on China has earned him praise from his political base, and he may be reluctant to appear conciliatory on the issue going into his 2020 re-election campaign. But Trump has also sought to portray stock market gains as a reflection of his stewardship of the economy, and the market has reacted positively to any hints of an end to the two countries' trade dispute.

China, US agree tariff rollback if phase one trade deal is completed

China's Foreign Ministry launched a renewed attack on US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Friday, saying that his recent criticism of the Chinese Communist Party was "extremely dangerous" and exposed his "sinister intentions".

Last month, Pompeo stepped-up US rhetoric against China's ruling Communist Party, saying Beijing was focused on international domination and needed to be confronted. China at the time called it a "vicious attack".

China has been consistently irritated by Pompeo, whether over his remarks on China's Belt and Road infrastructure project or allegations of Chinese rights abuses in the far western region of Xinjiang, and in many other areas.

Speaking at a daily news briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said Pompeo's attacks on China's political system and calling China a threat were "full of ideological prejudice" that China strongly opposed.

"Pompeo is splitting apart and setting in antagonism against each other the Chinese people and the Chinese Communist Party in an attempt to provoke their relationship," Geng said.

The party has always represented and safeguarded the interests of the Chinese people and has won their deep trust and loyal support, he added.

"Attempts to separate the Chinese people and the Chinese Communist Party is a provocation against the entire Chinese people and is doomed to fail," Geng said.

"It must be pointed out that Pompeo's comments are extremely dangerous and seriously inconsistent with his position as US Secretary of State," he added.

"They fully expose his sinister intentions of fishing for political capital by being anti-China."

He should stop "jabbering on" with his unwarranted criticisms of China, Geng said.

China's stepping up of rhetoric against Pompeo comes as China and the United States seek a truce in their trade war by signing a "phase one" trade deal.

The world's two largest economies have other serious areas of disagreement, including the disputed South China Sea, US support for Chinese-claimed Taiwan and human rights, especially in heavily Muslim Xinjiang.

China's Foreign Ministry launched a renewed attack on US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Friday, saying that his recent criticism of the Chinese Communist Party was "extremely dangerous" and exposed his "sinister intentions".

China's Foreign Ministry launched a renewed attack on US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Friday, saying that his recent criticism of the Chinese Communist Party was "extremely dangerous" and exposed his "sinister intentions". Last month, Pompeo stepped-up US rhetoric against China's ruling Communist Party, saying Beijing was focused on international domination and needed to be confronted. China at the time called it a "vicious attack". China has been consistently irritated by Pompeo, whether over his remarks on China's Belt and Road infrastructure project or allegations of Chinese rights abuses in the far western region of Xinjiang, and in many other areas. Speaking at a daily news briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said Pompeo's attacks on China's political system and calling China a threat were "full of ideological prejudice" that China strongly opposed. "Pompeo is splitting apart and setting in antagonism against each other the Chinese people and the Chinese Communist Party in an attempt to provoke their relationship," Geng said. The party has always represented and safeguarded the interests of the Chinese people and has won their deep trust and loyal support, he added. "Attempts to separate the Chinese people and the Chinese Communist Party is a provocation against the entire Chinese people and is doomed to fail," Geng said. "It must be pointed out that Pompeo's comments are extremely dangerous and seriously inconsistent with his position as US Secretary of State," he added. "They fully expose his sinister intentions of fishing for political capital by being anti-China." He should stop "jabbering on" with his unwarranted criticisms of China, Geng said. China's stepping up of rhetoric against Pompeo comes as China and the United States seek a truce in their trade war by signing a "phase one" trade deal. The world's two largest economies have other serious areas of disagreement, including the disputed South China Sea, US support for Chinese-claimed Taiwan and human rights, especially in heavily Muslim Xinjiang.

China renews attack on Pompeo, says Communist Party criticism 'dangerous'

Europe's share markets hit a more than 4-year peak and bond yields shuffled higher on Thursday, as Beijing signalled a 'phase 1' <a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/china-says-it-has-agreed-with-united-states-to-cancel-tariffs-in-phases-260538">trade deal</a> with the United States was close to being sealed.

Asia had been quiet overnight but things sparked just before Europe opened when China's commerce ministry said the world's two economic giants were working on a deal that would roll back trade tariffs in different stages.

Cue optimism. The pan-European STOXX 600 index&nbsp;rose 0.4 percent&nbsp;to its highest since July 2015 led by the export-heavy DAX&nbsp;percent&nbsp;in Frankfurt despite worse-than-expected German industrial output data.

European government bond yields -- which move inverse to the price -- rose too. Benchmark Bund yields were heading towards their highest in more than three months while the dollar took background from the safe-haven yen in the currency markets.

"Everything is moving together for now on this trade deal news," said Saxo Bank's head of FX strategy John Hardy. "The question is, how much was already baked into the cake and can we really see more specifics?" he added.

Among the top gainers across European sub-sectors were automakers&nbsp;and miners,&nbsp;while defensive plays such as telecoms and utilities fell, which all pointed to higher risk appetite.

E-Mini futures for the S&amp;P 500, which has already set a new record high this week, were also a solid 0.5&nbsp;percent&nbsp;better off.

Asia, in contrast, had barely budged. MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan&nbsp;dipped a slight 0.2 percent, just off a six-month high hit earlier in the week.

Japan's Nikkei dithered either side of flat in very quiet trade, having touched a 13-month top on Wednesday. South Korean stocks&nbsp;stalled after hitting their highest since May, while Shanghai blue chips&nbsp;eked out a 0.2&nbsp;percent&nbsp;rise.

Reuters reported on Wednesday that a meeting between US&nbsp;President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping to sign the interim trade deal could be delayed until December as discussions continue over terms and venue.

Among various suggestions was to sign a deal after a scheduled NATO meeting in London in early December.

"One could take the view that by not committing to meet the original deadline it gives more time for a somewhat more comprehensive agreement to be thrashed out," said Ray Attrill, head of FX strategy at National Australia Bank.

The overnight pause in the risk rally helped US&nbsp;bonds recoup a little of their recent losses. Yields on benchmark US&nbsp;10-year notes fell back to 1.84&nbsp;percent&nbsp;from a two-month top of 1.87 percent&nbsp;.

That kept the dollar in check, it was at 109.00 yen&nbsp;from a weekly high of 109.24 and was a smidgen lower on a basket of currencies at 97.965.

The euro was trying to sustain a bounce at $1.1079 previously close to chart support at $1.1060.

Spot gold was little changed at $1,490.38 per ounce and well within recent tight trading ranges.

Oil prices clawed higher after taking a hit from a surprisingly large build in US&nbsp;crude inventories.

US&nbsp;crude&nbsp;was 57 cents higher at $56.92 a barrel, while Brent crude made 5&nbsp;cents to $62.23.

Europe's share markets hit a more than 4-year peak and bond yields shuffled higher on Thursday, as Beijing signalled a 'phase 1' trade deal with the United States was close to being sealed.

Europe's share markets hit a more than 4-year peak and bond yields shuffled higher on Thursday, as Beijing signalled a 'phase 1' trade deal with the United States was close to being sealed. Asia had been quiet overnight but things sparked just before Europe opened when China's commerce ministry said the world's two economic giants were working on a deal that would roll back trade tariffs in different stages. Cue optimism. The pan-European STOXX 600 index rose 0.4 percent to its highest since July 2015 led by the export-heavy DAX percent in Frankfurt despite worse-than-expected German industrial output data. European government bond yields -- which move inverse to the price -- rose too. Benchmark Bund yields were heading towards their highest in more than three months while the dollar took background from the safe-haven yen in the currency markets. "Everything is moving together for now on this trade deal news," said Saxo Bank's head of FX strategy John Hardy. "The question is, how much was already baked into the cake and can we really see more specifics?" he added. Among the top gainers across European sub-sectors were automakers and miners, while defensive plays such as telecoms and utilities fell, which all pointed to higher risk appetite. E-Mini futures for the S&P 500, which has already set a new record high this week, were also a solid 0.5 percent better off. Asia, in contrast, had barely budged. MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan dipped a slight 0.2 percent, just off a six-month high hit earlier in the week. Japan's Nikkei dithered either side of flat in very quiet trade, having touched a 13-month top on Wednesday. South Korean stocks stalled after hitting their highest since May, while Shanghai blue chips eked out a 0.2 percent rise. Reuters reported on Wednesday that a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping to sign the interim trade deal could be delayed until December as discussions continue over terms and venue. Among various suggestions was to sign a deal after a scheduled NATO meeting in London in early December. "One could take the view that by not committing to meet the original deadline it gives more time for a somewhat more comprehensive agreement to be thrashed out," said Ray Attrill, head of FX strategy at National Australia Bank. The overnight pause in the risk rally helped US bonds recoup a little of their recent losses. Yields on benchmark US 10-year notes fell back to 1.84 percent from a two-month top of 1.87 percent . That kept the dollar in check, it was at 109.00 yen from a weekly high of 109.24 and was a smidgen lower on a basket of currencies at 97.965. The euro was trying to sustain a bounce at $1.1079 previously close to chart support at $1.1060. Spot gold was little changed at $1,490.38 per ounce and well within recent tight trading ranges. Oil prices clawed higher after taking a hit from a surprisingly large build in US crude inventories. US crude was 57 cents higher at $56.92 a barrel, while Brent crude made 5 cents to $62.23.

US-China trade deal hopes restart stocks rally

Around 500 million Chinese suffer visual impairment

China's crackdown on video game addiction

China and the United States have agreed to cancel in phases the tariffs imposed during their months-long trade war, the Chinese commerce ministry said on Thursday, without specifying a timetable.

An interim US-China trade deal is widely expected to include a US&nbsp;pledge to scrap <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/china-presses-trump-for-more-tariff-roll-backs-in-phase-one-trade-deal-260005">tariffs</a> scheduled for December&nbsp;15 on about $156 billion worth of Chinese imports, including cell phones, laptop computers and toys.

Tariff cancellation was an important condition for any agreement, ministry spokesman Gao Feng said, adding that both must simultaneously cancel some tariffs on each other's goods to reach a "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-china-close-to-finalising-part-of-a-phase-one-trade-deal-report-258209">phase one</a>" trade deal.

"The trade war started with tariffs, and should end with the cancellation of tariffs," Gao told a regular news briefing.

The proportion of tariffs cancelled for both sides to reach a "phase one" deal must be the same, but the number to be cancelled can be negotiated, he added, without elaborating.

"In the past two weeks, the lead negotiators from both sides have had serious and constructive discussions on resolving various core concerns appropriately," Gao said.

"Both sides have agreed to cancel additional tariffs in different phases, as both sides make progress in their negotiations."

He did not give a timeline.

A source previously told Reuters that Chinese negotiators wanted the United States to drop 15 percent&nbsp;tariffs on about $125 billion worth of Chinese goods that took effect on September&nbsp;1.

They also sought relief from earlier 25 percent&nbsp;tariffs on about $250 billion of imports, ranging from machinery and semiconductors to furniture.

A person familiar with China's negotiating position said it was pressing Washington to "remove all tariffs as soon as possible".

A deal may be signed this month by US&nbsp;President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping at a yet-to-be-determined location.

Dozens of venues have been suggested for a meeting, which had originally been set to take place on the sidelines of a now-cancelled mid-November summit of Asia-Pacific leaders in Chile, a senior Trump administration official told Reuters on Wednesday.

One possible location was London, where the leaders could meet after a NATO summit that Trump is due to attend from December&nbsp;3-4, the official said.

Gao declined to say when and where such a meeting could be.

Since Trump took office in 2017, his administration has been pressing China to curb massive subsidies to state-owned firms and end the forced transfer of American technology to Chinese firms as a price of doing business in China.

China and the United States have agreed to cancel in phases the tariffs imposed during their months-long trade war, the Chinese commerce ministry said on Thursday, without specifying a timetable.

China and the United States have agreed to cancel in phases the tariffs imposed during their months-long trade war, the Chinese commerce ministry said on Thursday, without specifying a timetable. An interim US-China trade deal is widely expected to include a US pledge to scrap tariffs scheduled for December 15 on about $156 billion worth of Chinese imports, including cell phones, laptop computers and toys. Tariff cancellation was an important condition for any agreement, ministry spokesman Gao Feng said, adding that both must simultaneously cancel some tariffs on each other's goods to reach a "phase one" trade deal. "The trade war started with tariffs, and should end with the cancellation of tariffs," Gao told a regular news briefing. The proportion of tariffs cancelled for both sides to reach a "phase one" deal must be the same, but the number to be cancelled can be negotiated, he added, without elaborating. "In the past two weeks, the lead negotiators from both sides have had serious and constructive discussions on resolving various core concerns appropriately," Gao said. "Both sides have agreed to cancel additional tariffs in different phases, as both sides make progress in their negotiations." He did not give a timeline. A source previously told Reuters that Chinese negotiators wanted the United States to drop 15 percent tariffs on about $125 billion worth of Chinese goods that took effect on September 1. They also sought relief from earlier 25 percent tariffs on about $250 billion of imports, ranging from machinery and semiconductors to furniture. A person familiar with China's negotiating position said it was pressing Washington to "remove all tariffs as soon as possible". A deal may be signed this month by US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping at a yet-to-be-determined location. Dozens of venues have been suggested for a meeting, which had originally been set to take place on the sidelines of a now-cancelled mid-November summit of Asia-Pacific leaders in Chile, a senior Trump administration official told Reuters on Wednesday. One possible location was London, where the leaders could meet after a NATO summit that Trump is due to attend from December 3-4, the official said. Gao declined to say when and where such a meeting could be. Since Trump took office in 2017, his administration has been pressing China to curb massive subsidies to state-owned firms and end the forced transfer of American technology to Chinese firms as a price of doing business in China.

China says it has agreed with United States to cancel tariffs in phases

<a href="http://cms.wionews.com/world/china-france-reaffirm-support-of-paris-climate-agreement-call-it-irreversible-260303">China and France</a> signed contracts totalling $15 billion&nbsp;during a visit by President Emmanuel Macron, a Chinese government official said at a news briefing on Wednesday.

Deals were struck in the fields of aeronautics, energy and agriculture, including approval for 20 French companies to export poultry, beef and pork to China.

They also agreed to expand a protocol for poultry exports reached earlier this year to include duck and geese as well as foie gras, and to work on a protocol allowing France to export pig semen to China, according to a statement from the French president's office.

Energy deals included a memorandum of understanding between Beijing Gas Group and French utility Engie&nbsp;to collaborate on a liquefied natural gas terminal and storage in the northern city of Tianjin.

An executive with Beijing Gas Group told Reuters that the cooperation with Engie will also include the French firm supplying membrane technology, used for gas leak prevention, in the massive gas storage projects that China is embarking on.

Among other deals, France's Total&nbsp;will set up a joint venture with China's Shenergy Group to distribute LNG by truck in the Yangtze River Delta.

The two countries also agreed to reach an agreement by the end of January 2020 on the cost and location of a nuclear fuel reprocessing facility to be built by Orano, formerly known as Areva.

Previous plans to build the plant in Lianyungang in eastern China's Jiangsu province were cancelled after protests.

China and France signed contracts totalling $15 billion during a visit by President Emmanuel Macron, a Chinese government official said at a news briefing on Wednesday.

China and France signed contracts totalling $15 billion during a visit by President Emmanuel Macron, a Chinese government official said at a news briefing on Wednesday. Deals were struck in the fields of aeronautics, energy and agriculture, including approval for 20 French companies to export poultry, beef and pork to China. They also agreed to expand a protocol for poultry exports reached earlier this year to include duck and geese as well as foie gras, and to work on a protocol allowing France to export pig semen to China, according to a statement from the French president's office. Energy deals included a memorandum of understanding between Beijing Gas Group and French utility Engie to collaborate on a liquefied natural gas terminal and storage in the northern city of Tianjin. An executive with Beijing Gas Group told Reuters that the cooperation with Engie will also include the French firm supplying membrane technology, used for gas leak prevention, in the massive gas storage projects that China is embarking on. Among other deals, France's Total will set up a joint venture with China's Shenergy Group to distribute LNG by truck in the Yangtze River Delta. The two countries also agreed to reach an agreement by the end of January 2020 on the cost and location of a nuclear fuel reprocessing facility to be built by Orano, formerly known as Areva. Previous plans to build the plant in Lianyungang in eastern China's Jiangsu province were cancelled after protests.

China and France sign deals worth $15 billion during Macron's visit

President Xi Jinping on Tuesday pledged to further open <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-china-face-off-over-south-china-sea-at-asean-summit-259920">China's economy</a>, declaring the world must "knock down walls" as he opened an annual trade fair in Shanghai.

Xi addressed an audience including French President Emmanuel Macron at the import exhibition, staged annually by China to show its willingness to free up its vast domestic markets in the face of criticism that they are too cosseted by Beijing.

The world community must "continue to knock down walls instead of building walls, resolutely oppose protectionism and unilateralism, (and) continuously reduce trade barriers", Xi said.

The speech was light on specifics, however, and thus unlikely to mollify foreign critics who accuse China of a range of protectionist measures and failing to deliver on reform promises.

With China and the US working to lock in a partial trade deal announced last month, Xi steered clear of their tariff war in his remarks.

It was a stark contrast to his keynote last year at the height of the trade confrontation, when Xi took a swipe at the Trump administration, decrying "protectionism", "isolationism" and "the law of the jungle", while not specifically naming the United States.

Speaking after Xi, Macron complained that the US-China trade war "only creates losers" and was weighing on global growth.

He said he hoped the world’s two largest economies can reach an agreement that also will "preserve the interests" of other trade partners, starting with the European Union.

Without directly naming US President Donald Trump, Macron decried "unilateral action, the use of tariffs as a weapon, (and) survival of the fittest".

But the French leader also said China's market-opening "must be speeded up and made more transparent".

Xi told delegates he hoped a China-backed proposed regional trade deal could be signed soon, a day after it was dealt a blow by India's withdrawal.

At a summit in Bangkok, India expressed concerns that its economy would be flooded by cheap Chinese goods as a result of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

RCEP was meant to account for 30 per cent of global gross domestic product and loop in half of the world's people, but also notably excludes the United States.

"I hope the agreement will be signed and entered into force at an early date," Xi said in Shanghai.

He said China would be "happy" to reach free-trade agreements with other countries, adding that officials would speed up negotiations on an investment accord with the European Union as well as a pact with Japan and South Korea.

President Xi Jinping on Tuesday pledged to further open China's economy, declaring the world must "knock down walls" as he opened an annual trade fair in Shanghai.

President Xi Jinping on Tuesday pledged to further open China's economy, declaring the world must "knock down walls" as he opened an annual trade fair in Shanghai. Xi addressed an audience including French President Emmanuel Macron at the import exhibition, staged annually by China to show its willingness to free up its vast domestic markets in the face of criticism that they are too cosseted by Beijing. The world community must "continue to knock down walls instead of building walls, resolutely oppose protectionism and unilateralism, (and) continuously reduce trade barriers", Xi said. The speech was light on specifics, however, and thus unlikely to mollify foreign critics who accuse China of a range of protectionist measures and failing to deliver on reform promises. With China and the US working to lock in a partial trade deal announced last month, Xi steered clear of their tariff war in his remarks. It was a stark contrast to his keynote last year at the height of the trade confrontation, when Xi took a swipe at the Trump administration, decrying "protectionism", "isolationism" and "the law of the jungle", while not specifically naming the United States. Speaking after Xi, Macron complained that the US-China trade war "only creates losers" and was weighing on global growth. He said he hoped the world’s two largest economies can reach an agreement that also will "preserve the interests" of other trade partners, starting with the European Union. Without directly naming US President Donald Trump, Macron decried "unilateral action, the use of tariffs as a weapon, (and) survival of the fittest". But the French leader also said China's market-opening "must be speeded up and made more transparent". Xi told delegates he hoped a China-backed proposed regional trade deal could be signed soon, a day after it was dealt a blow by India's withdrawal. At a summit in Bangkok, India expressed concerns that its economy would be flooded by cheap Chinese goods as a result of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). RCEP was meant to account for 30 per cent of global gross domestic product and loop in half of the world's people, but also notably excludes the United States. "I hope the agreement will be signed and entered into force at an early date," Xi said in Shanghai. He said China would be "happy" to reach free-trade agreements with other countries, adding that officials would speed up negotiations on an investment accord with the European Union as well as a pact with Japan and South Korea.

Xi Jinping pledges wider market access, free-trade deals

China is pushing US President Donald Trump to remove more tariffs imposed in September as part of a "phase one" US-China trade deal, people familiar with the negotiations said on Monday.

The deal, which may be signed later this month by Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping at a yet-to-be-determined location, is widely expected to include a US pledge to scrap tariffs scheduled for Dec. 15 on about $156 billion worth of Chinese imports, including cell phones, laptop computers and toys.

A US official said the fate of the December 15 tariffs is being considered as part of negotiations and a potential signing trip this month.

Another source briefed on the talks said Chinese negotiators want Washington to drop 15% tariffs on about $125 billion worth of Chinese goods that went into effect on September 1. They are also seeking relief from earlier 25% tariffs on about $250 billion of imports from machinery and semiconductors to furniture.

A person familiar with Beijing's negotiating position said that China is continuing to press Washington to "remove all tariffs as soon as possible."

China's request to remove the September 1 duties was earlier reported by Politico, citing sources. The Financial Times newspaper also reported the White House was considering whether to roll back the Sept. 1 tariffs, which cover some clothing items, flat-screen televisions, smart speakers and Bluetooth headphones.

Ralph Winnie, director of the China program at the Eurasia Center, said wrapping up the interim trade pact would provide a boost to both the US and Chinese economies, while handing Trump an important win among farmers - a core constituency.

"It’s in both countries’ interest to have this trade deal," Winnie said. "If he seals the deal, it will be looked on very favourably by the American people. It’s a win-win for both countries."

Speaking on Tuesday at an import fair aimed at burnishing China's free-trade credentials, President Xi Jinping called on countries to stand against protectionism and reiterated pledges to continue to open China's economy and strengthen protection of intellectual property rights.

Foreign governments and business groups have become sceptical of Chinese reform promises and have longed warned that China would invite retaliation if it didn't match the openness of its trading partners.

Copyrights, not subsidies

Since Trump took office in 2017, his administration has been pressing China to curb massive subsidies to state-owned firms and end the forced transfer of American technology to Chinese firms as a price of doing business in China.

Analysts say the phase one deal will fail to adequately address these issues, focusing largely on Chinese purchases of US farm goods and intellectual property protection related to copyright and trademark issues. It will not address industrial subsidies at all.

China was requesting some changes to the text, but parts of the agreement are “very close to finished,” including the text on financial services, said a US source briefed on the negotiations. The text on agriculture was “dozens of pages long and nearly completed,” the source said.

“It is important to both sides to get this agreement across the finish line,” said the source, adding that the two presidents were very likely to meet before the end of the month.

Charles Boustany, a former congressman from Louisiana and counsellor at the National Bureau of Asian Research, said any initial agreement would likely be short-term in nature and unstable.

"Even though there's some talk about a phase one agreement, we don't think it’s going to be substantive in terms of addressing any of the structural problems," he said. "It would largely be a status quo situation where China continues to do what it’s doing."

Some business groups complain that a central component of the "phase one" deal - increased access to China's financial services market - will fall short of its promises, because of inconsistencies in China's new foreign investment law.

In comments submitted to the Chinese government by the US Chamber of Commerce, the American Chamber of Commerce in China and the US Information Technology Office, the groups pointed out that Beijing's draft regulations "do not address clear differences between the treatment of China's state-owned enterprises and the private sector," according to a person familiar with the comments.

Trump had said on Friday that negotiations on the initial phase agreement were going well and he hoped to sign the deal with Xi at a US location when work on the deal was completed.

China is pushing US President Donald Trump to remove more tariffs imposed in September as part of a "phase one" US-China trade deal, people familiar with the negotiations said on Monday.

China is pushing US President Donald Trump to remove more tariffs imposed in September as part of a "phase one" US-China trade deal, people familiar with the negotiations said on Monday. The deal, which may be signed later this month by Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping at a yet-to-be-determined location, is widely expected to include a US pledge to scrap tariffs scheduled for Dec. 15 on about $156 billion worth of Chinese imports, including cell phones, laptop computers and toys. A US official said the fate of the December 15 tariffs is being considered as part of negotiations and a potential signing trip this month. Another source briefed on the talks said Chinese negotiators want Washington to drop 15% tariffs on about $125 billion worth of Chinese goods that went into effect on September 1. They are also seeking relief from earlier 25% tariffs on about $250 billion of imports from machinery and semiconductors to furniture. A person familiar with Beijing's negotiating position said that China is continuing to press Washington to "remove all tariffs as soon as possible." China's request to remove the September 1 duties was earlier reported by Politico, citing sources. The Financial Times newspaper also reported the White House was considering whether to roll back the Sept. 1 tariffs, which cover some clothing items, flat-screen televisions, smart speakers and Bluetooth headphones. Ralph Winnie, director of the China program at the Eurasia Center, said wrapping up the interim trade pact would provide a boost to both the US and Chinese economies, while handing Trump an important win among farmers - a core constituency. "It’s in both countries’ interest to have this trade deal," Winnie said. "If he seals the deal, it will be looked on very favourably by the American people. It’s a win-win for both countries." Speaking on Tuesday at an import fair aimed at burnishing China's free-trade credentials, President Xi Jinping called on countries to stand against protectionism and reiterated pledges to continue to open China's economy and strengthen protection of intellectual property rights. Foreign governments and business groups have become sceptical of Chinese reform promises and have longed warned that China would invite retaliation if it didn't match the openness of its trading partners. Copyrights, not subsidies Since Trump took office in 2017, his administration has been pressing China to curb massive subsidies to state-owned firms and end the forced transfer of American technology to Chinese firms as a price of doing business in China. Analysts say the phase one deal will fail to adequately address these issues, focusing largely on Chinese purchases of US farm goods and intellectual property protection related to copyright and trademark issues. It will not address industrial subsidies at all. China was requesting some changes to the text, but parts of the agreement are “very close to finished,” including the text on financial services, said a US source briefed on the negotiations. The text on agriculture was “dozens of pages long and nearly completed,” the source said. “It is important to both sides to get this agreement across the finish line,” said the source, adding that the two presidents were very likely to meet before the end of the month. Charles Boustany, a former congressman from Louisiana and counsellor at the National Bureau of Asian Research, said any initial agreement would likely be short-term in nature and unstable. "Even though there's some talk about a phase one agreement, we don't think it’s going to be substantive in terms of addressing any of the structural problems," he said. "It would largely be a status quo situation where China continues to do what it’s doing." Some business groups complain that a central component of the "phase one" deal - increased access to China's financial services market - will fall short of its promises, because of inconsistencies in China's new foreign investment law. In comments submitted to the Chinese government by the US Chamber of Commerce, the American Chamber of Commerce in China and the US Information Technology Office, the groups pointed out that Beijing's draft regulations "do not address clear differences between the treatment of China's state-owned enterprises and the private sector," according to a person familiar with the comments. Trump had said on Friday that negotiations on the initial phase agreement were going well and he hoped to sign the deal with Xi at a US location when work on the deal was completed.

China presses Trump for more tariff roll-backs in 'phase one' trade deal

The Hong Kong government said on Tuesday it deeply regrets the involvement of civil servants in protests that have plunged the Chinese-ruled city into crisis as activists plan fresh demonstrations across the territory.

Acting Chief Executive Matthew Cheung's comments came after a commentary on the ruling Communist Party's People's Daily Weibo account said Hong Kong civil servants who support the anti-government demonstrations would "perish with the rioters".

The demonstrations began over a since-scrapped extradition bill and escalated in mid-June. Protesters have kept up their calls for universal suffrage and an independent inquiry into police behaviour, among other demands.

Watch: Hong Kong on Boil - demonstrators clash with Police

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The protests, which pose a grave challenge to Chinese leader Xi Jinping, have received broad support from Hong Kong people, including some civil servants, teachers and financial industry workers who have at times taken to the streets.

In August, thousands of civil servants defied a government warning to remain politically neutral and took to the streets.

While the number of people who take part in the mostly weekend rallies has dwindled from the millions who participated in June, the violence and vandalism have escalated. Authorities have refused permits for many recent protests, making them illegal from the outset and activists liable for arrest.

Cheung also said his administration would cherish and safeguard freedom of the press amid mounting criticism of what many see as an excessive police force, including against the media.

Officers have said they have shown restraint in the face of escalating violence. Police cancelled a planned press conference on Monday after several journalists from the public broadcaster and other local media turned up wearing helmets with signs that read "investigate police brutality."

Cheung is standing in for embattled Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam, who is visiting mainland China, where President Xi Jinping said on Monday the central government had a high degree of confidence in her.

Protesters have circulated plans on social media to mark Guy Fawkes Day on Tuesday by wearing the white, smiling Guy Fawkes masks made popular by anti-establishment hackers, the film "V for Vendetta" and protesters globally.

Beijing-backed Lam banned face masks last month, invoking colonial-era emergency powers for the first time in more than 50 years, but protesters have largely ignored the ruling.

The demonstrations have battered the retail and tourism sectors, with preliminary government data showing the economy slid into recession for the first time in a decade in the third quarter.

An IHS Markit survey published on Tuesday showed business activity in Hong Kong's private sector fell to its weakest in 21 years in October, weighed down by anti-government protests and softening global demand.

The Hong Kong government said on Tuesday it deeply regrets the involvement of civil servants in protests that have plunged the Chinese-ruled city into crisis as activists plan fresh demonstrations across the territory.

The Hong Kong government said on Tuesday it deeply regrets the involvement of civil servants in protests that have plunged the Chinese-ruled city into crisis as activists plan fresh demonstrations across the territory. Acting Chief Executive Matthew Cheung's comments came after a commentary on the ruling Communist Party's People's Daily Weibo account said Hong Kong civil servants who support the anti-government demonstrations would "perish with the rioters". The demonstrations began over a since-scrapped extradition bill and escalated in mid-June. Protesters have kept up their calls for universal suffrage and an independent inquiry into police behaviour, among other demands. Watch: Hong Kong on Boil - demonstrators clash with Police × The protests, which pose a grave challenge to Chinese leader Xi Jinping, have received broad support from Hong Kong people, including some civil servants, teachers and financial industry workers who have at times taken to the streets. In August, thousands of civil servants defied a government warning to remain politically neutral and took to the streets. While the number of people who take part in the mostly weekend rallies has dwindled from the millions who participated in June, the violence and vandalism have escalated. Authorities have refused permits for many recent protests, making them illegal from the outset and activists liable for arrest. Cheung also said his administration would cherish and safeguard freedom of the press amid mounting criticism of what many see as an excessive police force, including against the media. Officers have said they have shown restraint in the face of escalating violence. Police cancelled a planned press conference on Monday after several journalists from the public broadcaster and other local media turned up wearing helmets with signs that read "investigate police brutality." Cheung is standing in for embattled Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam, who is visiting mainland China, where President Xi Jinping said on Monday the central government had a high degree of confidence in her. Protesters have circulated plans on social media to mark Guy Fawkes Day on Tuesday by wearing the white, smiling Guy Fawkes masks made popular by anti-establishment hackers, the film "V for Vendetta" and protesters globally. Beijing-backed Lam banned face masks last month, invoking colonial-era emergency powers for the first time in more than 50 years, but protesters have largely ignored the ruling. The demonstrations have battered the retail and tourism sectors, with preliminary government data showing the economy slid into recession for the first time in a decade in the third quarter. An IHS Markit survey published on Tuesday showed business activity in Hong Kong's private sector fell to its weakest in 21 years in October, weighed down by anti-government protests and softening global demand.

Hong Kong official deeply regrets civil servants taking part in protests

The Trump administration said on Monday it filed paperwork to withdraw the United States from the Paris Agreement, the first formal step in a one-year process to exit the global pact to fight climate change.

The move is part of a broader strategy by President Donald Trump to reduce red tape on American industry but comes at a time scientists and many world governments urge rapid action to avoid the worst impacts of global warming.

Once it exits, the United States - the top historic greenhouse gas emitter and leading oil and gas producer - will become the only country outside the accord.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo confirmed the step in a Twitter post on Monday and pointed out that the United States had trimmed its emissions in recent years even as it had grown its energy production.

"The US is proud of our record as a world leader in reducing all emissions, fostering resilience, growing our economy, and ensuring energy for our citizens," he said.

An official from the French presidential office accompanying President Emmanuel Macron on a state visit to China said: "We regret this and this only makes the Franco-Chinese partnership on the climate and biodiversity more necessary."

Macron and Chinese President Xi Jinping will sign a pact on Wednesday that includes a paragraph on the "irreversibility of the Paris Agreement," the official said.

The State Department's letter to United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres starts the clock on a process that will be completed one day after the 2020 US presidential election.

All the top Democratic presidential contenders seeking to unseat Trump have promised to re-engage in the Paris Agreement if they win. But the withdrawal could leave a lasting mark, said Andrew Light, a senior fellow at the World Resources Institute and former adviser to the US climate envoy under Democratic President Barack Obama.

"While it serves the political needs of the Trump administration, we will lose a lot of traction with respect to US influence globally,” he said.

The Obama administration had signed the United States onto the 2015 pact, promising a 26-28% cut in US greenhouse gas emissions by 2025 from 2005 levels.

Trump campaigned on a promise to rescind that pledge, saying it would hurt the US economy while leaving other big polluters like China to increase emissions. He was bound by UN rules to wait until November 4, 2019, to file exit papers.

Trump has already moved, however, to unwind a slew of Obama-era rules limiting emissions - including from the electricity industry, automobiles and the oil and gas drilling sector.

A report this year by state attorneys general said those rollbacks could amount to a boost in US carbon emissions of more than 200 million tonnes a year by 2025.

Teresa Ribera, Spain's environment minister, said on Twitter that the formal withdrawal - although expected - dealt a blow to the Paris deal. Spain will host the next round of climate negotiations in place of Chile in early December.

"I deeply regret this decision, which, no matter how it was announced, is no less worrying," she wrote.

State, local action

Environmental groups also slammed the move.

"The next president will need to rejoin the accord immediately and commit to the rapid, wholesale clean-energy transformation the climate emergency demands,” said Jean Su, energy director with the Center for Biological Diversity.

A report by the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change said last year the world had little over a decade to rapidly reduce emissions from fossil fuels use to keep global temperatures from rising more than 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees F).

Beyond that warming threshold, the planet becomes more likely to see dramatic cascading effects of climate change, from sea-level rise to more frequent intense storms, droughts, floods and heat waves, according to the report.

In the absence of US federal leadership on climate change, several Democratic states and municipal governments have sought to apply their own regulations curbing emissions and promoting renewable energy sources such as solar and wind.

Alden Meyer, director of policy at the Union of Concerned Scientists, said states, cities and businesses representing more than half of the US gross domestic product and population remained committed to the Paris Agreement's goals.

"Unlike the president, these leaders understand that reducing emissions creates jobs and protects local communities, while it is inaction on climate that poses the real threat to prosperity,” he said.

Until its formal exit, the United States will continue to participate in negotiations over technical aspects of the agreement, represented by career State Department officials.

The United States and China, the world’s two largest carbon emitters, have recently been leading negotiations of the Paris "rule book" that outlines transparency and reporting rules.

The Trump administration said on Monday it filed paperwork to withdraw the United States from the Paris Agreement, the first formal step in a one-year process to exit the global pact to fight climate change.

The Trump administration said on Monday it filed paperwork to withdraw the United States from the Paris Agreement, the first formal step in a one-year process to exit the global pact to fight climate change. The move is part of a broader strategy by President Donald Trump to reduce red tape on American industry but comes at a time scientists and many world governments urge rapid action to avoid the worst impacts of global warming. Once it exits, the United States - the top historic greenhouse gas emitter and leading oil and gas producer - will become the only country outside the accord. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo confirmed the step in a Twitter post on Monday and pointed out that the United States had trimmed its emissions in recent years even as it had grown its energy production. "The US is proud of our record as a world leader in reducing all emissions, fostering resilience, growing our economy, and ensuring energy for our citizens," he said. An official from the French presidential office accompanying President Emmanuel Macron on a state visit to China said: "We regret this and this only makes the Franco-Chinese partnership on the climate and biodiversity more necessary." Macron and Chinese President Xi Jinping will sign a pact on Wednesday that includes a paragraph on the "irreversibility of the Paris Agreement," the official said. The State Department's letter to United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres starts the clock on a process that will be completed one day after the 2020 US presidential election. All the top Democratic presidential contenders seeking to unseat Trump have promised to re-engage in the Paris Agreement if they win. But the withdrawal could leave a lasting mark, said Andrew Light, a senior fellow at the World Resources Institute and former adviser to the US climate envoy under Democratic President Barack Obama. "While it serves the political needs of the Trump administration, we will lose a lot of traction with respect to US influence globally,” he said. The Obama administration had signed the United States onto the 2015 pact, promising a 26-28% cut in US greenhouse gas emissions by 2025 from 2005 levels. Trump campaigned on a promise to rescind that pledge, saying it would hurt the US economy while leaving other big polluters like China to increase emissions. He was bound by UN rules to wait until November 4, 2019, to file exit papers. Trump has already moved, however, to unwind a slew of Obama-era rules limiting emissions - including from the electricity industry, automobiles and the oil and gas drilling sector. A report this year by state attorneys general said those rollbacks could amount to a boost in US carbon emissions of more than 200 million tonnes a year by 2025. Teresa Ribera, Spain's environment minister, said on Twitter that the formal withdrawal - although expected - dealt a blow to the Paris deal. Spain will host the next round of climate negotiations in place of Chile in early December. "I deeply regret this decision, which, no matter how it was announced, is no less worrying," she wrote. State, local action Environmental groups also slammed the move. "The next president will need to rejoin the accord immediately and commit to the rapid, wholesale clean-energy transformation the climate emergency demands,” said Jean Su, energy director with the Center for Biological Diversity. A report by the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change said last year the world had little over a decade to rapidly reduce emissions from fossil fuels use to keep global temperatures from rising more than 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees F). Beyond that warming threshold, the planet becomes more likely to see dramatic cascading effects of climate change, from sea-level rise to more frequent intense storms, droughts, floods and heat waves, according to the report. In the absence of US federal leadership on climate change, several Democratic states and municipal governments have sought to apply their own regulations curbing emissions and promoting renewable energy sources such as solar and wind. Alden Meyer, director of policy at the Union of Concerned Scientists, said states, cities and businesses representing more than half of the US gross domestic product and population remained committed to the Paris Agreement's goals. "Unlike the president, these leaders understand that reducing emissions creates jobs and protects local communities, while it is inaction on climate that poses the real threat to prosperity,” he said. Until its formal exit, the United States will continue to participate in negotiations over technical aspects of the agreement, represented by career State Department officials. The United States and China, the world’s two largest carbon emitters, have recently been leading negotiations of the Paris "rule book" that outlines transparency and reporting rules.

Trump administration begins formal exit from Paris climate pact

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Chinese President Xi Jinping has expressed a "high degree of trust" in Hong Kong's unpopular leader Carrie Lam as the two met after months of increasingly violent protests in the semi-autonomous city.

Xi's show of support follows speculation that Beijing was preparing to remove Lam as city authorities struggle to contain pro-democracy demonstrations that have rocked the financial hub.

Their meeting in Shanghai on Monday followed another weekend of violence in Hong Kong that was marked by a knife attack and the vandalising of an office of China's official Xinhua news agency.

Xi said Lam has "done a lot of hard work" and strived to stabilise the situation in Hong Kong, according to a Xinhua readout of their meeting.

"Xi voiced the central government's high degree of trust in Lam and full acknowledgement of the work of her and her governance team," the state news agency said.

"Ending violence and chaos and restoring order remain the most important task for Hong Kong at present," Xi said.

Xi also called for "effective efforts" to be made in improving people's lives and having dialogue with all sectors of society.

Unscheduled Beijing talks&nbsp;

China has run the city under a special "one country, two systems" model, which allows Hong Kong liberties not seen on the mainland, since its handover from the British in 1997.

But public anger has been building for years over fears that Beijing has begun eroding those freedoms, especially since Xi came to power.

Protesters have issued a list of demands, including universal suffrage and an investigation into abuses by police.

The Chinese Communist Party agreed at a leadership meeting last week to "improve" the way Hong Kong's chief executive and key officials are appointed and removed, but it provided no other details.

The party also warned it would "never tolerate" any challenge to "one country, two systems".

Lam was chosen in 2017 by a 1,200-strong committee stacked with Beijing supporters, a system that ensures Hong Kong's leader remains loyal the central government but one that saddles the position with a pronounced democratic deficit.

Tam Yiu-chung, Hong Kong's sole representative to China’s top lawmaking body, said the meeting between Xi and Lam would help allay the seething rumours about Beijing seeking to replace her.

"Xi must be very busy in Shanghai, where there were so many countries' leaders he had to meet, but he still made time for Lam, so the message of his care is clear," Tam said.

"Xi gave Lam an appropriate recognition but there isn't much praise in the report because after all the situations are yet to calm," Tam added.

The Financial Times, quoting unnamed figures briefed on the deliberations, reported last month that Beijing is drawing up a plan to replace her with an interim chief executive.

Beijing rejected the report as "a political rumour with ulterior motives".

'Puppet show'&nbsp;

Lam was originally supposed to return to Hong Kong after attending the second China International Import Expo in Shanghai this week, but on Sunday her office said she would meet with Chinese government officials in Beijing on Wednesday.

Willy Lam, an expert on Chinese politics, said the meeting will be publicly billed as discussing the protests and Hong Kong's involvement in China's huge Greater Bay Area economic zone.

"But I think the real reason has to do with whether they might discuss a replacement for Carrie Lam," he told AFP.

"Her performance has proven to be near disastrous and she has lost the confidence of Beijing."

Claudia Mo, an opposition lawmaker in Hong Kong, said many democracy supporters would be dismayed to see Xi embracing Lam despite her lack of popularity after five months of unrest.

"Beijing is now bound to further tighten its grip over Hong Kong and make things even worse here," she told AFP. "It's a puppet show."

Chinese President Xi Jinping has expressed a "high degree of trust" in Hong Kong's unpopular leader Carrie Lam as the two met after months of increasingly violent protests in the semi-autonomous city.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has expressed a "high degree of trust" in Hong Kong's unpopular leader Carrie Lam as the two met after months of increasingly violent protests in the semi-autonomous city. Xi's show of support follows speculation that Beijing was preparing to remove Lam as city authorities struggle to contain pro-democracy demonstrations that have rocked the financial hub. Their meeting in Shanghai on Monday followed another weekend of violence in Hong Kong that was marked by a knife attack and the vandalising of an office of China's official Xinhua news agency. Xi said Lam has "done a lot of hard work" and strived to stabilise the situation in Hong Kong, according to a Xinhua readout of their meeting. "Xi voiced the central government's high degree of trust in Lam and full acknowledgement of the work of her and her governance team," the state news agency said. "Ending violence and chaos and restoring order remain the most important task for Hong Kong at present," Xi said. Xi also called for "effective efforts" to be made in improving people's lives and having dialogue with all sectors of society. Unscheduled Beijing talks China has run the city under a special "one country, two systems" model, which allows Hong Kong liberties not seen on the mainland, since its handover from the British in 1997. But public anger has been building for years over fears that Beijing has begun eroding those freedoms, especially since Xi came to power. Protesters have issued a list of demands, including universal suffrage and an investigation into abuses by police. The Chinese Communist Party agreed at a leadership meeting last week to "improve" the way Hong Kong's chief executive and key officials are appointed and removed, but it provided no other details. The party also warned it would "never tolerate" any challenge to "one country, two systems". Lam was chosen in 2017 by a 1,200-strong committee stacked with Beijing supporters, a system that ensures Hong Kong's leader remains loyal the central government but one that saddles the position with a pronounced democratic deficit. Tam Yiu-chung, Hong Kong's sole representative to China’s top lawmaking body, said the meeting between Xi and Lam would help allay the seething rumours about Beijing seeking to replace her. "Xi must be very busy in Shanghai, where there were so many countries' leaders he had to meet, but he still made time for Lam, so the message of his care is clear," Tam said. "Xi gave Lam an appropriate recognition but there isn't much praise in the report because after all the situations are yet to calm," Tam added. The Financial Times, quoting unnamed figures briefed on the deliberations, reported last month that Beijing is drawing up a plan to replace her with an interim chief executive. Beijing rejected the report as "a political rumour with ulterior motives". 'Puppet show' Lam was originally supposed to return to Hong Kong after attending the second China International Import Expo in Shanghai this week, but on Sunday her office said she would meet with Chinese government officials in Beijing on Wednesday. Willy Lam, an expert on Chinese politics, said the meeting will be publicly billed as discussing the protests and Hong Kong's involvement in China's huge Greater Bay Area economic zone. "But I think the real reason has to do with whether they might discuss a replacement for Carrie Lam," he told AFP. "Her performance has proven to be near disastrous and she has lost the confidence of Beijing." Claudia Mo, an opposition lawmaker in Hong Kong, said many democracy supporters would be dismayed to see Xi embracing Lam despite her lack of popularity after five months of unrest. "Beijing is now bound to further tighten its grip over Hong Kong and make things even worse here," she told AFP. "It's a puppet show."

Xi voices 'high degree of trust' in Hong Kong leader over unrest

Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump have been in continuous touch through "various means", China's Foreign Ministry said on Monday, when asked when and where the two leaders might meet to ink a trade deal.

Trump on Friday suggested he could sign a long-awaited trade agreement with China in the farm state of Iowa, which has been hard hit by tariffs in a nearly 16-month trade war between the world's largest economies.

Trump said on Friday evening that negotiations about a "phase one" agreement were going well and he hoped to sign the deal with Xi at a US&nbsp;location when work on the agreement was completed.

China has so far not been drawn on when and where Xi may go to meet Trump, apart from saying it was "pure speculation" they could meet in the Chinese gambling hub of Macau.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang was equally taciturn on Monday.

"As for a meeting between the leaders of China and the United States, what I can say is that President Xi Jinping and President Trump have maintained continuous contact through various means," he told a daily news briefing, without elaborating.

US and Chinese negotiators have been racing to finalise a text of a 'phase one' agreement for Trump and Xi to sign this month, a process clouded by wrangling over US&nbsp;demands for a timetable of Chinese purchases of US&nbsp;farm products.

A critical date is December 15, when new US&nbsp;tariffs on Chinese imports such as laptops, toys and electronics are set to kick in. Both the United States and China have an interest in reaching a deal and averting those tariffs.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump have been in continuous touch through "various means", China's Foreign Ministry said on Monday, when asked when and where the two leaders might meet to ink a trade deal.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump have been in continuous touch through "various means", China's Foreign Ministry said on Monday, when asked when and where the two leaders might meet to ink a trade deal. Trump on Friday suggested he could sign a long-awaited trade agreement with China in the farm state of Iowa, which has been hard hit by tariffs in a nearly 16-month trade war between the world's largest economies. Trump said on Friday evening that negotiations about a "phase one" agreement were going well and he hoped to sign the deal with Xi at a US location when work on the agreement was completed. China has so far not been drawn on when and where Xi may go to meet Trump, apart from saying it was "pure speculation" they could meet in the Chinese gambling hub of Macau. Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang was equally taciturn on Monday. "As for a meeting between the leaders of China and the United States, what I can say is that President Xi Jinping and President Trump have maintained continuous contact through various means," he told a daily news briefing, without elaborating. US and Chinese negotiators have been racing to finalise a text of a 'phase one' agreement for Trump and Xi to sign this month, a process clouded by wrangling over US demands for a timetable of Chinese purchases of US farm products. A critical date is December 15, when new US tariffs on Chinese imports such as laptops, toys and electronics are set to kick in. Both the United States and China have an interest in reaching a deal and averting those tariffs.

China says Xi, Trump in continuous touch

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-china-trade-reprieve-brings-no-refuge-from-recession-risk-report-257841">United States and China</a> on Friday said they made progress in talks aimed at defusing a nearly 16-month-long trade war that has harmed the global economy, and US&nbsp;officials said a deal could be signed this month.

The Chinese Commerce Ministry on Friday said the world's two largest economies had reached "consensus on principles" during a "serious and constructive" telephone call between their main trade negotiators.

US&nbsp;President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-hopes-us-china-trade-deal-will-be-signed-by-middle-of-november-256808">Donald Trump said he hoped to sign an agreement with Chinese President Xi Jinping </a>at a US&nbsp;location, perhaps in the farming state of Iowa, which will be a key battleground state in the 2020 presidential election.

"China wants to make the deal very much," Trump told reporters at the White House on Friday evening. "I don't like to talk about deals until they happen, but we're making a lot of progress."

US&nbsp;and Chinese negotiators have been racing to finalise a text of a 'phase one' agreement for Trump and Xi to sign this month, a process clouded by wrangling over US&nbsp;demands for a timetable of Chinese purchases of US&nbsp;farm products.

A critical date is Dec. 15, when new US&nbsp;tariffs on Chinese imports such as laptops, toys and electronics are set to kick in. Both the United States and China have an interest in reaching a deal and averting those tariffs.

US&nbsp;and Chinese negotiators had made "enormous progress" toward finalising the phase one agreement, although the deal was not yet 100% complete, White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow told reporters on Friday.

US&nbsp;Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin moved forward on a range of issues during their call with China's Vice Premier Liu He, and were working to resolve outstanding issues, USTR said in a statement.

The talks are set to continue at the deputy level.

"The deal is not completed, but we made enormous progress. We're beyond where we were last spring, so I'm going to play that from the optimistic side," Kudlow told reporters.

US&nbsp;officials have said the two sides were close to an agreement in May, but talks faltered when China backtracked on commitments to change its laws to resolve core US&nbsp;complaints about theft of intellectual property, forced technology transfers and other practices.

Three phases needed

For now, Kudlow said the planned Dec. 15 tariffs would remain on the table. The decision on whether to cancel them would be made by Trump, he said.

Washington still hoped to sign the deal this month, he added, despite Chile's withdrawal as host of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, where Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping had been expected to ink the agreement.

"We're looking for a venue," he said. "We'd love the timing to be similar, but it will all be determined."

White House trade adviser Peter Navarro told Fox Business Network three phases of the trade agreement would be required to address all of China's "structural deadly sins."

He said Lighthizer was insisting on an enforcement mechanism that would allow the United States to impose tariffs without fear of retaliation if China violated the deal.

Agreements on agriculture, financial services and currency were nearly completed, and there had been "excellent progress" on intellectual property theft issues, Kudlow said, although some additional work remained on that topic.

He said the thorny issue of technology transfer to China would likely be pushed back to a second phase.

The agreement covered Chinese purchases of US&nbsp;farm products, and other steps to open up its market to agricultural goods, while in financial services, the agreement would "give 100 per cent ownership to American companies in China," Kudlow said, citing insurers, security firms, and investment and commercial banks.

A Chinese ministry website also showed that China plans to let foreign-funded firms raise money via stock and bond issuance both in China and overseas, and to let them freely repatriate profits, as part of its moves to encourage foreign investment.

The United States and China on Friday said they made progress in talks aimed at defusing a nearly 16-month-long trade war that has harmed the global economy, and US officials said a deal could be signed this month.

The United States and China on Friday said they made progress in talks aimed at defusing a nearly 16-month-long trade war that has harmed the global economy, and US officials said a deal could be signed this month. The Chinese Commerce Ministry on Friday said the world's two largest economies had reached "consensus on principles" during a "serious and constructive" telephone call between their main trade negotiators. US President Donald Trump said he hoped to sign an agreement with Chinese President Xi Jinping at a US location, perhaps in the farming state of Iowa, which will be a key battleground state in the 2020 presidential election. "China wants to make the deal very much," Trump told reporters at the White House on Friday evening. "I don't like to talk about deals until they happen, but we're making a lot of progress." US and Chinese negotiators have been racing to finalise a text of a 'phase one' agreement for Trump and Xi to sign this month, a process clouded by wrangling over US demands for a timetable of Chinese purchases of US farm products. A critical date is Dec. 15, when new US tariffs on Chinese imports such as laptops, toys and electronics are set to kick in. Both the United States and China have an interest in reaching a deal and averting those tariffs. US and Chinese negotiators had made "enormous progress" toward finalising the phase one agreement, although the deal was not yet 100% complete, White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow told reporters on Friday. US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin moved forward on a range of issues during their call with China's Vice Premier Liu He, and were working to resolve outstanding issues, USTR said in a statement. The talks are set to continue at the deputy level. "The deal is not completed, but we made enormous progress. We're beyond where we were last spring, so I'm going to play that from the optimistic side," Kudlow told reporters. US officials have said the two sides were close to an agreement in May, but talks faltered when China backtracked on commitments to change its laws to resolve core US complaints about theft of intellectual property, forced technology transfers and other practices. Three phases needed For now, Kudlow said the planned Dec. 15 tariffs would remain on the table. The decision on whether to cancel them would be made by Trump, he said. Washington still hoped to sign the deal this month, he added, despite Chile's withdrawal as host of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, where Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping had been expected to ink the agreement. "We're looking for a venue," he said. "We'd love the timing to be similar, but it will all be determined." White House trade adviser Peter Navarro told Fox Business Network three phases of the trade agreement would be required to address all of China's "structural deadly sins." He said Lighthizer was insisting on an enforcement mechanism that would allow the United States to impose tariffs without fear of retaliation if China violated the deal. Agreements on agriculture, financial services and currency were nearly completed, and there had been "excellent progress" on intellectual property theft issues, Kudlow said, although some additional work remained on that topic. He said the thorny issue of technology transfer to China would likely be pushed back to a second phase. The agreement covered Chinese purchases of US farm products, and other steps to open up its market to agricultural goods, while in financial services, the agreement would "give 100 per cent ownership to American companies in China," Kudlow said, citing insurers, security firms, and investment and commercial banks. A Chinese ministry website also showed that China plans to let foreign-funded firms raise money via stock and bond issuance both in China and overseas, and to let them freely repatriate profits, as part of its moves to encourage foreign investment.

US-China trade deal in sight after progress in high-level talks

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

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - October 26th, 2019

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - October 24th, 2019

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - October 22nd, 2019

In the wake of Financial Action Terror Force's (FATF) warning to Pakistan for taking prompt action or face blacklisting if it does not control terror-funding in the next few months, China on Friday condemned terrorism in all forms and urged all countries to strengthen their fight against terrorism.

In an exclusive interview to ANI on recently concluded Xi- Modi informal meeting in Tamil Nadu, China's ambassador to India, Sun Weidong, said "India and China are committed to combating terrorism in all its forms. We have also urged all countries to strengthen international cooperation in fighting terrorism."

With Beijing assuming the chair of FATF earlier this year, it may seem that Pakistan may escape blacklisting as of now. But trouble continues to loom large over Pakistan if it does not take immediate action on terror funding and terror emanating from its soil.

"Pakistan has been asked to swiftly complete its full action plan by February 2020 and its failure to do so can lead to blacklisting," FATF President Xiangmin Liu said on Friday during a press conference in Paris after completion of the plenary session.

India has time and again raised concerns over Pakistan sponsoring and aiding cross border terrorism.

Details of banned terror outfits operating openly from Pakistan keep coming out.

India has also exposed Pakistan's role in Pulwama and Uri attacks. India believes that Pakistan's action against terrorism is a charade and eyewash.

Ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to India, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa also visited Beijing.

According to Pakistani media reports, during the visit, Khan had sought help from China to evade blacklisting by FATF.

China has also been facing the problem of terrorism in Xinjiang province.

In the wake of Financial Action Terror Force's (FATF) warning to Pakistan for taking prompt action or face blacklisting if it does not control terror-funding in the next few months, China on Friday condemned terrorism in all forms and urged all countries to strengthen their fight against terrorism.

In the wake of Financial Action Terror Force's (FATF) warning to Pakistan for taking prompt action or face blacklisting if it does not control terror-funding in the next few months, China on Friday condemned terrorism in all forms and urged all countries to strengthen their fight against terrorism. In an exclusive interview to ANI on recently concluded Xi- Modi informal meeting in Tamil Nadu, China's ambassador to India, Sun Weidong, said "India and China are committed to combating terrorism in all its forms. We have also urged all countries to strengthen international cooperation in fighting terrorism." With Beijing assuming the chair of FATF earlier this year, it may seem that Pakistan may escape blacklisting as of now. But trouble continues to loom large over Pakistan if it does not take immediate action on terror funding and terror emanating from its soil. "Pakistan has been asked to swiftly complete its full action plan by February 2020 and its failure to do so can lead to blacklisting," FATF President Xiangmin Liu said on Friday during a press conference in Paris after completion of the plenary session. India has time and again raised concerns over Pakistan sponsoring and aiding cross border terrorism. Details of banned terror outfits operating openly from Pakistan keep coming out. India has also exposed Pakistan's role in Pulwama and Uri attacks. India believes that Pakistan's action against terrorism is a charade and eyewash. Ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to India, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa also visited Beijing. According to Pakistani media reports, during the visit, Khan had sought help from China to evade blacklisting by FATF. China has also been facing the problem of terrorism in Xinjiang province.

After FATF warning to Pakistan, China urges all countries to strengthen fight against terrorism

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump on Friday said he thinks a trade deal between the United States and China will be signed by the time the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meetings take place in Chile on November&nbsp;16 and 17.

Chinese Vice Premier Liu He will provide Beijing's perspective on the progress of the talks in a speech on Saturday, according to a tweet&nbsp;from the editor-in-chief of the Global Times, a tabloid published by the People's Daily of China's ruling Communist Party.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Based on what I know, Chinese Vice Premier Liu He will make authoritative interpretation on progress of China-US trade talks from China's perspective in his speech at the 2019 World Conference on VR Industry today.
— Hu Xijin 胡锡进 (@HuXijin_GT) <a href="https://twitter.com/HuXijin_GT/status/1185330748183601152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"I think it will get&nbsp;signed&nbsp;quite easily, hopefully by the summit in Chile, where President Xi and I will both be,"&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;told reporters at the White House, without providing details.

"We're working with&nbsp;China&nbsp;very well,"&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;also said.

The White House has announced that&nbsp;China&nbsp;agreed to buy up to $50 billion&nbsp;of&nbsp;US&nbsp;farm products annually, as part of the first phase of a&nbsp;trade&nbsp;deal, although&nbsp;China&nbsp;seems slow to follow through.

The so-called phase 1&nbsp;deal&nbsp;was unveiled at the White House last week during a visit by vice-premier He as part of a bid to end a tit-for-tat&nbsp;trade&nbsp;war between Beijing and Washington that has roiled markets and hammered global growth.&nbsp;US&nbsp;officials said the second phase of negotiations could address thornier issues&nbsp;like forced technology transfer and non-financial services issues.

US President Donald Trump on Friday said he thinks a trade deal between the United States and China will be signed by the time the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meetings take place in Chile on November 16 and 17.

US President Donald Trump on Friday said he thinks a trade deal between the United States and China will be signed by the time the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meetings take place in Chile on November 16 and 17. Chinese Vice Premier Liu He will provide Beijing's perspective on the progress of the talks in a speech on Saturday, according to a tweet from the editor-in-chief of the Global Times, a tabloid published by the People's Daily of China's ruling Communist Party. Based on what I know, Chinese Vice Premier Liu He will make authoritative interpretation on progress of China-US trade talks from China's perspective in his speech at the 2019 World Conference on VR Industry today. — Hu Xijin 胡锡进 (@HuXijin_GT) October 18, 2019 × "I think it will get signed quite easily, hopefully by the summit in Chile, where President Xi and I will both be," Trump told reporters at the White House, without providing details. "We're working with China very well," Trump also said. The White House has announced that China agreed to buy up to $50 billion of US farm products annually, as part of the first phase of a trade deal, although China seems slow to follow through. The so-called phase 1 deal was unveiled at the White House last week during a visit by vice-premier He as part of a bid to end a tit-for-tat trade war between Beijing and Washington that has roiled markets and hammered global growth. US officials said the second phase of negotiations could address thornier issues like forced technology transfer and non-financial services issues.

Trump hopes US-China trade deal will be signed by middle of November

Rights group Amnesty International has urged <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-protest-leader-left-bloodied-in-street-attack-256296">Hong Kong authorities</a> to urgently investigate a bloody attack on the leader of one of the biggest pro-democracy groups in the Chinese-ruled city, ahead of a march planned for the weekend.

It was the second such attack on Jimmy Sham, head of the Civil Human Rights Front, since protests escalated in the Asian financial hub in mid-June and which, photographs on social media showed, left him in a pool of blood on the street.

"The authorities must promptly conduct an investigation into this horrifying attack...send a clear message that targeting activists will have consequences," said Joshua Rosenzweig, head of Amnesty’s East Asia regional office.

"Anything less would send a chilling signal that such attacks are tolerated by the authorities," he said in a statement on Wednesday.

As many as five masked men wearing black and believed to be of non-Chinese origin had attacked Sham with hammers and knives for more than 10 seconds in the gritty Mong Kok district on the Kowloon peninsula, police said late on Wednesday.

Police condemned what they called a planned attack and vowed to investigate. Sham was in stable condition, a government spokesman said.

His group, which organised the million-strong marches in June, plans a march on Sunday in the neighbouring district of Kowloon, but authorities have not yet confirmed it will be permitted.

"It is not hard to link this incident to a spreading political terror in order to threaten and inhibit the legitimate exercise of natural and legal rights," the group said in a statement.

Speaking at the city's legislature on Thursday, nearly a dozen pro-democracy lawmakers condemned the attack on Sham and said they would continue to protest.

"This very vicious attack took place practically on the eve of yet another massive protest in Hong Kong on Sunday," said Claudia Mo.

"We can’t help feeling that this entire thing is part of a plan to shed blood at Hong Kong’s peaceful protests."

Mo was one of several lawmakers whom security officials escorted out of a question-and-answer session with Chief Executive Carrie Lam on Thursday after they heckled her for the second day in a row.

Hong Kong has been roiled by more than four months of sometimes violent anti-government protests in its worst crisis in decades, posing the biggest popular challenge to Chinese President Xi Jinping since he came to power in 2012.

What began as opposition to a now-withdrawn extradition bill has evolved into a pro-democracy movement fanned by fears that China is stifling freedoms guaranteed by a "one country, two systems" formula adopted when Britain returned Hong Kong to China in 1997.

No olive branch

In an annual policy address on Wednesday, the Beijing-backed Lam had offered no direct olive branch to pro-democracy protesters, hoping instead to ease resentment by building more public housing.

The densely populated former British colony has one of the world's most expensive real estate markets and the inability of many young people to get a place of their own has added fuel to the pro-democracy protests.

Unveiling one of the city's boldest housing proposals in years, Lam vowed to take back large tracts of land held by a handful of powerful developers and create public housing.

"We are determined to create homeownership opportunities for people of different income groups such that they will happily make Hong Kong their home," Lam said.

At a news conference, Lam rejected two of the protesters' five demands - amnesty for those charged and universal suffrage - calling the first illegal and the second beyond her power as chief executive.

In a statement after her briefing, Civil Human Rights Front in a statement called for Lam to resign, although she has rejected such calls for months.

"We urge Carrie Lam to stop destroying Hong Kong, respond to the five major demands, and step down," the group said.

Rights group Amnesty International has urged Hong Kong authorities to urgently investigate a bloody attack on the leader of one of the biggest pro-democracy groups in the Chinese-ruled city, ahead of a march planned for the weekend.

Rights group Amnesty International has urged Hong Kong authorities to urgently investigate a bloody attack on the leader of one of the biggest pro-democracy groups in the Chinese-ruled city, ahead of a march planned for the weekend. It was the second such attack on Jimmy Sham, head of the Civil Human Rights Front, since protests escalated in the Asian financial hub in mid-June and which, photographs on social media showed, left him in a pool of blood on the street. "The authorities must promptly conduct an investigation into this horrifying attack...send a clear message that targeting activists will have consequences," said Joshua Rosenzweig, head of Amnesty’s East Asia regional office. "Anything less would send a chilling signal that such attacks are tolerated by the authorities," he said in a statement on Wednesday. As many as five masked men wearing black and believed to be of non-Chinese origin had attacked Sham with hammers and knives for more than 10 seconds in the gritty Mong Kok district on the Kowloon peninsula, police said late on Wednesday. Police condemned what they called a planned attack and vowed to investigate. Sham was in stable condition, a government spokesman said. His group, which organised the million-strong marches in June, plans a march on Sunday in the neighbouring district of Kowloon, but authorities have not yet confirmed it will be permitted. "It is not hard to link this incident to a spreading political terror in order to threaten and inhibit the legitimate exercise of natural and legal rights," the group said in a statement. Speaking at the city's legislature on Thursday, nearly a dozen pro-democracy lawmakers condemned the attack on Sham and said they would continue to protest. "This very vicious attack took place practically on the eve of yet another massive protest in Hong Kong on Sunday," said Claudia Mo. "We can’t help feeling that this entire thing is part of a plan to shed blood at Hong Kong’s peaceful protests." Mo was one of several lawmakers whom security officials escorted out of a question-and-answer session with Chief Executive Carrie Lam on Thursday after they heckled her for the second day in a row. Hong Kong has been roiled by more than four months of sometimes violent anti-government protests in its worst crisis in decades, posing the biggest popular challenge to Chinese President Xi Jinping since he came to power in 2012. What began as opposition to a now-withdrawn extradition bill has evolved into a pro-democracy movement fanned by fears that China is stifling freedoms guaranteed by a "one country, two systems" formula adopted when Britain returned Hong Kong to China in 1997. No olive branch In an annual policy address on Wednesday, the Beijing-backed Lam had offered no direct olive branch to pro-democracy protesters, hoping instead to ease resentment by building more public housing. The densely populated former British colony has one of the world's most expensive real estate markets and the inability of many young people to get a place of their own has added fuel to the pro-democracy protests. Unveiling one of the city's boldest housing proposals in years, Lam vowed to take back large tracts of land held by a handful of powerful developers and create public housing. "We are determined to create homeownership opportunities for people of different income groups such that they will happily make Hong Kong their home," Lam said. At a news conference, Lam rejected two of the protesters' five demands - amnesty for those charged and universal suffrage - calling the first illegal and the second beyond her power as chief executive. In a statement after her briefing, Civil Human Rights Front in a statement called for Lam to resign, although she has rejected such calls for months. "We urge Carrie Lam to stop destroying Hong Kong, respond to the five major demands, and step down," the group said.

Amnesty urges Hong Kong to probe bloody attack on pro-democracy leader

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - October 17th, 2019

A Chinese company signed an agreement to lease an entire island in the Solomon Islands a day after Beijing recruited the Pacific nation as its latest ally in the strategically important region, according to documents obtained by AFP Thursday.

The leaked papers reveal that the Solomons' Central Province made a "strategic cooperation agreement" on Tulagi Island, which has the type of deep-water harbour coveted by the military, with the state-owned China Sam Group on September 22.

A day previously, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-solomon-islands-sign-deals-under-new-diplomatic-ties-254666">China and the Solomons</a> officially established diplomatic relations after Beijing persuaded the impoverished Pacific nation to sever ties with arch-rival Taiwan and become its ally.

Tulagi, an island about two square kilometres with a population of 1,200, is the site of a former Japanese naval base and was the scene of fierce fighting in World War II.

The agreement with China Sam mentions developing a refinery on the island, but its potential for dual use as a Chinese military base is certain to raise concerns with the United States and Australia.

"Party A (Central Province) is willing to first lease the whole Tulagi island and the surrounding islands to Party B (China Sam) for the development of the special economic zone," the agreement says.

It goes on to say the deal covers "any other industry that is suitable for development, including oil and gas development".

China Sam said in a statement issued Thursday that it was committed to cooperating with the Solomons in a number of areas, including trade, infrastructure, fisheries and tourism.

Jonathan Pryke, director of Sydney-based foreign policy think tank the Lowy Institute's Pacific programme, said it was not unusual for China to promise such special economic zones to developing nations that were desperate for investment.

"The fear is that these zones can in turn create enclaves of Chinese operations that could then grow over time into some kind of permanent strategic facility," he told AFP.

"The island in question in Solomon Islands has deep water anchorage so could have such strategic uses down the road."

Taiwan was previously the Solomons' largest ally in the Pacific region and the decision to ditch it for China after months of speculation was seen as a major diplomatic coup for Beijing.

Days later another Taipei loyalist in the region, Kiribati, did likewise.

The manoeuvring left Taiwan with just four nations that officially recognise it in the Pacific and 15 worldwide, while also alarming traditional western democratic powers.

The Pacific has long been a proxy battleground for Taiwan and China, with local leaders adept at playing one against the other for financial gain.

China has become more assertive in the Pacific as its economic might has grown and sees Taiwan as a renegade state which will eventually be unified with the mainland, by force if necessary.

Other regional heavyweights, particularly Australia, fear Beijing's ultimate aim is to set up a naval base in the Pacific which would dramatically increase its military footprint in the area.

Such a move would potentially negate the geographic remoteness that provides Australia and New Zealand with a valuable defence buffer.

However, China Sam's arrangement with Central Province may count for little as it has not been approved by the central government in Honiara.

Central's Premier Stanley Manetiva played down its impacts in an interview with Radio New Zealand.

"To be honest here, leasing Tulagi will not be possible," he said. "Nothing will eventuate on the agreement."

Whether or not the deal goes ahead, the Lowy Institute's Pryke said the diplomatic upheavals between China and Taiwan were affecting good governance in the region.

"Corruption by its very nature is hard to quantify and systems of patronage were alive and well in the Pacific long before this new wave of Chinese engagement," he said.

"But this new Chinese engagement is certainly happening in a hurry, and it is most definitely making corruption in the Pacific worse."

A Chinese company signed an agreement to lease an entire island in the Solomon Islands a day after Beijing recruited the Pacific nation as its latest ally in the strategically important region, according to documents obtained by AFP Thursday.

A Chinese company signed an agreement to lease an entire island in the Solomon Islands a day after Beijing recruited the Pacific nation as its latest ally in the strategically important region, according to documents obtained by AFP Thursday. The leaked papers reveal that the Solomons' Central Province made a "strategic cooperation agreement" on Tulagi Island, which has the type of deep-water harbour coveted by the military, with the state-owned China Sam Group on September 22. A day previously, China and the Solomons officially established diplomatic relations after Beijing persuaded the impoverished Pacific nation to sever ties with arch-rival Taiwan and become its ally. Tulagi, an island about two square kilometres with a population of 1,200, is the site of a former Japanese naval base and was the scene of fierce fighting in World War II. The agreement with China Sam mentions developing a refinery on the island, but its potential for dual use as a Chinese military base is certain to raise concerns with the United States and Australia. "Party A (Central Province) is willing to first lease the whole Tulagi island and the surrounding islands to Party B (China Sam) for the development of the special economic zone," the agreement says. It goes on to say the deal covers "any other industry that is suitable for development, including oil and gas development". China Sam said in a statement issued Thursday that it was committed to cooperating with the Solomons in a number of areas, including trade, infrastructure, fisheries and tourism. Jonathan Pryke, director of Sydney-based foreign policy think tank the Lowy Institute's Pacific programme, said it was not unusual for China to promise such special economic zones to developing nations that were desperate for investment. "The fear is that these zones can in turn create enclaves of Chinese operations that could then grow over time into some kind of permanent strategic facility," he told AFP. "The island in question in Solomon Islands has deep water anchorage so could have such strategic uses down the road." Taiwan was previously the Solomons' largest ally in the Pacific region and the decision to ditch it for China after months of speculation was seen as a major diplomatic coup for Beijing. Days later another Taipei loyalist in the region, Kiribati, did likewise. The manoeuvring left Taiwan with just four nations that officially recognise it in the Pacific and 15 worldwide, while also alarming traditional western democratic powers. The Pacific has long been a proxy battleground for Taiwan and China, with local leaders adept at playing one against the other for financial gain. China has become more assertive in the Pacific as its economic might has grown and sees Taiwan as a renegade state which will eventually be unified with the mainland, by force if necessary. Other regional heavyweights, particularly Australia, fear Beijing's ultimate aim is to set up a naval base in the Pacific which would dramatically increase its military footprint in the area. Such a move would potentially negate the geographic remoteness that provides Australia and New Zealand with a valuable defence buffer. However, China Sam's arrangement with Central Province may count for little as it has not been approved by the central government in Honiara. Central's Premier Stanley Manetiva played down its impacts in an interview with Radio New Zealand. "To be honest here, leasing Tulagi will not be possible," he said. "Nothing will eventuate on the agreement." Whether or not the deal goes ahead, the Lowy Institute's Pryke said the diplomatic upheavals between China and Taiwan were affecting good governance in the region. "Corruption by its very nature is hard to quantify and systems of patronage were alive and well in the Pacific long before this new wave of Chinese engagement," he said. "But this new Chinese engagement is certainly happening in a hurry, and it is most definitely making corruption in the Pacific worse."

China signs deal to 'lease' Pacific island in Solomons

The partial trade bargain struck last week with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-sees-no-difference-with-us-on-trade-deal-256089">China is now being formally put down in writing</a>, United States President Donald Trump said Wednesday.

"It hasn't been papered yet but it is being papered," Trump told reporters at the White House.

He reiterated that China committed to greater purchases of US farm exports, and made concessions because of economic pressure by Washington.

"They want to make a deal. They have to make a deal. Their economy has been hurt very badly by what we've done and the tariffs," Trump said.

Markets rallied Friday as the deal was struck, in relief after the steady escalation in the trade conflict with China.

Last week, Trump hailed a breakthrough on a "phase one" deal that he said was substantial and included a surge in purchases of American farm products and also&nbsp;covers intellectual property, financial services and currencies.

However, comments from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-falls-more-than-2-on-us-china-trade-deal-doubts-stronger-dollar-256002">officials in Beijing</a> raised skepticism about the significance of the agreement.

While the deal meant tariffs increases planned for this week would not go forward, it did not roll back any of the stinging import duties imposed up to now on hundreds of billions of dollars in trade between the economic powers, nor did it address another round of import taxes planned for December.

Scant specifics are available but Trump says he hopes to sign the agreement with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the APEC summit in Chile next month.

The partial trade bargain struck last week with China is now being formally put down in writing, United States President Donald Trump said Wednesday. "It hasn't been papered yet but it is being papered," Trump told reporters at the White House.

The partial trade bargain struck last week with China is now being formally put down in writing, United States President Donald Trump said Wednesday. "It hasn't been papered yet but it is being papered," Trump told reporters at the White House. He reiterated that China committed to greater purchases of US farm exports, and made concessions because of economic pressure by Washington. "They want to make a deal. They have to make a deal. Their economy has been hurt very badly by what we've done and the tariffs," Trump said. Markets rallied Friday as the deal was struck, in relief after the steady escalation in the trade conflict with China. Last week, Trump hailed a breakthrough on a "phase one" deal that he said was substantial and included a surge in purchases of American farm products and also covers intellectual property, financial services and currencies. However, comments from officials in Beijing raised skepticism about the significance of the agreement. While the deal meant tariffs increases planned for this week would not go forward, it did not roll back any of the stinging import duties imposed up to now on hundreds of billions of dollars in trade between the economic powers, nor did it address another round of import taxes planned for December. Scant specifics are available but Trump says he hopes to sign the agreement with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the APEC summit in Chile next month.

United States-China trade mini-deal being 'papered': Trump

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - October 16th, 2019

The fruitful informal meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi paves the way for mutually beneficial development, and the rejuvenation of the two civilizations, according to a China Media Group (CMG) commentary published on Sunday.

China, India plan development and rejuvenation with strategic thinking: commentary

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - October 15th, 2019

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - October 14th, 2019

Gautam Bambawale, Former Indian Ambassador to China speaks on Xi's warning to Hong Kong.

Gautam Bambawale on Xi's warning to Hong Kong

Erin Hale, Journalist on President Xi's warning to Hong Kong. To know more watch the video

Erin Hale, Journalist on President Xi's warning to Hong Kong

President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/americas/donald-trump-xi-jinping-and-trade-a-high-stakes-game-of-chicken-216697">Xi Jinping</a> has warned that any attempts to split China would result in "bodies smashed and bones ground to powder", amid four months of anti-Beijing unrest in Hong Kong.

Xi issued the dire message during a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-china-ink-18-agreements-two-letters-of-understanding-255661">weekend visit to Nepal,</a> according to a foreign ministry statement released on Sunday.

"Anyone who attempts to split any region from China will perish, with their bodies smashed and bones ground to powder," Xi said, according to the ministry.

"Any external forces that support the splitting of China can only be regarded as delusional by the Chinese people," he said during a visit to Nepal.

Watch:&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/why-chinese-president-xi-jinping-suffering-a-crisis-of-confidence-254632/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

While the Chinese leader did not mention any region by name, his comments came as riot police and pro-democracy protesters clashed again in Hong Kong on Sunday and amid tensions with self-ruled Taiwan.

Rallies erupted in multiple neighbourhoods of the financial hub, with some protesters blocking roads, sabotaging train tracks, and trashing pro-China businesses.

China has accused "external forces" of fuelling unrest in the semi-autonomous city, a former British colony that enjoys rights unheard of in the mainland, such as freedom of speech.

The protests were sparked by opposition to a now-scrapped proposal to allow extraditions to mainland China, but have since morphed into a larger movement for democracy and police accountability.

There have been concerns that China could send in troops to put an end to the unrest, but Beijing has so far said it believes Hong Kong's police force is capable of handling the protests.

Few analysts believe Beijing would risk international condemnation by repeating its 1989 crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrators in Tiananmen Square, when it deployed tanks and troops to quash the uprising, leaving hundreds, perhaps more than 1,000, dead.

Beijing has also hardened its stance with democratic Taipei since President Tsai Ing-wen was elected in 2016, as her government refuses to acknowledge that Taiwan is part of "one China".

Taiwan has ruled itself since the end of a civil war in 1949, but China views the island as its territory and has vowed to seize it -- by force if necessary.

Another source of tension is US criticism of Beijing's security crackdown in the northwest region of Xinjiang, where more than one million mostly Muslim minorities are believed to be held in internment camps.

China defends the camps as "vocational education centres" aimed at combating separatism and religious extremism.

President Xi Jinping has warned that any attempts to split China would result in "bodies smashed and bones ground to powder", amid four months of anti-Beijing unrest in Hong Kong.

President Xi Jinping has warned that any attempts to split China would result in "bodies smashed and bones ground to powder", amid four months of anti-Beijing unrest in Hong Kong. Xi issued the dire message during a weekend visit to Nepal, according to a foreign ministry statement released on Sunday. "Anyone who attempts to split any region from China will perish, with their bodies smashed and bones ground to powder," Xi said, according to the ministry. "Any external forces that support the splitting of China can only be regarded as delusional by the Chinese people," he said during a visit to Nepal. Watch: While the Chinese leader did not mention any region by name, his comments came as riot police and pro-democracy protesters clashed again in Hong Kong on Sunday and amid tensions with self-ruled Taiwan. Rallies erupted in multiple neighbourhoods of the financial hub, with some protesters blocking roads, sabotaging train tracks, and trashing pro-China businesses. China has accused "external forces" of fuelling unrest in the semi-autonomous city, a former British colony that enjoys rights unheard of in the mainland, such as freedom of speech. The protests were sparked by opposition to a now-scrapped proposal to allow extraditions to mainland China, but have since morphed into a larger movement for democracy and police accountability. There have been concerns that China could send in troops to put an end to the unrest, but Beijing has so far said it believes Hong Kong's police force is capable of handling the protests. Few analysts believe Beijing would risk international condemnation by repeating its 1989 crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrators in Tiananmen Square, when it deployed tanks and troops to quash the uprising, leaving hundreds, perhaps more than 1,000, dead. Beijing has also hardened its stance with democratic Taipei since President Tsai Ing-wen was elected in 2016, as her government refuses to acknowledge that Taiwan is part of "one China". Taiwan has ruled itself since the end of a civil war in 1949, but China views the island as its territory and has vowed to seize it -- by force if necessary. Another source of tension is US criticism of Beijing's security crackdown in the northwest region of Xinjiang, where more than one million mostly Muslim minorities are believed to be held in internment camps. China defends the camps as "vocational education centres" aimed at combating separatism and religious extremism.

Anyone attempting to split China will end in shattered bones: Xi Jinping in Nepal

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