Beijing has broadened its block of online encyclopedia Wikipedia to include all language editions, reported <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-jails-former-internet-regulator-lu-wei-for-14-years-over-graft-205795">an internet censorship research group</a>, ahead of the country's most politically explosive anniversary.

According to a report by the Open Observatory of Network Interference (OONI), <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-xi-says-internet-must-be-clean-and-righteous-160893">China started blocking all language editions</a> of Wikipedia last month.

Previously, most editions of Wikipedia -- besides the Chinese language version, which was reportedly blocked in 2015 -- &nbsp;were available, OONI said in their report.

AFP could not open any of Wikipedia's versions in China on Wednesday.

"At the end of the day, the content that really matters is Chinese-language content," said Charlie Smith, the pseudonym of one of the co-founders of Greatfire.org, which tracks online censorship in China.

"Blocking access to all language versions of Wikipedia for internet users in China is just symbolic," he told AFP. "It symbolises the fear that the Chinese authorities have of the truth."

Wikimedia Foundation, the non-profit organisation that hosts Wikipedia, did not immediately respond to AFP's request for comment.

China's online censorship apparatus -- dubbed the "Great Firewall" -- blocks a large number of foreign sites in the country, such as Google, Facebook and The New York Times.

Topics that are deemed too "sensitive" are also scrubbed, such as the 1989 crackdown on Tiananmen pro-democracy protesters which will mark its 30th anniversary on June 4.

The expanded block of Wikipedia comes as Chinese authorities ramp up online controls and crack down on Great Firewall circumvention tools, such as virtual private network (VPN) software, under Chinese President Xi Jinping.

In November, China's cyberspace authority said it had "cleaned up" 9,800 accounts on Chinese social media platforms like messaging app WeChat and the Twitter-like Weibo that it accused of spreading "politically harmful" information and rumours.

Chinese Twitter users have also told AFP that they have experienced intimidation from local authorities -- and even detention -- for their tweets.

The latest move to block all versions of Wikipedia could be linked to online translation tools, which make it easy for Chinese users to read anything on Wikipedia, explained Smith.

Images can also be considered taboo, he said.

"A picture is worth a thousand words, and there is no dearth of Tiananmen-related imagery on the Wikipedia website," Smith added.

Beijing has broadened its block of online encyclopedia Wikipedia to include all language editions, reported an internet censorship research group, ahead of the country's most politically explosive anniversary.

Beijing has broadened its block of online encyclopedia Wikipedia to include all language editions, reported an internet censorship research group, ahead of the country's most politically explosive anniversary. According to a report by the Open Observatory of Network Interference (OONI), China started blocking all language editions of Wikipedia last month. Previously, most editions of Wikipedia -- besides the Chinese language version, which was reportedly blocked in 2015 -- were available, OONI said in their report. AFP could not open any of Wikipedia's versions in China on Wednesday. "At the end of the day, the content that really matters is Chinese-language content," said Charlie Smith, the pseudonym of one of the co-founders of Greatfire.org, which tracks online censorship in China. "Blocking access to all language versions of Wikipedia for internet users in China is just symbolic," he told AFP. "It symbolises the fear that the Chinese authorities have of the truth." Wikimedia Foundation, the non-profit organisation that hosts Wikipedia, did not immediately respond to AFP's request for comment. China's online censorship apparatus -- dubbed the "Great Firewall" -- blocks a large number of foreign sites in the country, such as Google, Facebook and The New York Times. Topics that are deemed too "sensitive" are also scrubbed, such as the 1989 crackdown on Tiananmen pro-democracy protesters which will mark its 30th anniversary on June 4. The expanded block of Wikipedia comes as Chinese authorities ramp up online controls and crack down on Great Firewall circumvention tools, such as virtual private network (VPN) software, under Chinese President Xi Jinping. In November, China's cyberspace authority said it had "cleaned up" 9,800 accounts on Chinese social media platforms like messaging app WeChat and the Twitter-like Weibo that it accused of spreading "politically harmful" information and rumours. Chinese Twitter users have also told AFP that they have experienced intimidation from local authorities -- and even detention -- for their tweets. The latest move to block all versions of Wikipedia could be linked to online translation tools, which make it easy for Chinese users to read anything on Wikipedia, explained Smith. Images can also be considered taboo, he said. "A picture is worth a thousand words, and there is no dearth of Tiananmen-related imagery on the Wikipedia website," Smith added.

Now, China blocks all language editions of Wikipedia

US President Donald Trump said on Monday that he will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin at the G20 gathering in Japan next month. Trump said he expects his discussion with Xi to be "very fruitful", as the trade war between China and the United States intensified this week.

Donald Trump says he will meet China's Xi Jinping at G20 next month

The United States on June 17 will hold public hearings on President Donald Trump's proposal to put tariffs on another $300 billion in Chinese goods, according to a document published Monday.

The hearing is part of Trump's escalating trade offensive against Beijing. If the tariffs are imposed, they would make virtually all Chinese imports to the United States subject to steep, punitive duties.

Beijing on Monday fired its latest counter-salvo, raising tariffs on $60 billion in US exports in retaliation for Trump's decision to bump up duties on $200 billion in Chinese exports.

But Trump told reporters on Monday he had not yet decided whether to proceed with the $300 billion round.

"That is a tremendous amount of money that would come into our country," Trump said, reiterating his belief that duties are paid by trade adversaries, not US importers and consumers.

"I have not made that decision yet."

Members of the public, such as diplomats, trade bodies and individuals, also have until the hearing date to submit written comments before officials finalize the list of goods that face duties of up to 25 per cent, according to the US Trade Representative's office.

US trade with China hit record levels last year, with $540 billion in imports and $$120 billion in exports, according to the US Commerce Department.

The United States on June 17 will hold public hearings on President Donald Trump's proposal to put tariffs on another $300 billion in Chinese goods, according to a document published Monday.

The United States on June 17 will hold public hearings on President Donald Trump's proposal to put tariffs on another $300 billion in Chinese goods, according to a document published Monday. The hearing is part of Trump's escalating trade offensive against Beijing. If the tariffs are imposed, they would make virtually all Chinese imports to the United States subject to steep, punitive duties. Beijing on Monday fired its latest counter-salvo, raising tariffs on $60 billion in US exports in retaliation for Trump's decision to bump up duties on $200 billion in Chinese exports. But Trump told reporters on Monday he had not yet decided whether to proceed with the $300 billion round. "That is a tremendous amount of money that would come into our country," Trump said, reiterating his belief that duties are paid by trade adversaries, not US importers and consumers. "I have not made that decision yet." Members of the public, such as diplomats, trade bodies and individuals, also have until the hearing date to submit written comments before officials finalize the list of goods that face duties of up to 25 per cent, according to the US Trade Representative's office. US trade with China hit record levels last year, with $540 billion in imports and $$120 billion in exports, according to the US Commerce Department.

US to hold China tariffs hearing on June 17

President Donald Trump said Monday he expects to meet with the presidents of Russia and China next month at the Group of 20 summit in Japan.

As the trade conflict with China escalates, Trump said of the expected encounter with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, "we'll be meeting at the G20 in Japan. And that will be I think probably a very fruitful meeting."

Speaking to reporters at the White House as he met with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Trump also said he expected to meet with Russia's Vladimir Putin.

However, the Kremlin responded immediately saying there was no agreement on a meeting.

US Secretary of State <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-state-secretary-pompeo-to-visit-brussels-monday-to-discuss-iran-official-218245">Mike Pompeo made a last-minute change of plan</a>, scrapping a trip to Moscow that had been planned for Tuesday, meeting instead with counterparts from European allies who have been critical of US policy on Iran.

Despite Trump's conciliatory attitude toward Putin, Washington and Moscow are at loggerheads on an array of urgent strategic questions, including the Venezuelan crisis, the Syrian civil war and the conflict in Ukraine.

US officials have demanded for weeks that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-accuses-us-of-plotting-coup-in-venezuela-205616">Moscow cease its support for Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro</a>, whom Washington opposes, accusing him of running a corrupt and incompetent leftist regime.

Trump said early this month that Putin had assured him that Russia was not involved in Venezuela.

President Donald Trump said Monday he expects to meet with the presidents of Russia and China next month at the Group of 20 summit in Japan. As the trade conflict with China escalates, Trump said of the expected encounter with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, "we'll be meeting at the G20 in Japan.

President Donald Trump said Monday he expects to meet with the presidents of Russia and China next month at the Group of 20 summit in Japan. As the trade conflict with China escalates, Trump said of the expected encounter with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, "we'll be meeting at the G20 in Japan. And that will be I think probably a very fruitful meeting." Speaking to reporters at the White House as he met with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Trump also said he expected to meet with Russia's Vladimir Putin. However, the Kremlin responded immediately saying there was no agreement on a meeting. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo made a last-minute change of plan, scrapping a trip to Moscow that had been planned for Tuesday, meeting instead with counterparts from European allies who have been critical of US policy on Iran. Despite Trump's conciliatory attitude toward Putin, Washington and Moscow are at loggerheads on an array of urgent strategic questions, including the Venezuelan crisis, the Syrian civil war and the conflict in Ukraine. US officials have demanded for weeks that Moscow cease its support for Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, whom Washington opposes, accusing him of running a corrupt and incompetent leftist regime. Trump said early this month that Putin had assured him that Russia was not involved in Venezuela.

Trump will meet Putin, Xi at G20 summit in Japan; says, we'll be very fruitful meeting

A list of products subject to possible US tariffs on about $300 billion of Chinese imports will include cellphones and laptop computers but not pharmaceuticals and rare earth materials, the US&nbsp;Trade Representative's Office said on Monday.

It said a public hearing will be held on June 17 on its list of 3,805 product categories that could be subject to tariffs of up to 25%. Final rebuttal comments are due seven days after the end of the hearing, USTR said, marking a much shorter public comment period than previous rounds.

Initial tariffs on a $200 billion list of Chinese imports received about 71 days of public scrutiny during the summer of 2018, versus as little as 42 days for the latest $300 billion round of tariffs.

The comment period would likely be completed before <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-trump-says-open-to-talk-to-iran-217343">US&nbsp;President Donald Trump</a> goes to a G20 leaders summit in Japan on June 28-29, where he said he will meet with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-jinping-asks-for-fair-and-friendly-treatment-for-chinese-companies-and-citizens-overseas-214011">Chinese President Xi Jinping</a>. The timing would allow him to be in a position to order the tariffs to be activated around that date.

The proposed list would cover nearly every consumer product left untouched by previous tariffs on $250 billion worth of Chinese imports, including cellphones, laptops and tablet computers. Apple Inc, whose products had escaped prior rounds of tariffs, saw its shares plunge 5.8 per cent on Monday, taking US&nbsp;stocks broadly lower.

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The nearly 140-page list covers a wide variety of consumer products such as clothing, shoes, pencil sharpeners, books, bedsheets, and lawn mowers. It also includes fresh produce, meat, watches, pesticides, motorcycles, cocoa, infant formula, fireworks, yarn, baby pacifiers, and musical instruments.

"The latest tariff escalation is far too great a gamble for the US&nbsp;economy," National Retail Federation President Matthew Shay said in a statement. "Slapping tariffs on everything US companies import from China – goods that support US&nbsp;manufacturing and provide consumers with affordable products – will jeopardize American jobs and increase costs for consumers."

The list excluded Chinese-made pharmaceuticals, inputs for pharmaceuticals and select medical products, and rare earth minerals. Some of those are considered important for the electric vehicle, defence and drug industries.

Product exclusions granted by USTR from prior rounds of tariffs will not be affected, including a group of exclusions announced earlier on Monday for small electric motors, water filters and other components.

A list of products subject to possible US tariffs on about $300 billion of Chinese imports will include cellphones and laptop computers but not pharmaceuticals and rare earth materials, the US Trade Representative's Office said on Monday.

A list of products subject to possible US tariffs on about $300 billion of Chinese imports will include cellphones and laptop computers but not pharmaceuticals and rare earth materials, the US Trade Representative's Office said on Monday. It said a public hearing will be held on June 17 on its list of 3,805 product categories that could be subject to tariffs of up to 25%. Final rebuttal comments are due seven days after the end of the hearing, USTR said, marking a much shorter public comment period than previous rounds. Initial tariffs on a $200 billion list of Chinese imports received about 71 days of public scrutiny during the summer of 2018, versus as little as 42 days for the latest $300 billion round of tariffs. The comment period would likely be completed before US President Donald Trump goes to a G20 leaders summit in Japan on June 28-29, where he said he will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The timing would allow him to be in a position to order the tariffs to be activated around that date. The proposed list would cover nearly every consumer product left untouched by previous tariffs on $250 billion worth of Chinese imports, including cellphones, laptops and tablet computers. Apple Inc, whose products had escaped prior rounds of tariffs, saw its shares plunge 5.8 per cent on Monday, taking US stocks broadly lower. × The nearly 140-page list covers a wide variety of consumer products such as clothing, shoes, pencil sharpeners, books, bedsheets, and lawn mowers. It also includes fresh produce, meat, watches, pesticides, motorcycles, cocoa, infant formula, fireworks, yarn, baby pacifiers, and musical instruments. "The latest tariff escalation is far too great a gamble for the US economy," National Retail Federation President Matthew Shay said in a statement. "Slapping tariffs on everything US companies import from China – goods that support US manufacturing and provide consumers with affordable products – will jeopardize American jobs and increase costs for consumers." The list excluded Chinese-made pharmaceuticals, inputs for pharmaceuticals and select medical products, and rare earth minerals. Some of those are considered important for the electric vehicle, defence and drug industries. Product exclusions granted by USTR from prior rounds of tariffs will not be affected, including a group of exclusions announced earlier on Monday for small electric motors, water filters and other components.

Cellphones and laptops on latest United States Trade Representative China tariff list, drugs excluded

Markets in Asia were largely down in morning trade on Monday as the lack of a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-rallies-on-hopes-for-us-china-trade-deal-217381">US-China trade deal </a>cast a cloud over the market.

Investors watched the latest developments warily in the trade war between the world's top two economies after negotiations in Washington ended Friday without agreement and a tariff hike on Chinese imports went into effect.

White House economic advisor Larry Kudlow said US President Donald Trump and China's Xi Jinping could meet next month on the sidelines of the G20 summit to hash out their differences on trade -- but no new talks are yet scheduled.

"Central banks this year have switched into this dovish pivot -- that's allowed the market to continue higher whatever the weather" up until recently, Eleanor Creagh, Australia market strategist at Saxo Capital Markets, told Bloomberg Television.&nbsp;

"With the breakdown of these trade negotiations, people will have to sit back and think how far this dovish central bank stance can really continue to carry us."

Trump had accused Beijing of reneging on its commitments in trade talks and ordered new punitive duties -- which took effect Friday -- on $200 billion worth of Chinese imports, raising them to 25 per cent from 10 per cent.&nbsp;

He then ordered a tariff hike on almost all remaining imports from China, which are worth about $300 billion, according to US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer.

China's top trade negotiator, Vice Premier Liu He, had warned earlier that Beijing "must respond" to any US tariffs.&nbsp;

"US-China trade relations will continue centre stage this week with most other data and events relegated to a distant second place," said OANDA senior market analyst Jeffrey Halley.

"China will no doubt announce retaliatory measures while the US may provide more concrete start dates for the newly-imposed tariffs. Markets can expect short-term whipsaw price action as the street hangs on every little comment emanating from Washington DC and Beijing."

Tokyo was down 0.5 per cent, Shanghai lost one per cent, Singapore shed 1.2 per cent and Seoul slipped more than one per cent in morning trade.

S&amp;P 500 Index futures dropped as much as 1.2 percent and ten-year US yields are hovering near the lowest level since early April.

Amid nervousness in China markets, state funds reportedly intervened to prop up shares on Monday and again Friday, when the Shanghai Composite closed up more than 3 percent.

Traders will also be watching this week for earnings reports from China tech giants Tencent and Alibaba, and key data on China industrial production and retail sales slated for Wednesday -- the same day figures are due for US retail sales and industrial production.

Markets in Asia were largely down in morning trade on Monday as the lack of a US-China trade deal cast a cloud over the market. Investors watched the latest developments warily in the trade war between the world's top two economies after negotiations in Washington ended Friday without agreement and a tariff hike on Chinese imports went into effect.

Markets in Asia were largely down in morning trade on Monday as the lack of a US-China trade deal cast a cloud over the market. Investors watched the latest developments warily in the trade war between the world's top two economies after negotiations in Washington ended Friday without agreement and a tariff hike on Chinese imports went into effect. White House economic advisor Larry Kudlow said US President Donald Trump and China's Xi Jinping could meet next month on the sidelines of the G20 summit to hash out their differences on trade -- but no new talks are yet scheduled. "Central banks this year have switched into this dovish pivot -- that's allowed the market to continue higher whatever the weather" up until recently, Eleanor Creagh, Australia market strategist at Saxo Capital Markets, told Bloomberg Television. "With the breakdown of these trade negotiations, people will have to sit back and think how far this dovish central bank stance can really continue to carry us." Trump had accused Beijing of reneging on its commitments in trade talks and ordered new punitive duties -- which took effect Friday -- on $200 billion worth of Chinese imports, raising them to 25 per cent from 10 per cent. He then ordered a tariff hike on almost all remaining imports from China, which are worth about $300 billion, according to US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer. China's top trade negotiator, Vice Premier Liu He, had warned earlier that Beijing "must respond" to any US tariffs. "US-China trade relations will continue centre stage this week with most other data and events relegated to a distant second place," said OANDA senior market analyst Jeffrey Halley. "China will no doubt announce retaliatory measures while the US may provide more concrete start dates for the newly-imposed tariffs. Markets can expect short-term whipsaw price action as the street hangs on every little comment emanating from Washington DC and Beijing." Tokyo was down 0.5 per cent, Shanghai lost one per cent, Singapore shed 1.2 per cent and Seoul slipped more than one per cent in morning trade. S&P 500 Index futures dropped as much as 1.2 percent and ten-year US yields are hovering near the lowest level since early April. Amid nervousness in China markets, state funds reportedly intervened to prop up shares on Monday and again Friday, when the Shanghai Composite closed up more than 3 percent. Traders will also be watching this week for earnings reports from China tech giants Tencent and Alibaba, and key data on China industrial production and retail sales slated for Wednesday -- the same day figures are due for US retail sales and industrial production.

Lack of US-China trade deal weighs on Asian markets

China's foreign ministry said on Monday the country will never surrender to foreign pressure after Washington renewed its threat to impose tariffs on all Chinese imports in an escalating trade dispute.

Foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang made the comments at a daily briefing in Beijing.

The United States escalated a tariff war with China on Friday by hiking levies on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods in the midst of last-ditch talks to rescue a trade deal. Trump had delayed the tariffs as negotiations between Washington and Beijing were progressing.

The trade dispute between the United States and China, the world’s two biggest economies, has been escalating for over a year.&nbsp;

Both nations have repeatedly slapped billions of dollars worth of retaliatory tariffs on each other's goods as the rivalry between them has soared.

On Friday, Trump issued orders for the tariff increase, saying China "broke the deal" by reneging on earlier commitments made during months of negotiations.

Meanwhile, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-still-cautiously-optimistic-on-us-trade-talks-despite-new-tariffs-217928">China and the United States have agreed to hold more trade talks</a> in Beijing, Vice Premier Liu He had said.

"Negotiations have not broken down," Liu, China's chief negotiator in the talks, said in Washington on Friday, according to state television on Saturday. "Quite the opposite, I think small setbacks are normal and inevitable during the negotiations of both countries. Looking forward, we are still cautiously optimistic," Liu said.

Earlier in the day, Trump on Twitter said, "China is "dreaming" that former Vice President Joe Biden or any Democratic candidate will win the 2020 presidential election as they "love ripping off America."&nbsp;

"China is DREAMING that Sleepy Joe Biden, or any of the others, gets elected in 2020. They LOVE ripping off America!" Trump tweeted.

China's foreign ministry said on Monday the country will never surrender to foreign pressure after Washington renewed its threat to impose tariffs on all Chinese imports in an escalating trade dispute.

China's foreign ministry said on Monday the country will never surrender to foreign pressure after Washington renewed its threat to impose tariffs on all Chinese imports in an escalating trade dispute. Foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang made the comments at a daily briefing in Beijing. The United States escalated a tariff war with China on Friday by hiking levies on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods in the midst of last-ditch talks to rescue a trade deal. Trump had delayed the tariffs as negotiations between Washington and Beijing were progressing. The trade dispute between the United States and China, the world’s two biggest economies, has been escalating for over a year. Both nations have repeatedly slapped billions of dollars worth of retaliatory tariffs on each other's goods as the rivalry between them has soared. On Friday, Trump issued orders for the tariff increase, saying China "broke the deal" by reneging on earlier commitments made during months of negotiations. Meanwhile, China and the United States have agreed to hold more trade talks in Beijing, Vice Premier Liu He had said. "Negotiations have not broken down," Liu, China's chief negotiator in the talks, said in Washington on Friday, according to state television on Saturday. "Quite the opposite, I think small setbacks are normal and inevitable during the negotiations of both countries. Looking forward, we are still cautiously optimistic," Liu said. Earlier in the day, Trump on Twitter said, "China is "dreaming" that former Vice President Joe Biden or any Democratic candidate will win the 2020 presidential election as they "love ripping off America." "China is DREAMING that Sleepy Joe Biden, or any of the others, gets elected in 2020. They LOVE ripping off America!" Trump tweeted.

China says it will never surrender to foreign pressure amid trade dispute

China and the United States have agreed to hold more trade talks in Beijing, Vice Premier Liu He said as US President Donald Trump ordered his trade chief to begin the process of imposing tariffs on all remaining imports from China.

Liu voiced a measured optimism on reaching a deal, but said there were "issues of principle" on which China would not back down.

"Negotiations have not broken down," Liu, China's chief negotiator in the talks, said in Washington on Friday, according to state television on Saturday. "Quite the opposite, I think small setbacks are normal and inevitable during the negotiations of both countries. Looking forward, we are still cautiously optimistic," Liu said.

Liu's optimism was tempered by US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, who told CNBC on Friday that there were no further talks with China planned "as of now."

Trump wrote on Twitter on Saturday that he thinks China felt they were being "beaten so badly" in the recent negotiations that they may as well wait for the 2020 presidential election "to see if they could get lucky &amp; have a Democrat win - in which case they would continue to rip-off the USA for $500 Billion a year."

"The only problem is that they know I am going to win," Trump wrote on Twitter, "... and the deal will become far worse for them if it has to be negotiated in my second term. Would be wise for them to act now, but love collecting BIG TARIFFS!"

The United States escalated a tariff war with China on Friday by hiking levies on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods in the midst of last-ditch talks to rescue a trade deal. Trump had delayed the tariffs as negotiations between Washington and Beijing were progressing.

On Friday, Trump issued orders for the tariff increase, saying China "broke the deal" by reneging on earlier commitments made during months of negotiations.

China strongly opposes the latest US tariff hike, and as a nation, has to respond to that, Liu told a small group of Chinese reporters in the video clip.

"Right now, both sides have reached mutual understanding in many things, but frankly speaking, there are also differences. We think these differences are significant issues of principle," Liu said. "We absolutely cannot make concessions on such issues of principle."

He added that talks would continue in Beijing, but gave no details. Underscoring a lack of progress in the talks, Trump ordered a further escalation of tariffs.

Trump's move would subject about $300 billion worth of Chinese imports to punitive tariffs, US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said in a statement on Friday. Lighthizer said a final decision has not been made on the new duties, which would come on top of an early Friday tariff rate increase, to 25% from 10%, on $200 billion worth of Chinese imports.

China's widely-read Global Times newspaper, which while published by the ruling Communist Party's official People's Daily newspaper does not speak for the government, said in a Sunday editorial that the United States has "seriously underestimated China's endurance".

"Washington tried to bring up terms that either harmed the sovereignty and dignity of China, or that were seriously unequal and unrealistic. Those requests have made the negotiations more difficult," the paper said.

China details differences

Three differences remain between the two countries, according to China's account of the latest talks.

One of those is over tariffs, Liu said, according to a transcript of the Q&amp;A published by Phoenix, a Hong Kong-based television station that is close to Beijing. China believes that tariffs were the genesis of the trade dispute, and that if both sides wanted to reach an agreement, then all tariffs must be eliminated, Liu said.

The second is about procurement, on which an initial consensus was reached between the leaders of the two countries in Argentina late last year. The two sides now have differing views on the volumes, Liu said. The third is over how balanced the text of the draft agreement should be, he said.

"Every nation has its dignity, so the text ought to be balanced," Liu said.

Sources told Reuters this week that China had deleted its commitments in the draft agreement that said it would change laws to resolve core complaints of the United States: theft of US intellectual property and trade secrets; forced technology transfers; competition policy; access to financial services; and currency manipulation.

Liu denied the accusations of China's reneging on promises, saying China thought it was normal to make changes before a final deal. Both sides had differing views on how to phrase it, he said.

Liu said he hoped this issue would be resolved, so it was unnecessary to "overreact" to that point. Similar to Liu, Chinese state media said China would not give in on its core interests.

"China clearly requires that the trade procurement figures should be realistic; the text must be balanced and expressed in terms that are acceptable to the Chinese people and do not undermine the sovereignty and dignity of the country," the People's Daily newspaper said in a commentary on Saturday.

The trade war has weighed on the Chinese economy.

When asked about domestic concerns over how the latest tariffs could further pressure the economy, Liu said he was optimistic about China's economy in the longer term, adding that it had entered an up-cycle after bottoming out somewhat last year.

He said he believed the Chinese economy would maintain a stable and healthy trend despite some downward pressure, and that China had ample room for fiscal and monetary policy manoeuvres.

On Monday, hours after Trump said he intended to raise tariffs, the Chinese central bank cut the amount of reserves that some small and medium-sized banks need to hold, freeing up more funds for lending to cash-strapped firms.

China and the United States have agreed to hold more trade talks in Beijing, Vice Premier Liu He said as US President Donald Trump ordered his trade chief to begin the process of imposing tariffs on all remaining imports from China.

China and the United States have agreed to hold more trade talks in Beijing, Vice Premier Liu He said as US President Donald Trump ordered his trade chief to begin the process of imposing tariffs on all remaining imports from China. Liu voiced a measured optimism on reaching a deal, but said there were "issues of principle" on which China would not back down. "Negotiations have not broken down," Liu, China's chief negotiator in the talks, said in Washington on Friday, according to state television on Saturday. "Quite the opposite, I think small setbacks are normal and inevitable during the negotiations of both countries. Looking forward, we are still cautiously optimistic," Liu said. Liu's optimism was tempered by US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, who told CNBC on Friday that there were no further talks with China planned "as of now." Trump wrote on Twitter on Saturday that he thinks China felt they were being "beaten so badly" in the recent negotiations that they may as well wait for the 2020 presidential election "to see if they could get lucky & have a Democrat win - in which case they would continue to rip-off the USA for $500 Billion a year." "The only problem is that they know I am going to win," Trump wrote on Twitter, "... and the deal will become far worse for them if it has to be negotiated in my second term. Would be wise for them to act now, but love collecting BIG TARIFFS!" The United States escalated a tariff war with China on Friday by hiking levies on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods in the midst of last-ditch talks to rescue a trade deal. Trump had delayed the tariffs as negotiations between Washington and Beijing were progressing. On Friday, Trump issued orders for the tariff increase, saying China "broke the deal" by reneging on earlier commitments made during months of negotiations. China strongly opposes the latest US tariff hike, and as a nation, has to respond to that, Liu told a small group of Chinese reporters in the video clip. "Right now, both sides have reached mutual understanding in many things, but frankly speaking, there are also differences. We think these differences are significant issues of principle," Liu said. "We absolutely cannot make concessions on such issues of principle." He added that talks would continue in Beijing, but gave no details. Underscoring a lack of progress in the talks, Trump ordered a further escalation of tariffs. Trump's move would subject about $300 billion worth of Chinese imports to punitive tariffs, US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said in a statement on Friday. Lighthizer said a final decision has not been made on the new duties, which would come on top of an early Friday tariff rate increase, to 25% from 10%, on $200 billion worth of Chinese imports. China's widely-read Global Times newspaper, which while published by the ruling Communist Party's official People's Daily newspaper does not speak for the government, said in a Sunday editorial that the United States has "seriously underestimated China's endurance". "Washington tried to bring up terms that either harmed the sovereignty and dignity of China, or that were seriously unequal and unrealistic. Those requests have made the negotiations more difficult," the paper said. China details differences Three differences remain between the two countries, according to China's account of the latest talks. One of those is over tariffs, Liu said, according to a transcript of the Q&A published by Phoenix, a Hong Kong-based television station that is close to Beijing. China believes that tariffs were the genesis of the trade dispute, and that if both sides wanted to reach an agreement, then all tariffs must be eliminated, Liu said. The second is about procurement, on which an initial consensus was reached between the leaders of the two countries in Argentina late last year. The two sides now have differing views on the volumes, Liu said. The third is over how balanced the text of the draft agreement should be, he said. "Every nation has its dignity, so the text ought to be balanced," Liu said. Sources told Reuters this week that China had deleted its commitments in the draft agreement that said it would change laws to resolve core complaints of the United States: theft of US intellectual property and trade secrets; forced technology transfers; competition policy; access to financial services; and currency manipulation. Liu denied the accusations of China's reneging on promises, saying China thought it was normal to make changes before a final deal. Both sides had differing views on how to phrase it, he said. Liu said he hoped this issue would be resolved, so it was unnecessary to "overreact" to that point. Similar to Liu, Chinese state media said China would not give in on its core interests. "China clearly requires that the trade procurement figures should be realistic; the text must be balanced and expressed in terms that are acceptable to the Chinese people and do not undermine the sovereignty and dignity of the country," the People's Daily newspaper said in a commentary on Saturday. The trade war has weighed on the Chinese economy. When asked about domestic concerns over how the latest tariffs could further pressure the economy, Liu said he was optimistic about China's economy in the longer term, adding that it had entered an up-cycle after bottoming out somewhat last year. He said he believed the Chinese economy would maintain a stable and healthy trend despite some downward pressure, and that China had ample room for fiscal and monetary policy manoeuvres. On Monday, hours after Trump said he intended to raise tariffs, the Chinese central bank cut the amount of reserves that some small and medium-sized banks need to hold, freeing up more funds for lending to cash-strapped firms.

China still 'cautiously optimistic' on US trade talks despite new tariffs

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tariffs-will-bring-in-far-more-wealth-to-our-country-than-even-phenomenal-deal-of-traditional-kind-donald-trump-217507">US President Donald Trump</a> and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping are likely to meet during a G20 summit in Japan at the end of June and discuss trade, White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow said on Sunday.

"Let me repeat again the strong possibility that the two presidents will meet in Japan at G20," Kudlow told Fox News Sunday, adding that there were no other fresh talks scheduled between Beijing and Washington for now.

The United States escalated a tariff war with China on Friday by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trade-deal-will-become-far-worse-if-negotiated-in-my-second-term-donald-trump-warns-china-217861">hiking levies on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods</a> after Trump said Beijing "broke the deal" by reneging on earlier commitments made during months of negotiations.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-warns-china-to-strike-a-trade-deal-or-face-worse-terms-218018/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Over the past couple of weeks, China had backtracked from some its commitments, Kudlow said. The sticking point right now was to ensure Beijing put the changes it had promised into law, he added.

The latest round of talks on Friday ended without success and Trump ordered his trade chief to begin the process of imposing tariffs on all remaining imports from China.

Kudlow said Washington was seeking strong enforcement provisions on a number of issues, such as forced technology transfer and intellectual property.

"We have to have a very strong agreement to correct, to right these wrongs before we will be satisfied," he said.

US President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping are likely to meet during a G20 summit in Japan at the end of June and discuss trade, White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow said on Sunday.

US President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping are likely to meet during a G20 summit in Japan at the end of June and discuss trade, White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow said on Sunday. "Let me repeat again the strong possibility that the two presidents will meet in Japan at G20," Kudlow told Fox News Sunday, adding that there were no other fresh talks scheduled between Beijing and Washington for now. The United States escalated a tariff war with China on Friday by hiking levies on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods after Trump said Beijing "broke the deal" by reneging on earlier commitments made during months of negotiations. Over the past couple of weeks, China had backtracked from some its commitments, Kudlow said. The sticking point right now was to ensure Beijing put the changes it had promised into law, he added. The latest round of talks on Friday ended without success and Trump ordered his trade chief to begin the process of imposing tariffs on all remaining imports from China. Kudlow said Washington was seeking strong enforcement provisions on a number of issues, such as forced technology transfer and intellectual property. "We have to have a very strong agreement to correct, to right these wrongs before we will be satisfied," he said.

Trump, Xi likely to meet in Japan in June, says White House official

President Donald Trump warned China on Saturday that it should strike a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-outlines-three-disagreements-in-us-trade-talks-217667">trade deal with the United States</a> now, otherwise an agreement would be "far worse for them if it has to be negotiated in my second term."

Washington and Beijing are locked in a trade battle that has seen mounting tariffs, sparking fears the dispute will damage the global economy.

Two days of talks ended Friday with no deal. China's top negotiator said the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-says-to-hold-more-trade-talks-with-us-in-beijing-217628">two sides would meet again in Beijing</a> at an unspecified date, but warned that China would make no concessions on "important principles."

"I think that China felt they were being beaten so badly in the recent negotiation that they may as well wait around for the next election, 2020, to see if they could get lucky &amp; have a Democrat win -- in which case they would continue to rip-off the USA for $500 Billion a year," Trump said in a tweet Saturday.

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I think that China felt they were being beaten so badly in the recent negotiation that they may as well wait around for the next election, 2020, to see if they could get lucky &amp; have a Democrat win - in which case they would continue to rip-off the USA for $500 Billion a year....
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1127337211777757191?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"The only problem is that they know I am going to win (best economy &amp; employment numbers in US&nbsp;history, &amp; much more), and the deal will become far worse for them if it has to be negotiated in my second term. Would be wise for them to act now, but love collecting BIG TARIFFS!"

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....The only problem is that they know I am going to win (best economy &amp; employment numbers in U.S. history, &amp; much more), and the deal will become far worse for them if it has to be negotiated in my second term. Would be wise for them to act now, but love collecting BIG TARIFFS!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1127337212813742082?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Trump had accused Beijing of reneging on its commitments in trade talks and ordered new punitive duties, which took effect Friday, on $200 billion worth of Chinese imports, raising them to 25 per cent from 10 per cent.&nbsp;

He then cranked up the heat further, ordering a tariff hike on almost all remaining imports -- $300 billion worth, according to US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer -- from the world's second-biggest economy.

Those tariffs would not take effect for months, after a period of public comment.

Trump also said Saturday that firms could easily avoid additional costs by producing goods in the United States.&nbsp;

"Such an easy way to avoid Tariffs? Make or produce your goods and products in the good old USA. It's very simple!" he tweeted, echoing a similar message he sent Friday -- and even retweeted.

Only a week earlier, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-officials-says-china-trade-talks-constructive-217600">United States and China had seemed poised</a> to complete a sweeping agreement.

Washington wants Beijing to tighten its intellectual property protections, cut its subsidies to state-owned firms and reduce the yawning trade deficit; China wants an end to tariffs as part of a "balanced" deal.

While supporters laud Trump as a tough negotiator, free-trade-minded Republicans have warned that the tariffs could do real damage to the economy, and many farmers -- including Trump supporters -- say the tariffs have hit their bottom line.&nbsp;

As the trade war spread, China imposed $110 billion in duties on farm exports and other US goods.&nbsp;

Republican Senator Chuck Grassley, from the farm state of Iowa, cautiously welcomed the new tariffs but urged negotiators to reach a quick solution "so we can avoid prolonged tariffs, which we know have an impact on the US economy."

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&nbsp;

President Donald Trump warned China on Saturday that it should strike a trade deal with the United States now, otherwise an agreement would be "far worse for them if it has to be negotiated in my second term.

President Donald Trump warned China on Saturday that it should strike a trade deal with the United States now, otherwise an agreement would be "far worse for them if it has to be negotiated in my second term." Washington and Beijing are locked in a trade battle that has seen mounting tariffs, sparking fears the dispute will damage the global economy. Two days of talks ended Friday with no deal. China's top negotiator said the two sides would meet again in Beijing at an unspecified date, but warned that China would make no concessions on "important principles." "I think that China felt they were being beaten so badly in the recent negotiation that they may as well wait around for the next election, 2020, to see if they could get lucky & have a Democrat win -- in which case they would continue to rip-off the USA for $500 Billion a year," Trump said in a tweet Saturday. I think that China felt they were being beaten so badly in the recent negotiation that they may as well wait around for the next election, 2020, to see if they could get lucky & have a Democrat win - in which case they would continue to rip-off the USA for $500 Billion a year.... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 11, 2019 × "The only problem is that they know I am going to win (best economy & employment numbers in US history, & much more), and the deal will become far worse for them if it has to be negotiated in my second term. Would be wise for them to act now, but love collecting BIG TARIFFS!" ....The only problem is that they know I am going to win (best economy & employment numbers in U.S. history, & much more), and the deal will become far worse for them if it has to be negotiated in my second term. Would be wise for them to act now, but love collecting BIG TARIFFS! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 11, 2019 × Trump had accused Beijing of reneging on its commitments in trade talks and ordered new punitive duties, which took effect Friday, on $200 billion worth of Chinese imports, raising them to 25 per cent from 10 per cent. He then cranked up the heat further, ordering a tariff hike on almost all remaining imports -- $300 billion worth, according to US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer -- from the world's second-biggest economy. Those tariffs would not take effect for months, after a period of public comment. Trump also said Saturday that firms could easily avoid additional costs by producing goods in the United States. "Such an easy way to avoid Tariffs? Make or produce your goods and products in the good old USA. It's very simple!" he tweeted, echoing a similar message he sent Friday -- and even retweeted. Only a week earlier, the United States and China had seemed poised to complete a sweeping agreement. Washington wants Beijing to tighten its intellectual property protections, cut its subsidies to state-owned firms and reduce the yawning trade deficit; China wants an end to tariffs as part of a "balanced" deal. While supporters laud Trump as a tough negotiator, free-trade-minded Republicans have warned that the tariffs could do real damage to the economy, and many farmers -- including Trump supporters -- say the tariffs have hit their bottom line. As the trade war spread, China imposed $110 billion in duties on farm exports and other US goods. Republican Senator Chuck Grassley, from the farm state of Iowa, cautiously welcomed the new tariffs but urged negotiators to reach a quick solution "so we can avoid prolonged tariffs, which we know have an impact on the US economy." ×

Trade deal will become far worse if negotiated in my second term: Donald Trump warns China

China's top trade negotiator Liu He said on Friday in Washington that<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-officials-says-china-trade-talks-constructive-217600"> trade talks with the US</a> would continue in Beijing but warned that there would be no concessions on "important principles".

"Negotiations have not broken down, but rather on the contrary, this is only a normal twist in the negotiations between the two countries, it is inevitable," Liu told Chinese media.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/top-facts-how-us-china-talks-differ-from-any-other-trade-deal-217563">In pics: How US-China talks differ from any other trade deal</a>

"Both sides agree they will meet again in Beijing in the future and keep pushing forward the negotiations," he said without giving a date.

Although Liu deemed the two days of talks in the US "productive" he said differences continued to exist.

"We have a consensus in lots of areas but to speak frankly there are areas we have differences on, and we believe these concern big principles," he said.

"Every country has important principles, and we will not make concessions on matters of principle."

US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said earlier, talks to end a worrisome&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/top-facts-how-us-china-talks-differ-from-any-other-trade-deal-217563">US-China trade battle</a>&nbsp;were "constructive," giving a sign of hope that Washington and Beijing could seal a deal to avert damage to the global economy.

"They were constructive discussions between both parties, that's all we're going to say," Mnuchin was quoted as saying by CNBC following a two-hour negotiating session.

President Donald&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tariffs-will-bring-in-far-more-wealth-to-our-country-than-even-phenomenal-deal-of-traditional-kind-donald-trump-217507">Trump said Friday he was in no hurry to reach a deal with Beijing</a>, arguing the United States was negotiating from a position of strength.

Just hours earlier, Washington had pulled the trigger on an increase in punitive duties on $200 billion in Chinese imports to 25 per cent from 10 per cent, and Beijing responded vowing to take the "necessary countermeasures."

China's top trade negotiator Liu He said on Friday in Washington that trade talks with the US would continue in Beijing but warned that there would be no concessions on "important principles".

China's top trade negotiator Liu He said on Friday in Washington that trade talks with the US would continue in Beijing but warned that there would be no concessions on "important principles". "Negotiations have not broken down, but rather on the contrary, this is only a normal twist in the negotiations between the two countries, it is inevitable," Liu told Chinese media. In pics: How US-China talks differ from any other trade deal "Both sides agree they will meet again in Beijing in the future and keep pushing forward the negotiations," he said without giving a date. Although Liu deemed the two days of talks in the US "productive" he said differences continued to exist. "We have a consensus in lots of areas but to speak frankly there are areas we have differences on, and we believe these concern big principles," he said. "Every country has important principles, and we will not make concessions on matters of principle." US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said earlier, talks to end a worrisome US-China trade battle were "constructive," giving a sign of hope that Washington and Beijing could seal a deal to avert damage to the global economy. "They were constructive discussions between both parties, that's all we're going to say," Mnuchin was quoted as saying by CNBC following a two-hour negotiating session. President Donald Trump said Friday he was in no hurry to reach a deal with Beijing, arguing the United States was negotiating from a position of strength. Just hours earlier, Washington had pulled the trigger on an increase in punitive duties on $200 billion in Chinese imports to 25 per cent from 10 per cent, and Beijing responded vowing to take the "necessary countermeasures."

China says it will hold more trade talks with US in Beijing

On Sunday, President Trump tweeted a surprising announcement that he would order tariffs be increased from 10% to %25 on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods. President Trump also threatened to impose 25% tariffs on all remaining Chinese imports (another $325 billion or so).

No end to US-China trade war

US raises tariffs on Chinese import for goods worth $200 Bn. Watch this video for complete details.

US raises tariffs on Chinese import for goods worth $200 Bn

What happens when the planet's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-top-trade-negotiator-to-visit-us-despite-tariffs-216689">two biggest economies</a> play a high-stakes game of chicken?

The world may be about to find out, with President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping both holding favourable enough economic hands to make it hard to predict who blinks first, analysts said.

Hope for an imminent resolution of the China-US trade dispute dimmed after Trump vowed to further raise import tariffs this week to punish China for what he framed as bad-faith negotiating, rocking world markets.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-fresh-tariffs-on-china-trump-spooks-global-markets-with-a-few-tweets-216519/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Here are some of the key questions regarding the impasse.

Why has Trump turned the screws now?That remains unclear but the president has been known to tout strong US economic data or Wall Street gains as evidence that he is "winning" the trade war and as leverage against China.

Recent developments will have given him ample reason to up the ante.

April data indicated vigorous American job growth, a fresh sign of US economic strength that has helped propel the S&amp;P 500 and Nasdaq stock indices to record highs this month. Last month figures showed the world's top economy grew at a faster pace than expected in the first quarter.

How will China react?Beijing's shrewd communist leaders have been negotiating favourable economic arrangements with the world for decades, and few observers would bet on them suddenly capitulating.

Whatever Xi does, he also has reason to hold firm.

The world's second-largest economy is decelerating from its era of hyper-growth, but it expanded by a better-than-forecast 6.4 per cent in January-March, a sign of stability despite the trade turbulence.

And Chinese stock markets -- among the world's worst in 2018 -- are up significantly this year after Beijing pulled an array of policy and monetary levers to keep the economy chugging.

"Both sides have reason to be confident and ask for more," said Bao Ting, a strategist with Great Wall Securities.

"It's not surprising for negotiations to go back and forth in the final stages" as the two sides drill down on nitty-gritty details, she added.

So whose hand is stronger?Probably Trump's, analysts say, because Xi faces a challenge maintaining the economic growth on which the government stakes its ruling legitimacy, while also implementing tricky reform of inefficient state industries.

Of particular concern is a fresh spike in debt this year as Chinese authorities have relied heavily on eased credit restrictions to juice the economy while they battle Trump's trade pressure.

The International Monetary Fund has previously called China's debt addiction "dangerous".&nbsp;

"This massive credit stimulus has stabilised China’s economy for now but the impact is unlikely to be long-lasting or without complication," said Brock Silvers, managing director of Kaiyuan Capital in Shanghai.

"China could soon regret a missed chance to end to what looks to be a worsening and increasingly risky trade war."

But China has for years used a flood of credit and targeted pump-priming to keep its economic miracle going, and today stands taller than ever.

"That gives China a lot of strength. They have many different ways of keeping things churning," said Christopher Balding, an expert on China's economy at Fulbright University in Ho Chi Minh City.

What if neither side blinks?Stocks fell worldwide after Trump's tariff threat, and an extension of the already lengthy trade standoff could spell more pain.

"If they fail to reach an agreement, China's economy would worsen and global economic growth would slow down," said Bao.

Much depends on whether China retaliates against Trump's move.

China is already wary over escalating the fight and seems unlikely to hit back with more tariffs at the moment and may favour yet more stimulus measures, said Tao Wang, head of China research for UBS.

But that could change. "Certainly the risk of an all-out US-China trade war has increased significantly," Tao said.

China said Tuesday its top negotiator, Vice Premier Liu He, would attend the talks in Washington this week, which Goldman Sachs said in a research note, "would indicate that they believe a deal is still reasonably likely".

Will China ever meet overall US demands?Key US demands include greater access to China's markets, broad reform of a business playing field that heavily favours Chinese firms, and a loosening of heavy state control by Beijing.

But those are the very policies that abetted China's stunning economic rise, and Beijing is unlikely to surrender them, said Balding.

"This is a fundamental clash of worldviews between a capitalist, open economy and a closed communist one," Balding said.

"There aren't a lot of ways to square that circle."

Asking for the moon may just be Trump's "Art of the Deal" approach to securing at least something that he can tout heading into elections next year.

What happens when the planet's two biggest economies play a high-stakes game of chicken? The world may be about to find out, with President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping both holding favourable enough economic hands to make it hard to predict who blinks first, analysts said.

What happens when the planet's two biggest economies play a high-stakes game of chicken? The world may be about to find out, with President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping both holding favourable enough economic hands to make it hard to predict who blinks first, analysts said. Hope for an imminent resolution of the China-US trade dispute dimmed after Trump vowed to further raise import tariffs this week to punish China for what he framed as bad-faith negotiating, rocking world markets. Here are some of the key questions regarding the impasse. Why has Trump turned the screws now?That remains unclear but the president has been known to tout strong US economic data or Wall Street gains as evidence that he is "winning" the trade war and as leverage against China. Recent developments will have given him ample reason to up the ante. April data indicated vigorous American job growth, a fresh sign of US economic strength that has helped propel the S&P 500 and Nasdaq stock indices to record highs this month. Last month figures showed the world's top economy grew at a faster pace than expected in the first quarter. How will China react?Beijing's shrewd communist leaders have been negotiating favourable economic arrangements with the world for decades, and few observers would bet on them suddenly capitulating. Whatever Xi does, he also has reason to hold firm. The world's second-largest economy is decelerating from its era of hyper-growth, but it expanded by a better-than-forecast 6.4 per cent in January-March, a sign of stability despite the trade turbulence. And Chinese stock markets -- among the world's worst in 2018 -- are up significantly this year after Beijing pulled an array of policy and monetary levers to keep the economy chugging. "Both sides have reason to be confident and ask for more," said Bao Ting, a strategist with Great Wall Securities. "It's not surprising for negotiations to go back and forth in the final stages" as the two sides drill down on nitty-gritty details, she added. So whose hand is stronger?Probably Trump's, analysts say, because Xi faces a challenge maintaining the economic growth on which the government stakes its ruling legitimacy, while also implementing tricky reform of inefficient state industries. Of particular concern is a fresh spike in debt this year as Chinese authorities have relied heavily on eased credit restrictions to juice the economy while they battle Trump's trade pressure. The International Monetary Fund has previously called China's debt addiction "dangerous". "This massive credit stimulus has stabilised China’s economy for now but the impact is unlikely to be long-lasting or without complication," said Brock Silvers, managing director of Kaiyuan Capital in Shanghai. "China could soon regret a missed chance to end to what looks to be a worsening and increasingly risky trade war." But China has for years used a flood of credit and targeted pump-priming to keep its economic miracle going, and today stands taller than ever. "That gives China a lot of strength. They have many different ways of keeping things churning," said Christopher Balding, an expert on China's economy at Fulbright University in Ho Chi Minh City. What if neither side blinks?Stocks fell worldwide after Trump's tariff threat, and an extension of the already lengthy trade standoff could spell more pain. "If they fail to reach an agreement, China's economy would worsen and global economic growth would slow down," said Bao. Much depends on whether China retaliates against Trump's move. China is already wary over escalating the fight and seems unlikely to hit back with more tariffs at the moment and may favour yet more stimulus measures, said Tao Wang, head of China research for UBS. But that could change. "Certainly the risk of an all-out US-China trade war has increased significantly," Tao said. China said Tuesday its top negotiator, Vice Premier Liu He, would attend the talks in Washington this week, which Goldman Sachs said in a research note, "would indicate that they believe a deal is still reasonably likely". Will China ever meet overall US demands?Key US demands include greater access to China's markets, broad reform of a business playing field that heavily favours Chinese firms, and a loosening of heavy state control by Beijing. But those are the very policies that abetted China's stunning economic rise, and Beijing is unlikely to surrender them, said Balding. "This is a fundamental clash of worldviews between a capitalist, open economy and a closed communist one," Balding said. "There aren't a lot of ways to square that circle." Asking for the moon may just be Trump's "Art of the Deal" approach to securing at least something that he can tout heading into elections next year.

Donald Trump, Xi Jinping and trade: A high-stakes game of chicken

China said Tuesday its top trade negotiator will visit the United States for talks with American counterparts this week even as Washington stepped up <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/adding-tariffs-cant-resolve-any-problem-says-china-on-trade-conflict-with-us-216682">pressure with plans to hike tariffs</a> and complaints that Beijing was backtracking on its commitments.

The commerce ministry confirmed in a brief statement that Vice Premier Liu He, President Xi Jinping's trade pointman, would visit the US on Thursday and Friday.

The trip is taking place a day later than expected after President Donald Trump jolted global markets by announcing that tariffs on $200 billion in Chinese merchandise will more than double to 25 per cent on Friday.

"China always believes that mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit are the premise and the basis for reaching an agreement. Adding tariffs will not solve any problem," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said at a regular press briefing.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-fresh-tariffs-on-china-trump-spooks-global-markets-with-a-few-tweets-216519/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Confirmation of Liu's travel plans lifted Asian stock markets as his presence could raise hopes that a deal is still possible.

The tariffs announcement tanked stock markets worldwide on Monday and worried US farmers and businesses who have been banking on a resolution to the year-long conflict that has engulfed $360 billion in two-way trade.

US officials had said the world's two largest economies were close to an agreement but Beijing reversed course in recent days.

"Over the course of the last week or so, we've seen an erosion in commitments by China, I would say retreating from commitments that have already been made in our judgement," US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer was quoted as saying in media reports on Monday.

He said the tariffs would increase at 12:01 am on Friday.

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin described the negotiations as 90 per cent complete but told reporters that in recent days the talks went "substantially backward", according to the media reports.

Complaining that talks were moving too slowly because China was trying to "renegotiate" the terms, Trump vowed Sunday to ratchet up existing tariffs this week and extend the 25 per cent punitive duties to the remaining $350 billion in Chinese goods imported into the country each year.

Speaking in Paris, International Monetary Fund chief Christine Lagarde said "tensions between the United States and China are the threat for the world economy", and recent "rumours and tweets" made an agreement between the countries less likely.

'Precarious' position

Comments from officials in recent weeks indicated the sides were making progress towards an agreement aimed at addressing longstanding concerns about the forced transfer or outright theft of American technology, as well as reducing the US trade deficit with China.

"It is normal for the two sides to have divergences. China does not evade problems and is sincere in continuing consultations," Geng said.

But William Reinsch, trade policy expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said China will never meet all the US demands.

"At some point, the president is going to figure out that they're not going to give him everything he wants," he told AFP.

That will put Trump in "a precarious political position", whether "to accept an agreement that will be criticised as weak, or not to have an agreement and be criticised for failing".

"And I can imagine that he is unhappy about that."

Freya Beamish of Pantheon Macroeconomics warned that Trump's aggressive tactics could backfire.

"It is much harder for China's leaders to do that if it looks like they have signed with a gun to their heads."

Restrained growth

US manufacturers and farmers were becoming more optimistic amid signs of progress and comments from officials that the talks were entering their final phase, reinforced by reports Beijing was sending 100 officials to this week's negotiations.

Trump credits the tariffs with the strong first quarter growth but economists and businesses have complained that the trade conflict is, in fact, hurting the bottom line and the uncertainty is causing them to delay investment.

Jake Colvin of the National Foreign Trade Council, a pro-trade US business group, said the tariffs "come at the expense of American businesses and farmers and consumers as well".

And escalating the tariffs to the remaining Chinese goods, which would be expected to spark further retaliation from Beijing, would cut 0.3 percentage points off US growth, according to Oxford Economics.

China said Tuesday its top trade negotiator will visit the United States for talks with American counterparts this week even as Washington stepped up pressure with plans to hike tariffs and complaints that Beijing was backtracking on its commitments.

China said Tuesday its top trade negotiator will visit the United States for talks with American counterparts this week even as Washington stepped up pressure with plans to hike tariffs and complaints that Beijing was backtracking on its commitments. The commerce ministry confirmed in a brief statement that Vice Premier Liu He, President Xi Jinping's trade pointman, would visit the US on Thursday and Friday. The trip is taking place a day later than expected after President Donald Trump jolted global markets by announcing that tariffs on $200 billion in Chinese merchandise will more than double to 25 per cent on Friday. "China always believes that mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit are the premise and the basis for reaching an agreement. Adding tariffs will not solve any problem," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said at a regular press briefing. Confirmation of Liu's travel plans lifted Asian stock markets as his presence could raise hopes that a deal is still possible. The tariffs announcement tanked stock markets worldwide on Monday and worried US farmers and businesses who have been banking on a resolution to the year-long conflict that has engulfed $360 billion in two-way trade. US officials had said the world's two largest economies were close to an agreement but Beijing reversed course in recent days. "Over the course of the last week or so, we've seen an erosion in commitments by China, I would say retreating from commitments that have already been made in our judgement," US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer was quoted as saying in media reports on Monday. He said the tariffs would increase at 12:01 am on Friday. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin described the negotiations as 90 per cent complete but told reporters that in recent days the talks went "substantially backward", according to the media reports. Complaining that talks were moving too slowly because China was trying to "renegotiate" the terms, Trump vowed Sunday to ratchet up existing tariffs this week and extend the 25 per cent punitive duties to the remaining $350 billion in Chinese goods imported into the country each year. Speaking in Paris, International Monetary Fund chief Christine Lagarde said "tensions between the United States and China are the threat for the world economy", and recent "rumours and tweets" made an agreement between the countries less likely. 'Precarious' position Comments from officials in recent weeks indicated the sides were making progress towards an agreement aimed at addressing longstanding concerns about the forced transfer or outright theft of American technology, as well as reducing the US trade deficit with China. "It is normal for the two sides to have divergences. China does not evade problems and is sincere in continuing consultations," Geng said. But William Reinsch, trade policy expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said China will never meet all the US demands. "At some point, the president is going to figure out that they're not going to give him everything he wants," he told AFP. That will put Trump in "a precarious political position", whether "to accept an agreement that will be criticised as weak, or not to have an agreement and be criticised for failing". "And I can imagine that he is unhappy about that." Freya Beamish of Pantheon Macroeconomics warned that Trump's aggressive tactics could backfire. "It is much harder for China's leaders to do that if it looks like they have signed with a gun to their heads." Restrained growth US manufacturers and farmers were becoming more optimistic amid signs of progress and comments from officials that the talks were entering their final phase, reinforced by reports Beijing was sending 100 officials to this week's negotiations. Trump credits the tariffs with the strong first quarter growth but economists and businesses have complained that the trade conflict is, in fact, hurting the bottom line and the uncertainty is causing them to delay investment. Jake Colvin of the National Foreign Trade Council, a pro-trade US business group, said the tariffs "come at the expense of American businesses and farmers and consumers as well". And escalating the tariffs to the remaining Chinese goods, which would be expected to spark further retaliation from Beijing, would cut 0.3 percentage points off US growth, according to Oxford Economics.

China's top trade negotiator to visit US despite tariffs

China is considering cancelling trade talks with the United States this week after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-announces-higher-us-tariffs-on-china-goods-216186">US President Donald Trump vowed to hike tariffs</a> on China, the Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday citing a source.

Earlier on Sunday, Trump announced he would hike US tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods this week and target hundreds of billions more soon.

The decision on whether talks will be cancelled depends on whether Vice Premier Liu He goes to Washington as planned, the journal reported, citing a source, who added that cancelling talks would conform to China's strategy of not negotiating under threat.

Trump had previously delayed the tariff increases earlier in the year, citing productive talks with China.

Sunday's announcement casts into doubt previous expectations that China and the United States were closing in on a deal to end a months-long trade war that has slowed global growth and disrupted markets.

US-China trade talks are due to resume this week. The meeting follows talks in April in Beijing that Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin called "productive."

As recently as Friday, Trump said talks with China was going well.

Last week, industry sources said they believed the talks were in the endgame, and Mnuchin had said he hoped that the US&nbsp;negotiating team would soon be able to recommend a deal to Trump or tell him that one could not be reached.

The administration has been insisting on a mechanism to ensure that China follows through on any promises to purchase more American goods.&nbsp;

Administration officials have said both sides are expected to launch new enforcement staffs to police the agreement.

China is considering cancelling trade talks with the United States this week after US President Donald Trump vowed to hike tariffs on China, the Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday citing a source.

China is considering cancelling trade talks with the United States this week after US President Donald Trump vowed to hike tariffs on China, the Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday citing a source. Earlier on Sunday, Trump announced he would hike US tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods this week and target hundreds of billions more soon. The decision on whether talks will be cancelled depends on whether Vice Premier Liu He goes to Washington as planned, the journal reported, citing a source, who added that cancelling talks would conform to China's strategy of not negotiating under threat. Trump had previously delayed the tariff increases earlier in the year, citing productive talks with China. Sunday's announcement casts into doubt previous expectations that China and the United States were closing in on a deal to end a months-long trade war that has slowed global growth and disrupted markets. US-China trade talks are due to resume this week. The meeting follows talks in April in Beijing that Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin called "productive." As recently as Friday, Trump said talks with China was going well. Last week, industry sources said they believed the talks were in the endgame, and Mnuchin had said he hoped that the US negotiating team would soon be able to recommend a deal to Trump or tell him that one could not be reached. The administration has been insisting on a mechanism to ensure that China follows through on any promises to purchase more American goods. Administration officials have said both sides are expected to launch new enforcement staffs to police the agreement.

China considers cancelling trade talks with US after Trump vows new tariff hike: Report

Oil prices tumbled by more than 2 per cent on Monday after US President Donald Trump on Sunday said he would <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-announces-higher-us-tariffs-on-china-goods-216186">sharply hike tariffs on Chinese goods</a> this week, risking derailing months of trade talks between the world's two biggest economies.

US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were at $60.44 per barrel at 0032 GMT on Monday, down $1.50 per barrel, or 2.4 per cent, from their last settlement.

Brent crude oil futures were at $69.34 per barrel, down $1.51 per barrel, or 2.1 per cent, from their last close.

Trump on Sunday said on Twitter he would drastically hike US tariffs on Chinese goods this week, pulling down global financial markets, including crude oil futures.

The Wall Street Journal reported that Beijing is considering cancelling all trade talks with Washington.

"Trump has taken the proverbial sledgehammer to the walnut this morning ... by threatening to slap a 25 per cent tariff on a mind-boggling $525 billion of Chinese goods by this Friday," said Jeffrey Halley, senior market analyst at futures brokerage OANDA in Singapore.

Within the oil industry, there are signs of a further rise in output from the United States, where crude production has already surged by more than 2 million barrels per day (bpd) since early 2018, to a record 12.3 million bpd. That has made the United States the world's biggest producer ahead of Russia and Saudi Arabia.

The number of rigs drilling for gas in the United States fell by 3 to 183 in the week to May 3, while oil-directed drilling rigs rose by 2 to 807, data from oil services firm Baker Hughes showed on Friday.

Oil prices tumbled by more than 2 per cent on Monday after US President Donald Trump on Sunday said he would sharply hike tariffs on Chinese goods this week, risking derailing months of trade talks between the world's two biggest economies.

Oil prices tumbled by more than 2 per cent on Monday after US President Donald Trump on Sunday said he would sharply hike tariffs on Chinese goods this week, risking derailing months of trade talks between the world's two biggest economies. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were at $60.44 per barrel at 0032 GMT on Monday, down $1.50 per barrel, or 2.4 per cent, from their last settlement. Brent crude oil futures were at $69.34 per barrel, down $1.51 per barrel, or 2.1 per cent, from their last close. Trump on Sunday said on Twitter he would drastically hike US tariffs on Chinese goods this week, pulling down global financial markets, including crude oil futures. The Wall Street Journal reported that Beijing is considering cancelling all trade talks with Washington. "Trump has taken the proverbial sledgehammer to the walnut this morning ... by threatening to slap a 25 per cent tariff on a mind-boggling $525 billion of Chinese goods by this Friday," said Jeffrey Halley, senior market analyst at futures brokerage OANDA in Singapore. Within the oil industry, there are signs of a further rise in output from the United States, where crude production has already surged by more than 2 million barrels per day (bpd) since early 2018, to a record 12.3 million bpd. That has made the United States the world's biggest producer ahead of Russia and Saudi Arabia. The number of rigs drilling for gas in the United States fell by 3 to 183 in the week to May 3, while oil-directed drilling rigs rose by 2 to 807, data from oil services firm Baker Hughes showed on Friday.

Oil prices tumble by more than 2% after Trump announces new tariffs on Chinese goods

President Donald Trump sent Asian markets plunging Monday after<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-announces-higher-us-tariffs-on-china-goods-216186"> threatening to hike tariffs on $200 billion of Chinese goods</a> at the end of the week in a bid to speed up stuttering trade talks between the economic superpowers.

Shanghai and Hong Kong equities led big losses across the region, with the Chinese yuan also taking a battering after the president threw a spanner into the high-level negotiations, which many observers were expecting to wrap up imminently.

"For 10 months, China has been paying Tariffs to the USA of 25% on 50 Billion Dollars of High Tech, and 10% on 200 Billion Dollars of other goods," Trump tweeted Sunday night. "The 10% will go up to 25% on Friday."

The warning will throw a shadow over the next round of talks, with a delegation from Beijing due in Washington this week, with Bloomberg News reporting the Chinese side are considering their position.

The two sides have imposed tariffs on $360 billion in two-way trade since last year. But Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping agreed to a truce in December, helping fan a surge across world stock markets for the past four months.

"Trump has taken the proverbial sledgehammer to the walnut this morning and the only two words likely to be on the minds of traders and investors this week are 'trade talks'," said OANDA senior market analyst Jeffrey Halley.

In morning trade Hong Kong tumbled 3.6 per cent and Shanghai was off more than five per cent as investors there returned for the first time since Tuesday.

Singapore was off three per cent and Taipei shed 1.8 per cent, while Sydney and Wellington were each one per cent down.

Manila and Jakarta were also sharply lower. Tokyo and Seoul were closed for holidays.

Yuan tumbles

"It’s making the outcomes more binary, with everybody focused on the Friday deadline," said Joyce Chang, chair of global research at JPMorgan Chase &amp; Co.

"There doesn’t seem to be much leeway now to much go past that. It's going to mean that investors will be very focused on the trade issues even beyond China," she told Bloomberg TV.

The yuan also took hiding, shedding more than 1.3 per cent at one point against the dollar, its heaviest fall in more than three years. The currency had been sitting around 10-month highs on the back of optimism the two sides would sign off on a trade pact.

"Investors will remain bearish on the yuan, as they reprice in trade war risks because the new developments are a reversal of previous positive progress," Ken Cheung, senior foreign-exchange strategist at Mizuho Bank. "The news was unexpected."

The flight to safety saw the dollar surge against higher-yielding, higher-risk units, with South Africa's rand off one per cent, the Mexican peso 0.9 per cent lower and the Australian dollar 0.6 per cent lower.

On oil markets, both main contracts were hammered more than two per cent by worries that a trade war between the world's top two economies could hit demand for the commodity.

Adding to weakness in the sector is the US drive to increase output, which comes as it reports rising stockpiles, which are offsetting unrest in Libya, tensions with Iran and production caps by OPEC and Russia.

However, while trading floors are awash with red, Stephen Innes at SPI Asset Management remained positive.

"We do know the president tends to retreat from more aggressive displays, so I am viewing this thinly veiled threat as political posturing or a tactical decision to apply more pressure on China to put through a trade deal that aligns with the best USA economic interest at heart.

"Despite US-China trade talks hitting an apparent impasse based on (the) tweet, I think a deal will be signed shortly."

Trump's outburst overshadowed another blockbuster US jobs report Friday that reinforced the view that the economy is in rude health, while measured wage inflation eased pressure on the Federal Reserve to hike interest rates.

President Donald Trump sent Asian markets plunging Monday after threatening to hike tariffs on $200 billion of Chinese goods at the end of the week in a bid to speed up stuttering trade talks between the economic superpowers.

President Donald Trump sent Asian markets plunging Monday after threatening to hike tariffs on $200 billion of Chinese goods at the end of the week in a bid to speed up stuttering trade talks between the economic superpowers. Shanghai and Hong Kong equities led big losses across the region, with the Chinese yuan also taking a battering after the president threw a spanner into the high-level negotiations, which many observers were expecting to wrap up imminently. "For 10 months, China has been paying Tariffs to the USA of 25% on 50 Billion Dollars of High Tech, and 10% on 200 Billion Dollars of other goods," Trump tweeted Sunday night. "The 10% will go up to 25% on Friday." The warning will throw a shadow over the next round of talks, with a delegation from Beijing due in Washington this week, with Bloomberg News reporting the Chinese side are considering their position. The two sides have imposed tariffs on $360 billion in two-way trade since last year. But Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping agreed to a truce in December, helping fan a surge across world stock markets for the past four months. "Trump has taken the proverbial sledgehammer to the walnut this morning and the only two words likely to be on the minds of traders and investors this week are 'trade talks'," said OANDA senior market analyst Jeffrey Halley. In morning trade Hong Kong tumbled 3.6 per cent and Shanghai was off more than five per cent as investors there returned for the first time since Tuesday. Singapore was off three per cent and Taipei shed 1.8 per cent, while Sydney and Wellington were each one per cent down. Manila and Jakarta were also sharply lower. Tokyo and Seoul were closed for holidays. Yuan tumbles "It’s making the outcomes more binary, with everybody focused on the Friday deadline," said Joyce Chang, chair of global research at JPMorgan Chase & Co. "There doesn’t seem to be much leeway now to much go past that. It's going to mean that investors will be very focused on the trade issues even beyond China," she told Bloomberg TV. The yuan also took hiding, shedding more than 1.3 per cent at one point against the dollar, its heaviest fall in more than three years. The currency had been sitting around 10-month highs on the back of optimism the two sides would sign off on a trade pact. "Investors will remain bearish on the yuan, as they reprice in trade war risks because the new developments are a reversal of previous positive progress," Ken Cheung, senior foreign-exchange strategist at Mizuho Bank. "The news was unexpected." The flight to safety saw the dollar surge against higher-yielding, higher-risk units, with South Africa's rand off one per cent, the Mexican peso 0.9 per cent lower and the Australian dollar 0.6 per cent lower. On oil markets, both main contracts were hammered more than two per cent by worries that a trade war between the world's top two economies could hit demand for the commodity. Adding to weakness in the sector is the US drive to increase output, which comes as it reports rising stockpiles, which are offsetting unrest in Libya, tensions with Iran and production caps by OPEC and Russia. However, while trading floors are awash with red, Stephen Innes at SPI Asset Management remained positive. "We do know the president tends to retreat from more aggressive displays, so I am viewing this thinly veiled threat as political posturing or a tactical decision to apply more pressure on China to put through a trade deal that aligns with the best USA economic interest at heart. "Despite US-China trade talks hitting an apparent impasse based on (the) tweet, I think a deal will be signed shortly." Trump's outburst overshadowed another blockbuster US jobs report Friday that reinforced the view that the economy is in rude health, while measured wage inflation eased pressure on the Federal Reserve to hike interest rates.

Asian markets plunge as Trump threatens to hike China tariffs

US and Chinese officials say a historic deal ending their ongoing trade war could be imminent, but a key question is how can Washington be sure Beijing will live up to its end of the bargain?

With up to 100 Chinese officials reportedly expected next week in Washington, with the possibility of unveiling a grand agreement after months of tensions, that question is hanging over the talks.

Beijing may make eye-popping offers to buy American energy and agriculture exports as a means of cutting the soaring US-China trade deficit ($378.7 billion in 2018, including services trade), but all eyes will be on whether the agreement has any teeth.

US Vice President Mike Pence said Friday the enforcement mechanism would be key to the decision on whether to remove the punishing US tariffs which now cover more than $250 billion in Chinese imports.

"The reason enforcement has become central to this negotiation is the long history of China not living up to the spirit of the commitments it has made in the WTO and in bilateral negotiations with the US and other countries," Edward Alden, a trade expert at the Council on Foreign Relations, told AFP.

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly accused China of stealing from the United States by buying less from America than it sells.

But Trump also has demanded structural changes to the Chinese economy, including an end to the forced transfer of American technology, theft of intellectual property and the massive role the Chinese government plays in markets and industry.

US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, who is leading the US delegation along with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, has insisted Washington will not accept empty promises and will demand verification Beijing is keeping its word.

Reaching trade agreements with China can be especially challenging, given that its regulations are not transparent, Alden said.

"China can change its laws in ways that please the United States, but then use regulatory tools to thwart implementation."

'That's the core'

To ensure strict compliance, US negotiators have proposed monthly, quarterly and semi-annual meetings, with the twice-yearly meetings to involving the most senior officials.

And should American businesses report violations of the agreement, Washington could begin a series of consultations with their Chinese counterparts, and then unilaterally impose new tariffs if no resolution is achieved, according to US media reports.

But China also would have recourse to the same tariff tool in case of a US violation.

"The enforcement mechanism is crucial to the agreement," Doug Barry, spokesman for the US-China Business Council, told AFP.

"Without a credible, time specific, verifiable means to hold parties accountable, we will miss an opportunity to put the trade relationship on a new and better footing."

Alden says the tool under discussion appears novel because bilateral free trade agreements typically resolve disputes through arbitration panels which oversee retaliatory tariffs, similar to the World Trade Organization dispute settlement process.

Businesses on both sides of the Pacific want the talks to wrap up as soon as possible to reduce uncertainty in international commerce at a time when the trade war has weighed on manufacturing sectors in both countries.

Among the top 15 US states exporting to China, many have been hit hard by China's retaliatory tariffs on soy, pork or in the aviation sector, including Alabama, Illinois and Washington State, according to the US-China Business Council.

Companies are calling for the tariffs imposed last year -- which cover more than $360 billion in two-way trade -- to be lifted.

But Washington hopes to retain the ability to resort to tariffs as a cudgel.

"We have to maintain the right to be able to -- whatever happens to the current tariffs -- to raise tariffs in situations where there are violations of the agreement," Lighthizer said in Senate testimony in March.

"That's the core. If we don't do that, then none of it makes any difference."

But, according to Alden, that could create "ongoing uncertainty" for businesses unaware of when either side could seek to impose unilateral tariffs.

US and Chinese officials say a historic deal ending their ongoing trade war could be imminent, but a key question is how can Washington be sure Beijing will live up to its end of the bargain?

US and Chinese officials say a historic deal ending their ongoing trade war could be imminent, but a key question is how can Washington be sure Beijing will live up to its end of the bargain? With up to 100 Chinese officials reportedly expected next week in Washington, with the possibility of unveiling a grand agreement after months of tensions, that question is hanging over the talks. Beijing may make eye-popping offers to buy American energy and agriculture exports as a means of cutting the soaring US-China trade deficit ($378.7 billion in 2018, including services trade), but all eyes will be on whether the agreement has any teeth. US Vice President Mike Pence said Friday the enforcement mechanism would be key to the decision on whether to remove the punishing US tariffs which now cover more than $250 billion in Chinese imports. "The reason enforcement has become central to this negotiation is the long history of China not living up to the spirit of the commitments it has made in the WTO and in bilateral negotiations with the US and other countries," Edward Alden, a trade expert at the Council on Foreign Relations, told AFP. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly accused China of stealing from the United States by buying less from America than it sells. But Trump also has demanded structural changes to the Chinese economy, including an end to the forced transfer of American technology, theft of intellectual property and the massive role the Chinese government plays in markets and industry. US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, who is leading the US delegation along with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, has insisted Washington will not accept empty promises and will demand verification Beijing is keeping its word. Reaching trade agreements with China can be especially challenging, given that its regulations are not transparent, Alden said. "China can change its laws in ways that please the United States, but then use regulatory tools to thwart implementation." 'That's the core' To ensure strict compliance, US negotiators have proposed monthly, quarterly and semi-annual meetings, with the twice-yearly meetings to involving the most senior officials. And should American businesses report violations of the agreement, Washington could begin a series of consultations with their Chinese counterparts, and then unilaterally impose new tariffs if no resolution is achieved, according to US media reports. But China also would have recourse to the same tariff tool in case of a US violation. "The enforcement mechanism is crucial to the agreement," Doug Barry, spokesman for the US-China Business Council, told AFP. "Without a credible, time specific, verifiable means to hold parties accountable, we will miss an opportunity to put the trade relationship on a new and better footing." Alden says the tool under discussion appears novel because bilateral free trade agreements typically resolve disputes through arbitration panels which oversee retaliatory tariffs, similar to the World Trade Organization dispute settlement process. Businesses on both sides of the Pacific want the talks to wrap up as soon as possible to reduce uncertainty in international commerce at a time when the trade war has weighed on manufacturing sectors in both countries. Among the top 15 US states exporting to China, many have been hit hard by China's retaliatory tariffs on soy, pork or in the aviation sector, including Alabama, Illinois and Washington State, according to the US-China Business Council. Companies are calling for the tariffs imposed last year -- which cover more than $360 billion in two-way trade -- to be lifted. But Washington hopes to retain the ability to resort to tariffs as a cudgel. "We have to maintain the right to be able to -- whatever happens to the current tariffs -- to raise tariffs in situations where there are violations of the agreement," Lighthizer said in Senate testimony in March. "That's the core. If we don't do that, then none of it makes any difference." But, according to Alden, that could create "ongoing uncertainty" for businesses unaware of when either side could seek to impose unilateral tariffs.

US-China trade dilemma: How to hold Beijing's feet to the fire

Second Belt & Road Summit gets underway in Beijing. The Second BRI summit is taking place with much less fanfare that the First BRI summit held in 2017. Watch more to know.

WION Gravitas: Xi Jinping inaugurates BRI's 2nd summit

China's President Xi Jinping on Friday called for a "fair and friendly" environment for Chinese companies and citizens overseas, as pushback against its tech giants rises and academics find their visas cancelled.

Beijing and Washington have been locked in a bruising trade war -- which negotiators have been working to resolve -- but there has also been a growing strategic rivalry between the world's two largest economies.&nbsp;

"China's measures to expand opening up are independent choices," Xi told a gathering of 37 world leaders at a summit for his signature Belt and Road Initiative.&nbsp;

"We also hope that all countries in the world will create a good investment environment, treat Chinese enterprises, international students and scholars equally, and provide a fair and friendly environment," he said.

An increasing number of Western countries have moved to block Huawei and its state-backed competitor ZTE from building next-generation 5G networks over fears Beijing could spy on communications and gain access to critical infrastructure.&nbsp;

The United States has also started to bar some Chinese academics from the country if they are suspected of having links to Chinese intelligence agencies, the New York Times reported.

It added that thirty Chinese scholars have had their visas cancelled or put under review in the past year.&nbsp;

In accounts published in the state-run Global Times, several Chinese academics said their 10-year visas to the US were cancelled, with officials citing concerns over their links to Chinese intelligence.&nbsp;

"Some Chinese were deliberately targeted when visiting the US and had their baggage searched, but cases of cancelling visas are not common," wrote Jin Canrong, dean of international studies at the elite Renmin University.

Such instances were rare even during the Cold War, he added.&nbsp;

Beijing has apparently hit back in retaliation: China expert Michael Pillsbury, who advises US President Donald Trump on China, said his visa to enter the country for a forum earlier this year was blocked.

Tensions flared between Washington and Beijing last December over the arrest of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou, who is wanted in the US for violating Iranian sanctions.&nbsp;

She was arrested in Canada on request of the US and is now fighting extradition.

China's President Xi Jinping on Friday called for a "fair and friendly" environment for Chinese companies and citizens overseas, as pushback against its tech giants rises and academics find their visas cancelled.

China's President Xi Jinping on Friday called for a "fair and friendly" environment for Chinese companies and citizens overseas, as pushback against its tech giants rises and academics find their visas cancelled. Beijing and Washington have been locked in a bruising trade war -- which negotiators have been working to resolve -- but there has also been a growing strategic rivalry between the world's two largest economies. "China's measures to expand opening up are independent choices," Xi told a gathering of 37 world leaders at a summit for his signature Belt and Road Initiative. "We also hope that all countries in the world will create a good investment environment, treat Chinese enterprises, international students and scholars equally, and provide a fair and friendly environment," he said. An increasing number of Western countries have moved to block Huawei and its state-backed competitor ZTE from building next-generation 5G networks over fears Beijing could spy on communications and gain access to critical infrastructure. The United States has also started to bar some Chinese academics from the country if they are suspected of having links to Chinese intelligence agencies, the New York Times reported. It added that thirty Chinese scholars have had their visas cancelled or put under review in the past year. In accounts published in the state-run Global Times, several Chinese academics said their 10-year visas to the US were cancelled, with officials citing concerns over their links to Chinese intelligence. "Some Chinese were deliberately targeted when visiting the US and had their baggage searched, but cases of cancelling visas are not common," wrote Jin Canrong, dean of international studies at the elite Renmin University. Such instances were rare even during the Cold War, he added. Beijing has apparently hit back in retaliation: China expert Michael Pillsbury, who advises US President Donald Trump on China, said his visa to enter the country for a forum earlier this year was blocked. Tensions flared between Washington and Beijing last December over the arrest of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou, who is wanted in the US for violating Iranian sanctions. She was arrested in Canada on request of the US and is now fighting extradition.

Xi Jinping asks for 'fair and friendly' treatment for Chinese companies and citizens overseas

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/china-president-xi-jinping-sends-congratulations-on-inauguration-of-belt-and-road-studies-network-213383&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwic6o-Uv-_hAhXGfn0KHTi7C0sQFjAIegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2uXy34qTnwoBtC52QSo4Dg">Chinese President Xi Jinping</a> urged dozens of world leaders on Saturday to reject protectionism and invited more countries to participate in his global infrastructure project after seeking to ease concerns surrounding the programme.

Addressing 37 leaders from Europe, Africa, Asia and Latin America, Xi made a new pitch for his cherished<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-president-xi-defends-belt-and-road-says-not-exclusive-club-213575&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwic6o-Uv-_hAhXGfn0KHTi7C0sQFjAJegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1XNKVrmHouJAvlZikr8Vv_"> Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) </a>as he kicked off the last day of a three-day forum.

The world's number two economy has been fighting a festering trade war with the United States for months, and Xi has long sought to take the mantle of the new world power open to multilateral cooperation and globalisation.

"We need to build an open world economy and reject protectionism," Xi told leaders including Russian President Vladimir Putin, Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte and Pakistan's Imran Khan seated around a large round table at the idyllic Yanqi Lake retreat at the edge of Beijing.

A draft communique for the forum seen by AFP similarly pledges to "reject protectionism" and "unilateralism" in an oblique swipe at President Donald Trump's "America first" presidency. US officials were not sent to the summit.

Xi's signature foreign policy aims to reinvent the ancient Silk Road to connect Asia to Europe and Africa through massive investments in maritime, road and rail projects -- with hundreds of billions of dollars in financing from Chinese banks.

"We need to encourage the full participation of more countries and companies, thus expanding the pie of common interests," Xi said.&nbsp;

But critics say BRI is a plan to boost Beijing's global influence, riddled with opaque deals favouring Chinese companies and saddling nations with debt and environmental damage.

The United States, India and some European nations have looked at the project with suspicion.

Rising resistance&nbsp;

So far Chinese companies and workers have emerged as the primary beneficiaries as they are tapped to build the China-financed infrastructure in other developing countries.

BRI projects have faced pushback in some countries. In Malaysia, Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad cancelled some planned works and renegotiated a rail project cutting 30 per cent off the price tag.

But Mohamad and other leaders attending the summit had fulsome praise for BRI.

The draft communique says BRI will welcome developed countries and international investors to participate in the projects.

Xi batted away some concerns at the opening ceremony Friday, saying the BRI will have "zero tolerance" for corruption while vowing to ensure the financial sustainability of projects and further open China's economy.

"Faced with this rising resistance for the past year and a half and this debt image ... China is trying to reposition (BRI) and send a reassuring message," said Nadege Rolland, a senior fellow at the National Bureau of Asian Research, a US-based think tank.

But "let's see how it is put into practice," she said.

China's finance ministry released guidelines Thursday for assessing financial risk and debt sustainability to apply to projects in BRI countries.

But the document notes that countries already facing payment problems or in the process of restructuring payments "does not automatically mean that debt is unsustainable in a forward-looking sense."

During a state banquet Friday night, Xi called on attending world leaders to band together in the face of setbacks.

"Certainly, while building the Belt and Road Initiative, we will face difficulties and there will be twists and turns," he said.

"No matter a smooth or challenging way, we need to continue the spirit of partnership, not forget our initial intention of cooperation and move forward unwaveringly," he said.

Chinese President Xi Jinping urged dozens of world leaders on Saturday to reject protectionism and invited more countries to participate in his global infrastructure project after seeking to ease concerns surrounding the programme.

Chinese President Xi Jinping urged dozens of world leaders on Saturday to reject protectionism and invited more countries to participate in his global infrastructure project after seeking to ease concerns surrounding the programme. Addressing 37 leaders from Europe, Africa, Asia and Latin America, Xi made a new pitch for his cherished Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as he kicked off the last day of a three-day forum. The world's number two economy has been fighting a festering trade war with the United States for months, and Xi has long sought to take the mantle of the new world power open to multilateral cooperation and globalisation. "We need to build an open world economy and reject protectionism," Xi told leaders including Russian President Vladimir Putin, Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte and Pakistan's Imran Khan seated around a large round table at the idyllic Yanqi Lake retreat at the edge of Beijing. A draft communique for the forum seen by AFP similarly pledges to "reject protectionism" and "unilateralism" in an oblique swipe at President Donald Trump's "America first" presidency. US officials were not sent to the summit. Xi's signature foreign policy aims to reinvent the ancient Silk Road to connect Asia to Europe and Africa through massive investments in maritime, road and rail projects -- with hundreds of billions of dollars in financing from Chinese banks. "We need to encourage the full participation of more countries and companies, thus expanding the pie of common interests," Xi said. But critics say BRI is a plan to boost Beijing's global influence, riddled with opaque deals favouring Chinese companies and saddling nations with debt and environmental damage. The United States, India and some European nations have looked at the project with suspicion. Rising resistance So far Chinese companies and workers have emerged as the primary beneficiaries as they are tapped to build the China-financed infrastructure in other developing countries. BRI projects have faced pushback in some countries. In Malaysia, Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad cancelled some planned works and renegotiated a rail project cutting 30 per cent off the price tag. But Mohamad and other leaders attending the summit had fulsome praise for BRI. The draft communique says BRI will welcome developed countries and international investors to participate in the projects. Xi batted away some concerns at the opening ceremony Friday, saying the BRI will have "zero tolerance" for corruption while vowing to ensure the financial sustainability of projects and further open China's economy. "Faced with this rising resistance for the past year and a half and this debt image ... China is trying to reposition (BRI) and send a reassuring message," said Nadege Rolland, a senior fellow at the National Bureau of Asian Research, a US-based think tank. But "let's see how it is put into practice," she said. China's finance ministry released guidelines Thursday for assessing financial risk and debt sustainability to apply to projects in BRI countries. But the document notes that countries already facing payment problems or in the process of restructuring payments "does not automatically mean that debt is unsustainable in a forward-looking sense." During a state banquet Friday night, Xi called on attending world leaders to band together in the face of setbacks. "Certainly, while building the Belt and Road Initiative, we will face difficulties and there will be twists and turns," he said. "No matter a smooth or challenging way, we need to continue the spirit of partnership, not forget our initial intention of cooperation and move forward unwaveringly," he said.

China's Xi says to reject protectionism, open up Belt and Road

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/west-asia/vladimir-putin-says-russia-and-syria-are-not-planning-assault-on-idlib-for-now-213904">Russia and Syria are not planning assault on Idlib for now: Vladimir Putin</a>

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Saturday he did not rule out Syrian forces, backed by Russian air power, launching a full-scale assault on militants in Syria's Idlib province, but that such an operation was unpractical for now.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-jinping-says-more-nations-joining-belt-and-road-64-billion-in-deals-signed-at-summit-213907">Xi Jinping says more nations joining Belt and Road, $64 billion in deals signed at summit</a>

Chinese President Xi Jinping said Saturday $64 billion in deals were signed at a summit on his Belt and Road Initiative and more nations would join the global infrastructure programme as he sought to ease concerns over the colossal project.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/would-like-to-see-resolution-of-political-difficulties-between-india-and-pakistan-turkish-presidents-senior-advisor-to-wion-213921">Would like to see resolution of political difficulties between India and Pakistan: Turkish president's senior advisor to WION</a>

Senior advisor to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was in New Delhi on Friday. In a conversation with WION, Ibrahim Kalin noted that terrorism is a global phenomenon, therefore merits a global response.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/moscow-thinking-of-simplifying-nationality-process-for-all-ukraine-vladimir-putin-213888">Moscow 'thinking' of simplifying nationality process for all Ukraine: Vladimir Putin</a>

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Saturday Moscow was "thinking" of making it easier for all Ukrainians to obtain Russian citizenship after the Kremlin moved to grant passports in the country's separatist east, causing uproar in Kiev. &nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/are-congress-leaders-capable-of-removing-terrorism-naxalism-from-country-pm-modi-213916">Is Congress capable of removing terrorism, Naxalism from country? PM Modi</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday slammed the Congress party, questioning if the party and its leaders are capable of removing terrorism and Naxalism from the country.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Russia and Syria are not planning assault on Idlib for now: Vladimir Putin Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Saturday he did not rule out Syrian forces, backed by Russian air power, launching a full-scale assault on militants in Syria's Idlib province, but that such an operation was unpractical for now.

Russia and Syria are not planning assault on Idlib for now: Vladimir Putin Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Saturday he did not rule out Syrian forces, backed by Russian air power, launching a full-scale assault on militants in Syria's Idlib province, but that such an operation was unpractical for now. Xi Jinping says more nations joining Belt and Road, $64 billion in deals signed at summit Chinese President Xi Jinping said Saturday $64 billion in deals were signed at a summit on his Belt and Road Initiative and more nations would join the global infrastructure programme as he sought to ease concerns over the colossal project. Would like to see resolution of political difficulties between India and Pakistan: Turkish president's senior advisor to WION Senior advisor to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was in New Delhi on Friday. In a conversation with WION, Ibrahim Kalin noted that terrorism is a global phenomenon, therefore merits a global response. Moscow 'thinking' of simplifying nationality process for all Ukraine: Vladimir Putin Russian President Vladimir Putin said Saturday Moscow was "thinking" of making it easier for all Ukrainians to obtain Russian citizenship after the Kremlin moved to grant passports in the country's separatist east, causing uproar in Kiev. Is Congress capable of removing terrorism, Naxalism from country? PM Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday slammed the Congress party, questioning if the party and its leaders are capable of removing terrorism and Naxalism from the country.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Chinese President Xi Jinping said Saturday $64 billion in deals were signed at a summit on his Belt and Road Initiative and more nations would join the global infrastructure programme as he sought to ease concerns over the colossal project.

Xi and 37 world leaders wrapped up a three-day forum in Beijing with pledges to ensure that projects in his new Silk Road are financially sustainable and green following concerns about debt and environmental damage.

"We are committed to supporting to open, clean and green development and rejecting protectionism," Xi told journalists at the end of the forum, without taking questions.

His signature foreign policy aims to reinvent the ancient Silk Road to connect Asia to Europe and Africa through massive investments in maritime, road and rail projects -- with hundreds of billions of dollars in financing from Chinese banks.

But critics say BRI is a plan to boost Beijing's global influence, riddled with opaque deals favouring Chinese companies and saddling nations with debt and environmental damage.

The US, India and some European nations have looked at the project with suspicion. Washington did not send any representatives to the meeting.

"This year's forum sends a clear message: more and more friends and partners will join in the Belt and Road co-operation," Xi said.

Xi said enterprises will be the main driver in all Belt and Road projects and market principles will apply, with governments providing a supporting role.&nbsp;

"This will make the projects more sustainable and create a fair and non-discriminatory environment for foreign investors," Xi said.

Xi said that business leaders meeting at a side event signed some $64 billion worth of deals during the forum, without providing details.

Leaders from Europe, Africa, Asia and Latin America meeting at the picturesque Yanqi Lake outside Beijing agreed in a joint communique that enterprises will act as main players in Belt and Road projects.

The gathering included Russian President Vladimir Putin, Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, whose nation became the first G7 member to join Belt and Road, and Pakistan's Imran Khan.

Project 'sustainability

The massive projects, financed mainly through Chinese bank loans and investments, have raised concerns that poorer countries are being saddled with debt -- Sri Lanka turned over a deep-sea port to China for 99 years after it was unable to repay loans.

So far Chinese companies and workers have emerged as the primary beneficiaries as they are tapped to build the China-financed infrastructure in other developing countries.

A communique released at the end of the meeting said leaders encouraged multilateral development banks and other international financial institutions to support projects "in fiscally sustainable ways" and mobilise private capital in line with local needs.

"We emphasise the importance of economic, social, fiscal, financial and environmental sustainability of projects," it said.&nbsp;

The draft communique says BRI will welcome developed countries and international investors to participate in the projects.

'Civilised and soft'

China's finance ministry released guidelines Thursday for assessing financial risk and debt sustainability to apply to projects in BRI countries.

But the document notes that countries already facing payment problems or in the process of restructuring payments "does not automatically mean that debt is unsustainable in a forward-looking sense".

"Faced with this rising resistance for the past year and a half and this debt image ... China is trying to reposition (BRI) and send a reassuring message," said Nadege Rolland, a senior fellow at the National Bureau of Asian Research, a US-based think tank.

But "let's see how it is put into practice", she said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin praised China for acting in a "civilised and soft manner" and he took a veiled swipe at the United States.

"Nobody wants sanctions, nobody wants trade wars, except those who start them. These sanctions harm the world economy," Putin said, adding that China "currently defends liberal values".

BRI projects have faced pushback in some countries. In Malaysia, Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad cancelled some planned works and renegotiated a rail project cutting 30 percent off the price tag.

But Mahathir and other leaders attending the summit had fulsome praise for BRI.

Chinese President Xi Jinping said Saturday $64 billion in deals were signed at a summit on his Belt and Road Initiative and more nations would join the global infrastructure programme as he sought to ease concerns over the colossal project.

Chinese President Xi Jinping said Saturday $64 billion in deals were signed at a summit on his Belt and Road Initiative and more nations would join the global infrastructure programme as he sought to ease concerns over the colossal project. Xi and 37 world leaders wrapped up a three-day forum in Beijing with pledges to ensure that projects in his new Silk Road are financially sustainable and green following concerns about debt and environmental damage. "We are committed to supporting to open, clean and green development and rejecting protectionism," Xi told journalists at the end of the forum, without taking questions. His signature foreign policy aims to reinvent the ancient Silk Road to connect Asia to Europe and Africa through massive investments in maritime, road and rail projects -- with hundreds of billions of dollars in financing from Chinese banks. But critics say BRI is a plan to boost Beijing's global influence, riddled with opaque deals favouring Chinese companies and saddling nations with debt and environmental damage. The US, India and some European nations have looked at the project with suspicion. Washington did not send any representatives to the meeting. "This year's forum sends a clear message: more and more friends and partners will join in the Belt and Road co-operation," Xi said. Xi said enterprises will be the main driver in all Belt and Road projects and market principles will apply, with governments providing a supporting role. "This will make the projects more sustainable and create a fair and non-discriminatory environment for foreign investors," Xi said. Xi said that business leaders meeting at a side event signed some $64 billion worth of deals during the forum, without providing details. Leaders from Europe, Africa, Asia and Latin America meeting at the picturesque Yanqi Lake outside Beijing agreed in a joint communique that enterprises will act as main players in Belt and Road projects. The gathering included Russian President Vladimir Putin, Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, whose nation became the first G7 member to join Belt and Road, and Pakistan's Imran Khan. Project 'sustainability The massive projects, financed mainly through Chinese bank loans and investments, have raised concerns that poorer countries are being saddled with debt -- Sri Lanka turned over a deep-sea port to China for 99 years after it was unable to repay loans. So far Chinese companies and workers have emerged as the primary beneficiaries as they are tapped to build the China-financed infrastructure in other developing countries. A communique released at the end of the meeting said leaders encouraged multilateral development banks and other international financial institutions to support projects "in fiscally sustainable ways" and mobilise private capital in line with local needs. "We emphasise the importance of economic, social, fiscal, financial and environmental sustainability of projects," it said. The draft communique says BRI will welcome developed countries and international investors to participate in the projects. 'Civilised and soft' China's finance ministry released guidelines Thursday for assessing financial risk and debt sustainability to apply to projects in BRI countries. But the document notes that countries already facing payment problems or in the process of restructuring payments "does not automatically mean that debt is unsustainable in a forward-looking sense". "Faced with this rising resistance for the past year and a half and this debt image ... China is trying to reposition (BRI) and send a reassuring message," said Nadege Rolland, a senior fellow at the National Bureau of Asian Research, a US-based think tank. But "let's see how it is put into practice", she said. Russian President Vladimir Putin praised China for acting in a "civilised and soft manner" and he took a veiled swipe at the United States. "Nobody wants sanctions, nobody wants trade wars, except those who start them. These sanctions harm the world economy," Putin said, adding that China "currently defends liberal values". BRI projects have faced pushback in some countries. In Malaysia, Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad cancelled some planned works and renegotiated a rail project cutting 30 percent off the price tag. But Mahathir and other leaders attending the summit had fulsome praise for BRI.

Xi Jinping says more nations joining Belt and Road, $64 billion in deals signed at summit

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-rejects-un-arms-trade-treaty-says-revoking-predecessors-signature-213808">US President Donald Trump</a>'s proposals on nuclear arms disarmament is "not serious," a Kremlin spokesman said on Saturday.

Trump has ordered his administration to prepare a push for new arms-control agreements with Russia and China citing the cost of the 21st-century nuclear arms race, The Washington Post reported on Thursday citing administration officials.

"It would be ideal to clean up the whole world from the nuclear weapon...but on the other hand we would have been deprived of the deterrent factor," Dmitry Peskov told reporters on the sidelines of a summit on China's Belt and Road plan. "Don't forget about the deterrent factor, about the deterrent parity," he said.

Peskov also said Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping held substantial talks and exchanged views on Syria, Venezuela and Libya when they met on Friday. 
&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump's proposals on nuclear arms disarmament is "not serious," a Kremlin spokesman said on Saturday. Trump has ordered his administration to prepare a push for new arms-control agreements with Russia and China citing the cost of the 21st-century nuclear arms race, The Washington Post reported on Thursday citing administration officials.

US President Donald Trump's proposals on nuclear arms disarmament is "not serious," a Kremlin spokesman said on Saturday. Trump has ordered his administration to prepare a push for new arms-control agreements with Russia and China citing the cost of the 21st-century nuclear arms race, The Washington Post reported on Thursday citing administration officials. "It would be ideal to clean up the whole world from the nuclear weapon...but on the other hand we would have been deprived of the deterrent factor," Dmitry Peskov told reporters on the sidelines of a summit on China's Belt and Road plan. "Don't forget about the deterrent factor, about the deterrent parity," he said. Peskov also said Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping held substantial talks and exchanged views on Syria, Venezuela and Libya when they met on Friday.

Trump proposals on nuclear arms disarmament 'not serious': Russia

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-president-xi-defends-belt-and-road-says-not-exclusive-club-213575">Chinese President Xi defends Belt and Road, says 'not exclusive club'</a>

Chinese President Xi Jinping sought Friday to ease growing concerns about his ambitious Belt and Road Initiative, vowing to prevent debt risks and saying his global infrastructure project "is not an exclusive club".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/macrons-main-measures-in-response-to-yellow-vest-protests-213552">French President Macron outlines response including tax cuts to months of 'yellow vest' protests</a>

At the first major news conference on domestic policy of his presidency, Emmanuel Macron pledged to cut taxes on Thursday and said the French would have to work longer as he outlined his response to months of anti-government protests that have shaken his authority.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/egypt-referendum-firms-up-sisi-rule-as-regional-unrest-flares-213558">Egypt referendum firms up Sisi rule as regional unrest flares&nbsp;</a>

As mass protests rock other Arab countries, a snap referendum in Egypt has gone against the grain and cemented President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's rule for years to come.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cyclone-kenneth-hits-mozambique-after-lashing-comoros-213569">Cyclone Kenneth hits Mozambique after lashing Comoros</a>

Cyclone Kenneth battered northern Mozambique on Thursday with gusts of up to 280 km per hour (174 miles per hour) after killing three people on the island nation of Comoros overnight.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2019-pm-modi-to-file-his-nomination-from-varanasi-parliamentary-seat-today-213557">Lok Sabha polls 2019: PM Modi to file nomination from Varanasi today</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will file his nomination for Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency in Varanasi on Friday.

All senior leaders of the BJP, NDA and North East Democratic Alliance are expected to be present in the city to mark the occasion. For today, the Prime Minister is expected to begin his schedule with prayers at the iconic Kashi Vishwanath Temple.

Chinese President Xi defends Belt and Road, says 'not exclusive club' Chinese President Xi Jinping sought Friday to ease growing concerns about his ambitious Belt and Road Initiative, vowing to prevent debt risks and saying his global infrastructure project "is not an exclusive club".

Chinese President Xi defends Belt and Road, says 'not exclusive club' Chinese President Xi Jinping sought Friday to ease growing concerns about his ambitious Belt and Road Initiative, vowing to prevent debt risks and saying his global infrastructure project "is not an exclusive club". French President Macron outlines response including tax cuts to months of 'yellow vest' protests At the first major news conference on domestic policy of his presidency, Emmanuel Macron pledged to cut taxes on Thursday and said the French would have to work longer as he outlined his response to months of anti-government protests that have shaken his authority. Egypt referendum firms up Sisi rule as regional unrest flares As mass protests rock other Arab countries, a snap referendum in Egypt has gone against the grain and cemented President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's rule for years to come. Cyclone Kenneth hits Mozambique after lashing Comoros Cyclone Kenneth battered northern Mozambique on Thursday with gusts of up to 280 km per hour (174 miles per hour) after killing three people on the island nation of Comoros overnight. Lok Sabha polls 2019: PM Modi to file nomination from Varanasi today Prime Minister Narendra Modi will file his nomination for Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency in Varanasi on Friday. All senior leaders of the BJP, NDA and North East Democratic Alliance are expected to be present in the city to mark the occasion. For today, the Prime Minister is expected to begin his schedule with prayers at the iconic Kashi Vishwanath Temple.

Chinese President Xi Jinping sought Friday to ease growing concerns about his ambitious Belt and Road Initiative, vowing to prevent debt risks and saying his global infrastructure project "is not an exclusive club".

Xi made his remarks at a summit on his signature foreign policy, which aims to reinvent the ancient Silk Road to connect Asia to Europe and Africa through massive investments in maritime, road and rail projects.

The initiative offers to bring much-needed modern infrastructure to developing countries, but critics say it mainly favours Chinese companies while saddling nations with debt and causing environmental damage.

China has rejected accusations that Belt and Road is a "debt trap" and a geopolitical tool for Beijing's ambitions of becoming a global superpower.

"The Belt and Road is not an exclusive club," Xi said at the gathering of 37 world leaders.

In a nod to the concerns over loans, Xi said: "we also need to ensure the commercial and fiscal sustainability of all projects so that they will achieve the intended goals as planned."

Finance Minister Liu Kun said Thursday that China would present the forum a debt sustainability framework to "prevent debt risks" -- a move welcomed by International Monetary Fund chief Christine Lagarde.

The opacity of deals between Chinese companies and local governments has also raised alarm.

"Everything should be done in a transparent way and we should have zero tolerance for corruption," Xi said.

China will also promote "green" development, he said, amid warnings that some of the massive projects are causing environmental damage in Asia.

Debt troubles

Leaders from 37 countries have come to Beijing for the three-day forum, with officials from scores of other nations in attendance.&nbsp;

Russian President Vladimir Putin, Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan and Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, whose country became the first G7 member to sign up to Belt and Road, are among the headliners.

But EU powers Germany and France are sending ministers instead.&nbsp; 
The United States, which sent a senior White House official to the first BRI summit in 2017, has not dispatched any officials from Washington.

Amid tensions over trade and other diplomatic spats, Washington has dismissed BRI as a "vanity project" and rebuked Rome for signing up to the scheme.

Since Xi launched Belt and Road in 2013, China has invested $90 billion in projects while banks have provided upwards of $300 billion in loans, according to Chinese officials.

But examples of debt trouble abound.

Sri Lanka turned over a deep-sea port to China for 99 years after it was unable to repay loans. Pakistan needs an international bailout.

And Montenegro has had to make difficult choices after taking on crushing Chinese debt to pay a Chinese company to build a new highway.

Pushing back has proved a successful election issue in Asia, including in Sri Lanka, the Maldives and Malaysia, as the trademark infrastructure push is used to whip up fears about eroding sovereignty.

The new Malaysian prime minister cancelled some planned works and renegotiated a rail project cutting 30 per cent off the price tag.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Chinese President Xi Jinping sought Friday to ease growing concerns about his ambitious Belt and Road Initiative, vowing to prevent debt risks and saying his global infrastructure project "is not an exclusive club".

Chinese President Xi Jinping sought Friday to ease growing concerns about his ambitious Belt and Road Initiative, vowing to prevent debt risks and saying his global infrastructure project "is not an exclusive club". Xi made his remarks at a summit on his signature foreign policy, which aims to reinvent the ancient Silk Road to connect Asia to Europe and Africa through massive investments in maritime, road and rail projects. The initiative offers to bring much-needed modern infrastructure to developing countries, but critics say it mainly favours Chinese companies while saddling nations with debt and causing environmental damage. China has rejected accusations that Belt and Road is a "debt trap" and a geopolitical tool for Beijing's ambitions of becoming a global superpower. "The Belt and Road is not an exclusive club," Xi said at the gathering of 37 world leaders. In a nod to the concerns over loans, Xi said: "we also need to ensure the commercial and fiscal sustainability of all projects so that they will achieve the intended goals as planned." Finance Minister Liu Kun said Thursday that China would present the forum a debt sustainability framework to "prevent debt risks" -- a move welcomed by International Monetary Fund chief Christine Lagarde. The opacity of deals between Chinese companies and local governments has also raised alarm. "Everything should be done in a transparent way and we should have zero tolerance for corruption," Xi said. China will also promote "green" development, he said, amid warnings that some of the massive projects are causing environmental damage in Asia. Debt troubles Leaders from 37 countries have come to Beijing for the three-day forum, with officials from scores of other nations in attendance. Russian President Vladimir Putin, Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan and Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, whose country became the first G7 member to sign up to Belt and Road, are among the headliners. But EU powers Germany and France are sending ministers instead. The United States, which sent a senior White House official to the first BRI summit in 2017, has not dispatched any officials from Washington. Amid tensions over trade and other diplomatic spats, Washington has dismissed BRI as a "vanity project" and rebuked Rome for signing up to the scheme. Since Xi launched Belt and Road in 2013, China has invested $90 billion in projects while banks have provided upwards of $300 billion in loans, according to Chinese officials. But examples of debt trouble abound. Sri Lanka turned over a deep-sea port to China for 99 years after it was unable to repay loans. Pakistan needs an international bailout. And Montenegro has had to make difficult choices after taking on crushing Chinese debt to pay a Chinese company to build a new highway. Pushing back has proved a successful election issue in Asia, including in Sri Lanka, the Maldives and Malaysia, as the trademark infrastructure push is used to whip up fears about eroding sovereignty. The new Malaysian prime minister cancelled some planned works and renegotiated a rail project cutting 30 per cent off the price tag.

Chinese President Xi defends Belt and Road, says 'not exclusive club'

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-in-iran-to-talk-security-ties-212398">Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan</a> reached Beijing on Thursday on&nbsp;his four-day tour to China.

Prior his departure Imran Khan said that China is Pakistan's closest friend and he looks forward to meeting China President Xi Jinping and Premier Li.

This is Khan’s second visit to China since coming to power in August 2018. His first visit had come in November last year.

Khan is&nbsp;due to deliver a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the second Belt and Road Forum on Friday, according to&nbsp;media reports. He will also attend a ''Leader's Roundtable'' with representatives from 38 countries.

Pakistan and China are set to sign several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs).

Khan will also take part in the Beijing International Horticultural Exhibition alongside other world leaders.

Pakistan prime minsiter recently visited Iran to discuss security and regional issues, after Islamabad urged Tehran to act against militants behind killings in Pakistan's Baluchistan province.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan reached Beijing on Thursday on his four-day tour to China. Prior his departure Imran Khan said that China is Pakistan's closest friend and he looks forward to meeting China President Xi Jinping and Premier Li.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan reached Beijing on Thursday on his four-day tour to China. Prior his departure Imran Khan said that China is Pakistan's closest friend and he looks forward to meeting China President Xi Jinping and Premier Li. This is Khan’s second visit to China since coming to power in August 2018. His first visit had come in November last year. Khan is due to deliver a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the second Belt and Road Forum on Friday, according to media reports. He will also attend a ''Leader's Roundtable'' with representatives from 38 countries. Pakistan and China are set to sign several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs). Khan will also take part in the Beijing International Horticultural Exhibition alongside other world leaders. Pakistan prime minsiter recently visited Iran to discuss security and regional issues, after Islamabad urged Tehran to act against militants behind killings in Pakistan's Baluchistan province.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan arrives in China on four-day visit

China aims to make the Belt and Road initiative sustainable and prevent debt risks, its finance minister said on Thursday, seeking to allay criticism that the infrastructure plan to boost trade and investment creates a heavy burden for some nations.

The policy championed by Chinese President Xi Jinping has become mired in controversy, with some partner nations bemoaning the high cost of projects, though China has repeatedly said it is not seeking to trap anyone with debt.

Western governments have tended to view it as a means to spread Chinese influence abroad, saddling poor countries with unsustainable debt.

Finance minister Liu Kun, speaking at a forum to kick off a three-day Belt and Road summit in Beijing, said China will establish an analysis framework on debt sustainability for Belt and Road projects to "prevent and resolve debt risks".

Chinese financial institutions, countries involved in Belt and Road and international agencies are encouraged to use this framework to enhance debt management, Liu said.

While most of the Belt and Road projects are continuing as planned, some have been caught up by changes in government in countries such as Malaysia and the Maldives.

Those that have been shelved for financial reasons include a power plant in Pakistan and an airport in Sierra Leone, and Beijing has in recent months had to rebuff critics by saying that not one country has been burdened with so-called "debt traps".

Yi Gang, China's central bank governor, said at the same event that local currencies will be used for investments related to the Belt and Road plan to curb exchange rate risks.

China will follow market principles and rely on commercial funds for Belt and Road financing, Yi said, adding that China will improve transparency for those projects.

"We should strengthen debt and risk management. We should objectively and fully understand debt problems of developing countries," he added.

"Investment decisions should...effectively control risks and fully consider a country's overall debt capacity and ensure debt is sustainable."

In a nod to debt concerns, a draft communique seen by Reuters said that 37 world leaders attending the summit will agree to project financing that respects global debt goals and promotes green growth.

Visiting leaders will be headlined by Russia's Vladimir Putin, as well as Prime Minister Imran Khan of Pakistan, a close China ally and among the biggest recipients of Belt and Road investment, and Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte of Italy, which recently became the first G7 country to sign on to the initiative.

The United States, which has not joined the Belt and Road, is expected to send only a lower-level delegation, and nobody from Washington. 
&nbsp;

China aims to make the Belt and Road initiative sustainable and prevent debt risks, its finance minister said on Thursday, seeking to allay criticism that the infrastructure plan to boost trade and investment creates a heavy burden for some nations.

China aims to make the Belt and Road initiative sustainable and prevent debt risks, its finance minister said on Thursday, seeking to allay criticism that the infrastructure plan to boost trade and investment creates a heavy burden for some nations. The policy championed by Chinese President Xi Jinping has become mired in controversy, with some partner nations bemoaning the high cost of projects, though China has repeatedly said it is not seeking to trap anyone with debt. Western governments have tended to view it as a means to spread Chinese influence abroad, saddling poor countries with unsustainable debt. Finance minister Liu Kun, speaking at a forum to kick off a three-day Belt and Road summit in Beijing, said China will establish an analysis framework on debt sustainability for Belt and Road projects to "prevent and resolve debt risks". Chinese financial institutions, countries involved in Belt and Road and international agencies are encouraged to use this framework to enhance debt management, Liu said. While most of the Belt and Road projects are continuing as planned, some have been caught up by changes in government in countries such as Malaysia and the Maldives. Those that have been shelved for financial reasons include a power plant in Pakistan and an airport in Sierra Leone, and Beijing has in recent months had to rebuff critics by saying that not one country has been burdened with so-called "debt traps". Yi Gang, China's central bank governor, said at the same event that local currencies will be used for investments related to the Belt and Road plan to curb exchange rate risks. China will follow market principles and rely on commercial funds for Belt and Road financing, Yi said, adding that China will improve transparency for those projects. "We should strengthen debt and risk management. We should objectively and fully understand debt problems of developing countries," he added. "Investment decisions should...effectively control risks and fully consider a country's overall debt capacity and ensure debt is sustainable." In a nod to debt concerns, a draft communique seen by Reuters said that 37 world leaders attending the summit will agree to project financing that respects global debt goals and promotes green growth. Visiting leaders will be headlined by Russia's Vladimir Putin, as well as Prime Minister Imran Khan of Pakistan, a close China ally and among the biggest recipients of Belt and Road investment, and Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte of Italy, which recently became the first G7 country to sign on to the initiative. The United States, which has not joined the Belt and Road, is expected to send only a lower-level delegation, and nobody from Washington.

China seeks to allay Belt and Road debt concerns

Here's a look at how world leaders use tools of Communication

IEW: World leaders and Political communication

How China is replacing America as Asia's military titan

xi-jinping

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