China urged the United States on Thursday not to allow Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen to stop over in Hawaii next week when she makes a tour of the island's diplomatic allies in the Pacific, adding another irritant to Beijing-Washington ties.

China regards Taiwan as its sacred territory and regularly calls it the most sensitive and important issue in ties with the United States. It always complains about transit stops by Taiwan leaders in the United States.

Tsai said she will transit Hawaii on her way home from an eight-day visit to Palau, Nauru and the Marshall Islands, which began on Thursday.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said China had lodged "stern representations" over Tsai's planned stopover in the United States.

"We have consistently and resolutely opposed the United States or other countries which have diplomatic relations with China arranging this kind of transit," Geng told reporters in Beijing.

China urged the United States not to send "Taiwan independence forces any wrong signal", he added.

China views Taiwan as merely a wayward province, with no right to state-to-state relations.

The United States, like most other countries, has no formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan but is the island's largest weapons supplier and most powerful international backer.

China and the United States are trying to end a bitter trade war and they also have differences over Chinese activity in the disputed South China Sea, as well as over human rights.

Tsai's tour comes amid heightened tension between Taipei and Beijing, which has stepped up diplomatic and military pressure to assert its sovereignty over self-governed Taiwan.

Taipei is battling to prevent its remaining 17 allies from switching allegiance to China.

Tsai said in a statement before setting off on the tour that it was her duty to promote Taiwan internationally.

"Letting the country advance down the right path, and letting Taiwan continue to shine on the world stage, are all things that must be done as president, and I will go all out," she said.

Last year, China persuaded the Dominican Republic, Burkina Faso and El Salvador to forge relations with Beijing in what Tsai called "increasingly out of control" behaviour.

Chinese President Xi Jinping said in January Beijing reserved the right to use force to bring Taiwan under its control but will strive to achieve peaceful "reunification", though democratic Taiwan has shown no interest in being run by Beijing.

China urged the United States on Thursday not to allow Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen to stop over in Hawaii next week when she makes a tour of the island's diplomatic allies in the Pacific, adding another irritant to Beijing-Washington ties.

China urged the United States on Thursday not to allow Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen to stop over in Hawaii next week when she makes a tour of the island's diplomatic allies in the Pacific, adding another irritant to Beijing-Washington ties. China regards Taiwan as its sacred territory and regularly calls it the most sensitive and important issue in ties with the United States. It always complains about transit stops by Taiwan leaders in the United States. Tsai said she will transit Hawaii on her way home from an eight-day visit to Palau, Nauru and the Marshall Islands, which began on Thursday. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said China had lodged "stern representations" over Tsai's planned stopover in the United States. "We have consistently and resolutely opposed the United States or other countries which have diplomatic relations with China arranging this kind of transit," Geng told reporters in Beijing. China urged the United States not to send "Taiwan independence forces any wrong signal", he added. China views Taiwan as merely a wayward province, with no right to state-to-state relations. The United States, like most other countries, has no formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan but is the island's largest weapons supplier and most powerful international backer. China and the United States are trying to end a bitter trade war and they also have differences over Chinese activity in the disputed South China Sea, as well as over human rights. Tsai's tour comes amid heightened tension between Taipei and Beijing, which has stepped up diplomatic and military pressure to assert its sovereignty over self-governed Taiwan. Taipei is battling to prevent its remaining 17 allies from switching allegiance to China. Tsai said in a statement before setting off on the tour that it was her duty to promote Taiwan internationally. "Letting the country advance down the right path, and letting Taiwan continue to shine on the world stage, are all things that must be done as president, and I will go all out," she said. Last year, China persuaded the Dominican Republic, Burkina Faso and El Salvador to forge relations with Beijing in what Tsai called "increasingly out of control" behaviour. Chinese President Xi Jinping said in January Beijing reserved the right to use force to bring Taiwan under its control but will strive to achieve peaceful "reunification", though democratic Taiwan has shown no interest in being run by Beijing.

China urges US to block Taiwan leader's Hawaii stop-over

US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday a<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-team-has-no-plan-to-go-to-china-for-trade-talks-official-202115"> trade deal with Beijing </a>is coming along nicely, with US trade negotiators going to China next week for another round of talks.

"The deal is coming along nicely," he said to reporters at the White House. Trump said top US negotiators are going to China this weekend "to further the deal."

When asked about lifting tariffs on China, Trump said, "We’re not talking about removing them. We're talking about leaving them for a substantial period of time because we have to make sure that if we do the deal" China abides by it. He did not elaborate.

US&nbsp;Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin plan to travel to China next week for another round of trade talks, a Trump administration official said on Tuesday.

US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday a trade deal with Beijing is coming along nicely, with US trade negotiators going to China next week for another round of talks.

US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday a trade deal with Beijing is coming along nicely, with US trade negotiators going to China next week for another round of talks. "The deal is coming along nicely," he said to reporters at the White House. Trump said top US negotiators are going to China this weekend "to further the deal." When asked about lifting tariffs on China, Trump said, "We’re not talking about removing them. We're talking about leaving them for a substantial period of time because we have to make sure that if we do the deal" China abides by it. He did not elaborate. US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin plan to travel to China next week for another round of trade talks, a Trump administration official said on Tuesday.

Trump says trade deal 'coming along nicely' with China

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Tuesday hailed China's support to his country in the challenging times and said Islamabad was committed to the expeditious implementation of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Qureshi also appreciated the Chinese stand that there should be no double standards in combating terrorism as he thanked Beijing for its support to Pakistan in international fora on the issue of tackling the menace.

He made the remarks during the first-ever China-Pakistan Foreign Minister-level strategic dialogue, which was attended by his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi.

In his opening remarks, Qureshi acknowledged that China has been "helpful in these challenging times for Pakistan", in an apparent reference to the multi-billion dollar Chinese financial assistance to Pakistan, which is going through a "low point", to minimise its dependence on an IMF bailout package.

"The Chinese government was very generous in supporting Pakistan. We had good discussions...We are committed to expeditious implementation of CPEC," Qureshi said.

The CPEC, which connects Gwadar Port in Balochistan with China's Xinjiang province, is the flagship project of Chinese President Xi Jinping's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

"There is a national consensus that this project is not simply beneficial to Pakistan and China but also the entire region and has a far-reaching impact," he said.

"Obviously, our leaders have set huge agenda for us and they have entrusted us to implement their vision and that we intend to do," Qureshi said as he informed his Chinese counterpart about Prime Minister Imran Khan's desire to attend the 2nd Belt and Road Forum in Beijing next month.

China will host a second global meeting on its ambitious Belt and Road Initiative in Beijing in April.

The BRI includes USD 60-billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor which India opposes as it traverses through the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. 
 
The US, India and several other countries have raised concerns over the BRI as China doled out huge loans to smaller countries for infrastructure projects without taking into consideration their ability to pay back the money. 
&nbsp;

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Tuesday hailed China's support to his country in the challenging times and said Islamabad was committed to the expeditious implementation of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Tuesday hailed China's support to his country in the challenging times and said Islamabad was committed to the expeditious implementation of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Qureshi also appreciated the Chinese stand that there should be no double standards in combating terrorism as he thanked Beijing for its support to Pakistan in international fora on the issue of tackling the menace. He made the remarks during the first-ever China-Pakistan Foreign Minister-level strategic dialogue, which was attended by his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi. In his opening remarks, Qureshi acknowledged that China has been "helpful in these challenging times for Pakistan", in an apparent reference to the multi-billion dollar Chinese financial assistance to Pakistan, which is going through a "low point", to minimise its dependence on an IMF bailout package. "The Chinese government was very generous in supporting Pakistan. We had good discussions...We are committed to expeditious implementation of CPEC," Qureshi said. The CPEC, which connects Gwadar Port in Balochistan with China's Xinjiang province, is the flagship project of Chinese President Xi Jinping's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). "There is a national consensus that this project is not simply beneficial to Pakistan and China but also the entire region and has a far-reaching impact," he said. "Obviously, our leaders have set huge agenda for us and they have entrusted us to implement their vision and that we intend to do," Qureshi said as he informed his Chinese counterpart about Prime Minister Imran Khan's desire to attend the 2nd Belt and Road Forum in Beijing next month. China will host a second global meeting on its ambitious Belt and Road Initiative in Beijing in April. The BRI includes USD 60-billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor which India opposes as it traverses through the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The US, India and several other countries have raised concerns over the BRI as China doled out huge loans to smaller countries for infrastructure projects without taking into consideration their ability to pay back the money.

Pakistan: Foreign minister Mahmood Qureshi hails China's support in challenging times

A Chinese official on Tuesday rejected international criticism of internment camps in the restive Xinjiang region, calling them job training centres that will "gradually disappear" if "one-day society no longer needs it".

Nearly one million Uighurs and other mostly Muslim Turkic minorities are being held in detention centres in Xinjiang, according to estimates cited by a UN panel.

A US official described the situation in Xinjiang as "horrific".

But Beijing has denied the accusations, saying people are attending "vocational education centres" to rid them of any extremist thoughts in a region that was hit by deadly riots and attacks in recent years.

"Our education and training centres have been set up according to our needs. The students that come in to learn, it's a dynamic number that changes," Shohrat Zakir, the chairman of Xinjiang's government, told journalists on the sidelines of China's annual parliamentary meeting.

"As a whole, the number of people in the education centres should be less and less, and if one-day society no longer needs it, these education centres can gradually disappear," he said, without providing the number of people at the facilities.

Former inmates have said they found themselves incarcerated for transgressions such as wearing long beards and face veils or sharing Islamic holiday greetings on social media.

Critics allege Uighurs in the camps are being brainwashed in a massive campaign to enforce conformity with Chinese society and the abandonment of Islam.

Shohrat also hit out at "certain individuals", whom he says "sensationalised" the number of people in these centres.

"It's not like that," he said, calling on reporters to visit Xinjiang.

Journalists are harassed and surveilled by local authorities when reporting in the western Chinese region.

"There's just a very tragic, and I think, a horrific situation there," US envoy on religious freedom Sam Brownback told reporters in a conference call.

Xinjiang, which shares a border with several countries including Pakistan and Afghanistan, has long suffered from violent unrest, which China claims is orchestrated by an organised "terrorist" movement seeking the region's independence.

It has implemented a massive, high-tech security crackdown, which it says has prevented any violent incidents in over two years.

But many Uighurs and Xinjiang experts say the violent episodes stem largely from spontaneous outbursts of anger at Chinese cultural and religious repression, and that Beijing plays up terrorism to justify tight control of the resource-rich region.

A Chinese official on Tuesday rejected international criticism of internment camps in the restive Xinjiang region, calling them job training centres that will "gradually disappear" if "one-day society no longer needs it".

A Chinese official on Tuesday rejected international criticism of internment camps in the restive Xinjiang region, calling them job training centres that will "gradually disappear" if "one-day society no longer needs it". Nearly one million Uighurs and other mostly Muslim Turkic minorities are being held in detention centres in Xinjiang, according to estimates cited by a UN panel. A US official described the situation in Xinjiang as "horrific". But Beijing has denied the accusations, saying people are attending "vocational education centres" to rid them of any extremist thoughts in a region that was hit by deadly riots and attacks in recent years. "Our education and training centres have been set up according to our needs. The students that come in to learn, it's a dynamic number that changes," Shohrat Zakir, the chairman of Xinjiang's government, told journalists on the sidelines of China's annual parliamentary meeting. "As a whole, the number of people in the education centres should be less and less, and if one-day society no longer needs it, these education centres can gradually disappear," he said, without providing the number of people at the facilities. Former inmates have said they found themselves incarcerated for transgressions such as wearing long beards and face veils or sharing Islamic holiday greetings on social media. Critics allege Uighurs in the camps are being brainwashed in a massive campaign to enforce conformity with Chinese society and the abandonment of Islam. Shohrat also hit out at "certain individuals", whom he says "sensationalised" the number of people in these centres. "It's not like that," he said, calling on reporters to visit Xinjiang. Journalists are harassed and surveilled by local authorities when reporting in the western Chinese region. "There's just a very tragic, and I think, a horrific situation there," US envoy on religious freedom Sam Brownback told reporters in a conference call. Xinjiang, which shares a border with several countries including Pakistan and Afghanistan, has long suffered from violent unrest, which China claims is orchestrated by an organised "terrorist" movement seeking the region's independence. It has implemented a massive, high-tech security crackdown, which it says has prevented any violent incidents in over two years. But many Uighurs and Xinjiang experts say the violent episodes stem largely from spontaneous outbursts of anger at Chinese cultural and religious repression, and that Beijing plays up terrorism to justify tight control of the resource-rich region.

Chinese official rejects criticism over Xinjiang Muslim camps; says it will 'gradually' disappear

Italy will sign a memorandum of understanding with China to officially support Beijing's massive Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs said Monday.

The signing will take place during the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Rome on March 20, and will make Italy the first G7 nation to join the so-called "New Silk Road" project, Manlio Di Stefano told La Stampa daily.

Xi Jinping "will meet the head of government and the President of the Republic. There will be economic meetings since he will be accompanied by a team of entrepreneurs, and a memorandum of understanding will be signed," he said.

However, the "memorandum is not binding", he said in a bid to quell concern in the United States and other Western countries that the ambitious infrastructure project could be a Trojan horse for Chinese expansion.

"It does not have the status of an international agreement", he added.

Neither, he said, does it concern the telecoms sector, access to which critics fear could allow China to create "backdoors" that could allow Beijing to spy on countries.

Italy will sign a memorandum of understanding with China to officially support Beijing's massive Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs said Monday.

Italy will sign a memorandum of understanding with China to officially support Beijing's massive Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs said Monday. The signing will take place during the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Rome on March 20, and will make Italy the first G7 nation to join the so-called "New Silk Road" project, Manlio Di Stefano told La Stampa daily. Xi Jinping "will meet the head of government and the President of the Republic. There will be economic meetings since he will be accompanied by a team of entrepreneurs, and a memorandum of understanding will be signed," he said. However, the "memorandum is not binding", he said in a bid to quell concern in the United States and other Western countries that the ambitious infrastructure project could be a Trojan horse for Chinese expansion. "It does not have the status of an international agreement", he added. Neither, he said, does it concern the telecoms sector, access to which critics fear could allow China to create "backdoors" that could allow Beijing to spy on countries.

Italy to sign MoU with China to officially support Beijing's massive Belt and Road Initiative

Trump administration officials have not made any new plans to send a team to China for face-to-face trade talks although there is much work left to be done to reach a deal, White House trade adviser Clete Willems said on Friday.

"We're talking to them (Chinese officials) every day, but no one's got any trip plans," Willems told reporters on the sidelines of a Georgetown Law School event. When asked about the prospect for future face-to-face meetings, he said: "Maybe. But there are no plans right now."

The governments of the world's two largest economies have been locked in a tit-for-tat tariff battle for months as Washington presses Beijing to address long-standing concerns over Chinese practices and policies around industrial subsidies, technology transfers, market access and intellectual property rights.

Advances in talks drove the White House to indefinitely delay hikes in tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese imports that were set to kick in on March 2.

Willems said the two countries had made progress in talks but that there was still much more to be done. He declined to say whether Trump would set a new tariff deadline should the talks stall.

Members of Congress and the business community have expressed concerns that Trump is so eager for a deal ahead of presidential elections next year that he may accept an agreement that falls short of addressing key structural issues.

Willems pushed back against such concerns, saying the notion that Trump will settle for a "bad deal" is "totally inaccurate."

US Ambassador to China Terry Branstad told The Wall Street Journal on Friday that Washington and Beijing have yet to set a date for Trump to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping - a sign that neither side sees a deal as imminent.

"Both sides agree that there has to be significant progress, meaning a feeling that they're very close before that happens," Branstad told the newspaper in Beijing. "We’re not there yet. But we’re closer than we’ve been for a very long time."

One complicating factor has been Xi's plans to visit Europe after a meeting of the National People's Congress ends next week.

The Journal, citing people familiar with China's thinking, also reported that after Trump's failed meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un last month, Beijing officials won't commit to a summit until they are sure of a deal.

Chinese officials were surprised Trump walked away from denuclearisation talks with Kim and do not want the same thing to happen to Xi, the newspaper said. For the Chinese, any summit would basically be a signing ceremony, it said.

Larry Kudlow, the top White House economic adviser, gave Fox Business Network an optimistic view of the progress so far.

"It is historic, it is written down, it was agreed to by the Chinese who were here two weeks ago, but it has to pass through the political filter of President Xi and the politburo," Kudlow said. "Perhaps a meeting of the leaders later this month or in April. Perhaps."

Kudlow said the emerging deal would provide "an end to the theft of intellectual property" through forced technology transfers and hacking of computer networks.

"We will get substantially lower tariffs, or maybe an end to tariffs on cars, commodities, agriculture, industrial supplies. We will get an enforcement procedure," he said.

"If the deal doesn't work for the United States, and our long-term interests, whether it's technology, IP, theft, enforcement, commodities, tariffs ... then it’s not our deal."

Trump administration officials have not made any new plans to send a team to China for face-to-face trade talks although there is much work left to be done to reach a deal, White House trade adviser Clete Willems said on Friday.

Trump administration officials have not made any new plans to send a team to China for face-to-face trade talks although there is much work left to be done to reach a deal, White House trade adviser Clete Willems said on Friday. "We're talking to them (Chinese officials) every day, but no one's got any trip plans," Willems told reporters on the sidelines of a Georgetown Law School event. When asked about the prospect for future face-to-face meetings, he said: "Maybe. But there are no plans right now." The governments of the world's two largest economies have been locked in a tit-for-tat tariff battle for months as Washington presses Beijing to address long-standing concerns over Chinese practices and policies around industrial subsidies, technology transfers, market access and intellectual property rights. Advances in talks drove the White House to indefinitely delay hikes in tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese imports that were set to kick in on March 2. Willems said the two countries had made progress in talks but that there was still much more to be done. He declined to say whether Trump would set a new tariff deadline should the talks stall. Members of Congress and the business community have expressed concerns that Trump is so eager for a deal ahead of presidential elections next year that he may accept an agreement that falls short of addressing key structural issues. Willems pushed back against such concerns, saying the notion that Trump will settle for a "bad deal" is "totally inaccurate." US Ambassador to China Terry Branstad told The Wall Street Journal on Friday that Washington and Beijing have yet to set a date for Trump to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping - a sign that neither side sees a deal as imminent. "Both sides agree that there has to be significant progress, meaning a feeling that they're very close before that happens," Branstad told the newspaper in Beijing. "We’re not there yet. But we’re closer than we’ve been for a very long time." One complicating factor has been Xi's plans to visit Europe after a meeting of the National People's Congress ends next week. The Journal, citing people familiar with China's thinking, also reported that after Trump's failed meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un last month, Beijing officials won't commit to a summit until they are sure of a deal. Chinese officials were surprised Trump walked away from denuclearisation talks with Kim and do not want the same thing to happen to Xi, the newspaper said. For the Chinese, any summit would basically be a signing ceremony, it said. Larry Kudlow, the top White House economic adviser, gave Fox Business Network an optimistic view of the progress so far. "It is historic, it is written down, it was agreed to by the Chinese who were here two weeks ago, but it has to pass through the political filter of President Xi and the politburo," Kudlow said. "Perhaps a meeting of the leaders later this month or in April. Perhaps." Kudlow said the emerging deal would provide "an end to the theft of intellectual property" through forced technology transfers and hacking of computer networks. "We will get substantially lower tariffs, or maybe an end to tariffs on cars, commodities, agriculture, industrial supplies. We will get an enforcement procedure," he said. "If the deal doesn't work for the United States, and our long-term interests, whether it's technology, IP, theft, enforcement, commodities, tariffs ... then it’s not our deal."

Trump team has no plan to go to China for trade talks: Official

China and the United States are still working day and night to achieve a trade deal that matches the interests of both sides and the hopes of the world, including eliminating tit-for-tat tariffs, a senior Chinese official said on Saturday.

Chinese Vice Commerce Minister Wang Shouwen said he was optimistic about negotiations with Washington, but added any trade mechanism achieved must be equal and fair.

The governments of the world's two largest economies have been locked in a tariff battle for months as Washington presses Beijing to address long-standing concerns over Chinese practices and policies around industrial subsidies, technology transfers, market access and intellectual property rights.

Advances in talks drove the White House to indefinitely delay hikes in tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese imports that were set to kick in on March 2.

Wang, speaking at a news conference on the sidelines of China's ongoing annual meeting of parliament, said slapping tariffs on each other was bad for workers, farmers, exporters and manufacturers.

"It hurts investor confidence and delays corporate investment decisions," said Wang, who has been deeply involved in the trade talks with the United States.

"Now, the economic and trade teams of the two sides are making full efforts to communicate and negotiate in order to reach an agreement in line with the principles and directions decided by the two heads of states," he added.

"That is to remove all the tariffs imposed on each other so that bilateral trade relations between China and the United States can return to normal."The trade talks have seen senior officials shuttling backwards and forwards between Beijing and Washington.

Giving rare details into the talks, Wang said the two countries had been making extra effort to find areas in common. During the talks Vice Premier Liu He and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer enjoyed take out food, he said.

"Vice Premier Liu had a hamburger, and Lighthizer had eggplant and chicken," he added, describing a common Chinese dish.

"Throughout the negotiations, there was coffee and tea, but the two of them did not drink any coffee, did not drink any tea. They both drank hot boiled water. This is to find common ground."

It is unclear when or where senior negotiators from both sides will next meet.

Trump administration officials have not made any new plans to send a team to China for face-to-face trade talks though there is much work left to be done to reach a deal, White House trade adviser Clete Willems said on Friday.

China and the United States are still working day and night to achieve a trade deal that matches the interests of both sides and the hopes of the world, including eliminating tit-for-tat tariffs, a senior Chinese official said on Saturday.

China and the United States are still working day and night to achieve a trade deal that matches the interests of both sides and the hopes of the world, including eliminating tit-for-tat tariffs, a senior Chinese official said on Saturday. Chinese Vice Commerce Minister Wang Shouwen said he was optimistic about negotiations with Washington, but added any trade mechanism achieved must be equal and fair. The governments of the world's two largest economies have been locked in a tariff battle for months as Washington presses Beijing to address long-standing concerns over Chinese practices and policies around industrial subsidies, technology transfers, market access and intellectual property rights. Advances in talks drove the White House to indefinitely delay hikes in tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese imports that were set to kick in on March 2. Wang, speaking at a news conference on the sidelines of China's ongoing annual meeting of parliament, said slapping tariffs on each other was bad for workers, farmers, exporters and manufacturers. "It hurts investor confidence and delays corporate investment decisions," said Wang, who has been deeply involved in the trade talks with the United States. "Now, the economic and trade teams of the two sides are making full efforts to communicate and negotiate in order to reach an agreement in line with the principles and directions decided by the two heads of states," he added. "That is to remove all the tariffs imposed on each other so that bilateral trade relations between China and the United States can return to normal."The trade talks have seen senior officials shuttling backwards and forwards between Beijing and Washington. Giving rare details into the talks, Wang said the two countries had been making extra effort to find areas in common. During the talks Vice Premier Liu He and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer enjoyed take out food, he said. "Vice Premier Liu had a hamburger, and Lighthizer had eggplant and chicken," he added, describing a common Chinese dish. "Throughout the negotiations, there was coffee and tea, but the two of them did not drink any coffee, did not drink any tea. They both drank hot boiled water. This is to find common ground." It is unclear when or where senior negotiators from both sides will next meet. Trump administration officials have not made any new plans to send a team to China for face-to-face trade talks though there is much work left to be done to reach a deal, White House trade adviser Clete Willems said on Friday.

China says working with US day and night to get trade deal

Italy has planned to sign a memorandum of understanding to become part of China's Belt and Road Initiative, the Financial Times reported on Tuesday.

"The negotiation is not over yet, but it is possible that it will be concluded in time for [Xi's] visit," the newspaper reported&nbsp;quoting Michele Geraci, the undersecretary in the Italian economic development ministry.

China's multi-billion dollar 'One Belt and Road initiative' aims to link the country by sea and land with southeast and central Asia, the Middle East, Europe and Africa, through an infrastructure network on the lines of the old Silk Road.

The project was announced country's President Xi Jinping in 2013&nbsp;during his official visit to Indonesia and Kazakhstan.

Aside from boosting trade and investment, Xi aims to boost exchanges in areas such as science, technology, culture and education.

It has dispersed tens of billions of dollars in loans, often to highly indebted countries, sparking criticism of Beijing for everything from "debt entrapment" to excluding local labour from projects funded by the plan.

Last year in October, World Bank acknowledge that&nbsp;"Belt and Road Initiative" building push may create debt risks but said that it is also responding to major infrastructure gaps in Asia and could boost global trade.

"There are huge opportunities: improved infrastructure means more trade, more investments, higher growth, bringing in landlocked regions," said Caroline Freund, the Bank's director of trade, regional integration and investment climate in a meeting in Mali&nbsp;

"But there are challenges as well... There are environmental and social risks, there are issues to do with public procurement, and sustaining public debt becomes an issue because these projects are expensive," she added.

The World Bank estimates that BRI-funded infrastructure could boost trade among countries involved by 3.6 per cent, and global trade some 2.4 per cent.

And officials say it is offering to fund in areas where it is sorely needed.

(With inputs from news agencies)

&nbsp;

Italy has planned to sign a memorandum of understanding to become part of China's Belt and Road Initiative, the Financial Times reported on Tuesday. "The negotiation is not over yet, but it is possible that it will be concluded in time for [Xi's] visit," the newspaper reported quoting Michele Geraci, the undersecretary in the Italian economic development ministry.

Italy has planned to sign a memorandum of understanding to become part of China's Belt and Road Initiative, the Financial Times reported on Tuesday. "The negotiation is not over yet, but it is possible that it will be concluded in time for [Xi's] visit," the newspaper reported quoting Michele Geraci, the undersecretary in the Italian economic development ministry. China's multi-billion dollar 'One Belt and Road initiative' aims to link the country by sea and land with southeast and central Asia, the Middle East, Europe and Africa, through an infrastructure network on the lines of the old Silk Road. The project was announced country's President Xi Jinping in 2013 during his official visit to Indonesia and Kazakhstan. Aside from boosting trade and investment, Xi aims to boost exchanges in areas such as science, technology, culture and education. It has dispersed tens of billions of dollars in loans, often to highly indebted countries, sparking criticism of Beijing for everything from "debt entrapment" to excluding local labour from projects funded by the plan. Last year in October, World Bank acknowledge that "Belt and Road Initiative" building push may create debt risks but said that it is also responding to major infrastructure gaps in Asia and could boost global trade. "There are huge opportunities: improved infrastructure means more trade, more investments, higher growth, bringing in landlocked regions," said Caroline Freund, the Bank's director of trade, regional integration and investment climate in a meeting in Mali "But there are challenges as well... There are environmental and social risks, there are issues to do with public procurement, and sustaining public debt becomes an issue because these projects are expensive," she added. The World Bank estimates that BRI-funded infrastructure could boost trade among countries involved by 3.6 per cent, and global trade some 2.4 per cent. And officials say it is offering to fund in areas where it is sorely needed. (With inputs from news agencies)

Italy plans to join China's Belt and Road Initiative: Report

In a bright red office in south Beijing, some of China's most studious Communist Party members are gathered around their smartphones.

The focus of their attention is a range of mobile apps and websites which allow them to study the speeches of Chinese President Xi Jinping, including one developed by their own employer, Beijing-based conglomerate Tidal Star Group.

Tidal Star is among a rising number of Chinese firms working for or taking inspiration from, the country's ruling Communist Party to develop high-tech propaganda tools aimed at spreading the party's message among a tech-savvy younger generation.

The party's mass propaganda toolkit has been upgraded from strident posters and Mao Zedong's "Little Red Book" to include artificially intelligent news readers, viral social media campaigns and "compulsory" quiz apps.

"Of course we study the spirit of Xi Jinping's speeches in the traditional way, but now that we have the app, party members can basically learn the excellent ideas of the national leaders every day," said Cheng Hong, who heads Tidal Star's party committee.

Staff who don't perform well on app quizzes will be "encouraged to improve their enthusiasm" while high scores are rewarded with praise and awards, Cheng added.

Much of the new tech has been rolled out and upgraded ahead of the National People's Congress (NPC), China's top political meeting, which kicked-off on Tuesday.

The annual parliamentary meeting typically sees a ramping-up of propaganda in Chinese state media.

"It's a massive revolution and at the same time a huge challenge for the propaganda department, to keep relevant and have a stake, when everything propaganda-wise is now in cyberspace," said Graeme Smith, a Fellow at the Department of Pacific Affairs at the Australian National University.

Red millennials

Last month, an app called "Xuexi Qiangguo" which tracks how much time users spend learning Communist Party teachings and how they are progressing with their study, became the most downloaded app on Apple's China app store.

The app, developed by Alibaba Group Holding Ltd, has since chalked up around 75 million downloads, according to estimates by Beijing-based consultancy Qimai.

It is just one of the dozens of Chinese Communist Party apps available on Android app stores and Apple's China App Store, including "Party Member eHome", "Wisely Build the Party", "Party Member's Little Backpack".

"Since 2016, one central publicity purpose for the Party is to make 'red millennials'," said a Beijing-based manager at a major US-listed Chinese news feed app.

His company had collaborated with the Chinese Communist Party to promote stories written by state media outlets higher up in search results.

"Official news is always the top priority. There is no news until official news," said the person, who declined to be named because he was not authorised to speak to media.

On Sunday, state news agency Xinhua and U.S.-listed search firm Sogou Inc, also released the first official performance of a female AI news anchor called "Xin Xiaomeng", whose first job was to present a story about delegates attending China's largely rubber-stamp parliament meeting.

China will get even better at telling its story to the world due to its "innovative application of communication means and technology," said Guo Weimin, a spokesman for parliament's largely ceremonial advisory body. "I believe that our voice will spread farther and farther."

The Communist Party Propaganda Department did not respond to a request for comment.

'All hours of the day'

The shift in the Party's propaganda outreach stretches to other areas such as media and popular culture.

State media outlet Xinhua on Sunday released a patriotic English language rap song by Chinese musician Su Han.

The fast-paced song lauds China's recent moon-landing, powerful supercomputers and ability to clone monkeys, alongside sometimes clumsy English references to kidney stones and cartoon character Popeye.

Xinhua also released videos of foreigners praising China's political system, calling NPC press conferences "a journalist's dream" and laying out the benefits of a Chinese-style democracy, using footage of Chinese basketball star Yao Ming.

Party members said the new propaganda push means political study now consumes more of their time than ever before.

Universities, provincial party units and companies have recently issued public notices urging staff and officials to download Xuexi Qiangguo.

Three sources from different Party units say online study scores now factor into their performance reviews.

One staff member at a university in southern China told Reuters they are required to complete at least 160 hours of official study online per year.

"It's not too boring, but the Party used to be a part of my work," said a 35-year old researcher surnamed Liu at a Beijing university, who declined to give her full name due to the sensitivity of the topic.

"Now it is part of my life at all hours of the day."

In a bright red office in south Beijing, some of China's most studious Communist Party members are gathered around their smartphones. The focus of their attention is a range of mobile apps and websites which allow them to study the speeches of Chinese President Xi Jinping, including one developed by their own employer, Beijing-based conglomerate Tidal Star Group.

In a bright red office in south Beijing, some of China's most studious Communist Party members are gathered around their smartphones. The focus of their attention is a range of mobile apps and websites which allow them to study the speeches of Chinese President Xi Jinping, including one developed by their own employer, Beijing-based conglomerate Tidal Star Group. Tidal Star is among a rising number of Chinese firms working for or taking inspiration from, the country's ruling Communist Party to develop high-tech propaganda tools aimed at spreading the party's message among a tech-savvy younger generation. The party's mass propaganda toolkit has been upgraded from strident posters and Mao Zedong's "Little Red Book" to include artificially intelligent news readers, viral social media campaigns and "compulsory" quiz apps. "Of course we study the spirit of Xi Jinping's speeches in the traditional way, but now that we have the app, party members can basically learn the excellent ideas of the national leaders every day," said Cheng Hong, who heads Tidal Star's party committee. Staff who don't perform well on app quizzes will be "encouraged to improve their enthusiasm" while high scores are rewarded with praise and awards, Cheng added. Much of the new tech has been rolled out and upgraded ahead of the National People's Congress (NPC), China's top political meeting, which kicked-off on Tuesday. The annual parliamentary meeting typically sees a ramping-up of propaganda in Chinese state media. "It's a massive revolution and at the same time a huge challenge for the propaganda department, to keep relevant and have a stake, when everything propaganda-wise is now in cyberspace," said Graeme Smith, a Fellow at the Department of Pacific Affairs at the Australian National University. Red millennials Last month, an app called "Xuexi Qiangguo" which tracks how much time users spend learning Communist Party teachings and how they are progressing with their study, became the most downloaded app on Apple's China app store. The app, developed by Alibaba Group Holding Ltd, has since chalked up around 75 million downloads, according to estimates by Beijing-based consultancy Qimai. It is just one of the dozens of Chinese Communist Party apps available on Android app stores and Apple's China App Store, including "Party Member eHome", "Wisely Build the Party", "Party Member's Little Backpack". "Since 2016, one central publicity purpose for the Party is to make 'red millennials'," said a Beijing-based manager at a major US-listed Chinese news feed app. His company had collaborated with the Chinese Communist Party to promote stories written by state media outlets higher up in search results. "Official news is always the top priority. There is no news until official news," said the person, who declined to be named because he was not authorised to speak to media. On Sunday, state news agency Xinhua and U.S.-listed search firm Sogou Inc, also released the first official performance of a female AI news anchor called "Xin Xiaomeng", whose first job was to present a story about delegates attending China's largely rubber-stamp parliament meeting. China will get even better at telling its story to the world due to its "innovative application of communication means and technology," said Guo Weimin, a spokesman for parliament's largely ceremonial advisory body. "I believe that our voice will spread farther and farther." The Communist Party Propaganda Department did not respond to a request for comment. 'All hours of the day' The shift in the Party's propaganda outreach stretches to other areas such as media and popular culture. State media outlet Xinhua on Sunday released a patriotic English language rap song by Chinese musician Su Han. The fast-paced song lauds China's recent moon-landing, powerful supercomputers and ability to clone monkeys, alongside sometimes clumsy English references to kidney stones and cartoon character Popeye. Xinhua also released videos of foreigners praising China's political system, calling NPC press conferences "a journalist's dream" and laying out the benefits of a Chinese-style democracy, using footage of Chinese basketball star Yao Ming. Party members said the new propaganda push means political study now consumes more of their time than ever before. Universities, provincial party units and companies have recently issued public notices urging staff and officials to download Xuexi Qiangguo. Three sources from different Party units say online study scores now factor into their performance reviews. One staff member at a university in southern China told Reuters they are required to complete at least 160 hours of official study online per year. "It's not too boring, but the Party used to be a part of my work," said a 35-year old researcher surnamed Liu at a Beijing university, who declined to give her full name due to the sensitivity of the topic. "Now it is part of my life at all hours of the day."

Propaganda 2.0: Chinese Communist Party's message gets tech upgrade

Gravitas: Litmus test for Xi Jinping

US-China trade talks have been "very difficult and taxing" and negotiators still have "lots left to do", but breakthroughs have been made in some areas, China's commerce minister said Tuesday.

The comments as President Donald Trump has voiced confidence that he could soon sign a deal with President Xi Jinping to end a trade war that led to bruising tit-for-tat tariffs on goods from each country.

Recounting top economic official Liu He's recent trip to Washington for trade talks, commerce minister Zhong Shan said the "negotiation process was very difficult and taxing".

The content under discussion was very hard, Zhong stressed, "requiring our team to work overtime, day and night".

"Two days of negotiations had been agreed to, and then two days were added, and this was still very tense," Zhong told reporters on the sidelines of the opening session of the National People's Congress.

"The bilateral talks have been highly effective -- through 90 days of talks the two sides have achieved step by step, important results and breakthroughs in some areas," he said.

"Right now both teams are still negotiating because there is still lots left to do," Zhong said.

To reach an agreement "both sides need to walk towards each other and work hard together", he said.

The head of the China Banking Regulatory Commission said substantial breakthroughs had been reached in six areas, including technology transfer, intellectual property protection, non-tariff barriers, agricultural, services and exchange rates, according to local news site The Paper.&nbsp;

"This progress is substantial. I think it will be further expanded. There is no doubt about it," banking regulator Guo Shuqing said, according to The Paper.

Trump has for years railed against China's unfair trade practices, singling his ire on what he calls deliberate devaluation of its currency, the renminbi, also called the yuan.

"Some officials of the US government, including President Trump, accuse China of manipulating the exchange rate and promoting the devaluation of the renminbi to gain a competitive advantage," said Guo.

"There is no such thing, and everyone knows this," Guo said, adding it would be easier to reach a consensus on the exchange rate in future negotiations.

"It is certain that in the opening of the financial sector, China and the US are fully capable of reaching an agreement," he said.

US-China trade talks have been "very difficult and taxing" and negotiators still have "lots left to do", but breakthroughs have been made in some areas, China's commerce minister said Tuesday.

US-China trade talks have been "very difficult and taxing" and negotiators still have "lots left to do", but breakthroughs have been made in some areas, China's commerce minister said Tuesday. The comments as President Donald Trump has voiced confidence that he could soon sign a deal with President Xi Jinping to end a trade war that led to bruising tit-for-tat tariffs on goods from each country. Recounting top economic official Liu He's recent trip to Washington for trade talks, commerce minister Zhong Shan said the "negotiation process was very difficult and taxing". The content under discussion was very hard, Zhong stressed, "requiring our team to work overtime, day and night". "Two days of negotiations had been agreed to, and then two days were added, and this was still very tense," Zhong told reporters on the sidelines of the opening session of the National People's Congress. "The bilateral talks have been highly effective -- through 90 days of talks the two sides have achieved step by step, important results and breakthroughs in some areas," he said. "Right now both teams are still negotiating because there is still lots left to do," Zhong said. To reach an agreement "both sides need to walk towards each other and work hard together", he said. The head of the China Banking Regulatory Commission said substantial breakthroughs had been reached in six areas, including technology transfer, intellectual property protection, non-tariff barriers, agricultural, services and exchange rates, according to local news site The Paper. "This progress is substantial. I think it will be further expanded. There is no doubt about it," banking regulator Guo Shuqing said, according to The Paper. Trump has for years railed against China's unfair trade practices, singling his ire on what he calls deliberate devaluation of its currency, the renminbi, also called the yuan. "Some officials of the US government, including President Trump, accuse China of manipulating the exchange rate and promoting the devaluation of the renminbi to gain a competitive advantage," said Guo. "There is no such thing, and everyone knows this," Guo said, adding it would be easier to reach a consensus on the exchange rate in future negotiations. "It is certain that in the opening of the financial sector, China and the US are fully capable of reaching an agreement," he said.

Teams are still negotiating because there is still lots left to do in US trade talks: China

China's premier warned Tuesday that the country faces a "tough struggle" as <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-hikes-defence-budget-by-75-to-17761-billion-201192">he unveiled tax cuts</a> to prop up a stuttering economy while increasing military spending to nearly $180 billion.

The slowdown and US trade war have become major challenges for President Xi Jinping, a year after becoming the country's most powerful leader since Mao Zedong with the abolition of term limits and etching of his name into the constitution.

Premier Li Keqiang told the opening session of China's annual National People's Congress that the government is targeting growth of 6.0-6.5 per cent this year for the world's second-largest economy, lowering its range from 2018.

Nearly 3,000 delegates from across the country gathered under tight security, with legislation aimed at improving conditions for foreign investors topping the agenda of the two-week session.

"In pursuing development this year, we will face a graver and more complicated environment as well as risks and challenges ... that are greater in number and size," Li said in his speech.

"We must be fully prepared for a tough struggle," he said.

The government had set a target of around 6.5 per cent in 2018 and eventually recorded official growth of 6.6 per cent -- the slowest pace in nearly three decades. Three-quarters of provinces have already lowered their annual growth targets this year.

Taxes cut, spending boosted&nbsp; 
"We have made a moderate adjustment to our projection on the basis of a thorough assessment of destabilising factors and uncertainties affecting the economic performance," Li said.

To combat slowing growth, policymakers have said they will lower taxes, reduce fees and streamline red tape.

China will cut company taxes and employer social insurance contributions paid on behalf of workers by nearly 2 trillion yuan ($298 billion), Li said.

The value-added tax for manufacturers will be lowered to 13 per cent from 16 per cent and drop one per cent for the transportation and construction industries.

Beijing will also lift spending, with China's targeted fiscal deficit set to increase to 2.8 per cent of GDP, from 2.6 per cent last year.

"They need to strike a balance between boosting economic activity and not restart another debt-fuelled boom," said Tai Hui of JP Morgan Asset Management.

Fiscal policy will be "proactive", while monetary policy will remain "prudent", Li said, outlining cuts to the reserve ratios at medium and small banks to unleash more funds into the economy.

Beijing is determined to achieve above six per cent growth for the next two years to "meet its promise" of doubling GDP for the decade ending 2020, said Lu Ting, an analyst at Nomura bank.

Economic difficulties&nbsp; 
Despite the slowdown, the government unveiled a military budget increase of 7.5 per cent to 1.2 trillion yuan, though that is lower than last year's 8.1 per cent hike.

China has spent billions on stealth warplanes, aircraft carriers and other advanced weaponry as it faces territorial disputes in the South China Sea and issues warnings against independence in Taiwan.

Recent economic data point to the difficulties China faces, with growth in the last three months of 2018 clocking in at 6.4 per cent.

In January, an important barometer of prices in the country's industrial sector neared contraction territory while China's imports fell at the start of the year.

Manufacturing activity saw its worst performance in three years in February.

But the country's stock market soared to its highest point in more than eight months Monday on renewed optimism about a US trade deal.

Relations with the United States deteriorated sharply last year after President Donald Trump hit roughly half of the Chinese imports with new tariffs in an attempt to force trade concessions. But Trump has voiced confidence that he could soon sign a deal with Xi.

Li said China will settle "trade disputes through discussions as equals".

Enforcement of any agreement with the US has emerged as a potential sticking point.

"We faithfully honour our commitments," Li said.

"Right now both teams are still negotiating because there is still lots left to do," Commerce Minister Zhong Shan told reporters, adding there have been "breakthroughs in some areas".

The legislature will next week pass a new law regulating foreign investment and barring the forced transfer of technology by foreign firms to Chinese joint venture partners, in a move that could help ease US trade tensions.

Beijing will "create a fair and impartial market environment where Chinese and foreign companies are treated as equals and engage in fair competition", Li said.&nbsp;

China's premier warned Tuesday that the country faces a "tough struggle" as he unveiled tax cuts to prop up a stuttering economy while increasing military spending to nearly $180 billion.

China's premier warned Tuesday that the country faces a "tough struggle" as he unveiled tax cuts to prop up a stuttering economy while increasing military spending to nearly $180 billion. The slowdown and US trade war have become major challenges for President Xi Jinping, a year after becoming the country's most powerful leader since Mao Zedong with the abolition of term limits and etching of his name into the constitution. Premier Li Keqiang told the opening session of China's annual National People's Congress that the government is targeting growth of 6.0-6.5 per cent this year for the world's second-largest economy, lowering its range from 2018. Nearly 3,000 delegates from across the country gathered under tight security, with legislation aimed at improving conditions for foreign investors topping the agenda of the two-week session. "In pursuing development this year, we will face a graver and more complicated environment as well as risks and challenges ... that are greater in number and size," Li said in his speech. "We must be fully prepared for a tough struggle," he said. The government had set a target of around 6.5 per cent in 2018 and eventually recorded official growth of 6.6 per cent -- the slowest pace in nearly three decades. Three-quarters of provinces have already lowered their annual growth targets this year. Taxes cut, spending boosted "We have made a moderate adjustment to our projection on the basis of a thorough assessment of destabilising factors and uncertainties affecting the economic performance," Li said. To combat slowing growth, policymakers have said they will lower taxes, reduce fees and streamline red tape. China will cut company taxes and employer social insurance contributions paid on behalf of workers by nearly 2 trillion yuan ($298 billion), Li said. The value-added tax for manufacturers will be lowered to 13 per cent from 16 per cent and drop one per cent for the transportation and construction industries. Beijing will also lift spending, with China's targeted fiscal deficit set to increase to 2.8 per cent of GDP, from 2.6 per cent last year. "They need to strike a balance between boosting economic activity and not restart another debt-fuelled boom," said Tai Hui of JP Morgan Asset Management. Fiscal policy will be "proactive", while monetary policy will remain "prudent", Li said, outlining cuts to the reserve ratios at medium and small banks to unleash more funds into the economy. Beijing is determined to achieve above six per cent growth for the next two years to "meet its promise" of doubling GDP for the decade ending 2020, said Lu Ting, an analyst at Nomura bank. Economic difficulties Despite the slowdown, the government unveiled a military budget increase of 7.5 per cent to 1.2 trillion yuan, though that is lower than last year's 8.1 per cent hike. China has spent billions on stealth warplanes, aircraft carriers and other advanced weaponry as it faces territorial disputes in the South China Sea and issues warnings against independence in Taiwan. Recent economic data point to the difficulties China faces, with growth in the last three months of 2018 clocking in at 6.4 per cent. In January, an important barometer of prices in the country's industrial sector neared contraction territory while China's imports fell at the start of the year. Manufacturing activity saw its worst performance in three years in February. But the country's stock market soared to its highest point in more than eight months Monday on renewed optimism about a US trade deal. Relations with the United States deteriorated sharply last year after President Donald Trump hit roughly half of the Chinese imports with new tariffs in an attempt to force trade concessions. But Trump has voiced confidence that he could soon sign a deal with Xi. Li said China will settle "trade disputes through discussions as equals". Enforcement of any agreement with the US has emerged as a potential sticking point. "We faithfully honour our commitments," Li said. "Right now both teams are still negotiating because there is still lots left to do," Commerce Minister Zhong Shan told reporters, adding there have been "breakthroughs in some areas". The legislature will next week pass a new law regulating foreign investment and barring the forced transfer of technology by foreign firms to Chinese joint venture partners, in a move that could help ease US trade tensions. Beijing will "create a fair and impartial market environment where Chinese and foreign companies are treated as equals and engage in fair competition", Li said.

With economy slowing, China Premier Li Keqiang says 'tough struggle' ahead

The United States and China appear close to a deal that would roll back US tariffs on at least $200 billion worth of Chinese goods, as Beijing makes pledges on structural economic changes and eliminates retaliatory tariffs on US&nbsp;goods, a source briefed on negotiations said on Sunday.

US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping could seal a formal trade deal at a summit around March 27 given progress in talks between the two countries, the Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday.

In an eight-month trade war, the United States has imposed punitive tariffs on $250 billion worth of imports from China, while Beijing has hit back with tariffs on $110 billion worth of U.S. goods, including soybeans and other commodities. The actions have roiled financial markets, disrupted manufacturing supply chains and reduced U.S. farm exports.

Trump administration officials have said they expect the two presidents to "close" a deal at a summit in coming weeks at Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.

The source briefed on the talks said that no dates for a summit had been determined, but that Beijing had reserved a 10-day window from around March 20 for a possible summit.

Many details still needed to be worked out, including the terms of an enforcement mechanism to ensure that Beijing follows through on pledges to make changes to policies to better protect US intellectual property, end forced technology transfers and curb industrial subsidies.

Another source familiar with the talks said that Washington and Beijing were close to agreement on non-enforcement issues, including China's pledges to increase purchases of farm, energy and manufactured products, as well as six agreements on structural policy changes.

The Wall Street Journal said that in the pending agreement, China would lower tariffs on US-made goods including agricultural products, chemicals and cars in exchange for sanctions relief from Washington, citing people briefed on the matter on both sides.

The newspaper's sources cautioned that hurdles remain, and each side faces possible resistance at home that the terms are too favourable to the other side.

As a part of the deal there would be an $18 billion purchase of natural-gas from Houston-based Cheniere Energy Inc, the report said.

Cheniere declined to comment on the potential for a new LNG supply deal with China, a spokesman said. It last year signed a 20-year deal to supply state-run Chinese National Petroleum Corp (CNPC) with natural gas from its Louisiana export terminal through 2043.

The United States is working to hammer out a detailed trade agreement with China that will include specific structural commitments, U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told CNBC on Thursday.

Last week, Trump said the U.S. could walk away from a trade deal with China if it were not good enough, even as his economic advisers touted "fantastic" progress towards an agreement to end the dispute with Beijing.

Trump a week ago delayed a tariff increase on $200 billion in Chinese goods that was previously scheduled to take place on Saturday, citing progress in the talks.

The United States and China appear close to a deal that would roll back US tariffs on at least $200 billion worth of Chinese goods, as Beijing makes pledges on structural economic changes and eliminates retaliatory tariffs on US goods, a source briefed on negotiations said on Sunday.

The United States and China appear close to a deal that would roll back US tariffs on at least $200 billion worth of Chinese goods, as Beijing makes pledges on structural economic changes and eliminates retaliatory tariffs on US goods, a source briefed on negotiations said on Sunday. US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping could seal a formal trade deal at a summit around March 27 given progress in talks between the two countries, the Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday. In an eight-month trade war, the United States has imposed punitive tariffs on $250 billion worth of imports from China, while Beijing has hit back with tariffs on $110 billion worth of U.S. goods, including soybeans and other commodities. The actions have roiled financial markets, disrupted manufacturing supply chains and reduced U.S. farm exports. Trump administration officials have said they expect the two presidents to "close" a deal at a summit in coming weeks at Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. The source briefed on the talks said that no dates for a summit had been determined, but that Beijing had reserved a 10-day window from around March 20 for a possible summit. Many details still needed to be worked out, including the terms of an enforcement mechanism to ensure that Beijing follows through on pledges to make changes to policies to better protect US intellectual property, end forced technology transfers and curb industrial subsidies. Another source familiar with the talks said that Washington and Beijing were close to agreement on non-enforcement issues, including China's pledges to increase purchases of farm, energy and manufactured products, as well as six agreements on structural policy changes. The Wall Street Journal said that in the pending agreement, China would lower tariffs on US-made goods including agricultural products, chemicals and cars in exchange for sanctions relief from Washington, citing people briefed on the matter on both sides. The newspaper's sources cautioned that hurdles remain, and each side faces possible resistance at home that the terms are too favourable to the other side. As a part of the deal there would be an $18 billion purchase of natural-gas from Houston-based Cheniere Energy Inc, the report said. Cheniere declined to comment on the potential for a new LNG supply deal with China, a spokesman said. It last year signed a 20-year deal to supply state-run Chinese National Petroleum Corp (CNPC) with natural gas from its Louisiana export terminal through 2043. The United States is working to hammer out a detailed trade agreement with China that will include specific structural commitments, U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told CNBC on Thursday. Last week, Trump said the U.S. could walk away from a trade deal with China if it were not good enough, even as his economic advisers touted "fantastic" progress towards an agreement to end the dispute with Beijing. Trump a week ago delayed a tariff increase on $200 billion in Chinese goods that was previously scheduled to take place on Saturday, citing progress in the talks.

US and China said to appear close to deal to roll back tariffs

President Xi Jinping, battling a persistent downturn in China's economy, is trying to gird his rule by demanding absolute loyalty from the Communist Party and attacking officials who stifle his policies, according to a report from the Dow Jones Newswires made available to EFE Sunday.

In recent weeks, Xi has put members of the ruling party on notice. He summoned senior officials from across China to warn them about "major risks" to the world's No. 2 economy, reminding them to shoulder responsibility for solving problems.

His administration issued a slew of new party directives demanding "unity and concerted action." Last week, state media publicized that the rest of the party leadership submitted self-evaluations for Xi's review, in a recently revived ritual designed to portray him as the ultimate authority.

While Xi remains undisputedly in charge, party watchers say his maneuvers point to simmering disquiet within the government and political elite. Critics say the president's policies have failed to shore up the slowing economy, unnecessarily aggravated tensions with the United States and alienated many other foreign governments.

Meanwhile, they say, his insistence on control and threats to punish wayward officials are creating a policy muddle on the economy and sowing confusion in the bureaucracy.

"Xi does feel a sense of crisis" as he grapples with China's economic woes and bureaucratic resistance within the party, says Deng Yuwen, a former deputy editor of the Study Times, a newspaper published by Beijing's elite Central Party School. "From Xi's perspective, he believes his policies are correct but the problem is they aren't being implemented properly."

A test of Xi's authority will unfold over the next two weeks, when roughly 3,000 lawmakers gather in Beijing to review the government's economic blueprint for a year full of politically challenging anniversaries. While some, like the 70th anniversary of the People's Republic, are auspicious, several others are not, like the 30-year mark since the deadly suppression of the Tiananmen Square protests.

The annual sessions of the National People's Congress and a related government advisory body are largely set pieces of political theater, intended to show that the party is in control. Behind closed doors, the delegates, composed mostly of political notables from around the country, at times vent over government policy. Trade talks with the US, now set to stretch well into March, could also complicate matters as Xi seeks to curb dissent at the congress, which kicks off on Tuesday.

The atmosphere is a measure of how Xi's aura of dominance, if not his power, has receded over the past year.

Last spring, he appeared unassailable as China's leader, having emerged from a party conclave with unrivaled authority and cleared a path toward lifetime rule by scrapping term limits on his presidency. Concerns that he had concentrated too much power, fueled by fulsome state-media praise for his leadership, soon stirred criticism, exacerbated by slowing growth and trade tensions with the US.

A standoff of sorts has developed between Xi and some within the party's senior ranks. He hasn't convened the Central Committee – the party's nearly 380 most-influential members – for a meeting in a year, a delay that allows him to dictate policies without consulting the broader elite. In recent decades, the committee has regularly met in the fall to approve overall policy goals.

Instead Xi summoned the party elite together in late January for a seminar at the Central Party School, where he inveighed against "slackness in spirit" and "lack of ability" among officials. He warned them that allowing economic risks to go unaddressed could lead to social unrest and ultimately affect the party's standing.

"The going is getting tougher" for China to marshal its economic challenges, "which explains why Xi Jinping is focusing more on politics than economics," says Andrew Collier, managing director at Orient Capital Research, an independent research firm in Hong Kong. "China, as with most countries, is avoiding hard policy decisions and letting political infighting dictate who gets money in a time of scarcity."

The current economic downturn was partly brought on by Xi's policies. For the past two years, Beijing has prioritized curbing risks in the financial sector to stop the pileup of corporate and local government debt that threatens long-term growth. The clampdown on lending, however, rippled through the economy, driving up costs for many businesses at a time the growth cycle was already ebbing.

Now, Beijing wants to turn on the credit taps to boost growth. Xi's government has approved more infrastructure projects and urged bank lending to small and midsize private businesses. But doing so risks reigniting the risky borrowing and debt buildup Beijing has tried to control.

Tensions over the competing priorities surfaced at a February cabinet meeting, where Premier Li Keqiang, the titular No. 2 leader who has lost influence over economic policy to Xi, warned that recent stimulus measures could "bring new potential risks," citing a surge in short-term lending that led to record bank-loan growth in January.

His comments drew a rebuttal from China's central bank, whose official newspaper published an interview with an anonymous official who said the government wasn't engaging in "flood-irrigation" style stimulus and that seasonal factors contributed to the growth in short-term loans, which has helped small businesses.

Xi himself weighed in a day later, telling the Politburo – the party's top 25 officials – that officials should "pay attention to preventing risks on the foundation of stable growth." State media said he is signaling that Beijing can't allow the economy to decelerate as a result of de-risking – objectives that economists say are at odds.

"You can't deleverage or de-risk the economic and financial system and sustain elevated growth," said George Magnus, an economist and research associate at Oxford University's China Center. "This incoherence is a major problem and certainly an important contributor to the lack of confidence."

Xi has sought to cut through the bureaucratic inertia with new party strictures that boost his control. New regulations released last week require officials to keep their superiors informed and seek approval on "major matters," including the implementation of party edicts.

President Xi Jinping, battling a persistent downturn in China's economy, is trying to gird his rule by demanding absolute loyalty from the Communist Party and attacking officials who stifle his policies, according to a report from the Dow Jones Newswires made available to EFE Sunday.

President Xi Jinping, battling a persistent downturn in China's economy, is trying to gird his rule by demanding absolute loyalty from the Communist Party and attacking officials who stifle his policies, according to a report from the Dow Jones Newswires made available to EFE Sunday. In recent weeks, Xi has put members of the ruling party on notice. He summoned senior officials from across China to warn them about "major risks" to the world's No. 2 economy, reminding them to shoulder responsibility for solving problems. His administration issued a slew of new party directives demanding "unity and concerted action." Last week, state media publicized that the rest of the party leadership submitted self-evaluations for Xi's review, in a recently revived ritual designed to portray him as the ultimate authority. While Xi remains undisputedly in charge, party watchers say his maneuvers point to simmering disquiet within the government and political elite. Critics say the president's policies have failed to shore up the slowing economy, unnecessarily aggravated tensions with the United States and alienated many other foreign governments. Meanwhile, they say, his insistence on control and threats to punish wayward officials are creating a policy muddle on the economy and sowing confusion in the bureaucracy. "Xi does feel a sense of crisis" as he grapples with China's economic woes and bureaucratic resistance within the party, says Deng Yuwen, a former deputy editor of the Study Times, a newspaper published by Beijing's elite Central Party School. "From Xi's perspective, he believes his policies are correct but the problem is they aren't being implemented properly." A test of Xi's authority will unfold over the next two weeks, when roughly 3,000 lawmakers gather in Beijing to review the government's economic blueprint for a year full of politically challenging anniversaries. While some, like the 70th anniversary of the People's Republic, are auspicious, several others are not, like the 30-year mark since the deadly suppression of the Tiananmen Square protests. The annual sessions of the National People's Congress and a related government advisory body are largely set pieces of political theater, intended to show that the party is in control. Behind closed doors, the delegates, composed mostly of political notables from around the country, at times vent over government policy. Trade talks with the US, now set to stretch well into March, could also complicate matters as Xi seeks to curb dissent at the congress, which kicks off on Tuesday. The atmosphere is a measure of how Xi's aura of dominance, if not his power, has receded over the past year. Last spring, he appeared unassailable as China's leader, having emerged from a party conclave with unrivaled authority and cleared a path toward lifetime rule by scrapping term limits on his presidency. Concerns that he had concentrated too much power, fueled by fulsome state-media praise for his leadership, soon stirred criticism, exacerbated by slowing growth and trade tensions with the US. A standoff of sorts has developed between Xi and some within the party's senior ranks. He hasn't convened the Central Committee – the party's nearly 380 most-influential members – for a meeting in a year, a delay that allows him to dictate policies without consulting the broader elite. In recent decades, the committee has regularly met in the fall to approve overall policy goals. Instead Xi summoned the party elite together in late January for a seminar at the Central Party School, where he inveighed against "slackness in spirit" and "lack of ability" among officials. He warned them that allowing economic risks to go unaddressed could lead to social unrest and ultimately affect the party's standing. "The going is getting tougher" for China to marshal its economic challenges, "which explains why Xi Jinping is focusing more on politics than economics," says Andrew Collier, managing director at Orient Capital Research, an independent research firm in Hong Kong. "China, as with most countries, is avoiding hard policy decisions and letting political infighting dictate who gets money in a time of scarcity." The current economic downturn was partly brought on by Xi's policies. For the past two years, Beijing has prioritized curbing risks in the financial sector to stop the pileup of corporate and local government debt that threatens long-term growth. The clampdown on lending, however, rippled through the economy, driving up costs for many businesses at a time the growth cycle was already ebbing. Now, Beijing wants to turn on the credit taps to boost growth. Xi's government has approved more infrastructure projects and urged bank lending to small and midsize private businesses. But doing so risks reigniting the risky borrowing and debt buildup Beijing has tried to control. Tensions over the competing priorities surfaced at a February cabinet meeting, where Premier Li Keqiang, the titular No. 2 leader who has lost influence over economic policy to Xi, warned that recent stimulus measures could "bring new potential risks," citing a surge in short-term lending that led to record bank-loan growth in January. His comments drew a rebuttal from China's central bank, whose official newspaper published an interview with an anonymous official who said the government wasn't engaging in "flood-irrigation" style stimulus and that seasonal factors contributed to the growth in short-term loans, which has helped small businesses. Xi himself weighed in a day later, telling the Politburo – the party's top 25 officials – that officials should "pay attention to preventing risks on the foundation of stable growth." State media said he is signaling that Beijing can't allow the economy to decelerate as a result of de-risking – objectives that economists say are at odds. "You can't deleverage or de-risk the economic and financial system and sustain elevated growth," said George Magnus, an economist and research associate at Oxford University's China Center. "This incoherence is a major problem and certainly an important contributor to the lack of confidence." Xi has sought to cut through the bureaucratic inertia with new party strictures that boost his control. New regulations released last week require officials to keep their superiors informed and seek approval on "major matters," including the implementation of party edicts.

Xi Jinping works to stifle dissent amid concerns about China's economy

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday his summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un had <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/no-agreement-was-reached-at-trump-kim-summit-white-house-200203">failed to reach an agreement</a> due to North Korean demands to lift punishing US-led sanctions.

Earlier, both Trump and Kim had expressed hope for progress on improving relations and on the key issue of denuclearisation, in their talks in the Vietnamese capital, Hanoi, their second summit in eight months.

"Basically, they wanted the sanctions lifted in their entirety, but we couldn't do that ... we had to walk away from it," Trump told reporters after summit talks were cut short.

The United Nations and the United States ratcheted up sanctions on North Korea when the reclusive state undertook a series of nuclear and missile tests in 2017, cutting off its main sources hard cash.

Both leaders left the venue of their talks, the French-colonial-era Metropole hotel, without attending a planned lunch together, and returned to their hotels.

Failure to reach an agreement marks a setback for Trump, a self-styled dealmaker under pressure at home over his ties to Russia and testimony from Michael Cohen, his former personal lawyer, accusing him of breaking the law while in office.

Trump said Cohen "lied a lot" during Congressional testimony in Washington on Wednesday.

While Trump had said he was in "no rush" to strike a deal with North Korea and wanted to do the right deal with Kim, the White House had been confident enough to schedule a now cancelled "joint agreement signing ceremony" at the conclusion of talks.

"You always have to be prepared to walk," Trump said, describing the two days of talks as very productive. "We had papers ready to be signed, it just wasn't appropriate."

Kicking off their second day in Hanoi earlier on Thursday, Trump again stressed the talks aimed at tackling North Korea's nuclear threat should not be rushed. He said he would be happy as long as North Korea conducted no more nuclear or intercontinental ballistic missile tests.

North Korea has conducted no nuclear or intercontinental ballistic missile tests since late 2017.

Trump said Kim had promised him there would be no more nuclear or rocket tests.

Trump said he and Kim had discussed dismantling North Korea's main nuclear facility at Yongbyon, which Kim was willing to do, but he had wanted sanctions relief.

News of the summit failure sent South Korea's currency lower and knocked regional stock markets. South Korea's Kospi index closed 1.8 per cent lower, marking the biggest one-day percentage loss since Oct 2018.

Denuclearisation pledge

Earlier Kim and Trump, seated across from each other at a conference table, appeared confident of progress.

“If I’m not willing to do that, I won’t be here right now,” Kim told reporters through an interpreter when asked if he was ready to give up his nuclear weapons.

Trump, responding to that, said: "That might be the best answer you’ve ever heard.”

Kim did not elaborate on what "denuclearisation" would entail but asked if he was ready to take concrete steps, Kim said they had just been talking about that.

While the United States is demanding North Korea give up all of its nuclear and missile programmes, the North wants to see the removal of a US nuclear umbrella for its Asian allies such as South Korea and Japan.

The two leaders' first summit, in Singapore in June, the first between a sitting US president and a North Korean leader, produced a vague statement in which Kim pledged to work toward denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula.

But there has been little progress since.

Earlier Kim, asked by a reporter if he was confident about a deal, said, through an interpreter:

"It's too early to tell, but I wouldn't say I'm pessimistic. For what I feel right now, I do have a feeling that good results will come out," he said, in what was believed to be his first ever response to a foreign journalist.

"There must be people who watch us having a wonderful time, like a scene from a fantasy movie. We have so far made lots of efforts, and it's time to show them," Kim said.

Trump reiterated North Korea's potential, if a deal can be done, saying the isolated country could be an "economic powerhouse".

Trump said late last year he and Kim "fell in love", but there have been doubts about whether the bonhomie could move them beyond summit pageantry to substantive progress on eliminating a North Korean nuclear arsenal that threatens the United States.

While Trump indicated a more flexible stance in the run-up to Hanoi, critics warned that he risked squandering vital leverage over North Korea if he gave away too much, too quickly.

US intelligence officials have said there is no sign North Korea would eve give up its entire arsenal of nuclear weapons, which Kim's ruling family sees as vital to its survival.

<ul>
</ul>

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday his summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un had failed to reach an agreement due to North Korean demands to lift punishing US-led sanctions.

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday his summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un had failed to reach an agreement due to North Korean demands to lift punishing US-led sanctions. Earlier, both Trump and Kim had expressed hope for progress on improving relations and on the key issue of denuclearisation, in their talks in the Vietnamese capital, Hanoi, their second summit in eight months. "Basically, they wanted the sanctions lifted in their entirety, but we couldn't do that ... we had to walk away from it," Trump told reporters after summit talks were cut short. The United Nations and the United States ratcheted up sanctions on North Korea when the reclusive state undertook a series of nuclear and missile tests in 2017, cutting off its main sources hard cash. Both leaders left the venue of their talks, the French-colonial-era Metropole hotel, without attending a planned lunch together, and returned to their hotels. Failure to reach an agreement marks a setback for Trump, a self-styled dealmaker under pressure at home over his ties to Russia and testimony from Michael Cohen, his former personal lawyer, accusing him of breaking the law while in office. Trump said Cohen "lied a lot" during Congressional testimony in Washington on Wednesday. While Trump had said he was in "no rush" to strike a deal with North Korea and wanted to do the right deal with Kim, the White House had been confident enough to schedule a now cancelled "joint agreement signing ceremony" at the conclusion of talks. "You always have to be prepared to walk," Trump said, describing the two days of talks as very productive. "We had papers ready to be signed, it just wasn't appropriate." Kicking off their second day in Hanoi earlier on Thursday, Trump again stressed the talks aimed at tackling North Korea's nuclear threat should not be rushed. He said he would be happy as long as North Korea conducted no more nuclear or intercontinental ballistic missile tests. North Korea has conducted no nuclear or intercontinental ballistic missile tests since late 2017. Trump said Kim had promised him there would be no more nuclear or rocket tests. Trump said he and Kim had discussed dismantling North Korea's main nuclear facility at Yongbyon, which Kim was willing to do, but he had wanted sanctions relief. News of the summit failure sent South Korea's currency lower and knocked regional stock markets. South Korea's Kospi index closed 1.8 per cent lower, marking the biggest one-day percentage loss since Oct 2018. Denuclearisation pledge Earlier Kim and Trump, seated across from each other at a conference table, appeared confident of progress. “If I’m not willing to do that, I won’t be here right now,” Kim told reporters through an interpreter when asked if he was ready to give up his nuclear weapons. Trump, responding to that, said: "That might be the best answer you’ve ever heard.” Kim did not elaborate on what "denuclearisation" would entail but asked if he was ready to take concrete steps, Kim said they had just been talking about that. While the United States is demanding North Korea give up all of its nuclear and missile programmes, the North wants to see the removal of a US nuclear umbrella for its Asian allies such as South Korea and Japan. The two leaders' first summit, in Singapore in June, the first between a sitting US president and a North Korean leader, produced a vague statement in which Kim pledged to work toward denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula. But there has been little progress since. Earlier Kim, asked by a reporter if he was confident about a deal, said, through an interpreter: "It's too early to tell, but I wouldn't say I'm pessimistic. For what I feel right now, I do have a feeling that good results will come out," he said, in what was believed to be his first ever response to a foreign journalist. "There must be people who watch us having a wonderful time, like a scene from a fantasy movie. We have so far made lots of efforts, and it's time to show them," Kim said. Trump reiterated North Korea's potential, if a deal can be done, saying the isolated country could be an "economic powerhouse". Trump said late last year he and Kim "fell in love", but there have been doubts about whether the bonhomie could move them beyond summit pageantry to substantive progress on eliminating a North Korean nuclear arsenal that threatens the United States. While Trump indicated a more flexible stance in the run-up to Hanoi, critics warned that he risked squandering vital leverage over North Korea if he gave away too much, too quickly. US intelligence officials have said there is no sign North Korea would eve give up its entire arsenal of nuclear weapons, which Kim's ruling family sees as vital to its survival.

Trump says deal with Kim thwarted by North Korean sanction demands

India's External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will be leaving for China for the 16th Russia, India, China (RIC) meet on Tuesday. The meet will take place on Wednesday in Wuzhen, Zhejiang. The meet will be chaired by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and will be attended by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Sushma Swaraj.

Announcing the visit, India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in a press release said, "The ministers are expected to exchange views on the global situation, regional developments of common concern, address global challenges such as terrorism and discuss trilateral exchanges and activities. "

Speaking on the RIC meet, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang said, "During this meeting, the foreign ministers of the three countries will take the implementation of the important consensus of the leaders as the main thrust, focus on the current international landscape, exchange in-depth views on major regional and international issues of mutual interest and deepen third-party cooperation. "

The Russian foreign ministry said the focus will be on Afghanistan, Syria and the situation in Korea. Russia's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova said, "The foreign ministers plan to exchange views on the most pressing international and regional matters, in particular, resolving the situation in Afghanistan, the Middle East, Syria, Libya and Yemen, the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula, and to discuss fighting terrorism, extremism and drug trafficking, as well as ensuring international information security."

EAM Sushma Swaraj will also hold bilateral meets with her Russian and Chinese counterparts.

The meeting comes in the backdrop of the Pulwama terror attack whose responsibility was claimed by Pakistan based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed(JEM). India has been trying to declare the chief of JEM Masood Azhar as an international terrorist under the 1267 committee of the United Nation Security Council but has been blocked many times by China.

China has been non-committal about its listing of Azhar. Last week in its daily briefing Geng Shuang said, China will engage in relevant discussions in a "constructive and responsible manner" and "keep close communication and coordination with India and other parties concerned."

The last RIC foreign ministerial meeting took place in New Delhi on 11 December 2017. That meet came in the backdrop of Doklam crisis when Chinese forces tried to build a road on Bhutanese territory and the attempt was thwarted by Indian forces but led to a &nbsp;two-month-long standoff, the worst in many decades.

RIC meet at the leaders level — Prime Minister Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping took place on 30 November last year on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Argentina. The meet took place after a gap of 12 years.

India's External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will be leaving for China for the 16th Russia, India, China (RIC) meet on Tuesday. The meet will take place on Wednesday in Wuzhen, Zhejiang.

India's External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will be leaving for China for the 16th Russia, India, China (RIC) meet on Tuesday. The meet will take place on Wednesday in Wuzhen, Zhejiang. The meet will be chaired by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and will be attended by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Sushma Swaraj. Announcing the visit, India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in a press release said, "The ministers are expected to exchange views on the global situation, regional developments of common concern, address global challenges such as terrorism and discuss trilateral exchanges and activities. " Speaking on the RIC meet, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang said, "During this meeting, the foreign ministers of the three countries will take the implementation of the important consensus of the leaders as the main thrust, focus on the current international landscape, exchange in-depth views on major regional and international issues of mutual interest and deepen third-party cooperation. " The Russian foreign ministry said the focus will be on Afghanistan, Syria and the situation in Korea. Russia's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova said, "The foreign ministers plan to exchange views on the most pressing international and regional matters, in particular, resolving the situation in Afghanistan, the Middle East, Syria, Libya and Yemen, the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula, and to discuss fighting terrorism, extremism and drug trafficking, as well as ensuring international information security." EAM Sushma Swaraj will also hold bilateral meets with her Russian and Chinese counterparts. The meeting comes in the backdrop of the Pulwama terror attack whose responsibility was claimed by Pakistan based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed(JEM). India has been trying to declare the chief of JEM Masood Azhar as an international terrorist under the 1267 committee of the United Nation Security Council but has been blocked many times by China. China has been non-committal about its listing of Azhar. Last week in its daily briefing Geng Shuang said, China will engage in relevant discussions in a "constructive and responsible manner" and "keep close communication and coordination with India and other parties concerned." The last RIC foreign ministerial meeting took place in New Delhi on 11 December 2017. That meet came in the backdrop of Doklam crisis when Chinese forces tried to build a road on Bhutanese territory and the attempt was thwarted by Indian forces but led to a two-month-long standoff, the worst in many decades. RIC meet at the leaders level — Prime Minister Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping took place on 30 November last year on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Argentina. The meet took place after a gap of 12 years.

Terror, Afghanistan in focus as EAM Sushma Swaraj heads to China for RIC meet

Oil prices rose on Monday as Washington and China appeared to edge closer to a trade deal, dampening fears over the outlook for global economic growth.

International Brent crude oil futures were at $67.26 a barrel at 0005 GMT, up 14 cents, or 0.2 per cent, from their last close. They ended Friday little changed after touching their highest since November 16 at $67.73 a barrel.

US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were at $57.38 per barrel, up 11 cents, or 0.2 per cent, from their last settlement. WTI futures climbed 0.5 per cent on Friday, having marked their highest since November 16 at $57.81 a barrel.

"Crude prices continue to be supported on optimism a trade deal will be reached in the coming days by the world's two largest economies, said Edward Moya, senior market analyst, OANDA.

President Donald Trump said on Sunday he would delay an increase in US tariffs on Chinese goods scheduled for later this week thanks to progress in trade talks and said if progress continued, he and Chinese President Xi Jinping would seal a deal.

Signs of reduced global oil supply also supported crude prices.

US energy firms this week cut the number of oil rigs operating for the first time in three weeks week after US&nbsp;crude production hit an all-time high, boosting exports to a record-peak and stockpiles to their highest in over a year.

Meanwhile, Mexico's Pemex produced 1.62 million barrels of crude per day in January, less than any month in almost three decades, the state-owned oil company said on Friday, underscoring the challenges facing a government that vows to pump far more in a few years.

Oil prices rose on Monday as Washington and China appeared to edge closer to a trade deal, dampening fears over the outlook for global economic growth. International Brent crude oil futures were at $67.

Oil prices rose on Monday as Washington and China appeared to edge closer to a trade deal, dampening fears over the outlook for global economic growth. International Brent crude oil futures were at $67.26 a barrel at 0005 GMT, up 14 cents, or 0.2 per cent, from their last close. They ended Friday little changed after touching their highest since November 16 at $67.73 a barrel. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were at $57.38 per barrel, up 11 cents, or 0.2 per cent, from their last settlement. WTI futures climbed 0.5 per cent on Friday, having marked their highest since November 16 at $57.81 a barrel. "Crude prices continue to be supported on optimism a trade deal will be reached in the coming days by the world's two largest economies, said Edward Moya, senior market analyst, OANDA. President Donald Trump said on Sunday he would delay an increase in US tariffs on Chinese goods scheduled for later this week thanks to progress in trade talks and said if progress continued, he and Chinese President Xi Jinping would seal a deal. Signs of reduced global oil supply also supported crude prices. US energy firms this week cut the number of oil rigs operating for the first time in three weeks week after US crude production hit an all-time high, boosting exports to a record-peak and stockpiles to their highest in over a year. Meanwhile, Mexico's Pemex produced 1.62 million barrels of crude per day in January, less than any month in almost three decades, the state-owned oil company said on Friday, underscoring the challenges facing a government that vows to pump far more in a few years.

Oil prices firm on hopes for US, China trade deal

Shanghai led a rally across Asian markets Monday after Donald Trump said he would delay a hike in tariffs on Chinese goods citing "substantial progress" in trade talks and fuelling hopes of an end to their long-running stand-off.

Optimism over the negotiations had already provided support to global equities, spurring a rally in January and February, but the president's comments gave extra ammunition to investors to ramp up the buying.

The news also fired currency markets with the yuan extending gains to a seven-month high, while other high-yielding, riskier units were also up against the dollar.

Trump said on Twitter that the US "has made substantial progress in our trade talks with China on important structural issues including intellectual property protection, technology transfer, agriculture, services, currency, and many other issues".

He added: "As a result of these very productive talks, I will be delaying the US increase in tariffs now scheduled for March 1."

The president also said he planned to hold a summit with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida to sign a deal.

China's Xinhua news agency added that the two sides had "made substantial progress on specific issues" including on transfer of technology, intellectual property and agriculture.

'Sigh of relief'&nbsp;

In morning trade, Shanghai jumped 2.8 per cent and Hong Kong added 0.4 per cent while Tokyo ended the morning 0.7 per cent higher.

Sydney and Singapore each put on 0.1 per cent, while Seoul was flat, Taipei added 0.4 per cent and Jakarta rose 0.3 per cent.

The gains in Asia followed another positive lead from Wall Street, where the Dow enjoyed its ninth straight weekly gain -- the longest streak since May 1995.

"This is a sigh of relief," said Ben Emons, managing director for global macro strategy at Medley Global Advisors. "Markets will still keep a level of caution, but this news is encouraging," he told Bloomberg TV.

The upbeat sentiment lifted high-risk currencies, with the yuan hitting its highest level against the dollar since July, while South Korea's won, the Australian dollar and the Indonesia rupiah were also well up.

Forex traders will be closely watching speeches this week from top Federal Reserve officials -- including chairman Jerome Powell's appearance in front of lawmakers -- hoping for clues about the bank's monetary policy plans.

Wall Street "will be looking for soothing comments about the future size of the balance sheet -- the bigger the better -- and insights into future rate hikes", said Jeffrey Halley, senior market analyst at OANDA.

Shanghai led a rally across Asian markets Monday after Donald Trump said he would delay a hike in tariffs on Chinese goods citing "substantial progress" in trade talks and fuelling hopes of an end to their long-running stand-off.

Shanghai led a rally across Asian markets Monday after Donald Trump said he would delay a hike in tariffs on Chinese goods citing "substantial progress" in trade talks and fuelling hopes of an end to their long-running stand-off. Optimism over the negotiations had already provided support to global equities, spurring a rally in January and February, but the president's comments gave extra ammunition to investors to ramp up the buying. The news also fired currency markets with the yuan extending gains to a seven-month high, while other high-yielding, riskier units were also up against the dollar. Trump said on Twitter that the US "has made substantial progress in our trade talks with China on important structural issues including intellectual property protection, technology transfer, agriculture, services, currency, and many other issues". He added: "As a result of these very productive talks, I will be delaying the US increase in tariffs now scheduled for March 1." The president also said he planned to hold a summit with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida to sign a deal. China's Xinhua news agency added that the two sides had "made substantial progress on specific issues" including on transfer of technology, intellectual property and agriculture. 'Sigh of relief' In morning trade, Shanghai jumped 2.8 per cent and Hong Kong added 0.4 per cent while Tokyo ended the morning 0.7 per cent higher. Sydney and Singapore each put on 0.1 per cent, while Seoul was flat, Taipei added 0.4 per cent and Jakarta rose 0.3 per cent. The gains in Asia followed another positive lead from Wall Street, where the Dow enjoyed its ninth straight weekly gain -- the longest streak since May 1995. "This is a sigh of relief," said Ben Emons, managing director for global macro strategy at Medley Global Advisors. "Markets will still keep a level of caution, but this news is encouraging," he told Bloomberg TV. The upbeat sentiment lifted high-risk currencies, with the yuan hitting its highest level against the dollar since July, while South Korea's won, the Australian dollar and the Indonesia rupiah were also well up. Forex traders will be closely watching speeches this week from top Federal Reserve officials -- including chairman Jerome Powell's appearance in front of lawmakers -- hoping for clues about the bank's monetary policy plans. Wall Street "will be looking for soothing comments about the future size of the balance sheet -- the bigger the better -- and insights into future rate hikes", said Jeffrey Halley, senior market analyst at OANDA.

Asia markets rally as Trump delays China tariffs

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-delay-china-tariff-increase-trump-199444">Trump says he is delaying tariff increase on Chinese goods</a>

The United States is delaying a planned increase of tariffs on more than $200 billion in Chinese exports after both sides hailed "substantial progress" made in trade talks.

US President Donald Trump also said Sunday that he planned to hold a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping at his Florida estate Mar-a-Lago to ink a deal.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/oscars-2019-live-hollywoods-biggest-night-is-here-199432">Oscars 2019, Live: India-based 'Period: End Of Sentence' wins </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/oscars-2019-live-hollywoods-biggest-night-is-here-199432">best</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/oscars-2019-live-hollywoods-biggest-night-is-here-199432"> documentary short award</a>

Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga get a standing ovation as they sing a mesmerising version of 'Shallow' from their film 'A Star Is Born'.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/give-peace-a-chance-imran-khan-to-pm-modi-199487">Give peace a chance: Imran Khan to PM Modi</a>

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday asked his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi to "give peace a chance" and assured him that he "stands by" his words and will "immediately act" if New Delhi provides Islamabad with "actionable intelligence" on the Pulwama attack.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/popes-vow-to-battle-child-sex-abuse-fails-to-appease-victims-199463">Pope vows to battle child sex abuse by </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/popes-vow-to-battle-child-sex-abuse-fails-to-appease-victims-199463">Catholic</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/popes-vow-to-battle-child-sex-abuse-fails-to-appease-victims-199463"> church but fails to appease victims</a>

Pope Francis on Sunday vowed to tackle every single case of sexual abuse by priests, comparing paedophilia to "human sacrifice", but drew an angry response from victims.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/oscars-red-carpet-jennifer-lopez-chadwick-boseman-rami-malek-turn-up-the-heat-199465#rami-malek-and-lucy-boynton-199433">Oscars red carpet: Jennifer Lopez, Chadwick Boseman, Rami Malek turn up the heat</a>

The 91st Academy Awards kickstarted on a glamorous note as Hollywood biggies arrived at the red carpet. From Best Actor nominee Rami Malek to Chadwick Boseman who starred in the hit film 'Black Panther', the boys gave the girls a stiff competition.&nbsp;

Trump says he is delaying tariff increase on Chinese goods The United States is delaying a planned increase of tariffs on more than $200 billion in Chinese exports after both sides hailed "substantial progress" made in trade talks.

Trump says he is delaying tariff increase on Chinese goods The United States is delaying a planned increase of tariffs on more than $200 billion in Chinese exports after both sides hailed "substantial progress" made in trade talks. US President Donald Trump also said Sunday that he planned to hold a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping at his Florida estate Mar-a-Lago to ink a deal. Oscars 2019, Live: India-based 'Period: End Of Sentence' wins best documentary short award Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga get a standing ovation as they sing a mesmerising version of 'Shallow' from their film 'A Star Is Born'. Give peace a chance: Imran Khan to PM Modi Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday asked his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi to "give peace a chance" and assured him that he "stands by" his words and will "immediately act" if New Delhi provides Islamabad with "actionable intelligence" on the Pulwama attack. Pope vows to battle child sex abuse by Catholic church but fails to appease victims Pope Francis on Sunday vowed to tackle every single case of sexual abuse by priests, comparing paedophilia to "human sacrifice", but drew an angry response from victims. Oscars red carpet: Jennifer Lopez, Chadwick Boseman, Rami Malek turn up the heat The 91st Academy Awards kickstarted on a glamorous note as Hollywood biggies arrived at the red carpet. From Best Actor nominee Rami Malek to Chadwick Boseman who starred in the hit film 'Black Panther', the boys gave the girls a stiff competition.

News brief: Big stories of the day

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump on Monday said he would hold a summit with China to sign any final trade deal, a day after signalling that he planned to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping to conclude an agreement.

However, Trump also told a group of US governors at the White House that while a US-China trade pact could happen very soon, it also might not happen at all.

On Sunday, Trump said he would delay an increase in US tariffs on Chinese goods thanks to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-delay-china-tariff-increase-trump-199444">"productive" trade talks</a>. Assuming additional progress was made on both sides, Trump said he planned to meet with Xi at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.

World markets rose on Monday after Trump's announcement of the delay, feeding investors' hopes that the trade war between the world's two biggest economies could soon see a resolution.

The seven-month-old trade war has rattled global markets and prompted stark warnings about the risks to the world economy.

Analysts say the two sides are likely to trumpet mutual agreements to resolve the easier parts of the trade dispute -- increasing purchases of American goods, more open investment in China and tougher protections for intellectual property and proprietary technology.

The harder parts covering issues such as scaling back China's ambitious industrial strategy for global preeminence, meanwhile, are another question.

Beijing has reportedly proposed a significant increase in its imports of US energy and agricultural exports. Still, a broader deal could be difficult given the US demands for far-reaching structural changes.

China's retaliation has hit US farm exports hard. The US Agriculture Department estimated this month that US soy exports would not return to their pre-trade war levels for another six years.

US President Donald Trump on Monday said he would hold a summit with China to sign any final trade deal, a day after signalling that he planned to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping to conclude an agreement.

US President Donald Trump on Monday said he would hold a summit with China to sign any final trade deal, a day after signalling that he planned to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping to conclude an agreement. However, Trump also told a group of US governors at the White House that while a US-China trade pact could happen very soon, it also might not happen at all. On Sunday, Trump said he would delay an increase in US tariffs on Chinese goods thanks to "productive" trade talks. Assuming additional progress was made on both sides, Trump said he planned to meet with Xi at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. World markets rose on Monday after Trump's announcement of the delay, feeding investors' hopes that the trade war between the world's two biggest economies could soon see a resolution. The seven-month-old trade war has rattled global markets and prompted stark warnings about the risks to the world economy. Analysts say the two sides are likely to trumpet mutual agreements to resolve the easier parts of the trade dispute -- increasing purchases of American goods, more open investment in China and tougher protections for intellectual property and proprietary technology. The harder parts covering issues such as scaling back China's ambitious industrial strategy for global preeminence, meanwhile, are another question. Beijing has reportedly proposed a significant increase in its imports of US energy and agricultural exports. Still, a broader deal could be difficult given the US demands for far-reaching structural changes. China's retaliation has hit US farm exports hard. The US Agriculture Department estimated this month that US soy exports would not return to their pre-trade war levels for another six years.

Trump says he plans summit with China to sign trade deal

The United States is delaying <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-china-has-agreed-to-cut-tariffs-on-us-made-cars-181113">a planned increase of tariffs on more than $200 billion in Chinese exports</a> after both sides hailed "substantial progress" made in trade talks.

US President Donald Trump also said Sunday that he planned to hold a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping at his Florida estate Mar-a-Lago to ink a deal.

"I am pleased to report that the U.S. has made substantial progress in our trade talks with China on important structural issues including intellectual property protection, technology transfer, agriculture, services, currency, and many other issues," Trump wrote on Twitter.

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I am pleased to report that the U.S. has made substantial progress in our trade talks with China on important structural issues including intellectual property protection, technology transfer, agriculture, services, currency, and many other issues. As a result of these very......
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1099800961089003522?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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....productive talks, I will be delaying the U.S. increase in tariffs now scheduled for March 1. Assuming both sides make additional progress, we will be planning a Summit for President Xi and myself, at Mar-a-Lago, to conclude an agreement. A very good weekend for U.S. &amp; China!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1099803719435239426?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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After exchanging tit-for-tat tariffs on more than $300 billion in total two-way trade, Trump and Xi in December declared a truce and agreed to hold off on further tariffs or retaliation for 90 days.

Trump initiated the trade war, which ate into company profits and contributed to stock market plunges, because of complaints over unfair Chinese trade practices -- concerns shared by the European Union, Japan and others.

"As a result of these very productive talks, I will be delaying the U.S. increase in tariffs now scheduled for March 1. Assuming both sides make additional progress, we will be planning a Summit for President Xi and myself, at Mar-a-Lago, to conclude an agreement. A very good weekend for U.S. &amp; China!" Trump tweeted.

China's official Xinhua news agency echoed those sentiments, saying the two sides "made substantial progress on specific issues" such as the transfer of technology, intellectual property protection, non-tariff barriers, the services sector, agriculture and exchange rates.

The delegations "came a step closer to realizing the important consensus reached" by Trump and Xi when they agreed to the truce in December, it added.

The report said the parties also agreed to "carry out follow-ups in accordance with the instructions of the two heads of state."

Trump had already expressed optimism about the negotiations Friday after meeting with China's vice premier Liu He, who led the Chinese side for the talks that concluded Sunday.

Steps forward 
Tokyo stocks opened higher supported by optimism over the deal that also lifted US shares. The benchmark Nikkei 225 index gained 0.59 percent, or 125.58 points, at 21,551.09 in early trade, while the broader Topix index was up 0.58 percent, or 9.32 points, at 1,618.84.

The dollar fetched 110.76 yen in early Asian trade, against 110.75 yen in New York Friday.

In Tokyo, some China-linked shares were higher, with construction machinery maker Komatsu up 1.71 percent at 2,873 yen and electronic parts maker Rohm up 2.05 percent at 7,460 yen.

Xi also struck a positive tone in a letter Liu delivered to Trump, saying he hoped the negotiations would be held in a "win-win" spirit that would lead to a mutually beneficial agreement.

The Chinese president expressed hope that the talks maintain "a mutually respectful, cooperative and win-win attitude" and lead to a "mutually beneficial" agreement.

Trump said Friday that an agreement on currency manipulation will be included in the trade pact, but otherwise few details have been made public.

The seven-month-old trade war has rattled global markets and prompted stark warnings about the risks to the world economy.

Analysts say the two sides are likely to trumpet mutual agreements to resolve the easier parts of the trade dispute -- increasing purchases of American goods, more open investment in China and tougher protections for intellectual property and proprietary technology.

The harder parts covering issues such as scaling back China's ambitious industrial strategy for global preeminence, meanwhile, are another question.

Beijing has reportedly proposed a significant increase in its imports of US energy and agricultural exports. Still, a broader deal could be difficult given the US demands for far-reaching structural changes.

China's retaliation has hit US farm exports hard. The US Agriculture Department estimated this month that US soy exports would not return to their pre-trade war levels for another six years.

The United States is delaying a planned increase of tariffs on more than $200 billion in Chinese exports after both sides hailed "substantial progress" made in trade talks.

The United States is delaying a planned increase of tariffs on more than $200 billion in Chinese exports after both sides hailed "substantial progress" made in trade talks. US President Donald Trump also said Sunday that he planned to hold a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping at his Florida estate Mar-a-Lago to ink a deal. "I am pleased to report that the U.S. has made substantial progress in our trade talks with China on important structural issues including intellectual property protection, technology transfer, agriculture, services, currency, and many other issues," Trump wrote on Twitter. I am pleased to report that the U.S. has made substantial progress in our trade talks with China on important structural issues including intellectual property protection, technology transfer, agriculture, services, currency, and many other issues. As a result of these very...... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 24, 2019 × ....productive talks, I will be delaying the U.S. increase in tariffs now scheduled for March 1. Assuming both sides make additional progress, we will be planning a Summit for President Xi and myself, at Mar-a-Lago, to conclude an agreement. A very good weekend for U.S. & China! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 24, 2019 × After exchanging tit-for-tat tariffs on more than $300 billion in total two-way trade, Trump and Xi in December declared a truce and agreed to hold off on further tariffs or retaliation for 90 days. Trump initiated the trade war, which ate into company profits and contributed to stock market plunges, because of complaints over unfair Chinese trade practices -- concerns shared by the European Union, Japan and others. "As a result of these very productive talks, I will be delaying the U.S. increase in tariffs now scheduled for March 1. Assuming both sides make additional progress, we will be planning a Summit for President Xi and myself, at Mar-a-Lago, to conclude an agreement. A very good weekend for U.S. & China!" Trump tweeted. China's official Xinhua news agency echoed those sentiments, saying the two sides "made substantial progress on specific issues" such as the transfer of technology, intellectual property protection, non-tariff barriers, the services sector, agriculture and exchange rates. The delegations "came a step closer to realizing the important consensus reached" by Trump and Xi when they agreed to the truce in December, it added. The report said the parties also agreed to "carry out follow-ups in accordance with the instructions of the two heads of state." Trump had already expressed optimism about the negotiations Friday after meeting with China's vice premier Liu He, who led the Chinese side for the talks that concluded Sunday. Steps forward Tokyo stocks opened higher supported by optimism over the deal that also lifted US shares. The benchmark Nikkei 225 index gained 0.59 percent, or 125.58 points, at 21,551.09 in early trade, while the broader Topix index was up 0.58 percent, or 9.32 points, at 1,618.84. The dollar fetched 110.76 yen in early Asian trade, against 110.75 yen in New York Friday. In Tokyo, some China-linked shares were higher, with construction machinery maker Komatsu up 1.71 percent at 2,873 yen and electronic parts maker Rohm up 2.05 percent at 7,460 yen. Xi also struck a positive tone in a letter Liu delivered to Trump, saying he hoped the negotiations would be held in a "win-win" spirit that would lead to a mutually beneficial agreement. The Chinese president expressed hope that the talks maintain "a mutually respectful, cooperative and win-win attitude" and lead to a "mutually beneficial" agreement. Trump said Friday that an agreement on currency manipulation will be included in the trade pact, but otherwise few details have been made public. The seven-month-old trade war has rattled global markets and prompted stark warnings about the risks to the world economy. Analysts say the two sides are likely to trumpet mutual agreements to resolve the easier parts of the trade dispute -- increasing purchases of American goods, more open investment in China and tougher protections for intellectual property and proprietary technology. The harder parts covering issues such as scaling back China's ambitious industrial strategy for global preeminence, meanwhile, are another question. Beijing has reportedly proposed a significant increase in its imports of US energy and agricultural exports. Still, a broader deal could be difficult given the US demands for far-reaching structural changes. China's retaliation has hit US farm exports hard. The US Agriculture Department estimated this month that US soy exports would not return to their pre-trade war levels for another six years.

Trump says he is delaying tariff increase on Chinese goods

Hopes that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-happy-if-north-korea-doesnt-test-weapons-peace-deal-a-possibility-199577">Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un</a> will formally declare an end to the 1950-53 Korean War at the Hanoi summit rose Monday after South Korea said the two leaders could reach an agreement.

The devastating conflict between communist North Korea, backed by China, and the capitalist South, aided by the United States, ended with an armistice rather than a peace treaty, leaving Pyongyang and Washington still technically at war.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-could-become-great-economic-power-without-nukes-trump-199406">North Korea could become 'great economic power' without nukes, says Trump</a>

"I believe that the possibility is there," the South's presidential Blue House spokesman Kim Eui-kyeom told reporters about a formal declaration.

"There is no way of knowing what kind of declaration it might be, but I believe the US and North Korea may reach an agreement."

President Moon Jae-in said in October "it was only a matter of time" before Washington and Pyongyang declared an end to the war.

The US has also struck an upbeat tone. Stephen Biegun, the US special envoy for North Korea, said earlier this month that Trump was "ready to end this war", fuelling speculation that the formal end of the conflict may be near.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/why-china-remains-key-player-as-us-north-korea-meet-199202">Why China remains key player as </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/why-china-remains-key-player-as-us-north-korea-meet-199202">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/why-china-remains-key-player-as-us-north-korea-meet-199202">, North Korea meet</a>

Kim, the leader of North Korea, is due to meet the US president in the Vietnamese capital on Wednesday and Thursday, where it is hoped the pair will make progress in talks on denuclearisation, and a possible peace treaty.

But Blue House spokesman Kim said even if the US and North Korean leaders declare the end of the Korean War, a formal peace treaty will likely be signed at the "last stage of the denuclearisation process" of the Korean peninsula -- and may take a long time to materialise.&nbsp;

"A peace treaty and a declaration of the end of the war are different," he said, adding that the treaty must be a "multilateral effort" involving South Korea and China.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/i-dont-want-my-children-to-bear-burden-of-nuclear-arms-says-north-koreas-kim-jong-un-199161">I don't want my children to bear </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/i-dont-want-my-children-to-bear-burden-of-nuclear-arms-says-north-koreas-kim-jong-un-199161">burden</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/i-dont-want-my-children-to-bear-burden-of-nuclear-arms-says-north-koreas-kim-jong-un-199161"> of nuclear arms, says North Korea's Kim Jong-un</a>

North Korea, the US-led United Nations Command and China were all signatories to the armistice.

The Hanoi summit comes after Trump and Kim met in June in Singapore, producing a vaguely worded agreement on denuclearisation, but progress has since stalled, with the two sides disagreeing over what the agreement meant.

Observers say tangible progress is needed in Hanoi to avoid the talks being dismissed as a publicity stunt.

Meanwhile the respected US-based website 38 North reported on Monday there is no indication Pyongyang is operating its nuclear reactors at the Yongbyon complex.

The dismantling of the complex is expected to be among the key denuclearisation steps that the US and North Korean leaders will likely discuss in Hanoi.

"There is no steam venting from the generator hall, nor is there any hot water effluent at the cooling water outfall pipe," the website said.

Hopes that Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un will formally declare an end to the 1950-53 Korean War at the Hanoi summit rose Monday after South Korea said the two leaders could reach an agreement.

Hopes that Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un will formally declare an end to the 1950-53 Korean War at the Hanoi summit rose Monday after South Korea said the two leaders could reach an agreement. The devastating conflict between communist North Korea, backed by China, and the capitalist South, aided by the United States, ended with an armistice rather than a peace treaty, leaving Pyongyang and Washington still technically at war. Also read: North Korea could become 'great economic power' without nukes, says Trump "I believe that the possibility is there," the South's presidential Blue House spokesman Kim Eui-kyeom told reporters about a formal declaration. "There is no way of knowing what kind of declaration it might be, but I believe the US and North Korea may reach an agreement." President Moon Jae-in said in October "it was only a matter of time" before Washington and Pyongyang declared an end to the war. The US has also struck an upbeat tone. Stephen Biegun, the US special envoy for North Korea, said earlier this month that Trump was "ready to end this war", fuelling speculation that the formal end of the conflict may be near. Also read: Why China remains key player as US, North Korea meet Kim, the leader of North Korea, is due to meet the US president in the Vietnamese capital on Wednesday and Thursday, where it is hoped the pair will make progress in talks on denuclearisation, and a possible peace treaty. But Blue House spokesman Kim said even if the US and North Korean leaders declare the end of the Korean War, a formal peace treaty will likely be signed at the "last stage of the denuclearisation process" of the Korean peninsula -- and may take a long time to materialise. "A peace treaty and a declaration of the end of the war are different," he said, adding that the treaty must be a "multilateral effort" involving South Korea and China. Also read: I don't want my children to bear burden of nuclear arms, says North Korea's Kim Jong-un North Korea, the US-led United Nations Command and China were all signatories to the armistice. The Hanoi summit comes after Trump and Kim met in June in Singapore, producing a vaguely worded agreement on denuclearisation, but progress has since stalled, with the two sides disagreeing over what the agreement meant. Observers say tangible progress is needed in Hanoi to avoid the talks being dismissed as a publicity stunt. Meanwhile the respected US-based website 38 North reported on Monday there is no indication Pyongyang is operating its nuclear reactors at the Yongbyon complex. The dismantling of the complex is expected to be among the key denuclearisation steps that the US and North Korean leaders will likely discuss in Hanoi. "There is no steam venting from the generator hall, nor is there any hot water effluent at the cooling water outfall pipe," the website said.

Korean War could be declared over at Hanoi summit: South Korea

US President Donald Trump on Sunday raised hopes that the United States and China would settle their trade dispute ahead of a March 1 deadline as negotiators met to wrap up the latest round of talks.

The US president said in a tweet that the trade talks on Saturday were "very productive."

Talks were extended through the weekend in a bid to iron out differences on changes to China's treatment of state-owned enterprises, subsidies, forced technology transfers and cyber theft.

The two sides have had no agreement on an enforcement mechanism. Washington wanted a strong mechanism to ensure that Chinese reform commitments were followed through to completion, while Beijing insisted upon what it called a "fair and objective" process.

On Sunday, top officials including US&nbsp;Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Chinese Vice Premier Liu He arrived for talks at the Winder Building, which houses the headquarters of the United States Trade Representative, an hour later than usual.

Both Mnuchin and Liu went inside without commenting, with Liu smiling when asked if the two sides would have a deal by the end of the day.

Trump said on Friday there was a "good chance" a deal would emerge, and that he might extend the March 1 deadline and move forward with a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Extending the deadline would mean putting on hold a scheduled increase in tariffs to 25 per cent from 10 per cent on $200 billion worth of Chinese imports into the United States.

An extension would hold off a worsening of the trade war that has already disrupted commerce worth hundreds of billions of dollars of goods, slowed global economic growth and roiled financial markets.

On Friday, Trump and Mnuchin said US and Chinese officials had reached an agreement on currency issues, but did not give details. US officials have long argued that China's yuan is undervalued, giving it a trade advantage and partly offsetting US tariffs.

China has committed to buying an additional 10 million metric tonnes of US soybeans.

Reuters reported exclusively on Wednesday that both sides were drafting memorandums of understanding (MOUs) on cyber theft, intellectual property rights, services, agriculture and non-tariff barriers to trade, including subsidies.

But Trump said he did not like MOUs because they are short-term, and he wanted a long-term deal.

Trump said the biggest decisions could be reached when he meets with Xi, probably in Florida next month, and that their talks may extend beyond trade to encompass Chinese telecommunications companies Huawei Technologies and ZTE Corp.

US President Donald Trump on Sunday raised hopes that the United States and China would settle their trade dispute ahead of a March 1 deadline as negotiators met to wrap up the latest round of talks.

US President Donald Trump on Sunday raised hopes that the United States and China would settle their trade dispute ahead of a March 1 deadline as negotiators met to wrap up the latest round of talks. The US president said in a tweet that the trade talks on Saturday were "very productive." Talks were extended through the weekend in a bid to iron out differences on changes to China's treatment of state-owned enterprises, subsidies, forced technology transfers and cyber theft. The two sides have had no agreement on an enforcement mechanism. Washington wanted a strong mechanism to ensure that Chinese reform commitments were followed through to completion, while Beijing insisted upon what it called a "fair and objective" process. On Sunday, top officials including US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Chinese Vice Premier Liu He arrived for talks at the Winder Building, which houses the headquarters of the United States Trade Representative, an hour later than usual. Both Mnuchin and Liu went inside without commenting, with Liu smiling when asked if the two sides would have a deal by the end of the day. Trump said on Friday there was a "good chance" a deal would emerge, and that he might extend the March 1 deadline and move forward with a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Extending the deadline would mean putting on hold a scheduled increase in tariffs to 25 per cent from 10 per cent on $200 billion worth of Chinese imports into the United States. An extension would hold off a worsening of the trade war that has already disrupted commerce worth hundreds of billions of dollars of goods, slowed global economic growth and roiled financial markets. On Friday, Trump and Mnuchin said US and Chinese officials had reached an agreement on currency issues, but did not give details. US officials have long argued that China's yuan is undervalued, giving it a trade advantage and partly offsetting US tariffs. China has committed to buying an additional 10 million metric tonnes of US soybeans. Reuters reported exclusively on Wednesday that both sides were drafting memorandums of understanding (MOUs) on cyber theft, intellectual property rights, services, agriculture and non-tariff barriers to trade, including subsidies. But Trump said he did not like MOUs because they are short-term, and he wanted a long-term deal. Trump said the biggest decisions could be reached when he meets with Xi, probably in Florida next month, and that their talks may extend beyond trade to encompass Chinese telecommunications companies Huawei Technologies and ZTE Corp.

Trump raises hopes of trade deal on final day of US-China talks

President Donald Trump said on Friday there was "a very good chance" the United States would strike a deal with China to end their trade war and that he was inclined to extend his March 1 tariff deadline and meet soon with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

US&nbsp;and Chinese negotiators had made progress and will extend this week's round of negotiations by two days through Sunday, Trump told reporters at the White House as he met with his top negotiators and their counterpart, Chinese Vice Premier Liu He.

"I think that we both feel there's a very good chance a deal will happen," Trump said.

Liu agreed there had been "great progress".

"From China, we believe that (it) is very likely that it will happen and we hope that ultimately we'll have a deal. And the Chinese side is ready to make our utmost effort," he said at the White House.

The Republican president said he probably would meet with Xi in March in Florida to decide on the most important terms of a trade deal.

Extending the deadline would put on hold Trump's threatened tariff increase to 25 percent from 10 percent on $200 billion of Chinese imports into the United States.

That would prevent a further escalation in a trade war that already has disrupted commerce in goods worth hundreds of billions of dollars, slowed global economic growth and roiled markets.

Optimism that the two sides will find a way to end the trade war lifted stocks, especially technology shares. The S&amp;P 500 stock index reached its highest closing level since Nov. 8. Oil prices rose to their highest since mid-November, with Brent crude reaching a high of $67.73 a barrel.

Currency agreement&nbsp;

Trump and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said the two sides had reached an agreement on currency. Trump declined to provide details, but US&nbsp;officials long have expressed concerns that China's yuan is undervalued, giving China a trade advantage and partly offsetting US&nbsp;tariffs.

Announcement of a pact aimed at limiting yuan depreciation was putting "the currency cart before the trade horse," but would likely be positive for Asian emerging market currencies, said Alan Ruskin, global head of currency strategy at Deutsche Bank in New York.

"How can you agree to avoid excessive Chinese yuan depreciation or volatility if you have not made an agreement on trade that could have huge FX implications?" Ruskin asked in a note to clients.

In a letter to Trump read aloud by an aide to Liu at the White House, Xi called on negotiators to work hard to strike a deal that benefits both country.

Trump said a deal with China may extend beyond trade to encompass Chinese telecommunications companies Huawei Technologies and ZTE Corp.

The Justice Department has accused Huawei of conspiring to violate US&nbsp;sanctions on Iran and of stealing robotic technology from T-Mobile US Inc.

Chinese peer ZTE was last year prevented from buying essential components from US&nbsp;firms after pleading guilty to similar charges, crippling its operations.

MEMORANDUMS NO MORE

Trump appeared at odds with his top negotiator, US&nbsp;Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, on the preliminary terms that his team is outlining in memorandums of understanding for a deal with China. Trump said he did not like MOUs because they are short term, and he wanted a long-term deal.

"I don't like MOUs because they don't mean anything," Trump said. "Either you are going to make a deal or you're not."

Lighthizer responded testily that MOUs were binding, but that he would never use the term again.

Reuters reported exclusively on Wednesday that the two sides were drafting the language for six MOUs covering the most difficult issues in the trade talks that would require structural economic change in China.

Negotiators have struggled this week to agree on specific language within those memorandums to address tough US&nbsp;demands, according to sources familiar with the talks. The six memorandums include cyber theft, intellectual property rights, services, agriculture and non-tariff barriers to trade, including subsidies.

An industry source briefed on the talks said both sides have narrowed differences on intellectual property rights, market access and narrowing a nearly $400 billion US&nbsp;trade deficit with China. But bigger differences remain on changes to China's treatment of state-owned enterprises, subsidies, forced technology transfers and cyber theft of US&nbsp;trade secrets.

Lighthizer pushed back when questioned on forced technology transfers, saying the two sides made "a lot of progress" on the issue, but did not elaborate.

The United States has said foreign firms in China are often coerced to transfer their technology to Chinese firms if they want to operate there. China denies this.

The US&nbsp;Chamber of Commerce on Friday urged the US&nbsp;government to ensure the deal was comprehensive and addressed core issues, rather than one based on more Chinese short-term purchases of goods.

China has pledged to increase purchases of agricultural produce, energy, semiconductors and industrial goods to reduce its trade surplus with the United States.

China committed to buying an additional 10 million tonnes of US&nbsp;soybeans on Friday, US&nbsp;Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue said on Twitter. China bought about 32 million tonnes of US&nbsp;soybeans in 2017. The commitments are a "show of good faith by the Chinese" and "indications of more good news to come," Perdue wrote.

China was the top buyer of US&nbsp;soybeans before the trade war, but Beijing's retaliatory tariffs on US&nbsp;soybeans slashed business that had been worth $12 billion annually.

President Donald Trump said on Friday there was "a very good chance" the United States would strike a deal with China to end their trade war and that he was inclined to extend his March 1 tariff deadline and meet soon with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

President Donald Trump said on Friday there was "a very good chance" the United States would strike a deal with China to end their trade war and that he was inclined to extend his March 1 tariff deadline and meet soon with Chinese President Xi Jinping. US and Chinese negotiators had made progress and will extend this week's round of negotiations by two days through Sunday, Trump told reporters at the White House as he met with his top negotiators and their counterpart, Chinese Vice Premier Liu He. "I think that we both feel there's a very good chance a deal will happen," Trump said. Liu agreed there had been "great progress". "From China, we believe that (it) is very likely that it will happen and we hope that ultimately we'll have a deal. And the Chinese side is ready to make our utmost effort," he said at the White House. The Republican president said he probably would meet with Xi in March in Florida to decide on the most important terms of a trade deal. Extending the deadline would put on hold Trump's threatened tariff increase to 25 percent from 10 percent on $200 billion of Chinese imports into the United States. That would prevent a further escalation in a trade war that already has disrupted commerce in goods worth hundreds of billions of dollars, slowed global economic growth and roiled markets. Optimism that the two sides will find a way to end the trade war lifted stocks, especially technology shares. The S&P 500 stock index reached its highest closing level since Nov. 8. Oil prices rose to their highest since mid-November, with Brent crude reaching a high of $67.73 a barrel. Currency agreement Trump and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said the two sides had reached an agreement on currency. Trump declined to provide details, but US officials long have expressed concerns that China's yuan is undervalued, giving China a trade advantage and partly offsetting US tariffs. Announcement of a pact aimed at limiting yuan depreciation was putting "the currency cart before the trade horse," but would likely be positive for Asian emerging market currencies, said Alan Ruskin, global head of currency strategy at Deutsche Bank in New York. "How can you agree to avoid excessive Chinese yuan depreciation or volatility if you have not made an agreement on trade that could have huge FX implications?" Ruskin asked in a note to clients. In a letter to Trump read aloud by an aide to Liu at the White House, Xi called on negotiators to work hard to strike a deal that benefits both country. Trump said a deal with China may extend beyond trade to encompass Chinese telecommunications companies Huawei Technologies and ZTE Corp. The Justice Department has accused Huawei of conspiring to violate US sanctions on Iran and of stealing robotic technology from T-Mobile US Inc. Chinese peer ZTE was last year prevented from buying essential components from US firms after pleading guilty to similar charges, crippling its operations. MEMORANDUMS NO MORE Trump appeared at odds with his top negotiator, US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, on the preliminary terms that his team is outlining in memorandums of understanding for a deal with China. Trump said he did not like MOUs because they are short term, and he wanted a long-term deal. "I don't like MOUs because they don't mean anything," Trump said. "Either you are going to make a deal or you're not." Lighthizer responded testily that MOUs were binding, but that he would never use the term again. Reuters reported exclusively on Wednesday that the two sides were drafting the language for six MOUs covering the most difficult issues in the trade talks that would require structural economic change in China. Negotiators have struggled this week to agree on specific language within those memorandums to address tough US demands, according to sources familiar with the talks. The six memorandums include cyber theft, intellectual property rights, services, agriculture and non-tariff barriers to trade, including subsidies. An industry source briefed on the talks said both sides have narrowed differences on intellectual property rights, market access and narrowing a nearly $400 billion US trade deficit with China. But bigger differences remain on changes to China's treatment of state-owned enterprises, subsidies, forced technology transfers and cyber theft of US trade secrets. Lighthizer pushed back when questioned on forced technology transfers, saying the two sides made "a lot of progress" on the issue, but did not elaborate. The United States has said foreign firms in China are often coerced to transfer their technology to Chinese firms if they want to operate there. China denies this. The US Chamber of Commerce on Friday urged the US government to ensure the deal was comprehensive and addressed core issues, rather than one based on more Chinese short-term purchases of goods. China has pledged to increase purchases of agricultural produce, energy, semiconductors and industrial goods to reduce its trade surplus with the United States. China committed to buying an additional 10 million tonnes of US soybeans on Friday, US Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue said on Twitter. China bought about 32 million tonnes of US soybeans in 2017. The commitments are a "show of good faith by the Chinese" and "indications of more good news to come," Perdue wrote. China was the top buyer of US soybeans before the trade war, but Beijing's retaliatory tariffs on US soybeans slashed business that had been worth $12 billion annually.

There's very good chance a deal will happen: Trump on ending trade war with China

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