<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-visit-argentina-from-nov-28-dec-2-for-g20-summit-to-meet-chinese-president-twice-179827">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> reached Buenos Aires, Argentina to attend the G20 summit.

PM Modi will have a trilateral meeting with US President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on the sidelines of the G-20 summit in Buenos Aires on November 30 and December 1.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaches Buenos Aires, Argentina to attend the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/G20Summit?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#G20Summit</a>. <a href="https://t.co/9YhletLRay">pic.twitter.com/9YhletLRay</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1068144101663506432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Modi will also highlight the risks posed by oil price volatility and raise the issue of combating terror financing and money laundering, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said.

One of the issues that will be discussed is strengthening of the WTO, he told reporters.

Prime Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping will meet twice during the G20 summit in Argentina, said a foreign ministry official on November 27 as the two Asian powerhouses seek warmer ties.

Modi will also meet United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Mauricio Macri, the President of Argentina; Chilean President Sebastian Pinera, German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Buenos Aires, Argentina to attend the G20 summit. PM Modi will have a trilateral meeting with US President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on the sidelines of the G-20 summit in Buenos Aires on November 30 and December 1.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Buenos Aires, Argentina to attend the G20 summit. PM Modi will have a trilateral meeting with US President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on the sidelines of the G-20 summit in Buenos Aires on November 30 and December 1. Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaches Buenos Aires, Argentina to attend the #G20Summit. pic.twitter.com/9YhletLRay — ANI (@ANI) November 29, 2018 × Modi will also highlight the risks posed by oil price volatility and raise the issue of combating terror financing and money laundering, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said. One of the issues that will be discussed is strengthening of the WTO, he told reporters. Prime Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping will meet twice during the G20 summit in Argentina, said a foreign ministry official on November 27 as the two Asian powerhouses seek warmer ties. Modi will also meet United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Mauricio Macri, the President of Argentina; Chilean President Sebastian Pinera, German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

PM Modi arrives at Argentina ahead of G20 summit

Spain will not sign on to China's ambitious "One Belt, One Road" initiative that seeks to better link Asia and Europe, a senior government official said Tuesday ahead of a visit by President Xi Jinping.

The multi-billion-dollar initiative, unveiled by Xi in 2013, aims to link the continents through a network of ports, railways, roads and industrial parks.

Beijing plans to develop the network through 65 countries representing an estimated 60 per cent of the world's population and a third of its economic output.

So far, around 70 countries have signed a memorandum of understanding pledging their interest in the project -- an agreement that Beijing values as it seeks to expand its project.

In Europe, countries such as Poland and Greece have signed but the project has created considerable anxiety that it masks an attempted Beijing influence grab.

"We're not going to sign the initiative," said an official from the Spanish prime minister's office, who refused to be named.

"Europe has a connectivity initiative with Asia, so we think Europeans should work within this framework," the official said, citing his country's reason for not signing China's Silk Road plan.

He was referring to the European Union in September presenting its own plans to develop a parallel network of infrastructure to connect it to Asia.

But the Madrid statement ahead of Xi's state visit to Spain later Tuesday could irk China.

Jean-Francois Di Meglio, president of France's Asia Centre research centre, said the memoranda of understanding that countries have signed with China have little legal value.

But they are a "signal that 'I want to do business with you'," he told AFP.

"In China's mind, it's really important to get it," he added, as Beijing pushes to revive Silk Road trade routes with its costly initiative.

Spain will not sign on to China's ambitious "One Belt, One Road" initiative that seeks to better link Asia and Europe, a senior government official said Tuesday ahead of a visit by President Xi Jinping.

Spain will not sign on to China's ambitious "One Belt, One Road" initiative that seeks to better link Asia and Europe, a senior government official said Tuesday ahead of a visit by President Xi Jinping. The multi-billion-dollar initiative, unveiled by Xi in 2013, aims to link the continents through a network of ports, railways, roads and industrial parks. Beijing plans to develop the network through 65 countries representing an estimated 60 per cent of the world's population and a third of its economic output. So far, around 70 countries have signed a memorandum of understanding pledging their interest in the project -- an agreement that Beijing values as it seeks to expand its project. In Europe, countries such as Poland and Greece have signed but the project has created considerable anxiety that it masks an attempted Beijing influence grab. "We're not going to sign the initiative," said an official from the Spanish prime minister's office, who refused to be named. "Europe has a connectivity initiative with Asia, so we think Europeans should work within this framework," the official said, citing his country's reason for not signing China's Silk Road plan. He was referring to the European Union in September presenting its own plans to develop a parallel network of infrastructure to connect it to Asia. But the Madrid statement ahead of Xi's state visit to Spain later Tuesday could irk China. Jean-Francois Di Meglio, president of France's Asia Centre research centre, said the memoranda of understanding that countries have signed with China have little legal value. But they are a "signal that 'I want to do business with you'," he told AFP. "In China's mind, it's really important to get it," he added, as Beijing pushes to revive Silk Road trade routes with its costly initiative.

Spain rejects China's Silk Road plan: Government source

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump said on Monday he expected to move ahead with raising tariffs on $200 billion in Chinese imports to 25 per cent from the current 10 per cent and repeated his threat to slap tariffs on all remaining imports from China.

In an interview with the Wall Street Journal four days ahead of his high-stakes meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Argentina, Trump said it was "highly unlikely" he would accept China's request to hold off on the increase, which is due to take effect on January 1.

"The only deal would be China has to open up their country to competition from the United States," Trump told the Journal. "As far as other countries are concerned, that’s up to them."

Trump, who is due to meet Xi on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Buenos Aires this week, said that if negotiations were unsuccessful, he would also put tariffs on the rest of Chinese imports.

"If we don’t make a deal, then I'm going to put the $267 billion additional on," at a tariff rate of either 10 per cent or 25 per cent, Trump told the Journal.

A Chinese official told reporters last week that the two leaders would look to set guidelines for future talks.

"The main issue is how to settle down the trade war," the official said on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of preparatory negotiations. "I am conservatively optimistic that can be done," he added.

Trump said the next round of tariffs could also be placed on laptops and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-told-apple-ceo-iphones-will-be-spared-from-china-tariffs---new-york-times-145463">Apple Inc's iPhones imported from China</a>, which are part of that $267 billion lists of goods not yet hit by tariffs.

Cell phones and computers, among China's biggest exports to the United States, have thus far been spared as the administration has sought to minimize the impact on US&nbsp;consumers. The Journal said the administration has been worried about a consumer reaction to such levies.

"Maybe. Maybe. Depends on what the rate is," Trump said, referring to the possibility of tariffs on mobile phones and laptops, according to the Journal. "I mean, I can make it 10 per cent, and people could stand that very easily."

Shares in Apple fell in after-hours trading after the interview was published. An Apple spokesman did not immediately respond to Reuters' queries.

Apple CEO Tim Cook has personally pressed the issue of tariffs with Trump, telling the president that while there are valid concerns about US-China trade relations, tariffs are not the best way to resolve them.

Despite using contract manufacturers to make most of its products overseas, Apple has also sought to emphasise its contribution to the US&nbsp;economy, saying it plans to spend about $55 billion in 2018 with its US-based suppliers.

US President Donald Trump said on Monday he expected to move ahead with raising tariffs on $200 billion in Chinese imports to 25 per cent from the current 10 per cent and repeated his threat to slap tariffs on all remaining imports from China.

US President Donald Trump said on Monday he expected to move ahead with raising tariffs on $200 billion in Chinese imports to 25 per cent from the current 10 per cent and repeated his threat to slap tariffs on all remaining imports from China. In an interview with the Wall Street Journal four days ahead of his high-stakes meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Argentina, Trump said it was "highly unlikely" he would accept China's request to hold off on the increase, which is due to take effect on January 1. "The only deal would be China has to open up their country to competition from the United States," Trump told the Journal. "As far as other countries are concerned, that’s up to them." Trump, who is due to meet Xi on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Buenos Aires this week, said that if negotiations were unsuccessful, he would also put tariffs on the rest of Chinese imports. "If we don’t make a deal, then I'm going to put the $267 billion additional on," at a tariff rate of either 10 per cent or 25 per cent, Trump told the Journal. A Chinese official told reporters last week that the two leaders would look to set guidelines for future talks. "The main issue is how to settle down the trade war," the official said on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of preparatory negotiations. "I am conservatively optimistic that can be done," he added. Trump said the next round of tariffs could also be placed on laptops and Apple Inc's iPhones imported from China, which are part of that $267 billion lists of goods not yet hit by tariffs. Cell phones and computers, among China's biggest exports to the United States, have thus far been spared as the administration has sought to minimize the impact on US consumers. The Journal said the administration has been worried about a consumer reaction to such levies. "Maybe. Maybe. Depends on what the rate is," Trump said, referring to the possibility of tariffs on mobile phones and laptops, according to the Journal. "I mean, I can make it 10 per cent, and people could stand that very easily." Shares in Apple fell in after-hours trading after the interview was published. An Apple spokesman did not immediately respond to Reuters' queries. Apple CEO Tim Cook has personally pressed the issue of tariffs with Trump, telling the president that while there are valid concerns about US-China trade relations, tariffs are not the best way to resolve them. Despite using contract manufacturers to make most of its products overseas, Apple has also sought to emphasise its contribution to the US economy, saying it plans to spend about $55 billion in 2018 with its US-based suppliers.

Trump says he is going to raise tariffs further on China imports

Most Asian markets rose Monday as investors tentatively pick up cheap stocks, with focus on an expected meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping at the weekend that will be watched for signs of a softening in the China-US trade war.

The broad gains came despite more hefty selling in energy firms after another collapse in oil prices on Friday, while the pound was flat against the dollar after European Union leaders approved a Brexit deal but which must be cleared by British MPs who mostly oppose it.

The positive mood comes at the start of a key week that sees a speech by Federal Reserve boss Jerome Powell and the release of the bank's last policy meeting minutes, before culminating in the G20 in Buenos Aires.

While the summit will focus on several global issues, the meeting between Trump and Xi will get the most attention with the economic superpowers engaged in a trade war just as global growth starts to stutter.

But expectations for a deal to end the standoff are low.

"It would seem that President Xi and President Trump have every incentive to come to an agreement on trade issues, even if that agreement does not significantly change the status quo," said JP Morgan Asset Management chief global strategist David Kelly.

"However, perceptions are important on both sides. While some hold out the hope that an agreement in principle will be reached, it seems more likely that an agreement will have to wait for more posturing on both sides."

Stephen Innes, head of Asia-Pacific trade at OANDA, called the meeting "possibly the best and last opportunity for the two leaders to share middle ground".

"The big question is are we going to see Trump the 'deal maker' or Trump the 'trade warrior' who wants China to 'feel more pain'? Keeping in mind that betting against the latter has been a poor bet for traders this year."

Crude woes

Still, the week has started on an upbeat note with Hong Kong jumping 1.5 per cent and Shanghai 0.4 per cent higher, while Tokyo went into the break 0.8 per cent higher.

Singapore added 0.6 per cent, Seoul and Taipei each jumped more than one per cent, and Manila gained 0.6 per cent.

However, Wellington and Sydney both declined.

Oil prices edged up slightly but remain well beaten down after Friday's hammering, which saw WTI sink 7.7 per cent and Brent more than six per cent, putting them at lows not seen for more than a year.

The commodity has plunged by about a third from its four-year highs touched at the start of October owing to a range of issues, including a global slowdown, the trade row, rising supplies, softer-than-expected US sanctions on Iran, a stuttering China and strong dollar.

The retreat comes ahead of a meeting of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries on December 6.

"At the root of the oil market woes, there is too much supply and too little demand," said Innes. "But much of the near term price recovery will be driven by what happens in G20 in Buenos Aires and at the OPEC summit in Vienna a week later."

The losses in crude prices have battered energy firms over the past two months, and they continued to fall Monday.

Hong Kong-listed PetroChina fell 1.5 per cent, while Sinopec was one per cent off. Inpex dropped 2.9 per cent in Tokyo and Woodside Petroleum sank 2.2 per cent in Sydney.

On currency markets, the pound was barely moved against the dollar as British Prime Minister Theresa May faces an uphill struggle pushing through her draft Brexit deal, with MPs on both sides against it.

May has staked her political future on the agreement and failure would likely lead to the toppling of her government, fuelling fresh uncertainty and hitting the sterling.

EU leaders have said the deal is the best possible one Britain could hope for, meaning a rejection of it will more than likely see the country crash out of the bloc.

Key figures around 0230 GMT&nbsp;

Tokyo - Nikkei 225: UP 0.8 percent at 21,815.55 (break)

Hong Kong - Hang Seng: UP 1.5 percent at 26,314.63

Shanghai - Composite: UP 0.4 percent at 2,590.89

Pound/dollar: UP at $1.2810 from $1.2805 at 1930 GMT Friday

Euro/dollar: UP at $1.1333 from $1.1331

Dollar/yen: UP at 113.07 yen from 112.85 yen

Oil - West Texas Intermediate: UP 40 cents at $50.82 per barrel

Oil - Brent Crude: UP 67 cents at $59.47 per barrel

New York - Dow Jones: DOWN 0.7 percent at 24,285.95 (close)

London - FTSE 100: DOWN 0.1 percent at 6,952.86 (close)

Most Asian markets rose Monday as investors tentatively pick up cheap stocks, with focus on an expected meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping at the weekend that will be watched for signs of a softening in the China-US trade war.

Most Asian markets rose Monday as investors tentatively pick up cheap stocks, with focus on an expected meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping at the weekend that will be watched for signs of a softening in the China-US trade war. The broad gains came despite more hefty selling in energy firms after another collapse in oil prices on Friday, while the pound was flat against the dollar after European Union leaders approved a Brexit deal but which must be cleared by British MPs who mostly oppose it. The positive mood comes at the start of a key week that sees a speech by Federal Reserve boss Jerome Powell and the release of the bank's last policy meeting minutes, before culminating in the G20 in Buenos Aires. While the summit will focus on several global issues, the meeting between Trump and Xi will get the most attention with the economic superpowers engaged in a trade war just as global growth starts to stutter. But expectations for a deal to end the standoff are low. "It would seem that President Xi and President Trump have every incentive to come to an agreement on trade issues, even if that agreement does not significantly change the status quo," said JP Morgan Asset Management chief global strategist David Kelly. "However, perceptions are important on both sides. While some hold out the hope that an agreement in principle will be reached, it seems more likely that an agreement will have to wait for more posturing on both sides." Stephen Innes, head of Asia-Pacific trade at OANDA, called the meeting "possibly the best and last opportunity for the two leaders to share middle ground". "The big question is are we going to see Trump the 'deal maker' or Trump the 'trade warrior' who wants China to 'feel more pain'? Keeping in mind that betting against the latter has been a poor bet for traders this year." Crude woes Still, the week has started on an upbeat note with Hong Kong jumping 1.5 per cent and Shanghai 0.4 per cent higher, while Tokyo went into the break 0.8 per cent higher. Singapore added 0.6 per cent, Seoul and Taipei each jumped more than one per cent, and Manila gained 0.6 per cent. However, Wellington and Sydney both declined. Oil prices edged up slightly but remain well beaten down after Friday's hammering, which saw WTI sink 7.7 per cent and Brent more than six per cent, putting them at lows not seen for more than a year. The commodity has plunged by about a third from its four-year highs touched at the start of October owing to a range of issues, including a global slowdown, the trade row, rising supplies, softer-than-expected US sanctions on Iran, a stuttering China and strong dollar. The retreat comes ahead of a meeting of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries on December 6. "At the root of the oil market woes, there is too much supply and too little demand," said Innes. "But much of the near term price recovery will be driven by what happens in G20 in Buenos Aires and at the OPEC summit in Vienna a week later." The losses in crude prices have battered energy firms over the past two months, and they continued to fall Monday. Hong Kong-listed PetroChina fell 1.5 per cent, while Sinopec was one per cent off. Inpex dropped 2.9 per cent in Tokyo and Woodside Petroleum sank 2.2 per cent in Sydney. On currency markets, the pound was barely moved against the dollar as British Prime Minister Theresa May faces an uphill struggle pushing through her draft Brexit deal, with MPs on both sides against it. May has staked her political future on the agreement and failure would likely lead to the toppling of her government, fuelling fresh uncertainty and hitting the sterling. EU leaders have said the deal is the best possible one Britain could hope for, meaning a rejection of it will more than likely see the country crash out of the bloc. Key figures around 0230 GMT Tokyo - Nikkei 225: UP 0.8 percent at 21,815.55 (break) Hong Kong - Hang Seng: UP 1.5 percent at 26,314.63 Shanghai - Composite: UP 0.4 percent at 2,590.89 Pound/dollar: UP at $1.2810 from $1.2805 at 1930 GMT Friday Euro/dollar: UP at $1.1333 from $1.1331 Dollar/yen: UP at 113.07 yen from 112.85 yen Oil - West Texas Intermediate: UP 40 cents at $50.82 per barrel Oil - Brent Crude: UP 67 cents at $59.47 per barrel New York - Dow Jones: DOWN 0.7 percent at 24,285.95 (close) London - FTSE 100: DOWN 0.1 percent at 6,952.86 (close)

Asian markets mostly up as eyes turn to Trump-Xi talks

The 21st special representative (SR) border talks between India and China will take place on November 23, 24. The talks on border issues between National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi will happen in Chengdu, Sichuan province of China this year.&nbsp;

The talks will take place ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of G20.

Announcing the visit, Chinese foreign minister spokesperson Geng Shuang said, "Two sides attach great importance to it. The two Special Representatives will have an in-depth exchange of views on border-related issues. They will follow the guidance of the consensus reached by the two leaders bearing in mind the general picture of bilateral ties on the basis of the outcomes that have been achieved to actively promote the negotiations. At the same time, will promptly manage differences and uphold the peace and tranquillity of the border areas."

This meeting is the first after Wang Yi took over as a special representative. The SR talks this year are happening in the backdrop of three bilateral meetings between PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, including the famous informal Wuhan summit that took place in April this year.

Spokesperson Geng Shuang added, "under the strategic guidance of the two leaders, the Indo-China relations have maintained sound growth with ever deepening exchanges and cooperation in all areas. The two sides have maintained close communication and correlation in border-related affairs. We have promptly managed differences through dialogue and consultation. The border areas have on the whole maintained stability."

The 20th SR talks took place in Delhi in 2017 with the meeting between NSA Doval and the then Chinese special representative Yang Jiechi. The talk that year took place under the shadow of the Doklam crisis.

SR talks, a mechanism came into existence in 2003 and happens alternatively between India and China every year.

The 21st special representative (SR) border talks between India and China will take place on November 23, 24. The talks on border issues between National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi will happen in Chengdu, Sichuan province of China this year.

The 21st special representative (SR) border talks between India and China will take place on November 23, 24. The talks on border issues between National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi will happen in Chengdu, Sichuan province of China this year. The talks will take place ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of G20. Announcing the visit, Chinese foreign minister spokesperson Geng Shuang said, "Two sides attach great importance to it. The two Special Representatives will have an in-depth exchange of views on border-related issues. They will follow the guidance of the consensus reached by the two leaders bearing in mind the general picture of bilateral ties on the basis of the outcomes that have been achieved to actively promote the negotiations. At the same time, will promptly manage differences and uphold the peace and tranquillity of the border areas." This meeting is the first after Wang Yi took over as a special representative. The SR talks this year are happening in the backdrop of three bilateral meetings between PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, including the famous informal Wuhan summit that took place in April this year. Spokesperson Geng Shuang added, "under the strategic guidance of the two leaders, the Indo-China relations have maintained sound growth with ever deepening exchanges and cooperation in all areas. The two sides have maintained close communication and correlation in border-related affairs. We have promptly managed differences through dialogue and consultation. The border areas have on the whole maintained stability." The 20th SR talks took place in Delhi in 2017 with the meeting between NSA Doval and the then Chinese special representative Yang Jiechi. The talk that year took place under the shadow of the Doklam crisis. SR talks, a mechanism came into existence in 2003 and happens alternatively between India and China every year.

21st Indo-China special representative border talks to take place on November 23, 24

US stocks dropped and the Nasdaq fell 3 per cent on Monday as investors dumped Apple, internet and other technology shares, further shaking confidence in a group of stocks that has propelled the long bull market.

Conflicting signals over the state of play between the United States and China on their trade dispute added to caution in the market.

Shares of Apple Inc fell after the Wall Street Journal reported the company had cut production orders in recent weeks for all three iPhone models launched in September.

The iPhone maker's stock dropped 4.0 per cent to $185.86 and is now down 19.9 per cent from its October 3 record closing high in the wake of a disappointing holiday quarter sales forecast and weak outlooks from several suppliers. The S&amp;P 500 technology index, down 3.8 per cent, led sector losses.

Other market leaders - including the 'FANG' stocks - also fell sharply. Shares of Facebook&nbsp;were down 5.7 per cent, Amazon.com was down 5.1 per cent, Netflix fell 5.5 per cent and Alphabet fell 3.8 per cent.

Since the FANG outperformance run peaked on August 30, the group has underperformed the S&amp;P 500 by 16.25 per cent. That is their worst underperformance since the first half of 2014 when they underperformed by around 20 per cent.

"You're seeing that rotation away from tech. Certainly, the indexes are much more growth-oriented because of the sheer size of those companies now, and they dominate the indexes," said Paul Nolte, portfolio manager at Kingsview Asset Management in Chicago. "You're going to have more underperformance of the growth names."

The S&amp;P utilities and real estate sectors were the only two that ended in positive territory.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 395.78 points, or 1.56 per cent, to 25,017.44, the S&amp;P 500 lost 45.54 points, or 1.66 per cent, to 2,690.73 and the Nasdaq Composite dropped 219.40 points, or 3.03 per cent, to 7,028.48.

Comments by New York Federal Reserve President John Williams on Monday that the US central bank is pushing ahead with gradual rate-hike plans next month as it marches towards a more normal policy stance may have added pressure to stocks.

Some investors questioned whether the Fed will be able to continue raising interest rates, possibly harming growth.

Richard Clarida, the Fed's newly appointed vice chair, said on Friday that US rates are nearing Fed estimates of a neutral rate, which "makes sense."

Over the weekend, Asia-Pacific leaders meeting in Papua New Guinea failed to agree on a communique for the first time, with US-China trade worries on the forefront.

US Vice President Mike Pence said in a blunt speech on Saturday the United States will not back down from its trade dispute with China unless Beijing bows to US demands, dampening Friday's trade optimism that was fuelled by comments from President Donald Trump.

Shares of Apple suppliers were also hit, including Lumentum Holdings Inc, Universal Display Corp, Cirrus Logic Inc and Skyworks Solutions Inc.

The Philadelphia SE Semiconductor index, which includes some Apple suppliers, dropped 3.9 per cent, extending losses from the previous session.

"Lots of times we get a rally started the Friday after Thanksgiving, which is this week. If some of these dominos fall on the positive side, we could see this trend reverse," said Bucky Hellwig, senior vice president at BB&amp;T Wealth Management in Birmingham, Alabama.

"But right now there are several things working against the market - the Fed, the uncertainty with regard to the trade deal with China and some sector disappointments, particularly in technology."

Trading volumes were thin at the start of the holiday-shortened week ahead of Thanksgiving on Thursday and a shorter session on Friday, which brings slight volatility to markets, traders said.

About 7.7 billion shares changed hands on US exchanges. That compares with the 8.7 billion daily average for the past 20 trading days.

Declining issues outnumbered advancing ones on the NYSE by a 2.72-to-1 ratio; on Nasdaq, a 2.94-to-1 ratio favoured decliners.

The S&amp;P 500 posted 28 new 52-week highs and 18 new lows; the Nasdaq Composite recorded 17 new highs and 159 new lows.

US stocks dropped and the Nasdaq fell 3 per cent on Monday as investors dumped Apple, internet and other technology shares, further shaking confidence in a group of stocks that has propelled the long bull market.

US stocks dropped and the Nasdaq fell 3 per cent on Monday as investors dumped Apple, internet and other technology shares, further shaking confidence in a group of stocks that has propelled the long bull market. Conflicting signals over the state of play between the United States and China on their trade dispute added to caution in the market. Shares of Apple Inc fell after the Wall Street Journal reported the company had cut production orders in recent weeks for all three iPhone models launched in September. The iPhone maker's stock dropped 4.0 per cent to $185.86 and is now down 19.9 per cent from its October 3 record closing high in the wake of a disappointing holiday quarter sales forecast and weak outlooks from several suppliers. The S&P 500 technology index, down 3.8 per cent, led sector losses. Other market leaders - including the 'FANG' stocks - also fell sharply. Shares of Facebook were down 5.7 per cent, Amazon.com was down 5.1 per cent, Netflix fell 5.5 per cent and Alphabet fell 3.8 per cent. Since the FANG outperformance run peaked on August 30, the group has underperformed the S&P 500 by 16.25 per cent. That is their worst underperformance since the first half of 2014 when they underperformed by around 20 per cent. "You're seeing that rotation away from tech. Certainly, the indexes are much more growth-oriented because of the sheer size of those companies now, and they dominate the indexes," said Paul Nolte, portfolio manager at Kingsview Asset Management in Chicago. "You're going to have more underperformance of the growth names." The S&P utilities and real estate sectors were the only two that ended in positive territory. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 395.78 points, or 1.56 per cent, to 25,017.44, the S&P 500 lost 45.54 points, or 1.66 per cent, to 2,690.73 and the Nasdaq Composite dropped 219.40 points, or 3.03 per cent, to 7,028.48. Comments by New York Federal Reserve President John Williams on Monday that the US central bank is pushing ahead with gradual rate-hike plans next month as it marches towards a more normal policy stance may have added pressure to stocks. Some investors questioned whether the Fed will be able to continue raising interest rates, possibly harming growth. Richard Clarida, the Fed's newly appointed vice chair, said on Friday that US rates are nearing Fed estimates of a neutral rate, which "makes sense." Over the weekend, Asia-Pacific leaders meeting in Papua New Guinea failed to agree on a communique for the first time, with US-China trade worries on the forefront. US Vice President Mike Pence said in a blunt speech on Saturday the United States will not back down from its trade dispute with China unless Beijing bows to US demands, dampening Friday's trade optimism that was fuelled by comments from President Donald Trump. Shares of Apple suppliers were also hit, including Lumentum Holdings Inc, Universal Display Corp, Cirrus Logic Inc and Skyworks Solutions Inc. The Philadelphia SE Semiconductor index, which includes some Apple suppliers, dropped 3.9 per cent, extending losses from the previous session. "Lots of times we get a rally started the Friday after Thanksgiving, which is this week. If some of these dominos fall on the positive side, we could see this trend reverse," said Bucky Hellwig, senior vice president at BB&T Wealth Management in Birmingham, Alabama. "But right now there are several things working against the market - the Fed, the uncertainty with regard to the trade deal with China and some sector disappointments, particularly in technology." Trading volumes were thin at the start of the holiday-shortened week ahead of Thanksgiving on Thursday and a shorter session on Friday, which brings slight volatility to markets, traders said. About 7.7 billion shares changed hands on US exchanges. That compares with the 8.7 billion daily average for the past 20 trading days. Declining issues outnumbered advancing ones on the NYSE by a 2.72-to-1 ratio; on Nasdaq, a 2.94-to-1 ratio favoured decliners. The S&P 500 posted 28 new 52-week highs and 18 new lows; the Nasdaq Composite recorded 17 new highs and 159 new lows.

Wall Street tumbles as Apple, internet stocks swoon

Asian shares crept cautiously higher on Monday amid conflicting signals on the chance of a truce in the Sino-US&nbsp;trade dispute, while the Federal Reserve's new-found concern on the global economy undermined the dollar.

MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan tacked on 0.1 per cent and Chinese blue chips 0.5 per cent.

Japan's Nikkei gained 0.4 per cent, but E-Mini futures for the S&amp;P 500 slipped 0.3 per cent.

Wall Street had firmed on Friday after US&nbsp;President Donald Trump said that he may not impose more tariffs on Chinese goods after Beijing sent a list of measures it was willing to take to resolve trade tensions.

The comment stoked speculation of a deal when Trump meets Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of a G20 summit in Argentina later this month.

However, Sino-US&nbsp;tensions were clearly on display at an APEC meeting in Papua New Guinea over the weekend, where leaders failed to agree on a communique for the first time ever.

US&nbsp;Vice President Mike Pence said in a blunt speech that there would be no end to US&nbsp;tariffs on $250 billion of Chinese goods until China changed its ways.

"The comments from Trump were seen as offering a glimmer of hope that further tariff action could be held in abeyance," said NAB's head of FX strategy, Ray Attrill.

"The exchange of barbs between Pence and Chinese President Xi Jinping in PNG on the weekend continues to suggest this is unlikely."

Sensing a fed shift

Also uncertain was the outlook for US&nbsp;interest rates.

Federal Reserve policymakers are still signalling rate increases ahead but also sounded more concerned about a potential global slowdown, leading markets to suspect the tightening cycle may not have much further to run.

"Fed officials are having an easier time showing a slightly less hawkish leaning by noting the emerging global slowdown," said Deutsche Bank's macro strategist Alan Ruskin.

"It's undercutting expectations of rate hikes moving above 'neutral'," which the Fed has nominated as between 2.5 and 3 per cent. "This shift in tone is subtle, but fits with the more bullish bond market tone of late, and is starting to have a material impact on the dollar."

That will focus attention on an appearance by New York Fed President John Williams later on Monday to see if he echoes the same theme.

Investors have already lengthened the odds on further hikes, with a December move now priced at 73 per cent, down from over 90 per cent. Futures imply rates around 2.74 per cent for the end of next year, compared to 2.93 per cent early this month.

Yields on US&nbsp;10-year paper have duly declined to 3.06 per cent, from a recent top of 3.25 per cent.

The dollar followed to reach 96.441 against a basket of currencies, down from a peak of 97.693. The euro was up at $1.1414, while the dollar backed off to 112.66 yen.

Sterling remained vulnerable at $1.2833 after political turmoil over Brexit caused steep losses last week.

British Prime Minister Theresa May said on Sunday toppling her would risk delaying Brexit as she faces the possibility of a leadership challenge from within her own party.

With both pro-EU and pro-Brexit lawmakers unhappy with the draft agreement, it is not clear she will be able to win the backing of parliament, raising the risk Britain leaves the EU without a deal.

In commodity markets, gold found support from the drop in the dollar and held firm at $1,1221.92.

Oil prices suffered their sixth straight week of losses last week, but have found some aid from expectations the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries would cut output. [O/R]

Brent crude was up 72 cents at $67.48 a barrel, while US&nbsp;crude gained 76 cents to $57.22.

Asian shares crept cautiously higher on Monday amid conflicting signals on the chance of a truce in the Sino-US trade dispute, while the Federal Reserve's new-found concern on the global economy undermined the dollar.

Asian shares crept cautiously higher on Monday amid conflicting signals on the chance of a truce in the Sino-US trade dispute, while the Federal Reserve's new-found concern on the global economy undermined the dollar. MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan tacked on 0.1 per cent and Chinese blue chips 0.5 per cent. Japan's Nikkei gained 0.4 per cent, but E-Mini futures for the S&P 500 slipped 0.3 per cent. Wall Street had firmed on Friday after US President Donald Trump said that he may not impose more tariffs on Chinese goods after Beijing sent a list of measures it was willing to take to resolve trade tensions. The comment stoked speculation of a deal when Trump meets Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of a G20 summit in Argentina later this month. However, Sino-US tensions were clearly on display at an APEC meeting in Papua New Guinea over the weekend, where leaders failed to agree on a communique for the first time ever. US Vice President Mike Pence said in a blunt speech that there would be no end to US tariffs on $250 billion of Chinese goods until China changed its ways. "The comments from Trump were seen as offering a glimmer of hope that further tariff action could be held in abeyance," said NAB's head of FX strategy, Ray Attrill. "The exchange of barbs between Pence and Chinese President Xi Jinping in PNG on the weekend continues to suggest this is unlikely." Sensing a fed shift Also uncertain was the outlook for US interest rates. Federal Reserve policymakers are still signalling rate increases ahead but also sounded more concerned about a potential global slowdown, leading markets to suspect the tightening cycle may not have much further to run. "Fed officials are having an easier time showing a slightly less hawkish leaning by noting the emerging global slowdown," said Deutsche Bank's macro strategist Alan Ruskin. "It's undercutting expectations of rate hikes moving above 'neutral'," which the Fed has nominated as between 2.5 and 3 per cent. "This shift in tone is subtle, but fits with the more bullish bond market tone of late, and is starting to have a material impact on the dollar." That will focus attention on an appearance by New York Fed President John Williams later on Monday to see if he echoes the same theme. Investors have already lengthened the odds on further hikes, with a December move now priced at 73 per cent, down from over 90 per cent. Futures imply rates around 2.74 per cent for the end of next year, compared to 2.93 per cent early this month. Yields on US 10-year paper have duly declined to 3.06 per cent, from a recent top of 3.25 per cent. The dollar followed to reach 96.441 against a basket of currencies, down from a peak of 97.693. The euro was up at $1.1414, while the dollar backed off to 112.66 yen. Sterling remained vulnerable at $1.2833 after political turmoil over Brexit caused steep losses last week. British Prime Minister Theresa May said on Sunday toppling her would risk delaying Brexit as she faces the possibility of a leadership challenge from within her own party. With both pro-EU and pro-Brexit lawmakers unhappy with the draft agreement, it is not clear she will be able to win the backing of parliament, raising the risk Britain leaves the EU without a deal. In commodity markets, gold found support from the drop in the dollar and held firm at $1,1221.92. Oil prices suffered their sixth straight week of losses last week, but have found some aid from expectations the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries would cut output. [O/R] Brent crude was up 72 cents at $67.48 a barrel, while US crude gained 76 cents to $57.22.

Global Markets: Asia shares inch up, Federal Reserves caution curbs dollar

Pakistan has received a "big" package of aid from its all-weather ally, China, Prime Minister Imran Khan said Friday, but will not reveal the quantum of financial support as President Xi Jinping has asked him not to reveal it, a media report said.

PM Khan made his maiden visit to Beijing earlier this month and met President Xi and Premier Li Keqiang and other Chinese leaders and sought aid to overcome the financial woes faced by his cash-strapped government.

The Pakistan government is facing grave economic challenges as it struggles to avoid a financial crisis and keep the economy afloat.

During an interaction with journalists at the PM House, Khan said that Pakistan has received a "big" package of aid from China but will not reveal it, Geo News quoted Khan as saying.

The prime minister said he did not want to reveal the quantum of aid from Beijing as other countries will start demanding more money from China, the report said.

Chinese President Xi has asked Khan not to announce the quantum of financial support, the Geo News report quoted the Pakistani prime minister as saying.&nbsp;

Unlike Saudi Arabia, which has announced a USD 6 billion aid package to Pakistan, Beijing has not revealed the quantum of its financial aid to Islamabad.

After his talks with Khan on November 3, Premier Li said China will provide the "necessary support" to Pakistan to tide over the present financial crisis.&nbsp;

Speaking about his recent trip to China, Khan said, "Concrete results of my visit are beginning to show. We are receiving all forms of aid from China and are satisfied."

"No other previous premiers' tours to China were as successful as mine was," he claimed.&nbsp;

Khan, whose government is currently negotiating a bailout package with the International Monetary Fund, appeared confident that Pakistan's economy will overcome the current difficulties by next year.

"The next three to six months are difficult but from next year onward our economic situation is going to improve significantly and we will be on the right track," he said.

Commenting on the ongoing money-laundering probe and the foreign assets owned by Pakistanis, Imran said, "We have traced USD 15 billion that was sent to Dubai from Pakistan."

"Work is underway to bring back looted wealth," he added. "We have also signed agreements with Britain and Switzerland," he said.&nbsp;

While speaking about his party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's decision to not give chairmanship of Public Accounts Committee to the Leader of the Opposition, Shehbaz Sharif, Khan said, "Those facing corruption cases cannot be appointed PAC chairperson."

"We will not appoint Shehbaz Sharif as PAC chairperson under any circumstances," he asserted.&nbsp;

Shehbaz, the younger brother of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and ex-chief minister of Punjab province, is currently in the custody of the National Accountability Bureau on charges of corruption linked to a housing scheme.&nbsp;

Pakistan has received a "big" package of aid from its all-weather ally, China, Prime Minister Imran Khan said Friday, but will not reveal the quantum of financial support as President Xi Jinping has asked him not to reveal it, a media report said.

Pakistan has received a "big" package of aid from its all-weather ally, China, Prime Minister Imran Khan said Friday, but will not reveal the quantum of financial support as President Xi Jinping has asked him not to reveal it, a media report said. PM Khan made his maiden visit to Beijing earlier this month and met President Xi and Premier Li Keqiang and other Chinese leaders and sought aid to overcome the financial woes faced by his cash-strapped government. The Pakistan government is facing grave economic challenges as it struggles to avoid a financial crisis and keep the economy afloat. During an interaction with journalists at the PM House, Khan said that Pakistan has received a "big" package of aid from China but will not reveal it, Geo News quoted Khan as saying. The prime minister said he did not want to reveal the quantum of aid from Beijing as other countries will start demanding more money from China, the report said. Chinese President Xi has asked Khan not to announce the quantum of financial support, the Geo News report quoted the Pakistani prime minister as saying. Unlike Saudi Arabia, which has announced a USD 6 billion aid package to Pakistan, Beijing has not revealed the quantum of its financial aid to Islamabad. After his talks with Khan on November 3, Premier Li said China will provide the "necessary support" to Pakistan to tide over the present financial crisis. Speaking about his recent trip to China, Khan said, "Concrete results of my visit are beginning to show. We are receiving all forms of aid from China and are satisfied." "No other previous premiers' tours to China were as successful as mine was," he claimed. Khan, whose government is currently negotiating a bailout package with the International Monetary Fund, appeared confident that Pakistan's economy will overcome the current difficulties by next year. "The next three to six months are difficult but from next year onward our economic situation is going to improve significantly and we will be on the right track," he said. Commenting on the ongoing money-laundering probe and the foreign assets owned by Pakistanis, Imran said, "We have traced USD 15 billion that was sent to Dubai from Pakistan." "Work is underway to bring back looted wealth," he added. "We have also signed agreements with Britain and Switzerland," he said. While speaking about his party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's decision to not give chairmanship of Public Accounts Committee to the Leader of the Opposition, Shehbaz Sharif, Khan said, "Those facing corruption cases cannot be appointed PAC chairperson." "We will not appoint Shehbaz Sharif as PAC chairperson under any circumstances," he asserted. Shehbaz, the younger brother of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and ex-chief minister of Punjab province, is currently in the custody of the National Accountability Bureau on charges of corruption linked to a housing scheme.

Got 'big' aid from China; won't reveal amount under instructions from President Xi: Imran Khan

Chinese President Xi Jinping warned on Saturday that the shadow of protectionism and unilateralism was hanging over global growth, joining other Asia-Pacific leaders in urging free trade.

China and the United States have been locked in an escalating trade war since President Donald Trump won the election in 2016. Trump has skipped the annual meeting of the 21-nation grouping, but US Vice President Mike Pence will be speaking later in the day.

Fault lines were quick to emerge over the future of free trade as leaders gathered for an Asia-Pacific summit on Saturday, with some calling for radical change while others argued for a return to the status quo on globalization.

Meanwhile, President Xi made a push to expand China's influence in the Pacific on Friday, holding a forum with leaders of eight small island countries in Papua New Guinea.

But Chinese officials barred most media, including reporters from the Pacific, from the forum at which Xi met leaders from the Cook Islands, Fiji, Micronesia, Niue, Samoa, Tonga, Vanuatu, as well as Papua New Guinea, in its capital Port Moresby ahead of an APEC summit this weekend.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Chinese President Xi Jinping warned on Saturday that the shadow of protectionism and unilateralism was hanging over global growth, joining other Asia-Pacific leaders in urging free trade.

Chinese President Xi Jinping warned on Saturday that the shadow of protectionism and unilateralism was hanging over global growth, joining other Asia-Pacific leaders in urging free trade. China and the United States have been locked in an escalating trade war since President Donald Trump won the election in 2016. Trump has skipped the annual meeting of the 21-nation grouping, but US Vice President Mike Pence will be speaking later in the day. Fault lines were quick to emerge over the future of free trade as leaders gathered for an Asia-Pacific summit on Saturday, with some calling for radical change while others argued for a return to the status quo on globalization. Meanwhile, President Xi made a push to expand China's influence in the Pacific on Friday, holding a forum with leaders of eight small island countries in Papua New Guinea. But Chinese officials barred most media, including reporters from the Pacific, from the forum at which Xi met leaders from the Cook Islands, Fiji, Micronesia, Niue, Samoa, Tonga, Vanuatu, as well as Papua New Guinea, in its capital Port Moresby ahead of an APEC summit this weekend. (With inputs from Reuters)

World growth overshadowed by protectionism: China's President Xi Jinping

President Donald Trump said Friday that China was ready to make a deal to defuse trade tensions, so he might not have to punish the country with more import tariffs.

A deal to resolve the dispute would be a huge breakthrough on the issue that has dominated much of Trump's two years in office, blowback from which threatens to take the steam out of the US economy.

"China wants to make a deal," Trump told reporters. "They sent a list of things that they are willing to do."

While the offer is not acceptable yet, he said he was optimistic for an agreement to get "reciprocal" trade.

Trump this year has imposed steep tariffs on $250 billion of Chinese goods and has threatened to hit the remaining $267 billion in products the US imports from the world's number two economy each year.

US companies and farmers have complained of lost business and rising prices for key components as a result of the trade friction and that was a factor in some of the contests in the midterm congressional elections early this month.

"I think a deal will be made and we will find out very soon," Trump said, noting Beijing's list included 142 items and includes "a lot of the things we asked for."

"Some things were left off. We will probably get them, too," he said.

Tariff increase

But the statements seemed to contradict comments from Trump's Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, who just hours earlier had said a deal with Beijing before January was "impossible."

Trump is due to meet with China's President Xi Jinping late this month in Buenos Aires on the sidelines of the Group of 20 leaders summit.

However, Ross said those talks would serve as a framework to resolving the dispute. "We certainly won't have a full formal deal by January. Impossible," he said, according to Bloomberg.

The January date is key since the 10 per cent tariffs in place on $200 billion in annual imports from China is due to increase to 25 per cent.

Trump indicated he will continue to continue to take a hard line with China until the country changes.

US officials have highlighted high Chinese tariffs but also the country's trade and investment rules that allows rampant theft of American technology.

"We have to have reciprocal trade," he said. "We can't have trade meant for stupid people. That's the way they took advantage of our country."

US stocks jumped following Trump's remarks, but quickly retreated although the benchmark Dow Jones Industrial Average ended the day with a slight increase.

Investors are hoping for a deal soon to end the uncertainty which hurts the bottom line for many companies as well as increasing prices for consumers.

Some firms have even warned that they might have to postpone investment plans if they cannot insure a steady supply of material.

Economists say the tariffs' full bite has yet to hit the American economy but the trade conflict comes at a bad time for China, which is seeing slower growth.

In addition, Chad Bown of the Peterson Institute for International Economics, who has been studying the impact of the trade tariffs closely, said in a report on Thursday that Trump's tariffs on steel, which largely targeted China and other big producers, were inflicting collateral damage on poorer nations that are small producers and pose no threat to the US economy.

President Donald Trump said Friday that China was ready to make a deal to defuse trade tensions, so he might not have to punish the country with more import tariffs.

President Donald Trump said Friday that China was ready to make a deal to defuse trade tensions, so he might not have to punish the country with more import tariffs. A deal to resolve the dispute would be a huge breakthrough on the issue that has dominated much of Trump's two years in office, blowback from which threatens to take the steam out of the US economy. "China wants to make a deal," Trump told reporters. "They sent a list of things that they are willing to do." While the offer is not acceptable yet, he said he was optimistic for an agreement to get "reciprocal" trade. Trump this year has imposed steep tariffs on $250 billion of Chinese goods and has threatened to hit the remaining $267 billion in products the US imports from the world's number two economy each year. US companies and farmers have complained of lost business and rising prices for key components as a result of the trade friction and that was a factor in some of the contests in the midterm congressional elections early this month. "I think a deal will be made and we will find out very soon," Trump said, noting Beijing's list included 142 items and includes "a lot of the things we asked for." "Some things were left off. We will probably get them, too," he said. Tariff increase But the statements seemed to contradict comments from Trump's Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, who just hours earlier had said a deal with Beijing before January was "impossible." Trump is due to meet with China's President Xi Jinping late this month in Buenos Aires on the sidelines of the Group of 20 leaders summit. However, Ross said those talks would serve as a framework to resolving the dispute. "We certainly won't have a full formal deal by January. Impossible," he said, according to Bloomberg. The January date is key since the 10 per cent tariffs in place on $200 billion in annual imports from China is due to increase to 25 per cent. Trump indicated he will continue to continue to take a hard line with China until the country changes. US officials have highlighted high Chinese tariffs but also the country's trade and investment rules that allows rampant theft of American technology. "We have to have reciprocal trade," he said. "We can't have trade meant for stupid people. That's the way they took advantage of our country." US stocks jumped following Trump's remarks, but quickly retreated although the benchmark Dow Jones Industrial Average ended the day with a slight increase. Investors are hoping for a deal soon to end the uncertainty which hurts the bottom line for many companies as well as increasing prices for consumers. Some firms have even warned that they might have to postpone investment plans if they cannot insure a steady supply of material. Economists say the tariffs' full bite has yet to hit the American economy but the trade conflict comes at a bad time for China, which is seeing slower growth. In addition, Chad Bown of the Peterson Institute for International Economics, who has been studying the impact of the trade tariffs closely, said in a report on Thursday that Trump's tariffs on steel, which largely targeted China and other big producers, were inflicting collateral damage on poorer nations that are small producers and pose no threat to the US economy.

Trump opens door to trade deal with China soon

The United States and China swapped barbs over trade, investment and regional security at an Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) summit on Saturday, as growing fault lines among members suggested little prospect of consensus at the weekend meeting.

Speaking in the Papua New Guinean capital, US&nbsp;Vice President Mike Pence said there would be no end to American tariffs until China changed its ways, after its president, Xi Jinping, warned that the shadow of protectionism and unilateralism was hanging over global growth.

Illustrating the impasse between the world's two largest economies, a diplomat involved in negotiating an APEC leaders' declaration told Reuters trade was a sticking point, and the host nation was having trouble finding language acceptable to all.

Pence took direct aim at Xi's flagship Belt and Road programme, which China has been promoting to Pacific nations at APEC, saying countries should not accept debt that compromised their sovereignty.

"We do not offer constricting belt or a one-way road," Pence told the APEC CEO summit, a precursor to the official leaders' meeting, held on a cruise liner tethered in Port Moresby's Fairfax Harbour.

China's efforts to win friends in the resource-rich Pacific have been watched warily by the traditionally influential powers in the region - Australia and the United States.

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump is not attending the APEC meeting, nor is his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin.

Xi, who is staying in Port Moresby, has been feted by PNG officials and stoked Western concern on Friday when he held a meeting with Pacific island leaders, in which he pitched the Belt and Road initiative.

Speaking before Pence, Xi said there was no geopolitical agenda behind the project, which was unveiled in 2013 and aims to bolster a network of land and sea links with Southeast Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East, Europe and Africa.

"It does not exclude anyone. It is not an exclusive club closed to non-members, nor is it a trap as some people have labelled it."

There have been concerns that small countries that sign up for infrastructure projects will be left with debt burdens they cannot service, something Pence highlighted.

"Do not accept foreign debt that could compromise your sovereignty. Protect your interest. Preserve your independence. And just like America, always put your country first," he said.

Sri Lanka formally handed over commercial activities in its main southern port of Hambantota to a Chinese company last December as part of a plan to convert $6 billion of loans that Sri Lanka owed China into equity.

Soon after Pence spoke, Australia said it was joining the United States and Japan in a partnership that would help countries in the region develop infrastructure priorities, a possible alternative to China's Belt and Road.

Regional security

Pence also said the United States would join Australia to help Papua New Guinea build a navy base on its Manus Island, which was a US&nbsp;base in World War Two.

The plan comes after China emerged as a possible developer of the deep-water port, which analysts say could impact the West's ability to navigate in the Pacific while offering China a site close to US&nbsp;bases in Guam.

"The United States of America will continue to uphold the freedom of the seas and the skies, which are so essential to our prosperity," Pence said.

In a meeting that could irritate Beijing, Pence had talks with Taiwan's envoy to APEC, Morris Chang.

Beijing considers Taiwan a wayward province of "one China", ineligible for state-to-state relations, and has never renounced the use of force to bring the island under its control.

Despite Taiwan's lack of diplomatic recognition by the majority of countries, APEC allows it to participate as an economic, rather than political, entity.

Pence later told reporters travelling with him he would "carry back" a Taiwan proposal for a free trade agreement.

Double tariffs?&nbsp;

There were differences between other APEC members, with some calling for radical change to trade systems while others argued for a return to the status quo on globalisation.

Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad warned globalisation was leaving some people behind and fuelling inequality.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison mounted a defence of free trade, saying a billion people had been lifted out of extreme poverty since 1991 because of the jobs and cheaper goods that free trade brought.

Xi told delegates that the shadow of "protectionism and unilateralism" hung over global growth and erecting barriers and cutting ties was short-sighted and doomed to fail.

But Pence made it clear that the United States would not back down, saying it could more than double the $250 billion of Chinese goods subject to tariffs.

"The United States though will not change course until China changes its ways," Pence said.

Trump and Xi are due to meet at a G20 meeting in Argentina late this month, raising some hope that trade tension could ease.

Trump is pressing China to reduce its huge bilateral trade surplus and make sweeping changes to its policies on trade, technology transfers and high-tech industrial subsidies.

China has denied that US&nbsp;companies are forced to transfer technology and sees US&nbsp;demands on rolling back its industrial policies as an attempt to contain China’s economic rise.

Sebastián Piñera, the president of Chile, which will host next year's APEC, called on the two powers to find a resolution.

"This is a very good opportunity to ask the US&nbsp;and China to find ways to end their tariff and trade war which benefits no one," he told the forum.

"Both countries will have to change course."

The United States and China swapped barbs over trade, investment and regional security at an Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) summit on Saturday, as growing fault lines among members suggested little prospect of consensus at the weekend meeting.

The United States and China swapped barbs over trade, investment and regional security at an Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) summit on Saturday, as growing fault lines among members suggested little prospect of consensus at the weekend meeting. Speaking in the Papua New Guinean capital, US Vice President Mike Pence said there would be no end to American tariffs until China changed its ways, after its president, Xi Jinping, warned that the shadow of protectionism and unilateralism was hanging over global growth. Illustrating the impasse between the world's two largest economies, a diplomat involved in negotiating an APEC leaders' declaration told Reuters trade was a sticking point, and the host nation was having trouble finding language acceptable to all. Pence took direct aim at Xi's flagship Belt and Road programme, which China has been promoting to Pacific nations at APEC, saying countries should not accept debt that compromised their sovereignty. "We do not offer constricting belt or a one-way road," Pence told the APEC CEO summit, a precursor to the official leaders' meeting, held on a cruise liner tethered in Port Moresby's Fairfax Harbour. China's efforts to win friends in the resource-rich Pacific have been watched warily by the traditionally influential powers in the region - Australia and the United States. US President Donald Trump is not attending the APEC meeting, nor is his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin. Xi, who is staying in Port Moresby, has been feted by PNG officials and stoked Western concern on Friday when he held a meeting with Pacific island leaders, in which he pitched the Belt and Road initiative. Speaking before Pence, Xi said there was no geopolitical agenda behind the project, which was unveiled in 2013 and aims to bolster a network of land and sea links with Southeast Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East, Europe and Africa. "It does not exclude anyone. It is not an exclusive club closed to non-members, nor is it a trap as some people have labelled it." There have been concerns that small countries that sign up for infrastructure projects will be left with debt burdens they cannot service, something Pence highlighted. "Do not accept foreign debt that could compromise your sovereignty. Protect your interest. Preserve your independence. And just like America, always put your country first," he said. Sri Lanka formally handed over commercial activities in its main southern port of Hambantota to a Chinese company last December as part of a plan to convert $6 billion of loans that Sri Lanka owed China into equity. Soon after Pence spoke, Australia said it was joining the United States and Japan in a partnership that would help countries in the region develop infrastructure priorities, a possible alternative to China's Belt and Road. Regional security Pence also said the United States would join Australia to help Papua New Guinea build a navy base on its Manus Island, which was a US base in World War Two. The plan comes after China emerged as a possible developer of the deep-water port, which analysts say could impact the West's ability to navigate in the Pacific while offering China a site close to US bases in Guam. "The United States of America will continue to uphold the freedom of the seas and the skies, which are so essential to our prosperity," Pence said. In a meeting that could irritate Beijing, Pence had talks with Taiwan's envoy to APEC, Morris Chang. Beijing considers Taiwan a wayward province of "one China", ineligible for state-to-state relations, and has never renounced the use of force to bring the island under its control. Despite Taiwan's lack of diplomatic recognition by the majority of countries, APEC allows it to participate as an economic, rather than political, entity. Pence later told reporters travelling with him he would "carry back" a Taiwan proposal for a free trade agreement. Double tariffs? There were differences between other APEC members, with some calling for radical change to trade systems while others argued for a return to the status quo on globalisation. Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad warned globalisation was leaving some people behind and fuelling inequality. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison mounted a defence of free trade, saying a billion people had been lifted out of extreme poverty since 1991 because of the jobs and cheaper goods that free trade brought. Xi told delegates that the shadow of "protectionism and unilateralism" hung over global growth and erecting barriers and cutting ties was short-sighted and doomed to fail. But Pence made it clear that the United States would not back down, saying it could more than double the $250 billion of Chinese goods subject to tariffs. "The United States though will not change course until China changes its ways," Pence said. Trump and Xi are due to meet at a G20 meeting in Argentina late this month, raising some hope that trade tension could ease. Trump is pressing China to reduce its huge bilateral trade surplus and make sweeping changes to its policies on trade, technology transfers and high-tech industrial subsidies. China has denied that US companies are forced to transfer technology and sees US demands on rolling back its industrial policies as an attempt to contain China’s economic rise. Sebastián Piñera, the president of Chile, which will host next year's APEC, called on the two powers to find a resolution. "This is a very good opportunity to ask the US and China to find ways to end their tariff and trade war which benefits no one," he told the forum. "Both countries will have to change course."

US-China discord dominates APEC summit in Papua New Guinea

Ahead of the PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping's meet in Argentina on the sidelines of G20 Summit, Chinese Ambassador to India Luo Zhaohui has lauded India-China ties saying that they are in the best periods of history.&nbsp;

"China India relations are at one of the best periods in history. President Xi Jinping and Prime minister Modij held the Wuhan informal summit this April. It is a historic milestone in the bilateral relations and both the sides are implementing the consensus reached by the leaders," said Zhaohui.&nbsp;

Speaking at the first India-China Youth Dialogue 2018 at the Chinese Embassy, he said Argentina meeting between Indian PM and Chinese President will be the fourth meeting between the duo. They first met for the informal summit in Wuhan, followed by meetings on the sidelines of SCO in China and BRICS in South Africa.

''sound bilateral relations and friendly cooperation have provided a solid basis and opportunities for youth exchanges,'' the Chinese ambassador said. 
&nbsp; 
Later this year, a 200 Chinese youth delegation will visit India. Every year India and China organize 2-way exchanges of 200 member youth delegation. Both governments have provided scholarships also.

Highlighting the complementarities, Zhaohui said "both of us (India &amp; China ) are carrying out economic reforms and opening policies. &nbsp;China is pursuing the "Chinese Dream". India is building the "New India". Development strategies of both countries call for more cooperation."

The Dangal Connect

Increasingly, Bollywood has become a major success with movies like Dangal, Secret Superstar, Bajrangi Bhaijaan becoming a runaway success in China.

Zhaohui recalled his meeting with Amitabh Bachchan and Amir Khan and said "Dangal'' and ''Secret Superstar'' were box office success in China".&nbsp;

Chinese President Xi Jinping had famously told PM Modi that he liked watching Dangal.

The ambassador highlighted the increased popularity of Indian culture saying three things are most fashionable among Chinese youth in urban areas, namely, watching Bollywood movies, practising Yoga and tasting Darjeeling tea.

Ahead of the PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping's meet in Argentina on the sidelines of G20 Summit, Chinese Ambassador to India Luo Zhaohui has lauded India-China ties saying that they are in the best periods of history.

Ahead of the PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping's meet in Argentina on the sidelines of G20 Summit, Chinese Ambassador to India Luo Zhaohui has lauded India-China ties saying that they are in the best periods of history. "China India relations are at one of the best periods in history. President Xi Jinping and Prime minister Modij held the Wuhan informal summit this April. It is a historic milestone in the bilateral relations and both the sides are implementing the consensus reached by the leaders," said Zhaohui. Speaking at the first India-China Youth Dialogue 2018 at the Chinese Embassy, he said Argentina meeting between Indian PM and Chinese President will be the fourth meeting between the duo. They first met for the informal summit in Wuhan, followed by meetings on the sidelines of SCO in China and BRICS in South Africa. ''sound bilateral relations and friendly cooperation have provided a solid basis and opportunities for youth exchanges,'' the Chinese ambassador said. Later this year, a 200 Chinese youth delegation will visit India. Every year India and China organize 2-way exchanges of 200 member youth delegation. Both governments have provided scholarships also. Highlighting the complementarities, Zhaohui said "both of us (India & China ) are carrying out economic reforms and opening policies. China is pursuing the "Chinese Dream". India is building the "New India". Development strategies of both countries call for more cooperation." The Dangal Connect Increasingly, Bollywood has become a major success with movies like Dangal, Secret Superstar, Bajrangi Bhaijaan becoming a runaway success in China. Zhaohui recalled his meeting with Amitabh Bachchan and Amir Khan and said "Dangal'' and ''Secret Superstar'' were box office success in China". Chinese President Xi Jinping had famously told PM Modi that he liked watching Dangal. The ambassador highlighted the increased popularity of Indian culture saying three things are most fashionable among Chinese youth in urban areas, namely, watching Bollywood movies, practising Yoga and tasting Darjeeling tea.

China-India relations at best periods in history: Chinese Ambassador to New Delhi 

The Wuhan summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping has removed several "misconceptions" between the two countries which would enable them to work together on many issues like globalisation, India's envoy here has said.&nbsp;

In Wuhan, Modi and Xi spoke to each other for almost 10 hours, which is characterised as a strategic communication by both sides, Ambassador Gautam Bambawale said.

"Both leaders were very keen to have this kind of (informal) meeting. The reason why we did an informal summit was that we wanted the two leaders to talk to each other for the maximum amount of time," he said on the April 27-28 summit.&nbsp;

"We removed several misconceptions may have about each other. I think a lot of things bring India and China can do together. There are only few things where we differ with each other," Bambawale told the state-run China Global Television Network on Thursday.

He said both the countries are beneficiaries of multilateralism and India is a votary for globalisation like China.

The two countries agree that they are developing countries who are focused on improving the living standards of about 2.4 billion people. 
"India and China have similar view points on global issues. We both want to have an open system where multilateral system works," he said, adding that both the countries can work on many issues like globalisation.&nbsp;

He said the issue that divides the two countries is the unresolved boundary question.

"But even as we work for the resolution of the boundary problem between us, we have agreed that we will maintain peace and tranquillity at our borders and for the last 30 years we have succeeded in that," he said.&nbsp;

The India-China border dispute covers the 3,488 km long Line of Actual Control (LAC). While China claims Arunachal Pradesh as Southern Tibet, India asserts that the dispute covered Aksai Chin area which was occupied by China during the 1962 war.

Bambawale is retiring later this month and will be succeeded by India's current Ambassador to Myanmar, Vikram Misri.&nbsp;

To a question about Japan and China deciding to undertake a joint project in third countries, Bambawale said New Delhi and Beijing are also trying out such a cooperation and pointed to the recent decision to jointly train Afghan diplomats.

"At the Wuhan summit, Xi and Modi have agreed that India and China will do a joint project in Afghanistan. Here is yet another example of two Asian countries working together to help another Asian country. So, I think the future is bright as far as this aspect is concerned," he said.&nbsp;

To a question about India-China trade and investment moving to a fast lane, he said, "Yes, I agree, not just trade but also investments increasing between India and China".

"We are seeing more Chinese companies interested in investing in India and beginning to invest in India," he said and pointed to big strides made by Chinese companies like Xiaomi.&nbsp;

Huawei too has a research base in India employing about 6,000 Indian engineers.

He also spoke about Indian films like Dangal making big inroads in China.&nbsp;

He said film star Aamir Khan has become a "superstar" in China.

He said efforts are being made by both countries to increase people-to-people contacts.

The Wuhan summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping has removed several "misconceptions" between the two countries which would enable them to work together on many issues like globalisation, India's envoy here has said.

The Wuhan summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping has removed several "misconceptions" between the two countries which would enable them to work together on many issues like globalisation, India's envoy here has said. In Wuhan, Modi and Xi spoke to each other for almost 10 hours, which is characterised as a strategic communication by both sides, Ambassador Gautam Bambawale said. "Both leaders were very keen to have this kind of (informal) meeting. The reason why we did an informal summit was that we wanted the two leaders to talk to each other for the maximum amount of time," he said on the April 27-28 summit. "We removed several misconceptions may have about each other. I think a lot of things bring India and China can do together. There are only few things where we differ with each other," Bambawale told the state-run China Global Television Network on Thursday. He said both the countries are beneficiaries of multilateralism and India is a votary for globalisation like China. The two countries agree that they are developing countries who are focused on improving the living standards of about 2.4 billion people. "India and China have similar view points on global issues. We both want to have an open system where multilateral system works," he said, adding that both the countries can work on many issues like globalisation. He said the issue that divides the two countries is the unresolved boundary question. "But even as we work for the resolution of the boundary problem between us, we have agreed that we will maintain peace and tranquillity at our borders and for the last 30 years we have succeeded in that," he said. The India-China border dispute covers the 3,488 km long Line of Actual Control (LAC). While China claims Arunachal Pradesh as Southern Tibet, India asserts that the dispute covered Aksai Chin area which was occupied by China during the 1962 war. Bambawale is retiring later this month and will be succeeded by India's current Ambassador to Myanmar, Vikram Misri. To a question about Japan and China deciding to undertake a joint project in third countries, Bambawale said New Delhi and Beijing are also trying out such a cooperation and pointed to the recent decision to jointly train Afghan diplomats. "At the Wuhan summit, Xi and Modi have agreed that India and China will do a joint project in Afghanistan. Here is yet another example of two Asian countries working together to help another Asian country. So, I think the future is bright as far as this aspect is concerned," he said. To a question about India-China trade and investment moving to a fast lane, he said, "Yes, I agree, not just trade but also investments increasing between India and China". "We are seeing more Chinese companies interested in investing in India and beginning to invest in India," he said and pointed to big strides made by Chinese companies like Xiaomi. Huawei too has a research base in India employing about 6,000 Indian engineers. He also spoke about Indian films like Dangal making big inroads in China. He said film star Aamir Khan has become a "superstar" in China. He said efforts are being made by both countries to increase people-to-people contacts.

Modi-Xi summit in Wuhan removed several misconceptions between India and China: Indian envoy

Standing side by side, top US officials urged their Chinese counterparts on Friday to halt militarization of the disputed South China Sea, drawing a rebuke from the Chinese for sending US warships close to islands claimed by Beijing.

During a round of high-level talks in Washington, the two sides aired in sometimes blunt terms many of their main differences, including a bitter trade dispute, freedom of navigation in Asia-Pacific waters, self-ruled Taiwan, and China’s crackdown on its Muslim minority in Xinjiang.

Two visiting senior Chinese officials also seized the opportunity to warn publicly that a trade war between the world’s two largest economies would end up hurting both sides and to call for keeping channels of communication open to resolve an issue that has unsettled global financial markets.

Despite the airing of grievances, the talks appeared aimed at controlling the damage to relations that has worsened in recent months and at paving the way for an encounter between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Group of 20 summit in Argentina at the end of November.

"The United States is not pursuing a Cold War or containment policy with respect to China," US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told a joint news conference.

Even as the United States and China confront difficult challenges, “cooperation remains essential on many issues,” he said, citing efforts to persuade North Korea to abandon its nuclear program.

The meeting paired Pompeo and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis with Chinese Politburo member Yang Jiechi and Defense Minister Wei Fenghe. The annual US-China Diplomatic and Security Dialogue was originally set for Beijing last month but had been called off amid rising tensions.

Pompeo took aim at China over its continued building of military installations on artificial islands and reefs in the South China Sea, where China insists it has sovereignty despite competing claims from some smaller neighbours.

“We have continued concerns about China's activities and militarization in the South China Sea,” Pompeo said following the talks. “We pressed China to live up to its past commitments in this area."

Yang said China was committed to "non-confrontation” but that Beijing had the right to build "necessary defence facilities" on what it considers its own territory and urged Washington to stop sending warships and military planes close to the islands that Beijing claims.

Mattis made clear that this demand goes unheeded by Washington, which insists it is acting under international law to preserve access for it and others to the South China Sea.

In a statement on Saturday, China's Foreign Ministry described the talks as "frank, constructive and very fruitful."

TAIWAN

Responding sharply to Pompeo's mention of Taiwan, which China considers a wayward province but which is armed by Washington, Wei said Beijing would defend its claim on the island "at any cost."

But Wei and Mattis agreed on the need to lower US-China military tensions to avoid unintended clashes, with the Chinese general saying confrontation "will spell disaster to all." Washington has protested to Beijing about recent behaviour by its warships that the US Navy considered unsafe.

While Pompeo spoke little about trade in his public comments, Yang said he hoped the two sides would find a mutually acceptable solution on the issue “before long.”

China and the United States have slapped tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars of each other's goods, jolting global financial markets, and Trump has threatened to set tariffs on the remainder of China's $500 billion-plus exports to the United States if the trade dispute cannot be resolved.

Trump's administration has also accused China of meddling in US politics ahead of this week’s congressional elections, charges China strongly denies.

Reflecting growing US concerns about the Chinese cyber threat, a senior US intelligence official on Thursday accused China of violating a 2015 agreement aimed at stopping cyberespionage through the hacking of government and corporate data.

Pompeo also reiterated US criticism of China's "repression of religious groups," citing treatment of Buddhists in Tibet and minority Uighur Muslims in the Xinjiang region that has drawn condemnation from human rights groups.

Yang defended China's policies in Xinjiang as measures against "ethnic separatist activities and violent terrorist crimes" but said it was a Chinese internal affair and foreign governments should not interfere.

Standing side by side, top US officials urged their Chinese counterparts on Friday to halt militarization of the disputed South China Sea, drawing a rebuke from the Chinese for sending US warships close to islands claimed by Beijing.

Standing side by side, top US officials urged their Chinese counterparts on Friday to halt militarization of the disputed South China Sea, drawing a rebuke from the Chinese for sending US warships close to islands claimed by Beijing. During a round of high-level talks in Washington, the two sides aired in sometimes blunt terms many of their main differences, including a bitter trade dispute, freedom of navigation in Asia-Pacific waters, self-ruled Taiwan, and China’s crackdown on its Muslim minority in Xinjiang. Two visiting senior Chinese officials also seized the opportunity to warn publicly that a trade war between the world’s two largest economies would end up hurting both sides and to call for keeping channels of communication open to resolve an issue that has unsettled global financial markets. Despite the airing of grievances, the talks appeared aimed at controlling the damage to relations that has worsened in recent months and at paving the way for an encounter between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Group of 20 summit in Argentina at the end of November. "The United States is not pursuing a Cold War or containment policy with respect to China," US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told a joint news conference. Even as the United States and China confront difficult challenges, “cooperation remains essential on many issues,” he said, citing efforts to persuade North Korea to abandon its nuclear program. The meeting paired Pompeo and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis with Chinese Politburo member Yang Jiechi and Defense Minister Wei Fenghe. The annual US-China Diplomatic and Security Dialogue was originally set for Beijing last month but had been called off amid rising tensions. Pompeo took aim at China over its continued building of military installations on artificial islands and reefs in the South China Sea, where China insists it has sovereignty despite competing claims from some smaller neighbours. “We have continued concerns about China's activities and militarization in the South China Sea,” Pompeo said following the talks. “We pressed China to live up to its past commitments in this area." Yang said China was committed to "non-confrontation” but that Beijing had the right to build "necessary defence facilities" on what it considers its own territory and urged Washington to stop sending warships and military planes close to the islands that Beijing claims. Mattis made clear that this demand goes unheeded by Washington, which insists it is acting under international law to preserve access for it and others to the South China Sea. In a statement on Saturday, China's Foreign Ministry described the talks as "frank, constructive and very fruitful." TAIWAN Responding sharply to Pompeo's mention of Taiwan, which China considers a wayward province but which is armed by Washington, Wei said Beijing would defend its claim on the island "at any cost." But Wei and Mattis agreed on the need to lower US-China military tensions to avoid unintended clashes, with the Chinese general saying confrontation "will spell disaster to all." Washington has protested to Beijing about recent behaviour by its warships that the US Navy considered unsafe. While Pompeo spoke little about trade in his public comments, Yang said he hoped the two sides would find a mutually acceptable solution on the issue “before long.” China and the United States have slapped tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars of each other's goods, jolting global financial markets, and Trump has threatened to set tariffs on the remainder of China's $500 billion-plus exports to the United States if the trade dispute cannot be resolved. Trump's administration has also accused China of meddling in US politics ahead of this week’s congressional elections, charges China strongly denies. Reflecting growing US concerns about the Chinese cyber threat, a senior US intelligence official on Thursday accused China of violating a 2015 agreement aimed at stopping cyberespionage through the hacking of government and corporate data. Pompeo also reiterated US criticism of China's "repression of religious groups," citing treatment of Buddhists in Tibet and minority Uighur Muslims in the Xinjiang region that has drawn condemnation from human rights groups. Yang defended China's policies in Xinjiang as measures against "ethnic separatist activities and violent terrorist crimes" but said it was a Chinese internal affair and foreign governments should not interfere.

US presses China to halt militarization of South China Sea

The United States and China resume top-level talks Friday after months of spiraling tension, looking to see if they can find a way forward on disputes from trade to military friction.

Friday's delayed meeting in Washington comes weeks before US leader Donald Trump is expected to meet his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Group of 20 summit in Argentina, with both sides hoping they can announce some progress.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis will spend Friday morning with two high-ranking Chinese policymakers, days after a congressional election in which Trump painted China as a bogeyman.

A planned trip by Mattis to Beijing last month was cancelled amid rising military tensions between the Pacific powers. But on Friday, China's defence minister, General Wei Fenghe, will visit the Pentagon to a ceremonial honour cordon.

The defence chiefs will beforehand hold talks at the State Department jointly with Pompeo and senior Communist Party official Yang Jiechi, a longtime architect of Chinese foreign policy who formerly served as ambassador to Washington.

The talks will focus on security, but trade is at the heart of tensions. Trump has slapped $250 billion worth of tariffs on Chinese goods, accusing Beijing of nefarious trading practices, prompting retaliatory measures.

While some of the Trump administration's comments on China have prompted commentators to draw parallels to the Cold War, Terry Branstad, the US ambassador to Beijing, said that Washington was not seeking confrontation for its own sake.

"We want this to be a constructive, results-oriented relationship with China. The US is not trying to contain China, but we want fairness and reciprocity," Branstad told reporters on the eve of the talks.

FLURRY OF DISPUTES

Branstad said that the talks would consist of "frank, open exchanges" on issues from human rights to the myriad maritime disputes in the South China Sea.

"We want to achieve progress on our priorities including North Korea, and China has been a very key player in helping to get North Korea to the bargaining table," Branstad said.

Trump is seeking a follow-up to his landmark summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who counts on China as his main supporter.

But a meeting due this week in New York between Pompeo and a senior North Korean official was abruptly called off, the latest twist in turbulent diplomacy.

With the occasional exception of North Korea policy, the United States has increasingly seen China as a meddlesome player on the international scene and has been especially incensed at what it believes is widespread theft of US technology.

China has denied stealing US know-how and has sought to appear as a cooler head on the world stage.

The United States and China resume top-level talks Friday after months of spiraling tension, looking to see if they can find a way forward on disputes from trade to military friction.

The United States and China resume top-level talks Friday after months of spiraling tension, looking to see if they can find a way forward on disputes from trade to military friction. Friday's delayed meeting in Washington comes weeks before US leader Donald Trump is expected to meet his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Group of 20 summit in Argentina, with both sides hoping they can announce some progress. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis will spend Friday morning with two high-ranking Chinese policymakers, days after a congressional election in which Trump painted China as a bogeyman. A planned trip by Mattis to Beijing last month was cancelled amid rising military tensions between the Pacific powers. But on Friday, China's defence minister, General Wei Fenghe, will visit the Pentagon to a ceremonial honour cordon. The defence chiefs will beforehand hold talks at the State Department jointly with Pompeo and senior Communist Party official Yang Jiechi, a longtime architect of Chinese foreign policy who formerly served as ambassador to Washington. The talks will focus on security, but trade is at the heart of tensions. Trump has slapped $250 billion worth of tariffs on Chinese goods, accusing Beijing of nefarious trading practices, prompting retaliatory measures. While some of the Trump administration's comments on China have prompted commentators to draw parallels to the Cold War, Terry Branstad, the US ambassador to Beijing, said that Washington was not seeking confrontation for its own sake. "We want this to be a constructive, results-oriented relationship with China. The US is not trying to contain China, but we want fairness and reciprocity," Branstad told reporters on the eve of the talks. FLURRY OF DISPUTES Branstad said that the talks would consist of "frank, open exchanges" on issues from human rights to the myriad maritime disputes in the South China Sea. "We want to achieve progress on our priorities including North Korea, and China has been a very key player in helping to get North Korea to the bargaining table," Branstad said. Trump is seeking a follow-up to his landmark summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who counts on China as his main supporter. But a meeting due this week in New York between Pompeo and a senior North Korean official was abruptly called off, the latest twist in turbulent diplomacy. With the occasional exception of North Korea policy, the United States has increasingly seen China as a meddlesome player on the international scene and has been especially incensed at what it believes is widespread theft of US technology. China has denied stealing US know-how and has sought to appear as a cooler head on the world stage.

US, China meet to explore path forward from tensions

A meeting between the Chinese and US presidents at the G20 summit will be of "great significance" in resolving bilateral problems, a senior Chinese diplomat said on Thursday, as the two countries try tentatively to get ties back on track.

China and the United States have put tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars of each other's goods and US President Donald Trump has threatened to set tariffs on the remainder of China's $500 billion-plus exports to the United States if their blistering trade dispute cannot be resolved.

Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping plan to meet on the sidelines of a G20 summit, which is being held in Argentina at the end of November and early December, for high-stakes talks.

Speaking in Beijing, China's top diplomat, State Councillor Wang Yi said Xi and Trump reached an important consensus on the healthy and stable development of bilateral ties in their telephone call last week and were slated to meet in Buenos Aires.

"That will be of great significance for both sides to manage differences effectively and resolve issues in a practical way," Wang told reporters.

Wang said China stands ready to work with the United States to remove disruptions, build trust and prepare fully for the meeting.

"We believe that meeting will help chart the course for China-US relations," he said, following talks with Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne.

Wang added that the more complex the situation it is, the more important it is for both sides to remain "level-headed".

Relations between the two countries have warmed since the Xi-Trump telephone call, laying the ground for their G20 meeting.

In a further sign of improving ties, Chinese Politburo member Yang Jiechi and Defence Minister Wei Fenghe are set to hold a security and diplomatic dialogue with US officials in Washington on Friday.

Meeting US national security adviser John Bolton in Washington ahead of those talks, Yang said on Wednesday that the two sides should "properly manage differences and carefully prepare to ensure positive results in the Argentina meeting", China's Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

"China is committed to working with the US to achieve a no-confrontational, conflict-free, mutually respectful co-operation in which both sides win," added Yang, who heads the ruling Communist Party's foreign affairs commission and outranks Wang.

In a separate meeting on Thursday in Beijing with former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, Wang said the two countries absolutely could resolve their trade dispute.

"As for the present China-US economic and trade dispute, we believe it ought to be and can be appropriately resolved via equal dialogue," Wang said, according to China's Foreign Ministry.

However, speaking in Singapore at a forum on Wednesday, former US Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson said there was a risk of an economic "Iron Curtain" falling between China and the United States unless Beijing carries out reforms and that some people in the United States would like to "divorce" from China.

Beijing can help avoid this happening by ending practices like forced technology transfers, and providing better protection for intellectual property, and by also genuinely allowing market forces to drive key decisions.

"If China doesn't move quickly, I suspect the calls for divorce will intensify," Paulson said.

A meeting between the Chinese and US presidents at the G20 summit will be of "great significance" in resolving bilateral problems, a senior Chinese diplomat said on Thursday, as the two countries try tentatively to get ties back on track.

A meeting between the Chinese and US presidents at the G20 summit will be of "great significance" in resolving bilateral problems, a senior Chinese diplomat said on Thursday, as the two countries try tentatively to get ties back on track. China and the United States have put tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars of each other's goods and US President Donald Trump has threatened to set tariffs on the remainder of China's $500 billion-plus exports to the United States if their blistering trade dispute cannot be resolved. Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping plan to meet on the sidelines of a G20 summit, which is being held in Argentina at the end of November and early December, for high-stakes talks. Speaking in Beijing, China's top diplomat, State Councillor Wang Yi said Xi and Trump reached an important consensus on the healthy and stable development of bilateral ties in their telephone call last week and were slated to meet in Buenos Aires. "That will be of great significance for both sides to manage differences effectively and resolve issues in a practical way," Wang told reporters. Wang said China stands ready to work with the United States to remove disruptions, build trust and prepare fully for the meeting. "We believe that meeting will help chart the course for China-US relations," he said, following talks with Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne. Wang added that the more complex the situation it is, the more important it is for both sides to remain "level-headed". Relations between the two countries have warmed since the Xi-Trump telephone call, laying the ground for their G20 meeting. In a further sign of improving ties, Chinese Politburo member Yang Jiechi and Defence Minister Wei Fenghe are set to hold a security and diplomatic dialogue with US officials in Washington on Friday. Meeting US national security adviser John Bolton in Washington ahead of those talks, Yang said on Wednesday that the two sides should "properly manage differences and carefully prepare to ensure positive results in the Argentina meeting", China's Foreign Ministry said in a statement. "China is committed to working with the US to achieve a no-confrontational, conflict-free, mutually respectful co-operation in which both sides win," added Yang, who heads the ruling Communist Party's foreign affairs commission and outranks Wang. In a separate meeting on Thursday in Beijing with former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, Wang said the two countries absolutely could resolve their trade dispute. "As for the present China-US economic and trade dispute, we believe it ought to be and can be appropriately resolved via equal dialogue," Wang said, according to China's Foreign Ministry. However, speaking in Singapore at a forum on Wednesday, former US Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson said there was a risk of an economic "Iron Curtain" falling between China and the United States unless Beijing carries out reforms and that some people in the United States would like to "divorce" from China. Beijing can help avoid this happening by ending practices like forced technology transfers, and providing better protection for intellectual property, and by also genuinely allowing market forces to drive key decisions. "If China doesn't move quickly, I suspect the calls for divorce will intensify," Paulson said.

Xi, Trump's G20 meeting will be of 'great significance': China

India will participate in China's first international import expo in Shanghai as part of its efforts to reduce the over $51 billion trade deficit with the neighbouring nation, Indian officials said here on Sunday.

The six-day China International Import Expo (CIIE) will be inaugurated on Monday by Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Leaders of 18 countries, including Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, will take part in the event, which is aimed at showcasing China's import potential.

An Indian delegation led by Commerce Secretary Anup Wadhawan has arrived in Shanghai to take part in the event, officials said.

"India has built a pavilion at the expo highlighting its focus areas of agricultural products, pharmaceuticals, information technology and tourism," Prashant Lokhande, Counsellor Economic and Commerce of the Indian Embassy here told PTI.

The Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) along with relevant government agencies has built India pavilion at the expo, which is billed as the biggest event organised by China, the world's largest exporter, to showcase opportunities.&nbsp;

Chinese official media says the the scope of imports could be over a trillion dollars.

The expo is being held amid China's trade war with the US, which slapped additional tariffs on Chinese goods worth about $250 billion, demanding Beijing to bring down the trade deficit amounting to $375 billion. China had retaliated with counter-tariffs.

India too has been pressuring China to take measures to bring down over $51 billion annual trade deficit, which was one of the main focus areas in the informal meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping at Wuhan in April this year.

Since then officials of the two countries held several rounds of talks for India to export its agricultural products like sugar and rice as well as its pharmaceuticals and IT in which the country has upper hand in the global exports.

The Consul General of India's Consulate in Shanghai, Anil Kumar Rai, said the expo will enable India to showcase products in the areas in which it is strong.

Though the expo, which would be held till Novemebr 10, has evoked tremendous interest in global industry, diplomatic sources said China is yet to liberalise its import market.

It is the world's first import-themed national-level expo that will feature enterprise and business exhibitions, country pavilions for trade and investment, the state-run China Daily reported.

About 82 countries and three international organisations will set up 71 booths at the country pavilions, covering an area of about 30,000 square metres.

Twelve countries -- Brazil, Canada, Egypt, Germany, Hungary, Indonesia, Mexico, Pakistan, Russia, South Africa, Vietnam and the UK -- will be the "Guest of Honour" at the mega business event.&nbsp;

More than 3,000 companies from over 130 countries have confirmed participation in the enterprise and business exhibitions at the expo, with a total booth area of 270,000 square metres, the report said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

India will participate in China's first international import expo in Shanghai as part of its efforts to reduce the over $51 billion trade deficit with the neighbouring nation, Indian officials said here on Sunday.

India will participate in China's first international import expo in Shanghai as part of its efforts to reduce the over $51 billion trade deficit with the neighbouring nation, Indian officials said here on Sunday. The six-day China International Import Expo (CIIE) will be inaugurated on Monday by Chinese President Xi Jinping. Leaders of 18 countries, including Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, will take part in the event, which is aimed at showcasing China's import potential. An Indian delegation led by Commerce Secretary Anup Wadhawan has arrived in Shanghai to take part in the event, officials said. "India has built a pavilion at the expo highlighting its focus areas of agricultural products, pharmaceuticals, information technology and tourism," Prashant Lokhande, Counsellor Economic and Commerce of the Indian Embassy here told PTI. The Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) along with relevant government agencies has built India pavilion at the expo, which is billed as the biggest event organised by China, the world's largest exporter, to showcase opportunities. Chinese official media says the the scope of imports could be over a trillion dollars. The expo is being held amid China's trade war with the US, which slapped additional tariffs on Chinese goods worth about $250 billion, demanding Beijing to bring down the trade deficit amounting to $375 billion. China had retaliated with counter-tariffs. India too has been pressuring China to take measures to bring down over $51 billion annual trade deficit, which was one of the main focus areas in the informal meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping at Wuhan in April this year. Since then officials of the two countries held several rounds of talks for India to export its agricultural products like sugar and rice as well as its pharmaceuticals and IT in which the country has upper hand in the global exports. The Consul General of India's Consulate in Shanghai, Anil Kumar Rai, said the expo will enable India to showcase products in the areas in which it is strong. Though the expo, which would be held till Novemebr 10, has evoked tremendous interest in global industry, diplomatic sources said China is yet to liberalise its import market. It is the world's first import-themed national-level expo that will feature enterprise and business exhibitions, country pavilions for trade and investment, the state-run China Daily reported. About 82 countries and three international organisations will set up 71 booths at the country pavilions, covering an area of about 30,000 square metres. Twelve countries -- Brazil, Canada, Egypt, Germany, Hungary, Indonesia, Mexico, Pakistan, Russia, South Africa, Vietnam and the UK -- will be the "Guest of Honour" at the mega business event. More than 3,000 companies from over 130 countries have confirmed participation in the enterprise and business exhibitions at the expo, with a total booth area of 270,000 square metres, the report said.

India to participate in China's first international import expo

Imran Khan meets Chinese President Xi Jinping

US President Donald Trump said Thursday he had "very good" talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on the trade conflict between the two economic giants, and meetings were being planned at the G20 summit at the end of this month.

The phone call comes as tensions between the world's two biggest economies are rising on several fronts, including commerce and security.

"Just had a long and very good conversation with President Xi Jinping of China. We talked about many subjects, with a heavy emphasis on Trade," Trump tweeted.

Trump said trade talks were "moving along nicely" and that meetings were "being scheduled" at the G20 summit in Buenos Aires.

Xi said he was "very happy" to talk to Trump again and attaches "great importance to good relations with the president", according to China's official Xinhua news agency.

The Chinese president also said he would like to meet Trump at the G20.

Disagreements on trade have "adversely affected" industries from both countries as well as global trade, Xi said.

"China does not want to see this," he said, according to Xinhua.

"The economic teams of the two countries should strengthen contact, conduct consultations on issues of mutual concern, and push for a mutually acceptable solution to China-US economic and trade issues," Xi said.

Washington and Beijing are in an increasingly high-stakes standoff over Trump's aggressive move to end what he says have been years of unfair trade practices by China, including rampant intellectual property theft, forced technology transfers and market access barriers.

Trump imposed new tariffs on roughly half of Chinese imports this summer while Beijing fired back with tariffs on most US products.

Trump said he and Xi also had "a good discussion on North Korea."

The US leader wants to maintain United Nations sanctions and pressure to compel Pyongyang to abandon its nuclear programme, even as he prepares for a second summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Xi said the situation on the Korean peninsula has "undergone positive changes."

"It is hoped that the United States and (North Korea) will take care of each other's concerns and further advance the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula," he said, adding that "China will continue to play a constructive role."

US President Donald Trump said Thursday he had "very good" talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on the trade conflict between the two economic giants, and meetings were being planned at the G20 summit at the end of this month.

US President Donald Trump said Thursday he had "very good" talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on the trade conflict between the two economic giants, and meetings were being planned at the G20 summit at the end of this month. The phone call comes as tensions between the world's two biggest economies are rising on several fronts, including commerce and security. "Just had a long and very good conversation with President Xi Jinping of China. We talked about many subjects, with a heavy emphasis on Trade," Trump tweeted. Trump said trade talks were "moving along nicely" and that meetings were "being scheduled" at the G20 summit in Buenos Aires. Xi said he was "very happy" to talk to Trump again and attaches "great importance to good relations with the president", according to China's official Xinhua news agency. The Chinese president also said he would like to meet Trump at the G20. Disagreements on trade have "adversely affected" industries from both countries as well as global trade, Xi said. "China does not want to see this," he said, according to Xinhua. "The economic teams of the two countries should strengthen contact, conduct consultations on issues of mutual concern, and push for a mutually acceptable solution to China-US economic and trade issues," Xi said. Washington and Beijing are in an increasingly high-stakes standoff over Trump's aggressive move to end what he says have been years of unfair trade practices by China, including rampant intellectual property theft, forced technology transfers and market access barriers. Trump imposed new tariffs on roughly half of Chinese imports this summer while Beijing fired back with tariffs on most US products. Trump said he and Xi also had "a good discussion on North Korea." The US leader wants to maintain United Nations sanctions and pressure to compel Pyongyang to abandon its nuclear programme, even as he prepares for a second summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Xi said the situation on the Korean peninsula has "undergone positive changes." "It is hoped that the United States and (North Korea) will take care of each other's concerns and further advance the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula," he said, adding that "China will continue to play a constructive role."

Trump, Xi eye G20 talks after 'very good' phone call

Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is currently on a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khan-arrives-in-china-to-seek-help-for-pakistans-shrinking-economy-174997">five-day official visit to China</a>, met with Chinese President Xi Jinping earlier in the day and discussed his country's "very difficult" economic situation, news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

Khan's China&nbsp;visit is aimed at working out a bailout package for Pakistan's economy which is nearing a collapse. This would be Pakistan's 13th rescue package from the multilateral lender since the late 1980s.

During his meeting at Beijing's Great Hall of the People earlier in the day, Khan said that his party came to power during a "very difficult economic situation". He added that he had come to China to learn.&nbsp;

"Countries go in cycles. They have their high points, they have their low points. Unfortunately, our country is going through a low point at the moment with two very big deficits, a fiscal deficit and a current account deficit. And so we, as I’ve said, have come to learn," Khan stated.

Xi hailed China's relationship with Pakistan reaffirming they were "all-weather" friends.

"I attach great importance to China-Pakistan relations and am willing to work together with the prime minister to strengthen the China-Pakistan all-weather strategic partnership and build a new era of China-Pakistan destiny," Xi said.

Khan, who is accompanied by Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, will meet Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Saturday. Both the countries are expected to sign a series of agreements tomorrow.

According to reports, Pakistan's foreign reserves have plunged 42 per cent since the start of the year at around $8 billion at present.

The country received a $6 billion rescue package from Saudi Arabia last month, which the officials claimed was not enough adding that the country still plans to seek a bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to avert a balance of payments crisis.

Khan's China visit comes at the time when Pakistan grapples with unrest and protests over the acquittal of a Pakistani Christian woman on death row for blasphemy.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the International Monetary Fund on Friday announced that the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/discussion-on-pak-bailout-application-to-begin-on-wednesday-imf-175007">discussion on Pakistan's multibillion-dollar bailout application would begin next Wednesday</a>, news agency PTI reported.

"We expect those discussions to begin on November 7. An IMF staff mission will go to Islamabad and initiate discussions with the authorities," IMF Director of Communications Gerry Rice told reporters.

"The objectives of that program is to help stabilise the Pakistan economy, put in place the preconditions for sustained inclusive growth," Rice said, adding that the modalities of that would be announced once the IMF and Pakistan have reached a staff-level agreement.

Pakistan Finance Minister Asad Umar had made a formal request for financial assistance from the IMF last month.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is currently on a five-day official visit to China, met with Chinese President Xi Jinping earlier in the day and discussed his country's "very difficult" economic situation, news agency Reuters reported.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is currently on a five-day official visit to China, met with Chinese President Xi Jinping earlier in the day and discussed his country's "very difficult" economic situation, news agency Reuters reported. Khan's China visit is aimed at working out a bailout package for Pakistan's economy which is nearing a collapse. This would be Pakistan's 13th rescue package from the multilateral lender since the late 1980s. During his meeting at Beijing's Great Hall of the People earlier in the day, Khan said that his party came to power during a "very difficult economic situation". He added that he had come to China to learn. "Countries go in cycles. They have their high points, they have their low points. Unfortunately, our country is going through a low point at the moment with two very big deficits, a fiscal deficit and a current account deficit. And so we, as I’ve said, have come to learn," Khan stated. Xi hailed China's relationship with Pakistan reaffirming they were "all-weather" friends. "I attach great importance to China-Pakistan relations and am willing to work together with the prime minister to strengthen the China-Pakistan all-weather strategic partnership and build a new era of China-Pakistan destiny," Xi said. Khan, who is accompanied by Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, will meet Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Saturday. Both the countries are expected to sign a series of agreements tomorrow. According to reports, Pakistan's foreign reserves have plunged 42 per cent since the start of the year at around $8 billion at present. The country received a $6 billion rescue package from Saudi Arabia last month, which the officials claimed was not enough adding that the country still plans to seek a bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to avert a balance of payments crisis. Khan's China visit comes at the time when Pakistan grapples with unrest and protests over the acquittal of a Pakistani Christian woman on death row for blasphemy. Meanwhile, the International Monetary Fund on Friday announced that the discussion on Pakistan's multibillion-dollar bailout application would begin next Wednesday, news agency PTI reported. "We expect those discussions to begin on November 7. An IMF staff mission will go to Islamabad and initiate discussions with the authorities," IMF Director of Communications Gerry Rice told reporters. "The objectives of that program is to help stabilise the Pakistan economy, put in place the preconditions for sustained inclusive growth," Rice said, adding that the modalities of that would be announced once the IMF and Pakistan have reached a staff-level agreement. Pakistan Finance Minister Asad Umar had made a formal request for financial assistance from the IMF last month. (With inputs from agencies)

Willing to work together to build new era of China-Pakistan destiny: Xi Jinping to Imran Khan

China poses a long-term challenge to the United States across every front, including trade and intellectual property rights, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said.

The US will demand a fair and reciprocal trade from China and President Donald Trump is determined to achieve it, he said.

"China is a long-term challenge. This challenge is across every front," Pompeo told American radio host Tony Katz on Thursday.

Stating that the US President has begun taking on the challenge of unfair trade, Pompeo said that America had very unfair trade with China and have had many administrations.

He said that the US has other sets of challenges, including China's continued efforts in the South China Sea.

Pompeo also informed of the Chinese being indicted for stealing intellectual property.

"Just this week, ten Chinese were indicted for stealing intellectual property, aviation-related intellectual property," he said.

"These are not the types of actions that countries that truly want to be part of the global community engage in, and we're pushing back against China across every one of those fronts to try and achieve that on behalf of the American people," Pompeo said.

Pompeo said that Russia also poses a challenge due to its large nuclear arsenal that threatens the entire world.

"Russia is a much smaller economy, but still maintains an enormously large nuclear arsenal, which threatens not only the United States but the world. President Trump has been really tough. We have done things to put pressure on Vladimir Putin and Russia in a way that no previous administration has," he said.

China poses a long-term challenge to the United States across every front, including trade and intellectual property rights, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said.

China poses a long-term challenge to the United States across every front, including trade and intellectual property rights, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said. The US will demand a fair and reciprocal trade from China and President Donald Trump is determined to achieve it, he said. "China is a long-term challenge. This challenge is across every front," Pompeo told American radio host Tony Katz on Thursday. Stating that the US President has begun taking on the challenge of unfair trade, Pompeo said that America had very unfair trade with China and have had many administrations. He said that the US has other sets of challenges, including China's continued efforts in the South China Sea. Pompeo also informed of the Chinese being indicted for stealing intellectual property. "Just this week, ten Chinese were indicted for stealing intellectual property, aviation-related intellectual property," he said. "These are not the types of actions that countries that truly want to be part of the global community engage in, and we're pushing back against China across every one of those fronts to try and achieve that on behalf of the American people," Pompeo said. Pompeo said that Russia also poses a challenge due to its large nuclear arsenal that threatens the entire world. "Russia is a much smaller economy, but still maintains an enormously large nuclear arsenal, which threatens not only the United States but the world. President Trump has been really tough. We have done things to put pressure on Vladimir Putin and Russia in a way that no previous administration has," he said.

China a long-term challenge across every front: Pompeo

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang told a visiting delegation of seven US Republican lawmakers on Thursday that he hoped their two countries can meet "halfway" amid friction over trade, security and other issues.

Relations between Washington and Beijing have grown tense since US President Donald Trump activated new tariffs on roughly half of the Chinese imports this summer while Beijing fired back with tariffs on most US products.

Some of the US lawmakers attending the meeting with Li in China's leadership compound have expressed concern over Trump's trade tactics.

"Over the past four decades, the China-US relationship has had its share of ups and downs, but, generally speaking, it has been moving forward all along," Li told the US delegation.

"We do hope that China and the United States will meet each other halfway and work together in the spirit of mutual respect and equality," Li said.

The working relationship between the two capitals has been further tested recently by a speech by US Vice President Mike Pence accusing China of military aggression and technology theft.

On Wednesday, Washington indicted 10 Chinese, including two intelligence officers, alleging a hacking scheme to steal technology from US companies.

Li suggested it was still possible to get relations back on track.

"In this way, our two countries will be able to overcome differences and have the wisdom to overcome the obstacles and move our relationship forward on an even sounder track," he said.

Senator Lamar Alexander of Tennessee, a critic of the Trump tariffs, led the group of Republican lawmakers.

"Your country and our country are competitors but not adversaries. And we believe that with mutual respect we can continue to prosper together," Alexander told Li.

"I would like to take this time to, first introduce my delegation, second to make a request that I think will be not easy but not so hard for China to do and, third to discuss trade," Alexander said before reporters were ushered out.

This summer the senator lamented the devastating effect the tariffs were having on his home state.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang told a visiting delegation of seven US Republican lawmakers on Thursday that he hoped their two countries can meet "halfway" amid friction over trade, security and other issues.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang told a visiting delegation of seven US Republican lawmakers on Thursday that he hoped their two countries can meet "halfway" amid friction over trade, security and other issues. Relations between Washington and Beijing have grown tense since US President Donald Trump activated new tariffs on roughly half of the Chinese imports this summer while Beijing fired back with tariffs on most US products. Some of the US lawmakers attending the meeting with Li in China's leadership compound have expressed concern over Trump's trade tactics. "Over the past four decades, the China-US relationship has had its share of ups and downs, but, generally speaking, it has been moving forward all along," Li told the US delegation. "We do hope that China and the United States will meet each other halfway and work together in the spirit of mutual respect and equality," Li said. The working relationship between the two capitals has been further tested recently by a speech by US Vice President Mike Pence accusing China of military aggression and technology theft. On Wednesday, Washington indicted 10 Chinese, including two intelligence officers, alleging a hacking scheme to steal technology from US companies. Li suggested it was still possible to get relations back on track. "In this way, our two countries will be able to overcome differences and have the wisdom to overcome the obstacles and move our relationship forward on an even sounder track," he said. Senator Lamar Alexander of Tennessee, a critic of the Trump tariffs, led the group of Republican lawmakers. "Your country and our country are competitors but not adversaries. And we believe that with mutual respect we can continue to prosper together," Alexander told Li. "I would like to take this time to, first introduce my delegation, second to make a request that I think will be not easy but not so hard for China to do and, third to discuss trade," Alexander said before reporters were ushered out. This summer the senator lamented the devastating effect the tariffs were having on his home state.

Chinese premier meets US lawmakers amid tensions; hope two countries can meet 'halfway'

China sent its first-ever satellite built in partnership with another country into space on Monday, a device tasked with helping scientists better predict dangerous cyclones and climate change by monitoring ocean surface winds and waves.

A Long March 2C carrier rocket blasted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in northwest China's Gobi Desert at 0043 GMT, according to China's State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defence.

The 650-kilogram (1,430 pounds) China-France Oceanography Satellite (CFOSAT) is the first satellite jointly built by China and France and will allow climate scientists to better understand interactions between oceans and the atmosphere.

It's fitted with two radars: the French-made SWIM spectrometer, which will measure the direction and the wavelength of waves, and China's SCAT, a scatterometer that will analyse the force and direction of winds.

The data will be collected and analysed in both countries.

The instruments will allow scientists to collect information about winds and waves of the same location simultaneously for the first time, Wang Lili, chief designer of the satellite with the China Academy of Space Technology, said, according to the official Xinhua news agency.

"It will help increase the observation and prediction of catastrophic sea states, such as huge waves and tropical storms, and provide security support for offshore operations and engineering, ship navigation, fisheries, and coastal management," said Zhao Jian, a senior official at the China National Space Administration.

The rocket successfully put the satellite into orbit 520 kilometres (323 miles) above the Earth.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping and French President Emmanuel Macron exchanged congratulations in a phone call, according to Xinhua.

"It's historic. It's the first satellite China has made through international cooperation," Jean-Yves Le Gall, president of France's National Centre for Space Studies, told AFP.

"This satellite will help make considerable progress in understanding climate change." The project began in 2007.&nbsp;

The two countries are also working together on the Space Variable Objects Monitor (SVOM) mission, which will launch a satellite in 2021 to detect and study gamma-ray bursts.

China and France already cooperate in space, with a French cardiovascular device aboard China's Tiangong-2 space lab to monitor a crew's hearts.&nbsp;

The lab is expected to de-orbit after July 2019. Le Gall said France is also working with China on cooperating in exploration missions to the moon and Mars.

China plans to have a crewed space station by 2022 and send a manned mission to the moon in the future.

"The (CFOSAT) launch shows that the international community is more and more willing to consider China as a full partner," said Jacqueline Myrrhe, a space expert at GoTaikonauts.Com, which specialises in China's space programme.

"It will also allow (France) to have launch opportunities and privileged access to space cooperation with China. And who knows, maybe to put a French astronaut in the future Chinese space station," Myrrhe said.

Some three hours after the joint Chinese French launch, Japan's space agency sent a rocket carrying a satellite that will monitor greenhouse gases.

The satellite is officially named GOSAT-2, short for "greenhouse gases observing satellite-2", and is intended to provide data that will help Japan create and publish "emission inventories" of the CO2 output of various countries, as outlined in the Paris climate accord.

China sent its first-ever satellite built in partnership with another country into space on Monday, a device tasked with helping scientists better predict dangerous cyclones and climate change by monitoring ocean surface winds and waves.

China sent its first-ever satellite built in partnership with another country into space on Monday, a device tasked with helping scientists better predict dangerous cyclones and climate change by monitoring ocean surface winds and waves. A Long March 2C carrier rocket blasted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in northwest China's Gobi Desert at 0043 GMT, according to China's State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defence. The 650-kilogram (1,430 pounds) China-France Oceanography Satellite (CFOSAT) is the first satellite jointly built by China and France and will allow climate scientists to better understand interactions between oceans and the atmosphere. It's fitted with two radars: the French-made SWIM spectrometer, which will measure the direction and the wavelength of waves, and China's SCAT, a scatterometer that will analyse the force and direction of winds. The data will be collected and analysed in both countries. The instruments will allow scientists to collect information about winds and waves of the same location simultaneously for the first time, Wang Lili, chief designer of the satellite with the China Academy of Space Technology, said, according to the official Xinhua news agency. "It will help increase the observation and prediction of catastrophic sea states, such as huge waves and tropical storms, and provide security support for offshore operations and engineering, ship navigation, fisheries, and coastal management," said Zhao Jian, a senior official at the China National Space Administration. The rocket successfully put the satellite into orbit 520 kilometres (323 miles) above the Earth. Chinese leader Xi Jinping and French President Emmanuel Macron exchanged congratulations in a phone call, according to Xinhua. "It's historic. It's the first satellite China has made through international cooperation," Jean-Yves Le Gall, president of France's National Centre for Space Studies, told AFP. "This satellite will help make considerable progress in understanding climate change." The project began in 2007. The two countries are also working together on the Space Variable Objects Monitor (SVOM) mission, which will launch a satellite in 2021 to detect and study gamma-ray bursts. China and France already cooperate in space, with a French cardiovascular device aboard China's Tiangong-2 space lab to monitor a crew's hearts. The lab is expected to de-orbit after July 2019. Le Gall said France is also working with China on cooperating in exploration missions to the moon and Mars. China plans to have a crewed space station by 2022 and send a manned mission to the moon in the future. "The (CFOSAT) launch shows that the international community is more and more willing to consider China as a full partner," said Jacqueline Myrrhe, a space expert at GoTaikonauts.Com, which specialises in China's space programme. "It will also allow (France) to have launch opportunities and privileged access to space cooperation with China. And who knows, maybe to put a French astronaut in the future Chinese space station," Myrrhe said. Some three hours after the joint Chinese French launch, Japan's space agency sent a rocket carrying a satellite that will monitor greenhouse gases. The satellite is officially named GOSAT-2, short for "greenhouse gases observing satellite-2", and is intended to provide data that will help Japan create and publish "emission inventories" of the CO2 output of various countries, as outlined in the Paris climate accord.

China, France launch satellite to study climate change

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-japan-to-forge-closer-ties-at-historic-turning-point-173569">Japan and China</a> signed $2.6 billion in business deals and touted their warmer ties on Friday during a rare visit to Beijing by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe as both face trade challenges from US President Donald Trump.

Premier Li Keqiang greeted Abe as Japan's flag flew outside the opulent Great Hall of the People across from Tiananmen Square, and they reviewed an honour guard before going inside for talks.

Relations between Asia's two biggest economies have improved in recent years after they sunk to new lows in 2012 when Tokyo "nationalised" disputed islands claimed by Beijing.

Addressing a joint press conference, Abe said that the two leaders had agreed to "play a constructive role for the sake of this region's peace and prosperity".

"I believe active trade will deepen ties between Japanese and Chinese peoples further," he said.

"Now, international conditions are unstable, and uncertainties have increased," Li said, adding that the countries' economic cooperation would "benefit the development of global free trade".

The relationship has rapidly warmed up as Trump has slapped massive tariffs on China while also targeting Japanese exports in his effort to cut US trade deficits, despite touting his personal bonds with Abe and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

But behind the feel-good vibes, Abe also delivered a sterner messages, a Japanese spokesman said, warning China that "without stability in the East China Sea, there will not be a true improvement in the relationship."

He also told Li that "the international community, including Japan, is watching carefully the human rights situation in China".

Abe also met with Xi and details of their talks were expected later in the evening.

Trump 'uncertainty'

Abe travelled with nearly 1,000 delegates from Japanese companies who struck 500 deals worth a total of $2.6 billion, Li said, without providing details.

The companies are eager for increased access to China's massive market, while Beijing is interested in Japanese technology and corporate know-how.

The two leaders also oversaw the signing of several political agreements, including a currency swap deal and a mechanism to avoid accidental clashes between their militaries which often come in contact in the disputed East China Sea.

Hu Lingyuan, director of the Center for Japanese Studies at China's Fudan University, said Trump's trade policy had contributed to closer Sino-Japanese ties.

"The uncertainty in Trump policy made Abe feel that he could not bet only on the United States," Hu told AFP.&nbsp;

"If he adjusts his relationship with China, he will have more initiative and space in the future when he is negotiating with the United States."

China's nationalistic Global Times said in an editorial that "though the US is quite an influential factor in China-Japan ties, the effect is limited".

"If Beijing and Tokyo intend to plan their future bilateral relationship based on Washington's attitude, they will only get lost," the state-run daily said.

'Safeguard free trade'

The last official visit to Beijing by a Japanese prime minister was in 2011.

Since an awkward 2014 encounter between Abe and Xi on the sidelines of a summit, there have been ministerial visits by both sides and a softening of rhetoric. Li visited Tokyo in May.

Abe's three-day trip, which began Thursday, sets up the possibility that Xi will visit Japan next year.

Abe and Li already met on Thursday during a reception to celebrate the signing of the treaty that put Japanese and Chinese relations back on track after World War II.

But territorial disputes continue to cause frictions.

Just days before Abe's trip, Tokyo lodged an official complaint after Chinese ships cruised around the disputed islands that Tokyo calls the Senkaku and Beijing labels the Diaoyu islands.

China has long denounced Japan for what it says is an insufficiently contrite attitude towards its role in World War II.

But ahead of the trip, Beijing has taken a more cordial stance than it has in the past.

Japanese media have reported Abe is hoping the visit will produce a soft power win in the form of some panda diplomacy, with zoos in Sendai and Kobe apparently angling for new additions.

Japan and China signed $2.6 billion in business deals and touted their warmer ties on Friday during a rare visit to Beijing by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe as both face trade challenges from US President Donald Trump.

Japan and China signed $2.6 billion in business deals and touted their warmer ties on Friday during a rare visit to Beijing by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe as both face trade challenges from US President Donald Trump. Premier Li Keqiang greeted Abe as Japan's flag flew outside the opulent Great Hall of the People across from Tiananmen Square, and they reviewed an honour guard before going inside for talks. Relations between Asia's two biggest economies have improved in recent years after they sunk to new lows in 2012 when Tokyo "nationalised" disputed islands claimed by Beijing. Addressing a joint press conference, Abe said that the two leaders had agreed to "play a constructive role for the sake of this region's peace and prosperity". "I believe active trade will deepen ties between Japanese and Chinese peoples further," he said. "Now, international conditions are unstable, and uncertainties have increased," Li said, adding that the countries' economic cooperation would "benefit the development of global free trade". The relationship has rapidly warmed up as Trump has slapped massive tariffs on China while also targeting Japanese exports in his effort to cut US trade deficits, despite touting his personal bonds with Abe and Chinese President Xi Jinping. But behind the feel-good vibes, Abe also delivered a sterner messages, a Japanese spokesman said, warning China that "without stability in the East China Sea, there will not be a true improvement in the relationship." He also told Li that "the international community, including Japan, is watching carefully the human rights situation in China". Abe also met with Xi and details of their talks were expected later in the evening. Trump 'uncertainty' Abe travelled with nearly 1,000 delegates from Japanese companies who struck 500 deals worth a total of $2.6 billion, Li said, without providing details. The companies are eager for increased access to China's massive market, while Beijing is interested in Japanese technology and corporate know-how. The two leaders also oversaw the signing of several political agreements, including a currency swap deal and a mechanism to avoid accidental clashes between their militaries which often come in contact in the disputed East China Sea. Hu Lingyuan, director of the Center for Japanese Studies at China's Fudan University, said Trump's trade policy had contributed to closer Sino-Japanese ties. "The uncertainty in Trump policy made Abe feel that he could not bet only on the United States," Hu told AFP. "If he adjusts his relationship with China, he will have more initiative and space in the future when he is negotiating with the United States." China's nationalistic Global Times said in an editorial that "though the US is quite an influential factor in China-Japan ties, the effect is limited". "If Beijing and Tokyo intend to plan their future bilateral relationship based on Washington's attitude, they will only get lost," the state-run daily said. 'Safeguard free trade' The last official visit to Beijing by a Japanese prime minister was in 2011. Since an awkward 2014 encounter between Abe and Xi on the sidelines of a summit, there have been ministerial visits by both sides and a softening of rhetoric. Li visited Tokyo in May. Abe's three-day trip, which began Thursday, sets up the possibility that Xi will visit Japan next year. Abe and Li already met on Thursday during a reception to celebrate the signing of the treaty that put Japanese and Chinese relations back on track after World War II. But territorial disputes continue to cause frictions. Just days before Abe's trip, Tokyo lodged an official complaint after Chinese ships cruised around the disputed islands that Tokyo calls the Senkaku and Beijing labels the Diaoyu islands. China has long denounced Japan for what it says is an insufficiently contrite attitude towards its role in World War II. But ahead of the trip, Beijing has taken a more cordial stance than it has in the past. Japanese media have reported Abe is hoping the visit will produce a soft power win in the form of some panda diplomacy, with zoos in Sendai and Kobe apparently angling for new additions.

Japan, China strike deals during Abe visit as ties improve

xi-jinping

Xi Jinping, News on Xi Jinping, stories on Xi Jinping, articles on Xi Jinping, Xi Jinping stories at Wion, Xi Jinping news, Xi Jinping latest news

xi jinping