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☆ Only Henry can sign off on Haiti’s transitional council, embattled PM’s office tells CNN
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-13 | by ( Anneclaire Stapleton | Christian Edwards | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

CNN —Haiti’s embattled Prime Minister Ariel Henry says his country’s constitution states that only he and his cabinet can appoint a council for the transition of power, Henry’s office told CNN exclusively on Wednesday. But Henry’s office told CNN that only he and his cabinet can appoint the transitional council and will not simply “deliver the country” to new leaders without following constitutional procedures. “According to the Haitian constitution, only the prime minister with the cabinet can appoint the presenting council. Simon Maina/AFP/Getty ImagesThe United Nations secretary-general’s spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said Wednesday that the transitional council under the CARICOM agreement for Haiti is the path forward. While Henry was out of the country, gangs laid siege to Haiti’s main airport to prevent his safe return.

Persons: CNN —, Ariel Henry, Henry, Jean Junior Joseph, “, Simon Maina, Stephane Dujarric, Dujarric, “ It’s, we’ve, that’s, ” Henry, Haiti’s, Jovenel Moïse, Jimmy “, Viv Ansanm, Jean, Martin Bauer, Bauer Organizations: CNN, Haitian, United States International University Africa, Getty, United Nations, UN, Caribbean, International Organization for Migration, Dominican, Food Program, Bauer . Food Locations: Caribbean, Haiti, Kenya, Nairobi, AFP, Puerto Rico, Haiti’s, Dominican Republic, Hispaniola, Dominican, Port

☆ Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry tenders resignation after Jamaica talks
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-12 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry, leaves the auditorium after speaking to students during a public lecture on bilateral engagement between Kenya and Haiti, at the United States International University (USIU) Africa, in Nairobi on March 1, 2024. Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry has resigned as head of the Caribbean nation, the leader of a regional body said on Monday, an unelected role the 74-year-old neurosurgeon has held since the 2021 assassination of the country's last president. "We acknowledge his resignation upon the establishment of transitional presidential council and naming an interim prime minister," said Caribbean Community (CARICOM) chair and Guyanese President Irfaan Ali, thanking Henry for his service to Haiti. Ali said the presidential council would have two observers and seven voting members, including representatives from several coalitions, the private sector, civil society and one religious leader. The council has been mandated to "swiftly" appoint an interim prime minister, he added, and anyone who intends to run in Haiti's next elections will not be able participate.

Persons: Ariel Henry, Irfaan Ali, Henry, Ali, Antony Blinken Organizations: Haitian, United States International University, Community, United, Regional Locations: Kenya, Haiti, Africa, Nairobi, Caribbean, United Nations, Port, U.S, Puerto Rico, Haiti's, Jamaica, Haitian

☆ India inks 'watershed' $100 billion free trade deal with four non-EU nations
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-11 | by ( Clement Tan | In Clemtan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

India flag, stock market, exchange economy and Trade, oil production, container ship in export and import business and logistics. India will lift most tariffs on four nations in Europe in a "watershed" deal that is expected to yield $100 billion worth of investment over 15 years and one billion jobs for the world's fifth-largest economy. The trade deal with European Free Trade Association nations, not part of the EU, was inked ahead of the country's general elections due in the next few months that may give Prime Minister Narendra Modi a third-straight term in office. This "marks a new turn and watershed moment in the bilateral relationship between India and [European Free Trade Association] countries of Switzerland, Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein," India Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in comments shared on X, formerly Twitter. India expects this free trade agreement to stimulate its key exports in IT services, business services, audio-visual services among others, said Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal.

Persons: Narendra Modi, Piyush Goyal Organizations: European Free Trade Association, Free Trade Association, Twitter, Commerce, Industry Locations: India, Europe, Great Britain, Switzerland, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein

☆ Turkey, U.S. discuss Ukraine, Gaza, ways to improve ties, foreign minister says
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-09 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Turkish and U.S. officials held comprehensive talks about the wars in Ukraine and Gaza and various bilateral issues during meetings in Washington, Turkey's foreign minister said late on Friday. The NATO allies started the meetings, dubbed the Strategic Mechanism, on Thursday to discuss efforts to move beyond deep policy disagreements and improve cooperation in other areas. Turkish foreign minister Hakan Fidan said officials from the countries held several rounds of discussions on topics including Syria, the Ukraine, Gaza, defense industry cooperation, energy, and counterterrorism. Turkey is also deeply concerned over U.S. support for Kurdish militants in Syria, whom Ankara deems terrorists. He said Turkey was open to discussing the matter but Washington needed to be "open minded".

Persons: Hakan Fidan, Fidan, Antony Blinken, Jake Sullivan Organizations: NATO, U.S Locations: U.S, Ukraine, Gaza, Washington, Turkish, Syria, Ankara, Turkey, Kyiv, Moscow, Russian

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in 2019. Mark Kauzlarich | ReutersBEIJING — China's top diplomat slammed the U.S. for worsening bilateral tensions, while reiterating Beijing's support for peaceful resolutions to the Israel-Palestine and Russia-Ukraine conflicts. Wang said the U.S. has been devising "new ways to suppress China," saying U.S. accusations against China had reached an "unbelievable degree." While he said he sees a way forward for both countries, Wang said communication between both countries may only continue by respecting and recognizing differences. After the unexplained dismissal of Qin Gang as foreign minister in July last year, Wang reassumed the role.

Persons: Wang Yi, Mark Kauzlarich, Joe Biden's, Biden, Joe Biden, Xi Jinping, Wang, Qin, Wang reassumed, hasn't, Xi's, Lai Ching Organizations: Reuters, Reuters BEIJING —, China -, CNBC, Communist Party of, Qin Gang, United Nations, Democratic Progressive Party Locations: Reuters BEIJING, Israel, Palestine, Russia, Ukraine, China, China - U.S, San Francisco, South China, U.S, Gaza, Beijing, Taiwan, South

☆ CNBC Daily Open: No surprises for Wall Street from Powell
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-07 | by ( Sumathi Bala | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

A trader reacts as a screen displays the Fed rate announcement on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in New York City, U.S., December 13, 2023. This report is from today's CNBC Daily Open, our international markets newsletter. CNBC Daily Open brings investors up to speed on everything they need to know, no matter where they are. [PRO] India's promising ETFsTapping India's promising market isn't as straightforward for foreign investors as buying shares listed on the Indian stock exchanges. Portfolio managers highlight one of the simplest routes is through ETFs that specifically track indexes comprised of Indian stocks.

Persons: Jerome Powell's, Wang Yi, Powell Organizations: New York Stock Exchange, CNBC, Nikkei, CSI, Dow, Nasdaq, Capitol, U.S Locations: New York City, U.S, Japan, Capitol Hill, China, Israel, America

☆ China slams ‘unfathomable absurdities’ of US trade controls as it ramps up high-tech drive
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-06 | by ( Simone Mccarthy | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

“If it only wants itself to prosper, but denies other countries legitimate development, where is international fairness? Bilateral trade between China and Russia hit a historic $240 billion last year, surpassing a target of $200 billion set by Xi and Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in 2019 ahead of schedule. While China claims neutrality in the Ukraine conflict it has appeared unwilling to use its significant economic leverage to curb Russia’s aggression and has not condemned the invasion. During the briefing, Wang repeated China’s call for peace talks to avoid an “unthinkable” escalation and deterioration of the conflict. He also reiterated past rhetoric framing China’s relationship with Russia as a responsible one.

Persons: Beijing CNN —, Wang Yi, China ”, ” Wang, Joe Biden, Xi Jinping, Wang, ”, Xi, Vladimir Putin Organizations: Beijing CNN, Washington ., CNN, Sputnik Locations: Beijing, Washington, China, Xinjiang, Ukraine, US, San Francisco, Russia, Russian, Moscow

☆ South China Sea: On board an outnumbered Philippine ship facing down Chinese aggression
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-06 | by ( Rebecca Wright | Ivan Watson | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +15 min

Near Second Thomas Shoal, South China Sea CNN —As dawn slowly broke on the horizon, a large fleet of Chinese vessels came into view from the deck of a Philippine Coast Guard ship as it entered the contested waters of the South China Sea. Filipino soldiers on the dilapidated Sierra Madre ship, anchored near the Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea, on May 11, 2015. The US military also maintains a regular presence in the South China Sea, with aircraft overflights, so-called “freedom of navigation” operations, and patrols and exercises with allies and partners to assert that the South China Sea is an international waterway. The Philippine Coast Guard said it counted five China Coast Guard vessels and 18 boats belonging to Beijing’s “maritime militia." Rebecca Wright/CNNTarriela, the Coast Guard spokesperson, said a China Coast Guard vessel had come within 20 yards (60 feet) of the Cabra.

Persons: David, Goliath, “, ”, Thomas Shoal, Rebecca Wright, Sabina, Ritchie, Jiao, –, Jay Tarriela, Mao Ning, China Coast Guard “, Thomas, Ferdinand “ Bongbong ” Marcos Jr, Rodrigo Duterte, Marcos Jr, Jose Manuel Romualdez, CNN Tarriela, Tomas Etzler, Erik de Castro, month’s, ” Tarriela, ‘, Collin Koh, ” Koh, Ray Powell, SeaLight, “ Will, ” Powell, we’ve Organizations: South China, CNN, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine, Armed Forces, China Coast Guard, ” CNN, Philippine Navy, Coast Guard, Foreign Ministry, Sierra Madre, Center for Strategic, Studies, China Power, Ministry, Washington, Philippine News Agency . Diplomacy, Coast Guardians, Guard, Madre, Reuters, USS, China, Rajaratnam, of International Studies, National Security, Stanford University Locations: South, South China, Philippines, United States, Philippine, China, Bulilyan, Palawan, Sierra Madre, Sierra, The Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, Taiwan, Madre, Hague, Beijing, China’s, Manila, Shanghai, Singapore

☆ Egypt hikes interest rates by 600 basis points, pound crumbles to record low
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-06 | by ( Natasha Turak | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Egypt's pound hit a record low against the dollar on Wednesday after its central bank hiked interest rates by 600 points and devalued the currency. The Egyptian pound was trading at roughly 50 to the dollar following the announcement, from 30.85 previously, according to LSEG data. The country's key interest rate now stands at 27.25%, the central bank said Wednesday. Egypt, the Arab world's most populous country at roughly 110 million people, is facing a protracted shortage of foreign currency. "In preparation for the successful implementation of these measures, sufficient funding has been secured to avail foreign exchange liquidity."

Persons: James Swanston, Egypt's Organizations: International Monetary Fund, Economics, United, IMF, Monetary, Government, P Global Market Intelligence Locations: Egypt, East, Africa, London, United Arab Emirates, Cairo

☆ Maldives signs China military pact in further shift away from India
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-05 | by ( Helen Regan | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

In January, Muizzu set a deadline of March 15 for the complete withdrawal of Indian military personnel stationed in the archipelago nation, according to the president’s office. India has also given Maldives two helicopters and a Dornier aircraft, which are mainly used for marine surveillance, search and rescue operations and medical evacuations, Reuters reported. The new deal with China marks a significant shift in Maldives’ foreign policy from Muizzu’s pro-India predecessor, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. But Maldives has long found itself in the middle of a geopolitical tussle with both India and China vying for influence. China has increasingly expanded its footprint in Maldives, most visibly through large-scale infrastructure projects such as the $200 million China-Maldives Friendship Bridge.

Persons: Mohamed Muizzu, Muizzu, “, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, ”, Mao Ning Organizations: CNN, Ocean, Maldivian Defense Ministry, Beijing, Reuters, Dornier, Maldives ’, Analysts, Foreign Locations: Maldives, China, India, Delhi, Beijing

☆ Why Australia keeps an arm’s length from South China Sea tensions, even as it draws closer with the Philippines
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-04 | by ( Kathleen Magramo | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

CNN —When Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. addressed the Australian Parliament last week there was no mistaking the fighting talk. The Philippines accused China's coast guard of setting up the barrier at the mouth of the disputed fishing ground. That meeting will also be attended by several other nations with territorial disagreements with China – including Vietnam, Brunei and Malaysia. Collin Koh, research fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore, said Australia was unlikely to back any tough language at the summit pertaining to the South China Sea or any other hot-button issue. As Bisley put it, “We don’t like what China does, but we’re not going to put ourselves in harm’s way.”

Persons: Ferdinand Marcos Jr, ”, Marcos, Rodrigo Duterte, –, Thomas Shoal, David, China’s, Marcos ’, China –, Scott Morrison, Collin Koh, Penny Wong annouced, Anthony Albanese, Albanese, Lukas Coch, Susannah Patton, it’s, ” Patton, China’s aggressions, Wang Wenbin, Nick Bisley, Bisley, we’re Organizations: CNN, Maxar, Association of Southeast Asian Nations, ASEAN, China, Rajaratnam, of International Studies, Australia, Australian, Partners, Reuters, South China, Southeast Asia, Lowy Institute, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, La Trobe University Locations: Philippines, China, South China, Manila, China’s, Philippine, Scarborough, Scarborough Shoal, Hague, United States, Canberra, Australia, Melbourne, Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia, Beijing, Singapore, South, Penny Wong annouced Canberra, Southeast Asia, Japan, India

☆ Tiny fish can make noises louder than an elephant, says new study
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-27 | by ( Jack Guy | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —A small species of fish that measures no more than half an inch in length is capable of producing sounds louder than an elephant, according to a new study. Danionella cerebrum, tiny translucent fish that live in shallow waters off Myanmar, can make noises of more than 140 decibels, an international team of scientists report in a press release published Tuesday. Large animals tend to be capable of producing louder noises than small ones, with elephants able to make sounds up to 125 decibels with their trunks. There are also some fish species that make unusually loud noises, such as the male plainfin midshipman fish, which is capable of making mating calls up to 130 decibels, but Danionella cerebrum appears to be unique among fish. “No other fish has been reported to use repeated unilateral muscle contractions for sound production,” reads the study.

Persons: Danionella, ”, Ralf Britz, Danionella cerebrum Organizations: CNN, National Academy of Sciences Locations: Myanmar, Dresden, Germany

☆ God's Man in Washington
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-27 | by ( Mattathias Schwartz | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +34 min

Trump's departure from the White House hasn't stopped him from using the old administration's star power to fuel Capitol Ministries' growth. But regardless of what happens this coming November, Capitol Ministries is quickly becoming the face of American GOP-style evangelicalism around the world. Other than Ralph's wife, Danielle, and a few members of Capitol Ministries' administrative staff, the room was almost entirely men. Rick Perry spoke to Drollinger at Capitol Ministries' global summit in Washington, DC. And yet, on the question of whether and why to support Israel, Drollinger was indeed looking to Revelation for answers.

Persons: Cheyne, —, He'd, Christ, Rick Perry, Cheriss, Trump, Mike Johnson —, Ralph Drollinger, Drollinger, Alex Acosta, Perry, Acosta, Mike Pompeo, Betsy DeVos, Sonny Perdue, Ben Carson, Jeff Sessions, hasn't, Danielle, you've, Donald Trump, Capitol Ministries doesn't, Samson, Matthew, didn't, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Rick, I'm, Ralph Drollinger's, Daniel Ortega, Ralph, he'd, Washington —, Ortega, Douglas Coe, Maria Butina, Joe Biden, forbearance, Bruce Westerman, Bruce Westerman of, Glenn, Thompson, George Washington, Fame, Mike Johnson, Benjamin Netanyahu, Johnson, Washington, Moses, I've, Westerman, I'd, Netanyahu, God, that's, he's, we're, That's, Israel, King David, wilder, MAGA, David Barton, WallBuilders, doesn't, George W, Bush, Donald Trump's, Mattathias Schwartz Organizations: Hill Club, Business, Israel, Mmm, Christ, Capitol Ministries, Capitol Hill, Capitol Ministries Bible, Trump Cabinet, BI, GOP, Capitol, White, Capitol Ministries ', Trump, NBA, of Energy, Trump's, American GOP, Pacific, BI Drollinger, Capitol Hill Club, Washington Hilton, Senate, Training, Liberty, Gettysburg, Capitol Ministry, NPR, United States Congress, Washington Bible, Republican, Democratic, Times, Wall Street Journal, Brown University Locations: Washington , DC, Arkansas, Hebrew, Israel, Gaza, Egypt, United States, Texas, Washington, Seoul, Kathmandu, Iowa, Rwanda, Ukraine, Washington ,, Drollinger, Nicaragua, California, Nicaraguan, Bruce Westerman of Arkansas, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, schwartz79@protonmail.com

☆ US allows China to boost passenger flights to 50 per week as summer travel season nears
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-27 | by ( Laura He | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

By February of that year, most American airlines had suspended flights to China due to fears about the coronavirus. In the next month, the CAAC slashed international flights to China, citing the need to curb imported Covid-19 cases. Despite the two sides amending their rules after negotiations, the number of flights between the United States and China still fell significantly during the pandemic. We look forward to once again welcoming Chinese group travel to the United States,” she said in a statement issued at the time. In June, Reuters reported that newly approved flights by Chinese airlines were indeed avoiding Russian airspace on their way to the United States.

Persons: Hong Kong CNN —, David McNew, Trump, Gina Raimondo, ”, Biden Organizations: Hong Kong CNN, US Department of Transportation, ” Citi, Civil Aviation Administration of China, Air China, LAX Tom, US, Reuters Locations: China, Hong Kong, Hong Kong CNN — Washington, United States, Los Angeles , California, Beijing, Washington, Russia, Ukraine

☆ Why India’s economy under Modi offers a real alternative to China
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-26 | by ( Diksha Madhok | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

The market value of companies listed on India’s exchanges crossed $4 trillion in late November. But the country is stuck in recession and recently lost its position as the world’s third biggest economy to Germany. While interest in the world’s fifth largest economy is rising, the lofty prices of India’s stocks are scaring some international investors away. According to Macquarie, retail investors alone own 9% of India’s equity market value versus foreign investors at slightly under 20%. China “has a few too many companies which are $100 and $200 billion plus [in value],” Mittal said.

Persons: Peeyush Mittal, there’s, ”, Mittal, They’ve, Narendra Modi, Indranil Mukherjee, Jefferies, “, MSCI, Aditya Suresh, Modi’s, Modi, there’ll, ” Suresh, shoring, Hubert de Barochez, Elon Musk, India “, ” Musk, Suresh, Satish Babu, China “, ” Mittal, Priyanka Agnihotri, Nirmala Sitharaman Organizations: New, New Delhi CNN —, Matthews Asia, Getty, Macquarie Capital, Bharatiya Janata Party, Monetary Fund, Jefferies, Capital Economics, Apple, Foxconn, ”, Workers, Chennai Metro Rail, Advisory, Indian Locations: New Delhi, Jaipur, San Francisco, India, China, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Hong Kong, Japan, Germany, Beijing, Washington, “ India, Macquarie, Chennai, Baltimore

☆ Delays in promised Western military aid to Ukraine are costing lives, the defense minister says
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-25 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Half of promised Western military support to Ukraine fails to arrive on time, complicating the task of military planners and ultimately costing the lives of soldiers in Russia's war, the Ukrainian defense minister said Sunday. Year 2024" forum in Kyiv, stressed that each delayed aid shipment meant Ukrainian troop losses, and underscored Russia's superior military might. Commemorations to mark the second anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine on Saturday brought expressions of continued support, new bilateral security agreements and new aid commitments from Ukraine's Western allies. The defense minister also said that a "strong" military strategy is already in place for the coming months, but didn't disclose details. A Russian drone on Sunday morning struck an unspecified facility in Ukraine's western Khmelnytskyi region, the regional military administration reported without giving details.

Persons: Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Ursula von der Leyen, Giorgia Meloni, Alexander De Croo, Justin Trudeau, Rustan, Umerov, Oleksandr Syrskyi, Syrskyi, Oleksandr Tarnavskyi, Valerii Zaluzhny Organizations: Belgium's, Canada's, Russia, U.S . Congress, Sunday Locations: Italian, Hostomel, Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukrainian, Avdiivka, Moscow, Russia, Kherson, Kostiantynivka, Russian, Khmelnytskyi, Belgorod

☆ Prabowo Subianto: Once banned from the US, this fiery ex-army general is poised to lead Indonesia
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-19 | by ( Heather Chen | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +13 min

“The most important objective of democracy is giving people the leaders and representatives they want,” Prabowo told reporters from his pool. Antara Foto/Galih Pradipta/ReutersMany are excited about a Prabowo presidency, like this hardcore supporter who has clearly taken his support to the extreme. Bagus Saragih/AFP/Getty ImagesMore recently, Prabowo has presented himself as a loyal Jokowi ally, serving as his defense minister for the past five years. Experts say Prabowo, known for his fiery speeches, military background and combative past will make for a very different kind of president. Indonesia has long been one of Australia’s most important bilateral relationships and experts say that will not change with Prabowo in charge.

Persons: Prabowo Subianto, ” Prabowo, Prabowo, Indonesia’s, Partai Probawo, Gibran, “ Prabowo, ”, Zachary Abuza, Abuza, “, Antara, Pradipta, Saragih, Widodo, Barack Obama, Tom Pepinsky, Rodrigo Duterte, Javier Milei, Trump, ” “, Dita Alangkara, Jokowi, Jacqui Baker, Laura Schwartz, Schwartz, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, Adek Berry, Chong Ja Ian, Suharto, –, Dan Slater, Prabowo “, ” Slater, Chaideer Mahyuddin, Chong, Juni Kriswanto, Usman Hamid, Papuans, Veronica Koman, ” Koman Organizations: CNN, National War College, Getty, Southeast Asia, Cornell University, “, Center, Research, Senior Southeast, National University of Singapore, Center for Emerging Democracies, University of Michigan, Muda Airforce, Amnesty International Locations: Jakarta, United States, South Jakarta, Washington ,, AFP, Indonesia, Singapore, Ukraine, Russia, China, Australia, Asian, Perth, Asia, Beijing, Washington, “ Washington, Sultan, Muda, Aceh, West Papua, South China, Tentara Nasional Indonesia, Southeast Asia, “, Papua, Amnesty International Indonesia, restive, Indonesian, East Timor

☆ Japan Hosts Ukraine Reconstruction Meeting, Pledges New Tax Treaty
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-18 | by ( Feb. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +1 min

By Sakura MurakamiTOKYO (Reuters) - Japan hosted Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal on Monday in Tokyo to discuss the reconstruction of Ukraine, pledging a new bilateral tax treaty and other support for Japanese businesses as the Ukraine war rages on. "Japan has stood with and continues to stand with Ukraine," Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said in a speech opening the talks, during which he announced a new bilateral tax treaty and the start of negotiations for an investment treaty without giving details. As Russia's invasion of Ukraine enters its third year, Japan has pledged more than $10 billion worth of financial aid, as it seeks to show solidarity with Kyiv's war effort. He added that he hoped to see major carmakers, including Toyota, create production facilities in Ukraine. At the reconstruction meeting, Kishida said Japan would support venture capital companies in Ukraine, pledged an easing of visa controls, and said government agency JETRO would open a new office in Kyiv.

Persons: Sakura Murakami TOKYO, Denys Shmyhal, Fumio Kishida, Shmyhal, Kishida, JETRO, Sakura Murakami, Gerry Doyle Organizations: Ukrainian, Toyota Locations: Japan, Tokyo, Ukraine, Kyiv

☆ China's Wang Yi tells Blinken U.S. should lift sanctions on Chinese firms
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-18 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken (L) and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi meet at the 60th Munich Security Conference on Feb. 16, 2024. Washington should lift sanctions on Chinese companies and individuals, and that attempts to de-couple from China would only hurt the United States, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi told U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. The United States should lift the sanctions and not harm China's legitimate development rights, Wang told Blinken on Friday on the sidelines of a Munich security conference, according to a statement from China's foreign ministry. Washington has imposed sanctions on various Chinese companies that it accuses of working with China's military despite denials from the firms. The United States does, however, maintain unofficial relations with the democratically governed island and remains its most important backer and arms supplier.

Persons: Antony Blinken, Wang Yi, Wang, Blinken, Biden, Joe Biden, Xi Jinping Organizations: Foreign, China's, U.S, Economic Cooperation, Treasury Locations: Munich, Washington, China, United States, Xinjiang, U.S, de, Ukraine, Taiwan, Asia, Beijing

The two sides issued a joint communique, stating Japan's long-term support in helping Ukraine achieve economic stability. Japan hopes the conference will build momentum for international support for Ukraine as the war drags on and attention has diverted to the Gaza situation. The conference is largely about reconstruction and investment in Ukraine, but it’s also about Japan’s national security. Its support for Ukraine comes amid fear of China’s increasingly assertive military actions in the region. Japan, in cooperation with other Group of Seven members, hopes to link the Tokyo conference to a separate Ukraine reconstruction conference to be held in Germany in June.

Persons: Fumio Kishida, Kishida, ” Kishida, “, Denys Shmyhal, ”, it’s, Yoko Kamikawa Organizations: TOKYO, “, Ukraine, of, Japan External Trade Organization, Russia, ”, Seven Locations: Japan, Ukrainian, Ukraine, “ Ukraine, Gaza, East Asia, States, Tokyo, Germany

☆ Zelenskyy ready to take Donald Trump to Ukraine's front line
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-17 | by ( Karen Gilchrist | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, speaks during the 2024 Munich Security Conference on February 17, 2024 in Munich, Germany. Johannes Simon | Getty Images News | Getty ImagesMUNICH, Germany — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he was willing to take U.S. presidential hopeful Donald Trump, a long-time skeptic of Washington's support for Kyiv, to the war-battered front lines of Ukraine. "If Mr. Trump will come, I'm ready to go with him to the front lines," he added. The wartime president is also due to hold talks at the conference with U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, Czech President Petr Pavel, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, among others. The European Union earlier this month passed an additional funding bill of 50 billion euros ($54 billion) for Ukraine, overcoming longstanding opposition from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

Persons: Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Johannes Simon, Donald Trump, Zelenskyy, Trump, Olaf Scholz, Emmanuel Macron, Kamala Harris, Petr Pavel, Mette Frederiksen, Mark Rutte, Viktor Orban, Democratic Sen, Chris Coons Organizations: Conference, Getty, Kyiv, Munich Security, CNBC, Ukraine, U.S, Dutch, European, Hungarian, Democrat, Democratic Locations: Ukraine, Munich, Germany, MUNICH, Kyiv, Czech, Danish, Avdiivka, U.S, Russia

☆ Ukrainian Foreign Minister Discusses Peace Prospects With Chinese Counterpart
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-17 | by ( Feb. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +1 min

(Reuters) - Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said on Saturday he had discussed the prospects for peace in Kyiv's nearly two-year-old war against Russia with his Chinese counterpart, part of a long-running bid to bolster relations with Beijing. "I met with my Chinese counterpart Wang Yi to discuss bilateral relations, trade, and the need to restore a just and lasting peace in Ukraine," Kuleba wrote on X, formerly Twitter, of their talks at the Munich Security Conference. Kuleba said he had discussed Ukraine's plans to hold a global peace summit which Switzerland has agreed to help stage. The two men, he said, "agreed on the need to maintain Ukraine-China contacts at all levels and continue our dialogue". China has attended at least one of the preparatory meetings that have taken place in anticipation of such a summit.

Persons: Dmytro Kuleba, Wang Yi, Kuleba, Ron Popeski, Alistair Bell Organizations: Reuters, Ukrainian, Twitter, Munich Security, China, Russia Locations: Kyiv's, Russia, Beijing, Ukraine, Switzerland, China, Moscow, Africa, Soviet

CNN —President Joe Biden, in a call Saturday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, directly tied Ukraine’s withdrawal from the key town of Avdiivka to Congress’ inability to pass further aid for the country’s effort to fend off Russia’s invasion. “This morning, Ukraine’s military was forced to withdraw from Avdiivka after Ukrainian soldiers had to ration ammunition due to dwindling supplies as a result of congressional inaction, resulting in Russia’s first notable gains in months. President Biden emphasized the need for Congress to urgently pass the national security supplemental funding bill to resupply Ukrainian forces,” according to a White House readout of the call. Earlier this week, the Senate passed with bipartisan support a $95.3 billion foreign aid bill, which includes $60 billion to support Ukraine. The withdrawal from Avdiivka marks the biggest gain for Moscow since it captured the city of Bakhmut last year.

Persons: Joe Biden, Volodymyr Zelensky, Russia’s, Biden, Alexey Navalny’s, Mike Johnson, Adrienne Watson, Kamala Harris, Zelensky, Harris, ” Harris, ”, ” Zelensky, “ Hatred, ” Biden, it’s, they’re Organizations: CNN, Ukraine, National Security, Munich, Representatives, White, Moscow Locations: Avdiivka, Ukraine, Germany, United States, Russia, Bakhmut

MUNICH (AP) — Top diplomats from the U.S. and China on Friday held a “candid and constructive” discussion on issues vexing their strained relations over Taiwan, the situation in the South China Sea, Russia’s war against Ukraine and synthetic opioids, the State Department said. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said Blinken had emphasized the importance of maintaining peace in the Taiwan Strait as well as expanding on nascent counternarcotics efforts. Blinken also raised concerns about China's support for Russia’s defense industrial base that Washington sees as helping Moscow’s military operations against Ukraine. “The two sides had a candid and constructive discussion on a range of bilateral, regional and global issues as part of ongoing efforts to maintain open lines of communication and responsibly manage competition in the relationship,” Miller said. Photos You Should See View All 33 Images“Both sides recognized the importance of maintaining open lines of communication between the United States and (China) across a range of strategic issues, including consultations and high-level meetings in key areas in the coming months,” he said.

Persons: Antony Blinken, Wang Yi, Joe Biden, Matthew Miller, Blinken, ” Miller, Blinken “, ” Organizations: —, State Department, Foreign, Munich, California . State Department, Washington, Ukraine, North Locations: MUNICH, U.S, China, Taiwan, South China, Ukraine, California ., Taiwan Strait, United States, North Korea

☆ France Pledges to Send up to 3 Billion Eur in Military Aid to Ukraine This Year - Elysee
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-16 | by ( Feb. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +1 min

PARIS (Reuters) - France and Ukraine on Friday signed a bilateral security agreement including pledges from Paris to deliver more arms, train soldiers and send up to 3 billion euros in military aid to Kivy this year to help the country in its war against Russia, the Elysee said. The French presidency said the accord, signed by Emmanuel Macron and his counterpart, Volodymyr Zelenksiy, includes the pledge by France to provide "up to" 3 billion euros ($3.24 billion) in additional military support to Ukraine in 2024. In the agreement, which followed similar deals Kiyv has reached with Britain and Germany, France also pledges to provide more military equipment, in particular for air defence. France, alongside other partners, will also help Ukraine make its defence capacities "increasingly interoperable with NATO", the Elysee said, adding: "This includes the development of a modern defence sector in Ukraine and a path to a future in NATO." The Latest Photos From Ukraine View All 91 Images($1 = 0.9271 euros)Photos You Should See View All 33 Images(Reporting by Tassilo Hummel, Michel Rose; Editing by GV De Clercq)

Persons: Emmanuel Macron, Volodymyr Zelenksiy, Kiyv, Tassilo Hummel, Michel Rose Organizations: PARIS, Friday, NATO, GV De Locations: France, Ukraine, Paris, Russia, Elysee, Britain, Germany

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