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Israel's parliament voted Monday to ban the operations of the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, the main humanitarian aid agency operating in Gaza. "This is the latest in the ongoing campaign to discredit UNRWA and delegitimize its role towards providing human-development assistance and services to #Palestine Refugees," Lazzarini wrote. UNRWA is a U.N. aid organization established in 1949 to provide aid and protection to Palestinian refugees in the West Bank, Gaza, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria. Some Israeli critics have said that the agency perpetuates a false narrative that Palestinians are refugees, which Lazzarini referenced in his statement. And U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was declared “persona non grata" by Israel’s foreign minister, Israel Katz, and was banned from entering Israel.

Persons: Benjamin Netanyahu, Philippe Lazzarini, Israel, Biden, Matthew Miller, Miller, Lazzarini, Netanyahu, Michael Martin, Boaz, Antonio Guterres, Israel Katz Organizations: United Nations, UNRWA, . State Department, State Department, Palestine Refugees, West, UN, Ireland, Agency, Assembly, Israel Defense Forces, . Interim Forces, U.N Locations: Gaza, Israeli, Israel, West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, France, Germany, Britain, Japan, South Korea, Canada, Australia, Norway, Slovenia, Spain, East, organization’s

☆ Saying 'China Is Watching,' US Spy Chiefs Plead for Ukraine Aid
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-12 | by ( March | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +2 min

By Patricia Zengerle and Michael MartinaWASHINGTON (Reuters) - Leaders of U.S. intelligence agencies urgently pressed members of the House of Representatives on Tuesday to approve additional military assistance for Ukraine, saying it would not only boost Kyiv as it fights Russia but discourage Chinese aggression. "That has consequences for American interests that go ... directly to our interests in the Indo-Pacific," CIA Director William Burns told the House of Representatives' Intelligence committee's annual hearing on Worldwide Threats to U.S. security. The Latest Photos From Ukraine View All 96 ImagesThe measure has passed the Democratic-run Senate, and both Republicans and Democrats in the House say it would pass if the chamber's Republican leaders allowed a vote. Photos You Should See View All 60 ImagesRepresentative Mike Turner, chairman of the House intelligence committee, noted that some members of Congress support aid to Ukraine but "I believe, mistakenly," contend that Kyiv can afford a delay. (Reporting by Patricia Zengerle and Michael Martina; Editing by Daniel Wallis)

Persons: Patricia Zengerle, Michael Martina WASHINGTON, William Burns, Burns, Mike Johnson, Donald Trump, Mike Turner, Michael Martina, Daniel Wallis Organizations: CIA, Representatives, stoke, Republican, Russian, Democratic, Republicans, Democrats Locations: Ukraine, Russia, Israel, Gaza, Pacific

☆ Taiwan Reports First Major Chinese Military Activity After Election
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-17 | by ( Jan. | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +4 min

By Ben Blanchard and Michael MartinaTAIPEI (Reuters) -Taiwan's defence ministry said it detected 18 Chinese air force planes operating around Taiwan and carrying out "joint combat readiness patrols" with Chinese warships on Wednesday, the first large-scale military activity after the Taiwanese election. Taiwan's defence ministry said that starting around 7:50 p.m. (1150 GMT) on Wednesday it had detected 18 aircraft including Su-30 fighters operating off northern and central Taiwan and to the island's southwest. Eleven of those aircraft crossed the Taiwan Strait's median line, or areas close by, working with Chinese warships to carry out "joint combat readiness patrols", the ministry added. Taiwan sent its own forces to monitor, its defence ministry said. There was no immediate response from China's defence ministry.

Persons: Ben Blanchard, Michael Martina TAIPEI, Democratic Progressive Party's, Lai Ching, Biden, Lai, Vincent Chao, Xi Jinping, Chao, We're, David Brunnstrom, Michael Martina, Gareth Jones, Mark Potter, Jamie Freed Organizations: Taiwan, Democratic Progressive, China's Taiwan Affairs Office, U.S . State Department, U.S . Institute of Peace, U.S Locations: Taiwan, China, Taipei, Beijing, Taiwan Strait, U.S, United States, Washington

☆ Relatives Recount Gaza Deaths as Protesters in Washington Demand Ceasefire
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-13 | by ( Jan. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +4 min

Adam Abosherieah, one of the speakers, said over 100 family members, including his 83-year-old father, mother, and brother, have been killed in Israeli air strikes. "Dozens of my family members' bodies are still under the rubble," Abosherieah, a pharmacist from New Jersey, said. Washington and Israel have also argued a ceasefire will benefit Hamas and have resisted such calls. On Saturday, protesters came to Washington from different parts of the country and echoed concerns about Biden's military support for Israel. Though long a fervent supporter of Israel, Biden has expressed concern over civilian deaths as the war has gone on.

Persons: Michael Martina, Ismail Shakil, Joe Biden, Israel, Adam Abosherieah, Biden, Randa Muhtaseb, Alaa Hussein Ali, Suhail Mustafa, Mohammed Kaiseruddin, ” “, ”, Kaiseruddin, “, Judy Johnson, Donald Trump, Johnson, Marguerita Choy Organizations: U.S, Hamas, Israel, International Court of Justice, U.S . Capitol, West Bank, Democratic Party, Republican, Trump Locations: Ismail Shakil WASHINGTON, Gaza, Washington, U.S, Israel, Palestine, New Jersey, Palestinian, Gaza . South Africa, New York City, Los Angeles, Cleveland, Chicago, Ottawa

☆ SpaceX launches South Korean spy satellite from California
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-01 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Dec 1 (Reuters) - A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying South Korea's first spy satellite launched on Friday from California's Vandenberg Space Force Base, after North Korea successfully launched its own military reconnaissance satellite last month. SpaceX ended its livestream of the mission minutes after liftoff and then recovery of the rocket's core stage booster without showing the South Korean payload's deployment. After two earlier attempts ended in rocket crashes this year, North Korea used its own Chollima-1 launch vehicle to place the Malligyong-1 reconnaissance satellite in orbit. Pyongyang has yet to release any imagery from that satellite, and analysts say its full capabilities are unknown. Reporting by Michael Martina, Joey Roulette and Josh Smith Editing by Chris Reese and Leslie AdlerOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: California's, Michael Martina, Joey Roulette, Josh Smith, Chris Reese, Leslie Adler Organizations: SpaceX, California's Vandenberg Space Force Base, North, American, Thomson Locations: North Korea, South Korea, Pyongyang

REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsWASHINGTON, Nov 29 (Reuters) - U.S. budget wrangling could further delay funding approval for new agreements with Pacific island nations meant to counter Chinese influence, creating an opportunity for Beijing in the strategically vital region, congressional and other sources say. But congressional sources say this looks impossible as lawmakers argue over spending priorities, raising concerns that a further delay could create an opening for China, which has been wooing financially strapped Pacific economies. "It's feeling pretty dead in the NDAA context," the source said, adding that focus had turned to finding other legislation to secure the COFA funding. "It is really incomprehensible given the amount we're talking about ... why Congress cannot get its act together," Yun said. "What we risk is China getting in where we really don't want them – in places like Palau, RMI, FSM.

Persons: Mike Pompeo, Jonathan Ernst, Biden, Mike Johnson's, Joseph Yun, Yun, David Brunnstrom, Michael Martina, Patricia Zengerle, Don Durfee, Daniel Wallis Organizations: U.S, Pohnpei International, REUTERS, Rights, Federated, Marshall, RMI, Washington, Free Association, National Defense, Reuters, Republicans, Natural Resources, Foreign Affairs, New Republican, Biden, State Department, White House National Security Council, Thomson Locations: Pohnpei, Kolonia, States, Micronesia, Pacific, Beijing, Federated States, Palau, China, Ukraine, U.S, Hawaii, Philippines, Washington

The Singapore-based company has not determined the size of the deal or the valuation at IPO. The online fast-fashion retailer, which manufactures most of its merchandise in China, faces criticism that Uyghur forced labor is used to make its low-priced apparel and home goods. Earlier this year, the congresswoman led a bipartisan call for the SEC to halt Shein’s IPO until it verifies that the company does not use forced labor within its supply chain. Shein did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but the company has previously told Reuters it has “zero tolerance for forced labor” and has no contract manufacturers in Xinjiang. Shein's IPO is "going to be raising issues (for the SEC) that may later be applied across the board to all China-based or China-related companies that are going public," Penick said.

Persons: Chen Lin, Shein confidentially, Shein, Jennifer Wexton, Megan Penick, Robinson, Penick, Republican Sen, Marco Rubio, ”, Rubio, Chris Smith, Smith, ByteDance's TikTok, Group's, Katherine Masters, Arriana, Michael Martina, Marguerita Choy Organizations: REUTERS, Bloomberg, Beijing, U.S . Securities, Exchange Commission, SEC, Reuters, Reuters Graphics, Capitol Hill, Republican, Congressional, Commission, Oritain, U.S, Thomson Locations: Singapore, China, New York, U.S, Beijing, Washington, China's Xinjiang, Xinjiang, India

Taiwan's APEC envoy Morris Chang attends a press conference during the APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) Summit in San Francisco, California, U.S. November 17, 2023. REUTERS/Carlos Barria Acquire Licensing RightsSAN FRANCISCO, Nov 17 (Reuters) - Taiwan's APEC envoy Morris Chang said on Friday that he had informal interactions with U.S. President Joe Biden and discussions with Secretary of State Antony Blinken at a summit in San Francisco, but none with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The White House has not elaborated on those conditions, but Biden asked Xi to respect Taiwan's presidential election process next year, according to a U.S. official. Taiwan's envoy Chang said he supported those U.S. export controls on China. Reporting by Michael Martina in San Francisco and Ben Blanchard in Taipei; Editing by Chris Reese, Kim Coghill and Tom HogueOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Morris Chang, Carlos Barria, Joe Biden, Antony Blinken, Xi Jinping, Chang, Kamala Harris, Xi, Biden, Blinken, Fumio Kishida, Wang Wentao, Michael Martina, Ben Blanchard, Chris Reese, Kim Coghill, Tom Hogue Organizations: APEC, Economic Cooperation, REUTERS, FRANCISCO, U.S, Japanese, Biden, China's, Thomson Locations: Asia, San Francisco , California, U.S, San Francisco, Taiwan, Taipei, Beijing, Thailand, China, United States, Washington

Chinese President Xi Jinping waves as he walks with U.S. President Joe Biden at Filoli estate on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, in Woodside, California, U.S., November 15, 2023. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsSAN FRANCISCO/HONG KONG, Nov 16 (Reuters) - When Chinese President Xi Jinping met executives for dinner on Wednesday night in San Francisco, he was greeted with not one, but three standing ovations from the U.S. business community. All three were outcomes the United States had sought from China rather than the other way around, said two people briefed on the trip. Biden administration officials have acknowledged that creating functional military relations won't be as easy as semi-regular meetings between defense officials. That's not going to be a favor to us," one senior Biden administration told Reuters in October in the run-up to the Xi-Biden meeting.

Persons: Xi, Joe Biden, Kevin Lamarque, Xi Jinping, Alexander Neill, Biden, Nancy Pelosi's, hotlines, Craig Singleton, That's, China's, Drew Thompson, Vladimir Putin, it's, Li Mingjiang, Michael Martina, Greg Torode, Trevor Hunnicutt, Antoni Slodkowski, Laurie Chen, Don Durfee, Tom Hogue Organizations: U.S, Economic Cooperation, REUTERS, FRANCISCO, United States, Communist Party, Hawaii's, Commerce Department, Biden, Republican, ., Foundation for Defense of Democracies, Reuters, Pentagon, National University of Singapore, Analysts, Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Thomson Locations: Filoli, Asia, Woodside , California, U.S, HONG KONG, San Francisco, United States, United, China, Beijing, Chinese, Taiwan, Washington, Russia, Singapore

☆ US would welcome back any pandas from China, White House says
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-16 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

WASHINGTON, Nov 16 (Reuters) - The United States would welcome back any giant pandas China decides to send, the White House said on Thursday after Chinese President Xi Jinping hinted he might return some of the cuddly-looking black-and-white bears as a friendship gesture. And we respect the sovereign decision that China made to remove some of the pandas," White House spokesman John Kirby said at a briefing. "And certainly should a decision be made by the PRC (People's Republic of China) to restore some of the pandas to the United States, we would absolutely welcome them back." He said he also learned that the San Diego Zoo and people in California look forward to welcoming pandas back. "Pandas have long been envoys of friendship between the Chinese and American peoples," Xi said.

Persons: Xi Jinping, John Kirby, Xi, Xiang, Tian Tian, Xiao Qi Ji, Doina Chiacu, Michael Martina, Chris Reese Organizations: PRC, People's, San, Economic Cooperation, San Diego Zoo, Pandas, World Wildlife Fund, Zoo, Thomson Locations: United, China, People's Republic of China, United States, San Francisco, Asia, California, Washington, Sichuan

☆ Xi tells US firms China ready to be partner and friend
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-16 | by ( Michael Martina | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

Xi received a standing ovation as he entered the room, and two more before and after he took the stage to speak. "Whatever stage of development it may reach, China will never pursue hegemony or expansion, and will never impose its will on others. China does not seek spheres of influence, and will not fight a cold war or a hot war with anyone," Xi said. China and the U.S. reached an agreement to curb fentanyl production in earlier talks between Xi and Biden. Analysts have said Xi's speech alone is unlikely to dramatically alter U.S. business sentiment about China.

Persons: Xi Jinping, Carlos Barria, Xi, Joe Biden, Biden, Tim Cook, Laurence Fink, Broadcom's, Hock Tan, Ray Dalio, Albert Bourla, Gina Raimondo, Mike Gallagher, Gallagher, Gary Dvorchak, Dvorchak, Michael Martina, Valerie Insinna, Stephen Nellis, Lisa Baertlein, Niket, Ethan Wang, Liz Lee, Stephen Coates Organizations: National Committee, China Relations, China Business Council, Economic Cooperation, REUTERS, Apple, BlackRock, Pfizer, SAN FRANCISCO, U.S, Beijing, Congress, Bridgewater Associates, Commerce, U.S . House, Representatives, Muslim, U.S ., Communist Party, Thomson Locations: Asia, San Francisco , California, U.S, China, United States, San Francisco, Beijing, Washington, China . U.S, Iowa

While key issues like U.S. sanctions on chip exports remain unresolved, Chinese state media is now striking a different tone, focusing on Xi's smile during past trips to Iowa, fireside chats with its residents, and sharing chocolates with Biden. With official ties still strained, Chinese state media has focused on relations between the people and emphasised the potential for cooperation and importance of the summit for the Asia-Pacific region. Gary Dvorchak, an Iowan considered by Xi an old friend of China, said Xi's fondness for Iowa was genuine but that the Chinese leader also used his ties to the state for propaganda value. “It humanises him and it gives him an ability to show a connection to the American people and bypass the American media,” said Dvorchak. On the Weibo Chinese microblogging site, the most popular hashtag on Thursday still harked back to tension over Taiwan: "China must be and will be reunified."

Persons: Xi Jinping, Carlos Barria, Joe Biden, Xi, Biden, Li Mingjiang, Iowans, Gary Dvorchak, ”, Dvorchak, Albee Zhang, Michael Martina, Greg Torode, Robert Birsel Organizations: National Committee, China Relations, China Business Council, Economic Cooperation, REUTERS, Rights, U.S, Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Xinhua, Weibo, Thomson Locations: Asia, San Francisco , California, U.S, Rights BEIJING, California, Iowa, Taiwan, China, Singapore, Pacific, Xinhua, Beijing, Washington, Hong Kong

Lai, vice president and the ruling Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) presidential candidate, has almost consistently led opinion polls ahead of an election taking place amid increased Chinese pressure on Taiwan to accept Beijing's sovereignty claims. Vincent Chao, spokesperson for the Lai campaign, declined to comment on Hsiao's role but said an announcement on a running mate would be made on Monday. Randall Schriver, the former U.S. assistant secretary of defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs, described Hsiao as a "good partner in promoting U.S.-Taiwan relations." The DPP-led government says only Taiwan's people can decide their future, and has repeatedly offered talks with Beijing but been rebuffed. Like Lai, Hsiao is detested by China, which has on two occasions placed sanctions on her, most recently in April, saying she is an "independence diehard".

Persons: Lai Ching, Lai, Democratic Progressive Party's, Hsiao, Vincent Chao, Ivan Kanapathy, Randall Schriver, Chen Shui, Ben Blanchard, Yimou Lee, Michael Martina, Gerry Doyle Organizations: Democratic Progressive, APEC, Asia, U.S . National Security Council, Reuters, Georgetown University, Patriot, Pacific Security Affairs, U.S, DPP, Taiwan Affairs Office, Thomson Locations: TAIPEI, United States, Washington, Taiwan, San Francisco, U.S, Taipei, Ukraine, China, Beijing, Japan

[1/5] Protesters taunt people in suit, during a rally in opposition to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit in San Francisco, California, U.S. November 15, 2023. REUTERS/Loren Elliott Acquire Licensing RightsSAN FRANCISCO, Nov 15 (Reuters) - Protesters took to the streets of San Francisco early on Wednesday morning ahead of a meeting between U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping, obstructing some entrances to the APEC conference. Global leaders and CEOs of major U.S. corporations will all be at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in San Francisco, offering tempting targets to protest. Protesters supporting spiritual group Falun Gong, which is banned in China, lined motorcade entry points into the convention center area. Supporters of China also turned out near where Biden and Xi will meet, waving Chinese and U.S. flags as well as posters with both flags together.

Persons: Loren Elliott, Joe Biden, Xi Jinping, Biden, Pema Doma, Xi, ”, Gong, Xi's, Ann Saphir, Peter Henderson, Josie Kao Organizations: Economic Cooperation, REUTERS, FRANCISCO, APEC, Global, Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation, Police, Chinese Communist Party, U.S . Department of Homeland Security, U.S, Secret Service, Thomson Locations: Asia, San Francisco , California, U.S, San Francisco, Israel, Tibet, United States, China, Francisco

These are then smuggled into the United States, the officials say. Last month, the United States imposed sanctions on 28 people and entities involved with the international proliferation of illicit drugs, including a large China-based network. Biden is also due to meet with Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador in San Francisco. In San Francisco, state and local officials have tried to clean up drugs from the city's streets, with limited success. "We know San Francisco - and cities across the United States - will benefit from more targeting of the trafficking and production of fentanyl worldwide," a spokesperson for Breed said in a statement.

Persons: Joe Biden, Xi Jinping, Biden, Xi, Mike Odeh, Jake Sullivan, Washington, General Merrick Garland, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, Alicia Barcena, Brooke Jenkins, Mayor London Breed, Breed, Michael Martina, Sayantani Ghosh, Michelle Nichols, Josie Kao Organizations: Customs, Port, U.S . Customs, FRANCISCO, U.S, Economic Cooperation, United, city's, APEC, U.S . Centers for Disease Control, Prevention, . National, Washington, Biden, Institute of Forensic Science, China's Ministry of Public Security, Commerce, San Francisco . Mexican Foreign, Mayor London, Thomson Locations: Arizona, Mexico, Nogales , Arizona, U.S, Asia, Pacific, San Francisco, United States, China, CHINA, MEXICO, Washington, San Francisco . Mexican, Francisco's

☆ Biden, Xi meet as US-China military, economic tensions grind on
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-15 | by ( Trevor Hunnicutt | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

Biden and Xi arrived in San Francisco on Tuesday, where they were set to hold their meeting on the sidelines the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. Xi and Biden are expected to meet far from the conference location at a vast estate miles outside of San Francisco carefully chosen for its security, serenity and remoteness. [1/2]U.S. President Joe Biden disembarks from Air Force One at San Francisco International Airport, as he arrives to attend the APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) Summit in San Francisco, California, U.S., November 14, 2023. Xi, a decade Biden's junior, has tightened control over policy, state leaders, the media and military and changing the constitution. Biden is expected to tell Xi that U.S. commitments in the Indo-Pacific are unchanged.

Persons: Joe Biden, Xi Jinping, Xi, Biden, China's, Mao, San Francisco, John Kirby, Joe Biden disembarks, Brittany Hosea, Trevor Hunnicutt, Steve Holland, Michael Martina, Jeff Mason, Heather Timmons, Stephen Coates Organizations: FRANCISCO, Biden, Economic Cooperation, Communist Party, Air Force, San Francisco International Airport, APEC, REUTERS, Rights, Washington, Thomson Locations: Taiwan, South China, Israel, Ukraine, North Korea, San Francisco, Asia, United States, Northern California, San, San Francisco , California, U.S, Rights IRAN, Iran, Washington, China . U.S, China, Europe, Russia, Beijing, Taiwan Strait, East China, Philippines

REUTERS/Cheriss May/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsWASHINGTON, Nov 15 (Reuters) - U.S. lawmakers asked Apple Inc to explain the abrupt end of political comedian Jon Stewart's television show on its streaming service, according to a letter made public on Wednesday, citing concerns that content related to China was behind the cancellation. The New York Times reported last month that Stewart's show on Apple's streaming service was ending, the result of creative differences. The newspaper said Stewart told members of his staff that potential show topics related to China and artificial intelligence were causing concern to Apple executives. The letter asked representatives of Apple for a briefing on its concerns by Dec. 15, 2023. U.S. lawmakers have long expressed concerns about potential Chinese government censorship given the ruling Communist Party’s strict media controls.

Persons: Jon Stewart, Mark Twain, Cheriss, Jon Stewart's, Stewart, Tim Cook, Apple, Michael Gallagher, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Xi Jinping, Joe Biden, Patricia Zengerle, Stephen Coates Organizations: The Kennedy Center, REUTERS, Rights, Apple Inc, New York Times, Apple, Times, Republican, Democratic, Chinese Communist Party, CCP, Economic Cooperation, Thomson Locations: Washington , U.S, China, San Francisco, Asia, U.S

☆ US set to take action to win China's cooperation on fentanyl
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-14 | by ( Michael Martina | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Biden will discuss the issue with China's President Xi Jinping on Wednesday in San Francisco at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum. U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said on Tuesday that Washington hoped the summit would result in action to help combat the fentanyl trade. China has long questioned why the U.S. would expect cooperation on fentanyl while targeting the institute. China's embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the fentanyl issue. Fentanyl is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and is increasingly mixed with other illicit drugs, often with lethal results.

Persons: Jake Sullivan, Karine Jean, Pierre, Leah Millis, Joe Biden's, Bejing, Biden, Xi Jinping, Washington, Marsha Blackburn, Blackburn, Michael Martina, Michelle Nichols, Jonathan Oatis, Bill Berkrot Organizations: National, White House Press, White, REUTERS, FRANCISCO, China's Institute of Forensic Science, U.S . Centers for Disease Control, Prevention, China's, Economic Cooperation, . National, Washington, Institute of Forensic Science, China's Ministry of Public Security, Commerce, Thomson Locations: Washington , U.S, United States, Washington, San Francisco, Asia, U.S, China, America, China's

☆ Tricky politics on menu for China's Xi at US business dinner
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-14 | by ( Michael Martina | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

But the event, yet to be formally announced by hosts U.S.-China Business Council (USCBC) and the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations (NCUSCR), also presents uneasy optics. The USCBC and NCUSCR both declined to comment on the planned dinner. Xi has overseen a crackdown on U.S. consultancy and due-diligence firms, a further blow to investor confidence. Jeff Moon, a former U.S. trade official turned business adviser, said China's goal would be to soften Xi's image and attract investment, but that the dinner was unlikely to "move any needles." "They have come to accept that there's no substitute for hearing and seeing and observing what Xi Jinping is doing," said Patel.

Persons: Carlos Barria, Xi Jinping, Joe Biden, Xi, MIGNON, Jeff Moon, mignon, Mike Gallagher, Biden, Janet Yellen, Nirav Patel, Jinping, Patel, David Brunnstrom, Stephen Nellis, Michelle Nichols, Lincoln Organizations: APEC, Economic Cooperation, REUTERS, FRANCISCO, Wednesday, Reuters, U.S, China Business Council, National Committee, China Relations, Muslim, Asia, Thomson Locations: Asia, Pacific, San Francisco , California, United States, San Francisco, U.S, China, Washington, Muslim Uyghurs, Beijing

[1/3] U.S. President Joe Biden meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the G20 leaders' summit in Bali, Indonesia, November 14, 2022. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque//File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsSAN FRANCISCO, Nov 14 (Reuters) - U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping will meet on Wednesday before a summit of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in San Francisco, seeking to reduce friction in what many see as the world's most dangerous rivalry. But they have met only once in person since then, and Xi, who arrived in San Francisco on Tuesday evening, had not visited the United States since 2017 when Donald Trump was president. The White House says the aim of the summit, to be held at an unannounced location in the San Francisco Bay Area, is to boost communication to prevent an intense rivalry from veering into conflict. In a separate dinner with business leaders, the Chinese president will be looking to boost flagging investment by U.S. firms in China.

Persons: Joe Biden, Xi Jinping, Kevin Lamarque, Xi, Donald Trump, Biden, Richard Fontaine, There's, Trump, David Brunnstrom, Michael Martina, Don Durfee, Grant McCool, Leslie Adler Organizations: REUTERS, FRANCISCO, Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation, East China Seas, U.S, Washington's Center, New, New American Security, APEC, Thomson Locations: Bali , Indonesia, San Francisco, United States, San Francisco Bay, Ukraine, North, Russia, Taiwan, U.S, China, South, East, Philippines, Washington, Iran, New American

Democratic Senator Ben Cardin wrote to Biden to push for immediate freedom for Mark Swidan, Kai Li and David Lin, whom the U.S. government has classified as wrongfully detained in China. Families of Americans the U.S. government has classified as wrongfully detained in China have also repeatedly urged the government to prioritize the release of their loved ones in talks with Chinese officials. Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns about her son Mark over the weekend, but called the conversation "disappointing" because Burns would not say whether Biden would raise Mark’s name with Xi. A State Department spokesperson commented that the department has no greater priority than the safety and security of U.S. citizens and noted that it continually raises wrongfully detained U.S. nationals during engagements with senior Chinese officials. Reporting by Patricia Zengerle and Michael Martina; Editing by Stephen CoatesOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Ben Cardin, Craig Hudson, Joe Biden, Xi Jinping, Biden, Mark Swidan, Kai Li, David Lin, Xi, Cardin, Katherine Swidan, China Nicholas Burns, Mark, Burns, Patricia Zengerle, Michael Martina, Stephen Coates Organizations: Senate Foreign, U.S, Capitol, REUTERS, Rights, U.S . Senate Foreign, Reuters, Democratic, Economic Cooperation, State, Thomson Locations: Washington , U.S, China, Asia, San Francisco, United, United States, U.S

U.S. President Joe Biden meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the G20 leaders' summit in Bali, Indonesia, November 14, 2022. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsSAN FRANCISCO, Nov 14 (Reuters) - U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping will meet on Wednesday before a summit of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in San Francisco, seeking to reduce friction in what many see as the world's most dangerous rivalry. But they have met only once in person since then and Xi has not visited the United States since 2017 when Donald Trump was president. In a separate dinner with business leaders, the Chinese president will also been looking to boost flagging investment by U.S. firms in China. Biden is also expected urge China to use its influence with Iran to not broaden the conflict in the Middle East.

Persons: Joe Biden, Xi Jinping, Kevin Lamarque, Xi, Donald Trump, Biden, Richard Fontaine, There's, Trump, David Brunnstrom, Michael Martina, Don Durfee, Grant McCool Organizations: REUTERS, FRANCISCO, Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation, East China Seas, U.S, Washington's Center, New, New American Security, APEC, Thomson Locations: Bali , Indonesia, San Francisco, United States, San Francisco Bay, Ukraine, North, Russia, Taiwan, U.S, China, South, East, Philippines, Washington, Iran, New American

[1/7] Chinese President Xi Jinping arrives at San Francisco International Airport to attend the APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) Summit in San Francisco, California, U.S., November 14, 2023. He is due to meet U.S. President Joe Biden at an undisclosed location in the San Francisco Bay Area on Wednesday morning and then attend the annual summit of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum. U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai, who with Blinken opened the APEC ministerial session, said the San Francisco meeting came at a time of "great uncertainty and challenges" for the region. As Biden arrived in San Francisco, shortly before Xi was due to land, dueling demonstrators greeted the U.S. president's motorcade from the airport. Earlier on Tuesday, a small aircraft flew circles over the APEC summit venue in downtown San Francisco, trailing a banner that read "END CCP FREE CHINA FREE HK FREE TIBET FREE UIGHUR," referring to China's treatment of Uyghurs, which the Biden administration calls "genocide."

Persons: Xi Jinping, Brittany Hosea, Antony Blinken, Xi, Joe Biden, Biden, Janet Yellen, China Nicholas Burns, Blinken, Katherine Tai, John Kirby, Nancy Pelosi, Michael Martina, Ann Saphir, David Brunnstrom, Trevor Hunnicutt, David Lawder, Chris Reese, Josie Kao Organizations: San Francisco International Airport, APEC, Economic Cooperation, REUTERS, FRANCISCO, U.S, San Francisco Bay Area, Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation, Air China, . Trade, San, White House, Biden, China, Chinese Communist Party, Thomson Locations: Asia, San Francisco , California, U.S, United States, Beijing, San Francisco Bay, Air, China, Washington, San Francisco, Israel, Gaza, Ukraine, Taiwan, Tibet, Hong Kong, CHINA, TIBET

Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen poses for a photo with Taiwan's APEC representative and TSMC founder Morris Chang at a press conference in Taipei, Taiwan November 10, 2023. REUTERS/Ann Wang Acquire Licensing RightsTAIPEI, Nov 14 (Reuters) - Taiwan is working on securing a one-on-one meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden and the island's representative at this week's APEC summit in San Francisco, but there is no message planned for China, a senior Taiwanese official said. "The two sides are discussing related arrangements," Koo said when asked whether Chang plans to hold an one-on-one meeting with Biden at APEC. Tensions over Taiwan are likely to feature when Biden meets Chinese President Xi Jinping at the summit. Chang briefly met with Xi at last year's APEC summit in Bangkok, and discussed semiconductors with U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris.

Persons: Tsai Ing, Morris Chang, Ann Wang, Joe Biden, Wellington Koo, Biden, Koo, Chang, Xi Jinping, Xi, Tsai, Kamala Harris, Yimou Lee, Ben Blanchard, Michael Martina, Trevor Hunnicutt, Gerry Doyle Organizations: Taiwan's APEC, REUTERS, Rights, U.S, APEC, Economic Cooperation, Taiwan's National Security Council, U.S . State Department, Thomson Locations: Taipei, Taiwan, Rights TAIPEI, San Francisco, China, Asia, Beijing, Wellington, United States, Washington, U.S, Bangkok

☆ Republicans demand Biden challenge China's Xi on fentanyl, prisoners
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-09 | by ( Michael Martina | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

The flags of the United States and China fly from a lamppost in the Chinatown neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts, U.S., November 1, 2021. Republicans and Democrats in Congress have offered sometimes different approaches for countering China's growing economic and military might despite bipartisan consensus on the need to do so. But they asked Biden to present Xi with a list of 10 demands to improve relations, much like Beijing did to U.S. officials in 2021. "It is clear that competitive actions have been sacrificed to advance aimless, zombie-like engagement," they said. Reporting by Michael Martina and Patricia Zengerle; editing by Grant McCoolOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Brian Snyder, Joe Biden, Xi Jinping, Mike Gallagher, Biden, Mark Swidan, American Kai Li, David Lin, Michael Martina, Patricia Zengerle, Grant McCool Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, U.S, Beijing, Biden, Economic Cooperation, Republicans, Democrats, Treasury, Industrial, Thomson Locations: United States, China, Chinatown, Boston , Massachusetts, U.S, San Francisco, Asia, Beijing, Philippines, South China, South, Taiwan, China's Xinjiang, Texas, American

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