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☆ ASEAN chair Indonesia has little to show for Myanmar peace drive, diplomats say
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-12 | by ( Kate Lamb | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

JAKARTA, July 12 (Reuters) - Indonesia, working on behalf of southeast Asian nations, has little to show so far for its intense behind-the-scenes efforts to bridge gaps between factions in Myanmar's conflict, diplomatic sources say. Myanmar has been racked by violence since 2021, when the military seized power from a largely elected government and unleashed a deadly crackdown on opponents. But the junta, an opposition "shadow government" and rebel militias all refuse to compromise on their respective conditions to start even informal talks, said three sources, including two diplomats, familiar with the matter. Sasa said he could not confirm if the Bali meetings had taken place, but called for even deeper engagement with ASEAN. The sources said Indonesia had drawn inspiration from its "cocktail diplomacy" of the late 1980s, when it convinced Cambodia's four opposing factions to meet for informal talks near Jakarta.

Persons: Sasa, Bali, Cambodia's, Lina Alexandra, Retno Marsudi, Kanupriya Kapoor, Kevin Liffey Organizations: Association of Southeast Asian Nations, ASEAN, National Unity Government, Centre, Strategic, International Studies, Indonesian, Thomson Locations: JAKARTA, Indonesia, Myanmar, Indonesia's, Bali, Jakarta

☆ Yellen had a 'constructive visit' to China with opportunities for 'more frequent contacts' in the future, she says
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-09 | by ( Ashley Capoot | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen arrived in Beijing on July 6, 2023, for her first visit under the Biden administration. For instance, just days before Yellen's visit, Beijing slapped export curbs on chipmaking metals and compounds. Yellen said China is also taking steps to address concerns about a slowing economy, and that there are opportunities for American businesses to profit. But even so, she said national security remains a priority for the U.S."China has an enormous market. "But there are areas where national security really demands that the most advanced technologies with military applications, we need to withhold to protect our own national security.

Persons: Janet Yellen, Biden, Antony Blinken's, Joe Biden, Xi Jinping, Yellen, Yellen's, who've, — CNBC's Clement Tan Organizations: Treasury, APEC, CBS, China's Ministry of Commerce, U.S Locations: Beijing, China, U.S, New Delhi, San Francisco, Bali, Europe

☆ Top US-China exchanges since Biden took office
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-09 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

Below is a list of some of the other high level U.S.-China exchanges since President Joe Biden took office in 2021. FIRST TRADE TALKS - May 26, 2021U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai and China's then Vice Premier Liu He held talks virtually, the first such high level trade talks between the world's two biggest economies since Biden took office. DIPLOMAT VISITS CHINA - July 26, 2021Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman held talks with State Councillor Wang Yi, in Tianjin, China. DEFENCE CHIEFS HOLD FIRST TALKS - April 20, 2022U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin held a call with China's then defence minister Wei Fenghe, the first talks between the two officials since Biden took office. BIDEN AND XI MEET IN BALI - November 14, 2022Biden and Xi held their long-awaited first face-to-face leadership talks on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Bali, Indonesia.

Persons: Janet Yellen, John Kerry, Joe Biden, BIDEN, Biden, Xi Jinping, Xi, Jake Sullivan, Yang Jiechi, Wang Yi, Katherine Tai, China's, Liu, Wendy Sherman, SULLIVAN, YANG, Sullivan, Yang, Lloyd Austin, Wei Fenghe, WANG, Wang, Nancy Pelosi, HARRIS, Kamala Harris, Gina Raimondo, Wang Wentao, National Defense Li Shangfu, Li, BLINKEN, Antony Blinken, Washington's, Martin Quin Pollard, Raju Gopalakrishnan, Kim Coghill Organizations: . Treasury, U.S, FIRST, National Security, . Trade, CHIEFS, . Defense, General Assembly, BIDEN, IN, Economic Cooperation APEC, CHINA COMMERCE, . Commerce, Commerce, Washington D.C, China's, National Defense, Pentagon, Austin, BEIJING, Thomson Locations: China, Beijing, Yellen's, U.S, Anchorage , Alaska, Blinken, CHINA, Tianjin, Taiwan, North Korea, ROME, Russia, Ukraine, New York, IN BALI, Bali , Indonesia, BANGKOK, Asia, Thailand, MUNICH, Munich, WASHINGTON, Washington, Singapore

☆ When a tourist in Bali gets arrested, this is the woman they call
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-08 | by ( Heather Chen | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

When it comes to misbehaving tourists in Bali, Niluh Djelantik has seen and heard it all. “There is no shortage of bad tourists in Bali – I’m losing count, to be honest,” she told CNN Travel. “She’s probably the most important person in Bali, after the governor (Wayan Koster),” the woman said. “We will no longer welcome mass tourism,” Bali governor Wayan Koster said at a conference in May. Bali needs tourists and this is about (getting foreigners) to respect our laws… and not take our hospitality for granted.”

Persons: CNN — Influencers, Djelantik, ”, Bali – I’m, – I’ve, ” Djelantik, I’ve, Bali Agung, ” ‘, She’s, Wayan Koster, you’ll, Yuri Chilikin, Mount Agung –, Chilikin, Garry Lotulung, “ Organizations: CNN, CNN Travel, Bali, Tourists, ” CNN, Tourism, Visa Locations: Bali, Bali –, Jakarta, Canggu, Indonesia, Germany, “ Bali, Russian, Mount, Instagram, Mount Agung, Denpasar, Moscow, Russia

☆ Biden warned China's Xi on West's investment after Putin meeting
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-08 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/2] 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 PhotoJuly 7 (Reuters) - U.S. President Joe Biden told Chinese President Xi Jinping following his meeting with Russia's Vladimir Putin to "be careful" because Beijing relies on Western investment, according to excerpts from an interview with CNN. "Since Russia went into Ukraine, 600 American corporations have pulled out of Russia. And you have told me that your economy depends on investment from Europe and the United States. Reporting by Costas Pitas; Editing by Sandra Maler and Leslie AdlerOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Joe Biden, Xi Jinping, Kevin Lamarque, Russia's Vladimir Putin, Biden, Putin, Xi, Janet Yellen, Costas Pitas, Sandra Maler, Leslie Adler Organizations: REUTERS, CNN, U.S ., Treasury, Thomson Locations: Bali , Indonesia, Beijing, Russia, Ukraine, Europe, United States, China, U.S, Taiwan

☆ Netherlands to return nearly 500 looted objects to Indonesia and Sri Lanka
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-07 | by ( Senay Boztas | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

CNN —The Dutch government is returning 478 objects looted during colonial times to Indonesia and Sri Lanka. “It’s the first time we’re following recommendations… to give back objects that should never have been brought to the Netherlands. A collection of jewels, precious stones and silver, the "Lombok treasure" was taken from the Indonesian island of Lombok in 1894. “But what changed is our viewpoint: these objects are to tell the stories of our countries, of our shared history of peoples. A ceremonial handover of objects to the National Museum of Indonesia in Jakarta will take place at the Museum Volkenkunde Leiden on July 10.

Persons: Gunay Uslu, Cannon, ” Uslu, “, …, We’re, we’re, Lilian Gonçalves, Ho Kang, William V , Prince of Orange, Smeulders, ”, ” Smeulders, Gert, Jan van den Bergh, Bergh, Sanders, Van den Bergh Organizations: The Art, CNN, State for Culture, Dutch Council for Culture, National Museum of, Netherlands ’, East India Company, Nazi, Naturalis Biodiversity, Guardian, Art Newspaper, Museum Volkenkunde Leiden Locations: Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, Dutch, Lombok, Bali, Kandy, Netherlands, Indonesian, Europe, Leiden, National Museum of Indonesia, Jakarta

☆ World Beach Games 2023 canceled after Indonesia pulls out of hosting, ANOC says
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-06 | by ( Helen Regan | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —The 2023 World Beach Games, scheduled to take place in Bali next month, have been canceled after hosts Indonesia suddenly withdrew from the tournament. “It is with great surprise and extreme disappointment that ANOC has learnt that the Indonesian Olympic Committee (KOI) has withdrawn from its commitment to host the ANOC World Beach Games and the ANOC General Assembly in August 2023,” ANOC said in a statement Tuesday. Indonesia’s withdrawal from the World Beach Games at such a late hour caught the organizing body off guard. “The situation is felt to be getting more difficult because several sponsors of the 2nd ANOC World Beach Games Bali 2023 have also announced their withdrawal,” Raja Sapta said. CNN has reached out to ANOC and the KOI for further comment on Indonesia’s withdrawal from the tournament.

Persons: ANOC, ” ANOC, Wayan Koster, Koster, Israel, “ ANOC, Dito Ariotedjo, Raja Sapta Oktohari, ” Raja Sapta Organizations: CNN, Games, FIFA, Israel, Association of National Olympic Committees, Indonesian Olympic, Assembly, CNN Indonesia, Football Association of Indonesia, World, Reuters, Indonesia National Olympic Locations: Bali, Indonesia, Israel, Jakarta

☆ Opinion: I was the most senior Islamic leader to visit Auschwitz. Here’s what I know about peace
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-04 | by ( Opinion Dr. Sheikh Mohammed Al-Issa | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

Editor’s Note: Sheikh Mohammed Al-Issa is the Secretary General of the Muslim World League. Sheikh Mohammed Al-Issa The Muslim World LeagueOurs was the most senior Islamic delegation to visit the site during its sorrowful history. For it was here that 1.1 million people, the vast majority of them Jews, were murdered during the Holocaust. Trivializing the Holocaust, we know too well, opens pathways to denial and to antisemitism, which still persists in the world, for sure. And as we remember the liberation of Majdanek, that is the truth that shall set us free.

Persons: Sheikh Mohammed Al, Issa, Read, CNN —, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Arthur Schneier, Nazi barbarity Organizations: Muslim World League, CNN, Muslim, Islamic, Allies, American Jewish Committee, Interfaith Research, Columbia University, League, of Nations, Twitter, Facebook, United Nations Headquarters, Soviet Red Army Locations: Auschwitz, Nazi, Bali, Indonesia, New York, Soviet, America

☆ Canada is launching a remote-work scheme to lure digital nomads to the country
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-30 | by ( Beatrice Nolan | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Canada is developing a scheme to attract digital nomads to the country. Under current rules, remote workers are allowed to live and work in Canada for six months. The Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) said the plans were aimed at making Canada a go-to destination for digital nomads. Under current Canadian immigration rules, digital nomads can stay in Canada for up to six months under a visitor status while still working for foreign companies. "We expect that some digital nomads who initially enter Canada to work remotely will decide to seek opportunities with Canadian employers," the IRCC said in a release.

Persons: — Organizations: Service, Privacy, Canada, Immigration Refugees, Citizenship Canada Locations: Canada, Canadian, Bali, Portugal, Greece

☆ United States to host expanded Club World Cup in 2025 - FIFA
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-23 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

June 23 (Reuters) - The first edition of FIFA's new 32-team Club World Cup will be held in the United States in 2025, world soccer's governing body said on Friday. FIFA had confirmed in March that the revamped Club World Cup will be played every four years from June 2025. The FIFA Council unanimously appointed the United States as the competition's hosts for the first edition of the expanded format. "The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 will be the pinnacle of elite professional men's club football," FIFA President Gianni Infantino said. The current version of the FIFA Club World Cup -- an annual competition with seven teams -- will be discontinued after 2023.

Persons: Gianni Infantino, Rohith Nair, Toby Davis, Christian Organizations: FIFA, America, FIFA Club, Real, League, Manchester City, FIFA Council, FIFA Congress, Thomson Locations: United States, Mexico, Canada, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Europe, Bangkok, Thailand, Indonesia, Argentina, Bali, Peru, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Bengaluru

☆ Australia to decide fate of central bank chief in July
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-22 | by ( Wayne Cole | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

[1/2] Governor of the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) Philip Lowe attends the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting in Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia, 16 July 2022. Treasurer Jim Chalmers told reporters on Thursday he would announce his decision on Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) Governor Philip Lowe's future in coming weeks, but would not be drawn on whether Lowe would keep his job. The clamour of criticism, particularly in the media, led Chalmers to launch an independent review of the central bank which recommended sweeping changes in its operation and the way policy was formed. "Obviously, the Reserve Bank Governor needs to be well placed to implement the recommendations of the review and to take the Reserve Bank into the future," said Chalmers. Possible replacements being touted are the current deputy governor Michele Bullock, Treasury official Jenny Wilkinson and former Bank of Canada official Carolyn Wilkins, who also led the review into the RBA.

Persons: Philip Lowe, Jim Chalmers, Philip Lowe's, Lowe, I’m, we'd, Chalmers, Michele Bullock, Jenny Wilkinson, Carolyn Wilkins, Wayne Cole, Renju Jose, Leslie Adler Organizations: Reserve Bank of Australia, Ministers, Central Bank Governors, Reserve Bank Governor, Bank, Treasury, Bank of Canada, Thomson Locations: Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia

CNN —When President Joe Biden referred to his Chinese counterpart as a dictator late Tuesday in California, the response from Beijing was swift and angry. Whether the new acrimony further derails a “thaw” in US-China ties, something that Biden has openly hoped for, remained an open question. “He didn’t know about it,” Biden told donors. Biden and Xi last met at a G20 conference in Bali. “You just saw what’s happened in Italy in that election,” Biden told the donors and Democratic officials at a Washington, D.C. fundraiser.

Persons: Joe Biden, ”, Biden, Xi Jinping, ” Biden, –, Antony Blinken, Blinken, Blinken hasn’t, Blinken’s, “, John Kerry, Xi, Donald Trump, John Kirby, Kirby, “ We’re, Dmitry Peskov, Peskov, Vladimir Putin’s, Emmanuel Macron Organizations: CNN, White, Democratic, APEC, Biden, Mar, National Security, Japan –, New York City Locations: California, Beijing, China, Marin County, “, –, Washington, India, Bali ., San Francisco, United States, Australia, Japan, Russia, New York, Italy, America, Cornish, England

SummarySummary CompaniesCompanies Law Firms Google Play Music infringed Personal Audio playlist patents, jury saysVerdict follows California win for Sonos in Google audio patent fightJune 21(Reuters) - Alphabet's Google (GOOGL.O) must pay patent holding company Personal Audio LLC $15.1 million for infringing two patents related to audio software, a Delaware federal jury said in a verdict made public on Wednesday. Personal Audio had argued that Google's music app Google Play Music featured playlist downloading, navigation and editing features that violated its patent rights. Attorneys for Personal Audio did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Beaumont, Texas-based Personal Audio had requested $33.1 million in damages, according to a May court filing. The case is Personal Audio LLC v. Google LLC, U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware, No.

Persons: Jose Castaneda, Steve Hanle, Doug Hahn, Salil, Stradling Yocca Carlson, Melissa Baily, Jeff Nardinelli, David Perlson, Antonio Sistos, Patrick Stafford, Quinn Emanuel Urquhart, Sullivan Read, Blake Brittain Organizations: Sonos, Google, San, Google LLC, District of, Rauth, Thomson, & $ Locations: California, Delaware, Beaumont , Texas, Texas, The Delaware, San Francisco, District of Delaware, Salil Bali, Washington

☆ India's Modi says there is 'unprecedented trust' between India, US - WSJ
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-20 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

[1/2] Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks during the G20 leaders summit in Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia, Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2022. Dita Alangkara/Pool via REUTERS/File PhotoJune 19 (Reuters) - Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday that ties between New Delhi and Washington are stronger and deeper than ever, in an interview with the Wall Street Journal. "India deserves a much higher, deeper and wider profile and a role," Modi said in the interview, ahead of his visit to the U.S. this week that is billed as a turning point for bilateral relations. Reporting by Lavanya Ahire in Bengaluru; Editing by Muralikumar AnantharamanOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Narendra Modi, Dita Alangkara, Modi, Lavanya, Muralikumar Organizations: Indian, Wall Street, Thomson Locations: Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia, New Delhi, Washington, India, Bengaluru

But beneath those positive signals, the two-day visit to Beijing from US Secretary of State Antony Blinken highlighted another reality: a wide and dangerous gulf between the two powers. The timing of the visit, which followed two close encounters between Chinese and American armed forces in Asia in recent weeks, underscored the urgency of talking. In the same vein, the United States needs to respect China and must not hurt China’s legitimate rights and interests,” he said. We don’t want to look up to the United States, at the very least we should look at each other at eye level,” he said. Baby stepsIn the lead-up to and during Blinken’s visit, China made clear who it thinks is responsible for the problems in the relationship.

Persons: Antony Blinken, –, Xi Jinping, Blinken, Xi, ”, “, Bonnie Glaser, China …, Nancy Pelosi’s, Yang Tao, ” Yang, Li Shangfu, Shen Dingli, Wang Yi, Joe Biden, ” Blinken, Dexter, Roberts Organizations: Hong Kong CNN, Washington, China, China’s Communist Party, German Marshall Fund of, United, Pacific, Military, US, Chinese Defense, Minister of Defense, Beijing, Economic Cooperation, Atlantic Council Locations: Hong Kong, China, Beijing, Asia, ”, United States, Washington, Taiwan, American, South China, America, Shanghai, “ China, Bali, “

☆ 'Hell of a job': Biden's reaction and 5 other takeaways from Blinken's trip to China
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-20 | by ( Sheila Chiang | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

Leah Millis | Afp | Getty ImagesU.S. President Joe Biden said Secretary of State Antony Blinken "did a hell of a job" in Beijing. His comments came after Blinken's high-profile diplomatic mission to China, aimed at soothing strained ties with Beijing. In a surprise meeting, Blinken met Chinese President Xi Jinping for a 35-minute meeting toward the end of his two-day visit. He is the highest-level American official to visit China in nearly five years. Here are other takeaways from Blinken's trip to China:Progress madeBiden wasn't the only one who saw progress in the talks.

Persons: Antony Blinken, Xi Jinping, Leah Millis, Joe Biden, Biden, Blinken, Wang Yi, Qin Gang, Xi, Blinken's, Qin, Mark Hannah, Hannah, Bonnie Gasler, Gasler, Wang, Robert Daly, Wilson, Daly, Taiwan Blinken, CNBC's Organizations: of, People, Afp, Getty, Beijing, U.S, U.S . State Department, State Department, Eurasia Group Foundation, CNBC, German Marshall Fund, Tech, China, Institute, East China, Taiwan, Taiwan Relations Locations: Beijing, China, U.S, Bali, Washington, Taiwan, South, East

☆ Blinken meets China's Xi as he attempts make sure competition 'does not veer into conflict'
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-19 | by ( Associated Press | Mia Jankowicz | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

China and the US have pledged to strengthen their ties after Blinken's meeting with President Xi Jinping. The State Department said they had "made progress" but many key issues remain unresolved. However, the US State Department said that Blinken had "underscored the importance of responsibly managing the competition between the United States and the People's Republic of China." In a transcript of remarks shared by the State Department, Xi called the progress "very good." Blinken said, per the State Department, that the two countries "have an obligation and responsibility to manage our relationship," and said the US is "committed" to this.

Persons: Xi Jinping, —, Antony Blinken, Blinken, Xi, Joe Biden, Wang Yi, Qin Gang, Nancy Pelosi's Organizations: The State Department, Service, US State Department, State Department, Foreign Locations: China, Beijing, United States, People's Republic of China, Bali, Blinken, South China, Taiwan

Beijing CNN —US Secretary of State Antony Blinken sat down with China’s top diplomat on the final day of a high stakes visit to Beijing aimed at stabilizing relations, with all eyes on whether Washington’s envoy will meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping later in the day. Blinken and China’s top diplomatic counterpart Wang Yi began talks Monday morning, posing for photos at Beijing’s Diaoyutai State Guesthouse before heading into closed door discussions. Whether Blinken also meets with Xi will be a key indicator of China’s interest in taking steps to rebuild that rapport. “Profound differences” between the US and China, however, were also clear during the meeting, the official added. While Qin holds the title of foreign minister, he wields less power than Wang, who directs China’s foreign policy through his position among the party’s core leadership.

Persons: Antony Blinken, Xi Jinping, Wang Yi, Blinken’s, Qin Gang, Blinken, Xi, “, Qin, ”, Wang, ” Blinken’s, Joe Biden, China’s Xi, –, Nancy Pelosi Organizations: Beijing CNN —, Chinese Foreign, United, United States ’, State Department, Communist Party, senior State Department, US Locations: Beijing, loggerheads, China, Moscow, Washington, United States, Taiwan, Bali

☆ In China, Blinken Holds ‘Candid’ Talks to Restart High-Level Diplomacy
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-18 | by ( Edward Wong | David Pierson | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +2 min

The talks on a rainy morning in the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse were a prelude to an expected meeting between Mr. Blinken and Xi Jinping, China’s leader, in the afternoon. Mr. Blinken is the first U.S. secretary of state to visit Beijing since 2018. Mr. Blinken canceled a scheduled visit to Beijing on the morning after the Pentagon announced its discovery of the balloon. That infuriated Chinese officials, who said the entire episode spoiled progress made four months earlier in Bali, Indonesia, when President Biden and Mr. Xi agreed to try to stabilize ties. Chinese officials have continued to say the balloon had been launched for weather research and had floated off course.

Persons: Antony J, Blinken, Wang Yi, Xi, Blinken’s, Biden Organizations: Pentagon Locations: China, Beijing, Diaoyutai, United States, American, Bali , Indonesia

☆ Blinken set to land in China in rare trip with hopes low for any breakthrough
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-17 | by ( Humeyra Pamuk | Thomson Reuters | Humeyra Pamuk Is A Senior Foreign Policy Correspondent Based In Washington Dc. She Covers The U.S. State Department | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Having postponed a February trip after a suspected Chinese spy balloon flew over U.S. airspace, Blinken is set to become the highest-ranking U.S. government official to visit China since President Joe Biden took office in January 2021. Particularly alarming for China's neighbors has been its reluctance to engage in regular military-to-military talks with Washington, despite repeated U.S. attempts. He said he would also be raising the issue of U.S. citizens detained in China on charges Washington sees as politically motivated. But U.S. officials in a briefing call previewing the trip earlier in the week played down any expectations of much progress. It could also set the stage for meetings between Xi and Biden at multilateral summits later in the year.

Persons: Antony Blinken, Joe Biden, Qin Gang, Wang Yi, Xi Jinping, Blinken, ” Blinken, Janet Yellen, Gina Raimondo, Xi, Biden, Xi's, Humeya Pamuk, Daniel Wallis Organizations: Chinese Foreign, State Department, Washington, U.S, Treasury, Thomson Locations: TOKYO, Beijing, American, China, U.S, Tokyo, Taiwan, Xi's Bali, United States

☆ Blinken in China for rare trip amid frosty ties and dim hopes for progress
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-17 | by ( Humeyra Pamuk | Thomson Reuters | Humeyra Pamuk Is A Senior Foreign Policy Correspondent Based In Washington Dc. She Covers The U.S. State Department | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

Having postponed a February trip after a suspected Chinese spy balloon flew over U.S. airspace, Blinken is the highest-ranking U.S. government official to visit China since President Joe Biden took office in January 2021. The two made small talk as they walked in, Qin asking Blinken in English about his long trip from Washington. After heading into a meeting room, neither Blinken nor Qin made comments in front of reporters who were briefly allowed in. During his stay through Monday, Blinken is also expected to meet with China's top diplomat Wang Yi and possibly President Xi Jinping. [1/8] U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken shakes hands with China's Foreign Minister Qin Gang at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, China, June 18, 2023.

Persons: Antony Blinken, Joe Biden, Qin Gang, Blinken, Qin, Hua Chunying, Wang Yi, Xi Jinping, Blinken's, Janet Yellen, Gina Raimondo, Xi, Biden, I'm, Leah Millis, Pool, We're, Humeya Pamuk, Dominique Patton, Mike Stone, William Mallard, Christopher Cushing Organizations: Foreign, House, China's Foreign, REUTERS, Pool Biden, State Department, Washington, Thomson Locations: BEIJING, Beijing, American, China, U.S, Beijing's Diaoyutai, Washington, Bali, Xi Jinping ., Diaoyutai, Indonesian, Taiwan, North Korea, United States, Tokyo

☆ Blinken set for high-stakes China visit with tensions rising and breakthrough prospects low
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-17 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has embarked on a high-stakes diplomatic trip to China to try to cool down escalating tensions between the two powers that have set many around the world on edge. Blinken will be the highest-level American official to visit China since President Joe Biden took office, and the first secretary of state to make the trip in five years. Animosity and recriminations have steadily escalated over a series of disagreements that have implications for global security and stability. Shortly before leaving, Blinken emphasized the importance of the U.S. and China establishing and maintaining better lines of communication. The agreement is part of an 18-month-old nuclear partnership given the acronym AUKUS — for Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Persons: Antony Blinken, Joe Biden, Blinken, Qin Gang, Wang Yi, Xi Jinping, Biden, Xi, Bill Gates, Gates, William Burns, Jake Sullivan, Yi, Lloyd Austin, Austin, we're, Qin, Daniel Kritenbrink, Kurt Campbell Organizations: State Department, Washington , D.C, Foreign, Microsoft, CIA, Ukraine, . Defense, Washington, National Security Council Locations: Washington ,, China, Beijing, Bali, Chinese, United States, Taiwan, Hong Kong, South, Ukraine, Washington, U.S, Vienna, Taiwan Strait, Russia, Cuba, Singapore, Japan, Philippines, Australia, Britain, United Kingdom, East Asia, Asia

I think neither side wants to look as if they’re accepting or acquiescing to the other’s actions,” she said. But hope might not turn into reality, and relations might become worse after the visit,” he added. “We prepare for the worst and hope for the best.”Blinken would not predict whether his visit would pave the way for continued high-level engagements between the US and China. “As to what comes next, let’s see how the visit goes,” the top US diplomat said Friday, referencing comments from his Singaporean counterpart. “This is an important but, in a sense, insufficient step because there’s a lot of work to be done.”

Persons: Antony Blinken, Joe, Biden, Xi, ” Blinken, Vivian Balakrishnan, Blinken, “, Daniel Kritenbrink, “ we’re, ” Patricia Kim, ”, ’ Blinken, Kai Li, Mark Swidan, David Lin, Jake Sullivan, Wang Yi, Shen Dingli, Defense Lloyd Austin, Li Shangfu, Shen, ” Shen Organizations: CNN, senior State Department, Singaporean, State, East Asian, Pacific Affairs, Brookings Institution, Saturday, Defense, Chinese Defense, Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Locations: Beijing, United States, China, Bali, Taiwan, Ukraine, Vienna, Washington, Shanghai, Singapore

☆ Blinken heads to Beijing hoping to calm fears of a US-China break
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-16 | by ( Humeyra Pamuk | Thomson Reuters | Humeyra Pamuk Is A Senior Foreign Policy Correspondent Based In Washington Dc. She Covers The U.S. State Department | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

Blinken will hold meetings in China on June 18-19 and may meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping, sources said. He will be the highest-ranking U.S. government official to visit China since Biden took office in January 2021. That followed a tense evening phone call with Blinken on Tuesday during which Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang told the U.S. to stop meddling in China's affairs. So even going through the motions has some utility for both Washington and Beijing." Particularly worrisome for China's neighbors has been its reluctance to allow regular military-to-military talks between Beijing and Washington, despite repeated U.S. attempts.

Persons: Antony Blinken, Xi Jinping, Biden, Qin Gang, Wang Wenbin, Joe Biden, Andrew Small, Marshall, Tsai Ing, Stephane Dujarric, EYEING BIDEN, Xi, Emanuel Macron, Blinken's, Janet Yellen, Gina Raimondo, Yun Sun, Humeyra Pamuk, David Brunnstrom, Laurie Chen, Martin Pollard, Michelle Nichols, Ben Blanchard, Don Durfee, Daniel Wallis Organizations: Blinken, Foreign, Washington, French, U.S, Treasury, China Program, Stimson, Economic Cooperation, APEC, Biden, Thomson Locations: Beijing, United States, China, U.S, Asia, Taiwan, Taiwan Strait, Washington, Bali, Europe, East, Africa, Saudi Arabia, India, San Francisco, New York, Taipei

☆ Australian war hero found complicit in Afghan murders says devastated by ruling, but will not apologise
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-15 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

An Australian federal court judge on June 1 dismissed Roberts-Smith's defamation case against three newspapers for articles accusing him of violating the rules of engagement and killing unarmed Afghans. In his ruling the judge said the newspapers had proven substantial truth in their reporting. read more"I'm devastated with the result, it's a terrible outcome and it's the incorrect outcome," Roberts-Smith told television network Nine Entertainment (NEC.AX) at Perth Airport baggage claim late on Wednesday. Asked if he remained proud of his actions in Afghanistan, Roberts-Smith replied "of course I am." Roberts-Smith, 44, whose portrait hangs in the Australian War Memorial, has not been charged with any crimes.

Persons: Ben Roberts, Smith, Roberts, Byron Kaye, Michael Perry Organizations: SYDNEY, Victoria, Special Air Service, Nine Entertainment, Australian, Thomson Locations: Afghanistan, Australian, Bali , Indonesia, New Zealand, Australia

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