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☆ Trump’s surreal arraignment day in Washington augurs ominous days ahead
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-04 | by ( Stephen Collinson | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +11 min

He was irked, sources familiar with his mindset told CNN’s Kaitlan Collins, that the judge referred to him simply as “Mr. Any alternative Republican president could find themselves besieged by demands from Trump supporters for a pardon that, if granted, could overshadow their entire presidency. The California Republican compared Trump’s behavior to the complaints by supporters of past Democratic presidential nominees Al Gore and Hillary Clinton, who complained of electoral irregularities. A few Democrats objected to certifying Trump’s election in Congress is 2016, but Clinton did not challenge it in the courts. But their blind spot on Trump’s far worse, Constitution-threatening conduct shows just how far he has changed their party.

Persons: Donald Trump, Trump, –, CNN’s Kaitlan Collins, Jack Smith –, “, ” Trump, pardoning, J, Michael Luttig, ” Luttig, ”, Geoff Duncan, ” Duncan, Richard Nixon, ” Nixon, Smith, Alberto Gonzales, George W, Bush, Ty Cobb, CNN’s Erin Burnett, Cobb, Elliot Williams, Biden’s, Kevin McCarthy, Al Gore, Hillary Clinton, ” McCarthy, Gore, Clinton, Kinzinger, Biden, Hunter Organizations: CNN, Washington, Republican, Capitol, Trump, Justice Department, Department of Justice, White, GOP, California Republican, Democratic, Supreme, CNN Republicans, Republicans Locations: America, United States, New Jersey, Georgia, California, China, Ukraine, Bedminster

☆ Trump set to return to Washington for monumental court date – but a national catharsis is unlikely
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-03 | by ( Stephen Collinson | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

Hundreds of Trump’s supporters have already faced a courtroom reckoning for their efforts to disrupt the certification of a democratic election. Trump faces charges of conspiracy to defraud the United States, conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, obstruction of and attempt to obstruct an official proceeding and conspiracy against rights. Another reason why Trump’s trial is unlikely to be the kind of unifying event that eases a deep national wound is that most of his Republican Party is closing ranks around him. Given the political recriminations of a trial of a former president, it is reasonable to question whether such a prosecution is in the national interest. “Anyone who asks someone else to put themselves over the Constitution should never be president of the United States again,” Pence told reporters at the Indiana state fair.

Persons: Donald Trump, Trump, Joe Biden’s, snubbing, Jack Smith –, “, Van Jones, Smith, Rudy Giuliani, John Eastman, ” Trump, Joe Biden, President Trump, Elise Stefanik, Biden didn’t, Biden, –, Mike Pence, ”, Pence, ” Pence Organizations: CNN, GOP, Biden, Capitol, Trump, White, Republican, ”, Republican White House Locations: United States, Washington, DC, New York, Lago, Florida, Indiana

☆ Why Trump’s latest indictment will reverberate for years to come
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-02 | by ( Stephen Collinson | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +13 min

And he’s not just any former president – Trump’s the front-runner for the GOP nomination, whom polling shows is closely matched with President Joe Biden in a hypothetical rematch. “The lawlessness of these persecutions of President Trump and his supporters is reminiscent of Nazi Germany in the 1930s, and other authoritarian, dictatorial regimes,” it said. Trump’s congressional Republican backers ignored Smith’s evidence, branding the indictment an attempt to distract from questions they’ve raised about the business activities of the current president’s son, Hunter. The political inferno ignited by the indictment will raise questions about whether such an ordeal is truly in the national interest. Ron DeSantis stands to gain in the GOP primary from any eroding of Trump’s political prospects.

Persons: CNN —, Donald J, Trump ”, “, –, Joe Biden, George Washington, Jack Smith’s, Trump, President Trump, they’ve, Hunter, Smith, insurrectionists, …, Biden, they’d, Scott Jennings, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, Mike Pence, it’s, ” Smith, ” George Conway, John Lauro, ”, Jeffrey Clark, ” Clark, Pence, Trump’s, Ron DeSantis, Kevin McCarthy, Wyoming Sen, John Barrasso –, weaponizing, Chris Sununu, who’s Organizations: CNN, GOP, Trump, Biden, Department, Republicans, New York Times, Siena, Justice Department, Republican, White House, Trump thickens, White, Justice, Florida Gov, Harvard Law, US Navy, Capitol, New Hampshire Republican Gov Locations: United States, America, Washington, Manhattan, Nazi Germany, Fulton County , Georgia, Wyoming

It began Friday in the New York Mountains of California’s Mojave National Preserve and crossed state lines into Nevada on Sunday. The fire is burning through and threatening groves of Joshua trees – the branching, spiky plants of the Mojave Desert that can live more than 150 years. The Mojave National Preserve is a significant hotspot for biodiversity, with one conservationist calling it the “crown jewel” of the deserts of Southern California. But rain in the Mojave Desert, which is seasonal and scarce, “poses a unique challenge to firefighters,” the Mojave National Preserve said. They will be on the lookout for desert tortoises, making sure to avoid burrows and active individuals,” the Mojave National Preserve said.

Persons: Joshua, Joshua trees, Marc Peebles, Cody Hanford, “, ” Hanford, David Swanson, ” Laura Cunningham, ” Cunningham Organizations: CNN, York, Land Trust, Getty, Mojave, KVVU, National Park Service, Park Service Mojave National, Firefighters, National Interagency Fire Center, Preserve, “ Locations: California, Nevada, New York, Southern California, Mexico, AFP, Cima

☆ York Fire in Nevada and California spawns 'fire whirls'
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-01 | by ( Nouran Salahieh | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

CNN —A massive, out-of-control fire burning across both California and Nevada is generating extreme fire behavior, spawning “fire whirls” and creating dangerous conditions for firefighters, authorities said. Firefighters battling the blaze have seen fire whirls – “a vortex of flames and smoke that forms when intense heat and turbulent winds combine, creating a spinning column of fire,” the Mojave National Preserve said Sunday. Crews battlling the York Fire faced "fire whirls" Sunday in the Mojave National Preserve, California. Ty O'Neil/AP“These fire whirls are similar to dust devils but are specifically associated with the heat and energy released by a wildfire,” the Mojave National Preserve said. The struggle to control the York Fire has allowed smoke to reach into Nevada and southern Utah, the fire incident overview noted.

Persons: Crews, Ty O'Neil, “, Carr, Jesse Winter, Jeffrey Todd, Erick Thompson, SpokanSector, Hayden Organizations: CNN, York, US, California -, Firefighters, Preserve, National Interagency Fire Center, National Interagency, Center, Reuters, British Columbia Wildfire Service, Regional, of, US Border Patrol Spokane Sector, Facebook, Forest, US Forest Service Locations: California, Nevada, New, Canadian, California - Nevada, , California, Redding , California, Utah, East Las Vegas , Boulder City, Henderson, Clark County , Nevada, Canada, Washington, Washington’s Okanogan County, Bluff, British, Osoyoos, of Okanagan, Oroville, ”, Challis, Leadore , Idaho

☆ BC wildfires: Explosive Washington fire burns across Canadian border and forces evacuations
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-31 | by ( Mary Gilbert | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —An out-of-control blaze burning in northern Washington state exploded in size, crossed the Canadian border and set off a cascade of evacuations over the weekend. Evacuations were ordered on Saturday for more than 700 properties in the Canadian town of Osoyoos, British Columbia, after the fire crossed the border. The fire remains completely uncontained in both countries, according to Washington and Canadian fire officials. The United States’ fire season has been pacing below average in terms of acres burned so far this year. The US wildfire season may pick up pace as August arrives.

Persons: ”, Jesse Winter, “, ” Bruce Ralston Organizations: CNN, National Interagency Fire, York, United, National Interagency, Center, Environment Canada, Forests, Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Locations: Washington, Washington’s Okanogan County, Canadian, Osoyoos, British Columbia, Okanogan County , Washington, Canada, Southern, California, Nevada, United States, Pacific Northwest, Mississippi

[1/2] A motorist rides past a hoarding decorated with flowers to welcome G20 foreign ministers in New Delhi, India, March 1, 2023. REUTERS/Amit Dave/File photoCHENNAI, India/BRUSSELS, July 28 (Reuters) - The Group of 20 (G20) major nations failed on Friday to agree on concrete targets to cut dangerous emissions, releasing only a statement that dismissed current measures to address climate change as "insufficient". Members could not agree on depleting carbon budgets, historical emissions, net-zero goals and the issue of financing to support developing countries, the document showed. China and oil-rich Saudi Arabia backed away from making commitments in the G20 talks, members of a European delegation said. The EU's Environment Commissioner said the G20 countries were "nowhere" on their commitments to address climate change.

Persons: Amit Dave, Virginijus Sinkevicius, Sarita Chaganti Singh, Aftab Ahmed, Kate Abnett, John Stonestreet, Angus MacSwan, Andrew Heavens Organizations: REUTERS, United Arab Emirates, Thomson Locations: New Delhi, India, CHENNAI, BRUSSELS, North America, Europe, China, Indian, Chennai, Saudi Arabia, Delhi, Brussels

☆ China's Qin Gang had meteoric rise and swift removal
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-25 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Born in the northern city of Tianjin in 1966, Qin studied International Politics at one of China's most prestigious schools for aspiring diplomats, the University of International Relations in Beijing. After graduating, Qin entered the diplomatic service, working in several jobs at the foreign ministry as well as postings at the Chinese Embassy in Britain. Qin was twice foreign ministry spokesman, between 2006 and 2014, and chief protocol officer between 2014 and 2018, overseeing many of Xi's interactions with foreign leaders. After becoming foreign minister, Qin's comments on hot button issues such as Taiwan and China's relations with Russia did not diverge in any significant way from those of his predecessor. In his first comments as foreign minister, Qin said in solving challenges common to all mankind, China's diplomacy would offer "Chinese wisdom, Chinese initiatives and Chinese strength".

Persons: Qin Gang, Xi Jinping, Xi, Wang Yi, Qin, Britain . Qin, Antony Blinken, Wang, Yew Lun Tian, Martin Quin Pollard, Rob Birsel, Nick Macfie Organizations: Foreign, University of International Relations, Embassy, Washington, U.S, Chinese Communist Party, Thomson Locations: Tianjin, Beijing, Britain ., United States, Washington, Taiwan, Sri Lanka, Russia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Africa, Europe, Ukraine, China, American, U.S

OTTAWA, July 18 (Reuters) - Canada on Tuesday defended its decision to push ahead with its implementation of digital services taxes starting next year, citing national interest even as Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland expressed hope in reaching an international consensus. Ottawa refused, saying an extension of the freeze would disadvantage Canada relative to governments that have been collecting revenue under their pre-existing tax regimes. Ottawa's new levy would see a 3% tax on revenue earned by large technology companies in Canada. The process of launching such taxes has dragged on, and the governments planning national digital services taxes had agreed to put them on ice until the end of this year or drop them altogether once the first pillar of the deal takes effect in 2025 or later. Freeland said Canada was already in the process of implementing the second pillar, which calls on governments to set a global minimum corporate tax rate of 15% in 2024.

Persons: Chrystia Freeland, Freeland, Ismail Shakil, Steve Scherer, David Ljunggren, Matthew Lewis, Susan Heavey Organizations: OTTAWA, Apple, Ottawa, Thomson Locations: Canada, New Delhi, India, Ottawa

OTTAWA, July 18 (Reuters) - Canada sees a path forward in reaching international consensus on digital services taxes, and a decision to not back a global agreement on freezing the implementation of domestic taxes was taken in the national interest, Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland said on Tuesday. Last week, most countries with planned digital services taxes agreed to hold off applying them for at least a year longer than what was agreed initially as a global tax deal to replace local taxes was pushed back. Ottawa did not back that deal to extend, saying such a delay would put Canada at a disadvantage relative to countries that have been collecting revenue under their pre-existing digital services taxes. Freeland, in India to attend G7 and G20 meetings, said she had good conversations about finding a path forward on digital services taxes. More than 140 countries were supposed to start implementing next year a 2021 deal overhauling decades-old rules on how governments tax multinational companies.

Persons: Chrystia Freeland, Freeland, Ismail Shakil, Steve Scherer, David Ljunggren, Matthew Lewis Organizations: OTTAWA, Finance, Ottawa, Apple, Thomson Locations: Canada, New Delhi, Freeland, India, Ottawa

Earlier Tuesday, DeSantis said that Trump “could’ve come out more forcefully” to stop the insurrection on January 6, 2021. DeSantis told Tapper on Tuesday that he has the resources to compete in the face of reports from over the weekend about his financial position. About 90 people were on the DeSantis campaign payroll during the second quarter. Over the weekend, a spokesperson for DeSantis’ campaign confirmed to CNN it let go of some staffers, after Politico reported that “fewer than 10 staffers” in event planning were cut on Thursday. “I would respect everybody, but what I wouldn’t do is turn society upside down to be able to accommodate, which is a very, very small percentage of the population,” DeSantis told CNN.

Persons: Ron DeSantis, CNN’s Jake Tapper, Donald Trump, DeSantis, “ They’ve, I’ve, ” DeSantis, –, Tapper, ”, “, wokeness can’t, could’ve, Trump, he’s, Jack Smith, Jason Miller, ” Miller, I’m, South Carolina Sen, Tim Scott, Vivek Ramaswamy, Chris Christie, “ We’re, they’re Organizations: CNN — Gov, US Department of Defense, wokeness, GOP, Trump, CNN, Florida Republican, Pacific, Republican, University of New, South Carolina, New, New Jersey Gov, Politico, Republican Party Locations: Ukraine, Florida, ”, West Columbia, Tallahassee, Europe, Asia, China, “, Taiwan, South Carolina, University of New Hampshire, Republican New Hampshire, South, New Jersey, Granite State, Iowa

☆ US Republican 2024 hopefuls defend Ukraine support at Iowa conservative forum
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-14 | by ( James Oliphant | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

[1/2] Former U.S. President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump attends a campaign event in Council Bluffs, Iowa, U.S., July 7, 2023. Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina both argued that it remains vital for the United States to push back against Russian aggression. The United States has provided billions of dollars worth of weapons to Ukraine following Russia's February 2022 invasion. Pence appeared visibly frustrated by Carlson's assertions that the United States lacked a national interest in the Ukraine war. The ultimate goal for the United States, DeSantis added, should be "a sustainable peace in Europe," but he was not specific about how achieve that.

Persons: Donald Trump, Scott Morgan, Joe Biden, Tucker Carlson, Mike Pence, Tim Scott of, Vladimir Putin, Pence, Scott, Ron DeSantis, Putin, DeSantis, Vivek Ramaswamy, Trump, Biden, Nikki Haley, Carlson, Iowa's, James Oliphant, Ross Colvin, Will Dunham Organizations: U.S, Republican, REUTERS, Republican U.S, Ukraine, Family, Democratic, former Fox News, United, NATO, America, U.S ., Biden, Trump, Reuters, Republicans, Capitol, Thomson Locations: Bluffs , Iowa, U.S, Iowa, Russia, Des Moines, Tim Scott of South Carolina, United States, Ukraine, United, Florida, Europe

☆ Watchdog with teeth can help EU hunt unicorns
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-11 | by ( Rebecca Christie | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +8 min

Yet the EU today is a long way from uniting its capital markets. By comparison, the United States has seven exchange groups, three listings exchanges and 16 trading exchanges, along with one clearing house and one depository. Bringing capital markets together through better regulation, as well as better market incentives, could keep the next generation of unicorns home. Follow @rebeccawire on TwitterCONTEXT NEWSEuropean Union leaders called for the EU to improve capital markets as part of a push for competitiveness at summits in March and June. Capital markets union is an EU endeavour launched in 2014 as a long-term project to boost investment across borders.

Persons: –, Austria’s i5invest, Backes, Magdalena Rzeczkowska, Nadia Calviño, ESMA, ” Calviño, won’t, centralisation, Francesco Guerrera, Oliver Taslic Organizations: Reuters, EU, ABC Fitness Solutions, Reuters Graphics Reuters, Canada, Berlin Brands Group, European Securities and Markets Authority, European, Central, Union, European Commission, Capital, Thomson Locations: BRUSSELS, Europe, China, Ukraine, Arkansas, London, Switzerland, United States, IPOs, Belgian, U.S, Paris, spillovers, Luxembourg, Poland, Brussels, EU, wean

☆ Israel's disputed judicial overhaul is back, what's new?
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-10 | by ( Maayan Lubell | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

On Monday, the Knesset is scheduled to vote on a bill that limits Supreme Court powers, a first of three parliamentary readings. RECAPNetanyahu's religious-nationalist government launched its judicial overhaul plan in January, soon after it was sworn in. The proposed changes included curbs on the Supreme Court's writ, while granting the government decisive powers in appointing judges. WHY ARE PROPOSED CHANGES STIRRING SUCH SERIOUS CONCERN? The president's office is largely ceremonial so the Supreme Court is seen as a bastion of democracy protecting civil rights and rule of law.

Persons: Benjamin Netanyahu, Netanyahu, Maayan, Mark Heinrich Our Organizations: United, Thomson Locations: United States

☆ Explainer: Israel's disputed judicial overhaul is back: what's new?
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-10 | by ( Maayan Lubell | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Parliament is scheduled to start voting on the Supreme Court bill on Sunday, while the protests intensify and attempts at mediating a compromise get under way. The proposed changes included Supreme Court curbs while granting the government decisive powers in appointing judges. Those ground to a halt three months later and Netanyahu relaunched the legislation, scrapping some proposed changes while moving forward with others. It is an amendment to limit the Supreme Court's ability to void decisions it deems "unreasonable" made by the government and ministers. So the Supreme Court is seen as a bastion of democracy protecting civil rights and the rule of law.

Persons: Benjamin Netanyahu, GIL COHEN, Netanyahu, Washington, Maayan, Mark Heinrich, John Stonestreet Organizations: Israel's, REUTERS, Thomson Locations: Jerusalem, REUTERS JERUSALEM

☆ Solomon Islands leader visits security partner China with focus on infrastructure
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-09 | by ( Kirsty Needham | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

SYDNEY, July 9 (Reuters) - Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare arrives in China on Sunday for his first visit since striking a security deal, pledging to "remain neutral" amid rising China-U.S. competition and prioritise his nation's development needs. Western analysts said Sogavare would be feted after signing the security pact that alarmed Washington and some Pacific Islands neighbours including Australia last year. China's foreign ministry said China and the Solomon Islands had "contributed to peace, stability and development in the region", and the two countries leaders would discuss international and regional issues. China has constructed the stadium, is advising on security, and will train 80 Solomon Islands athletes arriving in China this week. Solomon Islands has one of the closest relationships with China in the region, said Meg Keen, director of the Lowy Institute's Pacific Islands program.

Persons: Manasseh Sogavare, Sogavare, Graeme Smith, Meg Keen, Lowy, Kirsty Needham, Kim Coghill Organizations: SYDNEY, Solomon Islands, Papua New, Huawei, Pacific Games, Solomon, Australian National University, Thomson Locations: Solomon, China, U.S, Washington, Australia, Papua, Papua New Guinea, Britain, Honiara, Chinese, Honiara's, Beijing, Jiangsu, Guangdong, India, Gulf, Taiwan, Pacific, Japan

☆ New Zealand PM says 'tough conversations' with China better than no talks
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-07 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

SYDNEY, July 7 (Reuters) - Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said on Friday New Zealand will require continued engagement with China, its largest trading partner, but would disagree with Beijing in areas where it challenges New Zealand's national interests. "A strong, mature and complex relationship (with China) means we will have those tough conversations ... but I think it's better to be talking than not," Hipkins said in a speech at the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. New Zealand will continue to disagree with China on several issues, including human rights, but the path of engagement will be "open and honest", he said. The speech comes about a week after Hipkins' six-day visit to China, which included meetings with Xi Jinping, where the Chinese President said Beijing had always treated New Zealand as a "friend and partner". Reporting by Renju Jose in Sydney; Editing by Alasdair Pal and Raju GopalakrishnanOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Chris Hipkins, Hipkins, Xi, Renju Jose, Alasdair Pal, Raju Gopalakrishnan Organizations: SYDNEY, New Zealand, New, New Zealand Institute of International Affairs, Washington, Thomson Locations: China, Beijing, New Zealand, United States, Washington, Zealand, U.S, Sydney

Chief prosecutor Karim Khan visited Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, for four days this week to hear testimony from survivors of alleged genocide by Myanmar’s military against its Rohingya population. “There is heartbreak in these camps,” Khan said in an exclusive interview with CNN. Meanwhile, the Rohingya have been waiting six years and no such action has been taken against the Myanmar military leaders who ordered the attacks. “The big difference is that we have access to Ukraine, we don’t have access to Myanmar,” Khan said. Chief prosecutor Khan believed that Myanmar’s military leaders, including junta leader Min Aung Hlaing could be held to account.

Persons: Court’s, Karim Khan, ” Khan, ”, Vladimir Putin, Kutupalong, Ziabul Hossain, ICC’s Khan, Volker Türk, Khan, “, can’t, taka, Mohamed Rofique, Mohammad, Rofique, Min Aung, Slobodan Milošević, Charles Taylor, Jean Kambanda Organizations: CNN, ICC, Myanmar, Criminal, Getty, UN, Human, International Court of Justice, ICJ, Liberian, Rwandan Locations: Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, Ukraine, Rakhine, Russia, Myanmar, Kutupalong Rohingya, Cox's Bazar, Tanbir Miraj, AFP, Gambia, Maungdaw, Rohingya, Bazar

☆ 4 things making it harder for Janet Yellen to repair the US-China relationship
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-06 | by ( Laura He | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

The global economy stands to gain if Washington and Beijing can mend fences, but analysts say this appears unlikely. Here are four things likely to make it harder for Yellen to repair US-China ties, and one thing keeping the relationship going. Sequoia’s executives said in a statement that it has become “increasingly complex” to run a decentralized global investment business. On Wednesday, US pharmaceutical firm Moderna (MRNA)signed a deal to make its first major investment in China. “Both sides are ramping up commercial restrictions in the name of national security and national interests,” she said.

Persons: Janet Yellen, China, ” Wei Jianguo, ”, Anna Ashton, Biden, Beijing’s, Wei, Capvision, Xi Jinping’s, “, Li Qiang, Xi, Alex Capri, ” Ashton, —, Jennifer Hansler, Wayne Chang, Bryan Mena Organizations: Hong Kong CNN, Eurasia Group, Micron Technology, China Daily, Analysts, China, Capvision, Bain & Company, Group, Forrester Research, Ontario, Republicans, Hawks, Shanghai Cooperation Organization, Xinhua, US Commerce Department, “, National University of Singapore Business School, Moderna Locations: Hong Kong, Beijing, United States, China, Chinese, Washington, Japan, Europe, Shanghai, New York, decouple, Moscow, Ukraine, Russia, Taiwan, Tianjin

☆ China unveils sweeping foreign policy law as Xi consolidates power — and aims to counter the US
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-29 | by ( Simone Mccarthy | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

Hong Kong CNN —China has unveiled a sweeping foreign relations law enshrining its right to impose “countermeasures” against actions that it deems a threat – in Beijing’s latest bid to bolster its position amid strained relations with the West. “This is the first comprehensive foreign relations law … but it (reads) more like Xi Jinping’s foreign policy declaration,” Zhao said, adding that its release comes at a moment when Xi is focused on countering what it sees as US efforts to contain China. “The party, not the government, runs China’s foreign relations. The law also includes China’s pledge to promote “high-level opening-up” of its economy, development of foreign trade and and encouraging and legally protecting foreign investment. In recent months, a campaign against consulting and due diligence firms has unnerved foreign businesses in China.

Persons: enshrining, Antony Blinken, Jinping, –, Zhao Leji, “, Xi, Washington, Lockheed Martin, Suisheng Zhao, University of Denver’s Josef, ” Zhao, ”, China’s, Sung, Li Qiang, Zhao Organizations: Hong Kong CNN, West, Global Times, Lockheed, Raytheon, Communist Party, Center for, Cooperation, University of Denver’s, University of Denver’s Josef Korbel School of International Studies, Australian National University’s Taiwan Studies Locations: Hong Kong, China, Beijing’s, Beijing, China’s, United States, Ukraine, Taiwan, Center for China, Tianjin, Europe, Denver

☆ Mike Pence meets with Volodymyr Zelenskyy in surprise trip to Ukraine
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-29 | by ( Dasha Burns | Abigail Brooks | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

Pence has been outspoken about his support for Ukraine, and the move sends a resounding message that he believes the U.S. should play a leading role in the country's fight against Russia. Former Vice President Mike Pence made a surprise visit to Ukraine on Thursday, becoming the first Republican presidential candidate to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during the campaign. One of Zelenskyy's top advisers, Mykhailo Podolyak, said Pence "understands absolutely clearly what Russia is." The future of U.S. support for the Ukrainian war effort is in question, and the voters Pence is trying to woo in the Republican primary aren't eager to aid the country. And the GOP front-runner in the polls, former President Donald Trump, initially praised Putin when he invaded Ukraine, saying he was "very savvy."

Persons: Pence, Moshchun, Irpin, —, Vladimir Putin, Wagner, group's, Mike Pence, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Mykhailo Podolyak, Podolyak, we've, they've, it's, Ronald Reagan, Reagan, Ron DeSantis, Putin, Donald Trump, Trump Organizations: NBC, Ukraine, Russia, GOP, Republican, NBC News, Republicans Locations: —, Irpin, U.S, Ukraine, Kramatorsk, Russia, United States, Russian, Soviet Union, Florida

Opposition parties are clamouring for a vote in parliament, but Meloni said on Wednesday that was not about to happen and linked the debate to ongoing discussions on a broader reform of European budget rules. "Italy's interest is addressing negotiations on European governance, which covers the entirety of our national interests," she told parliament. "Meloni does not want to leave the anti-ESM front to Salvini and nobody wants to lose face," he told Reuters. Despite irritation in Brussels over the dithering in Rome, EU officials have told Reuters that any attempt by Meloni to link ESM approval to much more significant budget reform will not pay off. Italy, which has the second largest debt mountain in relation to its GDP in the euro zone after Greece, has criticised the suggestion.

Persons: Giorgia, Meloni, Matteo Salvini, Francesco Galietti, Paschal Donohoe, Francesco Saraceno, Crispian Balmer Organizations: ROME, European Union, Treasury, Reuters, European, Rome's Luiss University, Sciences Po, European Commission, Thomson Locations: Italy, Brussels, Rome, Sciences Po Paris, Greece, Rome's

☆ How Philadelphia was able to reopen I-95 so quickly after its partial collapse
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-23 | by ( Ramishah Maruf | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

New York CNN —A combination of NASCAR equipment, recycled glass and police escorts helped reopen the repaired portion of I-95 in Philadelphia way ahead of schedule. Six lanes reopened to motorists at noon on Friday, 12 days after a bridge collapsed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Gov. Its original facility is in a town outside of Philadelphia – Filshill grew up in Northeast Philadelphia. The crew worked throughout the holiday weekend to fill the gap up to surface level using the glass, Shapiro said, thanking the Philadelphia Building Trades. Aero Aggregates used the glass in other Pennsylvania projects, including the Philadelphia Navy Yard, a press release from Shapiro said.

Persons: Josh Shapiro, Mike Carroll, ” Shapiro, Carroll, ” Carroll, Ricky Durst, Archie Filshill, Filshill, Philadelphia – Filshill, ” Filshill, Shapiro Organizations: New, New York CNN, NASCAR, Pennsylvania’s, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Workers, Pocono, Aero, “, Philadelphia Navy Yard Locations: New York, Philadelphia, Philadelphia , Pennsylvania, Long Pond , Pennsylvania, Northeast Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

☆ US Senate panel invites PGA Tour commissioner, LIV CEO to testify on merger
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-21 | by ( David Shepardson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

REUTERS/Nick Lachance/File PhotoWASHINGTON, June 21 (Reuters) - A U.S. Senate panel on Wednesday invited PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund Governor Yasir al-Rumayyan and LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman to testify at a July 11 hearing. The Justice department has been investigating the PGA Tour for trying to keep its players from defecting to LIV. The PGA Tour, DP World Tour and rival Saudi-backed LIV circuit, which had been involved in a bitter fight that split the sport, announced an agreement to merge and form one unified commercial entity. The LIV Golf series is bankrolled by the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund (PIV). The PGA Tour and LIV did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Wednesday.

Persons: LIV, Nick Lachance, Jay Monahan, Yasir al, Greg Norman, Richard Blumenthal, Ron Johnson, Blumenthal, Elizabeth Warren, Ron Wyden, LIV Golf, Critics, Jamal Khashoggi, David Shepardson, Mark Porter, Bill Berkrot Organizations: Canadian, PGA Tour, Oakdale, Country Club, REUTERS, WASHINGTON, U.S, Senate, Wednesday, Saudi, Public Investment, Investigations, PGA, Saudi Public Investment Fund, Justice Department, Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund, Washington Post, Thomson Locations: Saudi, Toronto , Ontario, Canada, Saudi Arabian

☆ Australians say they would support Taiwan if China attacked, with limits, poll shows
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-20 | by ( Kirsty Needham | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

[1/3] A Taiwan flag can be seen at Liberty Square in Taipei, Taiwan, July 28, 2022. REUTERS/Ann Wang/File PhotoSYDNEY, June 20 (Reuters) - Australians would support responding to a Chinese attack on Taiwan with economic sanctions, arms supplies or using the navy to prevent a blockade, but don't support sending troops, an opinion poll to be released Wednesday finds. Ryan Neelam, director of public opinion at the foreign policy think tank, said the poll showed Australians are "cautious about conflict", but willing to support Taiwan without becoming a ground combatant. Eighty percent support accepting Taiwanese refugees, 76% support "imposing economic and diplomatic sanctions on China", 64% support "Australia sending arms and military supplies to the Taiwanese government", and 61% support "using the Australian Navy to help prevent China from imposing a blockade around Taiwan". Only 42% supported sending "Australian military personnel to Taiwan to help defend it from China".

Persons: Ann Wang, Anthony Albanese, Asia's, Ryan Neelam, Michael Fullilove, Kirsty Needham, Gerry Doyle Organizations: Liberty, REUTERS, Lowy Institute, U.S, Australian Navy, Thomson Locations: Taiwan, Taipei, Canberra, United States, Beijing, Australia, China, Asia, U.S, Sydney

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