China’s trade surplus with US grows
China’s surplus with the United States widened in April, underlining an imbalance between the economic titans as they struggle to reach an agreement on averting a potentially damaging trade war.
China
Russia eyes closer Iran ties, more trade if Trump nixes nuclear deal
A top Russian official said bilateral relations and trade with Iran could actually be enhanced if President Trump follows through on a threat to take the United States out of the 2015 nuclear deal with Tehran next week.
Trump delays metal tariffs on Canada, EU, Mexico, exempts some others
U.S. President Donald Trump has postponed the imposition of steel and aluminum tariffs on Canada, the European Union and Mexico until June 1, and has reached agreements for permanent exemptions for Argentina, Australia and Brazil, the White House said on Monday.
China’s One Belt One Road economic investment also expands military footprint
China is using its $1 trillion-plus investment initiative in infrastructure projects as a way to expand its military footprint, projecting power and influence around the globe from the Horn of Africa into the Middle East and South Asia, says a report released this week.
China and Iran reportedly set to cooperate on building of nuclear reactors
China has expressed its intention, amid ongoing talks, to assist Iran in building several small nuclear power plants for civilian use, an Iranian lawmaker stated on Sunday according to Fars news agency.
Jailed Chinese pastor’s US family seeks mercy
The Rev. John Sanqiang Cao paid no more than three dollars for the trip that would end up costing him his freedom.
A massive, ‘semi-infinite’ trove of rare-earth metals has been found in Japan
Researchers have found hundreds of years’ worth of critical rare-earth metals beneath Japanese waters — enough to supply to the world on a ‘semi-infinite basis,’ according to a study published on Tuesday.
Trump orders aides to pursue reopening of Trans-Pacific Partnership
President Trump directed U.S. trade officials Thursday to explore rejoining the Obama administration’s free-trade deal with Pacific Rim nations, an agreement that Mr. Trump withdrew from last year, as he sought to ease farmers’ concerns about a tariff feud with China.
UN chief says Security Council must prevent Syria ‘spiraling out of control’
The UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday voiced concern to the Security Council’s five permanent members over the ‘impasse’ on Syria, stressing ‘the need to avoid the situation spiraling out of control.’
China says it will fight back if U.S. escalates trade spat
China’s commerce ministry said on Thursday trade negotiations with the United States would be impossible as Washington’s attempts at dialog were not sincere, and vowed to retaliate should US President Donald Trump escalate current tensions.
Russia vetoes US resolution on Syrian chemical weapons investigation
Russia on Tuesday vetoed a U.S.-led resolution to establish a process for investigating the apparent chemical weapons attack in Syria, during the second consecutive day of debate on the incident at the United Nations Security Council.
China to reduce auto tariffs after Trump criticism
Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Tuesday that his country will reduce tariffs on automobiles imported into the country.
Communist China Bans Online Bible Sales — Crosses Removed From Churches
The Communist Chinese government banned the sale of Bibles online this week and released a new document dictating its ‘Policies and Practices on Protecting Freedom of Religious Belief.’
Bible Ban: God’s Word Disappears from Online Stores in China
Bibles are being pulled from online retailers in China as the government cracks down on how its citizens practice religion. Christians fear a new wave of widespread persecution may be underway.
Trump orders review of $100 billion more in tariffs on China
Escalating his trade feud with China, President Trump ordered his administration Thursday night to consider adding another $100 billion worth of tariffs on Chinese products.
Missionaries at border spread Christianity to North Korea
Missionaries in northeastern China are engaged in a dangerous work: spreading Christianity across the border to North Korea.
Trump hits China with tariffs on 1,300 products
The Trump administration Tuesday rolled out a list of proposed Chinese high-tech imports to hit with new tariffs, advancing get-tough measures that have raised alarms about a trade war.
Party Directive Reveals Increased Chinese Theft of U.S. Technology
China’s Communist Party recently authorized an aggressive program of stealing U.S. science and technology information by recruiting Americans in the tech sector with access to trade secrets, according to an internal Party directive.
Washington blasts China over retaliatory tariffs on $3 billion worth of US goods
The United States has lashed out at Beijing after Chinese tariffs on $3 billion (€2.4 billion) worth of US goods entered force on Monday.
Stocks’ Second-Quarter Start Is the Worst Since the Great Depression
U.S. stocks had their worst April start since 1929, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The S&P 500 index slumped 2.2 percent, a rout exceeded only by its 2.5 percent decline 89 years ago, a prelude to the devastating crash later that year that brought on the Great Depression. (Back then, the index only comprised 90 stocks.)