
Russia is open to peace with Ukraine but insists on achieving its goals, Kremlin spokesman says
Peskov and other Russian officials have repeatedly rejected accusations from Kyiv and its Western partners of stalling peace talks. Meanwhile, Moscow continues to intensify its long-range attacks on Ukrainian cities, launching more drones in a single night than it did during some entire months in 2024, and analysts say the barrages are likely to escalate.

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Cision Canada
2 hours ago
- Cision Canada
CGTN: How China's economy remains vibrant despite U.S. tariff war
BEIJING, July 25, 2025 /CNW/ -- With Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng to hold economic and trade talks with the United States in Sweden later this month, the strength and resilience of the Chinese economy is in the limelight once again. This round of talks, mutually agreed upon by both nations, is not only a diplomatic engagement but also a testament to China's enduring economic vitality in a complex international environment. Recent statistics underscore the robustness of China's economy. In the first half of 2025, the GDP grew by an impressive 5.3 percent year on year, surpassing market expectations despite global headwinds. This number reflects more than temporary growth; it exhibits the structural resilience and adaptability of an economy that continues to evolve and upgrade. Domestic demand emerged as the cornerstone of growth, contributing 68.8 percent to GDP expansion in this period. Initiatives such as large-scale equipment upgrades and consumer goods trade-in programs have effectively stimulated spending, cushioning China's economy from external shocks. In the first five months of 2025 alone, China's consumer goods trade-in program generated 1.1 trillion yuan ($153.1 billion) in sales, surpassing the figure for entire 2024. Boosted by the program, China's retail sales of consumer goods grew 5 percent year on year in the past six months – 0.4 percentage point faster than the growth recorded in the first quarter. While external uncertainties have introduced some pressure, China's trade diversification and the steady output of high-tech manufacturing and service industries have provided strong support to the economy. Though China's trade with some Western countries declined, its trade with Belt and Road partners, ASEAN countries, the European Union, and African nations saw respective increases of 4.7 percent, 9.6 percent, 3.5 percent, and 14.4 percent in the first half of 2025. This expansion of trade relationships has helped China reduce its reliance on any one market, lessening the impact of some Western economies' protectionist policies. China's resilience reverberates beyond its borders. As a crucial driver of global growth, China's steady economic performance boosts international market confidence and provides a stabilizing influence amid global uncertainties. Through continued focus on quality growth and opening up, China offers the international community a reliable engine for shared prosperity. A recent report from the U.S.-China Business Council indicates that 82 percent of American companies operating in China turned a profit in 2024. Though many cited the uncertainties in China-U.S. relations and tariffs as their main worry, the Chinese market continues to be crucial for them. Trade tensions pose obstacles, yet they have not crippled the resilience in the Chinese economy. The upcoming Beijing-Washington talks in Sweden demonstrate China's willingness to tackle differences via negotiations. While obstacles remain, China's ability to sustain growth, adapt to changing global landscapes, and engage constructively with international partners signals a future of shared opportunities and mutual advancement.


Toronto Star
2 hours ago
- Toronto Star
Trump claims cashless bail increases crime, but data is inconclusive
President Donald Trump speaks during a reception for Republican members of Congress in the East Room of the White House, Tuesday, July 22, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) JE JDN flag wire: true flag sponsored: false article_type: Fact Check : sWebsitePrimaryPublication : publications/toronto_star bHasMigratedAvatar : false :


Canada News.Net
4 hours ago
- Canada News.Net
Trump hails Japan trade pact as job-creating breakthrough
WASHINGTON, D.C.: This week, President Donald Trump unveiled a new trade framework with Japan, announcing a 15 percent tariff on goods imported from the country—a significant reduction from the 25 percent rate he had previously warned would take effect on August 1. Trump hailed the deal as a historic win for the U.S. economy, writing on Truth Social, "This Deal will create Hundreds of Thousands of Jobs — There has never been anything like it." He also emphasized continued strong ties between the two nations, saying, "The United States will continue to always have a great relationship with the country of Japan." According to the president, Japan has agreed to invest US$550 billion into the United States economy "at my direction" and to open its market to more American products, specifically automobiles and rice. This new agreement marks a strategic pivot in Trump's tariff campaign, replacing an earlier, more aggressive stance with a framework he claims will enhance trade fairness and boost domestic job creation. Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba responded early on June 23, stating that the agreement would prove mutually beneficial and foster greater cooperation between Tokyo and Washington. The acknowledgment signals a rare moment of harmony amid months of tariff escalations and trade tensions. While Trump's initial round of tariffs, introduced in early April, rattled global markets and triggered fears of a slowdown, those concerns appear to have eased for now. Still, the president's latest social media statement left some questions unanswered—most notably, whether the 25 percent tariff on Japanese-built automobiles remains in effect or has been folded into the new 15 percent rate. The Japan agreement fits within Trump's larger strategy of framing tariffs not as punitive but as economically transformative. His administration argues that revenues generated from tariffs will help reduce the U.S. budget deficit, incentivize companies to shift manufacturing to American soil, and address chronic trade imbalances. Officials believe this will result in a stronger, more self-reliant industrial base. However, the effectiveness of this approach remains contested. Tariffs are still causing deep uncertainty in business circles, where companies fear rising costs. A stark example came on a day earlier, when General Motors reported a 35 percent drop in net income for the second quarter. The company blamed the slump partly on tariff pressures and warned of further hits to its business in the near future. Its stock took a sharp downturn following the announcement, underlining the volatility that continues to shadow Trump's trade agenda. As the August 1 deadline nears for the imposition of new tariffs outlined in letters sent to world leaders, Trump has expanded his strategy. Alongside the Japan deal, he also announced a new trade framework with the Philippines, imposing a 19 percent tariff on Filipino goods, while ensuring American exports to the country would remain untaxed. Similarly, he reaffirmed an identical 19 percent tariff on goods imported from Indonesia. Trade data shows the U.S. had a $69.4 billion trade imbalance with Japan last year, while the imbalance stood at $17.9 billion with Indonesia and $4.9 billion with the Philippines. These figures reflect how the U.S. imports significantly more from these nations than it exports to them. Both Indonesia and the Philippines, being less affluent economies, could be more vulnerable to the impact of these tariffs. Amid these moves, the European Union is also under pressure. Trump had sent a letter earlier in the month, threatening all 27 EU member states with 30 percent tariffs on their exports, effective August 1, if no agreement is reached. Meanwhile, separate negotiations with China remain underway. The current round of talks is scheduled to continue until August 12, while a baseline 30 percent tariff remains in effect on Chinese goods. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced he would travel to Stockholm on July 28 and 29 to meet with Chinese counterparts. As Trump escalates his multi-front trade strategy, the coming weeks will be pivotal in determining whether these new agreements can hold, and whether the bold predictions of job growth and economic revival will come to pass—or give way to rising costs and deeper global uncertainty.