Latest news with #Countries
CNBC
8 hours ago
- Business
- CNBC
Trump speaks with Xi, will resume talks between U.S. and China over tariffs
Key Points President Donald Trump spoke with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Trump and Xi said that trade officials from the U.S. and China will be meeting soon at a to-be-determined location. The call came amid an ongoing trade war between Washington and Beijing. VIDEO02:47 Trump announces more U.S.-China trade talks after 'very good' call with Xi President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke Thursday and agreed that officials from the U.S. and China will meet soon for more talks to resolve an ongoing trade war. Trump said he had a "very good" call with Xi for about 90 minutes, which focused "almost entirely" on trade. The call "resulted in a very positive conclusion for both Countries," Trump wrote in a Truth Social post. He said that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer will represent the U.S. in the renewed trade talks. Trade officials from the countries last met in May in Geneva, where they agreed to temporarily lower retaliatory tariffs on imports from each other's countries. But the Trump administration has accused Beijing of slow-walking a pledge made in Geneva to approve the export of additional critical minerals, known as rare earths, to the United States. Beijing's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and China's embassy in the U.S. said earlier Thursday that Trump had requested the call with Xi. Trump has reportedly been eager to speak with Xi, as already-strained trade relations between the two countries frayed further in the past week. After Thursday's call, Trump wrote, "There should no longer be any questions respecting the complexity of Rare Earth products." He did not explain what that meant. China has expressed deep frustration with a recent decision to impose new restrictions on Chinese student visas. It has also accused the Trump administration of undermining recent trade progress by issuing an industry warning against using Chinese semiconductors. The Trump administration has also imposed additional export restrictions on chips. The White House claims the actions are required to protect national security, but Beijing views them as punitive. Stocks seesawed Thursday morning on news of the call, which was first reported by Chinese state media. The call "resulted in a very positive conclusion for both Countries," Trump wrote. He also noted that he and Xi did not discuss any matters related to Russia, Ukraine or Iran. The U.S. president added that Xi invited him and first lady Melania Trump to visit China, "and I reciprocated." The impasse between the two economic superpowers — whose trade relationship totaled nearly $600 billion in 2024 — is weighing on Trump's broader tariff regime, which is already having a real-world impact. Thursday's conversation was only the second time this year that the two leaders have held a one-on-one call. Trump and Xi previously spoke on Jan. 17, before the U.S. president's inauguration. Ahead of the latest call, Trump praised Xi in a social media post that also betrayed his frustration. "I like President XI of China, always have, and always will, but he is VERY TOUGH, AND EXTREMELY HARD TO MAKE A DEAL WITH!!!" Trump wrote early Wednesday morning. China has been a prime target of Trump's efforts to wield steep, unilateral tariffs for the stated goal of recalibrating America's trade relationships with the rest of the world. Trump had ratcheted blanket tariffs on Chinese imports up to 145% in April, even as he temporarily lowered duties on most other countries to 10%. Beijing hiked tariffs on U.S. goods to 125% in retaliation. The tariffs effectively led to a trade embargo. But that logjam appeared to shift in mid-May, after the talks in Geneva that both sides described as successful and productive.
India.com
15 hours ago
- Business
- India.com
Is Xi Jinping scared of meeting Donald Trump? Reports say China is afraid of…, US-China trade war….
US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Jinping Is Xi Jinping scared of meeting Donald Trump? In a significant development amid US-China trade war, US President Donald Trump held a telephonic conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday. Although the White House had only proposed a phone call between the two leaders, Chinese President is reportedly showing reluctance to meet US President Trump. The reluctance is being seen across the world as a negative update as the global markets were expecting something positive. Donald Trump on China 'I just concluded a very good phone call with President Xi, of China, discussing some of the intricacies of our recently made, and agreed to, Trade Deal. The call lasted approximately one and a half hours, and resulted in a very positive conclusion for both Countries. There should no longer be any questions respecting the complexity of Rare Earth products. Our respective teams will be meeting shortly at a location to be determined', US President Trump said on his phone call with the Chinese President. 'We will be represented by Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent, Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, and United States Trade Representative, Ambassador Jamieson Greer. During the conversation, President Xi graciously invited the First Lady and me to visit China, and I reciprocated. As Presidents of two Great Nations, this is something that we both look forward to doing. The conversation was focused almost entirely on TRADE. Nothing was discussed concerning Russia/Ukraine, or Iran. We will inform the Media as to scheduling and location of the soon to be meeting. Thank you for your attention to this matter!', the US President added. Why Jinping is not willing to meet Trump! The reason behind the reluctance shown by the Chinese President to meet Trump is the recent unpleasant behavior shown by US President during his meetings with state leaders of Ukraine and South Africa. If reports are to believed, the Chinese officials fear an embarrassing outcome for Xi without clear assurances from the White House.
Indian Express
16 hours ago
- Business
- Indian Express
Trump and Xi hold phone call focused ‘entirely on trade'; US first couple invited to visit China
US President Donald Trump on Thursday held a lengthy and 'very good' phone call with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, according to a Truth Social post by Trump. The call comes amid renewed trade tensions between the world's two largest economies. The 90-minute conversation was initiated by Trump, as confirmed by China's state-run news agency Xinhua. While the agency did not elaborate on the specifics of the discussion, Trump offered a detailed account on Truth Social shortly after the call concluded. 'I just concluded a very good phone call with President Xi, of China, discussing some of the intricacies of our recently made, and agreed to, Trade Deal,' Trump wrote. 'The call lasted approximately one and a half hours, and resulted in a very positive conclusion for both Countries.' Trump said the conversation focused 'almost entirely on TRADE' and clarified that issues such as Russia/Ukraine or Iran were not discussed. A key outcome of the call was an apparent resolution of questions surrounding the complexity of rare earth products, a topic that has become central to escalating trade disputes in recent weeks. 'There should no longer be any questions respecting the complexity of Rare Earth products,' Trump added. The US and China had earlier struck a 90-day agreement on May 12 to roll back certain tariffs imposed during the ongoing trade war that reignited after Trump's January return to the White House. However, tension over critical minerals—including rare earth elements essential to high-tech manufacturing—has persisted, threatening to upend the fragile truce. Trump also announced that teams from both countries would meet soon, at a yet-to-be-determined location, to work out further trade arrangements. Representing the US will be Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. 'President Xi graciously invited the First Lady and me to visit China, and I reciprocated,' Trump noted, calling it a gesture he looks forward to fulfilling. The White House has not yet released an official statement regarding the phone call, but Trump's post suggests a renewed momentum in US-China negotiations, particularly on trade and rare earths. (With inputs from Reuters)
Express Tribune
19 hours ago
- General
- Express Tribune
World Environment Day 2025 puts plastic crisis under global spotlight
Listen to article As the world marks Environment Day on June 5, environmental groups are renewing calls to 'Beat Plastic Pollution,' a global theme repeated for 2025 amid rising concerns over plastics' health and environmental impacts. the organisation behind April's Earth Day campaigns, is urging individuals, communities, and policymakers to take decisive action. Their 2025 theme, Our Power, Our Planet, focuses on grassroots strength in the face of sluggish international negotiations. Despite hopes that this year would see the finalisation of the UN Global Plastics Treaty, talks in Busan failed to reach consensus, forcing a sixth round of negotiations (INC5.2) later this year in Switzerland. Countries including Saudi Arabia, Russia and China have resisted proposals to limit plastic production and toxic chemicals. 'Delays now mean more harm for both the planet and human health,' said in a statement. The Rio Sucio or "Dirty River", where one branch is colored yellow/brown by the minerals it carries from the Irazu Volcano, is seen mixing with the clear waters filtered by the tropical rainforest in the Braullio Carrillo National Park, 50 km (31 miles) east of San Jose, June 5, 2012. REUTERS/Juan Carlos Ulate Plastic's invisible toll According to the organisation's data, more than 400 million tonnes of plastic are produced annually, half of which is single-use. Much of it never reaches landfills, instead polluting ecosystems and entering food and water sources. 2023 Babies vs Plastics report and its follow-up campaigns have linked plastic chemicals to cancer, infertility, developmental disorders, and even dementia. Recycling, once a hopeful solution, is now under scrutiny for spreading microplastics and being mostly ineffective. Ram Singh (L) and his relatives, dressed in traditional Hindu saffron-coloured clothes walk on a garbage-strewn beach against the backdrop of monsoon clouds on World Environment Day in Mumbai, June 5, 2012. According to the United Nations Environment Programme website, World Environment Day is celebrated annually on June 5 to raise global awareness and motivate action for environmental protection. REUTERS/Vivek Prakash Local cleanups, global impact Despite slow progress at the diplomatic level, organisers are championing local action through the Great Global Cleanup. In 2025, over 4,000 cleanup events have removed more than 7 million pounds of waste globally. Activists also urge public support for the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act and the Global Plastics Petition, aimed at pressuring lawmakers to adopt stricter controls. 'Change doesn't have to wait on governments,' the group said, calling back to the grassroots success of the first Earth Day in 1970, which led to key US environmental laws. Boats are docked at the polluted Amatitlan Lake, 30 km (18 miles) south of Guatemala City June 5, 2012. REUTERS/William Gularte A call to act, not wait While World Environment Day is annual, the group stressed that its goals require constant, year-round effort. 'This is a fight for our health, our planet, and our future,' said A dead tortoise is seen near the shores of Lake Xolotlan, also known as Lake Managua, which has an area of approximately 1000 sq km and has been receiving raw sewage from Managua's one million residents since 1920, in Managua June 5, 2012. REUTERS/Oswaldo Rivas
Time of India
19 hours ago
- General
- Time of India
Few women leaders in education a serious concern, says global report
Representative AI image New Delhi: 'Most teachers are women, but few lead' is the central message of the 'Leadership in Education: Lead For Learning' section of the Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report 2024-25, released on Wednesday night by UNESCO . The report highlights what is a problem across countries: the under-representation of women in leadership positions at all levels of the education system — from schools to education ministries. Globally, women make up 57% of secondary school teachers, but in most countries, the proportion of female principals lags the share of female teachers by at least 20 percentage points. This disparity exists despite growing evidence that gender-diverse leadership correlates with better learning outcomes and more enabling school environment. Similar is the story at the higher education level. While women comprise 45% of higher education faculty, they account for only 30% of leadership roles in universities and colleges. India is no exception to this phenomenon. While women dominate the teaching workforce in primary schools, accounting for over 60% of elementary teachers, their number declines sharply in leadership positions, particularly at the secondary and tertiary levels. Factors such as limited access to mentorship, lack of institutional support, safety concerns, and deep-rooted gender norms continue to restrict women's elevation to decision-making roles. The report also examines political leadership in the education sector. Between 2010 and 2023, only 27% of education ministers worldwide were women. This imbalance matters not only for representation purposes but also for policy priorities. Studies cited in the GEM report suggest that female political leaders are more likely to bat for equitable education funding, inclusive curricula, and community engagement. Countries with specific policies to promote gender equity in school leadership are clearly in the minority. Only 11% of countries globally have taken concrete steps to address the gender gap in principal recruitment. Some regions are taking proactive measures — for instance, several francophone African countries are piloting support programmes for female school leaders. The report says that students in such settings, with more schools led by women, were ahead in progress in mathematics and reading by at least six months compared to their peers in male-led schools. It calls for systemic reforms that move beyond token representation. Among the report's recommendations are transparent and gender-sensitive recruitment for leadership roles, targeted training and mentoring programmes for aspiring women leaders, and policies that enable flexible work arrangements and childcare support. As countries work towards Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) of inclusive and equitable quality education, educational leadership must reflect the diversity of those it serves. Unless gender barriers in leadership are removed, progress in other aspects of educational equity may remain incomplete, the report has stressed.
