Latest news with #US State Department
Bloomberg
a day ago
- Business
- Bloomberg
Pakistan Delegation Set to Meet Trump Administration, US Says
A delegation from Pakistan is set to meet US officials in an effort to finalize a trade deal, according to US State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce. Bruce said in a daily press briefing on Wednesday that she will be participating. Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is in the US for a United Nations Security Council event, according to its foreign office.
NHK
2 days ago
- Business
- NHK
US, Philippines reach trade deal with 19% tariff on Philippine exports
The United States and the Philippines reached a trade deal after their leaders met in Washington on Tuesday. It includes major concessions by Manila. US President Donald Trump shared details of the agreement on social media. He said the Philippines will open its market to the US and impose no tariffs. Meanwhile, there will be a 19 percent tariff on Philippine exports to America. Trump also said they will work together militarily. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. told reporters he had to make concessions. These include scrapping tariffs on US automobiles and increasing imports of soy, wheat and pharmaceutical products from the country. President Marcos said they tried very hard to see what they could do. He added, "That's part of the new regime that we will be following in terms of trade with the United States." But Marcos also emphasized that he managed to confirm cooperation on security with Washington. The Philippines has been locked in a territorial dispute with Beijing in the South China Sea. "Our strongest, closest, most reliable ally has always been the United States," he said during the meeting. The US State Department later announced at least 60 million dollars in foreign assistance funding to support energy, maritime, and economic growth programs in the Philippines.
Russia Today
3 days ago
- Politics
- Russia Today
State Department accuses EU of ‘Orwellian censorship'
The EU's online content regulations are an affront to free speech, the US State Department has said in response to France's praise for the Digital Services Act (DSA). The State Department echoed earlier criticism from US Vice President J.D. Vance, who accused EU member states of attempting to quash dissenting voices and stigmatize popular right-wing parties such as Alternative for Germany (AfD). 'In Europe, thousands are being convicted for the crime of criticizing their own governments. This Orwellian message won't fool the United States. Censorship is not freedom,' the State Department wrote on X on Tuesday. 'All the DSA protects is European leaders from their own people.' Earlier this month, France's mission to the UN promoted the DSA on X, stating, 'In Europe, one is free to speak, not free to spread illegal content.'Passed in 2022, the DSA mandates that online platforms remove 'illegal and harmful' content and combat 'the spread of disinformation,' according to the European Commission. Critics in both the US and Europe have likened the regulations to the creation of a bloc-wide 'ministry of truth.' Earlier this year, prosecutors in Paris launched an investigation into Elon Musk's platform X, on suspicion that it was being used to meddle in French politics and spread hateful messages. The company dismissed the probe as 'politically motivated.' In 2024, French authorities detained Russian-born tech entrepreneur Pavel Durov on charges that he had allowed his Telegram messaging app to be used for criminal activities. Durov, who was later released on bail, denied any wrongdoing and accused France of waging 'a crusade' against free speech. He also claimed that French intelligence officials attempted to pressure him into censoring content during Romania's 2024 presidential election. France's foreign intelligence agency, the DGSE, confirmed that it had 'reminded' Durov of his responsibility to police content, but denied allegations of election interference.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
BlackRock imposes restriction on use of company devices for China travel, Bloomberg News reports
(Reuters) -BlackRock has asked its staff visiting China for business trips to use temporary loaner phones and avoid using company laptops, Bloomberg News reported on Tuesday, citing an internal memo. The world's largest asset manager told its staff that using company-issued employee devices, including iPhones and iPads, is not permitted, the report said. BlackRock also barred the use of company laptops or remote access via virtual private networks, the report said, adding that employees will not have access to the BlackRock network during personal travel in China. Reuters could not immediately verify the report. BlackRock did not respond to a request for comment. The report comes as firms witness China's growing hold over access during travel to the nation. On Monday, the U.S. State Department said that the Chinese government had blocked an unnamed U.S. Patent and Trademark Office employee visiting the Asian country in a personal capacity from leaving. Earlier this month, a Wells Fargo banker was also blocked from leaving China. Beijing's foreign ministry said the banker was involved in a criminal case. Sign in to access your portfolio
Reuters
3 days ago
- Business
- Reuters
BlackRock imposes restriction on use of company devices for China travel, Bloomberg News reports
July 22 (Reuters) - BlackRock (BLK.N), opens new tab has asked its staff visiting China for business trips to use temporary loaner phones and avoid using company laptops, Bloomberg News reported on Tuesday, citing an internal memo. The world's largest asset manager told its staff that using company-issued employee devices, including iPhones and iPads, is not permitted, the report said. BlackRock also barred the use of company laptops or remote access via virtual private networks, the report said, adding that employees will not have access to the BlackRock network during personal travel in China. Reuters could not immediately verify the report. BlackRock did not respond to a request for comment. The report comes as firms witness China's growing hold over access during travel to the nation. On Monday, the U.S. State Department said that the Chinese government had blocked an unnamed U.S. Patent and Trademark Office employee visiting the Asian country in a personal capacity from leaving. Earlier this month, a Wells Fargo (WFC.N), opens new tab banker was also blocked from leaving China. Beijing's foreign ministry said the banker was involved in a criminal case.
