Latest news with #WorldWarII
AU Financial Review
22 minutes ago
- Business
- AU Financial Review
‘Culture of dependency' lifts spending to highest level since WWII
The federal and state government spending splurge has hit the highest level since the end of World War II, due to a massive ramp-up in outlays on disability support, aged care and childcare. The National Disability Insurance Scheme is the chief culprit, accounting for $52 billion in costs and making Australia among the biggest government spenders on disability in the world.
Hindustan Times
34 minutes ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Donald Trump says Xi Jinping invited him to China, hints at possible meeting
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said that Chinese President Xi Jinping has invited him to China, and he would probably meet him in the "not too distant future." US President Donald Trump set August 12 as the deadline for the US and China to reach a durable tariff agreement.(REUTERS) Meanwhile, Reuters informed that the aides of both Trump and the Chinese leader have discussed a possible meeting between the two leaders at the time of the US president's visit to Asia later this year. The report follows a senior-level meeting between the US and Chinese officials last week, on July 11, when US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met in Malaysia. Also Read | 'Will crush your economy if…': US Senator Lindsey Graham warns India, China over Russian oil Although details of a meeting have yet to be finalised, both sides in the discussions have considered a potential Trump stopover during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in South Korea, said two individuals who are familiar with the situation. Also Read | Trump vs Murdoch: White House boots WSJ reporter from Trump's Scotland trip amid Epstein allegations, $10B lawsuit The proposed diplomatic meeting comes when Trump toned down his rhetoric directed towards China in recent weeks after he suspended a tit-for-tat tariff war that has unsettled global trade and supply chains. China's stance on Washington-Beijing relations Beijing also seems willing to engage in diplomatic channels. China's US embassy confirmed last week that it is inviting foreign dignitaries — some of them American — to a September 3 ceremony in Beijing commemorating the 80th anniversary of the conclusion of World War II. "Diplomacy between heads of state plays an irreplaceable strategic leading role in Sino-U.S. relations," said Chinese Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun on Monday, declining to comment on a possible Trump-Xi meeting. Also Read | 'Great': Elon Musk on Trump admin's proposal to overhaul H1-B visa lottery system On Friday, China Commerce Minister Wang Wentao said China wants to bring its trade ties with the US back to a stable footing, and that recent talks in Europe showed there was no need for a tariff war. On the other hand, Trump has set a deadline of August 12 for the US and China to reach a durable tariff agreement.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Volodymyr Zelenskyy renews offer to meet with Vladimir Putin directly
Putin has spurned Zelenskyy's previous offers of a face-to-face meeting to end Europe's biggest conflict since World War II. But the Ukrainian leader insists that lower-level delegations like the ones expected for talks in Istanbul on Wednesday don't have the political heft to stop the fighting. The sides remain far apart on how to end the war begun by Russia's full-scale invasion on Feb 24, 2022. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads KYIV: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday renewed his offer to meet with Russia's Vladimir Putin and negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine, but hopes of progress were low as delegations prepared to hold another round of forces, meanwhile, pounded four Ukrainian cities in nighttime attacks that officials said killed a has spurned Zelenskyy's previous offers of a face-to-face meeting to end Europe's biggest conflict since World War II. But the Ukrainian leader insists that lower-level delegations like the ones expected for talks in Istanbul on Wednesday don't have the political heft to stop the fighting. The sides remain far apart on how to end the war begun by Russia's full-scale invasion on Feb 24, 2022."Ukraine never wanted this war, and it is Russia that must end the war that it itself started," Zelenskyy said in a Telegram post. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Tuesday that "a lot of work needs to be done before having a detailed discussion on a possibility of high-level meetings," effectively scrapping hopes of a summit any time soon. He didn't provide a date for the Istanbul talks. Ukrainian and Western officials have accused the Kremlin of stalling in talks in order for its bigger army to capture more Ukrainian land. Russia currently holds about 20 per cent of announcement late Monday that the negotiations would take place generated little hope of progress. That is despite the Trump administration's efforts to push forward peace efforts, which have moved slowly because Putin is reluctant to budge from his demands.
Straits Times
an hour ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
Trump may travel to China to meet Xi in ‘not-too-distant future'
Find out what's new on ST website and app. US President Donald Trump (centre) was speaking on July 22, during a White House meeting with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr (left). WASHINGTON - US President Donald Trump said on July 22 that he may visit China soon for a landmark trip to address simmering trade and security tensions between the superpower rivals. 'President Xi has invited me to China, and we'll probably be doing that in the not-too-distant future,' Mr Trump told reporters in the White House's Oval Office. 'A little bit out, but not too distant. And I've been invited by a lot of people, and we'll make those decisions pretty soon.' Mr Trump and Mr Xi's aides have discussed a potential meeting between the leaders during a trip by the US president to Asia later this year, Reuters has reported, citing two people familiar with the plans. While plans for a meeting have not been finalised, discussions on both sides of the Pacific have included a possible Trump stopover around the time of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in South Korea or talks on the sidelines of the Oct 30-Nov 1 event, the people said. Another possible trip would be for a Sept 3 Beijing ceremony commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, which Russian President Vladimir Putin also plans to attend. Meetings between Mr Trump and Mr Xi or Mr Putin would be the first face-to-face encounters between the men since Mr Trump's inauguration on Jan 20 for his second term in office. The White House and the Chinese Foreign Affairs Ministry have declined to comment on the Reuters report. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Two found dead after fire in Toa Payoh flat Singapore Singaporeans aged 21 to 59 can claim $600 SG60 vouchers from July 22 Singapore Singaporeans continue to hold world's most powerful passport in latest ranking Singapore Singapore, Vietnam agree to step up defence ties, dialogue between leaders Asia Malaysia govt's reform pledge tested as DAP chief bows over unresolved 2009 death of political aide Tech Singapore to increase pool of early adopters in AI to complement data scientists, engineers Singapore Prosecution says judge who acquitted duo of bribing ex-LTA official had copied defence arguments Singapore Ports and planes: The 2 Singapore firms helping to keep the world moving Global rivals Mr Trump made the comment about meeting Mr Xi during a meeting with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, a key Pacific ally who Mr Trump said he had nudged away from China. 'The country was maybe tilting toward China for a period of time, but we un-tilted it very, very quickly,' Mr Trump said. Mr Trump added: 'I don't mind if he gets along with China because we're getting along with China very well.' Mr Marcos, who took office in 2022, has for years sought US support as his country's maritime disputes worsen with China. Manila has sought to avoid direct confrontation with its larger neighbour, which claims most of the South China Sea as its own territory. The US and the Philippines have a seven-decade-old collective defence treaty, potentially implicating Washington in a clash between China and the Philippines. Washington sees Beijing as its key strategic rival globally. Upon taking office, Mr Trump launched a tit-for-tat tariff war with China that has upended global trade and supply chains. Other points of friction between the countries include China's support for Russia, the illicit opioid trade, China's growing pressure on Taiwan and exit bans on some American residents. In recent weeks, Mr Trump has sought to lower tensions, describing his personal relations with Mr Xi as healthy. A 2019 photo shows US President Donald Trump meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping at a G-20 leaders summit in Japan. PHOTO: REUTERS Mr Trump has sought to impose tariffs on virtually all foreign goods, including both China and US allies in Asia like the Philippines. He says this will stimulate domestic manufacturing, but critics say many consumer goods will become more expensive for Americans. The president has called for a universal base tariff rate of 10 per cent on goods imported from all countries, with higher rates for some. Imports from China have the highest tariff rate of 55 per cent. Mr Trump has set a deadline of Aug 12 for the US and China to reach a durable tariff agreement. REUTERS
Los Angeles Times
2 hours ago
- Politics
- Los Angeles Times
Zelensky renews offer to meet with Putin as officials say Russian attacks kill a child in Ukraine
KYIV, Ukraine — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday renewed his offer to meet with Russia's Vladimir Putin and negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine, but hopes of progress were low as delegations prepared to hold another round of talks. Russian forces, meanwhile, pounded four Ukrainian cities in nighttime attacks that officials said killed a child. Putin has spurned Zelensky's previous offers of a face-to-face meeting to end Europe's biggest conflict since World War II. But the Ukrainian leader insists that lower-level delegations like the ones expected for talks in Istanbul on Wednesday don't have the political heft to stop the fighting. The sides remain far apart on how to end the war begun by Russia's full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022. 'Ukraine never wanted this war, and it is Russia that must end the war that it itself started,' Zelensky said in a Telegram post. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Tuesday that 'a lot of work needs to be done before having a detailed discussion on a possibility of high-level meetings,' effectively scrapping hopes of a summit any time soon. He didn't provide a date for the Istanbul talks. Ukrainian and Western officials have accused the Kremlin of stalling in talks in order for its bigger army to capture more Ukrainian land. Russia currently holds about 20% of Ukraine. Zelensky's announcement late Monday that the negotiations would take place generated little hope of progress. That is despite the Trump administration's efforts to push forward peace efforts, which have moved slowly because Putin is reluctant to budge from his demands. Peskov said that 'we have no reason to expect any magical breakthroughs, it's hardly possible in the current situation.' The previous two rounds were held in Istanbul, and Russian media reports said that the Turkish city likely would also host the meeting this time. The talks in May and June led to a series of exchanges of prisoners of war and the bodies of fallen soldiers, but produced no other agreements. Russia, meanwhile, is driving hard to break through at eastern and northeastern points on the 620-mile front line. It is also firing upwards of 700 drones a night at Ukrainian cities. Zelensky said that at the next Istanbul talks, Ukraine wants to secure the release of more prisoners from Russian captivity and the return of children Ukraine says were abducted. The Ukrainian delegation will be headed by former Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, who is now the secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine. It will include representatives of Ukrainian intelligence, the Foreign Affairs Ministry and the president's office, Zelensky said. Peskov said that 'the issue of a Ukrainian settlement is so complex that even reaching agreements on prisoner exchanges or the return of bodies is already a success.' Russian forces struck four Ukrainian cities in three regions in overnight attacks, killing a child and wounding at least 41 other people, officials said. From dusk on Monday, Russia struck the Ukrainian regions of Sumy in the northeast, Odesa in the south and eastern Kramatorsk. In Kramatorsk, a glide bomb hit an apartment building, starting a fire, according to the head of the city's military administration, Oleksandr Honcharenko. A boy born in 2015 was killed, local officials said, without giving his exact age. Five other people were reported wounded. The Sumy region came under multiple waves of attacks, the regional military administration reported. A drone hit a gas station in the town of Putyvl, wounding four people, including a 5-year-old boy, it said. A second drone strike hit the same location less than two hours later, wounding seven other people. After dark, two powerful Russian glide bombs were dropped on Sumy city, wounding 13 people, including a 6-year-old boy. According to regional authorities, five apartment buildings, two private homes and a shopping mall were damaged in the attack. The blasts shattered windows and destroyed balconies in residential buildings, acting Mayor Artem Kobzar said. Russia's Defense Ministry, meanwhile, said Tuesday that air defenses downed 35 Ukrainian long-range drones over several regions overnight, including three over the Moscow region. Novikov writes for the Associated Press.
