Pope Francis laid to rest as about 250,000 mourners pay final respects at Vatican funeral

Pope Francis has been laid to rest in Rome following solemn, hours-long funeral rites at St Peter’s Square in the Vatican, bringing to a close his sometimes turbulent 12-year leadership of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics. The Argentinian pontiff, who died earlier this week from a stroke and cardiac arrest at the age of 88, was buried … [Read more…]

Trump says Russia and Ukraine are ‘very close to a deal’, says ‘two sides should now meet’

Donald Trump has said Russia and Ukraine are “very close to a deal” with “most of the major points agreed” – as he called for the two sides to meet. Shortly after arriving in Rome for Pope Francis’s funeral, the US president said high-level officials should now meet to “finish [the deal] off”. “A good day … [Read more…]

Trump exempts smartphones, computers from new tariffs

US President Donald Trump’s administration has exempted smartphones, computers and some other electronic devices from “reciprocal” tariffs, including the 125% levies imposed on Chinese imports. In a notice, US Customs and Border Patrol said that the goods would be excluded from Trump’s 10% global tariff on most countries and the much larger Chinese import tax. … [Read more…]

After Trump’s new 104% tarrif, China hits back with 84% tarrif on US goods

After Trump’s new 104% tarrif on China, hits back with 84% tarrif at on US goods China hit back at U.S. President Donald Trump singling out the world’s second-largest economy for tariffs of more than 100% by raising additional duties on American products to 84% on Wednesday, deepening the trade war between the two superpowers. Beijing … [Read more…]

China says it will ‘fight to the end’ after Trump threatens to impose still more tariffs

Aura for Aura'; China hits back with tariffs on US goods after Trump imposes new levies

China vowed on Tuesday to “fight to the end” against U.S. tariffs as some citizens railed against President Donald Trump after he singled out Beijing for further levies, setting the stage for a standoff between the world’s two largest economies. If Trump sticks to his plan for an additional 50% tariff on China unless it withdraws … [Read more…]