China denies talks on trade deal; US says no sanctions being lifted on Russia
President Trump signs executive orders relating to higher education institutions, on Wednesday. Pic/AFP
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has said he expects India to strike the first bilateral trade deal to avoid President Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariffs, according to the New York Post.
A 26 per cent ‘reciprocal’ tariff on Indian exports to the US is currently on a pause set to expire on July 8. However, like other countries, India is presently subject to a 10 per cent tariff under the existing policy. Bessent said on Wednesday (local time) that trade talks with India are “very close” to reaching a successful conclusion because the world’s most populous nation doesn’t have “so many high tariffs”.
“India also has fewer non-tariff trade barriers, obviously, no currency manipulation, very, very little government subsidies, so that reaching a deal with the Indians is much easier,” Bessent said at the DC event. Earlier on Tuesday, US Vice President J D Vance in Jaipur urged India to drop non-tariff barriers, give greater access to its markets and buy more American energy and military hardware as he laid out a broader roadmap of deeper ties.
China denies talks
“China and the US are not having consultation or negotiation on tariffs, still less reaching a deal,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said, reacting to reports about talks to reach a deal. “This tariff war was launched by the US. China’s position is consistent and clear. We will fight if it is a must. Our doors are open if the US wants to talk; dialogue and negotiation must be based on equality, respect, and mutual benefit,” Guo said.
US’s anti-China bid
State lawmakers across the US have introduced at least 240 anti-China proposals this year, aiming to ensure public funds don’t buy Chinese technology or even T-shirts, coffee mugs and key chains for tourists. They’re also targeting sister-city relationships between American and Chinese communities. After years celebrating trade ties with China, states don’t want police to buy Chinese drones, government agencies to use Chinese apps, software or parts, or public pension systems to invest in Chinese companies.
Kenya, China to build ties
Kenyan President William Ruto pledged to build closer ties with China on Thursday. Ruto is on a five-day visit to China, his third trip to Beijing since taking office in 2022. The visit comes as both Kenya and China are seeking to expand ties amid a tariff fight between Washington and Beijing.
‘Not lifting Russian sanctions’
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio refuted recent reports in US media alleging discussions about lifting sanctions on Russia in connection with a Ukraine deal. “This is journalistic malpractice,” he said.
US advises against travel to India
The US has issued an advisory after the Pahalgam terror attack asking Americans not to travel to Jammu and Kashmir and also within 10 km of the India-Pakistan border. “Terrorist attacks and violent civil unrest are possible in Jammu and Kashmir. Do not travel (with the exception of visits to the Leh, Ladakh region). Violence happens sporadically in this area and is common along the Line of Control (LOC) between India and Pakistan,” it said.
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