U.S.' Mattis looks for 'way ahead' after China scraps military talks
A Chinese official said China can not hold talks on ending the trade dispute while the US "holds a knife" to Beijing's neck by imposing tariff hikes.
U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said on Monday he was seeking a way ahead for military ties with China after Beijing postponed military talks in protest at last week's U.S. decision to impose sanctions over China's purchase of Russian weaponry.
Further complicating matters, the USA has approved a $330 million arms deal with Taiwan that will improve the combat readiness of Taiwan's air assets.
Chinese military helicopters and fighter jets took part in rehearsals ahead of a military parade to commemorate the end of World War II in Beijing, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2015.
USA military sales to self-ruled Taiwan, which China claims as its territory, is an irritant in the relations between the world's two largest economies.
With world leaders in NY this week for the United Nations General Assembly, one of the underlying storylines of the meeting is the simmering tensions between the United States and China after the Trump administration last week slapped economic sanctions on a Chinese military agency and its director over the purchase of Russian fighter jets and surface-to-air missile equipment.
Military ties between Washington and Beijing have been relatively stable in recent years, even as the USA complained of China militarizing reefs and islands in the South China Sea amid overlapping territorial claims by other Asian nations.
Trump criticises Iran as 'corrupt dictatorship' in United Nations speech
Trump says in the tweet that "Maybe someday in the future" he and Rouhani will meet. "I am sure he is an absolutely lovely man". In an unexpected turn of events, Mr Trump will not speak second as he had not arrived by the time Brazil had finished speaking.
In recent days the breadth of military tensions has grown. In May, the United States disinvited the People's Liberation Army-Navy from the 2018 iteration of the biennial Rim of the Pacific multilateral naval drills.
"We believe that we do have to have a relationship with China and Secretary (of State Mike) Pompeo and I are of one mind on this", Mattis told reporters at the Pentagon.
At the Pentagon, Lieutenant Colonel Dave Eastburn confirmed that the USA military had been informed that China's Navy chief would no longer meet America's top naval officer, Admiral John Richardson. Those purchases violated a 2017 law meant to punish the Russian government for interfering in US elections and other activities.
Also on Tuesday, Chinese officials demanded the US cancel a planned $330 million sale of military equipment to Taiwan, the self-ruled island that Beijing considers a renegade province. In addition to warning that failure to revoke the sanctions would mean Washington "must bear the consequences", Beijing postponed a meeting it had been scheduled to host this week between USA and Chinese military staffs.
"The Chinese government did not approve a request for a port visit to Hong Kong by the USS Wasp", the consulate noted.
The amphibious assault ship Wasp had been due to make a port call in the former British colony of Hong Kong in October, diplomatic sources said.
In 2016, at a time of heightened tension over its territorial claims in the disputed South China Sea, China denied a request for a USA carrier strike group led by the John C. Stennis to visit Hong Kong.
Related:
-
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle play ball for a good cause
Up until this point, Meghan has always been accompanied by her husband Prince Harry or another member of the household. She paired the chic dress with black slingback pumps and a clutch.Michael Kors buys high-fashion label Versace for US$2.2B
US private equity firm Blackstone, which bought 20 per cent of Versace back in 2014, will fully exit its investment. The deal is expected to close in the fiscal fourth quarter.Judge restores protections for grizzly bears, blocking hunts
As such, the three states of Wyoming , Montana and Idaho have aggressively pushed to have bears removed from federal protections. Instead, it turned strictly on his determination that the Fish and Wildlife Service had exceeded its authority. -
Competition committee concerned with roughing the passer flags
Could a change to the rule be coming? Instead, the Vikings drove to a game-tying touchdown and two-point conversion late in regulation.Trump dismisses second woman accusing Kavanaugh of sexual misconduct
Meanwhile, critics on the left have countered that, "It's not a trial - it's a job interview", as the Daily Kos put it. He added that he had watched the Fox News interview broadcast on Monday, which he said was "so truthful".Vikings fear for star who allegedly threatened hotel shooting
That man had called Griffen's wife and he brought Griffen home but told police upon arrival that he "didn't feel safe at all". Klawiter told officers that Griffen had not been acting like himself lately, and it seemed he was having a nervous breakdown. -
Will Smith Bungee Jumps Out Of Helicopter For 50th Birthday
During the video , Smith revealed how a trip to the canyon in his childhood instilled in him a fear of heights. The stunt was live-streamed to raise awareness and donations for Global Citizen's education campaigns.Kavanaugh defends himself on TV as Trump calls claims unfair
Comments by Murkowski on Tuesday after she met with McConnell could be an ominous sign for Kavanaugh. The committee will be voting on whether to recommend Kavanaugh's nomination to the full Senate.Makati court orders Trillanes' arrest
Trillanes is the second senator critical of Duterte's drug war to be detained. Trillanes posted bail of 200,000 pesos ($3,770). Duterte has denied the allegations. -
Trump says no plans to meet Iran's Rouhani 'despite requests'
President Donald Trump is asking the world's nations to join the U.S.in isolating Iran over behavior he deems aggressive. Moon is expected to convey to Trump a personal message from Kim delivered at their inter-Korean talks last week.Cosby sentenced to prison, designated 'sexually violent predator'
The judge announced the plan after ruling that Cosby should be designated as a " sexually violent predator " under state law. Bill Cosby leaving the courthouse yesterday, about to enjoy his last night of house arrest before years of incarceration.Weather Authority: Rain showers likely on Tuesday
Sunday looks like a fine autumn day, with partly cloudy skies, and highs in the mid to upper 60s (19 to 20 degrees Celsius). Hazardous weather is expected near shore and in open waters from Maumee Bay to the Lake Erie Islands.