Trump, Xi talks "significant" for U.S.-China ties, officials sayApril 3, 2017 - 16:27 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The first summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping will be of "great significance" for global peace, the two countries' top diplomats agreed ahead of the meeting, according to AFP. News of the telephone call between the U.S. and Chinese top envoys came soon after the publication of an interview with Trump, in which he warned that America was prepared to act unilaterally to deal with North Korea's nuclear programme if Beijing proved unwilling to help. Surging regional tensions over Pyongyang's accelerating weapons programme are among a host of pressing issues that will be on the table when Xi visits Trump's Mar-a-Largo resort in Florida this Thursday, April 6 and Friday, as the two global powers look to smooth sometimes spiky relations. As the talks loom, China's chief diplomat Yang Jiechi and U.S. secretary of state Rex Tillerson agreed that the meeting was a "top priority", the Chinese ministry of foreign affairs said in a statement on its website. Yang said the discussions would be of "great significance" for the development of bilateral relations and for global peace, stability and prosperity. Tillerson echoed the sentiment, according to the statement, suggesting the summit was "extremely important" for the future of U.S.-China ties. The summit seemed a distant possibility just weeks ago after Trump infuriated Beijing with suggestions he might break from the U.S.'s long-standing One China Policy, which nominally acknowledges the country's claims over Taiwan without recognizing them. In a conciliatory phone call in mid-February, the U.S. president walked back his controversial comments on Taiwan, creating an opening for Washington and Beijing to discuss a meeting. But late last week, the billionaire politician tweeted that he anticipated a "very difficult" meeting with Xi. "We can no longer have enormous trade deficits... and job losses," he wrote. He also asked U.S. officials to pinpoint "cheaters" responsible for America's nearly $50 billion a month trade deficit, stating that countries or firms who broke the rules would face "very severe consequences". Though he named no specific country as a violator, Trump has repeatedly accused Beijing of "manipulating" its currency to favor exporters -- a charge which the Asian giant has fiercely protested. In an interview with the Financial Times published on Sunday, Trump said if China did not use its influence over the isolated Pyongyang regime to help the U.S. "it won’t be good for anyone". North Korea has stepped up ballistic missile tests and has staged five nuclear tests so far, including two last year. Beijing, increasingly frustrated with Pyongyang's nuclear and missile activities, has announced a suspension of all coal imports from the North until the end of the year. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. |