US President Donald Trump said he's decided to withdraw support for a treaty regulating the multibillion-dollar global arms trade.

It's the latest example of the Trump administration's dislike of international pacts.

Trump said on Friday that he has decided to revoke the United States' status as a signatory of the Arms Trade Treaty regulating international trade in conventional weapons, including small arms, battle tanks, combat aircraft and warships.

He said America was "rejecting this treaty" and "taking our signature back".

Trump made the announcement during a speech in Indianapolis to the National Rifle Association, which claims the treaty poses a threat to the Second Amendment.

The US signed the treaty in 2013 but never ratified it.

POOL

Indianapolis - 26 April 2019

1. Close-up US President Donald Trump saluting then walking to podium

2. SOUNDBITE (English) Donald Trump, US President: ++PARTIALLY OVERLAID++

"Today I'm proud to announce another historic step to protect your Second Amendment rights, and I didn't tell Chris (Cox) and Wayne (LaPierre) and Oliver (North), I didn't even tell them about it. So, they are listening in this big room someplace and they are saying, 'I wonder what he's going to do.' The good thing with me you never know. So in the last administration President Obama signed the UN Arms Trade Treaty and in its waning days in office he sent the treaty to the Senate to begin the ratification process. This treaty threatened your subjugate ... again and you know exactly what's going on here, your rights. And your constitutional and international rules and restrictions and regulations. Under my administration we will never surrender American sovereignty to anyone. We will never allow foreign bureaucrats to trample on your Second Amendment freedom. And that is why my administration will never ratify the UN Arms Trade Treaty. I hope you are happy."

4. Cutaway audience applauding

5. SOUNDBITE (English) Donald Trump, US President:

"I'm impressed. I didn't think too many of you would really know what it is. You know what it is?  A big, big factor. But I see a couple of very happy faces from the NRA over there. And I am officially announcing today that the United States will be revoking the effect of America's signature from this badly misguided treatment. We're taking our signature back."

6. Pan from Trump to audience

7. SOUNDBITE (English) Donald Trump, US President:

"I will sign right now, in front of a lot of witnesses. Like, a lot of witnesses, a message asking the Senate to discontinue the treaty ratification process and to return the now rejected treaty right back to me in the Oval Office, where I will dispose of it. By taking these acts we are reaffirming that American liberty is sacred and that American citizens live by American laws, not the laws of foreign countries."

8. Mid Trump showing signature to audience

President Donald Trump says the U.S. has decided to withdraw its support for a treaty regulating the multibillion-dollar global arms trade.

It's the latest example of the Trump administration's dislike of international pacts.

Trump said Friday that he has decided to revoke the United States' status as a signatory of the Arms Trade Treaty regulating international trade in conventional weapons, including small arms, battle tanks, combat aircraft and warships.

He says America is "rejecting this treaty" and "taking our signature back."

He made the announcement during a speech in Indianapolis, Indiana, to the National Rifle Association, which claims the treaty poses a threat to the Second Amendment.

The U.S. signed the treaty in 2013, but never ratified it.

POOL

Indianapolis - 26 April 2019

1. Close-up US President Donald Trump saluting then walking to podium

2. SOUNDBITE (English) Donald Trump, U.S. President: ++PARTIALLY OVERLAID++

"Today I'm proud to announce another historic step to protect your Second Amendment rights. And I didn't tell Chris (Cox) and Wayne (LaPierre) and Oliver (North) I didn't even tell them about it. So, they are listening in this big room someplace and they are saying, 'I wonder what he's going to do.' The good thing with me you never know. So in the last administration President Obama signed the U.N. Arms Trade Treaty and in its waning days in office he sent the treaty to the Senate to begin the ratification process. This treaty threatened your subjugate ... again and you know exactly what's going on here, your rights. And your constitutional and international rules and restrictions and regulations. Under my administration we will never surrender American sovereignty to anyone. We will never allow foreign bureaucrats to trample on your Second Amendment freedom. And that is why my administration will never ratify the UN Arms Trade Treaty. I hope you are happy."

4. Cutaway audience applauding

5. SOUNDBITE (English) Donald Trump, U.S. President:

"I'm impressed. I didn't think too many of you would really know what it is. You know what it is?  A big, big factor. But I see a couple of very happy faces from the NRA over there. And I am officially announcing today that the United States will be revoking the effect of America's signature from this badly misguided treatment.  We're taking our signature back."

6. Pan from Trump to audience

7. SOUNDBITE (English) Donald Trump, U.S. President:

"I will sign right now, in front of a lot of witnesses. Like, a lot of witnesses, a message asking the Senate to discontinue the treaty ratification process and to return the now rejected treaty right back to me in the Oval Office, where I will dispose of it. By taking these acts we are reaffirming that American liberty is sacred and that American citizens live by American laws, not the laws of foreign countries. "

8. Mid, Trump showing signature to audience

FOR CLEAN VERSION SEE STORY NUMBER: apus116058

President Donald Trump says the U.S. has decided to withdraw its support for a treaty regulating the multibillion-dollar global arms trade.

It's the latest example of the Trump administration's dislike of international pacts.

Trump said Friday that he has decided to revoke the United States' status as a signatory of the Arms Trade Treaty regulating international trade in conventional weapons, including small arms, battle tanks, combat aircraft and warships.

He says America is "rejecting this treaty" and "taking our signature back."

He made the announcement during a speech in Indianapolis, Indiana, to the National Rifle Association, which claims the treaty poses a threat to the Second Amendment.

The U.S. signed the treaty in 2013, but never ratified it.

POOL

Indianapolis - 26 April 2019

1. Close-up US President Donald Trump saluting then walking to podium

2. SOUNDBITE (English) Donald Trump, U.S. President: ++SOUNDBITE PARTIALLY OVERLAID++

"Today I'm proud to announce another historic step to protect your Second Amendment rights. And I didn't tell Chris (Cox) and Wayne (LaPierre) and Oliver (North) I didn't even tell them about it. So, they are listening in this big room someplace and they are saying, 'I wonder what he's going to do.' The good thing with me you never know, never know. So in the last administration President Obama signed the U.N. Arms Trade Treaty and in its waning days in office he sent the treaty to the Senate to begin the ratification process. This treaty threatened your subjugate ... again and you know exactly what's going on here, your rights. And your constitutional and international rules and restrictions and regulations. Under my administration we will never surrender American sovereignty. To anyone. We will never allow foreign bureaucrats to trample on your Second Amendment freedom. And that is why my administration will never ratify the UN Arms Trade Treaty. I hope you are happy."

3. Cutaway audience applauding

4. SOUNDBITE (English) Donald Trump, U.S. President:

"We're taking our signature back."

5. Pan from Trump to audience

6. SOUNDBITE (English) Donald Trump, U.S. President: ++SOUNDBITE PARTIALLY OVERLAID++

"By taking these acts we are reaffirming that American liberty is sacred and that American citizens live by American laws, not the laws of foreign countries. "

7. Mid, Trump signing and then showing signature to audience

Automotive executives Tuesday praised President Donald Trump, after holding a morning meeting with him in the White House, for his focus on growing jobs and investment in their industry.

Speaking to reporters after, Ford Motor Co. chief executive Mark Fields also welcomed the president's decision to withdraw from the TPP (Trans Pacific Partnership) trade agreement.

"We've been very vocal, both as an industry and as a company, and we've repeatedly said that the mother of all trade barriers is currency manipulation and TPP failed in meaningfully dealing with that and we appreciate the president's courage to walk away from a bad trade deal, " Fields said.

General Motors chief executive Mary Barra said there was "a huge opportunity working together as an industry with government, " to improve job creation, safety and the environment.

Trump told his guests Tuesday at the White House that he's looking to ease regulations to help auto companies and any other businesses wishing to do business in the U.S..

Washington, D.C. - 24 January 2017

1. Pan, auto CEOs leaving White House West Wing

2. SOUNDBITE (English) Mark Fields, Ford Motor Co. chief executive:

"Well, we just had a great conversation with the president and he is very focused on policies that will grow investment and jobs here in America and American industry and of course in the automotive industry, which is what we talked about this morning. As an industry, as an automotive industry, we employ many people across America. Good paying jobs from the people that work in our factories to manufacturers that support our plants with parts, to our wonderful dealers, who are literally in every community across America who help sell and service our vehicles and we are very encouraged by the president and the economic policies that he is forwarding. And I would just call out yesterday, the president's decision to withdraw from the TPP. We've been very vocal, both as an industry and as a company, and we've repeatedly said that the mother of all trade barriers is currency manipulation and TPP failed in meaningfully dealing with that and we appreciate the president's courage to walk away from a bad trade deal. So, I think as an industry, we are excited about working together with the president and his administration on tax policies, on regulation and on trade to really create a renaissance in American manufacturing. So, maybe Mary you want to say a few words?"

3. SOUNDBITE (English) Mary Barra, General Motors chief executive:

"Just to say that, I think that ... but I think there is a huge. There is a huge opportunity working together as an industry with government that we can do and improve the environment, improve safety and improve the jobs creation and the competitiveness of manufacturing and we are looking forward to all the elements that Mark talked about in order to do that."

4. Pan, Barra, Fields and Fiat Chrysler chairman Sergio Marchionne walking away from reporters

Automotive executives Tuesday praised President Donald Trump, after holding a morning meeting with him in the White House, for his focus on growing jobs and investment in their industry.

Speaking to reporters after, Ford Motor Co. chief executive Mark Fields also welcomed the president's decision to withdraw from the TPP (Trans Pacific Partnership) trade agreement.

General Motors chief executive Mary Barra said there was "a huge opportunity working together as an industry with government, " to improve job creation, safety and the environment.

Trump told his guests Tuesday at the White House that he's looking to ease regulations to help auto companies and any other businesses wishing to do business in the US.

Washington, D.C. - 24 January 2017

1. Pan, auto CEOs leaving White House West Wing

2. SOUNDBITE (English) Mark Fields, Ford Motor Co. chief executive:

"Well, we just had a great conversation with the president and he is very focused on policies that will grow investment and jobs here in America and American industry and of course in the automotive industry, which is what we talked about this morning. As an industry, as an automotive industry, we employ many people across America. Good paying jobs from the people that work in our factories to manufacturers that support our plants with parts, to our wonderful dealers, who are literally in every community across America who help sell and service our vehicles and we are very encouraged by the president and the economic policies that he is forwarding. And I would just call out yesterday, the president's decision to withdraw from the TPP. We've been very vocal, both as an industry and as a company, and we've repeatedly said that the mother of all trade barriers is currency manipulation and TPP failed in meaningfully dealing with that and we appreciate the president's courage to walk away from a bad trade deal. So, I think as an industry, we are excited about working together with the president and his administration on tax policies, on regulation and on trade to really create a renaissance in American manufacturing. So, maybe Mary you want to say a few words?"

3. SOUNDBITE (English) Mary Barra, General Motors chief executive:

"Just to say that, I think that ... but I think there is a huge. There is a huge opportunity working together as an industry with government that we can do and improve the environment, improve safety and improve the jobs creation and the competitiveness of manufacturing and we are looking forward to all the elements that Mark talked about to be able to do that."

4. Pan, Barra, Fields and Fiat Chrysler chairman Sergio Marchionne walking away from reporters

Automotive executives Tuesday praised President Donald Trump, after holding a morning meeting with him in the White House, for his focus on growing jobs and investment in their industry.

Speaking to reporters after, Ford Motor Co. chief executive Mark Fields also welcomed the president's decision to withdraw from the TPP (Trans Pacific Partnership) trade agreement.

"We've been very vocal, both as an industry and as a company, and we've repeatedly said that the mother of all trade barriers is currency manipulation and TPP failed in meaningfully dealing with that and we appreciate the president's courage to walk away from a bad trade deal, " Fields said.

General Motors chief executive Mary Barra said there was "a huge opportunity working together as an industry with government, " to improve job creation, safety and the environment.

Trump told his guests Tuesday at the White House that he's looking to ease regulations to help auto companies and any other businesses wishing to do business in the U.S..

Washington, D.C. - 24 January 2017

1. Pan, auto CEOs leaving White House West Wing

2. SOUNDBITE (English) Mark Fields, Ford Motor Co. chief executive:

"Well, we just had a great conversation with the president and he is very focused on policies that will grow investment and jobs here in America and American industry and of course in the automotive industry, which is what we talked about this morning. As an industry, as an automotive industry, we employ many people across America. Good paying jobs from the people that work in our factories to manufacturers that support our plants with parts, to our wonderful dealers, who are literally in every community across America who help sell and service our vehicles and we are very encouraged by the president and the economic policies that he is forwarding. And I would just call out yesterday, the president's decision to withdraw from the TPP. We've been very vocal, both as an industry and as a company, and we've repeatedly said that the mother of all trade barriers is currency manipulation and TPP failed in meaningfully dealing with that and we appreciate the president's courage to walk away from a bad trade deal. So, I think as an industry, we are excited about working together with the president and his administration on tax policies, on regulation and on trade to really create a renaissance in American manufacturing. So, maybe Mary you want to say a few words?"

3. SOUNDBITE (English) Mary Barra, General Motors chief executive:

"Just to say that, I think that ... but I think there is a huge. There is a huge opportunity working together as an industry with government that we can do and improve the environment, improve safety and improve the jobs creation and the competitiveness of manufacturing and we are looking forward to all the elements that Mark talked about in order to do that."

4. Pan, Barra, Fields and Fiat Chrysler chairman Sergio Marchionne walking away from reporters

Amid worsening trade tariffs between the world's two largest economies, the U.S.-China Business Council voiced concern on Tuesday over increased regulatory scrutiny by Chinese authorities on American firms.

China said Tuesday it will take "counter-measures" to U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to raise tariffs on $200 billion of Chinese imports and an American business group warned a "downward spiral" in their trade battle appears certain.

The Commerce Ministry gave no details of China's response to U.S. tariffs imposed in their fight over Chinese technology policy. But Beijing previously released a $60 billion list of American goods for retaliation.

China is running out of American imports for penalties in response to President Donald Trump's tariff hikes, which has prompted worries regulators might target operations of U.S. companies.

US-China Business Council Vice President of China Operations Jacob Parker said they are always on the "lookout for any additional regulatory scrutiny", including customs enforcement, anti-trust reviews and licensing processes.

The group represents some 200 American companies that do business with China.

The Trump administration announced the tariffs on some 5,000 Chinese-made goods will start at 10 percent, beginning Monday. They rise to 25 percent on January 1.

If China retaliates, Trump threatened Monday to add a further $267 billion in Chinese imports to the target list.

Separately, Mats Harbon, President of European Union Chamber of Commerce in China, on Tuesday lashed out at the latest announcement from the Trump administration.

FILE: Tianjin - 27 February 2012

1. Various of Tianjin port and containers being loaded onto a ship

Beijing - 18 September 2018

2. Various of Jacob Parker, US-China Business Council, Vice President of China Operations

3. SOUNDBITE (English) Jacob Parker, US-China Business Council, Vice President of China Operations:

"So we think that the initial impact of this new tariffs are unlikely to be felt much by consumers in the next few months. However, tariffs will of course impact our companies' pricing in the medium and long term, as they continue to need to figure out where the costs will go. Many have told us they will try to pass along some of that cost to their suppliers, some of that cost to the consumers and customers, but in reality the impact will also be felt on their margin. One of the biggest concerns our companies tell us about is that US products will become increasingly less competitive with those of their Japanese, European and domestic Chinese competitors, so the American tariffs unfortunately are not only attacks on the American consumer, but they're also making US companies less competitive in the global community."

4. Parker talking

5. SOUNDBITE (English) Jacob Parker, US-China Business Council, Vice President of China Operations:

"We're always on the lookout for any additional regulatory scrutiny, whether it be through increased customs enforcement, whether it be through politicization of anti-trust reviews, local administrative licensing processes, or advertising law violations at the local level, our companies have indicated that these types of actions continue to occur, however it's difficult to find a causative link between the US China trade conflict, the imposition of tariffs, and the resulting regulatory challenges our companies are facing at the local level. One thing we know for sure is that the Chinese government has been having concerted conversations with Chinese domestic companies both state owned and private, to diversify away from US company products and services."

6. Various of the European Chamber of Commerce in China press conference

7. SOUNDBITE (English) Mats Harbon, President of European Union Chamber of Commerce in China:

"We think that what the US is doing right now is economic madness. This is not going to help to deal with the problems that we have both identified, we believe that it is with further engagement that we can solve problems. We will not pressure China into substantial change. Changes will have to come because they are seen as being good for the development of the Chinese economy."

8. Reporters taking notes

9. SOUNDBITE (English) Mats Harbon, President of European Union Chamber of Commerce in China:

"This will lead to negative sentiment, and negative sentiment and uncertainty is the worst thing we can see as businesspeople."

FILE: Beijing - 8 April 2015

10. Various of shops, including handbags and belts

FILE: Wenzhou - 25 October 2011

11. Various of textile market

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Thursday blamed the economic sanctions imposed by the United States against Venezuela for the severe food and medicine shortages in the country.

"Today, there is more awareness due to the economic war overtly waged by President Donald Trump against Venezuela, the sanctions against the oil company PDVSA, the expropriation of our oil company in the United States, CITGO, restrictions on trade," Maduro said during an interview with The Associated Press in Caracas.

"They have frozen billions of dollars for buying medicine."

The hand-picked successor to the late Hugo Chavez has been called a dictator by his critics and is blamed for driving the oil-rich economy into the ground.

Thursday's interview comes amid mounting pressure by the U.S. administration and dozens of nations for him to leave power.

Maduro accuses the U.S. of leading an economic war to undermine his socialist vision and launching a coup aimed at installing a puppet government under opposition leader Juan Guaido.

Caracas, Venezuela - 14 February 2019

1. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro sitting down for an exclusive interview with The Associated Press

2. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Nicolas Maduro, President of Venezuela:

"The great majority of the country, according to the polls, are very aware of the economic war that has been waged against the country. Today, there is more awareness due to the economic war overtly waged by President Donald Trump against Venezuela, the sanctions against the oil company PDVSA, the expropriation of our oil company in the United States, CITGO, restrictions on trade. Notice what is happening, whether we have the support of the majority or not, beyond this, I am going to respond to your question, today there is a great understanding in the country of the damage that was done by the sanctions and the economic, financial persecution, that the government of United States has waged against Venezuela."

3. Wide of interview

++PARTALLY COVERED++

4. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Nicolas Maduro, President of Venezuela:

"Pressure is being put on Venezuela so as not to bring shipments of medicine, to try to stop our purchases of food, of raw materials. (There is) direct pressure from the White House, so that no bank account of ours works, and if I were to buy wheat or corn, which are necessary for the economy to function, and to satisfy our people, they simply freeze our accounts. They have frozen billions of dollars for buying medicine."

5. Maduro shaking hands with AP interviewer

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Thursday blamed the economic sanctions imposed by the United States against Venezuela for the severe food and medicine shortages in the country.

"Today, there is more awareness due to the economic war overtly waged by President Donald Trump against Venezuela, the sanctions against the oil company PDVSA, the expropriation of our oil company in the United States, CITGO, restrictions on trade," Maduro said during an interview with The Associated Press in Caracas.

"They have frozen billions of dollars for buying medicine."

The hand-picked successor to the late Hugo Chavez has been called a dictator by his critics and is blamed for driving the oil-rich economy into the ground.

Thursday's interview comes amid mounting pressure by the U.S. administration and dozens of nations for him to leave power.

Maduro accuses the U.S. of leading an economic war to undermine his socialist vision and launching a coup aimed at installing a puppet government under opposition leader Juan Guaido.

Caracas - 14 February 2019

1. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro sitting down for an exclusive interview with The Associated Press

2. Maduro sitting during interview

3. Wide of interview

4. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Nicolas Maduro, President of Venezuela:

"The great majority of the country, according to the polls, are very aware of the economic war that has been waged against the country. Today, there is more awareness due to the economic war overtly waged by President Donald Trump against Venezuela, the sanctions against the oil company PDVSA, the expropriation of our oil company in the United States, CITGO, restrictions on trade. Notice what is happening, whether we have the support of the majority or not, beyond this, I am going to respond to your question, today there is a great understanding in the country of the damage that was done by the sanctions and the economic, financial persecution, that the government of United States has waged against Venezuela."

5. Various of Maduro during interview

6. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Nicolas Maduro, President of Venezuela:

"Pressure is being put on Venezuela so as not to bring shipments of medicine, to try to stop our purchases of food, of raw materials. (There is) direct pressure from the White House, so that no bank account of ours works, and if I were to buy wheat or corn, which are necessary for the economy to function, and to satisfy our people, they simply freeze our accounts. They have frozen billions of dollars for buying medicine."

7. Maduro holding small copy of Venezuelan constitution

8. Wide of interview

9. Maduro shaking hands with AP interviewer

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Thursday blamed the economic sanctions imposed by the United States against Venezuela for the severe food and medicine shortages in the country.

"Today, there is more awareness due to the economic war overtly waged by President Donald Trump against Venezuela, the sanctions against the oil company PDVSA, the expropriation of our oil company in the United States, CITGO, restrictions on trade," Maduro said during an interview with The Associated Press in Caracas.

"They have frozen billions of dollars for buying medicine."

The hand-picked successor to the late Hugo Chavez has been called a dictator by his critics and is blamed for driving the oil-rich economy into the ground.

Thursday's interview comes amid mounting pressure by the U.S. administration and dozens of nations for him to leave power.

Maduro accuses the U.S. of leading an economic war to undermine his socialist vision and launching a coup aimed at installing a puppet government under opposition leader Juan Guaido.

Caracas - 14 February 2019

1. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro sitting down for an exclusive interview with The Associated Press

2. Maduro sitting during interview

3. Wide of interview

4. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Nicolas Maduro, President of Venezuela:

"The great majority of the country, according to the polls, are very aware of the economic war that has been waged against the country. Today, there is more awareness due to the economic war overtly waged by President Donald Trump against Venezuela, the sanctions against the oil company PDVSA, the expropriation of our oil company in the United States, CITGO, restrictions on trade. Notice what is happening, Ian, whether we have the support of the majority or not, beyond this, I am going to respond to your question, today there is a great understanding in the country of the damage that was done by the sanctions and the economic, financial persecution, that the government of United States has waged against Venezuela."

5. Various of Maduro during interview

6. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Nicolas Maduro, President of Venezuela:

"Pressure is being put on Venezuela so as not to bring shipments of medicine, to try to stop our purchases of food, of raw materials. (There is) direct pressure from the White House, so that no bank account of ours works, and if I were to buy wheat or corn, which are necessary for the economy to function, and to satisfy our people, they simply freeze our accounts. They have frozen billions of dollars for buying medicine."

7. Maduro holding small copy of Venezuelan constitution

8. Wide of interview

9. Maduro shaking hands with Ian Phillips, AP Vice President of International News

Cuban and US trade representatives kicked off a two-day conference on Thursday to explore expanding American agricultural exports to the island nation.

A potential $1.5 billion market opportunity has been shrinking under the pressure of strained relations between the Trump administration and Cuba, and financial restrictions imposed by an American trade embargo.

Top officials from the Cuba's  Agricultural Ministry met with a combined U.S. delegation of businessmen and members of Congress members to discuss ways to open the Cuban market to exporters of American farm products.

US businesses once exported hundreds of millions of dollars of soybeans, pork, chicken and other products a year to the island, but have seen their share of agriculture exports shrink to a trickle over the last few years.

US Republican Congressman Rick Crawford, who was part of the delegation, said the mid-term election results, with a Democratic-led U.S. House of Representatives, could lead to an opening for U.S. agricultural exporters, but only if the new Congress takes a bipartisan approach to easing trade restrictions.

Cuba's government called on the new Democratic majority in the US House of Representatives to take measures to ease tensions and trade restrictions, saying the island hopes the normalisation process begun in 2014 will continue despite opposition by anti-Cuban Government interest groups.

American business interests in Cuba remains strong, according to the delegation, and some say they are optimistic a new US Congress will move to ease diplomatic and trade tensions that have slowed American investment on the island.

Artemisa - 1 November 2018

1. Wide of farm field

2. Sign designating location as an agricultural cooperative

3. Peppers on vine

4. A farn worker tending plants

5. Pepper plants

6. Worker tending plants

ASSOCIATED PRESS - AP CLIENTS ONLY

Havana - 8 November 2018

7. US Republican Congressman Rick Crawford walking towards camera

8. SOUNDBITE (English) Rick Crawford, US Congressman, :

"That's going to be entirely up to them and their leadership (New Democratic majority in the United States Congress). If they choose to take a positive direction and focus on issues, versus focusing on taking punitive action against the (Trump) administration it will be up to them to determine. What we have been told, is they want to take a bipartisan approach. Time will tell."

9. Various of news conference on the possible expansion of US-Cuban agricultural exchanges

10. Jose Rodriguez de Armas, Cuban Vice-Minister of Agriculture (seated first from right, wearing glasses) at conference

11. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Jose Rodriguez de Armas, Cuban Vice-Minister of Agriculture:

"We call on (US) Congress to take measures against those who want to derail the normaliSation process and the progress on our economic relations."

12. Wide conference

Cuban and US trade representatives kicked off a two-day conference on Thursday to explore expanding American agricultural exports to the island nation.

A potential $1.5 billion market opportunity has been shrinking under the pressure of strained relations between the Trump administration and Cuba, and financial restrictions imposed by an American trade embargo.

Top officials from the Cuba's  Agricultural Ministry met with a combined U.S. delegation of businessmen and members of Congress members to discuss ways to open the Cuban market to exporters of American farm products.

US businesses once exported hundreds of millions of dollars of soybeans, pork, chicken and other products a year to the island, but have seen their share of agriculture exports shrink to a trickle over the last few years.

US Republican Congressman Rick Crawford, who was part of the delegation, said the mid-term election results, with a Democratic-led U.S. House of Representatives, could lead to an opening for U.S. agricultural exporters, but only if the new Congress takes a bipartisan approach to easing trade restrictions.

Cuba's government called on the new Democratic majority in the US House of Representatives to take measures to ease tensions and trade restrictions, saying the island hopes the normalisation process begun in 2014 will continue despite opposition by anti-Cuban Government interest groups.

American business interests in Cuba remains strong, according to the delegation, and some say they are optimistic a new US Congress will move to ease diplomatic and trade tensions that have slowed American investment on the island.

Artemisa - 1 November 2018

1. Wide of farm field

2. Sign desingating location as an agricultural cooperative

3. Peppers on vine

4. A farn worker tending plants

5. Pepper plants

6. Worker tending plants

Havana - 8 November 2018

7. US Republican Congressman Rick Crawford walking towards camera

8. SOUNDBITE (English) Rick Crawford, US Congressman, :

"That's going to be entirely up to them and their leadership (New Democratic majority in the United States Congress). If they choose to take a positive direction and focus on issues, versus focusing on taking punitive action against the (Trump) administration it will be up to them to determine. What we have been told, is they want to take a bipartisan approach. Time will tell."

9. Various of news conference on the possible expansion of US-Cuban agricultural exchanges

10. Jose Rodriguez de Armas, Cuban Vice-Minister of Agriculture (seated first from right, wearing glasses) at conference

11. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Jose Rodriguez de Armas, Cuban Vice-Minister of Agriculture:

"We call on (US) Congress to take measures against those who want to derail the normaliSation process and the progress on our economic relations."

12. Wide conference

China on Wednesday issued a 50 billion US dollar list of US goods including soybeans and aircraft targeted for possible retaliation in an escalating technology dispute with Washington that companies worry could set back the global economic recovery.

"The US has its list, we have our own. Let's wait and see, what's coming will come, very soon," said Geng Shuang, spokesman of China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs at a regular briefing in Beijing.

"Any attempts to bring China to its knees through threats and intimidation never succeeded in history, and will by no means succeed today either" Geng added.

The Chinese tax agency said a date for imposing the 25 percent increase would be announced later, depending on whether Washington goes ahead with plans to raise duties on a similar amount of Chinese goods.

The list of 106 products included the biggest US exports to China, reflecting Beijing's intense sensitivity to the dispute over complaints it pressures foreign companies to hand over technology.

The increase mirrors the possible 25 percent tariffs announced Tuesday by the Trump administration on goods including aerospace, telecoms and machinery.

The clash reflects the tension between Trump's promises to narrow the multibillion-dollar US trade deficit with China and the ruling Communist Party's ambitious development plans.

Those include using access to China's vast market as leverage to induce foreign automakers and other companies to help create or improve industry and technology.

China said it would immediately challenge the US move in the World Trade Organisation.

Beijing - 4 April 2018

1. Wide of briefing

2. Cutaway of reporter

3. SOUNDBITE (Mandarin) Geng Shuang, spokesperson, Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs:

"Our door to dialogue and negotiation remains open. Actually, China and the United States have been in communication over the relevant issue. With regard to resolving this issue through dialogue and negotiation, China has expressed sufficient sincerity and made enormous efforts. But the opportunities to solve the issue properly through dialogue and negation have been missed by the US sides time after time. We hope the US will have a clear understanding of the situation, keep level-headed, heed the calls from its business communities and ordinary people, abandon unilateralist and protectionist practices as soon as possible, and engage in dialogue and negotiation with China to settle differences in terms of bilateral trade. Also, we hope the negation will be conducted based on international law and trade rules, not on the domestic laws of the US. The negotiation should be done in the spirit of mutual respect and equal treatment, instead of being coerced by one party unilaterally and condescendingly. We hope the negotiation will be a demonstration of our mutual understanding and give-and-take, rather than an occasion for one party threatening another with senseless and unreasonable demands."

4. Mid of reporter

5. SOUNDBITE (Mandarin) Geng Shuang, spokesperson, Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs:

"In response to the US proposed list of Chinese products that could be subject to addition tariffs under Section 301 investigation, China will immediately refer the relevant US practice to the WTO (World Trade Organisation) dispute settlement system. Meanwhile, in accordance with the relevant stipulations of the Foreign Trade Law of the People's Republic of China, we will take proportionate measures of the same intensity and scale on US products. As I said yesterday, the US has its list, we have our own. Let's wait and see, what's coming will come, very soon. "

6. Mid of reporters

7.SOUNDBITE (Mandarin) Geng Shuang, spokesperson, Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs:

"We kept saying that there is no winner in a trade war, the country who wages the trade war will harm both others and itself ultimately. The US will be taking the brunt of its measures. We have noted that the US business communities, ordinary consumers, media and think tanks all have expressed concerns over the serious consequences that could be caused by the relevant practice. Many countries and international organisations have also expressed concerns and objections to the US measures of unilateralism and protectionism. We hope the US will take heed of those reasonable and realistic calls, discard its wrongful actions sooner rather than later, return to the right track of dialogue and negotiation, and win-win cooperation. As for the impact the measures by the US might exert on China, I believe there will be some effects definitely, but China can afford that. Looking back on our 40-year reform and opening up, we have undergone many challenges and difficulties, as well as disturbance and suppressions, but just in the process of overcoming and coping with these setbacks, we have built up our confidence and become stronger. Any attempts to bring China to its knees through threats and intimidation never succeeded in history, and will by no means succeed today either. "

8. Mid of journalist

9. End of briefing

Japan's finance minister Taro Aso on Friday said China and Japan agreed to maintain a multilateral, free and open rules-based trade system, and the minister said protectionism and inward-looking policies "do not benefit any country."

Aso spoke to reporters in Beijing after meeting his counterpart Liu Kun and other finance and central bank officials.

The meeting between Asia's two biggest economies comes amid deepening trade rifts between China and the United States.

The Trump administration has raised duties on a total of $50 billion of Chinese imports that Washington says benefit from improper policies. China retaliated with similar penalties.

The U.S. is poised to raise duties on an additional $200 billion of imports, and Beijing has issued a list of American goods for retaliation.

Japan has treaded carefully over the past months, neither publicly condoning nor criticising the tariffs between US and China.

Asked by a reporter for his views on China's trade regulations that are restrictive to foreign investors, Aso admitted Chinese regulations were "different" from Japanese standards, but that such differences are common.

Aso said talks were held in an amicable atmosphere.

"I think these talks had the best atmosphere so far, compared to previous talks - that is the biggest achievement," Aso said. "It wasn't thorny."

In a statement released by the Finance Ministry, the two sides had also agreed to expand cooperation in investments, financial markets and supervision, and exchanged views on economic cooperation in third countries.

Beijing - 31 August 2018

1. Japan's finance minister Taro Aso walking to podium

2. Reporters

3. SOUNDBITE (Japanese) Taro Aso, Japan's finance minister:

"On trade, we agreed that protectionist measures that lead to inward-looking policies do not benefit any country, and to maintain and propel a multilateral, free and open rules-based trade system."

4. Aso listening to reporter's questions

5. SOUNDBITE (Japanese) Taro Aso, Japan's finance minister:

"It is clear, the Chinese have it in a unilateral way, in which goods are imported in a way that is good for them. So what they mean by regulations, and our definition of regulations, are different, but that is quite a common phenomenon. So in this case what is important is that we have their word that they would make things free. Once we have that, we can use their word in future negotiations and say, you said at the time that you would move things towards having a free market. The point is that these keywords have been included and written down."

6. Reporters

7. SOUNDBITE (Japanese) Taro Aso, Japan's finance minister:

"I think these talks had the best atmosphere so far, compared to previous talks - that is the biggest achievement. It wasn't thorny."

8. Aso leaving