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

House Speaker Paul Ryan dismissed President Donald Trump's plan to revoke security clearances from top former national security officials as just a mild form of "trolling," rather than a serious attack on dissent.

The GOP leader shrugged off the White House plan Tuesday, saying, "I think he's trolling people, honestly."

Ryan said the issue of who is able to access security clearances falls within the purview of the executive branch, rather than Congress. He seemed intent on leaving it to the White House to decide. Ryan says, "It's not really in our purview."

He dismissed Trump's threat to revoke the clearances of top former national security officials as simply the president's way of needling his opponents.

"I think he's just trolling people," Ryan said.

The White House on Monday said it was looking into revoking clearances for top former officials who have "politicized" their public service and security clearances by making "baseless accusations" that the Trump administration had improper contact with Russia or was influenced by Russia.

Ryan also responded to a question about President Vladimir Putin's possible visit to Washington this fall, saying he "certainly will not be giving him an invitation to do a joint session (address to Congress.) That's something we reserve for allies."

Ryan also said lawmakers are making the case to President Donald Trump that tariffs are "not the way to go."

The Republican leader told reporters Tuesday, "I've made it pretty clear I don't think tariffs are the right answer."

Ryan's remarks came a couple hours after Trump tweeted that "Tariffs are the greatest!" and threatened to impose additional penalties on U.S. trading partners.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Washington - 24 July 2018

1. Various of press conference with US House Republican leaders

2. SOUNDBITE: (English) Rep. Paul Ryan, Speaker of the House: (responding to question on Trump's possible plan to revoke security clearances)

"I think he's trolling people, honestly. This is something that's in the purview of the executive branch. I think some of these people have already lost their clearances. Some people keep their clearances. That's something that the executive branch deals with. That's not really in our purview. ... I think he's just trolling people."

3. Various of press conference

4. SOUNDBITE: (English) Rep. Paul Ryan, Speaker of the House: (responding to question about Russian President Vladimir Putin's possible visit to U.S.)

"Well, we certainly will not be giving him an invitation to do a joint session. That's something we reserve for allies. Look, I'm comfortable having presidents sit down and have one on ones with foreign leaders. But what I think matters is the message, and if the message is, 'stop meddling in our country, stop violating our sovereignty,' then I support that. But it's the message that counts. (Reporter: Could the president be firmer on that message?)  I think we can always be firmer on that message.

5. Various of press conference

6. SOUNDBITE: (English) Rep. Paul Ryan, Speaker of the House:

"I've made it pretty clear, I don't think tariffs are the right answer. I don't support tariffs. I think tariffs are taxes and I think there are better tools that we can use to hold abusers of trade laws and ... countries that perpetuate unfair trade practices, I think there are better tools to use to get them to play fairly. So I just don't think the tariff route is the smart way to go. I understand the president's plan. I understand what he's trying to do and the goal he's trying to achieve is a good one -- a better deal for Americans, better trade agreements. I just don't think tariffs are the way to go. And our members are making that pretty clear."

7. Ryan leaves

House Speaker Paul Ryan dismissed President Donald Trump's plan to revoke security clearances from top former national security officials as just a mild form of "trolling," rather than a serious attack on dissent.

The GOP leader shrugged off the White House plan Tuesday, saying, "I think he's trolling people, honestly."

Ryan said the issue of who is able to access security clearances falls within the purview of the executive branch, rather than Congress. He seemed intent on leaving it to the White House to decide. Ryan says, "It's not really in our purview."

He dismissed Trump's threat to revoke the clearances of top former national security officials as simply the president's way of needling his opponents.

"I think he's just trolling people," Ryan said.

The White House on Monday said it was looking into revoking clearances for top former officials who have "politicized" their public service and security clearances by making "baseless accusations" that the Trump administration had improper contact with Russia or was influenced by Russia.

Ryan also responded to a question about President Vladimir Putin's possible visit to Washington this fall, saying he "certainly will not be giving him an invitation to do a joint session (address to Congress.) That's something we reserve for allies."

Ryan also said lawmakers are making the case to President Donald Trump that tariffs are "not the way to go."

The Republican leader told reporters Tuesday, "I've made it pretty clear I don't think tariffs are the right answer."

Ryan's remarks came a couple hours after Trump tweeted that "Tariffs are the greatest!" and threatened to impose additional penalties on U.S. trading partners.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Washington - 24 July 2018

1. Various of press conference with US House Republican leaders

2. SOUNDBITE: (English) Rep. Paul Ryan, Speaker of the House: (responding to question on Trump's possible plan to revoke security clearances)

"I think he's trolling people, honestly. This is something that's in the purview of the executive branch. I think some of these people have already lost their clearances. Some people keep their clearances. That's something that the executive branch deals with. That's not really in our purview. ... I think he's just trolling people."

3. Various of press conference

4. SOUNDBITE: (English) Rep. Paul Ryan, Speaker of the House: (responding to question about Russian President Vladimir Putin's possible visit to U.S.)

"Well, we certainly will not be giving him an invitation to do a joint session. That's something we reserve for allies. Look, I'm comfortable having presidents sit down and have one on ones with foreign leaders. But what I think matters is the message, and if the message is, 'stop meddling in our country, stop violating our sovereignty,' then I support that. But it's the message that counts. (Reporter: Could the president be firmer on that message?)  I think we can always be firmer on that message.

5. Various of press conference

6. SOUNDBITE: (English) Rep. Paul Ryan, Speaker of the House:

"I've made it pretty clear, I don't think tariffs are the right answer. I don't support tariffs. I think tariffs are taxes and I think there are better tools that we can use to hold abusers of trade laws and ... countries that perpetuate unfair trade practices, I think there are better tools to use to get them to play fairly. So I just don't think the tariff route is the smart way to go. I understand the president's plan. I understand what he's trying to do and the goal he's trying to achieve is a good one -- a better deal for Americans, better trade agreements. I just don't think tariffs are the way to go. And our members are making that pretty clear."

7. Ryan leaves

RESTRICTION SUMMARY: AP CLIENTS ONLY

SHOTLIST:

POOL - AP CLIENTS ONLY

Kenosha, Wisconsin - 18 April 2017

++SOUNDBITES SEPARATED BY BLACK++

1. President Donald Trump walks out to make speech

2. SOUNDBITE (English) President Donald Trump:

"The optimism in this room is the same incredible spirit that is sweeping across our country and even greater than that great day in November, when I won the state of Wisconsin and when we won the presidency, that was a great day, have to say." (Cheering)

3. SOUNDBITE (English) President Donald Trump:

"No administration has accomplished more in the first 90 days, that includes on military, on the border, on trade, on regulation, on law enforcement, we love our law enforcement and on government reform. Today we're building on that optimism and I'm proud to announce that we are about to take bold new steps to follow through on my pledge to buy American and hire American." (Clapping)

4. SOUNDBITE (English) President Donald Trump:

"Made in the USA. For too long we have watched as our factories have been closed and our jobs have been sent to other far away lands. We have lost 70,000 factories since China joined the World Trade Organization and you've seen that, you've heard about it. 70,000, the World Trade Organization, another one of our disasters. But this election, the American people voted to end the theft of American prosperity, they voted to bring back their jobs and bring back their dreams, into our country."

5. SOUNDBITE (English) President Donald Trump:

"In just a few moments, I will be signing a Buy American, Hire American executive order. You have not heard about that in a long time in this country. With this action we are sending a powerful signal to the world, we are going to defend our workers, protect our jobs, and finally put America first." (Cheering)

6. SOUNDBITE (English) President Donald Trump:

"My thanks go to Speaker Ryan who is representing the city for nearly two decades in Congress and you know where he is? He's with NATO and so he has a good excuse, so I said Ron, make sure these countries start paying a bit more, they are way, way behind Ron. We are going to, I'm going to talk to you about that Ron, but Paul you are over with NATO so get them to pay their bill and Ron you have to work on that too and Scott, you are right here in Wisconsin, we will keep you right here."

7. Cutaway of crowd

STORYLINE:

U.S. President Donald Trump hopes to revive the economic populism that helped drive his election campaign, signing an order Tuesday in Wisconsin to tighten rules on technology companies bringing in highly skilled foreign workers.

The president is targeting the H-1B visa program, which the White House says undercuts U.S. workers by bringing in large numbers of cheaper, foreign workers, driving down wages.

He was signing the directive at Snap-on Inc. in Kenosha, Wisconsin, a state he narrowly carried in November on the strength of support from white, working-class voters.

Trump currently has only a 41 percent approval rating in the state.

The tech industry has argued that the H-1B program is needed because it encourages students to stay in the U.S. after getting degrees in high-tech specialties - and companies can't always find enough American workers with the skills they need.

The new order would direct U.S. agencies to propose rules to prevent immigration fraud and abuse in the program.

===========================================================

Clients are reminded:

(i) to check the terms of their licence agreements for use of content outside news programming and that further advice and assistance can be obtained from the AP Archive on: Tel +44 (0) 20 7482 7482 Email: info@aparchive.com

(ii) they should check with the applicable collecting society in their Territory regarding the clearance of any sound recording or performance included within the AP Television News service

(iii) they have editorial responsibility for the use of all and any content included within the AP Television News service and for libel, privacy, compliance and third party rights applicable to their Territory.

RESTRICTION SUMMARY: AP CLIENTS ONLY

SHOTLIST:

POOL - AP CLIENTS ONLY

Kenosha, Wisconsin - 18 April 2017

++SOUNDBITES SEPARATED BY WHITE FLASHES++

1. SOUNDBITE (English) President Donald Trump:

"No administration has accomplished more in the first 90 days, that includes on military, on the border, on trade, on regulation, on law enforcement, we love our law enforcement and on government reform. Today we're building on that optimism and I'm proud to announce that we are about to take bold new steps to follow through on my pledge to buy American and hire American." (Clapping)

2. SOUNDBITE (English) President Donald Trump:

"For too long we have watched as our factories have been closed and our jobs have been sent to other far away lands. We have lost 70,000 factories since China joined the World Trade Organization and you've seen that, you've heard about it. 70,000, the World Trade Organization, another one of our disasters. But this election, the American people voted to end the theft of American prosperity, they voted to bring back their jobs and bring back their dreams, into our country."

3. SOUNDBITE (English) President Donald Trump:

"In just a few moments, I will be signing a Buy American, Hire American executive order. You have not heard about that in a long time in this country. With this action we are sending a powerful signal to the world, we are going to defend our workers, protect our jobs, and finally put America first." (Cheering)

STORYLINE:

U.S. President Donald Trump hopes to revive the economic populism that helped drive his election campaign, signing an order Tuesday in Wisconsin to tighten rules on technology companies bringing in highly skilled foreign workers.

The president is targeting the H-1B visa program, which the White House says undercuts U.S. workers by bringing in large numbers of cheaper, foreign workers, driving down wages.

He was signing the directive at Snap-on Inc. in Kenosha, Wisconsin, a state he narrowly carried in November on the strength of support from white, working-class voters.

Trump currently has only a 41 percent approval rating in the state.

The tech industry has argued that the H-1B program is needed because it encourages students to stay in the U.S. after getting degrees in high-tech specialties - and companies can't always find enough American workers with the skills they need.

The new order would direct U.S. agencies to propose rules to prevent immigration fraud and abuse in the program.

===========================================================

Clients are reminded:

(i) to check the terms of their licence agreements for use of content outside news programming and that further advice and assistance can be obtained from the AP Archive on: Tel +44 (0) 20 7482 7482 Email: info@aparchive.com

(ii) they should check with the applicable collecting society in their Territory regarding the clearance of any sound recording or performance included within the AP Television News service

(iii) they have editorial responsibility for the use of all and any content included within the AP Television News service and for libel, privacy, compliance and third party rights applicable to their Territory.

President Donald Trump is directing the administration to investigate whether steel imports are jeopardizing U.S. national security.

In the Oval Office on Thursday, Trump signed a memo ordering the investigation while surrounded by executives from U.S. steel-makers.

A 1960s trade law gives the president authority to restrict imports if they are determined to be harmful to U.S. security interests.

The law requires that the investigation be concluded within 270 days.

Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross says the timeline will be expedited.

U.S. prominence in the steel industry has been slipping for decades.

According to the Belgium-based World Steel Association, American-made steel once accounted for roughly 20 percent of global production, but had slipped to less than 5 percent by 2015.

China made up less than 3 percent of U.S. steel imports.

Washington - April 20, 2017

1. President Donald Trump seated in Oval Office

2. SOUNDBITE (English) Donald Trump, U.S. President

"We're going to fight for American workers and American made steel, and that's beginning immediately. For decades America has lost our jobs and our factories to unfair foreign trade. And one steel mill after another has been shut down, abandoned and closed and we're going to reverse that. Other countries have made a living taking advantage of the United States in so many ways, as you know, and I've been talking about that for a long time."

3. Trump seated in Oval Office

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

"Today I'm directing that the Department of Commerce to immediately prioritize the investigation that began yesterday and really long before that, because Wilbur and I have been working on that for a long time, into foreign steel arriving into our markets. And to submit a reports on these effects into the foreign steel products on the national security of the United States. It's not just a price thing, it's not just employment, it also has to do with the national security of our country."

5. Trump seated in Oval Office

6. SOUNDBITE (English) Donald Trump, U.S. President

"This investigation will look at how steel imports are impacting United States national security, taking into account foreign practices such as steel dumping, dumping is a tremendous problem in this country. They're dumping vast amounts of steel in our country and they're really hurting not only our country but our companies."

7. Trump seated in Oval Office

8. SOUNDBITE (English) Donald Trump, U.S. President

"From now on we're going to stand up for American jobs, workers, their security and for American steel companies, and companies generally. Today's action is the next vital step in making America strong and prosperous once again."

9. Applause

10. Trump signing memo

President Donald Trump is directing the administration to investigate whether steel imports are jeopardizing U.S. national security.

In the Oval Office on Thursday, Trump signed a memo ordering the investigation while surrounded by executives from U.S. steel-makers.

A 1960s trade law gives the president authority to restrict imports if they are determined to be harmful to U.S. security interests. The law requires that the investigation be concluded within 270 days. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross says the timeline will be expedited.

U.S. prominence in the steel industry has been slipping for decades.

According to the Belgium-based World Steel Association, American-made steel once accounted for roughly 20 percent of global production, but had slipped to less than 5 percent by 2015.

China made up less than 3 percent of U.S. steel imports.

Washington - April 20, 2017

1. President Donald Trump seated in Oval Office

2. SOUNDBITE (English) U.S. President Donald Trump:

"We're going to fight for American workers and American made steel, and that's beginning immediately. For decades America has lost our jobs and our factories to unfair foreign trade. And one steel mill after another has been shut down, abandoned and closed and we're going to reverse that. Other countries have made a living taking advantage of the United States in so many ways, as you know, and I've been talking about that for a long time."

3. Trump seated in Oval Office

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

"Today I'm directing that the Department of Commerce to immediately prioritize the investigation that began yesterday and really long before that, because Wilbur and I have been working on that for a long time, into foreign steel arriving into our markets. And to submit a reports on these effects into the foreign steel products on the national security of the United States. It's not just a price thing, it's not just employment, it also has to do with the national security of our country."

5. Trump seated in Oval Office

6. SOUNDBITE (English) U.S. President Donald Trump:

"This investigation will look at how steel imports are impacting United States national security, taking into account foreign practices such as steel dumping, dumping is a tremendous problem in this country. They're dumping vast amounts of steel in our country and they're really hurting not only our country but our companies."

7. Trump seated in Oval Office

8. SOUNDBITE (English) U.S. President Donald Trump:

"From now on we're going to stand up for American jobs, workers, their security and for American steel companies, and companies generally. Today's action is the next vital step in making America strong and prosperous once again."

9. Applause

10. Trump signing memo

President Donald Trump is directing the administration to investigate whether steel imports are jeopardizing U.S. national security.

In the Oval Office on Thursday, Trump signed a memo ordering the investigation while surrounded by executives from U.S. steel-makers.

A 1960s trade law gives the president authority to restrict imports if they are determined to be harmful to U.S. security interests. The law requires that the investigation be concluded within 270 days. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross says the timeline will be expedited.

U.S. prominence in the steel industry has been slipping for decades.

According to the Belgium-based World Steel Association, American-made steel once accounted for roughly 20 percent of global production, but had slipped to less than 5 percent by 2015.

China made up less than 3 percent of U.S. steel imports.

Washington - April 20, 2017

1. President Donald Trump seated in Oval Office

2. SOUNDBITE (English) U.S. President Donald Trump:

"We're going to fight for American workers and American made steel, and that's beginning immediately. For decades America has lost our jobs and our factories to unfair foreign trade. And one steel mill after another has been shut down, abandoned and closed and we're going to reverse that. Other countries have made a living taking advantage of the United States in so many ways, as you know, and I've been talking about that for a long time."

3. Trump seated in Oval Office

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

"Today I'm directing that the Department of Commerce to immediately prioritize the investigation that began yesterday and really long before that, because Wilbur and I have been working on that for a long time, into foreign steel arriving into our markets. And to submit a reports on these effects into the foreign steel products on the national security of the United States. It's not just a price thing, it's not just employment, it also has to do with the national security of our country."

5. Trump seated in Oval Office

6. SOUNDBITE (English) U.S. President Donald Trump:

"This investigation will look at how steel imports are impacting United States national security, taking into account foreign practices such as steel dumping, dumping is a tremendous problem in this country. They're dumping vast amounts of steel in our country and they're really hurting not only our country but our companies."

7. Trump seated in Oval Office

8. SOUNDBITE (English) U.S. President Donald Trump:

"From now on we're going to stand up for American jobs, workers, their security and for American steel companies, and companies generally. Today's action is the next vital step in making America strong and prosperous once again."

9. Applause

10. Trump signing memo

US President Donald Trump hopes to revive the economic populism that helped drive his election campaign, signing an order on Tuesday in Wisconsin to tighten rules on technology companies bringing in highly skilled foreign workers.

The president is targeting the H-1B visa programme, which the White House says undercuts US workers by bringing in large numbers of cheaper, foreign workers, driving down wages.

He was signing the directive at Snap-on Inc. in Kenosha, Wisconsin, a state he narrowly carried in November on the strength of support from white, working-class voters.

Trump currently has only a 41 percent approval rating in the state.

The tech industry has argued that the H-1B program is needed because it encourages students to stay in the US after getting degrees in high-tech specialities - and companies can't always find enough US workers with the skills they need.

The new order would direct US agencies to propose rules to prevent immigration fraud and abuse in the programme.

POOL

Kenosha, Wisconsin - 18 April 2017

++SOUNDBITES SEPARATED BY BLACK++

1. US President Donald Trump walks out to make speech

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

"The optimism in this room is the same incredible spirit that is sweeping across our country and even greater than that great day in November, when I won the state of Wisconsin and when we won the presidency, that was a great day, I have to say." (Cheering)

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

"No administration has accomplished more in the first 90 days, that includes on military, on the border, on trade, on regulation, on law enforcement, we love our law enforcement, and on government reform. Today we're building on that optimism and I'm proud to announce that we are about to take bold new steps to follow through on my pledge to buy American and hire American." (Clapping)

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

"Made in the USA. For too long we have watched as our factories have been closed and our jobs have been sent to other far away lands. We have lost 70,000 factories since China joined the World Trade Organization and you've seen that, you've heard about it. 70,000, the World Trade Organization, another one of our disasters. But this election, the American people voted to end the theft of American prosperity, they voted to bring back their jobs and bring back their dreams, into our country."

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

"In just a few moments, I will be signing a Buy American, Hire American executive order. You have not heard about that in a long time in this country. With this action we are sending a powerful signal to the world, we are going to defend our workers, protect our jobs, and finally put America first." (Cheering)

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

"My thanks go to Speaker Ryan who is representing the city for nearly two decades in Congress and you know where he is? He's with NATO and so he has a good excuse, so I said Ron, make sure these countries start paying their bills a bit more, they are way, way behind Ron. We are going to, I'm going to talk to you about that Ron, but Paul you are over with NATO so get them to pay their bill and Ron you have to work on that too and Scott, you are right here in Wisconsin, we will keep you right here."

7. Cutaway of crowd

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

China said Tuesday it rejects human rights as a reason to interfere in its internal affairs after United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres raised the issue of work camps for Uighur Muslims in Xinjiang during his recent trip to Beijing.

Geng Shuang, spokesperson of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, said in a media briefing that the anti-extremism measures China was taking in Xinjiang were "totally legitimate" and had "wide support from the people in Xinjiang".

Geng also commented on an international arms-trade treaty from which US President Donald Trump has said he'll withdraw.

He said China was studying the possibility of signing up to the treaty, saying that "China supports the international community to take necessary measures to regulate international arms trade activities and combat illegal arms transfer and trafficking."

Asked about the details of six foreigners being sentenced by a court in southern China for drug offences, including a Canadian given the death penalty, Geng didn't respond directly.

Beijing – 30 April 2019

1. Wide of Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang walking towards podium

2. Wide of journalists

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

"China is willing to discuss human rights issues with others on the basis of equality and mutual respect. In the meantime, we strongly oppose any interference in China's internal affairs that uses human rights as an excuse. Secondly, the situation in Xinjiang is part of China's internal affairs. Terrorism and extremism are trampling on fundamental human rights. China's preventative anti-terrorism measures and the eradication of extremism in Xinjiang are totally legitimate. The measures respect and protect human rights and have won wide support from the people in Xinjiang."

4. Wide of journalists

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

"We hope that the relevant countries could do more to help consolidate the international arms control mechanism and maintain international and regional peace and stability. China attaches great importance to the problems caused by the illicit transfer of conventional weapons, especially small and light weapons. China supports the international community to take necessary measures to regulate international arms trade activities and combat illegal arms transfer and trafficking."

6. Wide of journalists

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

"China conducts strict controls over arms trade and participated in the negotiation of the arms trade treaty with a constructive role. China supports the purpose of the treaty and joined the relevant meetings as an observer. China has been studying the issues of accession to the treaty."

8. Wide of journalists

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

"The Jiangmen Intermediate People's Court of Guangdong Province has issued a very detailed announcement. According to my understanding, in the announcement, there are very clear explanations about who was sentenced to death, who was sentenced to death with a suspended execution, and who was sentenced to fixed-term imprisonment. I suggest you read it carefully again."

10. Wide of journalist

11. End of press conference

China's No. 2 leader promised to improve conditions for foreign companies following tit-for-tat US and Chinese tariff hikes in an escalating battle over Beijing's technology policy.

Premier Li Keqiang's comments at a business conference on Wednesday add to Beijing's effort to portray itself as a defender of global trade and multilateralism in the face of complaints by Washington and other trading partners about industry policies they say violate its market-opening commitments.

China announced a tariff hike on 60 billion US dollars of American imports on Tuesday in response to U.S. President Donald Trump's increase on 200 billion US dollars of Chinese goods.

The two countries have already imposed import taxes on 50 billion US dollars worth of each other's goods.

US President Donald Trump threatened to add an additional 267 billion US dollars in Chinese imports to the target list if China retaliated for the latest US taxes.

That would raise the total affected by US penalties to 517 billion US dollars, covering nearly everything China sells to the United States.

Li indirectly acknowledged complaints about global trade regulation and affirmed Chinese support for reforms.

The EU filed a WTO challenge in June to Chinese rules on technology licensing that it said give local companies an unfair advantage.

"We will make sure that all companies, be they Chinese- or foreign-owned, so long as they are registered in China, will be treated as equals," Li said.

AGENCY POOL

Tianjin - 19 September 2018

1. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang shaking hands with World Economic Forum's founder Klaus Schwab and walking to podium

2. Wide of Li on stage

3. SOUNDBITE: (Mandarin) Li Keqiang, Chinese Premier:

"The international economic and trade situation have changed significantly, which has inevitably had an impact on China's economy, which has been deeply integrated in the global economy. Indeed, the difficulty of maintaining a stable operation of the economy is getting larger. However always look at both sides of the problems. We have the determination and confidence to keep the economy on the track of stability with progress."

4. Wide of Li on stage

5. SOUNDBITE: (Mandarin) Li Keqiang, Chinese Premier:

"We want to keep the sound fundamentals of China's economy, and now we have the balanced international payment and sufficient foreign currency reserves. I can state clearly that the Renminbi (Chinese currency, also known as Chinese yuan) can definitely be kept in a general stability within a reasonable and balanced range."

6. Wide of Li on Stage

7. SOUNDBITE: (Mandarin) Li Keqiang, Chinese Premier:

"We will continue to comprehensively deepen reforms and improve the business environment. We will make sure that all companies, be they Chinese- or foreign-owned, so long as they are registered in China, will be treated as equals. They will be treated equally without discrimination in the administration simplification, tax and fee reduction and regulatory reform. This will not be empty talk!"

8. Wide of Li speaking

9. Li shaking hands with Schwab, waving and leaving

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

Representatives of some 180 nations met in Geneva on Saturday to agree on protections for vulnerable species, taking up issues including the trade in ivory and the demand for shark fin soup.

The World Wildlife Conference on trade in endangered species, known as CITES, which takes place every three years, aims to make sure that global trade in specimens of wild animals and plants doesn't jeopardise their survival.

The conference opened Saturday and runs through August 28, with key decisions expected to be finalised in the last two days.

It had originally been due to take place in Colombo in May and June, but was moved to Geneva after a series of terror attacks in the Sri Lankan capital.

The gathering followed three months after the first comprehensive UN report on biodiversity warned that extinction is looming for over 1 million species of plants and animals.

Ivonne Higuero, Secretary-General of CITES, said "the assessment confirms that nature's dangerous decline is unprecedented."

There are growing concerns that policymakers aren't acting quickly enough to stop the looming crisis on biodiversity.

"Business as usual is no longer an option," she added, urging members at CITES to take an advance role in conserving and sustain biodiversity.

The head of the Swiss Federal Department of Home Affairs Alain Berset echoed Higuero's sentiment and called for a firm and urgent response to protect wild flora and fauna.

The conference also comes just days after the Trump administration announced plans to water down the US Endangered Species Act — a message that could echo among attendees at the CITES conference, even if the US move is more about domestic policy than international trade.

CITES bans trade in some products entirely, while permitting international trade in other species provided it doesn't hurt their numbers in the wild.

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Executive Director Inger Anderson reaffirmed that "regulated and sustainable trade works."

She mentioned crocodiles as an example, saying that as a result of regulation, "the illegal trade has all but vanished and crocodiles are far more abundant than they were 50 years ago."

The meeting's agenda contains 56 proposals to change — mostly strengthen — the level of protection among vulnerable or endangered species.

But some argue that protections should be downgraded because the relevant populations have stabilised or even increased.

Officials say the decisions are to be based on science, not political or other considerations.

Geneva - 17 August 2019

1. Wide of World Wildlife Conference on trade in endangered species (CITES)

2. Speakers posing for photo op

3. Pan up on poster

4. Moment of silence to remember victims of Sri Lanka attack

5. SOUNDBITE (English) Ivonne Higuero, Secretary-General of CITES:

"Business as usual is no longer an option. Everybody has agreed to this in the IPBES (Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services) report (released in May). The assessment confirms that nature's dangerous decline is unprecedented. The rate of wildlife extinction is accelerating with experts affirming that up to one million species are now threatened."

6. Close on placard of Japan leather group

7. SOUNDBITE (English) Ivonne Higuero, Secretary-General of CITES:

"This is, therefore, a key moment for our convention. It is our opportunity to advance the role of CITES in the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity."

8. Panel

9. SOUNDBITE (French) Alain Berset, Head of Swiss Federal Department of Home Affairs:

"We know that in the domain of wild fauna and flora, the risk of extinction of many species calls for firm responses, calls for urgent responses, which go well beyond the framework of the CITES."

10. Pan of audience

11. SOUNDBITE (French) Alain Berset, Head of Swiss Federal Department of Home Affairs:

"And we know that sustainable management of threatened species, of course, requires taking into account the interests and the needs of the countries where these species live."

12. Close of attendee looking at computer

13. SOUNDBITE (English) Inger Anderson, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Executive Director:

"The science of species loss is something that we need to focus on, because we are losing species at a rate never seen before. The population of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds and fish fell by over 60 percent between 1970 and 2014 - 60 percent."

14. Nigerian delegates

15. Close of Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation sign

16. SOUNDBITE (English) Inger Anderson, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Executive Director:

"Regulated and sustainable trade works. Sustainable use works. I could cite many examples of successes, but let me mention just one: Crocodiles were listed in 1975 in response to severe depletion. The crocodile industry is now worth over 100 million dollars a year and the illegal trade has all but vanished and crocodiles are far more abundant than they were 50 years ago."

17. Chinese advocacy group delegates

18. Wide of entrance to hall

19. Close banner reading (English/Spanish/French) "CITES 18th meeting of the conference of the parties"

20. Various of the exterior of the conference venue

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

MOFA Briefing

Spokesperson: Geng Shuang

Date: 4 April 2018

Duration: 06:05

1. If China is in communication or negotiation with the Trump administration over the trade issue?

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 the measures of unilateralism and trade protectionism 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 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.

2. There is commentary saying that the US Section 301 and newly announced tariff list direct at China's "Made in China 2025" plan. Any response?

Our "Made in China 2025" initiative aims to upgrade China's manufacturing industry and build the country a manufacturing great power. We have made clear our goals and measures on paper and on other occasions, which remain open and transparent. It is beyond reproach for us to strengthen our manufacturing capability.

3. There is commentary saying that the US Section 301 and newly announced tariff list direct at China's "Made in China 2025" plan. Any response?

The United States has the world-class scientific and technical ability, as well as the advanced manufacturing capability. It should be more confident in itself and compete with other countries in an upright and open way. There is no need for it to take unilateral and protectionist measures to pressure or thwart other countries' efforts.

We have a saying that pressures yield driving forces. I believe that under the current circumstances, Chinese people will be motivated to develop the "Made in China 2025" initiative in a better way with more wisdoms and strength.

4. The Amnesty International accused a Chinese company in Mozambique in its report of violating local environmental protection policy. Any comment?

The Amnesty International always see China with bias and often made irresponsible remarks targeting China. The so-called report released by this organization has no credibility. Mozambique has traditional friendship and comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership with China. China is also the biggest source of investment to that country. Our cooperation in recent years has yielded fruitful outcomes that brought tangible benefits to the two two peoples. Relevant cooperation has been warmly welcomed by the Mozambique side. The Chinese government always required Chinese companies overseas to abide by local laws and regulations and actively contribute to the society so as to reach win-win results. China will continue to work together with Mozambique to push ahead with the sound and smooth growth of bilateral cooperation.

5. As China has that it will take proportional actions to counter US tariffs, could you elaborate on those measures?

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 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. Are you concerned that China's retaliation would further aggravate bilateral ties and trade, and could possibly affect China's domestic economy and society to a certain degree?

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 the first taking the brunt of its measures. We have noted that the US business communities, ordinary consumers, media ad think tanks all expressed concerns over the serious consequences that could be caused by the relevant practice. Many countries and international organizations 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, and return to the right track of dialogue and negotiation, and win-win cooperation.

As for the impact the measure 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 those setbacks, we have built up our confidence and become increasingly stronger. None of the attempts to bring China to its knees through threats and intimidation succeeded in the past, neither will it succeed today.