While You Were Sleeping: 5 stories you might have missed, June 13
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US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell says China needs to reassure investors and others that it will not look to create frictions that could escalate in unpredictable and dangerous ways.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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US diplomat believes China determined to stabilise relations
The United States believes China’s primary focus currently is its economy and that it is determined to work to stabilise bilateral relations with the United States, US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell said on June 12.
Mr Campbell told Washington’s Stimson Centre think-tank China needed to reassure investors and others that it has a plan for its economy and would not be looking to create frictions that could escalate in unpredictable and dangerous ways.
“It’s very hard for China to take certain steps without harming its own economy,” Mr Campbell said. “And I think we now understand that economic performance is central right now to what is important to President Xi.”
Mr Campbell was addressing questions about stepped up pressure China has put on US allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region, which has included run-ins with the Philippines over rival maritime claims in the South China Sea and increased military activity around Taiwan.
EU to hit Chinese electric vehicles with extra tariffs of up to 38%
PHOTO: NYTIMES
The European Commission told automakers on June 12 that it would impose extra duties of up to 38.1 per cent on imported Chinese electric cars from July, in a move that China called protectionist but its car industry dismissed as one without a major impact.
Less than a month after Washington quadrupled duties for Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) to 100 per cent, Brussels said it would set additional tariffs of 17.4 per cent for BYD, 20 per cent for Geely and 38.1 per cent for SAIC, on top of the existing 10 per cent, over what it said were excessive subsidies.
That equates to billions of euros of extra costs for the carmakers at a time when they are struggling with slowing demand and falling prices at home, according to Reuters calculations based on European Union trade data in 2023.
Biden will sign new security agreement with Ukraine
AFP
US President Joe Biden will sign a new security agreement with Ukraine on June 12 to pledge America’s long-term support to the country, during his meeting with leaders of the Group of Seven democracies in Italy, a top US official said.
Mr Biden departed for Italy on June 12 to increase pressure on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine and on China for its support of Moscow and excess industrial capacity.
The agreement will make clear “our support will last long into the future... particularly in the defence and security space,” White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters aboard Air Force One.
Elon Musk pursued women working at SpaceX for sex: Report
REUTERS
SpaceX chief executive Elon Musk pursued women working at the company for sex, including a former intern, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) has reported, citing affidavits signed by one of the women and other interviews.
Former SpaceX executives told the Journal that company policies are not enforced with Mr Musk, and that contributes to a culture of sexism and harassment.
Company president Gwynne Shotwell disagreed with that assessment, telling the newspaper that SpaceX fully investigates all complaints of harassment and takes appropriate actions in response.
Nadal, Alcaraz to play for Spain in Olympic doubles
REUTERS
Spain’s Rafa Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz will team up to play doubles at this year’s Olympic Games in Paris, the Royal Spanish Tennis Federation (RFET) said on June 12.
Nadal won an Olympic gold medal in 2008, but the Paris Games will be Alcaraz’s first as he returns to Roland Garros where he was crowned French Open champion on June 9.
Nadal’s participation was up in the air with the 14-times French Open champion still not at his best following injuries, but national team coach David Ferrer said the 38-year-old would team up with 21-year-old Alcaraz.
