U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer (2ndR) speaks across from China's Vice Premier Lie He (L) during the opening of US-China Trade Talks in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building at the White House in Washington, U.S., January 30, 2019. REUTERS/Leah Millis
Reuters: U.S., China launch high-level trade talks amid deep differences
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States and China opened a pivotal round of high-level talks on Wednesday aimed at digging out from their months-long trade war amid deep differences over Chinese practices on intellectual property and technology transfer.
Cabinet-level officials, led by Chinese Vice Premier Liu He and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, gathered in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building next to the White House, with about a month to reach a deal before a March 2 U.S. deadline to increase tariffs on Chinese goods.
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MIDDLE EAST
Syrian Kurds say US seeking deal to prevent a Turkish attack after withdrawal.
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Yemen ceasefire looks dire but is holding, says UN envoy.
Saudi-led coalition says downs Huthi drone over kingdom.
US aid to Palestinian security services to end Friday.
Iran's Rouhani tells critics: blame 'oath-breaker' US.
Turkey frees US consulate staff convicted of terror charge.
ASIA
Taliban say they are not looking to rule Afghanistan alone. Taliban say they are not looking to rule Afghanistan alone.
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North Korea condemns denuclearization approach.
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Australia swipes at Beijing over South China Sea tensions, detention of pro-democracy writer.
Japan’s Nikkei: Ghosn says arrest due to plot within Nissan.
AFRICA
C. Africa Republic peace talks stumble over militia amnesty.
Kenya on high alert after al-Shabab attack.
Zimbabwean police files implicate army in widespread abuses.
DR Congo seeks UN help against Rwanda rebels on border.
Cameroon should keep borders open for Nigerian refugees: agency.
Djibouti: scores feared dead after two migrant boats overturn.
6 refugees died every day in 2018 trying to cross Mediterranean, U.N. report says.
Sudan protests: Authorities order release of all detainees.
Ivorian MP Alain Lobognan jailed for 'fake news' tweet.
Egypt arrests activists after commemoration of uprising.
EUROPE
British Parliament sends May to renegotiate Brexit deal with EU.
EU rejects fresh Brexit negotiations. EU's Jean-Claude Juncker rebuffs UK's plan to change Brexit deal.
Ireland says UK demand for Brexit deal change is 'wishful thinking'.
France backs Cyprus’ search for gas amid Turkey opposition.
Ukraine: President Petro Poroshenko to seek re-election.
Russian MP arrested on senate floor over double murder.
Hungary to shun Italian-led eurosceptic alliance, stick with allies: official.
AMERICAS
Trump speaks with Venezuelan opposition leader.
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TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
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German police arrest 3 Iraqi refugees suspected of planning terror attack.
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ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
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