China Issues Warning To The U.S. On Taiwan

Acting U.S. Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan and Chinese Defense Minister Wei Fenghe meet before the start of their meeting in Singapore on the sidelines of the Shangri-La dialogue on May 31, 2019. REUTERS/Idrees Ali

SCMP: Chinese defence chief warns US not to underestimate Beijing on Taiwan during Singapore security forum

* Wei Fenghe meets US counterpart Patrick Shanahan on sidelines of regional security forum in Singapore, with both sides describing talks as ‘constructive’
* They also discussed North Korea, reaffirming their commitment to denuclearisation and stability on the Korean peninsula

Chinese Defence Minister General Wei Fenghe warned Washington on Friday not to underestimate Beijing’s determination over Taiwan, during talks with his US counterpart Patrick Shanahan on the sidelines of a regional security forum in Singapore.

In their first meeting since Shanahan became acting defence secretary in January, the two also discussed North Korea, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to denuclearisation and stability on the Korean peninsula, Chinese defence ministry spokesman Senior Colonel Wu Qian said.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: Taiwan is China's red line. That is the message that Chinese Defence Minister General Wei Fenghe gave to Acting U.S. Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan today.

More News On Today's Meeting Between U.S. And China Defense Ministers

US, China Defense Leaders Meet Amid Increased Tensions -- VOA
Beijing warns US not to underestimate Chinese military -- AFP
U.S.-China set to clash at security summit despite "constructive" talks -- Reuters
Chinese Minister Blasts US for Undermining One China Policy With Taiwan Actions -- Sputnik
China, U.S. defense chiefs say first talks 'constructive, productive' -- CGTN

China Imposes Tariffs On U.S. Goods

Daily Mail: America is BOUND TO LOSE! Beijing declares it will win the escalating trade war in series of propaganda columns in mouthpiece state newspaper and accuses the US of being a 'bull in the china shop'

* China published a series of propaganda columns on its largest newspaper
* They 'analyzed' why the U.S. would be 'the destined loser' in the trade war
* The author said the Trump government was 'being too smart for its own good'
* Comes after the same paper used a coded message for war to warn the U.S.
* China will impose higher tariffs on 5,410 American products from tomorrow
* While Trump has more than doubled tariffs on $200 billion in Chinese goods

China has claimed itself to be the destined winner of the trade war with the U.S. in a series of nine propaganda columns on the country's largest newspaper.

'America is bound to lose,' wrote People's Daily, the mouthpiece of China's ruling Communist Party.

The serial commentaries were published as the trade war between Beijing and Washington reached a new level - with heated words exchanged between two famous news presenters on air and Chinese threats to curb exports of its natural resources.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: These tariffs are just a drop in the bucket. The US only exports $120 billion per year to China, and it represents only a fraction of one percent of its gross domestic product.

More News On China Imposing Tariffs On U.S. Goods

China's retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods take effect amid standoff -- Reuters
China retaliatory tariffs on US goods come into force -- DW
China's tariff hikes on US goods come into force -- BBC
China Steps Up Trade War and Plans Blacklist of U.S. Firms -- The New York Times
China is establishing an ‘unreliable entities’ list that will include companies and people -- CNBC

Mexico Responds To President Trump's Threat To Put Tariffs On All Mexican Goods

Epoch Times: Mexican President Responds to Trump’s Tariff on Mexican Goods to Curb Illegal Immigration

Mexican President Andres Manuel López Obrador has responded to President Donald Trump in a letter on May 30 after Trump imposed a tariff on Mexico to curb the heavy flow of illegal aliens at the southwest border.

On late May 30, Trump announced that the United States will impose a 5 percent tariff on all goods coming from Mexico from June 10, which will gradually increase “until the illegal immigration problem is remedied.”

Read more ....

WNU Editor: The U.S. is a sovereign state and can do what it wants with its border. It is not like President Trump's position on the border is unknown. He has made his position very public for a long time on what he thinks and what he will do. The question that remains unanswered is .... what will Mexican President Andres Manuel López Obrador now do?

More News On Mexico Responding To President Trump's Threat To Put Tariffs On All Mexican Goods

Mexico pushes dialogue on Trump tariff threats -- AP
Trump’s Tariff Threat Sends Mexico, Lawmakers and Businesses Scrambling -- The New York Times
Mexican president lashes out at Trump in angry letter, says he turned U.S. into anti-immigrant country 'overnight' -- FOX News
Mexico Responds: "We Won't Act Desperately" -- Zero Hedge
Mexico, U.S. business groups urge Trump to back down on tariff threat -- Reuters
Trump urges Mexico to 'finally do what must be done' on immigration -- Reuters
Trump defends tariffs: 'Mexico has taken advantage of the United States for decades' -- The Hill
Mnuchin, Lighthizer Reportedly Opposed Trump's Mexico Tariffs -- Zero Hedge
Auto industry dented by latest Trump tariffs -- AFP

Tonight's Movie Is Nuremberg (2000 Version))

Commentaries, Analysis, And Editorials -- May 31, 2019

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani attend a news conference, after a meeting in the Black sea resort of Sochi on 14 February, 2019 [File: Reuters/Sergei Chirikov]

Ali Bakeer, Al Jazeera: US 'maximum pressure' on Iran is empowering Russia in Syria

Unable to sustain its Syrian campaign, Iran is rapidly losing ground to Russia.

The Syrian regime is suffering from the worst economic crisis since the outbreak of the Syrian revolution in 2011. The acute shortages of fuel, gas and electricity have frustrated even the staunchest loyalists who now publicly express their dissatisfaction against Bashar al-Assad's leadership.

Ironically, this comes as the regime and its backers are claiming "victory" against the rebels in an attempt to improve al-Assad's standing in the regional and international arena and convince the international community to start funding the reconstruction of the war-ravaged country.

Read more ....

Commentaries, Analysis, And Editorials -- May 31, 2019

A single oil tanker could become a factor in both the China trade war and Iran tensions -- Leila Gharagozlou, CNBC

Are the US and Iran going to war? -- Al Jazeera/The Stream (Video)

Saudi Arabia banking on Muslim and Arab summits to strengthen its hand. Don’t believe the hype -- James M. Dorsey, SCMP

Ending the Qatar Blockade Is Crucial to U.S. Interests -- Bloomberg editorial

India tries/fails to improve its special ops capability -- Saikat Datta, Asia Times

North Korea execution reports - why we should be cautious -- Laura Bicker, BBC News

The Real Reason Negotiations Between America and North Korea Are Stuck -- Robert E. Kelly, National Interest

Trade deal with China is impossible -- Peter Morici, The Hill

In Modi’s second term, China and India can overcome their Himalayan differences to benefit Asia -- Wang Huiyao, SCMP

Why Putin wants to make 'new Russians' out of Ukrainians -- Roman Goncharenko, DW

This Is No Time to Back Down on Venezuela -- Roger Noriega, RCW

US immigration 'national emergency': what are the facts? -- AFP

The American People Need Answers From Robert Mueller -- W. James Antle III, National Interest

What a Hash Mueller Made of It -- Patrick J. Buchanan

Who is running for president in 2020? Donald Trump, and these 24 Democrats -- Emily Olson and Peter Marsh, ABC News Online

World News Briefs -- May 31, 2019 (Evening Edition)

Daily Mail: Trump claims his Mexican border tariffs are 'about stopping drugs as well as illegals' amid market plunge

* Trump announced tariffs on Mexico of 5 percent beginning on June 10
* Said in tweets that he'd raise them gradually until illegal immigration stops
* Dow opened 270 points down on Friday on news of the tariffs and fluctuated
* Mexico's President Andrés Manuel López Obrador meanwhile sent his foreign secretary to Washington for emergency discussions
* Senate Finance Chairman Chuck Grassley said tariffs are a 'misuse' of Trump's tariff authority, because they're about border security and not trade
* Said tariffs would endanger Trump's renegotiated trade deal with Mexico
* President insisted in a tweet that tariffs are about all of the above and drugs
* White House says Trump want Mexico to break up caravans and keep Central American migrants from crossing over into the United States

The markets opened 270 points down on Friday morning, after President Trump threatened steep tariffs on Mexico.

Trump put his opening bid at 5 percent and said he'd gradually increase them, until Mexico takes a harder line on immigration.

He wants the border country to break up caravans and take Central American migrants into custody before they reach the United States, his press secretary told reporters at the White House after a Fox News appearance.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Iran complies with nuclear deal limits, UN watchdog says.

Syria NGOs say Idlib attacks triggering mass displacement.

US coalition attacks Syrian oil transport boats On Euphrates river.

Almost 950 killed in a month of northwest Syria violence: monitor.

Saudi Arabia asks nations to respond to Iran with ‘firmness’.

Iran rejects Saudi Arabia's 'baseless' allegations at Arab summit.

Iran rejects US Mideast peace plan at Quds Day rally.

Iraq's president calls on neighbours, allies for Iran's stability.

Iraq: Series of deadly explosions hit Kirkuk.

Turkey says no delay in delivery of S-400s from Russia.

ASIA

Former Afghan leader mistakenly claims new Taliban truce.

Three killed in Kashmir militant gunbattle.

Trump-Xi trade war summit at G20 in Japan still up in the air as ‘conditions not right’, China adviser says.

U.S. 'playing with fire' on Taiwan, China says ahead of defense meeting.

China, Japan boats engage in cat-and-mouse chase near disputed Islands.

Report: North Korea executes envoy to US.

Questions hang over North Korean food supply as clock ticks on TB catastrophe.

Philippines' Duterte warns over South China Sea 'flashpoint'.

Philippines ships trash back to Canada after heated row.

AFRICA

16 killed in Mozambique insurgency attack: local sources.

Extended sanctions and renewed fighting in South Sudan.

Armed group in C. Africa to lay down weapons.

UN calls for evacuation of Libyan refugees amid 'dire' conditions.

Algerians rally for change despite arrests.

Sudan bans Al Jazeera amid protests over military rule.

Burundi threatens to cut ties with UN envoy: diplomats.

Morocco suspect admits killing Scandinavian hiker.

Angolan rebel leader Savimbi gets funeral in reconciliation bid.

Tanzania latest African nation to ban plastic bags.

EUROPE

Pompeo tells Germany: Use Huawei and lose access to our data.

Factbox: New Ukraine president picks top reformist, men with oligarch ties.

Russia says U.S. military curbs on space cooperation are unfair competition.

Putin submits bill to withdraw Russia from nuclear treaty.

Pompeo visit to Germany highlights differences, commonalities.

Donald Trump in the UK - Brexit, Huawei and banquet with the queen.

All Germans urged to wear kippah in protest against antisemitism.

Bosnia mass killings: Efforts under way to identify victims.

U.N. report says Assange has been subjected to 'psychological torture'.

AMERICAS

'Dangerous overcrowding' in US migrant facilities: government report.

Trump announces tariffs on Mexico over immigration.

Mexico president says to respond prudently to Trump threats, urges national unity.

US-Canada relationship 'never stronger' says Mike Pence, but Canadians aren’t so sure.

Pence calls on Canada to do more to engage Cuba over Venezuelan crisis.

China hopes Canada understands consequences of siding with U.S..

At least six inmates killed in Ecuador prison violence.

Nicaragua gov't says it released 50 more political prisoners.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Berlin ready to fetch 'IS' German children after court case.

IS fight: US-led coalition says it killed 1,300 civilians in Syria and Iraq.

Exclusive: FRANCE 24 questions AQIM jihadist leader.

Lyon bomb suspect 'pledged allegiance to IS'.

Dutch hostage killed fleeing Abu Sayyaf captors in Philippines.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Wall St. skids, jolted by Trump's surprise tariff threat on Mexico.

African Union deepens cooperation with Huawei.

US-China trade breakthrough ‘unlikely’ at G20 meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping.

Former Chinese officials warn of lengthy trade war.

Singapore rated world's most competitive economy.

U.S. Attorney General William Barr Responds To Special Counsel Robert Mueller's Remarks On Wednesday

“I’m going to make the decisions based on the law and the facts and I realize that's in tension with the political climate we live in because people are more interested in getting their way politically." -- AG Barr tells @JanCBS

More on @CBSEveningNews & @CBSThisMorning Friday. pic.twitter.com/h1zG8NLaGG

— CBS This Morning (@CBSThisMorning) May 30, 2019

CBS News: Does Barr think Obama officials committed treason? "Not as a legal matter, no"

Attorney General William Barr said he does not think some Obama-era Justice Department officials who oversaw the Russia investigation committed treason.

"Not as a legal matter, no," Barr told CBS News chief legal correspondent Jan Crawford when asked if he believed senior officials in the Obama administration committed treason, an accusation Mr. Trump has repeatedly made.

Pressed on whether he had concerns about the way these officials conducted the investigation into Russian interference in U.S. elections and possible coordination between the Trump campaign and Moscow, the attorney general replied, "Yes."

Read more ....

WNU Editor: Many in the media have brought up the differences between the attorney general and the special counsel on this point .... Mueller, Barr give different explanations for not charging Trump (CBS). And some are even claiming that the Attorney General perjured himself to Congress by lying .... Fox News Reports: William Barr 'Emphatically' Lied To Congress (Crooks and Liars). The problem with this claim is that the Attorney General made his remarks under oath, and in the discussions that he had with the Special Console there were always people in the room (including the Assistant Attorney General Rosenstein) who witnessed and have since collaborated the Attorney General's testimony. On this issue alone it is important that former Special Console Robetr Mueller be brought in to testify under oath, and to receive questions from Congress explaining why he differs with the Attorney General. Making an 8 minute speech and then running out of the room while refusing to take questions is not good enough.

More News On U.S. Attorney General William Barr Response To Special Counsel Robert Mueller's Remarks On Wednesday

The Latest: Barr: Mueller could have decided on obstruction -- AP
Barr says he 'personally felt' Mueller could have reached decision on obstruction -- FOX News
Attorney General Barr says Mueller 'could've reached a decision' on obstruction -- Reuters
Bill Barr says Trump was RIGHT to accuse FBI and Justice Department of 'spying' on his campaign as he insists it's 'craziness' to rule the word out because the president's opponents don't like it -- Daily Mail
Barr slams Trump critics, bluntly criticizes Mueller team's 'legal analysis' -- ABC News
Mueller should have decided whether Trump committed a crime, Barr says -- The Guardian
Mueller’s punt keeps looking worse -- VOX

China Warns Canada There Are Consequences If They Side With The U.S.

Reuters: China hopes Canada understands consequences of siding with U.S.

BEIJING (Reuters) - China hopes Canada understands the consequences of siding with the United States and doing its bidding, China’s foreign ministry said on Friday, after U.S. Vice President Mike Pence called for the release of two Canadians detained in China.

Chinese authorities detained Canadian businessman Michael Spavor and former diplomat Michael Kovrig in December, shortly after Canada arrested China-based Huawei Technologies Co Ltd’s Chief Financial Officer, Meng Wanzhou, on a U.S. warrant.

She faces extradition to the United States on charges she conspired to defraud global banks about Huawei’s relationship with a company operating in Iran. She and the company have denied the charges and China has called for her release.

Asked about Pence comments that U.S. President Donald Trump would speak with Chinese President Xi Jinping about the detained Canadians at a G20 meeting in Japan in June, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang implied Canada was to blame for its problems in China.

Read more ....

Update #1: China tells Canada of 'consequences' of helping US (FOX News/AP)
Update #2: China warns Canada against siding with US in trade war (The Hill)

WNU Editor: No Canadian response yet to this Chinese threat.

US-Led Coalition Claims That Since 2014 1,300 Civilians In Syria And Iraq Have Been Killed From Its Air Campaign

BBC: IS fight: US-led coalition says it killed 1,300 civilians in Syria and Iraq

The US-led coalition against the Islamic State (IS) group says it has unintentionally killed more than 1,300 civilians in Iraq and Syria since 2014.

In a statement, the coalition said it had carried out 34,502 strikes since its air campaign against IS began there nearly five years ago.

A UK-based monitoring group says the true toll is much higher, estimating up to nearly 13,000 civilian fatalities.

The US-led action began after IS took over huge areas of territory.

It imposed brutal rule over millions of people who fell under its control and has carried out or inspired deadly attacks around the world.

The latest figure provided by the coalition is slightly higher than its previous admission eight months ago of 1,100 civilian deaths. It says it is still assessing 111 more possible cases of civilian fatalities.

Read more ....

Update #1: US coalition admission of 1,300 civilian deaths in Iraq and Syria (Amnesty International)
Update #2: US-led coalition in Iraq and Syria admits it has unintentionally killed 1,300 civilians in past five years...despite watchdog claiming it's closer to 13,000 (Daily Mail)

WNU Editor: On the other side the Russians are claiming that no civilian casualties have occurred from their bombing .... 'Pragmatically ruthless': Russia's improbable claim it has killed no civilians in Syria (Washington Examiner).

The War Over The Last Rebel Stronghold In Syria Is Intensifying

Zero Hedge: Russian Jets Unleash Hell On Idlib After Ceasefire Talks With Turkey Collapse

On Thursday over five Russian fighter jets began launching airstrikes over the Idlib Governorate following the collapse of ceasefire talks with Turkey.

According to a military source in northwestern Syria, the ceasefire talks collapsed after Turkey demanded that the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) withdraw from all the areas they captured in northwestern Hama.

The Russian military reportedly rejected Turkey’s demands and restarted their aerial campaign over the Idlib province.

Read more ....

More News On The Syrian War

For residents of Syria's last rebel-held province, no place is safe as military offensive ramps up -- CNN
Assad strikes again: Harrowing images show new Syrian regime attacks on rebel areas which have left 15 dead including a father and his three children -- Daily Mail
Almost 950 killed in a month of northwest Syria violence: monitor -- France 24
Nearly 950 Die After Spike In Syria Fighting -- RFE
Huge Wave of Syrians Flee Intensified Bombing on Last Rebel-Held Province -- The New York Times
Russia says an end to fighting in Syria's Idlib is Turkey's responsibility -- Reuters
Damascus using Idlib to sabotage Turkey-Russia ties -- Faisal Al Yafai, Asia Times
Truce crumbles in Syria’s last refuge, and residents fear the worst -- CSM

President Trump And Turkish President Erdogan Agree To Form A Joint S-400 Study Group

© Sputnik/ Ilya Pitalev

Middle East Eye: EXCLUSIVE: Trump approves Turkish offer for joint S-400 study group

In call with Turkish president, Trump agrees to body to find ways to cohabit Ankara's purchase of F-35s and Russian missile system

US President Donald Trump has accepted an offer to form a joint technical study group with Turkey to investigate Washington's concerns over Ankara's purchase of the Russian-made S-400 missile system, Middle East Eye has learned.

According to several Turkish officials, Trump, in a phone call with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday, overruled the Pentagon and the State Department who had been against the study group.

US officials were concerned that Ankara's purchase of the missile system would put advanced stealth F-35 fighter jets, which Turkey has also ordered, at risk because Moscow could steal sensitive information through the system's radar.

Confident of their assessment on the dangers posed by the missile system, US defence officials had refused to participate in the study group multiple times over the course of the past two months.

In a single phone call, that policy changed.

The White House and the US Defense Department did not return MEE's enquiries on the subject.

Read more ....

Update: Trump green lights study group on pairing Russian missile system with F-35s (Washington Examiner)

WNU Editor: President Trump overruled the State Department and the Pentagon to conduct this study group. Even the Pentagon chief was out of the loop on this decision .... US Defence Chief Unaware of Plan to Create Working Group on S-400s With Turkey (Sputnik). Bottom line. This study group will proceed, but the Turks are not getting any F-35s in the interim.

Iran's Military Budget Was Cut By 28% In March

Press TV

Forbes: Iran Forced To Cut Military Budget Just As U.S. And Saudi Warn 'No More Threats'

"We have been consistent in our messaging," Brian Hook, the U.S. Special Representative for Iran and Senior Policy Advisor to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told reporters on May 30. "Iran should show more of an interest in talks than threats and we have seen on an almost daily basis from the Iranian regime that they will not talk with the United States."

This followed Ayatollah Khamenei's comments a day earlier, again dismissing the possibility of talks. "The Islamic Republic of Iran will absolutely not sit for talks with America," the Iranian leader told an audience in Teheran. "First it bears no fruit and second, it is harmful." Iranian state media reported Khamenei saying that "Iran’s leverage is not military unlike what the anti-Iran propaganda says, even though that option is not off the table in case of necessity."

Read more ....

WNU Editor: Iran's economy is in a mess, and sanctions are just making a bad situation worse.They have to make cuts, and I guess the military is one place where these cuts are being made. The war in Iraq has also winded down, and the Syrian war is not as intense as it was 2 - 3 years ago. So it makes sense that there will be some cost savings there.

U.S. Secretary Of State Pompeo Claims Iran Attacked Oil Tankers To Raise Global Oil Prices

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has accused Iran of attacking oil tankers in an effort to raise global crude prices.

RFE: Pompeo Says Iran Attacked Tankers To Help Raise Oil Prices

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says Iran attacked oil tankers off the coast of the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.) earlier this month in an effort to push global crude prices higher.

“These were efforts by the Iranians to raise the price of crude oil throughout the world," Pompeo told reporters on May 30 before setting off on a trip to Europe.

Earlier in the day, the White House national-security adviser, John Bolton, said evidence that Iran was behind the attacks would be presented to the United Nations Security Council next week.

Asked if he had seen the evidence, Pompeo said: "Oh, yes. Ambassador Bolton got it right."

Read more ....

Update #1: Pompeo says Iran attacked oil tankers to raise global oil price (Reuters)
Update #2: Iran tried to drive up oil prices by attacking tankers: Pompeo (Washington Examiner)

WNU Editor: US National Security Adviser Bolton says the evidence will be presenting at the UN .... Evidence Iran was behind Gulf attacks to be presented to UN, John Bolton says (The Guardian).

Saudi King Denounces Iran At Emergency Summit In Mecca

Al Jazeera: Saudi king blasts Iran for 'naked aggression' in the Gulf

King Salman also presses the international community to 'use all means' to stop Tehran from regional meddling.

Saudi Arabia's king has accused the kingdom's key rival, Iran, of developing nuclear and ballistic missiles which threaten regional and global stability, telling regional leaders that action is needed to stop Iranian "escalations" following a series of attacks on oil assets in the Gulf.

The comments by King Salman Abdul Aziz came as Saudi Arabia on Thursday hosted in Mecca emergency meetings of the Gulf Cooperation Council, the Organization of the Islamic Conference and the Arab League to counter what it said was Iran's growing influence.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: Iran has responded .... Iran rejects 'baseless' Arab summit accusations: state media (Reuters). More here .... Iran rejects Saudi Arabia's 'baseless' allegations at Arab summit (Al Jazeera)

More News On The Growing Tensions Between Saudi Arabia And Iran

Saudi King, Arab Nations Denounce Iran At Emergency Summit In Mecca -- RFE
Saudi king calls on Gulf states to tackle Iran's 'criminal' acts -- Arabian Business/AFP
Saudi Arabia says firm stand needed to deter Iran, Iraq demurs -- Reuters
Saudi Arabia calls on Muslim world to reject Iran’s interference -- Saudi Gazette
GCC, Arab League call on Iran to reconsider its role in the region -- Al Arabiya
Arab States Accuse Iran of Supplying Ballistic Missiles to Yemeni Houthi Rebels -- Sputnik

World News Briefs -- May 31, 2019

AFP: Sino-US ties take spotlight at Asian security forum

China and US defence chiefs will square off over territory, trade tensions and high-tech rivalry during informal talks on the sidelines of a security forum in Singapore this weekend.

Beijing is sending its defence minister for the first time since 2011 to the so-called Shangri-La Dialogue, which is also attended by acting US Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan and a host of top military officials from around the world.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Almost 950 killed in a month of northwest Syria violence: monitor.

Saudi Arabia asks nations to respond to Iran with ‘firmness’.

Iran rejects Saudi Arabia's 'baseless' allegations at Arab summit.

Iran rejects US Mideast peace plan at Quds Day rally.

Iraq's president calls on neighbours, allies for Iran's stability.

Iraq: Series of deadly explosions hit Kirkuk.

Turkey says no delay in delivery of S-400s from Russia.

ASIA

Trump-Xi trade war summit at G20 in Japan still up in the air as ‘conditions not right’, China adviser says.

U.S. 'playing with fire' on Taiwan, China says ahead of defense meeting.

China, Japan boats engage in cat-and-mouse chase near disputed Islands.

Report: North Korea executes envoy to US.

Questions hang over North Korean food supply as clock ticks on TB catastrophe.

Philippines' Duterte warns over South China Sea 'flashpoint'.

Philippines ships trash back to Canada after heated row.

AFRICA

UN calls for evacuation of Libyan refugees amid 'dire' conditions.

Algerians rally for change despite arrests.

Sudan bans Al Jazeera amid protests over military rule.

Burundi threatens to cut ties with UN envoy: diplomats.

Morocco suspect admits killing Scandinavian hiker.

Angolan rebel leader Savimbi gets funeral in reconciliation bid.

Tanzania latest African nation to ban plastic bags.

EUROPE

Putin submits bill to withdraw Russia from nuclear treaty.

Pompeo visit to Germany highlights differences, commonalities.

Donald Trump in the UK - Brexit, Huawei and banquet with the queen.

All Germans urged to wear kippah in protest against antisemitism.

Bosnia mass killings: Efforts under way to identify victims.

U.N. report says Assange has been subjected to 'psychological torture'.

AMERICAS

Trump announces tariffs on Mexico over immigration.

Mexico president says to respond prudently to Trump threats, urges national unity.

US-Canada relationship 'never stronger' says Mike Pence, but Canadians aren’t so sure.

Pence calls on Canada to do more to engage Cuba over Venezuelan crisis.

China hopes Canada understands consequences of siding with U.S..

At least six inmates killed in Ecuador prison violence.

Nicaragua gov't says it released 50 more political prisoners.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

IS fight: US-led coalition says it killed 1,300 civilians in Syria and Iraq.

Exclusive: FRANCE 24 questions AQIM jihadist leader.

Lyon bomb suspect 'pledged allegiance to IS'.

Dutch hostage killed fleeing Abu Sayyaf captors in Philippines.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

US-China trade breakthrough ‘unlikely’ at G20 meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping.

Former Chinese officials warn of lengthy trade war.

Singapore rated world's most competitive economy.

Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- May 31, 2019

CNN: Rival South China Sea visions in spotlight as Washington, Beijing front Shangri-La Dialogue

Hong Kong (CNN)With China-US relations already strained amid an escalating trade war, attention is about to turn to a familiar arena -- the South China Sea.

After years of stand-offs and brinkmanship in the hotly contested region, acting US Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan is expected to unveil the Pentagon's new Indo-Pacific strategy at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on Saturday.

Intriguingly, just one day later Chinese Defense Minister Gen. Wei Fenghe is scheduled to speak about Beijing's role in the Indo-Pacific -- the highest-ranking Chinese official to appear at Asia's premier defense conference in eight years.

Their presence is significant. Beijing claims almost the entire 1.3 million square mile South China Sea as its sovereign territory and aggressively asserts its stake, with President Xi Jinping saying it will never give up "any inch of territory."

Read more ....

Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- May 31, 2019

U.S., China Defense Chiefs to Lay Out Rival Visions for Asia -- Bloomberg

US-China competition to loom over key defence gathering -- Al Jazeera

Testing the waters: China’s maritime militia challenges foreign forces at sea -- Defense News

Chinese militarization of South China Sea "excessive": acting Pentagon chief -- Reuters

Shanahan to call out China over South China Sea -- FOX News/AP

Top US military official says Beijing achieving immediate South China Sea goals, but further moves should be challenged -- SCMP

Air Force Maps Plan to Arm B-21 Stealth Bomber With Nuclear Weapons -- Warrior Maven

U.S. Navy's 2nd Fleet reaches initial operational capability -- UPI

‘Approaching competitive’ US 2nd Fleet seeks to confront Russia in Arctic -- RT

Navy to transfer future satcom programs to Air Force -- UPI

Army Chinook Helicopter Destroyed by 'Hard Landing' in Afghanistan -- Military.com

Military judge frees Navy SEAL in advance of murder trial -- NBC

Trump emphasizes need for military strength in Air Force commencement speech -- The Hill

Trump claims USS McCain report was 'an exaggeration, or even Fake News' -- The Hill

DoD bought phony military gear made in China, including counter-night vision clothing that didn’t actually work -- Military Times

US Senators Nearly Triple Army Request for Stryker Cannons -- Military.com

US military building ‘missile-killing’ lasers that it will mount onto jets -- FOX News

New Global Navigation System Could Guard U.S. Military Against GPS-Attacks -- Forbes

Northrop Grumman nabs $65M for drones for Navy, Australia -- UPI

Here are 5 of the worst weapons projects the US military has in the works -- Business Insider

Pentagon: Turkey’s S-400 Acquisition to Be Devastating to F-35 Programme -- Sputnik

US Navy Ship Enters Baltic Sea For Drills as NATO Beefs Up Activities -- Sputnik

European defense industry could come to regret new US weapons fund -- Defense News

Dunford: Leaders Mull First NATO Strategy In Decades -- Breaking Defense

Germany in Secret Talks With US on Military Support in Syria – Report -- Sputnik

Iran Forced To Cut Military Budget Just As U.S. And Saudi Warn 'No More Threats' -- Forbes

Top general: Recent Iran threats were different because they were 'more of a campaign' -- The Hill

Pakistan's military sentences officer to death for espionage -- Al Jazeera

Putin submits bill to withdraw Russia from nuclear treaty -- UPI

Russian Armed Forces Detected 21 Foreign Reconnaissance Jets Near Border -- Sputnik

Canadian coast guard welcomes first ‘new’ icebreaker -- WorkBoat

Report: Iran Wanted To Buy Russia's S-400 Missile Defense System But Was Refused

© Sputnik / Alexei Malgavko

Zero Hedge: Putin Has Rejected Iran's S-400 Missile Request Over Soaring Gulf Tensions

Bloomberg reports that Russia's President Putin has rejected a controversial Iranian request to buy S-400 missile defense systems on the basis of current soaring tensions between Tehran and Washington following accusations of "sabotage" attacks on oil tankers and a pipeline in the gulf region.

The breaking report cites a senior Russian official and other unnamed sources with knowledge of the matter:

The request was rebuffed by President Vladimir Putin, the people said on condition of anonymity because they’re not authorized to discuss the matter. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif visited Moscow May 7.

Read more ....

Update #1: Russia Rejected Iran S-400 Missile Request Amid Gulf Tension (Bloomberg)
Update #2: Iran Asked Russia to Sell S-400 But Was Refused - Report (Sputnik)

WNU Editor: The Kremlin spokesman is unaware of this refusal .... Moscow BREAKS SILENCE on Claim of Russia's Alleged Refusal to Sell S-400 to Iran (Sputnik).

Car Bomb Attack In Kabul Kills 4 Afghan Soldiers And Wounds 4 U.S. Soldiers

The attack came a day after an ISIL suicide bomber blew himself up outside an Afghan military academy [File: Mohammad Ismail/Reuters]

Reuters: Car bomb targets U.S. convoy in Afghan capital, several casualties

KABUL (Reuters) - A car bomb attack on a U.S. convoy in the Afghan capital on Friday, wounded four U.S. service members and killed at least four Afghan civilians, officials said, in the second attack in the city in two days.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the blast, which came a day after the Islamic State militant group claimed a suicide attack outside a military training academy that killed at least six people.

A spokesman for U.S. Forces in Afghanistan confirmed that a car bomb hit a U.S. convoy and four service members had suffered minor injuries in the explosion but gave no other details.

Read more ....

More News On Today's Suicide Bomb Attack In Kabul

Suicide Car Bomb Targets US Convoy in Afghanistan -- Military.com/AP
4 Afghans Killed, 4 US Troops Wounded In Kabul Suicide Blast -- NDTV/AFP
Afghanistan: Car bomb targets convoy of foreign forces in Kabul -- Al Jazeera
Car Bomb Rocks Afghan Capital -- RFE
Car bomb explosion targets U.S. forces convoy in Kabul -- Khaama Press

In A Stealth Fighter Dogfight Two F-35s Drew An Accidental Sky Penis

That F-35 sky penis above Luke AFB? It wasn’t intended to be a sky penis, base says. New on @AirForceTimes: https://t.co/UTLKqmwnX3 pic.twitter.com/5mb4IeRebv

— Stephen Losey (@StephenLosey) May 30, 2019

Business Insider: US Air Force F-35s drew an accidental sky penis with their contrails in a stealth fighter dogfight

* Two US Air Force F-35s conducted air-to-air combat training against four more stealth fighters this week, and in the process accidentally left behind contrails in the shape of a phallis.
* Luke Air Force Base has concluded that the fighters from the 56th Fighter Wing did nothing "nefarious or inappropriate."
* Military pilots have left behind a number of penis drawings in the sky, most of which seem to be intentional.

US Air Force F-35s accidentally left behind phallic contrails in the sky after air-to-air combat training this week.

Two of the fifth-generation stealth fighters went head-to-head with four additional F-35s during a simulated dogfight, Luke Air Force Base told Business Insider.

In the wake of the mock air battle, the contrails looked decidedly like a penis. Media observers out in Arizona said it "vaguely resembles the male anatomy."

Read more ....

WNU Editor: The pilots are not going to be reprimanded.

Analysts Warn That Japan's Purchase Of F-35s Will Fuel An Arms Race With China

Japan’s F-35 fleet will be the largest of any US ally. Photo: AFP

SCMP: Japan’s deal to buy F-35 Lightning jets from US ‘may fuel arms race with China in region’

* Donald Trump has welcomed Tokyo’s order for the stealth fighter, but it is likely to trigger a response from Beijing
* Deal to buy 105 of the advanced fighters will greatly expand Japan’s capabilities in the South China Sea

Japan’s decision to buy 105 F-35 Lightning jet fighters from the United States may further fuel the arms race in Asia, analysts have warned.

The deal, first announced in December, was confirmed on Monday during US President Donald Trump’s four-day state visit to Japan.

Japan “has just announced its intent to purchase 105 brand new F-35 stealth aircraft. Stealth, because, the fact is you can’t see them”, Trump said at Japan’s Akasaka Palace. “This purchase would give Japan the largest F-35 fleet of any US ally.”

Read more ....

WNU Editor: China has been engaged in one of the largest military buildups and modernizations in history, but Japan is to be blamed for an arms race because they are buying 105 F-35 fighters? Who are these analyst?

Are U.S. Submarines Vulnerable?

Peter Pry, RCD: Are U.S. Submarines Vulnerable?

The most survivable leg of the U.S. strategic nuclear Triad of bombers, land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), and ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) are the submarines. Ballistic missile submarines are the last best line of deterrence and defense to defeat surprise nuclear attack.

Today, U.S. strategic bombers and ICBMs have never been more vulnerable to a surprise attack. U.S. strategic bomber bases are reduced from 45 during the Cold War to just three today. Unlike Cold War readiness, today no U.S. strategic bombers are nuclear-armed on strip alert, ready to fly on short-warning. Even North Korea could destroy all U.S. B-52 and B-2 bombers by surprise nuclear attack on their three bases at Minot AFB (North Dakota), Whiteman AFB (Missouri), and Barksdale AFB (Louisiana).

Read more ....

WNU Editor: Apparently they are.

The U.S. Has Now Officially Begun Building Its New Nuclear Missile Submarine

Popular Mechanics: The U.S. Officially Begins Building Its New Missile Submarine

The Columbia-class submarines will serve more than 40 years and carry hundreds of nuclear warheads to sea at a time.

A U.S. shipyard has cut first steel for the first in a new class of nuclear-powered ballistic missiles submarines. Huntington Ingalls Industries has begun construction of USS Columbia, lead ship of the class set to enter service in 2031. Columbia (illustrated in the above image) and her sister ships will form the seaborne leg of the so-called U.S. nuclear triad, sailing the oceans of the world undetected for months at a time to form a powerful deterrent against surprise nuclear attack.

Read more ....

Update: Watch: First Steel Cut for Columbia-Class Submarine (Maritime-Executive)

WNU Editor: 12 of these submarines are to be built.

The Case For The U.S. Military To Dominate Space

Forbes: U.S. Needs 'Fighter' Satellites And Supremacy In Space, Zubrin Argues

In “The Case for Space” --- Robert Zubrin’s refreshingly candid, excellent new book, the longtime space advocate argues that the U.S. needs to get to work deploying both ASATs (anti-satellite weapons) and fighter satellites in Earth orbit. His book’s plea comes when addressing how to best ensure that we as a nation are able to develop and use our near-Earth space environment.

As Zubrin adroitly and succinctly insists in his book, “We must seek to totally outgun [potential adversaries] by obtaining a radical technological advantage. This can be done by achieving space supremacy.”

Zubrin argues that if the Axis powers had merely had reconnaissance satellites during World War II, and the Allies had no space-based assets, then the Battle of the Atlantic would have gone to the U-boats and Britain would ultimately have fallen. The U.S. would have lost the Battle of Midway and the Japanese would have destroyed what remained of the U.S. Navy after Pearl Harbor, he writes. This one element of space power, notes Zubrin, would have been enough to win the war.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: Space is the new high ground, but the U.S. is not the only country that wants to dominate it.

Tweets For Today

Trump announces tariffs on all Mexico goods in latest anti-immigration measure https://t.co/kzjHLmnHv6

— BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) May 31, 2019

Pompeo says Iran attacked oil tankers to raise global oil price https://t.co/9TdkedTh7G pic.twitter.com/3IbyfeIfnj

— Reuters Top News (@Reuters) May 31, 2019

Pyongyang has reportedly executed several high-ranking officials who were blamed for the collapse of the Hanoi summit between North Korea's Kim Jong-un and US President Trump pic.twitter.com/bXtj5V0QM8

— TRT World Now (@TRTWorldNow) May 31, 2019

Viewpoint - Tiananmen 1989 and today.

30 years after People's Liberation Army tanks and troops crushed China's fledgling pro-democracy movement in Tiananmen Square, public discussion about what happened remains taboo https://t.co/e9tNVuAWZv pic.twitter.com/MPZqhryIxI

— AFP news agency (@AFP) May 31, 2019

What the US military needs to do to catch up to Russia in the Arctic, a potential future battleground@MilitaryTimeshttps://t.co/CwCATTV5Tr pic.twitter.com/GufWcDjmdn

— Military Times (@MilitaryTimes) May 30, 2019

Carrier Group in recent UFO encounters had new air defense tech just like Nimitz in 2004 incident:https://t.co/ezQGFmI4K1

— Tyler Rogoway (@Aviation_Intel) May 31, 2019

Are UFO's Real? The Pentagon Believes So

Live Science: Former Head of Pentagon's Secret UFO Program Has Some (Strange) Stories to Tell

The former leader of the U.S. government's top-secret UFO program has stories to tell, and he is sharing some of them for the first time in a new documentary.

Intelligence officer Luis Elizondo served as the former director of the Pentagon's Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program (AATIP), an initiative launched in 2007 to study reports of UFO encounters. Elizondo departed the agency in 2011; in 2017, he spoke with reporters at The New York Times, confirming the existence of the shadowy agency and describing its mission.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: Earlier this week the former officials from the U.S. government admitted that UFOs exist, and in response there was very little if any news coverage. WHT!!!!

More News On The Pentagon And UFOs

UFOs in Virginia Beach? Navy pilots report sightings near Oceana. -- Virginia-Pilot
'Fleet of UFOs' Followed US Aircraft, Navy Pilot Says -- Space.com
What We Know About The U.S. Navy's UFO Problem -- Gizmodo/Jalopnik
‘We know they exist,’ ex-US defense official turned UFO sleuth probes unexplained military sightings -- RT
'We Know UFOs Are Real, But Why Are They Here?' – Ex-US Defence Official -- Sputnik

Picture Of The Day

Fighters loyal to Libya's U.N.-backed government (GNA) fire guns during clashes with forces loyal to Khalifa Haftar on the outskirts of Tripoli, Libya May 25, 2019. REUTERS/Goran Tomasevic

WNU Editor: The above picture came from this photo-gallery .... On the frontlines of Tripoli (Reuters).

President Trump Threatens To Impose Tariffs On All Goods From Mexico If It Does Not Stop The Flow Of Migrants

....at which time the Tariffs will be removed. Details from the White House to follow.

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 30, 2019

Reuters: Trump vows rapid increase in tariffs on Mexico unless illegal immigration ends

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Donald Trump, incensed by a surge of illegal immigrants across the southern border, vowed on Thursday to impose a tariff on all goods coming from Mexico starting at 5% and ratcheting higher until the flow of border-crossers ceases.

Trump’s move was a dramatic escalation of his battle to control a tide of illegal immigrants that has increased despite his efforts to build a border wall and take other steps.

Trump said in a statement the tariffs would start at 5% on June 10 and increase monthly until reaching 25% on Oct. 1, unless Mexico takes steps to halt the thousands of people crossing from Central America through Mexico to the U.S. border.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: You know that there is a crisis at the border when you read reports like this one from El Paso today .... Border agents apprehend more than 1,000 migrants in record roundup (NBC). As for the tariffs. A 25% tariff on Mexican goods will no longer make that country competitive in the U.S. market. The impact will be massive on the Mexican economy, and for those who have invested heavily in Mexico on the expectation that they will have access to U.S. markets.

More News On President Trump Threatening To Impose Tariffs On All Goods From Mexico If It Does Not Stop The Flow Of Migrants

Trump announces new Mexican tariffs in response to migrants -- AP
Trump vows to impose a 5 percent tariff on all goods imported from Mexico - and it will increase every month until illegal migrants stop coming into the U.S. -- Daily Mail
Trump Says U.S. Will Hit Mexico With 5% Tariffs on All Goods -- The New York Times
Trump says U.S. to impose 5 percent tariff on all Mexican imports beginning June 10 in dramatic escalation of border clash -- The Washington Post
Trump announces escalating tariffs against Mexico, starting at 5 percent, until illegal immigrants 'STOP' -- FOX News
Trump announces tariffs on Mexico starting June 10 if it doesn't slow flow of migrants -- CNN

Update: Mexican President wants a meeting on Friday to resolve this issue. Wow. That was quick.

JUST IN: Mexico's President Lopez Obrador asks Trump to have U.S. officials meet with the Mexican foreign minister in Washington on Friday to seek a solution that benefits both nations https://t.co/FqaPR9apcm pic.twitter.com/onyEIhklic

— Reuters Top News (@Reuters) May 31, 2019