Russia’s Medvedev says standoff with West to last decades, Ukraine conflict ‘permanent’

By Andrew Osborn LONDON (Reuters) – Dmitry Medvedev, Russia’s former president, has warned that Moscow’s confrontation with the West will last decades and that its conflict with Ukraine could become permanent. Medvedev, once seen in the West as a liberal moderniser, has emerged as one of Russia’s most outspoken hawks since Moscow launched what it…

Read More

Treasury’s Yellen to visit China this week to expand communications

By Andrea Shalal WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen will travel to Beijing from July 6-9 for meetings with senior Chinese officials on a broad range of issues, including U.S. concerns about a new Chinese counterespionage law, a senior Treasury official said on Sunday. Yellen’s long-anticipated trip is part of a push by…

Read More

India’s factory growth softened slightly in June but stayed strong

By Shaloo Shrivastava BENGALURU (Reuters) – India’s manufacturing industry expanded at the second-fastest rate this year in June, albeit at a slightly slower pace than in May, supported by robust demand despite higher inflationary pressures, a private survey showed on Monday. The Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index, compiled by S&P Global, was 57.8 in June, down…

Read More

Analysis-New Zealand, in recession and heading to polls, goes pragmatic on China trade

By Lucy Craymer WELLINGTON (Reuters) – New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins trod a careful line on his first trip to China last week as leader, focusing on trade and economic opportunities but avoiding contentious issues such as human rights abuses in Xinjiang or security concerns. Barely three months out from what looks likely to…

Read More

Russian ex-arms dealer freed for Brittney Griner to run for far-right party in local vote

(Reuters) – A Russian arms dealer freed last December in a prisoner swap for U.S. basketball star Brittney Griner has been chosen as the candidate of a far-right party for a seat in a Russian regional legislature, state news agency RIA reported on Sunday. Viktor Bout, once dubbed “the merchant of death” by the United…

Read More