CIA Director William Burns met Chinese leaders in Beijing as Washington tries to thaw tensions
CIA Director William Burns went to Beijing in May to meet with Chinese counterparts, a U.S. official said on Friday, in what is the highest level visit by a Biden administration official since a suspected Chinese spy balloon was shot down by American forces. Burns' visit, first reported by The Financial Times, comes as Washington tries to cool tensions with Beijing over the balloon and other recent conflicts between the world's two largest economies and geopolitical rivals. U.S. officials have long warned that China rejects their efforts at outreach. That raises the possibility of miscommunication spiraling into conflict, they say. “Last month, Director Burns traveled to Beijing where he met with Chinese counterparts and emphasized the importance of maintaining open lines of communication in intelligence channels,” said a U.S. official who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss Burns' schedule, which is classified. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin also spoke “briefly” Friday with Li Shangfu, China's minister of national defense, at the opening dinner of a security forum in Singapore. China had earlier rejected Austin's request for a meeting on the sidelines of the forum. President Joe Biden has often sent Burns on sensitive trips to meet U.S. adversaries. Burns went to Moscow in late 2021 to confront Russian President Vladimir Putin about indications that Russia was gearing up to launch a new invasion of Ukraine. Read More Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide
1970-01-01 08:00
Eyewitnesses describe horror and agony of India crash
The BBC spoke to local villagers and a passenger, who witnessed the train crash in Odisha.
1970-01-01 08:00
Feds announce 95 arrests in law enforcement operation targeting gang violence in Maryland
The US Marshals Service announced 95 people were arrested -- including more than a dozen wanted for homicide -- during an operation in Maryland that targeted areas impacted by gang-related violence.
1970-01-01 08:00
Drake encouraged Nelly Furtado's musical comeback
Drake encouraged Nelly Furtado's musical comeback, six years after her last album 'The Ride'.
1970-01-01 08:00
Ernie Hudson learned to 'love and appreciate' Ghostbusters thanks to Afterlife
Ernie Hudson learned to “love and appreciate” ‘Ghostbusters’ more after returning as Winston Zeddemore for ‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife’.
1970-01-01 08:00
‘It’s never the awards that spring to mind!’ McFly recall performing with their idols
McFly think it is “crazy” how they have been able to meet and perform with their idols over the course of their career.
1970-01-01 08:00
Ukraine Recap: Ready for Counteroffensive, Zelenskiy Tells WSJ
Volodymyr Zelenskiy told the Wall Street Journal that Ukraine is ready for its much-discussed counteroffensive against Russia, but
1970-01-01 08:00
In pictures: Deadly India Odisha train accident
More than 230 people have died and 900 injured in a train crash in the eastern Indian state of Odisha.
1970-01-01 08:00
Inside the penal colonies: A glimpse at life for political prisoners swept up in Russia's crackdowns
Alexei Navalny will spend his 47th birthday Sunday in a tiny prison cell with hardly any natural light
1970-01-01 08:00
Solar Beats Coal in Europe for First Time - But There’s a Glitch
The European Union’s transition to clean energy marked a milestone in May, when solar panels generated more electricity
1970-01-01 08:00
Indonesia Defends Ukraine Peace Plan, Says Asia Knows War’s Cost
Indonesia Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto passionately defended a new peace proposal for Ukraine that would leave Russian forces
1970-01-01 08:00
Donegal woman saving the songs 'at risk' of disappearing
Catriona Ní Ghribín is working to record at-risk traditional songs from north-west Donegal.
1970-01-01 08:00