Trump: Ukraine is like a wall between Russia and Europe; North Korea launches new ballistic missile

"Hot" US-EU trade war

The Airbus A330neo aircraft was introduced at the 53rd Paris International Air Show in France on June 17. Photo: THX/TTXVN

The Trump administration has opened a new front in the trade war by increasing import tariffs on many industrial and agricultural products of the European Union (EU). According to the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR), Washington will impose a 10% import tariff on large civil aircraft from the EU and up to 25% on many agricultural and other products of the union such as French wine, Italian cheese, Scottish spirits, British woolen goods as well as olives originating from Spain, Germany and France. The new tariff barriers will officially take effect from October 18. Previously, the WTO "green light" for the US to impose tariffs on EU goods worth 7.5 billion USD in retaliation for the bloc's illegal subsidies to aircraft manufacturer Airbus.

In response, European Union (EU) Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Taxation Paolo Gentiloni said on October 3 that the European Commission (EC) will quickly initiate a tax on foreign polluting companies, in a move that is expected to impact US companies.

US President explains military aid to Ukraine

US President Donald Trump at a press conference in New York. Photo: THX/TTXVN

US President Donald Trump said one of the reasons he was hesitant to send financial aid to Ukraine was the country's poor corruption record. He said he opened the military aid to Ukraine after receiving a request from Senator Rob Portman of Ohio and other lawmakers.

The White House boss stated: "I transferred the money because Mr. Rob Portman and other congressmen called and asked" me to do so. Mr. Trump also called on European countries "to spend more to help Ukraine". "Ukraine has helped Europe and European countries more than they help us. They are like a wall between Russia and Europe. They are like a wall... big, wide and beautiful" - Mr. Trump explained.

North Korea claims successful launch of new ballistic missile from submarine

The North Korean state news agency (KCNA) reported on October 3 that the country's Academy of National Defense Science had successfully tested a new type of SLBM Pukguksong-3 off the coast of Wonsan Bay in the Sea of ​​Japan on the morning of October 2. The missile left the launch pad in vertical mode. KCNA did not provide further information about the type of weapon tested, but said that leader Kim Jong Un sent warm congratulations to the North Korean military.

Aside from intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), North Korea’s SLBM program is considered one of the biggest threats to the US and its allies. This is because this type of missile can carry nuclear warheads and is difficult to detect before it leaves the water.

Signs that the British economy is moving towards recession

British pound. Photo: AFP/TTXVN

The UK economy appears to be on the brink of recession, as businesses face the risk that a no-deal Brexit in the coming weeks will cause major disruption to trade. The key services sector of the economy shrank more than expected in September, a survey showed on October 3.

The IHS Markit/CIPS services purchasing managers’ index (PMI) fell more than economists had expected in September to 49.5 – its lowest level in six months. Including the weakness in manufacturing and construction, the overall PMI fell from 49.7 to 48.8, its lowest level since the decisive Brexit referendum in June 2016.

Iran closes two border crossings with Iraq

Protesters clash with police in Baghdad, Iraq, October 1, 2019. Photo: AFP/TTXVN

On October 3, Iran's Mehr news agency quoted a commander of the country's border guard force as saying that Tehran had temporarily closed two border crossings into Iraq due to concerns about instability in the neighboring country, in the context of protests in many places in Iraq that have killed 13 people and injured hundreds.