China Urges ‘Practical’ US Action on Sanctions After Yellen Talks 

US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen reacts as she leaves a press conference at the US Embassy in Beijing, China, 09 July 2023. (EPA)
US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen reacts as she leaves a press conference at the US Embassy in Beijing, China, 09 July 2023. (EPA)
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China Urges ‘Practical’ US Action on Sanctions After Yellen Talks 

US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen reacts as she leaves a press conference at the US Embassy in Beijing, China, 09 July 2023. (EPA)
US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen reacts as she leaves a press conference at the US Embassy in Beijing, China, 09 July 2023. (EPA)

China on Monday called on the US to take "practical action" in response to its "major concerns" about sanctions on Chinese firms, after US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen wrapped up more than 10 hours of meetings with senior officials in Beijing.

China agreed to "maintain high-level exchanges and communication at all levels in the economic field", its finance ministry said in a statement.

But China also "required" the US to "cease the suppression of Chinese enterprises, lift bans on Xinjiang-related products, and take concrete steps to respond to China's major concerns in economic relations between the two countries" the ministry said.

The United States has imposed sanctions on some companies for using forced labor in the far-western region of Xinjiang.

Beijing denies the use of forced labor and any other abuses there.

The ministry said China believed its development was an opportunity rather than a risk to the US and that "strengthening cooperation between China and the United States is a realistic need and the correct choice of the two countries".

Yellen left Beijing on Sunday after a four-day visit, describing her bilateral meetings with senior Chinese officials as "direct, substantive and productive", sentiments echoed in China's summary of the talks.



Israeli PM Netanyahu Appoints New Ambassador to United States

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu chairs a cabinet meeting at the prime minister's office in Jerusalem, on June 4, 2023. (AFP)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu chairs a cabinet meeting at the prime minister's office in Jerusalem, on June 4, 2023. (AFP)
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Israeli PM Netanyahu Appoints New Ambassador to United States

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu chairs a cabinet meeting at the prime minister's office in Jerusalem, on June 4, 2023. (AFP)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu chairs a cabinet meeting at the prime minister's office in Jerusalem, on June 4, 2023. (AFP)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appointed US-born Yechiel Leiter, an official who previously served as chief of staff in the finance ministry, as the next Israeli ambassador to the United States.

"Yechiel Leiter is a highly capable diplomat, an eloquent speaker, and possesses a deep understanding of American culture and politics," Netanyahu said in a statement, Reuters reported.

His appointment was also welcomed by Yisrael Ganz, the head of the Yesha Council, an umbrella organization representing councils of Jewish settlements in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, a territory Palestinians want as part of a future state.

Ganz said Leiter, who lives in the Gush Etzion settlement area, as "a key partner in English-language advocacy for Judea and Samaria", a name used by many Israelis for the West Bank, which Israel captured in the 1967 Middle East war.

Leiter's appointment came three days after Donald Trump's election to a second term as US president, celebrated by many Israelis because of his strong support for Israel.

As well as serving in the finance ministry, Leiter also held positions as deputy director general in the Education Ministry and acting chairman of the Israel Ports Company. His son was killed last year in the Gaza war while serving with the Israeli military.