Markets cautiously optimistic as US-China trade talks resume

Rights groups hope that forthcoming EU legislation will protect workers and the environment in the rest of the world, particularly Asia. But some are worried that it will have a negative impact on trade and business.

Artillery and air strikes hit the Khartoum market after the Sudanese military said it was suspending talks. The US warned it wouldn't be able to mediate amid truce violations.

The US has signed a trade deal with Taiwan against vehement opposition from China. The move comes as Beijing has been stepping up pressure to intimidate the self-ruled island, which it sees as its own.

Washington and Beijing both said the talks were productive and agreed to maintain communication. The meeting was held between US official Daniel Kritenbrink and China's Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu.

The European Commission hopes that pushing ahead long-brewing trade deals with Latin American governments can boost the EU.

Global tech leaders and industry giants have descended on the French capital for the seventh edition of VivaTech, Europe's largest trade fair for new technology. Artificial intelligence (AI) is taking centre stage this year. French President Emmanuel Macron announced €500 million ($543 million) in new funding to "create champions" in AI and praised projects targeting French speakers, as concern grows about Silicon Valley firms fuelling English-language domination of AI systems.

Kenya is a major exporter of food and drink products, with around 20% of its overall exports sent to the EU. The deal was just seven months in the making, thus becoming one of the fastest Brussels has ever struck.

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It was meant to be the jewel in the Brexit crown, but the UK has, so far, failed to sign a free trade agreement with the US.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has told some 80 countries that the drug fentanyl is likely to spread further than the US. Washington at least partly blames China, which did not attend the meeting.

Brussels says the bloc's trade with New Zealand could now grow by 80%. In a first for an EU trade pact, there is a section that commits both sides to targets to tackle climate change.

The US-China discussions are expected to focus on addressing non-CO2 emissions, particularly methane, and preparing for the COP28 summit. The talks come amid political tensions between the two nations on multiple fronts.