Politics

China threatens retaliation for Trump’s planned tariff hike

Published

7 years ago

August 2, 2019

BEIJING (AP) — China on Friday threatened retaliation if U.S. President Donald Trump’s planned tariff hikes go ahead, while the renewed acrimony between the two biggest global economies sent stock markets tumbling.

China’s government accused Trump of violating his June agreement with President Xi Jinping to revive negotiations aimed at ending a costly fight over Beijing’s trade surplus and technology ambitions.

Trump rattled financial markets with Thursday’s surprise announcement of 10% tariffs on $300 billion of Chinese imports, effective Sept. 1. That would extend punitive duties to everything the United States buys from China.

If that goes ahead, “China will have to take necessary countermeasures to resolutely defend its core interests,” said a foreign ministry spokeswoman, Hua Chuying.

“We don’t want to fight, but we aren’t afraid to,” Hua said at a regular news briefing. She called on Washington to “abandon its illusions, correct mistakes, and return to consultations based on equality and mutual respect.”

Washington and Beijing are locked in a battle over complaints China steals or pressures companies to hand over technology. The Trump administration worries American industrial leadership might be threatened by Chinese plans for government-led creation of global competitors in robotics and other technologies. Europe and Japan echo U.S. complaints those plans violate Beijing’s market-opening commitments.

Washington earlier imposed 25% tariffs on $250 billion in Chinese products. Beijing has retaliated by raising import duties on $110 billion of U.S. goods.

Beijing is about to run out of American imports for retaliation due to their lopsided trade balance.

China imported U.S. goods worth about $160 billion last year. But regulators have extended retaliatory measures to include slowing down customs clearance for American companies and putting off issuing license in insurance and other fields.

Beijing also is threatening to release an “unreliable entities” blacklist of foreign companies that might face restrictions on doing business with China. Plans for that were announced after Washington imposed crippling restrictions in May on sales of U.S. technology to Chinese tech giant Huawei Technologies Ltd.

Trump’s announcement surprised investors after the White House said Beijing promised to buy more farm goods. It came as their latest trade talks ended in Shanghai with no sign of a deal. Officials said they would resume next month in Washington.

The announcement “is likely to put a comprehensive deal further out of reach,” said Fitch Solutions in a report.

Tokyo’s main stock market index fell 2.5% by midday and Hong Kong’s benchmark lost 2.3%. Markets in Shanghai, Sydney and Seoul also declined.

Earlier on Wall Street, the benchmark Standard & Poor’s 500 fell for a fourth day, losing 0.9% to 2,953.56.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 1% to 26,583.42. The Nasdaq composite ended 0.8% lower at 8,111.12.

Also Friday, China’s yuan fell to its lowest level this year against the dollar after Trump’s tariff threat fueled concerns about slowing economic growth, coming close to breaking the politically sensitive level of seven to the U.S. currency.

The yuan tumbled to 6.9520 to the dollar, its weakest since December, but recovered slightly by midday.

Trump’s threat “will likely put more depreciation pressure” on the currency, said Tao Wang of UBS in a report. She said Beijing is likely to “tightly manage” the exchange rate “to avoid any significant depreciation.”

The currency’s weakness is helping to fuel Washington’s trade complaints. The U.S. Treasury Department declined in May to label China a currency manipulator but said it was closely watching Beijing.

The level of seven yuan to the dollar has no economic significance, but could revive U.S. attention to the exchange rate.

Trump’s earlier tariffs were intended to minimize the impact on ordinary Americans by focusing on industrial goods. But the new tariffs will hit a vast range of consumer products from cellphones to silk scarves.

China’s foreign minister criticized the move.

“Imposing tariffs is definitely not the right way to resolve trade frictions,” Wang Yi told reporters in Bangkok, where he was attending a meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

Trump has long said he was preparing to tax the $300 billion in additional Chinese tariffs. But he had suspended the threat after meeting Xi at a gathering of the Group of 20 major economies in Osaka, Japan.

The president accused Beijing of failing to follow through on stopping the sale of fentanyl to the United States or on purchasing large quantities of farm goods such as soybeans. Speaking to reporters Thursday at the White House, Trump complained Xi is “not moving fast enough.”

Talks broke down in May after the United States accused the Chinese of reneging on earlier commitments.

Central Florida News

City of Orlando Earns Top-Tier ISO Building Code Effectiveness Rating, Reinforcing Commitment to Safety and Resilience

Published

21 hours ago

August 1, 2026

FNN NEWS

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The City of Orlando has earned a Building Code Effectiveness Grading Scale (BCEGS) rating of 2 from the Insurance Services Office (ISO), marking an improvement from its previous rating of 3 received during the city’s 2023 evaluation.

The improved rating recognizes the city’s continued commitment to enforcing strong building codes that enhance public safety, strengthen disaster resilience and support long-term economic growth.

Orlando Surpasses State Averages

The ISO’s BCEGS program evaluates how effectively local governments adopt and enforce modern building codes for residential and commercial construction. Ratings range from 1 to 10, with 1 representing the highest level of building code effectiveness.

Orlando earned a rating of 2 in both the residential and commercial categories, outperforming Florida’s statewide averages.

According to the city:

Orlando Residential Rating: 2
Florida Residential Average: 4
Orlando Commercial Rating: 2
Florida Commercial Average: 3

The city’s performance also exceeds national ISO averages, reflecting Orlando’s continued investment in building safety and code enforcement.

Mayor Buddy Dyer Praises Permitting Team

Mayor Buddy Dyer credited the city’s Permitting Services Division for the achievement.

“This achievement reflects our unwavering commitment to protecting our community through strong building safety standards,” Dyer said. “Our Permitting Services team works every day to ensure that homes, businesses and other structures throughout Orlando are built safely and in accordance with the highest standards.”

Benefits for Residents and Businesses

City officials said a stronger ISO BCEGS rating offers several potential benefits for homeowners, businesses and developers, including:

Potential reductions in property insurance premiums for qualifying residential and commercial properties.
Improved disaster preparedness and faster recovery following hurricanes and other natural hazards.
Greater community resilience through safer, more durable construction.
Enhanced economic competitiveness by attracting new commercial investment and development.

While insurance savings vary by insurer and policy, many companies consider ISO ratings when assessing property risk.

Comprehensive Evaluation Process

Communities participating in the BCEGS program are evaluated across 27 categories, including:

Building code adoption
Code enforcement practices
Inspection procedures
Staff qualifications and training
Administrative processes
Fire prevention coordination
Permitting operations

The City of Orlando said the improved rating reflects the collaborative efforts of building inspectors, plans examiners, permitting technicians, fire marshals, code officials and administrative staff who work together to ensure new construction complies with current safety standards.

Investing in Long-Term Resilience

City officials noted that strong building codes not only improve life safety but also reduce property damage during hurricanes and other disasters.

More resilient buildings help stabilize neighborhoods, preserve property values and protect the local tax base that funds essential public services, including:

Police and fire protection
Transportation infrastructure
Parks and recreation
Public works
Community services

The improved ISO rating underscores Orlando’s ongoing commitment to maintaining high construction standards while supporting sustainable growth throughout the city.

Central Florida News

Orange County Sheriff’s Office: Teen Arrested on Evidence Tampering Charge in Deadly Old Cheney Highway Shooting

Published

21 hours ago

August 1, 2026

FNN NEWS

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The Orange County Sheriff’s Office announced Friday that a teenager has been arrested on an evidence tampering charge as detectives continue investigating the fatal shooting of a 17-year-old girl in east Orange County.

Authorities identified the suspect as Jehovah Jeremiah Mitchell, 19, who was arrested and charged with Tampering With or Fabricating Physical Evidence. Investigators emphasized that the homicide investigation remains active and that no additional charges or details have been released.

Victim Identified

The Sheriff’s Office previously identified the victim as Skyler Ley’Shea Bradford, 17.

Bradford died after being shot on Wednesday, July 29, in the 5500 block of Old Cheney Highway.

Investigation Timeline

According to investigators, deputies responded to reports of a shooting at approximately 4:55 p.m. on July 29.

When deputies arrived, they found Bradford suffering from a gunshot wound. She was transported to a local hospital, where she later died.

The Sheriff’s Office said all individuals involved remained at the scene when deputies arrived and that there was no ongoing threat to the public.

Arrest Announced

On Friday, investigators announced Mitchell’s arrest on a charge of Tampering With or Fabricating Physical Evidence.

Authorities have not released details explaining what evidence was allegedly tampered with or whether additional arrests or charges are anticipated.

Investigation Continues

Detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Bradford’s death.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office has not released information regarding a possible motive, the events leading up to the shooting, or whether the incident may have been accidental or intentional.

Anyone with information about the case is encouraged to contact the Orange County Sheriff’s Office or Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS (8477). Anonymous tips may be eligible for a reward.

What We Know

Victim: Skyler Ley’Shea Bradford, 17
Incident Date: July 29, 2026
Time: Approximately 4:55 p.m.
Location: 5500 block of Old Cheney Highway, Orange County
Arrest: Jehovah Jeremiah Mitchell, 19
Charge: Tampering With or Fabricating Physical Evidence
Investigation Status: Active and ongoing
Community Threat: None identified by investigators

Florida

Alex Vindman Calls on Ashley Moody to Support Release of Hope Florida Grand Jury Report

Published

22 hours ago

August 1, 2026

FNN NEWS

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) — Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Alex Vindman renewed criticism of U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody this week, calling on her to publicly support the release of the confidential Hope Florida grand jury report as questions surrounding the state’s controversial Medicaid settlement continue to draw statewide attention.

Vindman made the remarks during a Thursday news conference at the Florida Capitol alongside supporters, including a registered Republican, arguing that Florida voters deserve greater transparency regarding the Hope Florida investigation.

Vindman Launches New Campaign Website

The Vindman campaign also unveiled a new campaign website, MoodyCorruption.com, highlighting Moody’s role in the Hope Florida controversy and encouraging voters to contact public officials in support of releasing the grand jury report.

The campaign said the website was launched following recent reporting by the Miami Herald examining additional connections between Moody’s Senate campaign and the Hope Florida controversy.

Focus on Attorney General’s Role

Vindman criticized Moody’s actions while she served as Florida attorney general, pointing to the Attorney General’s Office’s approval of a $10 million Medicaid settlement transfer that later became the focus of legislative and criminal scrutiny.

According to public reporting, the settlement funds originated from a Medicaid agreement involving Centene Corp. before money was later directed through the Hope Florida Foundation and subsequently distributed to nonprofit organizations that later contributed to political committees. Investigations into the transactions have generated legislative hearings, public records litigation and criminal inquiries.

Vindman argued that the public deserves to know what conclusions, if any, a statewide grand jury reached during its investigation.

“If she has nothing to hide, she should go ahead and call for this release,” Vindman told reporters.

Grand Jury Report Remains Sealed

A central issue in the controversy is whether the final statewide grand jury report should remain confidential.

Court records indicate objections have been filed seeking to prevent or delay public release of the report. The identities of those objecting have not been publicly confirmed through court filings.

A judge is expected to determine whether the report, or portions of it, should become public.

Media Coverage Highlights

Vindman’s news conference received statewide media coverage.

WFSU reported that Vindman focused on CBS News reporting concerning Moody’s role in approving the original settlement agreement while serving as attorney general.

WUSF reported Vindman argued voters should consider the controversy as they evaluate candidates in Florida’s 2026 U.S. Senate race.

CBS Miami highlighted Vindman’s challenge for Moody to publicly support releasing the grand jury findings.

WFLA News Channel 8 reported Moody had been scheduled for an interview but that her campaign later requested to reschedule.

ABC 20 reported ongoing litigation surrounding the confidential grand jury report while covering Vindman’s criticism of Moody.

Spectrum News noted Democrats continue pressing for disclosure of the report, citing public records showing the Attorney General’s Office approved the initial transfer that later became the subject of controversy.

Moody Has Not Publicly Called for Release

As of Friday, Moody had not publicly announced support for releasing the confidential grand jury report.

The report remains under court review, and no final judicial decision has been issued regarding whether it will be released.

Why the Report Matters

Supporters of disclosure argue the public has a right to understand how taxpayer-related Medicaid settlement funds were handled and whether investigators identified misconduct or recommended reforms.

Those opposing disclosure contend grand jury secrecy protects ongoing legal interests and confidential proceedings until a court determines what may legally be released.

The court’s decision could significantly shape public understanding of one of Florida’s highest-profile political controversies as the 2026 U.S. Senate campaign continues.