The latest information on the crisis in Russia and Ukraine, March 18. Click here for the latest information from March 17th.
US House of Representatives supports removal of Russia’s “most preferred” trade situation in Belarus
The US House of Representatives overwhelmingly supported a bill to abolish Russia’s “most favored nation” trade status over Ukraine’s invasion on Thursday, paving the way for higher tariffs on imports from countries.
The Democratic-controlled House of Representatives voted 424-8 in favor of removing Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) status, the latest parliamentary effort to put economic pressure on Moscow.
To become a law, the bill must also pass the Senate. Senate Democratic Party leader Chuck Schumer said he would pass the Senate quickly after approval by the House of Representatives.
The move to revoke Russia’s position in the World Trade Organization is coordinated with similar efforts by other G7 democracies. It automatically raises US tariffs on imports from Russia to non-WTO rates and authorizes US President Joe Biden to declare higher tariff rates on products from both Russia and Belarus.
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Chinese Foreign Ministry officials meet with Russian ambassador to China
The Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Friday that Chinese Foreign Ministry officials met with Russia’s ambassador to China on March 17 and exchanged views on bilateral relations.
According to the statement, Chen Guopin, a member of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China for foreign affairs and security, met with Russia’s Andrei Denisov and exchanged views on bilateral terrorism measures and security cooperation.
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Australia sanctions Russian billionaires on mining links
Australia imposed sanctions on two Russian oligarchs related to the mining industry on Friday. One of them is a millionaire investing in a joint venture at Rio Tinto’s Gladstone Alumina Refinery.
Foreign Minister Marise Payne said Australia is working closely with its international partners to increase sanctions pressure on the oligarchs, which are close to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Ukraine..
“Australia has now added 2 billion billionaires, Oleg Deripaska and Victor Wexelberg to Australia’s business interests,” Payne said in a statement.
She said the measure was added to the curb against 41 oligarchs and their close relatives who were already facing targeted economic sanctions and travel bans.
“We welcomed Australian companies to take a fundamental position in the move to cut off relations with Russia in protest of Moscow’s illegal and undefended war,” Mr Payne said. Ukraine.“
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Japan imposes new sanctions on Russian defense officials and arms exporters
Japan said on Friday that it would impose sanctions on nine organizations, including 15 Russians and the state-owned arms exporter Rosoboronexport.
Sanctions, including asset freezes, are the latest in a series of measures taken by Japan after the Russian invasion. Ukraine..
According to the Treasury, Japan is currently imposing sanctions on 76 Russian individuals, seven banks, and 12 other organizations.
On Friday, the government nominated Maria Zakharova, a spokeswoman for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and several military equipment manufacturers, including a unified aircraft manufacturer that manufactures fighters.
Associated Press and Reuters contributed to the report
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