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Oil trades below $62 as US stockpiles climb more than expected

Oil traded below $62 a barrel after falling the most in almost three weeks as U.S. data showed inventories and supplies both surged, amplifying investors’ concerns of a global glut.

Futures in New York were little changed, after losing 3.6 percent in the previous two sessions. U.S. crude stockpiles rose to the highest level since December, exceeding analysts’ forecasts, while gasoline reserves expanded at four times the predicted rate. Meanwhile, a shale boom sent U.S. production to a record high in November.

Oil has erased most of the gains it had made since the start of the year as fears of swelling stockpiles bundled with record levels of production in the U.S. threatens efforts by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies to curb a global oversupply. While an OPEC committee concluded last month that the oil market re-balance was quickening, the group’s head will meet with American shale company executives for dinner on Monday in Houston.

“Traders are hypersensitive to crucial inventories data, especially top-side builds given the market’s refocusing on shale output,” Stephen Innes, head of Asia-Pacific trading at Oanda Corp. in Singapore, said in an emailed note. The U.S. remaining “on course to be the world’s largest oil producer has prices convincingly moving lower.”

West Texas Intermediate for April delivery added 9 cents, or 0.2 percent, to trade at $61.73 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange at 3:40 p.m. in Singapore. Prices slumped 2.2 percent on Wednesday for their biggest decline since Feb. 9. Total volume traded was about 46 percent above the 100-day average.

Brent for May settlement rose 17 cents to $64.90 on the London-based ICE Futures Europe Exchange. The contract fell 2.7 percent, or $1.79, on Wednesday. Front-month futures traded at a $3.32 premium to May WTI.

U.S. stockpiles of oil stored in tanks and terminals rose by 3.02 million barrels to about 423 million, the fourth increase in five weeks, according to the Energy Information Administration on Wednesday. That compares to a median estimate for a 3 million-barrel gain in an earlier Bloomberg survey. Gasoline inventories rose by 2.48 million barrels, versus an average estimate for an increase of 600,000 barrels.

As for production, U.S. output reached a record high in November, bypassing Saudi Arabia late last year to nip Russia, the world’s largest producer, at the heels. That’s helped boost American exports, with the combined shipments of crude, gasoline and distillates all expanding to total 7.3 million barrels a day in December, the largest volume ever in EIA data. — Bloomberg

Ginebra, GlobalPort shoot for outright passage to QF

By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter

THE Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings and GlobalPort Batang Pier play their final game in the elimination round of the Philippine Cup today against separate opponents with an eye on notching a direct passage to the quarterfinals of the season-opening tournament of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).

Currently sporting identical 5-5 records, good for joint sixth place in the playoff race, both the Kings and Batang Pier are shooting for the magic number of six wins to formalize their entry into the next round of the competition.

Barangay Ginebra plays the already-qualified Rain or Shine Elasto Painters (6-4) in the 7 p.m. main game at the Smart Araneta Coliseum while GlobalPort takes on the still-fighting Phoenix Fuel Masters (4-6) in the curtain-raiser at 4:30 p.m.

The Kings lost to the Meralco Bolts, 84-82, on Feb. 18 which dealt a big blow to their playoff push and set up today’s “must-win” game against Rain or Shine.

Japeth Aguilar led the way for Barangay Ginebra in said game with 20 points while Scottie Thompson had all-around numbers of 17 points, 13 rebounds and five assists.

Barangay Ginebra will play a Rain or Shine team fresh from booking its quarterfinal seat on Wednesday with a 95-80 victory over league-leading and defending champions San Miguel Beermen.

Big men Beau Belga and Jewel Ponferrada paced the Elasto Painters with 19 and 17 points, respectively.

HIGH STAKES
GlobalPort and Phoenix, meanwhile, engage in a very high-stakes encounter that has a lot of playoff implications.

The Batang Pier are facing a team in Phoenix fighting for its tournament life for a loss by the latter means automatic exit.

GlobalPort won over Kia, 108-91, in its last game on Feb. 21 that padded their cause in trying to earn a spot in the next round.

Kelly Nabong and Sean Anthony showed the way for the Batang Pier with 21 points each while Stanley Pringle added 15.

“The players really want to enter the playoffs and we will try to achieve that in our next game,” said GlobaPort coach Pido Jarencio after notching win number five in their previous game.

Shooting to prevent GlobalPort in its quest while infusing life back in their slowly flickering playoff hopes are the Fuel Masters.

Outside looking in right now, Phoenix has to win if it is to continue to be in the mix for the quarterfinal picture; a loss means the end of the line for them in the tournament.

Phoenix lost in a key match against the Blackwater Elite, 83-78, on Feb. 21.

As per tournament, ties for the quarterfinals will be broken by quotient system with playoff games only to be held for the eighth seed.

Also still alive in the playoff hunt are the TNT KaTropa and Blackwater with 5-6 cards.

UAAP first-round volleyball winding up this weekend

By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter

WHAT has been an eventful and competitive first-round action in University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 80 women’s volleyball comes to an end this weekend with teams going at it one more time to notch a win that they could build on heading into the next round.

All competing teams will see action in two double headers for Saturday and Sunday to be held at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City and FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan City in that order.

The Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws (4-2) and University of Santo Tomas (UST) Golden Tigresses (2-4) collide in the 2 p.m. game while rivals De La Salle Lady Spikers (4-2) and Ateneo Lady Eagles (4-2) battle at 4 p.m. in the scheduled twin bill at MOA Arena on Saturday.

League-leading National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs (5-1), meanwhile, face off with the University of the Philippines (UP) Lady Fighting Maroons (2-4) at 2 p.m. on Sunday to be followed by the Adamson Lady Falcons (3-3) versus the still-winless University of the East (UE) Lady Warriors (0-6) at 4 p.m.

FEU and UST clash coming off opposite directions with the former on a high following its defeat of erstwhile undefeated NU last time around while the Tigresses reeling from a defeat from UP.

The Lady Tamaraws highlighted their standing as a serious title contender under coach George Pascua by subduing the Lady Bulldogs in four sets, 25-22, 25-27, 25-13 and 25-20 on Wednesday in convincing fashion.

“This win is big for us. Hopefully we get to sustain the consistency and effort in our next games,” said Mr. Pascua, whose wards have now won three straight and are looking to finish the round at second place or even joint first.

Looking to derail FEU and its winning run is UST, which has dropped its last two matches in the first round and is looking to bounce back despite not being at full strength.

La Salle and Ateneo, meanwhile, revisit their fabled rivalry for the first time in Season 80 with an eye as well in breaking off from a logjam at second place, along with FEU, and possibly take their spot at the top of the standings when the smoke clears.

Defending champion La Salle lost in its last game against Adamson in a four-set “shocker” on Feb. 24 in a game that saw the Lady Spikers play well in the first set only to taper off the rest of the way.

Ateneo, for its part, is one of the hottest teams in the UAAP right now, having won four straight after starting its season with back-to-back losses.

The Lady Eagles made short of UP in their “Battle of Katipunan” in straight sets on Feb. 25 and are looking to add the Lady Spikers in their list of victims and stretch their winning streak.

“We will prepare for La Salle. The ‘Happy Heart’ mantra of coach Tai [Bundit] has been serving us well of late and we hope to continue doing it,” said Ateneo setter Deanna Wong, who was named player of the game in their last assignment.

Meanwhile on Sunday, NU tries to rebound after absorbing its first defeat of the season at the hands of FEU against UP which halted a four-game losing streak last time around.

“We are looking forward to our next game [against NU]. It’s going to be an interesting game. I believe after this victory [over UST] we will know what to do,” said UP coach Gody Okumu heading into their clash against NU.

Adamson, for its part, is eyeing to cap off the first round on a very high note after their win over La Salle previously while UE tries to avoid a shutout in the opening half of the season and book its first win under interim coach Rod Roque.

Go for Gold fields young riders to 2018 LBC Ronda Pilipinas

GO for Gold is fielding in a developmental team in the Ronda Pilipinas 2018 presented by LBC with hopes of giving promising young racers a chance to hone their skills and potentially excel in the future.

Veteran campaigner Ronnel Hualda, former team captain of the Go for Gold’s main team, will skipper the team composed of youthful riders that included Ismael Grospe, Jr. Ronilan Quita, Roel Quitoy, Jay Lampawog and Bryant Sepnio.

The other members of the squad are Joshua Mari Bonifacio and Jericho Jay Lucero in this race presented by LBC and supported by MVP Sports Foundation, CCN, Petron, Versa.ph, 3Q Sports Event Management, Inc., Boy Kanin, Franzia, Standard Insurance, Bike Xtreme, SH+, Guerciotti, Prolite, Green Planet, Maynilad, NLEX Cycling, Lightwater, LBC Foundation and PhilCycling.

“This is a team full of promise because all of our riders have a potential to really blossom if given a chance,” said Hualda.

Apart from its youthful squad, Go for Gold has also fielded it’s a team that will go for nothing less the individual and team championship.

George Oconer will spearhead Go for Gold’s main team that also included Boots Ryan Cayubit, John Renee Mier, Jerry Aquino, Jr. Elmer Navarro, Jonel Carcueva, Orlie Villanueva and Arjay Arbasto.

The riders to watch out for are defending champion Jan Paul Morales and last year’s runner-up Rudy Roque of Navy-Standard Insurance, two-time Ronda champion Santy Barnachea of Team Franzia, 2012 titlist Irish Valenzuela of CCN Superteam, and last year’s third placer Cris Joven of Army-Bicycology.

A cool P1 million will be at stake in this 12-stage race that will be jump-started by the 40-kilometer (km.) Vigan criterium Stage One on March 3 and the 155.4-km. Vigan-Pagudpud Stage Two the next day.

The race resumes with the 223.5-km. Pagudpud-Tuguegarao Stage Three on March 5, 135.2-km. Tuguegarao-Isabela Stage Four on March 6, 179.4-km. Isabela-Nueva Ecija Stage Five on March 8, 111.8-km. Nueva Ecija-Tarlac Stage Six on March 9, 31.5-km. Individual Time Trial Stage Seven and 42.14-km. Team Time Trial Stage Eight both in Tarlac on March 10 and 11.

Winding up the race are the 207.2-km. Silang-Batangas-Tagaytay Stage Nine on March 15, 147.8-km. Tagaytay-Calaca Stage 10 on March 16, 92.72-km. Calaca-Calaca Stage 11 on March 17 and the 50-km. Filinvest Alabang criterium Stage 12 on March 18.

Other teams competing are the Tarlac Province, South Luzon, Ilocos Sur Province, Nueva Ecija and Team Bike Xtreme.

Kevin Durant dazzles as Warriors beat Wizards

WASHINGTON — Kevin Durant put on a show in front of family and friends on Wednesday, scoring 32 points to lead the Golden State Warriors to a 109-101 NBA victory over the Washington Wizards.

It was a homecoming for Durant, who hails from nearby Maryland, and he didn’t disappoint, connecting on 12 of 20 shots from the floor while handing out four assists with six rebounds.

His performance came almost a year after he suffered a sprained knee in the opening minutes of the Warriors’ game against the Wizards in Washington, an injury that would sideline him for five weeks.

This time around, all went smoothly.

“My teammates got me going early,” Durant said. “I was able to get some threes, get some transition points and that got my jump-shot going… my teammates did a great job of putting me in great positions.”

Stephen Curry added 25 points and the Warriors limited Washington guard Bradley Beal to eight as the reigning NBA champions notched their seventh win in eight games.

Their latest victory came a day after the Warriors spent their Tuesday off taking a group of students from Durant’s home town of Seat Pleasant, Maryland, to the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Their visit to the nation’s capital didn’t include the trip to the White House so often taken by title-winning teams.

After Curry, just one of the Warriors players critical of US President Donald Trump’s divisive rhetoric on social issues, said prior to the season that he wouldn’t visit Trump’s White House, Trump tweeted that the Warriors were no longer invited.

Warriors coach Steve Kerr called it a “fantastic” experience.

“The kids, their smiles lit up the room, and our guys understand how much of an impact they can make on these kids,” he said. — AFP

Cris Cyborg dangerous heading into UFC 222

STREAKING Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) women’s featherweight champion Cris Cyborg makes her Octagon return on Sunday (Manila time) in “UFC 222” in Las Vegas where she will stake her title against UFC-debuting Yana Kunitskaya of Russia.

Coming off her successful defense against former UFC champion Holly Holm last December by way of unanimous decision, Cyborg, 32, treks back to fight with her all-conquering mind-set that has made her one of the best in the mixed martial arts business and very much dangerous.

“Cris Cyborg definitely is the odds-on favorite heading to this fight. And what’s scarier is that she remains hungry to prove that she’s one of the best female fighters, if not the best. In her fight against Holly Holm, Cyborg showed her patience and adjusted against a strategic fighter like Holm. This goes to show that even with the belt around her waist, she remains a student of the game,” said local combat sports analyst Mike Miguel of RealFight.ph when asked by BusinessWorld for his thoughts.

Including her win over Ms. Holm, the former UFC women’s bantamweight champ, Cyborg (19-1) has won nine straight fights, four in the UFC, with no signs of slowing down.

While the odds are stacked against her, Ms. Kunitskaya, 28, is not to be ruled out outright for the type of skills set that she has, Mr. Miguel said.

“In boxing, everyone with two hands has a fighting chance, how much more in MMA where you got knees, feet and elbows. The thing is how you would utilize those against a fighter like Cyborg. Fortunately for Kunitskaya, her teammate Holm showed some aspects of Cyborg’s game which she could capitalize on,” the analyst said.

“What’s important heading to this fight for the Russian is on the mental side first and foremost. Having the same physical tools and skills set as Holm, who’s pushed the champ to five rounds, she needs to believe that she can beat her. Strategy-wise, I believe stopping Cyborg from bull-rushing as well as how she can utilize angles to launch her attacks would be key for her to have a chance in this fight,” added Mr. Miguel.

Ms. Kunitskaya (10-3), who paraded her wares at Invicta FC prior to coming to the UFC, won in her last fight in August 2017 by way of unanimous decision.

Serving as co-main event for UFC 222 set at T-Mobile Arena, meanwhile, is the featherweight battle between Frankie “The Answer” Edgar (#2) and Brian “T-City” Ortega (#3). Winner of this fight could set up a title showdown with reigning UFC champion Max “Blessed” Holloway.

Mr. Edgar (22-5-1) is riding a two-fight winning streak, the latest of which came over Yair Rodriguez in May last year by way of second-round technical knockout due to doctor stoppage.

Mr. Ortega (13-0), for his part, has been undefeated in his pro MMA career and beat Cub Swanson by submission (guillotine choke) in the second round in his last fight in December.

Other fights in the main card are bantamweight Sean “Sugar” O’Malley versus Andre “The Asian Sensation” Soukhamthath, heavyweight Stefan “Skyscraper” Struve (#10) against Andrei “The Pit Bull” Arlovski (#12), and women’s bantamweight Cat “Alpha” Zingano (#6) versus Ketlen “Fenomeno” Vieira (#5).

UFC 222: Cyborg vs. Kunitskaya will be shown live on Sunday, beginning at 11 a.m. over Hyper Ch. 91 in SD or 261 in HD on Cignal TV. Encore telecast is at 7 p.m. on the same day.

In the Philippines, Cignal TV, the country’s foremost direct-to-home (DTH) company, is the home of the UFC after the two groups agreed to an extensive deal that will see the UFC beamed on various platforms. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo

PSG’s Brazilian superstar Neymar goes under the knife, misses Real Madrid clash

PARIS — Brazilian superstar Neymar will undergo surgery on his fractured foot in Brazil as early as Thursday, ruling the world’s most expensive footballer out of Paris Saint-Germain’s (PSG) do-or-die Champions League clash with Real Madrid.

The 26-year-old suffered a hairline fracture of the fifth metatarsal in his right foot as well as a twisted ankle late in PSG’s 3-0 win over Marseille in Ligue 1 on Sunday.

PSG said Wednesday that Rodrigo Lasmar, the surgeon with the Brazilian national squad, will carry out the operation with several Brazilian media outlets reporting that the surgery would take place as early as Thursday.

Radio Tupi said Neymar, his father and surgeon Lasmar left Paris Wednesday night for Belo Horizonte’s Mater Dei Hospital where the operation is set for Thursday according to O Globo newspaper, one of Brazil’s leading dailies.

Web site UoL also reported the surgery would take place in the southeastern Brazil city but said it was scheduled for Sunday.

On Tuesday, the Brazilian’s father had claimed the player would be out for “at least six weeks.”

Speaking to ESPN in Brazil before PSG’s announcement, Neymar Senior said: “PSG know that they will not be able to count on Neymar for the upcoming matches. His treatment will last six to eight weeks, whether there is an operation or not.”

PSG coach Unai Emery had said earlier that “no decision” had been taken on whether Neymar would require surgery and that there remained a “small chance” of getting him back in time to face Real next Tuesday, March 6.

PSG lost 3-1 in the first leg in Spain two weeks ago and are in danger of being knocked out of the competition in the last 16 for the second season running.

Neymar appeared to be in tears as he was stretchered off the field at the Parc des Princes on Sunday.

Brazilian newspaper Globo Esporte claimed the former Barcelona player would be sidelined until May while, if his father’s estimate was correct, Neymar would not return before the semifinal stage of the Champions League in late April.

WORLD CUP FEARS
However, Neymar should be fit to play for Brazil at the World Cup in Russia in June and July.

In the meantime, PSG had to do without Neymar for Wednesday’s French Cup quarterfinal at home to Marseille, the second meeting of the clubs in four days.

Argentine star Angel Di Maria replaced the Brazilian at the Parc des Princesand scored twice in a 3-0 win as PSG stayed on course to win the French Cup for the fourth season in a row.

But Emery was then confronted with another injury worry when striker Kylian Mbappe picked up an ankle injury in the game.

“Kylian Mbappe injured his ankle. He asked not to play the second half. I hope that it’s not too serious,” said Emery.

Neymar has scored 28 goals in 30 appearances in all competitions for PSG since his €222-million ($264-million) move from Barcelona last August.

Meanwhile, in Brazil, Neymar’s foot injury has unleashed sharp emotions and concern, rumors and speculation about the player upon whom so many hopes rest for World Cup victory.

Brazilians care little about the impact on PSG. Their attention is entirely trained on the World Cup, where they have ambitions of walking away with a sixth championship.

Images of Sunday’s fateful duel between Neymar and Marseille player Bouna Sarr were being shown incessantly on TV, often in slo-mo, before he was stretchered off.

Newspapers featured close-up illustrations detailing Neymar’s foot and ankle. — AFP

STI Las Piñas fetes Patrimonio, Pingris during annual sportsfest

ALVIN PATRIMONIO and Marc Pingris, two of the best power forwards ever to play in the old Purefoods franchise, were feted by STI Las Piñas during the annual sportsfest held recently at its gymnasium in Alabang, Zapote.

Mr. Patrimonio, one of only three four-time Most Valuable Player Awardees in the PBA, and Mr. Pingris, a many-time all-defensive team member, were given the Hand of Excellence Award crafted by B&G Lifecasting.

Now the team manager of the Magnolia Hotshots, the new team being carried by the old Purefoods franchise, Mr. Patrimonio was feted as he continuously served as a great ambassador of the game, having been involved in many community activities.

Mr. Pingris, on the other hand, served as a role model for the working class and his hard work in every game made him the epitome of those average players who rose to prominence using hustle and defense.

Both key members of the Magnolia Hotshots were given rock star treatment by students, faculty members and staff who were celebrating the annual sportsfest. They were mobbed by fans who were seeking autographs and photo opportunities.

Messrs. Patrimonio and Pingris were welcomed by STI Las Piñas officials headed by senior school administrator Donna Ancheta, academic head Grace Gutierrez, student affairs head Bernadette Rejano and the other program chiefs of the institution. Also gracing the event is well-known courtside reporter Mara Aquino, who was sent by her mother network, ESPN5, to cover the event as part of a segment in the PBA games.

Recognized as two of the best power forwards ever to play in the old Purefoods franchise, Messrs. Patrimonio and Pingris also took time out to join AB Communications in their segment “Breakfast Forum @STI LP” where they answered relevant questions.

They judged the cheerdance competition right before STI Las Piñas feted them with the Hand of Excellence award. — Rey Joble

Destiny theirs to carve

The match was all but over by the time Giannis Antetokounmpo left it with 10:08 left in the fourth quarter. Playing on the second night of a back-to-back set, the Bucks didn’t quite have their A-game; he was himself decidedly pedestrian, putting up 11 (on five-of-13 shooting), three, and two in 30 minutes of play prior to heading to the locker room for good. And so out of it were they that coming back from a 17-point deficit would have been a minor miracle even if he hadn’t been compelled to leave the court following a hit to the head.

Still, it’s fair to argue that the Bucks thought they would be more competitive heading into the Little Caesars Arena. After all, they faced the sagging Pistons, who had lost three consecutive outings and six of seven in the last two and a half weeks. The swoon threw shade on what looked to be a major turnaround inspired by the arrival of five-time All-Star Blake Griffin. Disappointing turns against the Raptors and Celtics, not to mention such seemingly easy prey as the Hawks and Hornets, underscored the extent of the work that still had to be done in Motor City.

Parenthetically, the Bucks themselves have issues to contend with. Projected to be beasts in the East in the face of Antetokounmpo’s ascent to superstardom, they have instead floundered. They thought a change in head coaches would help, and, for a while, it did. Along with Jason Kidd’s departure late last month went the scrambling defense that was evidently ill-suited for the pace-and-space era; in its place were switch-heavy sets that worked because of the presence of their Most Valuable Player candidate. Nine victories in 11 contests under erstwhile assistant Joe Prunty certainly highlighted their potential. And then came reality, with yesterday’s blowout extending their dubious slate of setbacks to three straight and four of five.

All things considered, the Bucks are far from a lock for the playoffs. They’re currently seventh in the conference, just four games ahead of the ninth-place Pistons with 21 to go. On the other hand, they’re merely three and a half games behind the third-running Cavaliers. Which, in a nutshell, means their destiny remains theirs to carve. Their negative point differential puts up a red flag, but there are many flaws the presence of an otherworldly player can mask. It’s all up to Antetokounmpo, then, and if the green and white don’t want an early exit, he will have to stop coming up with clunkers like the one that doomed them yesterday.

 

Anthony L. Cuaycong has been writing Courtside since BusinessWorld introduced a Sports section in 1994.

US Senate passes legislation promoting ties with Taiwan

WASHINGTON — The United States Senate on Wednesday passed a bill promoting US-Taiwan relations — legislation likely to infuriate China.

The Taiwan Travel Act, intended to encourage visits between the US and Taiwan “at all levels” was passed by unanimous consent, having passed the House of Representatives in January.

The bill adds that it should be US policy for high-level Taiwanese officials to enter the US, meet with US officials and conduct business in the country.

President Donald J. Trump’s signature is now all that is needed for the bill to become law — something that is not likely to be an obstacle, given that the bill was passed unanimously.

Washington cut formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan in 1979, recognizing the Communist mainland rulers in Beijing as the sole government of “One China.”

But, under the terms of the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act, Washington maintains an ambiguous approach to the island, maintains trade relations and sells Taipei weapons.

Mr. Trump sparked protest from China shortly after his election in 2016 by accepting a phone call from Taiwan’s leader Tsai Ing-wen, an action seen as breaking the protocol of the One China policy.

He made amends by vowing to uphold the One China policy shortly before Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to his Florida Mar-a-Lago resort — but infuriated Beijing again last summer by approving a $1.3-billion arms sale to Taiwan.

White House officials did not immediately respond when asked if Mr. Trump planned to sign the legislation. It would be unusual for a president to veto a measure that passed unanimously.

China’s Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the Senate’s passing of the bill.

Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry thanked the US for the unanimous support for the bill and for the US government’s increasingly friendly and open attitude towards Taiwan.

“The Foreign Ministry will keep developing an even more substantive cooperative relationship with the United States, to promote both sides’ joint values and mutually beneficial interests,” it said.

Taiwan’s Presidential Office said the US was its most important international ally, and that it would discuss the matter with the United States and further strengthen relations.

The US has no formal ties with Taiwan but is bound by law to help it defend itself and is the island’s main source of arms. China regularly says Taiwan is the most sensitive issue in its ties with Washington.

China has become increasingly hostile to Taiwan since the election as president of Tsai Ing-wen from the pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party in 2016.

China suspects Ms. Tsai wants to push for formal independence, a red line for Communist Party leaders in Beijing, though she has said she wants to maintain the status quo and is committed to ensuring peace. — AFP and Reuters

Trump’s closest aide Hope Hicks to resign

WASHINGTON — Hope Hicks, one of Donald J. Trump’s longest-serving aides and perhaps his most trusted confidante, on Wednesday announced her resignation in the latest of a string of departures from the embattled White House.

The 29-year-old former model and PR operative took her first job in politics as spokesperson for the Republican’s victorious campaign, before joining him in the White House where she was named communications director last September.

While she cut a discreet figure in the White House — refusing all interviews — the former advisor to Ivanka Trump was known around the West Wing for her close relationship with the president’s family and as a keen defender of his image.

She was well known to have the ear of the president, who never publicly voiced even the slightest criticism of her.

“There are no words to adequately express my gratitude to President Trump,” the 29-year-old Ms. Hicks said in a statement on her departure.

Mr. Trump paid tribute to Ms. Hicks’ “outstanding” contribution over the past three years, calling her “as smart and thoughtful as they come, a truly great person.”

“I will miss having her by my side but when she approached me about pursuing other opportunities, I totally understood,” he added. “I am sure we will work together again in the future.”

White House Chief of Staff John Kelly said Ms. Hicks had “served her country with great distinction.”

“To say that she will be missed, is an understatement,” Mr. Kelly said.

Ms. Hicks’ announcement came a day after she testified before a Congressional intelligence committee about the Russia election meddling investigation.

She reportedly told lawmakers she had told “white lies” for Mr. Trump in the course of her duties, but never over the Russia probe.

The White House said Ms. Hicks had informed Mr. Trump she wished to leave in order to explore other opportunities. Mr. Trump’s spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said no timeline had been set for her departure, adding that her exit was not linked to her testimony to Congress.

In a sign of the high turnover in Mr. Trump’s administration, Ms. Hicks was the fourth person to head the communications team — her immediate predecessor, the brash Anthony Scaramucci, having lasted just 10 headspinning days in the role.

THRUST INTO SPOTLIGHT
Ms. Hicks’ departure follows that of a succession of senior administration figures: from national security advisor Michael Flynn, to Reince Priebus as chief of staff, Sean Spicer as press secretary and Steve Bannon as the president’s chief strategist.

As communications director she was responsible for shaping the administration’s message, but Ms. Hicks was far less visible to the public than the press secretary Ms. Sanders, and before her Sean Spicer.

But she was brutally thrust into the spotlight in early February when another top Trump aide with whom she had become romantically involved was accused of domestic abuse by an ex-wife.

Former White House staff secretary Rob Porter — who denies the claims — resigned following the allegations.

Ms. Hicks had helped craft the official response to the scandal, despite her personal involvement with Mr. Porter.

Ms. Sanders denied any link between Ms. Hicks’ decision to leave, and her questioning Tuesday by a congressional panel probing Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election.

During her appearance before the House intelligence committee, Mr. Trump’s communications director had stuck to answering pre-approved questions, and refused to answer many of the other questions put to her.

That meant avoiding questions about her work and White House contacts with Russia, according to lawmakers present at the closed session. — AFP

Trump likely to impose stiff steel, aluminum tariffs

WASHINGTON/NEW YORK — President Donald J. Trump is set to announce steep tariffs on steel and aluminum imports Thursday, people familiar with the matter said, in what would be one of his toughest actions yet to implement a hawkish trade agenda that risks antagonizing friends and foes alike.

Mr. Trump told aides he wants to announce tariffs of 25% on steel and 10% on aluminum from all countries, according to two people who asked not to be identified because the deliberations aren’t public. One person said the details of the decision may still change, and it’s possible some countries may be granted exemptions.

Mr. Trump has been considering a range of options to curb imports of steel and aluminum, after the Commerce department concluded shipments of the two metals hurt US national security. Leading up to the decision, the president told confidantes he was leaning toward a 24% tariff on steel, the harshest of the alternatives given to him by Commerce.

The US move may provoke retaliation from China, the world’s biggest steel and aluminum producer. China has already launched a probe into US imports of sorghum, and is studying whether to restrict shipments of US soybeans — targets that could hurt Mr. Trump’s support in some politically important farming states. While China accounts for just a fraction of US imports of the metals, it’s accused of flooding the global market and dragging down prices.

CANADA, MEXICO
The decision may also harm relations with key allies including Canada and Mexico, which are already locked in discussions over US demands to change the North American Free Trade Agreement. Canada is the biggest foreign supplier of US steel.

The European Union has suggested such an action by the US would face a legal challenge at the World Trade Organization. At home, consumers could see price hikes for everything from cars to beer cans that would be triggered by tariffs.

Defense Secretary James Mattis had lobbied the president for targeted options on steel, warning that sweeping measures could undermine US relations with its allies. European officials have argued that it doesn’t make sense to penalize members of the NATO defense alliance in the name of security.

Mr. Trump was under pressure from lawmakers in his Republican party to soften the blow on foreign steel. Businesses from beverage firms to automakers have warned a crackdown could raise prices in their industries and cost jobs. However, US steel producers and workers have called on Mr. Trump to defend their industry as it grapples with the effects of overcapacity in China.

The decision may play well in Rust Belt states such as Pennsylvania and Ohio that Mr. Trump won after promising a tougher approach to trade.

The announcement will end months of uncertainty over the steel and aluminum market. Last April, the president ordered Commerce to study the impact of steel and aluminum imports on national security under seldom-used section 232 of the 1962 Trade Expansion Act. The department submitted its final reports to the president in January. — Bloomberg