BEIJING: Even as China's soaring trade deficit with the US is threatening a new round of trade war, the two sides are meeting in Washington tomorrow to chalk out plans to overcome `irritants' in bilateral trade ties. A high-ranking Chinese delegation led by trade minister Shi Guangsheng left for the US yesterday for the 12th session of theSino-US Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade (JCCT), a key inter-governmental trade liaison mechanism between the two nations, reports said. The US has accused Beijing of tightening its already closed markets and insists on greater access before allowing China into the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

KUALA LUMPUR: Prosecutors in the trial of Anwar Ibrahim announced plans today to introduce video tapes as evidence to prove corruption and illegal sex charges. ``I'll be bringing in rebuttal evidence, that includes video tapes,'' said Abdul Gani Patail, who leads the prosecution against the former Malaysian deputy premier. No details were given, but a defence lawyer said there are no lurid scenes. The prosecution is trying to prove that Anwar had an extramarital affair, committed numerous acts of sodomy and then abused his official position to cover up the sexual trysts. The government's case was prompted by accusations by Ummi Hafilda Ali, the sister of Anwar's former secretary, and Azizan Abu Bakar,a former driver for the politician's family.