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China Fires Back at JD Vance Over ‘Derogatory’ Comment on Trade Tariffs
The US vice-president, JD Vance, has sparked a backlash in China after referring to "Chinese peasants" in a recent interview, defending Donald Trump's tariffs on Chinese imports. China's foreign ministry has responded, stating that "pressure, threats and blackmail are not the right way to deal with China" and vowing to "fight to the end" if the US continues to escalate its trade war. Read the full story here
Beijing Vows Unwavering Retaliation as US Trade Tensions Escalate
China has vowed to fight to the end and take countermeasures against the United States in response to President Donald Trump's threat to impose an additional 50% tariff on Chinese imports. The Chinese Commerce Ministry stated that the US's imposition of reciprocal tariffs is completely groundless and a typical example of unilateral bullying practice, and that China will take measures to safeguard its sovereignty, security, and development interests. Read the full story here
Transatlantic Tensions Simmer: Britain Weighs Retaliatory Tariffs Against the US
A significant number of Britons, including Remainers, view the lower tariff rate as a Brexit dividend, with 38 per cent considering it a good deal. Overall, 57 per cent of voters, on both sides of the Brexit debate, see the lower tariff as a benefit of leaving the EU, although few think it was worth the cost of departure. Read the full story here
US Diplomatic Security Scandal: Rubio Aide Detained by Brussels Authorities
A high-ranking bodyguard of US State Secretary Rubio was detained by Brussels police. The incident occurred during a routine security operation. The reasons behind the arrest are currently unclear, with officials declining to comment on the matter, citing security protocols. Read the full story here
European Trade Tensions: Swiss Minister Sets Sights on Tariff Talks with EU Counterparts
Swiss Finance Minister Karin Keller-Sutter will attend the Ecofin meeting in Warsaw, Poland, to discuss trade tariffs and economic growth in Europe. Keller-Sutter will hold bilateral talks with European counterparts and participate in a discussion on economic growth in light of geopolitical developments. Read the full story here
Von der Leyen Urges China to Exercise Restraint in Trade Retaliation
The European Union's President Ursula von der Leyen has urged China to ensure a responsible response to tariffs. She emphasized the importance of avoiding escalation in trade tensions. Von der Leyen called for cooperation and open dialogue to resolve trade disputes, promoting a stable and predictable trade environment. Read the full story here
NATO Leader’s Historic Japan Visit Spotlights Growing Defense Partnerships
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte visited Japan, touring Yokosuka Naval Base and Mitsubishi Electric Kamakura Works to boost military-industrial ties. Rutte emphasized the need for cooperation, citing China's rapid military buildup, and aims to enhance partnership with Japan and other Indo-Pacific partners. Read the full story here
Singapore Leader Expresses Doubts Over US Willingness to Negotiate Tariffs
Singapore's Prime Minister has stated that the US universal tariff does not appear to be open for negotiation. The Prime Minister's comments come amidst ongoing trade tensions between the US and several countries. The situation is being closely monitored by trade experts and economists, who are weighing the potential economic implications of the tariffs. Further developments on the issue are expected to be announced in the coming weeks. Read the full story here
American Man Faces Decades in Thai Prison for Alleged Royal Insult
A US academic, Paul Chambers, has been arrested in Thailand on charges of insulting the monarchy, sparking alarm from the US State Department. Chambers, a lecturer at Naresuan University, could face up to 15 years in prison under lese majeste laws, which critics say are used to silence critics of the Thai government, posing a threat to academic freedom in the country. Read the full story here
Record Lows: Arctic Sea Ice Hits Unprecedented Winter Minimum
The Arctic has reached its lowest sea ice extent since satellite observations began 47 years ago, with an average of 14.14 million square kilometres in March, according to the National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC). This record low is 150,000 square kilometres below the previous record low for March in 2017, with the most pronounced ice retreat in the Sea of Okhotsk and the Barents Sea, with a rate of ice loss of 29,500…