Ayoola Atitebi

China has issued a stern warning to the United States following comments by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at a major security summit in Singapore, where he characterized China as a regional threat. At the Shangri-La Dialogue on Saturday, Hegseth stated that China was "credibly preparing" for military action that could alter Asia's power dynamics, specifically alleging that Beijing was rehearsing a potential invasion of Taiwan. The comments triggered an immediate response from China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which emphasized that Taiwan is an internal Chinese matter and cautioned foreign nations against exploiting the issue. China considers Taiwan, which governs itself independently, to be part of its territory and has committed to reunification by force if necessary. Taiwan's government disputes Beijing's sovereignty claims, maintaining that only Taiwan's residents can determine their future. "The US should not entertain illusions about using the […]

President Donald Trump announced the US will increase tariff rates on steel and aluminum imports from 25% to 50%, effective Wednesday. Speaking at a Pittsburgh rally Friday, Trump said the measure would strengthen the local steel industry and national supply while reducing dependence on China. He also revealed that $14bn would be invested in regional steel production through a US Steel-Nippon Steel partnership, though he later told reporters the final deal remained under review. The announcement represents another shift in Trump's tariff strategy since returning to office in January. "There will be no layoffs and no outsourcing whatsoever, and every US steelworker will soon receive a well-deserved $5,000 bonus," Trump told the crowd of steelworkers to enthusiastic applause. Steelworkers had expressed concern about how Japan would honor union contracts regulating pay and hiring under the US-Japan trade arrangement. Trump claimed […]

China's Defence Minister Dong Jun was notably absent from this weekend's Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Asia's premier security forum, marking the first time since 2019 that Beijing has not sent its defence minister to the high-level event. Instead of Dong, China dispatched a delegation of lower-ranking representatives to the annual gathering at Singapore's Shangri-La Hotel. The absence occurred during heightened tensions between China and the United States, raising questions about Beijing's diplomatic strategy. The no-show meant no face-to-face meeting between Dong and his US counterpart, Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth, who delivered pointed warnings about China's military intentions during his address to delegates. "It has to be clear to all that Beijing is credibly preparing to potentially use military force to alter the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific," Hegseth told the forum, citing China's military drills around Taiwan and […]

President Donald Trump has accused China of violating an agreement to reduce tariffs and trade restrictions on critical minerals, claiming Beijing was in "grave economic danger" before he negotiated a deal earlier this month. Writing on Truth Social Friday evening, Trump stated he made a "fast deal" with China for both nations to suspend triple-digit tariffs for 90 days to "save" Beijing from a "very bad situation." Trump claimed his tariffs of up to 145 percent on Chinese imports had made it "virtually impossible" for China to trade with the US, leading to factory closures and "civil unrest" in the country. "China, perhaps not surprisingly to some, HAS TOTALLY VIOLATED ITS AGREEMENT WITH the US. So much for being Mr. NICE GUY!" Trump wrote. The president did not specify how China violated the agreement made following Geneva trade talks in […]

President Donald Trump has announced that Canada would need to pay $61 billion to participate in his proposed Golden Dome missile defense system "if they remain a separate, but unequal, Nation." In a TruthSocial post, Trump stated that Canada "very much wants to be part of our fabulous Golden Dome System" and would receive free access by joining the United States. According to Trump, participation would cost Canada "ZERO DOLLARS if they become our cherished 51st State," adding "They are considering the offer!" Trump's comments followed Canada's parliament hosting King Charles III for a rare royal address emphasizing Canadian sovereignty during "dangerous and uncertain" times, amid ongoing pressure from the US president for Canada to join America. After the royal speech, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney indicated to CBC that Canada hopes to join ReArm Europe by July 1 to […]

Elon Musk has publicly criticized a key policy initiative from Donald Trump, creating a notable rift with the president he helped secure re-election in 2024. The US House of Representatives narrowly approved Trump's legislation last week, which the president describes as his "big, beautiful" bill. The package includes multi-trillion-dollar tax breaks and increased defense spending commitments before heading to the Senate. In an interview with CBS News, Musk expressed disappointment with the plan, stating it "undermines" his cost-cutting efforts for the administration. The tech billionaire had served as Trump's appointed efficiency leader, working to eliminate various government expenditures, including foreign aid programs, before recently announcing his intention to step back from the role. "I was disappointed to see the massive spending bill, frankly," Musk told CBS Sunday Morning in a preview clip released by the broadcaster. He argued that Trump's […]