China has vowed to “fight till the end” after US President Donald Trump doubled tariffs on Chinese imports to 20%. Beijing retaliated with up to 15% levies on key US farm products and restrictions on 10 more American companies. The trade war expanded as Trump imposed a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico. The US cited China’s alleged role in the fentanyl crisis as justification, which Beijing dismissed as an excuse. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced countermeasures. Tensions continue to rise as global markets react to the escalating trade conflict.
BELARUS OFFERS VENUE FOR PEACE
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has invited US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to hold peace talks in Minsk. Lukashenko, a close ally of Putin, claimed Belarus’ proximity to Kyiv makes it an ideal negotiation site. However, given Belarus’ role in Russia’s invasion, Kyiv remains sceptical. Meanwhile, Trump’s stance on the war has unsettled European allies, as he continues engaging with Russian officials. Amid growing tensions, Zelenskyy signaled willingness for peace talks but stressed Ukraine’s need for a lasting solution. The situation remains uncertain as diplomatic efforts continue.
TRUMP HAILS PANAMA CANAL DEAL
US President Donald Trump has praised asset management firm BlackRock for acquiring two key Panama Canal ports from Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison in a $22.8 billion deal. Trump framed the acquisition as part of his administration’s efforts to “reclaim” the canal, arguing it was originally built by Americans for American interests. The deal follows concerns over Chinese influence on the vital trade route. Panama, which has controlled the canal since 1999, is yet to respond to Trump’s remarks. The move has sparked debates over US foreign policy and economic interests in Central America.
CANADA CHALLENGES TRUMP’S TRADE TARIFFS
Canada has formally filed a complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO) against the United States over President Donald Trump’s latest tariff hikes. Trump reimposed 25% tariffs on Canadian imports, citing concerns over illegal immigration and drug trafficking. Canada’s WTO ambassador, Nadia Theodore, stated that the US decision “leaves us with no choice.” In response, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned the move as a “dumb trade war,” accusing Trump of economic sabotage. The dispute has escalated tensions between the two nations, with the possibility of further retaliatory measures looming.
RUSSIA COMPLETES PASSPORT ISSUANCE PROCESS
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that authorities have completed issuing Russian passports to Ukrainians in occupied territories, a move condemned by Ukraine as an illegal attempt to erase Ukrainian identity. Since the 2022 invasion, Moscow has pressured residents in Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia to accept Russian citizenship. Those refusing face restrictions on movement and public services. Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev reported that 3.5 million passports were issued. Ukraine and Western nations reject this process, calling it a violation of sovereignty, while the European Union refuses to recognize these passports as valid travel documents.
