The European Union has paused its planned retaliatory tariffs on US goods worth €21 billion until July 14, allowing time for negotiations with Washington. The move follows US President Donald Trump’s 90-day suspension of universal tariffs, which had sparked global trade tension. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed the EU’s intention to prioritize diplomacy over economic escalation. Meanwhile, China and Japan voiced concern over the tariffs’ impact on global trade. Chinese President Xi Jinping reiterated that “there are no winners in trade wars” during a visit to Vietnam. Talks between EU and US officials are now underway in Washington.
TRUMP BLAMES THREE FOR WAR
During a White House meeting with El Salvador’s President Bukele, Donald Trump shifted focus to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, blaming “three people” for the war’s devastation: Vladimir Putin, Joe Biden, and Volodymyr Zelensky. Trump stated that millions had died because of their actions or incompetence. While initially acknowledging Putin’s role in starting the war, Trump emphasized Biden’s failure to prevent it and questioned Zelensky’s leadership, claiming the war would not have happened under his presidency. Calling it “Biden’s war,” Trump declared he wants to “stop the killing” and hinted at proposing solutions for peace soon.
XI URGES UNITY WITH VIETNAM
Chinese President Xi Jinping, on a state visit to Vietnam, urged both nations to “jointly oppose unilateral bullying” and safeguard multilateral trade systems amid increasing U.S. tariffs. In meetings with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Communist Party General Secretary to Lam, Xi emphasized deepening strategic ties and regional cooperation. China and Vietnam signed 45 agreements covering AI, supply chains, railways, and maritime patrols. Xi criticized protectionism, warning it benefits no one, while Vietnam reaffirmed readiness for stronger ties with Beijing. The visit aims to counterbalance U.S. economic influence and promote China as a reliable regional trade partner.
ECUADOR’S RIGHT-WING STRENGTHENS
Daniel Noboa has solidified his grip on power in Ecuador, winning a decisive election amid rising insecurity and growing right-wing momentum across Latin America. His tough stance on crime and close alignment with the U.S.—including plans to host American military forces—resonated with voters. Noboa’s connections to figures like Donald Trump and Nayib Bukele highlight a continental shift toward conservative leadership. His economic focus on maintaining dollarisation and delivering public works helped him win over key regions. However, he faces challenges from a divided Congress, testing his ability to govern effectively. Noboa’s leadership could shape Latin America’s political landscape for years.
HUNGARY BANS PRIDE
Hungarian lawmakers have passed sweeping constitutional amendments that ban Pride events and reinforce binary gender identities, escalating Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s clampdown on LGBTQ rights. Backed by Orban’s ruling Fidesz party and far-right allies, the changes assert that public expressions of non-traditional sexuality “endanger children” and codify “children’s rights” above other freedoms. The law bans public events promoting queer symbols and grants authorities’ power to use facial recognition at such gatherings. Civil rights groups condemned the move as authoritarian and urged EU intervention. Despite the ban, organizers vow to proceed with the June 28 Budapest Pride march in defiance.
