The China Mail - Politics

Stock markets fall as Trump tax cuts clear House

Stock markets mostly fell and US long-term borrowing costs surged Thursday as investors fretted over the US debt pile after President Donald Trump's sweeping spending and tax cut plan passed the House of Representatives.

Dutch FM says supports "as free as possible" international trade

Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp said on Thursday that the Netherlands's agenda was to have "as free as possible" international trade, following the recent trade talks between China and the United States.

Vatican's diplomatic arm eyes return to fore with Ukraine talks

Whether or not Russia and Ukraine peace talks actually take place at the Vatican, the mere suggestion it could play host reflects a fresh diplomatic impetus under new pope Leo XIV.

Els and Goosen: Golfers dragged into Trump's ambush of S.Africa leader

Former world number one golfer, Ernie Els, declared himself a "proud South African" as he was dragged into the ambush of his country's leader Cyril Ramaphosa by US President Donald Trump in the Oval Office.

Merz warns of Russia threat, vows to defend NATO allies on Lithuania visit

Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned Thursday that Russia threatened security in Europe as he visited Lithuania to mark the official formation of Germany's first permanent overseas military unit since World War II, aimed at bolstering NATO's eastern flank.

UK court gives govt green light to reach Chagos Islands deal

A British court on Thursday paved the way for a government deal on returning the remote Chagos Islands to Mauritius, lifting a temporary ban which had forced an 11th-hour halt to an accord being signed.

UK net migration in 2024 fell by half to 431,000

Net migration to the UK dropped by half in 2024, the latest official figures showed on Thursday, in what will be a welcome boost for under-fire Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Israel issues evacuation warning for parts of Gaza

The Israeli army issued an evacuation warning on Thursday for 14 neighbourhoods of northern Gaza, as it pressed a renewed offensive that has drawn international condemnation.

EU parliament backs Russian fertiliser tax opposed by farmers

EU lawmakers greenlighted tariffs on Russian fertiliser imports on Thursday, a move the Kremlin derided as Europeans shooting themselves in the foot.

UK court reviews Chagos Islands deal after last-minute legal block

A British court on Thursday was reviewing the government's deal to return the remote Chagos Islands to Mauritius after imposing a last-minute block on the accord.

Merz warns of Russia threat in visit to NATO's eastern flank

Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned Thursday that Russia threatened security in Europe as he visited Lithuania to mark the official formation of Germany's first permanent overseas military unit since World War II, aimed at bolstering NATO's eastern flank.

EU ready to tax Russian fertilisers from July

EU lawmakers greenlighted tariffs on fertiliser imports from Russia on Thursday, despite European farmers' fears the move could send prices soaring.

'Hurt': Leningrad Siege survivor, 84, charged over peace placard

Lyudmila Vasilyeva, 84, survived the Siege of Leningrad in World War II as a child. Now, the Russian pensioner faces prosecution for calling for peace in Ukraine and says she feels "hurt" over what her country has become.

Sifting through the rubble of Pakistan-India conflict

Two weeks after Pakistan and India's most intense military clashes in decades, clearance teams along the border comb through fields for unexploded shells so residents can safely build back from the rubble of their homes.

UK court orders last-minute review of Chagos Islands deal

The High Court in London said it would examine Thursday the UK government's deal to return the remote Chagos Islands to Mauritius after imposing a last-minute block on the accord.

Stocks track Wall St sell-off as US deficit fears grow

Equities sank and Treasuries remained under pressure following sharp losses on Wall Street fuelled by US economy fears as Donald Trump tries to push through fresh tax cuts that could balloon the already huge deficit.

Merz to visit Lithuania as Germany helps bolster NATO's eastern flank

Chancellor Friedrich Merz visits Lithuania on Thursday to mark the official formation of Germany's first permanent overseas military unit since World War II, aimed at bolstering NATO's eastern flank against a hostile Russia.

Asian equities track Wall St sell-off as US deficit fears grow

Asian equities sank and Treasuries remained under pressure following sharp losses on Wall Street fuelled by US economy fears as Donald Trump tries to push through fresh tax cuts that could balloon the already huge deficit.

UN says around 90 aid trucks 'dispatched' into Gaza

The UN said Wednesday it had "dispatched" around 90 trucks carrying aid into Gaza, as international pressure intensified over Israel's renewed offensive and blockade of the war-ravaged Palestinian territory.

War takes centre stage as Lebanon's theatres are back

As Lebanon suffered a war last year, Ali Chahrour was determined to keep making art, creating a performance inspired by the plight of migrant workers caught up in the conflict.

Deference and disputes: how leaders get on with Trump

When foreign leaders meet with Donald Trump, they are walking a tightrope: They can be welcomed with open arms or be publicly belittled.

The Ambush Office: Trump's Oval becomes test of nerve for world leaders

For world leaders an invitation to the Oval Office used to be a coveted prize. Under Donald Trump it's become a ticket to a brutal political ambush.

Outrage at Israeli shots as diplomats tour West Bank

Several nations that have backed Israel voiced outrage Wednesday after Israeli troops fired what they called "warning shots" as foreign diplomats visited the occupied West Bank.

G7 finance chiefs hold talks under strain of Trump tariffs

G7 finance ministers held talks Wednesday on thorny issues like the economic disruption caused by US President Donald Trump's tariffs and support for Ukraine, seeking to find a common voice.

Outrage after Israelis fire 'warning shots' as diplomats tour West Bank

Israeli troops fired what the army called "warning shots" during a visit by foreign diplomats to the occupied West Bank on Wednesday, drawing widespread international condemnation.

Netanyahu says ready for Gaza 'temporary ceasefire'

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday he was open to a "temporary ceasefire" in Gaza, as international pressure intensified over Israel's renewed offensive and aid blockade in the war-ravaged Palestinian territory.

'Recovered' Assange promotes Cannes documentary

Wikileaks founder Julian Assange has "recovered" from his years in detention, his wife told AFP, as a new documentary about him premiered at the Cannes film festival on Wednesday.

Trump ambushes S. African president over 'genocide' accusation

President Donald Trump ambushed South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday by playing him a video that he claimed proved genocide is being committed against white people, driving farmers to flee to the United States.

Springsteen releases surprise EP, including scathing Trump criticism

Rock star Bruce Springsteen released a surprise EP on Wednesday, with the six-track album including scathing criticism of US President Donald Trump that prompted an online diatribe from the Republican billionaire last week.

US accepts Boeing jet from Qatar for use as Air Force One

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has accepted the Boeing 747 that the Gulf emirate of Qatar offered to President Donald Trump for use as Air Force One, the Pentagon said Wednesday.

Trump ambushes South African president with 'genocide' accusation