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Trump Proposes Tariff Reduction to Facilitate TikTok Sale to Non-Chinese Buyers

President Donald Trump has indicated willingness to reduce tariffs on China as part of negotiations to sell TikTok's U.S. operations, with an April 5 deadline looming for the social media platform to find a non-Chinese buyer or face a potential ban. The potential sale stems from national security concerns about TikTok's current ownership by ByteDance, a Chinese technology company. Washington fears the app could be used for data collection and influence operations against the United States, leading to legislation requiring ByteDance to divest its U.S. operations. Trump suggested he might extend the April deadline if an agreement is not reached and proposed using tariff reduction as a potential bargaining chip. In recent months, he has added 20% in additional levies to imports from China, demonstrating his approach to trade negotiations. China's commerce ministry responded diplomatically, expressing willingness to engage with […]

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U.S. Sentences Man for Assisting Chinese Repatriation Efforts

A real estate businessman has been sentenced to over a year in U.S. prison for helping Chinese authorities pressure an expatriate to return to China. Prosecutors state Quanzhong An participated in "Operation Fox Hunt" - described by Beijing as an initiative to pursue fugitives, but characterized by Washington as transnational repression targeting dissidents abroad. "Quanzhong An acted at the direction of the Chinese government to harass and intimidate individuals living on U.S. soil as part of a scheme to force their repatriation," said Brooklyn-based U.S. Attorney John Durham. China's embassy and consulate did not immediately respond to requests for comment. China has previously denied threatening its nationals in other countries. An, 58, a Chinese citizen with legal U.S. residency, received a 20-month sentence after pleading guilty to acting as an illegal foreign agent. He has already served seven months. His […]

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US Charges 12 Chinese Nationals in International Hacking Operation

US prosecutors have charged 12 Chinese nationals for participating in an alleged hacking scheme that sold the data of US-based dissidents to the Chinese government. According to the Justice Department (DOJ), this "state-sponsored" operation targeted government agencies, including the US Treasury, an American religious organization critical of China, and a Hong Kong newspaper considered opposed to the Chinese government. The charges, unsealed in a Manhattan federal court on Wednesday, include two officers from China's Ministry of Public Security. The hackers, appearing to represent a private company called i-Soon, allegedly charged Chinese agencies between $10,000 and $75,000 for each "exploited" email inbox. "Today, we are exposing the Chinese government agents directing and fostering indiscriminate and reckless attacks against computers and networks worldwide," said Sue J Bai, who heads the DOJ's National Security Division. The hackers reportedly conducted computer intrusions both under […]

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Global Markets PLUNGE as Trump’s Tariff Hits Canada, Mexico, and China!

Financial markets declined sharply as President Donald Trump confirmed the implementation of 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports, along with an additional 10% tariff on Chinese goods, effective Tuesday. Trump announced at the White House that negotiations had concluded without agreements. "No room left for Mexico or for Canada. The tariffs are all set." Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly announced retaliatory measures, preparing $155bn in counter-tariffs on US products, with an initial $30bn targeting everyday items including pasta, clothing, and perfume. She emphasized that while Canada wishes to avoid trade conflict, they would respond to US actions. Mexico and China have similarly pledged retaliatory measures. Trump justified the tariffs citing concerns over illegal drugs and immigration, despite a one-month negotiation period with Canada and Mexico. Chinese goods already face a 10% tariff imposed in February. Trump maintains that tariffs […]

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China Balances Peace Efforts in Ukraine with Economic Priorities

China's diplomatic involvement in the Ukraine conflict has shown the complex interplay between its global ambitions and domestic priorities. While Beijing has made several public gestures toward peace mediation, its actions reveal a careful balancing act between international diplomacy and protecting its strategic interests. Over the past three years, China launched multiple diplomatic initiatives, including sending envoys to various nations from South Africa to Indonesia, developing a peace plan with Brazil, forming a "friends for peace" coalition with developing nations, and proposing to deploy Chinese peacekeepers to Europe. However, during recent Russian-U.S. talks in Saudi Arabia, President Xi Jinping remained in Beijing, focusing on meetings with domestic tech entrepreneurs. The contrast highlights China's current priorities: economic recovery and trade negotiations with the United States to prevent another costly trade war. Top diplomat Wang Yi's statement at the Munich Security Conference […]

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China’s Surprising Move Against Trump’s New Tariffs

Beijing has responded to recent US tariff announcements with measured countermeasures, signaling both resistance and openness to negotiation. The Chinese government announced plans to implement a 15% tariff on coal and liquefied natural gas, alongside a 10% tariff on crude oil, agricultural machinery, and large-engine cars imported from the US, effective February 10. The timing appears strategic, allowing room for diplomatic engagement before implementation. A planned call between the two leaders this week, confirmed by the White House, suggests potential for dialogue despite the escalating tensions. China's response appears calculated, targeting specific sectors rather than matching Trump's broader 10% levy on all Chinese imports. The impact on US natural gas exports may be limited, as China represents only 2.3% of America's global LNG exports, while its major vehicle imports come primarily from Europe and Japan. The current situation echoes previous […]

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UK’s Borrowing Costs Soar to 16-Year High as Chancellor Jets Off to China!

Chancellor Rachel Reeves faces crucial financial decisions as UK borrowing costs reach their highest level in 16 years, according to former Bank of England deputy governor Sir John Gieve. Reeves, who committed to not borrowing for day-to-day spending and reducing debt relative to national income, must now navigate between increasing borrowing, raising taxes, or reducing public spending. The UK's 10-year borrowing costs have climbed to levels not seen since 2008, while the pound has dropped below $1.22 against the dollar. Unlike typical scenarios where higher borrowing costs strengthen the pound, analysts suggest broader concerns about the UK economy affect sterling's value. The Treasury has maintained that markets continue to operate normally, ruling out emergency intervention. The global rise in government borrowing costs stems from investor concerns about U.S. economic policies and inflation risks. Sir John Gieve noted that UK yields […]

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