Marco Rubio is confirmed as the 72nd US secretary of state, with a unanimous Senate vote. Vice President JD Vance administers the oath, marking his first swearing-in of a federal official. President Trump and VP Vance take office, signaling a shift in American leadership.
Related news
Elon Musk engaged in a public argument with Danish astronaut Andreas Mogensen, who called Musk a liar for claiming that the return of NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore was delayed for political reasons. Musk defended his statement, asserting the Biden administration refused SpaceX's earlier offer to bring them back.
Ukraine's President Zelenskyy declined a US proposal to exchange support for 50% ownership of Ukraine's mineral wealth, citing lack of security guarantees in return. Zelenskyy rejected the agreement, emphasizing it prioritized US interests. The proposal involved minerals, oil, and gas resources, sparking criticism of colonial exploitation from European diplomats.
China, Iran, and Russia conducted joint naval drills called Maritime Security Belt 2025 in the Gulf of Oman. These exercises come as tensions over Tehran's nuclear program rise and Houthi rebels in Yemen threaten attacks on shipping. The drills also reflect China's and Russia's strategic interests in the region.
China on Friday slapped sanctions on seven US companies after Washington's approval last week of a $571.3 million military aid package to Taiwan, which Beijing said infringed on its "sovereignty and territory". Last Friday, US President Joe Biden authorised the drawdown of up to $571.3 million for defence assistance to the self-ruled island, which China regards as its own territory.
Gladys and Nelson Gonzalez, who lived in the US for nearly four decades, were abruptly detained and deported to Colombia despite their long-term efforts to gain legal status. Their family has raised $65,000 to support their new life and fund legal actions to bring them back.
Myanmar's military junta has continued air strikes despite a massive earthquake killing 1,700 people. While some armed groups halted fighting, the junta targeted the Danu People's Liberation Army, killing seven fighters. The UN and Human Rights Watch condemned the actions, calling for a ceasefire. The National Unity Government paused operations for two weeks in quake-affected areas.
Israel's ultranationalist security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, visited the Al-Aqsa mosque compound, challenging longstanding rules about non-Muslim prayer at the sensitive site. This visit comes amid heightened tensions following Hamas' recent attack and the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Ben-Gvir's actions have previously ignited violence and drawn criticism, yet the official Israeli stance maintains the traditional restrictions.
A recent Taiwanese survey reveals alarmingly low support among young people for regulating pro-China influencers. Less than 40% of those aged 20-24 favor legal measures against influencers promoting unification, compared to much higher support in other age groups. Experts warn this indicates a concerning lack of awareness about Chinese influence campaigns, particularly among youth exposed to Chinese social media.
China began live-fire drills in the Gulf of Tonkin after Vietnam established a new territorial baseline. The drills, running through Thursday, follow ongoing maritime disputes between China and Vietnam, particularly in the South China Sea. China has grown increasingly aggressive, clashing with Vietnam, the Philippines, and other nations over territorial claims. Recent tensions include confrontations with Philippine forces and concerns from Australia and New Zealand over sudden Chinese naval... Expand
Author Salman Rushdie testified in the trial of Hadi Matar, accused of stabbing him during a 2022 event in New York. Rushdie described the attack vividly and noted the ongoing impact on his health. Matar has pleaded not guilty to attempted murder and assault charges.