Beijing has declined to confirm a post-inauguration conversation between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump, despite Trump's claim that they spoke. China's foreign ministry only acknowledged a call on January 17, before Trump's second term began. Amid rising trade tensions, Trump has imposed a 10 per cent tariff on Chinese goods, prompting Beijing to retaliate. Meanwhile, he temporarily paused new tariffs on Mexico and Canada following talks with their leaders. Observers are closely watching for any signs of US-China trade de-escalation.
Related news
Worcester has become a sanctuary city for transgender and gender-diverse individuals by passing a resolution to protect this community. The city council's decision is a direct response to Trump’s recent executive orders aiming to restrict gender-affirming care, addressing broader issues like homelessness and violence against transgender people.
President Donald Trump claimed the military restored California's water supply amid wildfires, but the California Department of Water Resources refuted this, stating federal pumps were merely restarted after maintenance. The wildfires, which killed 29 people and destroyed thousands of homes, led to a contentious exchange between Trump and California officials, including Governor Gavin Newsom.
Andrew McIntyre, 39, was sentenced to seven and a half years for inciting violence through social media during the Southport riots in July 2024. He used a Telegram channel, “Southport Wake Up,†to spread hate and organise attacks. McIntyre, who had a history of promoting violence, was arrested with a knife and weapons. The court ruled his actions were driven by racial hatred.
China is committed to continuing its participation in the WHO and the Paris climate accord, expressing concern over US President Trump’s orders to withdraw from both. Beijing emphasizes the importance of international cooperation on health and climate change, and hopes to strengthen dialogue with the US on trade and other issues despite existing tensions.
Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya visits Beijing for talks amid acknowledged 'challenges and concerns' in bilateral ties, including disputed territories and military spending. Tensions have also arisen over Japan's decision to release Fukushima cooling water into the Pacific. Both countries emphasize the importance of maintaining a stable relationship for regional and international peace and stability.
Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody will replace Marco Rubio in the US Senate after Rubio resigns to become Secretary of State under President-elect Donald Trump. Governor Ron DeSantis chose Moody to back Trump's immigration and spending policies. She will face a special election in 2026 and could run for a full term in 2028.
Greenland’s Prime Minister Múte Bourup Egede emphatically rejected US President Donald Trump's comments about acquiring Greenland, stating, "Greenland is ours," and it cannot be taken or bought. Trump's speech aimed to sway Greenlanders by offering safety and prosperity under US control. Danish and Greenlandic leaders criticized Trump's remarks, reinforcing Greenland's right to self-determination and maintaining its semiautonomous status within Denmark.
The survivors of the Myanmar-Thailand earthquake, which killed over 700, recounted their experiences as rescuers faced challenges in reaching those still trapped. Widespread destruction was evident in cities like Mandalay, with buildings collapsing and roads damaged. Rescue efforts are ongoing, with an estimated 100 workers trapped under the debris of a collapsed skyscraper in Bangkok.
The electricity tariff will remain in place notwithstanding Donald Trump's one-month reprieve for tariffs on Canada, Doug said adding that the one-month pause means nothing but more uncertainty. Ontario has been leading the tariff war by already banning US alcohol, cancelling a government contract with Elon Musk's Starlink. Ford said Trump changes his mind every day, but if he continues to attack Canada he will do everything it takes to maximize the pain.
Michael Mayor, 34, has been charged with murder after allegedly fatally assaulting a one-year-old girl in Dayton, Ohio. The child succumbed to a fractured skull and other severe injuries on December 20. Mayor initially faced lesser charges, which were upgraded following the toddler's death.