Here is your Saturday news summary, simplified for clarity.
Trump Threatens 100% Tariffs on China Over Rare Earths Dispute
US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose a 100% tariff on all Chinese goods and restrict the export of “critical software” starting November 1, 2025. The threat came after China announced new export restrictions on its rare earth minerals, which are crucial for many technologies.
In a statement on his Truth Social platform, Trump said China’s move was “unprecedented.” He also commented that due to the dispute, there is “no reason” for him to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping at an upcoming summit.
Powerful 7.6 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Drake Passage
A major 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck the Drake Passage, the body of water between South America and Antarctica, on Friday. According to the US Geological Survey, the quake occurred at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers (about 6.2 miles).
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center initially issued a tsunami threat for Chile but later confirmed that the danger has passed and the warning has been cancelled.
Emmanuel Macron Reappoints Sebastien Lecornu as French Prime Minister
French President Emmanuel Macron has reappointed Sebastien Lecornu as prime minister, just four days after he resigned from the position. Lecornu is now tasked with forming a new government following a series of negotiations with different political parties.
“I accept — out of duty — the mission entrusted to me,” Lecornu stated on the social media platform X.
More Global Headlines
- Gaza Ceasefire: The EU has welcomed the agreement for a ceasefire in Gaza and urged its immediate implementation. A senior Hamas member indicated that a prisoner exchange with Israel could begin as soon as Monday under the new deal.
- US-Syria Relations: The US Senate has approved the repeal of some of the most comprehensive sanctions against Syria, known as the Caesar Act. The Syrian government called the decision a “constructive step” toward improving relations.
- Norway FA on Israel: Lise Klaveness, President of the Norwegian Football Association, emphasized that the discussion around FIFA and UEFA’s alleged violations in favor of Israel must continue, despite the recent ceasefire.
- Terror Plot Foiled: Authorities arrested two men in connection with a suspected plot to carry out terror attacks against politicians in Belgium and the Netherlands.
- Melania Trump on Ukrainian Children: US First Lady Melania Trump said she has been in direct communication with Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding displaced Ukrainian children, reporting that eight children were reunited with their families in the past 24 hours.
- ASEAN-Myanmar: The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has called on Myanmar to stop all attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure.
- North Korea Parade: North Korea held a large military parade in Pyongyang to mark the 80th anniversary of the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea.
- Pentagon Anti-Drug Task Force: The Pentagon announced the formation of a new joint task force under the US Southern Command to target and disrupt drug trafficking organizations.
- Switzerland-China Dialogue: The foreign ministers of Switzerland and China met to strengthen cooperation and work on updating their decade-old free trade agreement.
- Turkey’s Natural Gas Market: The trade volume on Turkey’s spot natural gas market increased by 64.3% on Thursday, reaching 15.86 million Turkish liras, according to Energy Exchange Istanbul (EXIST).