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1924 posts

Trump foe Christie launches presidential run

Former New Jersey governor Chris Christie joined the 2024 White House race, positioning himself as a formidable opponent to frontrunner Donald Trump. Christie, known for his sharp criticisms of Trump, emphasized the former president’s self-obsession and dishonesty. With a crowded field, Christie’s campaign could garner significant attention and pose a challenge to Trump’s dominance in the polls. However, Trump dismissed Christie’s announcement as rambling and predicted rejection in New Hampshire. The race also sees former running mates Christie and Mike Pence becoming rivals, adding to the intriguing dynamics.

UBS says to complete Credit Suisse takeover on 12 June

Swiss banking giant UBS is set to finalize its acquisition of troubled domestic rival Credit Suisse by 12 June, according to both banks. The completion date is slightly later than previously anticipated. UBS agreed to purchase Credit Suisse for three billion Swiss francs (US$3.25 billion) under government pressure to prevent its collapse. Upon completion, Credit Suisse shares and American Depositary Shares will be delisted, creating a superbank overseeing US$5 trillion of invested assets, according to UBS CEO Sergio Ermotti.

US, China join naval drills in Indonesia despite rifts

The United States and China have both deployed warships to participate in multinational naval drills in Indonesia, despite their ongoing tensions. The exercises aim to foster cooperation among like-minded nations and address common challenges such as humanitarian and disaster response. The presence of warships from the US and China highlights their fierce competition in various domains, including diplomacy, military, technology, and economy. The drills come amid escalating disagreements between the two powers over issues such as Taiwan and Pacific island nations. Efforts to renew dialogue and avoid misunderstandings leading to conflict have been emphasized by US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin.

Fossil fuelled: Climate talks begin with spotlight on oil chief

The upcoming UN climate negotiations will scrutinize the future of fossil fuels, with an Emirati oil chief, Sultan al-Jaber, at the forefront. As pressure mounts for ambitious plans to combat climate change, al-Jaber’s appointment as head of COP28 has faced criticism from campaigners urging him to step aside. While al-Jaber advocates for renewable energy development, he also emphasizes carbon capture technologies and the role of fossil fuels in the energy transition. The discussions aim to address the urgency of transitioning away from fossil fuels while assessing progress in reducing carbon emissions.

Hong Kong police detain more than 20 on Tiananmen anniversary

Hong Kong police detained over 20 people, including pro-democracy activists, for attempting to commemorate the Tiananmen Square crackdown. Beijing’s national security law imposed in 2020 banned the annual vigil, leading to charges against organizers. Meanwhile, in Taiwan, hundreds gathered at Taipei’s Liberty Square to mourn and chant slogans in support of Hong Kong. In Hong Kong, police searched and detained individuals found with candles, a symbol of the banned vigil. Despite the crackdown, defiant acts, such as candle giveaways and displays of archival material, persisted. Worldwide, candlelit vigils were held, and protesters reenacted the crackdown in London.

‘Unsafe’ action by China near American ship in Taiwan Strait: US

A Chinese Navy ship displayed “unsafe maneuvers” near a US destroyer in the Taiwan Strait, marking the second close encounter between American and Chinese military assets in less than 10 days. The US military criticized China’s actions and emphasized its commitment to operating safely and responsibly within international law. China, on the other hand, accused the US of provocation and interference in its sovereignty and security.

Dehumanising migrants ‘deeply troubling’: incoming IOM chief

Amy Pope, the incoming head of the International Organization for Migration, expressed concern over the demonization of vulnerable migrants for political gain. She aims to shift the narrative, emphasizing the humanity of migrants and promoting a positive view of migration. Pope also plans to address the impact of climate change on migration and assist in building resilience for those at risk of displacement.

Taiwan, US to sign trade deal in Washington amidst growing pressure from China

The United States and Taiwan are set to sign a trade deal, sparking tensions with Beijing. The agreement aims to streamline customs, enhance regulatory procedures, and strengthen anticorruption measures. China strongly opposes any diplomatic relations involving Taiwan, which it considers its territory. Beijing’s military drills and aggressive rhetoric towards Taiwan have escalated in recent years. Bipartisan support for Taiwan exists in the United States, with politicians from both parties publicly engaging with Taiwanese officials.

US trial opens over alleged forced repatriation of Chinese abroad

The first federal trial in the United States regarding China’s alleged forced repatriation campaign, known as “Operation Fox Hunt,” has commenced in New York. The trial involves three defendants accused of coercing US residents, who were wanted for alleged crimes in China, to return. The trial is expected to last two to three weeks, with the defendants facing up to ten years in prison if convicted. The US government has previously prosecuted Chinese nationals involved in surveillance and harassment activities within the country.

EU, US ready common code of conduct on artificial intelligence

The European Union (EU) and the United States have announced their plans to soon release a voluntary code of conduct on artificial intelligence (AI), aiming to establish common standards among democracies. As China makes rapid strides in AI, both political and technology industry leaders have raised concerns about potential risks to privacy and civil liberties. The code of conduct aims to address these issues and invite like-minded countries to join the initiative. The EU and US also discussed cooperation on AI standards and tools, while emphasizing the need to mitigate risks associated with the transformative technology.