Trump due in court to face historic criminal charges

Former President Donald Trump will appear before a New York judge to answer criminal charges over hush money paid to a porn star before the 2016 election. He is the first sitting or former president to be indicted, and the move has put the US into uncharted political waters. Trump will face the standard booking procedure of being fingerprinted and potentially photographed, with about 30 counts expected to be unsealed during the arraignment.

Australia bans TikTok on government devices

Australia will ban TikTok on government devices due to national security concerns, following advice from intelligence agencies. The decision makes Australia the last member of the Five Eyes alliance to pursue such a ban, joining allies the US, UK, Canada, and New Zealand, as well as France, the Netherlands, and the European Commission. Cybersecurity experts have warned that the app, which has over one billion users, could be used to collect data shared with the Chinese government. TikTok has dismissed the bans as “rooted in xenophobia” but acknowledged collecting user data to spy on journalists.

China launches security probe into US chipmaker Micron

Chinese authorities have launched an investigation into US memory chipmaker Micron Technology over national security concerns, according to an online notice by the country’s top cybersecurity regulator. The probe comes amid heightened competition between Beijing and Washington in the semiconductor field, as the US has sought to restrict exports of advanced chip technology to China. Micron said it was “cooperating fully” with Chinese authorities. The Netherlands and Japan have also recently imposed restrictions on exporting certain products to China, which Beijing has slammed as “US bullying tactics”.

Oil powers announce surprise cuts of more than 1 million bpd

Saudi Arabia and other major oil producers announced a surprise production cut of more than one million barrels per day on Sunday, citing it as a “precautionary” move aimed at stabilising the market. The reductions, on top of a Russian decision to extend a cut of 500,000 barrels per day, risk stoking inflation and pressure to raise interest rates. The cuts follow a drop in oil prices triggered by jitters over the banking sector.

Taiwan president makes tour stop in Belize after Honduras setback

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen arrived in Belize to strengthen relations, following Honduras switching ties to Beijing. Tsai was welcomed with military honours and is expected to meet with Prime Minister John Briceno to reaffirm bilateral ties. Guatemala, which Tsai visited before Belize, has vowed to maintain “recognition of the sovereignty” of Taiwan. China views Taiwan as part of its territory and does not allow other countries to recognize both Beijing and Taipei.

Malaysian PM given red carpet reception in state car, while PM Lee and Ho Ching travel by bus

While Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim was given a red-carpet welcome and a state car bearing the Malaysian flag, Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and his delegation, including his wife Ho Ching, were simply ushered onto airport buses.

US media reports Trump being indicted over hush money payments

Donald Trump has been indicted by a Manhattan grand jury, making him the first current or former president in American history to face criminal charges, according to US media. Multiple sources familiar with the matter have confirmed the indictment with US media, which has been filed under seal and is set to be announced in the coming days.

China says Honduran leader to visit ‘as soon as possible’

Honduran President Xiomara Castro will visit China “as soon as possible” to draw up a blueprint for bilateral relations after Honduras cut off diplomatic ties with Taiwan. China welcomes the visit and is willing to enhance political mutual trust and cooperation.

Biden vows funds, tech alliance as democracy summit takes on backsliding

President Joe Biden has committed nearly $700 million to counter global democratic backsliding and form an alliance against surveillance technology at his second, largely virtual “Summit for Democracy.” The summit will work on holding Russia accountable for its war against Ukraine and show that democracies are strong and resolved. Biden will also announce a joint effort with around 10 partners to counter the misuse and proliferation of spyware. Close US partners who failed to make the cut include Bangladesh, Singapore and Thailand, while leaders such as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban were excluded over concern on their records.

Saudi agrees to partner with China-led security bloc

Saudi Arabia has agreed to become a “dialogue partner” with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, a political, economic, and security organization that includes China, India, Pakistan, Russia, and four central Asian countries. This move follows a recent reconciliation deal brokered by China between Saudi Arabia and Iran to restore full diplomatic relations.