Donald Trump’s five-day diplomatic tour across East Asia showcased both his influence and the constraints of his power. The trip, which included stops in Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea, was marked by a mix of trade negotiations, personal accommodations, and symbolic gestures. In Malaysia, Trump secured access to critical minerals and facilitated progress on trade agreements with Southeast Asian nations. Japan’s newly elected Prime Minister Sanai Takaichi announced $550 billion in Japanese investments in the U.S. and presented Trump with gifts, including cherry trees and a golf club once owned by the late Shinzo Abe. South Korea welcomed Trump with a 21-gun salute and awarded him the nation’s highest medal, alongside a replica of an ancient Korean crown. However, the climax of the trip came during Trump’s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Busan. Unlike the pomp and pageantry of previous stops, this encounter was stark and businesslike, reflecting the high stakes of U.S.-China relations. The two leaders discussed tariffs, market access, and critical minerals, ultimately agreeing to de-escalate tensions. While Trump hailed the meeting as ‘amazing,’ it underscored the complexities of balancing power and diplomacy in a rapidly shifting global order. As Trump departed, Xi’s arrival in South Korea symbolized China’s growing influence, leaving questions about America’s future role in the region.
标签： North America
北美洲
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Trump caps refugee admissions at 7,500 – mostly white South Africans
The Trump administration has announced a significant reduction in the number of refugees admitted to the United States, capping the figure at 7,500 for the upcoming fiscal year. This marks a sharp decline from the previous limit of 125,000 set by former President Joe Biden. The new policy, detailed in a notice published on Thursday, prioritizes white South Africans, particularly Afrikaners, and other individuals facing ‘illegal or unjust discrimination’ in their home countries. No specific rationale was provided for the drastic cut, though the notice cited ‘humanitarian concerns’ and ‘national interest’ as justifications. In January 2025, President Trump signed an executive order suspending the US Refugee Admissions Programme (USRAP), asserting that the move would enable authorities to focus on national security and public safety. The decision has drawn criticism from refugee advocacy groups, who argue that it unfairly excludes other persecuted groups and undermines the US’s moral standing. During a tense Oval Office meeting in May, Trump criticized South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, claiming that white farmers in South Africa were being ‘persecuted’ and killed. The White House also presented a video purportedly showing burial sites for murdered white farmers, though it later emerged that the footage was from a 2020 protest. The US policy has sparked accusations of bias and raised concerns about the exclusion of other vulnerable populations, including former allies who assisted US forces in Afghanistan and the Middle East. Global Refuge CEO Krish O’Mara Vignarajah condemned the decision, stating that it ‘lowers our moral standing’ and undermines the credibility of the refugee program. The South African government has yet to respond to the announcement.
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Sidharth Malhotra reveals his morning routine and the ‘desi nuskha’ behind his glow
Bollywood star Sidharth Malhotra recently offered an intimate glimpse into his daily wellness practices during an exclusive interview in Dubai. The actor, known for his roles in blockbuster films, discussed his morning routine, the emotional connection he shares with fragrances, and the traditional Indian remedies that keep his skin glowing. Malhotra was in the city to launch Rayhaan’s new perfume variants, Aquatica and Obsidian, at Beautyworld Middle East 2025. He emphasized the profound impact scents have on his mood and memories, revealing his preference for darker, woody notes like Oud for evening wear and fresher, vibrant fragrances for daytime. Malhotra also shared his go-to morning ritual: starting the day with hot water and a shot of ghee, a traditional remedy he swears by for its health and skincare benefits. Beyond fragrances, the actor highlighted the importance of hydration and family time in maintaining his overall wellness. He described how returning home to his daughter after a long day of shooting is his ultimate stress reliever. When asked to encapsulate a city’s essence in a scent, Malhotra chose Dubai, likening its luxurious and dynamic vibe to a deep, woody, and leathery fragrance.
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‘I thought I was dying’ – teacher shot by 6-year-old student testifies against school administrator
In a highly emotional courtroom scene, Abigail Zwerner, a former Virginia schoolteacher, testified in a $40 million civil lawsuit against Ebony Parker, the former assistant principal of Richneck Elementary School. Zwerner was shot by a 6-year-old student in January 2023 while teaching her first-grade class in Newport News, Virginia. The bullet passed through her hand and into her chest, leaving her with severe injuries that required multiple surgeries. Zwerner recounted the harrowing experience, stating, ‘I thought I was dying, I thought I had died. I thought I was on my way to heaven or in heaven, but then it all got black.’
Zwerner’s lawsuit alleges that Parker failed to act despite being warned about the child potentially bringing a gun to school. According to the lawsuit, Parker was informed of the gun approximately 45 minutes before the shooting but took no action. Zwerner’s testimony highlighted the lasting physical and emotional trauma she has endured, including difficulties with simple tasks like opening a bag of potato crisps or a water bottle. She described a sense of emotional detachment, stating, ‘I still feel connected and close, but it’s also that feeling of distance, a little numbness.’
Parker’s defense attorney, Daniel Hogan, argued that the case is one of ‘hindsight bias,’ emphasizing that no one could have reasonably foreseen a 6-year-old bringing a firearm to school. Hogan posed challenging questions to the jury, including whether Parker was indifferent or failed to exercise care, and whether Zwerner took steps for her own safety. The civil trial precedes a criminal case in which Parker faces eight counts of felony child neglect, each punishable by up to five years in prison. The student’s mother has already been sentenced to nearly four years for child neglect and federal weapons charges. The student, who was not charged, is reportedly under the care of a relative and attending a different school.
The case has reignited discussions about gun violence in the United States, particularly in educational settings, and raises critical questions about school safety and administrative accountability.
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Trump’s surgeon general pick goes into labour before confirmation hearing
President Donald Trump’s nomination of Dr. Casey Means for the position of U.S. Surgeon General has taken an unexpected turn as her Senate confirmation hearing was postponed due to her going into labor with her first child. A spokesperson confirmed the delay, noting that Dr. Means was initially set to appear virtually before the Senate committee due to her advanced pregnancy.
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Dubai: Gold prices hold steady, 24K sees slight rise to Dh479
In the wake of the US Federal Reserve’s second consecutive quarter-point interest rate reduction, gold prices in Dubai remained steady, with 24K gold experiencing a slight increase to Dh479 per gram on Thursday morning, up from Dh476 the previous day. This stability follows a week of market volatility after gold reached record highs on October 20. Globally, spot gold prices were recorded at $3952.79 per ounce, while silver stood at $47.52 at 9:30 AM UAE time. Other gold variants in Dubai, including 22K, 21K, and 18K, were priced at Dh443.50, Dh425.25, and Dh364.25 per gram, respectively. Ole Hansen, Head of Commodity Strategy at Saxo Bank, noted that the recent correction in gold prices is marginal compared to the significant rally the metal has experienced over the past year. Hansen emphasized that while the correction is notable, it remains relatively small given the extent of the rally. He suggested that the market is currently in a consolidation phase and predicted that gold prices could eventually climb higher, potentially reaching $5,000 by 2026. However, Hansen cautioned that it is too early to determine whether the correction has concluded or if further adjustments are on the horizon.
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Trump strikes deal with China’s Xi Jinping on tariffs, rare earth exports
In a groundbreaking effort to enhance early detection of breast cancer, Burjeel Cancer Institute has unveiled a mobile screening initiative designed to make diagnostic services more accessible to communities across the region. This innovative program, aptly named ‘Early Detection on Wheels,’ features state-of-the-art screening equipment housed within a fully equipped mobile unit. The initiative aims to reach underserved populations, particularly in remote or rural areas, where access to healthcare facilities is often limited. By bringing advanced diagnostic tools directly to these communities, Burjeel Cancer Institute seeks to bridge the gap in healthcare accessibility and promote early intervention, which is critical in improving survival rates. The mobile unit will offer mammograms, clinical breast exams, and educational workshops to raise awareness about the importance of regular screenings. This initiative underscores the Institute’s commitment to combating breast cancer through proactive measures and community engagement. Early detection remains a cornerstone in the fight against breast cancer, and this program is poised to make a significant impact in reducing late-stage diagnoses and saving lives.
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Five ways the government shutdown is hurting Americans
The United States government shutdown has now stretched into its fifth week, with no immediate resolution in sight. The political stalemate between Democrats and Republicans over a spending plan has left federal agencies shuttered, impacting millions of Americans who are now grappling with severe economic consequences. The prolonged shutdown threatens essential services, including food assistance, military pay, and heating aid, creating a ripple effect across the nation.
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What tariffs has Trump announced and why?
In a bold move to reshape global trade dynamics, former US President Donald Trump has implemented a series of tariffs on imported goods from various countries. Trump asserts that these measures will invigorate American manufacturing, create jobs, and reduce the US trade deficit. However, critics argue that the tariffs could lead to higher consumer prices and disrupt the global economy. Tariffs, essentially taxes on imports, are calculated as a percentage of a product’s value. For instance, a 10% tariff on a $10 item adds $1 to its cost, raising the total to $11. These taxes are paid by importers, who may pass the additional costs onto consumers or reduce their import volumes. Trump’s strategy aims to encourage the purchase of American-made goods and increase government revenue. He has also used tariffs as leverage in negotiations, demanding that countries like China, Mexico, and Canada take stronger actions to curb illegal drug trafficking and migration. Despite facing legal challenges and amendments, Trump’s tariffs have significantly impacted global trade. For example, China and the US have threatened each other with tariffs exceeding 100%, though a temporary truce was extended until November. Canada faces a 35% tariff on most goods, while Mexico deals with a 30% tariff, both under the USMCA agreement. Other countries, including India, Brazil, and South Africa, have also been subjected to varying tariff rates. The UK has negotiated the lowest tariff rate of 10%, primarily affecting its automotive and pharmaceutical exports. Trump’s tariffs have also targeted specific products, such as branded drugs, steel, and furniture, with rates ranging from 25% to 100%. The elimination of the $800 exemption for low-cost imports has further complicated the trade landscape, affecting millions of packages shipped daily. Despite initial economic volatility, the US economy has shown resilience, with consumer spending increasing by 2.5% in the year to June 2025. However, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) warns that US tariffs continue to have a negative impact on global economic stability. As negotiations persist, the long-term effects of Trump’s tariff strategy remain uncertain.
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Ontario premier demands apology from US ambassador over tariff ‘tirade’
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has called for an apology from US Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra following a heated exchange between the envoy and Ontario’s trade representative, David Paterson. The confrontation, described by CBC News as an “expletive-laced tirade,” stemmed from a TV advertisement funded by the Ontario government that criticized President Trump’s tariffs. The ad featured a quote from former President Ronald Reagan, stating that tariffs “hurt every America,” taken from his 1987 national radio address on foreign trade. Ford deemed Hoekstra’s remarks “absolutely unacceptable” and urged him to make amends, saying, “Pete, you gotta call Dave up and apologize. It’s simple.” The ad, which aired during the World Series games between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Los Angeles Dodgers, was hailed by Ford as “the most successful ad in North American history,” garnering over one billion impressions globally. However, it has sparked frustration within the Trump administration, with President Trump threatening to impose an additional 10% tariff on Canadian imports. Last week, Trump suspended trade talks with Canada over the ad, though the US Senate recently voted 50-46 to block these tariffs. The resolution, however, is unlikely to pass the House of Representatives. Ford defended his actions, stating, “What do they expect me to do? Sit back and roll over like every other person in the world?” The dispute highlights ongoing tensions between the US and Canada over trade policies.