The White House has deemed the Signal message chat leak case closed, according to Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary. This decision was made outside the White House in Washington, D.C., where Leavitt addressed reporters on Monday.
https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2025/03/31/white-house-case-closed-signal-leak/4331743467794/The government's most sensitive information is typically discussed in Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIFs), which are designed to prevent eavesdropping or cyber intrusion. Experts warn that using personal devices to discuss classified material poses a risk of cyberespionage, as highlighted by Michael Williams, an expert on international relations and national security at Syracuse University.
https://stltoday.com/news/nation-world/government-politics/article_353bf250-e116-503b-97d2-b33d878e32dc.htmlZhang Chi, a professor at the National Defense University, expressed concerns about the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) exercises, suggesting they have become too routine and may not be effectively preparing for potential threats.
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202504/1331279.shtmlSouth Korean Trade Minister Ahn Deok-gyun emphasized the need for a strengthened agreement among Seoul, Beijing and Tokyo to expand trade cooperation through negotiations on a Korea-China-Japan free trade deal. The three countries are major trading partners of the US, despite their differences on issues like territorial disputes and Japan's Fukushima nuclear wastewater release. A 2022 agreement aims to reduce trade barriers among 15 Asia-Pacific countries. Trump's recent announcement of 25% import tariffs on cars and auto parts could harm Asian automakers, particularly South Korea and Japan, which are the US' largest car exporters after Mexico.
https://www.fakti.bg/en/world/960735-donald-trump-s-tariffs-push-japan-south-korea-into-china-s-embraceAnalysts are warning of potential economic slowdowns due to rising tariffs. Barclays' Ajay Rajadhyaksha has lowered the S&P 500 year-end target from 6,600 to 5,900, citing concerns over a possible US downturn and policy doubt. Morgan Stanley's Chetan Ahya expects the US to propose a plan for addressing trade ties on April 2, but warns that high levels of policy uncertainty could hurt spending and trade. Goldman Sachs has raised the chance of a US downturn to 35%, while JPMorgan strategists predict growing trade worries could push Treasury yields lower as investors seek safer assets. The expected tariffs are set to impact industries such as technology, with Tesla and Apple shares potentially falling due to higher import costs, while chipmakers like Nvidia and Intel may also come under selling pressure.
https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/wall-street-prepares-for-market-turmoil-as-trump-s-liberation-day-nears-1034531055China's economy has received some reprieve from the intensifying US trade war, with its $18 trillion economy benefiting from foreign buyers frontloading purchases in anticipation of further US tariffs. The official purchasing managers' index (PMI) rose to 50.5 in March, the highest reading since March 2024, and non-manufacturing PMI accelerated to 50.8. Despite this, economists warn that relief is short-lived, as US President Donald Trump plans to announce new "reciprocal" tariffs on Chinese goods. China has maintained its economic target of around 5% for the year, despite Trump's tariff threats, and has pledged more fiscal stimulus and monetary easing to cushion the impact.
https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2025/03/31/china039s-manufacturing-hits-12-month-high-driven-by-strong-ordersTaiwan's second-largest steelmaker, China Steel, has suffered a nearly $1 billion loss due to the impending US tariffs. The company's spokesperson, Karen Kuo, stated that officials have prepared contingency plans for different scenarios. Taiwan Deputy Finance Minister Frank Juan believes the electronics industry will face low chances of being affected by tariffs, citing TSMC's new $100 billion investment in the US.
https://www.firstpost.com/world/taiwan-president-lai-discusses-contingency-plans-amid-looming-us-tariffs-13875970.htmlGazprombank's inclusion in US sanctions has blocked Russia's payments to the UN and its affiliated organizations, with funds "stuck" in accounts managed by the UN Secretariat. The situation is a serious concern for the UN, as it relies on contributions from member states to function. Moscow is working closely with UN financiers, led by Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, to establish a stable channel for transferring contributions independent of US and EU jurisdiction.
https://www.fakti.bg/en/world/960621-russian-foreign-ministry-the-west-believes-that-our-country-will-again-forget-and-forgive-everything-we-have-not-chaseChina's Global Times newspaper defended the country's stance on non-interference in foreign affairs, with editor-in-chief Hu Xijin making the statement. This comes amid tensions between China and several Western countries, including the US. The Global Times has been a vocal critic of US President Joe Biden's administration, particularly over issues related to Taiwan and trade.
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202503/1331233.shtml