The US and China have imposed tariffs on each other's goods, escalating a trade war between the two economic superpowers. The move is seen as a response to China's alleged unfair trade practices, with the US imposing tariffs on $34 billion worth of Chinese goods. China has retaliated by increasing tariffs on $34 billion worth of US products, including soybeans and pork. The dispute has sparked concerns about the impact on global trade and the economy, with many experts warning of a potential recession.
https://reason.com/video/2025/04/21/remy-cupid-tariff-version/An Israeli military investigation has concluded that its troops did not use "indiscriminate fire" in an incident that killed 15 Gaza emergency service personnel on March 23, just days into a renewed Israeli offensive in the Hamas-ruled territory. The killings sparked international condemnation and concern about possible "war crimes" from the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk. Israel insisted there were six militants in the ambulances that came under fire near the southern city of Rafah on that day.
https://www.news18.com/world/israel-army-denies-indiscriminate-fire-in-gaza-strike-that-killed-15-medics-9306747.htmlFormer US Indo-Pacific Commander Admiral Harry Harris has urged the United States to end its policy of "strategic ambiguity" regarding its stance on defending Taiwan in the event of a cross-strait conflict, citing China's increasing pressure on the island as a reason for this call.
https://www.lokmattimes.com/international/former-us-indo-pacific-commander-urges-strategic-clarity-on-taiwan/China's Southern Theatre navy accused a Philippine frigate of illegally entering Scarborough Shoal waters, seriously violating Chinese sovereignty and laws. The navy monitored and drove the vessel away, urging the Philippines to stop the infringement and provocation.
https://www.malaymail.com/news/world/2025/04/21/china-accuses-philippine-frigate-of-violating-sovereignty-at-scarborough-shoal-in-south-china-sea/173868Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed bilateral talks with Ukraine for the first time in years, amid pressure from Washington to show willingness to make peace in Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy confirmed that Kyiv is sending a delegation to London to meet with the US and other Western countries. The proposal comes after a one-day Easter truce, which was largely dismissed by Kyiv as a stunt. Putin said Moscow is open to any peace initiatives and expects the same from Kyiv. Ukrainian forces reported nearly 3,000 violations of Russia's ceasefire, with the heaviest attacks seen along the Pokrovsk part of the frontline.
https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/putin-for-the-first-time-in-years-says-he-is-open-to-direct-peace-talks-with-ukraine-8221467#pfrom=home-ndtv_topscroll_ImagetopscrollSouth Korea's acting president has urged a strong response to US tariffs, amid escalating tensions between the two countries over trade. A pre-negotiated deal may have temporarily eased market volatility, but experts warn that this calm is short-lived and could be followed by renewed fluctuations.
https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-04-22/opinion/columns/US-dollar-losing-grip-as-tariff-shock-ripples-through-markets/2290210The displacement of Palestinians in the Jenin refugee camp is a pressing concern due to the mass migration caused by Israel's creation in 1948. The United Nations agency UNRWA provides aid, but recent Israeli legislation has complicated its work. The cash-strapped Palestinian Authority lacks funds to help, and many international organizations are focusing on the Gaza Strip, where a dire humanitarian crisis has been created since October 2023. Residents fear a repeat of collective trauma, with public services scarce and basic necessities like food and education unattainable. Israeli army bulldozers have destroyed homes, leaving residents without shelter, and some who attempted to return were turned away.
https://www.jordantimes.com/news/region/west-bank-campus-dystopian-shelter-palestinians-uprooted-againUS Secretary of State Mike Pence is visiting India, seen as a key diplomatic mission amid the intensifying trade war between Washington and Beijing. The visit coincides with New Delhi's rivalry with Beijing in the region. Pence's talks with Indian leaders aim to review bilateral relations and discuss regional and global developments, potentially leading to a significant trade deal that could strengthen economic ties between the two countries.
https://apnews.com/article/india-us-vance-visit-modi-trade-deal-101ffd4c524469c691fd7d1fd7da2ea0Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of the United Arab Emirates, will visit Pakistan on Sunday for a two-day official trip. During his visit, he will meet with Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar to discuss trade and investment, energy cooperation, regional security, and people-to-people exchanges. Sheikh Abdullah is also scheduled to meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to reaffirm their shared vision for regional peace and prosperity. The visit aims to strengthen the longstanding Pakistan-UAE partnership and deepen cooperation in various fields, benefiting both nations.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40358596/uae-foreign-minister-sheikh-abdullah-bin-zayed-to-visit-pakistan-for-key-talks