trump ally

All eyes in Beijing from tomorrow as Xi, Trump navigate trade, tech and geopolitical whirlpools

A new global survey reveals a significant drop in America's international image under President Trump, now trailing behind Russia and China. Concerns over his foreign policy, tariffs, and military actions have unsettled allies and created global unease. This decline marks the second consecutive year of falling perceptions for the US.

President Trump's China visit occurs amid a US-Iran stalemate, with analysts suggesting Xi Jinping holds more leverage. Many in Beijing view Trump as a symptom of liberal democracy's instability and American decline, validating Xi's "rise of the East" worldview. This perception of US weakness could lead China to miscalculate and test Washington.

Amidst escalating Iran tensions, the US military is considering renaming its operations to potentially bypass Congressional approval. Operation Epic Fury, launched in February, might be rebranded as Operation Sledgehammer for any new strikes. Despite a ceasefire, exchanges continue, with Iran blocking the Strait of Hormuz and the US blockading its ports. President Trump remains firm on Iran's nuclear ambitions.

Trump again assails Pope Leo, potentially complicating Rubio's visit to Vatican this week

Trump’s philosophy is often mistaken for the absence of philosophy, but absence can become a system if practised with sufficient confidence. Every problem becomes a deal, every deal becomes a performance, every performance requires a winner, and the winner, ideally before anyone checks the paperwork, is Donald Trump.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz advised his children against studying or working in the US due to a rapidly changing social climate and job market difficulties for the highly educated. Merz expressed strong optimism about Germany's opportunities for young people, contrasting it with his concerns about the current US situation.

Taiwan asserted that U.S. arms sales are protected by American law, aiming to reassure its citizens after the Trump-Xi summit. Taipei emphasized its commitment to deepening strategic ties with the United States, stressing that military assistance is not a negotiable concession with China.

Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa met with US vice president JD Vance in Washington to bolster ties and combat drug trafficking. This comes after Ecuador imposed tariffs on Colombia due to border disputes and President Petro's alleged inaction against crime. Noboa, a trump ally, is set to address the OAS and meet lawmakers, highlighting his hardline stance against organized crime.

President Trump's late-night social media activity, characterized by numerous posts on his Truth Social platform, is raising concerns about his focus and stamina. Critics and even some Republicans privately express unease, comparing his behavior to an "aggrieved influencer" rather than a commander-in-chief, especially as the nation faces international and domestic challenges.

Canadian tourism to the US has plummeted by an average of 42%, significantly impacting major cities and industry-linked mid-sized towns. This sharp decline, attributed to President Trump's trade war, also affects business travel, with fewer tech and finance employees journeying for work. The future of cross-border travel recovery remains uncertain under current trade conditions.

A CBS report says it did. Pakistan acknowledged the presence of Iranian aircraft but claimed these were civilian assets. Looks like the US is now faced with its second Osama bin Laden moment

A special UFC event planned on the South Lawn of the White House has become one of the most talked-about political and sporting gatherings in the United States. The June 14 show will celebrate both the nation’s 250th anniversary and the 80th birthday of President Donald Trump. Only around 4,000 spectators will be allowed inside, making tickets extremely difficult to obtain for political allies, donors, and sports fans eager to witness the historic UFC card.

During his recent trip to Beijing, President Trump showcased a willingness to engage in conversations about US arms sales to Taiwan, confident that his personal bond with Xi Jinping would act as a buffer against any potential Chinese aggression. The visit, primarily focused on enhancing trade relations, also included key American business leaders.

Iran has presented a list of demands for a ceasefire with the US. These include lifting sanctions, compensation for damages, and the withdrawal of American troops. President Trump has rejected these terms as unacceptable. The standoff has impacted global oil markets and heightened regional tensions. Diplomatic efforts continue amidst ongoing clashes.

Iran is betting it can outlast President Trump's term in high-stakes negotiations, employing brinkmanship and economic pain tolerance. Analysts warn this strategy, centered on weaponizing the Strait of Hormuz, risks escalating into renewed war if Iran overplays its hand.

Israel sent Iron Dome air defence batteries and personnel to operate them in the United Arab Emirates during the war with Iran, the US ambassador told Israel on Tuesday. Israel just sent them Iron Dome batteries and personnel to help operate them.

Pakistan reportedly sheltered Iranian military aircraft at its airbases, raising questions about its neutrality as a mediator in the US-Iran conflict. US officials cited in a CBS News report claim Iran moved planes, including a reconnaissance jet, to Pakistan's Nur Khan Air Base. A Pakistani official denied these allegations, calling them implausible.

President Trump's evolving stance on Taiwan ahead of his summit with Xi Jinping sparks concern. Despite a large arms sale, Trump has questioned Taiwan's role in semiconductor business and sought payment for protection. Analysts fear Taiwan could be a bargaining chip, though US officials maintain policy remains unchanged.

As President Trump arrives in Beijing, anticipation runs low for any breakthroughs regarding China's influence over Iran and the vital Strait of Hormuz. His agenda includes discussions on trade and the pressing issue of fentanyl, yet underlying tensions over their differing views on geopolitical conflicts threaten to overshadow these talks.

While President Trump maintains a gentle approach in his dialogue with China, the US military is gearing up for any possible scenarios. Strengthening its presence in the Indo-Pacific, America is reactivating established bases and fortifying partnerships.

US Secretary of the Treasury, Scott Bessent, on Wednesday, praised Japan's economic resilience and highlighted the importance of economic security during meetings with senior Japanese leaders on Tuesday as part of his Asia visit. The visit came ahead of US President Donald Trump's upcoming summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing from May 13-15.