US-CHINA TRADE WAR

US president Donald Trump says that he expects China to work out a trade deal with the US soon. His statement comes even as the US-China trade and tariff war seems to be escalating. China has reportedly begun blocking the export of rare earth metals to the US. These metals are crucial to make advanced semiconductors, and China controls 90% of the world’s rare earth metals.

XI’S CHARM OFFENSIVE IN ASIA

As the US-China trade war shows no signs of relenting, Chinese president Xi Jinping has launched a charm offensive. He is on a multi-state visit to Southeast Asia. Xi is reaching out to Vietnam, Cambodia and Malaysia, in a bid to strengthen relations and find alternative trading partners if the US doesn’t roll back its tariffs.

MELONI MEETS TRUMP TO TALK TARIFFS

Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni visited the White House on Thursday, to discuss a trade deal with Trump. She is the first European leader to visit Washington since Trump imposed, and then paused, 20% tariffs on imports from the EU. Meloni said that she was ‘sure’ that the EU could reach an agreement with Trump. But the US president said he was in ‘no rush’, and that he was looking for a ‘fair deal’.

FRANCE-ALGERIA DIPLOMATIC ROW ESCALATES

The diplomatic row between France and Algeria has escalated. In a tit-for-tat move, France recalled its ambassador to Algeria and expelled 12 Algerian diplomats on Tuesday. This was in response to Algeria expelling 12 French diplomats a day earlier. Algiers ousted the French officials after Paris opened criminal proceedings against three Algerian nationals, including a consulate employee. They are suspected of being behind the kidnapping of a man who was critical of the Algerian government

US SENATOR VISITS WRONGFULLY DEPORTED MIGRANT

US Democratic Party senator Chris Van Hollen went to El Salvador on Thursday, to meet the wrongfully deported Maryland resident, Kilmar Abrego Garcia. Abrego Garcia was sent to El Salvador as part of Trump’s ongoing mass deportation drive. This is despite Abrego Garcia having the legal right to stay in the US because of a 2019 court order. Both Trump and El Salvador’s president, Nayib Bukele, have refused to return Abrego Garcia to the US, despite a Supreme Court order.

UKRAINE PALM SUNDAY ATTACK

On Sunday, Russia hit the Ukrainian city of Sumy with two ballistic missiles. At least 35 people were killed, making it the deadliest Russian attack this year. The attack took place on Palm Sunday, which marks the beginning of the Holy week for Christians. US president Donald Trump seemed to defend Russia’s actions, calling the attack ‘a mistake’.

HAMAS REJECTS ISRAELI CEASEFIRE PROPOSAL

Hamas has officially rejected Israel’s latest ceasefire proposal. Israel had issued a new ceasefire plan which would have seen all the remaining hostages released. But Hamas said the proposal was a non-starter, because it would have meant that the group would lose all its leverage, without Israel committing to end the war. Hamas's rejection comes even as Israel’s deadly offensive in the Gaza strip escalates.

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Xi Jinping launches Asian charm offensive as US-China trade ties tank | Geopolitics wrap