President Xi Jinping will visit Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia to strengthen ties amid U.S. trade tensions. In Hanoi, Xi aims to consolidate relations with Vietnam, a strategic neighbor receiving significant Chinese investments. The two countries plan to sign around 40 agreements in various sectors, including railways and the digital economy, though it’s unclear if these will be binding. Vietnam has agreed to use Chinese loans for new rail links, enhancing trade and connectivity, while Beijing seeks approval for its COMAC planes. Ava Sinclair 14/04/2025 4:00 am
Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa, 37, won the 2023 election with a decisive lead, defeating Luisa González, 47, the successor of former President Rafael Correa. Both candidates accused each other of electoral violations. González refused to recognize the results, claiming irregularities. Noboa celebrated his victory, declaring it historic. Before the election, he imposed a state of emergency in seven states, mostly González’s strongholds, raising concerns about voter suppression. The emergency allows police and military to enter homes without permission. Noah Prescott 14/04/2025 4:00 am
The UK government has taken control of British Steel’s Scunthorpe plant to prevent its closure by Chinese owner Jingye. Emergency legislation was passed to secure essential raw materials like coking coal and iron ore, crucial for the plant’s operation. Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds emphasized the importance of maintaining steel production in the UK, highlighting the plant’s role in economic security. The government intervened after Jingye, citing unsustainable losses, rejected financial support and planned to shut down the site, which employs 2,700 people and is the UK’s last virgin steel producer. Penelope Kingsley 14/04/2025 4:00 am
More than 100 people, including 20 children, are feared dead in Sudan after paramilitary attacks on El-Fasher and nearby camps, the UN reported. The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) launched assaults on El-Fasher, the last Darfur state capital outside their control, following the army’s recapture of Khartoum. Initial reports indicated 57 deaths, but the army later reported 74 civilian casualties in El-Fasher. Nine humanitarian workers were among the dead. The RSF dismissed footage of the attacks as fabricated. Clashes resumed in Zamzam, a famine-hit area. Ava Sinclair 14/04/2025 12:30 am
Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro underwent his fifth surgery since a 2018 stabbing, following severe abdominal pain. The procedure exceeded its six-hour schedule but was reportedly going well. Bolsonaro, 70, was hospitalized after an event in northeastern Brazil and transferred to Brasilia. He has been advocating for an amnesty bill for supporters who stormed the capital post-2022 election loss. Bolsonaro criticized harsh punishments for his supporters and urged Congress to pass the bill. He faces trial for allegedly conspiring to overthrow the government, which he denies, calling it “lawfare.” Ava Sinclair 14/04/2025 12:30 am
An Israeli air strike damaged Gaza City’s Al-Ahli Baptist hospital, forcing a rushed evacuation and resulting in a boy’s death during the process. The hospital, run by the Anglican church, received only 20 minutes’ warning. The IDF claimed the strike targeted a Hamas command center, a claim Hamas denied. The attack is part of Israel’s intensified military campaign, creating a buffer zone and displacing 400,000 people. Defense Minister Israel Katz stated the goal is to pressure Hamas for hostage release. Hospitals have become shelters amid the conflict. Penelope Kingsley 13/04/2025 9:00 pm
Gen Brice Oligui Nguema, who led a 2023 coup in Gabon, won the presidential election with over 90% of the vote. Critics claim the new constitution favored his victory, excluding strong opposition. His main rival, Bilie-by-Nze, received just over 3%. Despite some irregularities, the election was largely peaceful. Oligui Nguema’s win consolidates his power, ending the Bongo family’s 60-year rule. He promises to address corruption and governance issues in the resource-rich nation, where 35% live below the poverty line. Ava Sinclair 13/04/2025 9:00 pm
A Russian missile strike on Sumy, Ukraine, killed at least 21 people and injured 83 on Palm Sunday, according to local officials. The attack hit residential buildings and other structures, causing significant civilian casualties. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy condemned the strike, calling for a strong international response. He emphasized the tragedy of the attack occurring on a religious holiday, highlighting the impact on ordinary life. Rescue operations are ongoing, with all necessary services involved. Ava Sinclair 13/04/2025 9:00 pm
China is no longer welcome in Britain’s steel sector, according to business minister Jonathan Reynolds. The UK government passed emergency legislation to control Chinese-owned British Steel, citing concerns over global steel overcapacity and U.S. tariffs. Reynolds criticized previous governments for allowing Chinese involvement, highlighting the sensitivity of the steel industry. Jingye Group, linked to the Chinese Communist Party, had proposed importing Chinese steel for processing in the UK. Reynolds suggested other sectors like car making and life sciences as more suitable for Chinese investment. Penelope Kingsley 13/04/2025 5:30 pm
President Trump’s tariff plan has caused confusion and concern, impacting Wall Street and international trade relations. Initially proposing steep tariffs, Trump later adjusted them but continues a trade war with China, maintaining high tariffs on other countries. While Trump claims tariffs benefit small businesses, the broader impact is negative, affecting not just the wealthy but also low-income families and workers globally. Tariffs can be beneficial if targeted, but Trump’s broad approach lacks clear objectives, potentially harming poor communities and low-wage workers worldwide. Noah Prescott 13/04/2025 5:30 pm
