TOP NEWS

US-China Relations
Trump’s new stance on Xi: "A true gentleman"

Donald Trump has adopted a friendlier approach toward China recently, the AP reports. Having previously described the country as a serious threat to the US economy, he now calls Chinese leader Xi Jinping "a true gentleman."

When Xi arrives in Washington on Wednesday, Trump plans to break with his usual routine of meeting foreign leaders at the White House and instead go to the airport to welcome his counterpart. Xi and his wife are also guests of honor at a banquet hosted by Trump on Thursday—an event the president claims "everyone would want to attend."

"Trump has dramatically changed his stance on China because his initial attempts to impose super-high tariffs and export restrictions failed," says Michael Kovrig, a senior advisor at the International Crisis Group.

In recent years, China has expanded its dominance in key markets such as electric vehicles and artificial intelligence, sparking economic concern in many countries.

North Korea-South Korea Relations
North Korea launches two ballistic missiles in three hours

North Korea has launched two ballistic missiles from its east coast within the span of three hours, the South Korean military told AFP.

This marks the second test Pyongyang has conducted in a week.

The second missile launched reportedly traveled over 600 kilometers and landed in the Sea of ​​Japan.

"These North Korean actions threaten peace and security in Japan, in the region, and for the international community," says Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, according to Nikkei. 

North Korea fires projectiles into the Sea of ​​Japan

North Korea fired two projectiles into the Sea of ​​Japan on Sunday, according to South Korea's Ministry of National Defense.

The South Korean military reported that the first launch—a ballistic missile—took place at 3:00 PM local time from an area near the city of Wonsan, with the missile flying approximately 450 kilometers out to sea.

A second projectile was reportedly fired a couple of hours later.

The office of the Japanese Prime Minister stated on X that both projectiles are suspected to be ballistic missiles.

These events occur just days after the Pyongyang regime reaffirmed its status as a nuclear power and rejected a UN resolution demanding that the country cease its nuclear activities.

North Korea frequently conducts missile test launches.