Pentagon chief urges Asian allies to boost defence spending over China concerns
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has urged Asian allies to increase military spending, warning of growing concern over China’s rapid military exp...
Japan has agreed to let U.S. President Donald Trump decide where $550 billion of Japanese capital will be invested in the United States as part of a trade deal to secure tariff relief, according to a memorandum signed this week.
The agreement, enacted Thursday, requires Japan to fund projects selected by Trump within 45 days or face the return of steep tariffs. Japan had been subject to a 25% levy on exports to the U.S., which is now reduced to 15%.
The memorandum states that profits from the investments will be split evenly until Japan’s principal is repaid, after which the U.S. will take 90% of the returns.
The deal marks the latest step in Trump’s push to reshape global trade under his “America First” agenda. In recent months, his administration has secured revenue-sharing arrangements with U.S. chipmakers over sales in China and taken a golden share in U.S. Steel following its $15 billion takeover by Japan’s Nippon Steel.
The new tariff framework also lowers duties on Japanese cars and car parts from 27.5% to 15%. A U.S. investment committee chaired by Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick will propose projects for Trump’s approval, with an aim to use Japanese suppliers where possible.
Economists said the arrangement could eventually support Japanese exports, depending on procurement levels.
A group of Azerbaijani civil society organisations has called for increased scrutiny of Swiss building materials giant Holcim, citing court rulings and ongoing investigations linked to its subsidiary Lafarge's activities during the Syrian conflict.
The World Health Organization (WHO) says ongoing conflict, funding pressures and international travel restrictions are complicating efforts to contain a fast-growing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Thai rescuers say five people have been pulled alive from a flooded cave in remote Laos, where seven villagers became trapped after heavy rain cut off access underground.
Russia and Kazakhstan signed 15 agreements during President Vladimir Putin’s state visit to Astana on Thursday (28 May), including deals on Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant and expanded oil cooperation with Russia.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has urged Asian allies to increase military spending, warning of growing concern over China’s rapid military expansion and wider activities in the region.
Thai rescuers say five people have been pulled alive from a flooded cave in remote Laos, where seven villagers became trapped after heavy rain cut off access underground.
Three Latvian climbers have died after falling on Mount McKinley in Alaska’s Denali National Park and Preserve, authorities and a Latvian climbing organisation have said
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for 30 May, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Voting has begun in Malta’s parliamentary election, with opinion polls suggesting the ruling Labour Party is on course to win a fourth consecutive term.
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