Trump slams NATO; U.S. counterterror head quits; Israel claims Iran security chief killed - Day 18 of Iran war
President Donald Trump said NATO is making a “very foolish mistake” by refusing to help the U.S. as Israel Katz claimed Ali Larijani wa...
China kept its 2025 economic growth target at roughly 5% while committing to higher government spending to counter deflationary risks and the impact of escalating U.S. trade tariffs, according to a government report released Tuesday.
Budget deficit target raised to 4% of GDP (up from 3% in 2024).
1.3 trillion yuan ($179 billion) in special treasury bonds to be issued.
Local governments can issue 4.4 trillion yuan in special debt (up from 3.9 trillion).
Beijing faces pressure as U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration ramps up tariffs, adding 20 percentage points to Chinese imports since January.
Chinese exports to the U.S. exceed $400 billion annually, but higher U.S. trade barriers threaten manufacturers.
China retaliated Tuesday, imposing 10%-15% tariffs on U.S. agricultural products and sanctioning 25 American firms.
China’s economy struggles with sluggish consumer demand and a crisis in the debt-laden property sector. Analysts urge Beijing to stimulate household spending rather than rely on exports and industrial expansion.
“Boosting domestic household consumption is key,” said Eswar Prasad, former IMF China director.
Despite leading in EVs and AI, experts warn that China’s innovation drive must be balanced with consumer demand growth to avoid stagnation like Japan’s economic slowdown.
With Premier Li Qiang set to outline policies on Wednesday, China faces a critical test in navigating trade tensions and internal economic imbalances.
The other evening, I was fuelling my car at a petrol station in Kenya’s capital. It was one of those small moments most motorists barely notice. The attendant filled the tank, I glanced at the pump price, paid, and drove off.
President Trump called on countries to assist in reopening the Strait of Hormuz, while Starmer said the UK is working with allies to restore navigation and stabilise oil markets. It comes as a strike near Iraq’s western border killed several Hashed al-Shaabi fighters, raising regional tensions.
President Donald Trump said NATO is making a “very foolish mistake” by refusing to help the U.S. as Israel Katz claimed Ali Larijani was killed in Israeli strikes.
Kazakhstan has adopted a new constitution that could allow President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to stay in power beyond 2029. The Central Election Commission confirmed that 87.15% of voters backed the constitution in a referendum held on Sunday (17 March).
The World Health Organization (WHO) has released $2m in emergency funding to support health responses in Lebanon, Iraq and Syria as escalating regional conflict strains hospitals, raises displacement and increases pressure on already fragile health systems.
U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday (17 March) announced that he is postponing a highly anticipated trip to Beijing to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping, citing the war with Iran as the main disruption to efforts to ease tensions between the world’s two largest economies.
A series of severe storms, blizzards and tornadoes on Monday disrupted life across much of the U.S., leaving more than 12,500 flights delayed or cancelled and forcing schools, federal offices and communities to take emergency precautions.
China’s international trade representative has said Beijing and Washington have reached a “preliminary consensus” on some key issues following their latest round of talks in Paris, offering a cautious sign of progress in a relationship long marked by tension and uncertainty.
Chile’s newly inaugurated president, José Antonio Kast, has taken his first major step on immigration, launching plans for a fortified barrier along the country’s northern border just days after entering office.
A Russian drone attack damaged industrial, port, and energy infrastructure in Ukraine's southern Odesa region overnight. The strikes disrupted power supplies in several settlements, prompting local authorities to switch critical facilities to backup power generators.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment