AnewZ Morning Brief - March 8th, 2025

Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for March 8th, covering the latest developments you need to know.

1. China rejects US proposal on Gaza, backs Arab-led peace plan

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi rejected a plan by US President Donald Trump to take control of Gaza, Xinhua News Agency reported.

"China supports the plan for restoring peace in Gaza initiated by Egypt and other Arab countries. Gaza belongs to the Palestinian people and is an inseparable part of the Palestinian territory," Wang said at a news conference during China’s annual legislative session.

2. Azerbaijan Defense Ministry advances work on new military regulations

The Azerbaijani Defense Ministry announced on Friday that preparations for new military regulations are ongoing, as part of an effort to update rules governing discipline, garrison operations, guard services, and internal affairs within the Armed Forces of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

The meeting, held under the leadership of First Deputy Minister of Defense and Chief of the General Staff, Colonel General Karim Valiyev, brought together senior officials from various military authorities. Participants engaged in a broad exchange of views, drawing on the successful reforms, achievements, and innovations implemented under President Ilham Aliyev, who is also the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

3. South Korean court releases impeached president from detention

South Korea's impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol was released from a detention center where he was being held after a Seoul court accepted a plea to cancel his arrest for his failed Dec. 3 imposition of martial law.

Yoon filed the request with the Seoul Central District Court last month, pleading that his indictment over the short-lived martial law declaration was illegal.

Yoon, who was indicted on charges of leading an insurgency for martial law, will stand trial without being detained.

4. Israeli defense minister orders army to stay in northern West Bank camps until year's-end

Israel’s defense minister instructed the military to remain in refugee camps in the northern West Bank until at least the end of the year, according to media reports.

According to the Israel Hayom daily, defense chief Israel Katz said, “More than 40,000 people have been evacuated so far from the refugee camps of Jenin, Tulkarem, and Nur Shams," referring to soldiers forcing out residents.

“I have directed security forces to remain in these refugee camps until at least the end of the year,” he added.

5. Trump says he sent letter to Iran leader to negotiate nuclear deal

"I said I hope you're going to negotiate, because it's going to be a lot better for Iran," Trump said in an interview with Fox Business Network broadcast on Friday.

6. China hits back at Canada with fresh agriculture tariffs

China announced tariffs on over $2.6 billion worth of Canadian agricultural and food products on Saturday, retaliating against levies Ottawa introduced in October and opening a new front in a trade war largely driven by U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff threats.

The levies, announced by the commerce ministry and scheduled to take effect on March 20, match the 100% and 25% import duties Canada slapped on China-made electric vehicles and steel and aluminium products just over four months ago.

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