Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for April 8th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
1. Trump threatens new 50% tariffs on China
Donald Trump has threatened China with an extra 50% tariff on goods imported into the US if it does not withdraw its 34% counter-tariff, as global markets continue to fall.
Beijing retaliated on Sunday, following last week's decision by Trump to slap a 34% tax on Chinese imports as part of his "Liberation Day" that set a minimum 10% levy on nearly all of America's trading partners.
In a social media post on Monday, Trump gave China until Tuesday to scrap its countermeasure or face the 50% tax.
2. Global market meltdown swings to ‘madness’
The market chaos unleashed by Donald Trump’s trade war continued for a third day as stocks, bonds and commodities all swung wildly, buffeted by both fears of a recession and speculation the financial damage will drive the Republican president to change course. After the darkening global outlook hammered markets in Asia and Europe, extending a slide that erased roughly $10 trillion from equity markets worldwide, the S&P 500 opened sharply lower, only to briefly spike as rumors raced across trading floors that Trump was poised to delay his tariffs.
But prices sank again as those hopes faded—and by late morning Trump was making more threats as China ramps up its retaliatory tariffs.
3. China vows to fight 'till the end' after Trump's latest tariffs threat
China has responded strongly after US president Donald Trump threatened to hit Beijing with an extra 50% tariff if it doesn't withdraw its retaliatory levy on Tuesday
Beijing's commerce ministry said it would never accept the "blackmail nature of the US" and vowed to "fight till the end"
4. Acting mines minister and Turkmen ambassador visit TAPI pipeline site, stress accelerated progress.
Afghanistan and Turkmenistan officials visited the TAPI pipeline site in Herat, reaffirming commitment to the key regional energy project. The pipeline will deliver Turkmen gas to India via Afghanistan and Pakistan, with efforts now focused on accelerating construction.
The visit comes as work continues on one of the region’s most ambitious energy projects—the TAPI pipeline, which aims to transport natural gas from Turkmenistan through Afghanistan to Pakistan and India. The pipeline is expected to deliver 33 billion cubic meters of gas each year, spanning a total of 1,814 kilometers.
5. Trump confirms direct U.S.-Iran talks on nuclear issue
President Donald Trump has announced that the United States and Iran have started direct talks on Tehran’s nuclear programme. The announcement came during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Oval Office.
Trump told reporters the talks had already begun and a “very big meeting” would take place on Saturday. He added, “Everybody agrees that doing a deal would be preferable.”
6. Trump and Netanyahu hold wide-ranging talks
U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a joint press conference in Washington on Monday, covering topics from Gaza and hostages to tariffs and China.
Standing beside Netanyahu at the White House, Trump said he “would like to see the war stop” in Gaza and expressed hope for a resolution “not in the too-distant future.” He noted that efforts were underway to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas, but added that the process remained “long and difficult.”
7. PACE Spring session opens with focus on Georgia’s democratic standing
PACE's Spring session opens in Strasbourg with Georgia’s delegation under scrutiny. A key decision on April 10 may determine whether Georgia retains full representation—or joins Azerbaijan with restricted rights in the Assembly.
PACE Spring session kicks off in Strasbourg, and the question of Georgian delegation’s credentials promises to be one of the key topics this week.
Now all sights are set on April 10, when the Parliamentary Assembly will review its relations with Georgia.
Saudi Arabia said its air defences destroyed a Houthi drone south of Mecca before it could enter prohibited airspace over the holy city, as attacks...
China has officially opened the Pinglu Canal, a $10.75 billion waterway giving the country's landlocked southwest a shorter, direct route to th...
Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held high-level talks in Seoul aimed at expanding South Korean investment, industrial cooperation and partnershi...
U.S. President Donald Trump has again said Iran is keen to reach a deal quickly, but a senior Iranian security official rejected the claim, saying Tehran will not negotiate until its conditions are met.
A Danish military helicopter came within “metres” of being struck by flares fired by a Russian warship, Denmark's Defence Minister Jeppe Bruus said on Tuesday. Russia accused Denmark of carrying out “dangerous manoeuvres” near its ship, and said it was investigating the incident.
Saudi Arabia said its air defences destroyed a Houthi drone south of Mecca before it could enter prohibited airspace over the holy city, as attacks by the Iran-aligned group deepen regional tensions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukraine was carrying out tests on a new weapon to intercept drones and had recorded a successful hit overnight.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is outlining the EU's priorities in her annual State of the Union address, covering security, support for Ukraine, trade with China, migration, climate and artificial intelligence.
China has officially opened the Pinglu Canal, a $10.75 billion waterway giving the country's landlocked southwest a shorter, direct route to the sea and Southeast Asian markets.
Pakistan has condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia at the United Nations, warning that escalating fighting in Yemen and increased activity around the Bab al-Mandab Strait threaten regional stability, global shipping and energy security.
Former Kosovo President Hashim Thaçi has been sentenced to 25 years in prison after being found guilty of war crimes, including murder, torture, cruel treatment and arbitrary detention.
Wednesday's session of the 24th Arab Media Summit in Dubai has shifted the discussion towards a central question for modern media: how can regional news organisations tell their own stories while reaching audiences far beyond their borders?
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukraine was carrying out tests on a new weapon to intercept drones and had recorded a successful hit overnight.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment