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Trump says China, Russia pledged not to arm Iran

Trump says

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump said on Friday that the leaders of China and Russia had separately assured him their countries would not sell weapons to Iran amid heightened tensions in the Middle East.

In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump said he had discussed the issue with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin during recent meetings. According to Trump, both leaders pledged that their governments would not provide arms to Iran.

Trump said he believes neither China nor Russia has an interest in becoming involved in the conflict, adding that such a move would be detrimental to both countries. He said he trusted Xi’s assurance, citing the relationship between Washington and Beijing.

Referring to Russia, Trump said Putin had offered a similar commitment despite Moscow’s ongoing involvement in the war in Ukraine. He also reiterated that the United States does not directly supply weapons to Ukraine, but sells arms to NATO member states, which then determine how the equipment is distributed.

There was no immediate official response from China, Russia, or Iran to Trump’s remarks. The comments come as tensions between the United States and Iran remain elevated, with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz disrupting global energy markets and international mediation efforts continuing to seek a ceasefire.

PM announces 1,000 more students to receive China training in agriculture

PM announces

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced Wednesday that the government will send another 1,000 Pakistani students to China this year for advanced training in agriculture and livestock development as part of efforts to modernize the country’s agricultural sector.

Addressing a national seminar on livestock capacity building in Islamabad, Sharif said Pakistan’s farmers work tirelessly across all four provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, but continue to lag behind regional competitors because of limited access to modern technology and equipment.

The prime minister said Pakistan has significant untapped potential in agriculture and livestock, noting that the country is the world’s fourth-largest milk producer and has considerable capacity to expand meat production.

Sharif criticized the performance of some public institutions established to support agriculture and livestock, saying many had suffered from mismanagement and nepotism.

He called for closer cooperation between the federal and provincial governments to modernize the sector and translate policy into practical action.

He also announced that the federal government would fully fund the development or procurement of vaccines needed to combat livestock diseases, adding that related projects would be outsourced to improve efficiency and avoid the shortcomings of past institutions.

Highlighting the importance of international cooperation, Sharif said the government would continue its partnership with China by sponsoring another 1,000 students for specialized training this year, following a similar initiative launched last year. He urged authorities to make effective use of the expertise gained by returning students to help improve Pakistan’s agriculture and livestock sectors.

Trump urges senate to pass crypto clarity act to keep US ahead of China

Trump urges

WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump urged the US Senate to pass the Clarity Act, saying the proposed cryptocurrency legislation is essential to maintaining America’s technological and financial edge over China.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump called on senators to approve the bill, saying it would serve as a tribute to the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, whom he described as a strong supporter.

Trump argued that China and other countries are seeking to dominate the cryptocurrency industry and are also competing aggressively with the United States in the field of artificial intelligence.

“We must not let China succeed in either of these sectors,” Trump said, urging lawmakers to move the legislation forward.

The appeal comes after the death of Graham, a Republican ally of Trump, which could complicate the bill’s prospects in the Senate by reducing the Republican majority. The legislation would require 60 votes to pass the Senate before it could become law.

The Clarity Act is among the first comprehensive proposals to establish a federal regulatory framework for the cryptocurrency industry. It has received support from major U.S. crypto companies and the White House, with backers arguing that clear regulations would strengthen investor confidence and encourage further investment.

Some Democratic lawmakers, however, have called for stricter ethics provisions in the bill, including additional restrictions on elected officials, arguing that public officeholders should face tighter oversight over their involvement in digital assets.

Pakistan, China reaffirm support for peaceful resolution of disputes through dialogue

Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and China have reaffirmed their commitment to the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with the United Nations Charter and pledged to continue close cooperation in support of dialogue aimed at reducing tensions and promoting lasting peace.

According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a telephone conversation with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, during which he congratulated China on the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China.

The two leaders discussed the Iran-U.S. peace process, including the first round of high-level talks held in the Swiss city of Bürgenstock with the mediation of Pakistan and Qatar.

Dar briefed Wang on the outcomes of the talks, saying that a high-level committee had been established in Islamabad to oversee the mediation process under a recently signed memorandum of understanding.

He said three working groups had also been formed to address issues related to the nuclear program, sanctions, monitoring mechanisms and dispute resolution, with the goal of facilitating a final agreement between the parties within 60 days.

Dar praised China’s continued support for the peace process and highlighted the importance of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s four-point peace proposal and the joint Pakistan-China five-point peace initiative.

Wang congratulated Pakistan on the successful facilitation of the talks and the signing of the memorandum of understanding, commending Islamabad’s diplomatic efforts, mediation role and continued engagement in support of regional peace and stability.

Reaffirming China’s support for Pakistan’s mediation efforts, Wang said disputes must be resolved peacefully in line with the principles of the United Nations Charter.

Both ministers pledged to maintain close coordination in encouraging a negotiated settlement between the parties, with the aim of achieving a lasting reduction in tensions, sustainable peace, shared development and mutual prosperity.

Trump urges Iran and Israel to halt attacks as China calls for restraint

Trump urges

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump on Monday called on Iran and Israel to immediately stop attacking each other, amid escalating hostilities in the Middle East.

In a post on social media, Trump wrote: “Iran and Israel should stop the attacks immediately,” urging both sides to de-escalate rising tensions.

Meanwhile, China expressed deep concern over the latest situation in the region. A spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry said renewed hostilities would serve no party’s interests and called for both Iran and Israel to maintain a ceasefire.

The developments come as both countries have exchanged multiple strikes since the previous day, raising fears of further escalation.

According to earlier reports, Trump had also spoken by phone with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, warning against further escalation. However, shortly after the call, Israel reportedly launched missile strikes on Iran, prompting retaliatory attacks from Tehran.

Tensions between Iran and Israel have sharply intensified, with both sides continuing military actions despite growing international calls for restraint.

China pledges to buy $17b in US agricultural products over three years

China pledges

WASHINGTON: China has pledged to purchase $17 billion worth of agricultural products from the United States over the next three years, according to a fact sheet released by the White House.

The commitment was made during a meeting last week between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump.

The White House said the new $17 billion pledge does not include a previous commitment made in October 2025 to purchase U.S. soybeans.

The fact sheet also confirmed remarks by China’s foreign minister regarding plans to establish a U.S.-China Board of Trade and a U.S.-China Board of Investment to strengthen economic cooperation between the two countries.

Trump had earlier told reporters at the White House following his trip to China that major trade agreements had been reached and that relations between Washington and Beijing were “excellent.”

The announcement marks another sign of improving trade ties between the world’s two largest economies after years of tariff disputes and economic tensions.

Pakistan Navy commissions first Hangor-class submarine in China

Pakistan Navy

The Pakistan Navy marked a major milestone with the commissioning of its first Hangor-class submarine in China, in a ceremony attended by Asif Ali Zardari, President of Pakistan, as the chief guest.

According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf was also present on the occasion.

Addressing the ceremony, President Zardari described the commissioning of the Hangor submarine as a historic step in the Pakistan Navy’s modernization journey.

He emphasized that Pakistan possesses the full capability to defend its sovereignty, safeguard maritime interests, and protect vital economic corridors.

Speaking at the event, Admiral Naveed Ashraf highlighted that disruptions to key sea lanes pose serious risks to global trade and energy supply.

He noted that the Hangor-class submarines will play a crucial role in deterring aggression and ensuring the security of critical maritime trade routes in the Arabian Sea.

The Naval Chief also recalled that during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, the earlier Hangor submarine made history by becoming the first submarine since World War II to sink a naval vessel.

He added that the new Hangor-class submarines are equipped with state-of-the-art air-independent propulsion systems, advanced sonar technologies, stealth features, and extended underwater endurance.

ISPR stated that the commissioning of the first Hangor-class submarine represents a new chapter in the longstanding and deep-rooted friendship between Pakistan and China.

The Prime Minister of Pakistan and the country’s top military leadership extended congratulations to the nation and the Pakistan Navy on achieving this significant milestone.

Pakistan, China discuss Middle East situation and peace efforts in high-level meeting

Pakistan

Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a meeting with Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong, during which discussions were held on the situation in the Middle East and Pakistan’s ongoing diplomatic efforts for peace.

The meeting in Islamabad focused on bilateral relations and regional developments. The prime minister expressed pride in Pakistan’s strategic partnership with China and said that close cooperation with Chinese leadership would continue to further strengthen ties between the two countries.

Shehbaz Sharif also conveyed good wishes for the Chinese President and Premier, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to deepening bilateral relations.

The Chinese ambassador appreciated Pakistan’s diplomatic initiatives aimed at promoting lasting peace in the region and reiterated the commitment of both countries to further strengthen their longstanding friendship.

Survey: 36% Europeans view US as greater threat than China

Survey

BRUSSELS: A new survey has revealed that 36% of Europeans consider the United States a bigger threat than China, amid criticism of anti-Europe statements by US President Donald Trump.

The poll, conducted across six European countries including Germany, found that 36% of respondents identified the US as a threat, compared to 29% who viewed China as a greater concern.

According to the “EuroPulse” survey, the perception was particularly strong in Spain, where 51% of respondents considered the US a threat. Similar views were recorded in Italy (46%), Belgium (42%), and Germany (30%).

In France, 37% of participants saw the US as a threat, while a higher 43% viewed China in that light.

Meanwhile, in Poland, only 13% of respondents identified the US as a threat, compared to 37% who pointed to China.

The findings highlight shifting geopolitical perceptions in Europe amid evolving global political dynamics.

China passes legislation authorizing response to foreign economic actions

China passes

Beijing: Chinese Premier Li Qiang has signed a new law aimed at strengthening the country’s sovereignty, national security, and economic interests, according to state media reports.

The legislation, which consists of 20 provisions, has come into immediate effect.

Under the new law, China will take retaliatory measures against any country or entity that takes actions targeting its economic interests, citizens, or institutions.

The law is designed to formalize countermeasures in response to perceived external pressure.

It also provides for the creation of a list identifying foreign individuals and organizations involved in actions deemed harmful to China.

The Chinese government will be authorized to implement countermeasures against those included in the list.

Officials say the law is intended to protect national interests and ensure a structured response to external economic and political challenges.