China on Thursday, April 10, reiterated its commitment to promoting peace in the Ukraine conflict while cautioning against “irresponsible remarks” from relevant parties, in an apparent response to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s recent allegations.

Zelensky had claimed on Wednesday that 155 Chinese citizens were fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, a statement that drew sharp rebuttals from both Beijing and Moscow.

During a regular news conference, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian emphasized China’s neutral position, stating, “I would like to reiterate that China is neither the initiator of the Ukrainian crisis nor a participating party. We are a firm supporter and active promoter of a peaceful settlement.”

Without directly naming Zelensky, Lin urged all concerned parties to “correctly and soberly understand China’s role and refrain from making irresponsible statements.”

China, which has maintained a “no-limits” strategic partnership with Russia since early 2022, has positioned itself as a mediator in efforts to end the war, avoiding any direct criticism of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine that began in February of that year.

Lin also reiterated Beijing’s official guidance to its citizens, urging them to avoid armed conflict zones and “refrain from participating in military actions on either side.”

Zelensky’s comments stemmed from reports of two Chinese nationals captured by Ukrainian forces in eastern Ukraine, where Russian troops have been making gains. He alleged that Russia was recruiting Chinese citizens through social media, with the knowledge of Chinese officials, and that Ukraine’s security services had compiled detailed lists including names, birth dates, and military unit assignments of these individuals.

Zelensky further suggested that Ukraine was investigating whether these recruits were acting under instructions from Beijing, labeling their involvement as Russia’s “second mistake” in the war—following what he and Western nations describe as the deployment of over 11,000 North Korean troops to Russia’s Kursk region.

Meanwhile, the Kremlin, on the same day, dismissed Zelensky’s assertions that China was being drawn into the conflict.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters, “This is not the case. China maintains a balanced position. China is our strategic partner, friend, and comrade.” Peskov argued that Moscow was not pulling Beijing into the fray and countered, “Zelenskyy is wrong.”

The backdrop to these exchanges is the deep ties between Russia and China, which were formalized days before President Vladimir Putin ordered the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. This partnership has allowed both nations to coordinate closely on geopolitical issues, with China often acting as a counterbalance to Western influence.

The iconic Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo was bustling with musicians, athletes, and government officials when debris began to fall from the ceiling, landing in patrons’ drinks.

Tragedy struck with the collapse of the entire roof, claiming the lives of at least 98 individuals and injuring around 160 in one of the worst nightclub disasters in the Dominican Republic’s history. As concrete slabs crashed down, more than 114 people were killed, and many others were trapped on a packed dance floor where attendees were enthusiastically enjoying a merengue concert early Tuesday morning. Authorities reported over 255 injuries.

Among the deceased was Rubby Pérez, a beloved merengue star who had been performing just moments before the calamity. His body was recovered early Wednesday, according to emergency operations director Juan Manuel Méndez.

Rescue teams continued to search for survivors more than a day after the incident. “We will remain here as long as there are reports of missing persons,” Méndez stated.

Assistance arrived from rescue teams from Puerto Rico and Israel on Wednesday to aid local officials in their efforts.

As night fell on Tuesday, families and friends still searching for their loved ones gathered outside the club, where a guitarist played soothing melodies while they sang hymns.

Only 32 victims have been identified thus far in what is marked as one of the Dominican Republic’s deadliest disasters. Reports indicate that among the victims were a cardiologist, a government architect, a retired police officer, and the brother of the vice minister of Youth.

Also among the deceased are MLB pitcher Octavio Dotel and Dominican player Tony Enrique Blanco Cabrera, as confirmed by Satosky Terrero, spokesperson for the Professional Baseball League.

Nelsy Cruz, the Governor of Montecristi province and sister of seven-time MLB All-Star Nelson Cruz, informed President Luis Abinader about the disaster. Tragically, she called for help from beneath the rubble but later succumbed to her injuries in a hospital.

Other casualties included saxophonist Luis Solís, who was performing on stage when the roof fell, several Venezuelan bartenders, and an Army officer who left behind four daughters. Grupo Popular, a financial services firm, noted that three of its employees perished, including the president of AFP Popular Bank and his wife. Unfortunately, many more victims remain unidentified.

“I’ve searched all the hospitals and haven’t found her,” lamented Deysi Suriel, who was desperately trying to locate her friend, 61-year-old Milca Curiel, during her vacation in the Dominican Republic.

Numerous anxious relatives flocked to the National Institute of Forensic Pathology to search through lists of victims, while others scoured hospitals, clutching photos of their loved ones.

“There’s a lot of pain,” commented Senator Daniel Rivera, the former public health minister. “We must exercise patience.”

Among those desperately looking for their families was Kimberly Jones, whose godson, 45-year-old artist Osiris Blanc, and his friends were unaccounted for.

In a bold escalation of the ongoing trade dispute between the world’s two largest economies, China announced on Wednesday, April 9, that it will increase tariffs on all goods imported from the United States to 84 per cent, up from the previously stated 34 per cent.

The new tariff rate, set to take effect on April 10, marks a sharp retaliation to Washington’s recent imposition of steep duties on Chinese exports.

Last week, Beijing signalled its initial response with a 34 per cent tariff on US-origin products, reacting to fresh trade restrictions from the US.

However, following the implementation of a 104 per cent tariff on Chinese imports by the US—effective Wednesday under former President Donald Trump’s policies—China has significantly ratcheted up its countermeasures. This tit-for-tat escalation signals deepening economic tension that could disrupt global trade and supply chains.

The US tariffs, which include a baseline 10 per cent increase rolled out over the weekend and additional levies from February and March, now total a staggering 104 per cent on Chinese goods.

Trump, who returned to the presidency, had initially proposed a 34 per cent tariff hike, but after China responded with its own 34 per cent duty on American products, he vowed to add another 50 percent, bringing the total to its current level.

On Tuesday, Trump claimed that the US was “taking in almost $2 billion a day” from these tariffs, defending his strategy as a means to revive America’s manufacturing sector by forcing companies to relocate domestically.

However, the global economic fallout has been immediate and severe. Since Trump’s baseline tariffs took effect, markets worldwide have experienced dramatic sell-offs, fueling fears of a potential recession. Starting Wednesday, import tariffs from dozens of economies, including major players like India, Brazil, and the European Union, are also rising, compounding the uncertainty.

In China, senior officials, including President Xi Jinping’s top economic advisor, condemned the US moves as “unilateralism, protectionism, and economic coercion.” The advisor emphasized that China’s retaliatory measures are not only to protect its own interests but also to uphold international trade rules.

“Our firm response demonstrates our commitment to defending fairness in global commerce,” he stated, warning that Beijing would fight “to the end” against what it perceives as American aggression.

Trump, meanwhile, remains undeterred, arguing that higher tariffs will pressure companies to shift production back to the US.

During a speech on April 8 at a fundraising gala for House Republicans, he outlined plans to impose major tariffs on the pharmaceutical sector, claiming it would incentivize firms to leave China and other countries. “We’re a very big market, and when they hear about these tariffs, they’ll open plants here,” he said.