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Mike Pence on damage control mission in Middle East

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Mike Pence on damage control mission in Middle East

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Visit was delayed after huge protests against Trump’s Jerusalem move

US Vice President Mike Pence began his Middle East journey on Saturday, from Cairo with his meeting with President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi discussing bilateral relations and regional issues. He will also visit Jordan and Israel.

According to Al-Ahram daily, Egyptian President told US Vice President that only negotiations based on a two-state solution can end the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

It said that El-Sisi affirmed Egypt’s “firm position on the Palestinian issue,” pointing out that the “settlement of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict will only be achieved through negotiations based on the two-state solution,” El-Sisi’s spokesman Bassam Rady said.

According to a statement issued by US embassy in Cairo, Pence addressed the “shared need to combat terrorism and assist persecuted religious minorities.” Pence told reporters in Cairo on Saturday that Egypt’s objection to the decision is “disagreement between friends,” adding “We heard President el-Sisi out.”

Alyssa Farah, Pence’ press secretary said, “The vice president is travelling to the Middle East to reaffirm our commitment to work with the United States’ allies in the region to defeat radicalism that threatens future generations.”

According to Daily News Egypt, the statement issued by US embassy said that  Pence will also visit Jordan and Israel. During his two day visit to Israel Pence will participate in “bilateral discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Reuven Rivlin. He will also give remarks at the Knesset, and visit Yad Vashem and the Western Wall.”

Earlier, Mike Pence was scheduled to visit in late December which was delayed due to President Donald Trump’s Jerusalem move announcement the holy city as Israel’s capital. Several prominent persons in the region, including in Egypt and Palestine had denied meeting US Vice President.

World community, the governments and people protested against Trump’s Jerusalem move. United Nations Security Council had opposed the Trump’s move while Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC) summit in Istanbul had condemned US recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.

Protest demonstrations were held in most countries in Middle East, Asia, Africa, Europe and Australia. Even US’ close allies including UK, France, Germany and Saudi Arabia along with other GCC countries had condemned the move.

A Cairo based newspaper quoted Noha Bakr, an expert in US affairs and professor of political science at the American University in Cairo, saying  that the visit comes in line with the current consultations on the Jerusalem issue, combating terrorism, and the regional issues in Syria and Yemen.[/vc_column_text][vc_raw_html]JTNDYmxvY2txdW90ZSUyMGNsYXNzJTNEJTIydHdpdHRlci10d2VldCUyMiUyMGRhdGEtbGFuZyUzRCUyMmVuJTIyJTNFJTNDcCUyMGxhbmclM0QlMjJlbiUyMiUyMGRpciUzRCUyMmx0ciUyMiUzRVRoZSUyMFUuUyUyMHN0YW5kcyUyMHNob3VsZGVyLXRvLXNob3VsZGVyJTIwdyUyRiUyMEVneXB0JTIwaW4lMjB0YWtpbmclMjB0aGUlMjBmaWdodCUyMHRvJTIwdGVycm9yaXN0cyUyMGFjcm9zcyUyMHRoZSUyMHJlZ2lvbi4lMjBEZWVwJTIwZGlzY3Vzc2lvbnMlMjB0b2RheSUyMHclMkYlMjAlM0NhJTIwaHJlZiUzRCUyMmh0dHBzJTNBJTJGJTJGdHdpdHRlci5jb20lMkZBbHNpc2lPZmZpY2lhbCUzRnJlZl9zcmMlM0R0d3NyYyUyNTVFdGZ3JTIyJTNFJTQwQWxzaXNpT2ZmaWNpYWwlM0MlMkZhJTNFJTIwb24lMjBjb250aW51aW5nJTIwdG8lMjB3b3JrJTIwdyUyRiUyMEVneXB0JTIwJTI2YW1wJTNCJTIwYWxsaWVzJTIwYWNyb3NzJTIwdGhlJTIwcmVnaW9uJTIwdG8lMjBjb25mcm9udCUyMCUyNmFtcCUzQiUyMGRlZmVhdCUyMElzbGFtaWMlMjB0ZXJyb3Jpc20lMjB3ZXJlJTIwcHJvZHVjdGl2ZSUyMGFuZCUyMG1lYW5pbmdmdWwuJTIwJTNDYSUyMGhyZWYlM0QlMjJodHRwcyUzQSUyRiUyRnR3aXR0ZXIuY29tJTJGaGFzaHRhZyUyRlZQaW5FZ3lwdCUzRnNyYyUzRGhhc2glMjZhbXAlM0JyZWZfc3JjJTNEdHdzcmMlMjU1RXRmdyUyMiUzRSUyM1ZQaW5FZ3lwdCUzQyUyRmElM0UlMjAlM0NhJTIwaHJlZiUzRCUyMmh0dHBzJTNBJTJGJTJGdC5jbyUyRnhLWmlya2NubHMlMjIlM0VwaWMudHdpdHRlci5jb20lMkZ4S1ppcmtjbmxzJTNDJTJGYSUzRSUzQyUyRnAlM0UlMjZtZGFzaCUzQiUyMFZpY2UlMjBQcmVzaWRlbnQlMjBNaWtlJTIwUGVuY2UlMjAlMjglNDBWUCUyOSUyMCUzQ2ElMjBocmVmJTNEJTIyaHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZ0d2l0dGVyLmNvbSUyRlZQJTJGc3RhdHVzJTJGOTU0ODU4NzI4NzA0MTAyNDAxJTNGcmVmX3NyYyUzRHR3c3JjJTI1NUV0ZnclMjIlM0VKYW51YXJ5JTIwMjAlMkMlMjAyMDE4JTNDJTJGYSUzRSUzQyUyRmJsb2NrcXVvdGUlM0UlMEElM0NzY3JpcHQlMjBhc3luYyUyMHNyYyUzRCUyMmh0dHBzJTNBJTJGJTJGcGxhdGZvcm0udHdpdHRlci5jb20lMkZ3aWRnZXRzLmpzJTIyJTIwY2hhcnNldCUzRCUyMnV0Zi04JTIyJTNFJTNDJTJGc2NyaXB0JTNFJTBB[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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China reacts after Zelensky accuses Russia of dragging Beijing into Ukraine war

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

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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.

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Nightclub roof collapse in Dominican Republic: Toll crosses 114

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.

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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.

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US vs China trade war: Beijing hits back with 84% tariffs after Trump’s 104% import duty

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.

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China US trade war

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.

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