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Trade war erupts; China slaps heavy duty on US products

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Trade war erupts; China slaps heavy duty on US products

In a tit-for-tat response to US imposing duties on importing aluminium and steel, China’s increased tariffs by up to 25 percent on 128 U.S. products have come into effect on Monday. The frozen pork, wine and certain fruits and nuts are included in the increased tariff regime.

The rise in tariffs was announced late on Sunday by China’s finance ministry and matched a list of potential tariffs on up to $3 billion in U.S. goods.

According to Xinhua, the Customs Tariff Commission of the State Council has decided to impose a tariff of 15 percent on 120 items of products imported from the United States including fruits and related products, and a tariff of 25 percent on eight items of imports including pork and related products from the country, according to a statement posted on the finance ministry’s website.

The statement said it was a countermeasure in response to a previous US move to slap tariffs on steel and aluminium imports.

Soon after the implementation of new US measures on March 23, Global Times warned that if the U.S. had thought China would not retaliate or would only take symbolic counter-measures, it can now “say goodbye to that delusion.”

“Even though China and the U.S. have not publicly said they are in a trade war, the sparks of such a war have already started to fly,” the editorial said.

China’s Ministry of Commerce said on Sunday that it was suspending its obligations to WTO to reduce tariffs on 120 U.S. goods, including fruit and ethanol. The tariffs on those products will be raised by an extra 15 percent. Pork and scrap aluminium will now be subjected to additional 25 percent tariff.

The Chinese commerce ministry said the US had “seriously violated” the principles of non-discrimination enshrined in World Trade Organization rules, and had also damaged China’s interests.

“China’s suspension of some of its obligations to the United States is its legitimate right as a member of the World Trade Organization,” it said. The Chinese Ministry has argued that differences between the two economies should be resolved through dialogue and negotiation.

The ministry said, “China’s suspension of its tariff concessions is a legitimate action adopted under WTO rules to safeguard China’s interests.”

China’s retaliatory tariffs came at a t time when trade tensions between Beijing and Washington has been mounting. It has already rocked global financial markets in the past week as investors feared a full-blown trade war between the two countries may damage the world growth.

According to Reuters, U.S. President Donald Trump is separately preparing to impose tariffs of more than $50 billion on Chinese goods intended to punish Beijing over U.S. accusations that China systematically misappropriated American intellectual property. Beijing denies the allegations.

China warned the US on Thursday not to open a Pandora’s Box and spark a flurry of protectionist practices across the globe.

China’s Communist party’s newspaper Global Times has recently said in an editorial that “There are some people in the West who think that China looks tough for the sake of a domestic audience, and would easily make concessions in the end. But they are wrong.”

According to 2017 trade statistics between the two countries, US imports worth goods of $505 billion and exports goods valuing just $130 billion having trade gap of $375 billion.

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Times Square shooting sparks panic in New York, one injured

A shooting in New York’s Times Square left one person injured and caused panic among tourists and commuters before police detained a suspect.

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A shooting in New York City’s Times Square caused panic among hundreds of people on Thursday after gunfire erupted in the crowded entertainment and tourist district. Authorities said one person was injured in the incident, while police quickly detained a suspect and began an investigation.

Videos shared on social media showed people running through the streets and seeking cover as the sound of gunshots echoed through the area. The incident unfolded in one of Manhattan’s busiest locations, which is usually packed with tourists, office workers and commuters.

According to officials, emergency responders reached the scene shortly after the shooting was reported. The injured person was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Authorities have not immediately released details about the victim’s condition.

Police officers already deployed in the area moved swiftly to secure the location and apprehend a suspect. Investigators are examining the circumstances that led to the shooting and are working to determine whether any other individuals were involved.

Initial reports suggested that the gunfire may have followed an altercation, though officials have not confirmed a motive. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are reviewing evidence and witness accounts from the scene.

The shooting drew attention because of its location in Times Square, one of New York City’s most visited landmarks. Despite the brief period of chaos, law enforcement officers were able to restore order and secure the area.

Officials have urged anyone with information about the incident to come forward as investigators continue to piece together the events that led to the shooting.

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US-Iran deal text released: Strait of Hormuz reopening, $300 billion fund and no-nuclear pledge among key provisions

The newly released US-Iran agreement includes provisions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, launching a proposed $300 billion reconstruction fund and advancing negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme.

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The memorandum of understanding sets out a roadmap for restoring maritime trade, advancing nuclear negotiations and supporting Iran’s economic recovery through a proposed reconstruction fund.

The United States has released the text of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Iran, laying out the framework for ending months of conflict and opening the door to broader negotiations on Tehran’s nuclear programme and economic future. The agreement includes commitments on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a pledge from Iran not to pursue nuclear weapons, and the creation of a proposed $300 billion reconstruction and development fund.

According to the released text, Iran has agreed to ensure the restoration of commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy transit routes. The US, in turn, has committed to lifting its naval blockade and refraining from imposing new sanctions during a 60-day negotiation period aimed at reaching a broader and more comprehensive agreement.

Hormuz reopening central to agreement

A major component of the deal focuses on restoring maritime traffic in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. The memorandum calls for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to safe commercial navigation, a move expected to ease concerns in global energy markets after months of disruption.

The agreement also outlines cooperation between both sides to reduce tensions in the region and maintain freedom of navigation through the strategic waterway.

Iran reiterates no-nuclear weapons commitment

The released document states that Iran has reaffirmed its commitment not to develop or acquire nuclear weapons. It also provides for cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and further discussions on the future of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles as part of upcoming negotiations.

While the MoU establishes broad principles, several key nuclear issues are expected to be addressed during the 60-day negotiation process that follows the signing of the framework agreement.

$300 billion reconstruction fund proposed

One of the most significant economic elements of the agreement is a proposed $300 billion Reconstruction and Development Fund intended to support Iran’s recovery and investment needs. US officials have said the fund would be financed by private-sector investors and international partners rather than American taxpayers.

Officials have also stressed that access to the fund and broader economic benefits would depend on Iran meeting its commitments under the agreement, including compliance with nuclear-related obligations.

Next phase of negotiations

The memorandum establishes a 60-day period for negotiations on a final agreement covering sanctions, nuclear issues and broader regional security concerns. Both countries have pledged to avoid escalation during this period while working toward a longer-term settlement.

The deal is being viewed as an important step toward reducing tensions in the Middle East, though significant negotiations remain before a permanent agreement can be reached.

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Trump announces interim Iran agreement as peace talks move forward

US President Donald Trump has announced an interim agreement with Iran that seeks to maintain the ceasefire and establish a path toward broader peace negotiations in the Middle East.

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Donald Trump statement

US President Donald Trump has announced that the United States and Iran have signed an interim agreement intended to reduce tensions and support ongoing efforts to end the conflict that has destabilised parts of the Middle East.

According to officials familiar with the development, the agreement is designed to extend the current ceasefire and establish a framework for future negotiations between the two countries. The move is being viewed as a significant diplomatic step after months of heightened regional tensions.

Agreement focuses on ceasefire and future negotiations

Officials said the arrangement is aimed at maintaining stability while both sides work toward a broader and more permanent settlement. The agreement reportedly includes provisions intended to support continued dialogue and reduce the risk of renewed hostilities.

While the development has been welcomed as a positive breakthrough, reports indicate that several key issues remain unresolved and will require further negotiations. As a result, the current understanding is being described as an interim framework rather than a final peace treaty.

Long-term settlement still under discussion

Diplomatic efforts are expected to continue in the coming weeks as negotiators seek to address outstanding concerns and work toward a more comprehensive agreement.

The announcement comes amid international calls for de-escalation in the region and renewed efforts to secure lasting stability through diplomatic engagement.

Analysts say the interim agreement could provide an opportunity for both sides to pursue further talks while reducing immediate security concerns. However, the success of the initiative will largely depend on progress made during future negotiations.

As discussions continue, global attention remains focused on whether the agreement can lead to a durable settlement and contribute to broader peace and stability across the Middle East.

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