Xi, Trump hold phone talks, discussing trade and Taiwan question
Let’s continue to explore the under-reported sides of news this week.
What You May Have Missed This Week
1. Xi, Trump hold phone talks
“The two sides should enhance communication in such fields as foreign affairs, economy and trade, military, and law enforcement to build consensus, clear up misunderstandings, and strengthen cooperation, said Xi.” - CGTN
2. Musk says Trump is named in Epstein files
“‘Time to drop the really big bomb,’ Musk wrote on X, the social platform he owns. ‘[Trump] is in the Epstein files. That is the real reason they have not been made public.’” - The Hill
3. New poll shows a big shift in perception of China vs. the U.S.
“Out of the 96 countries surveyed, 76 have a more positive view of China, while 20 have a more a positive view of the U.S. The U.S.’ global net perception rating dropped from +22% in 2024 to -5% in 2025.”
4. Trump announces travel ban on 12 countries and partial restrictions for 7 others
“In a return of one of the most controversial policies of his first term, President Donald Trump signed a proclamation Wednesday banning nationals from a dozen countries, including Afghanistan, Haiti and the Republic of Congo, from entering the United States.” - NBC News
5. Lee Jae-myung sworn in as S. Korea's new president
“Lee Jae-myung has been sworn in as South Korea's new president, formally beginning his five-year term earlier today. His victory comes six months after his predecessor, Yoon Suk-yeol, declared a short-lived period of martial law that threw the country into disarray.” - CGTN
6. Why capitalism is fundamentally undemocratic
“Yes, many of us live in democratic political systems, where we get to elect national leaders every few years, even if we acknowledge that this process is often corrupt and inadequate. But when it comes to the economy, the system of production — which affects our everyday lives and determines the shape and direction of our society — generally not even a pretence of democracy is allowed to enter.” - Jason Hickel
7. China Just Won the Trade War (But Not How You Think)
“China is the leader of BRICS but now China has now joined ASEAN and the Gulf Cooperation Council to form a new super alliance that will develop everything from trade to dedollarization and include an expansion of the Belt and Road Initiative. In today's video we discuss what China is doing and why ASEAN and China's trade relationship is already more important than US/China trade. This will change the future of our world economy.” - Cyrus Janssen
Jingjing’s Highlights in This Week
U.S. tariff threats not so scary when you trade with the world
You probably don't realize it, but you're using products from this city in China. It could be toys, shoes, festival items, religious products, or even something as small as the buttons, threads and zippers on your clothes.
I visited Yiwu and spoke to businesspeople from both China and abroad to find out whether their businesses have been affected by the tariff drama the U.S. government has unleashed on the world.
Page Editor: Jin Yulin
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