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international relations

Pentagon denies clearing Hormuz Strait mines will take six months

Pentagon denies clearing Hormuz Strait mines will take six months

The Pentagon blasted as cherry picking and false on Thursday a news report saying that the department assessed it could take six months to completely clear the Strait of Hormuz of Iranian-laid mines. The Washington Post reported on Wednesday that the Pentagon shared the six-month estimate during a

Iran economy looks set to withstand US naval blockade

Iran economy looks set to withstand US naval blockade

A US naval blockade of Iranian ports is likely to squeeze Iran's oil output in the coming weeks but claims it will throw the Islamic republic into economic free fall remain premature, analysts say. After weeks of bombing and counter-strikes, focus has shifted to the standoff in

US says China used 'intimidation' to block Taiwan leader's Africa trip

US says China used 'intimidation' to block Taiwan leader's Africa trip

The United States slammed China's "intimidation campaign" on Wednesday after several African countries were reportedly pressured by Beijing to derail an official trip by Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te by revoking overflight permits. Taiwan announced Tuesday that Lai was postponing his trip to Eswatini

South Korea e-commerce probe opens rift in US ties

South Korea e-commerce probe opens rift in US ties

South Korea pushed back on Thursday against criticism of its business environment by US lawmakers, as a rare spat deepens over Seoul's investigation into online retail company Coupang. US-listed Coupang's South Korean arm operates the country's most popular shopping platform. But it has

US firms voice 'concern' over China's new supply chain rules

US firms voice 'concern' over China's new supply chain rules

China's new supply chain regulations could be a "concern" for US firms, the American Chamber of Commerce in China warned on Thursday. The regulations, released on April 7, allow Chinese authorities to take measures against foreign companies or individuals that "harm China's industrial

UN leadership hopefuls stress need for peace and restoring confidence

UN leadership hopefuls stress need for peace and restoring confidence

Contenders for next UN secretary-general made their case this week for a United Nations more invested in peace, but avoided taking positions that could antagonize the member states who will choose the world body's next chief. Chile's Michelle Bachelet, Argentina's Rafael Grossi, Costa

France must avoid becoming 'hostage' on critical minerals: trade minister

France must avoid becoming 'hostage' on critical minerals: trade minister

France and "like-minded countries" must work together to avoid becoming "hostages" on critical minerals used in everything from phones to solar panels, Paris's trade minister said Thursday. Speaking in Sydney, Nicolas Forissier told journalists that France was working to expand cooperation with Australia