Jun 11-12, 2025 - President Trump Statements

"OUR DEAL WITH CHINA IS DONE, SUBJECT TO FINAL APPROVAL WITH PRESIDENT XI AND ME. FULL MAGNETS, AND ANY NECESSARY RARE EARTHS, WILL BE SUPPLIED, UP FRONT, BY CHINA. LIKEWISE, WE WILL PROVIDE TO CHINA WHAT WAS AGREED TO, INCLUDING CHINESE STUDENTS USING OUR COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES (WHICH HAS ALWAYS BEEN GOOD WITH ME!). WE ARE GETTING A TOTAL OF 55% TARIFFS, CHINA IS GETTING 10%. RELATIONSHIP IS EXCELLENT! THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER!"

"Adding to the China readout, President XI and I are going to work closely together to open up China to American Trade. This would be a great WIN for both countries!!!"

Tracking U.S. Navy carrier strike groups and amphibious ready groups
and
Deployed Chinese PLA Navy big decks

• USS Nimitz (CVN 68) + PLA CNS Shandong (17) square off in the South China Sea
• CNS Liaoning (16) east of the Philippines on record-setting deployment
• 2x PLAN amphibious assault ships operating: CNS Hainan (31) + CNS Anhui (33)
• 2x U.S. Navy amphibious ready groups deployed: USS America (LHA 6) in WESTPAC + USS Tripoli (LHA 7) in EASTPAC
• USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) remains on station in CENTCOM AOR
• USS George Washington (CVN 73) preparing for summer patrol
• USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) returned home
• USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) deploying next

June -5/6, 2025 - President Trump Statements

"I just concluded a very good phone call with President Xi, of China, discussing some of the intricacies of our recently made, and agreed to, Trade Deal. The call lasted approximately one and a half hours, and resulted in a very positive conclusion for both Countries. There should no longer be any questions respecting the complexity of Rare Earth products. Our respective teams will be meeting shortly at a location to be determined. We will be represented by Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent, Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, and United States Trade Representative, Ambassador Jamieson Greer. During the conversation, President Xi graciously invited the First Lady and me to visit China, and I reciprocated. As Presidents of two Great Nations, this is something that we both look forward to doing. The conversation was focused almost entirely on TRADE. Nothing was discussed concerning Russia/Ukraine, or Iran. We will inform the Media as to scheduling and location of the soon to be meeting. Thank you for your attention to this matter!"

"I am pleased to announce that Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent, Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, and United States Trade Representative, Ambassador Jamieson Greer, will be meeting in London on Monday, June 9, 2025, with Representatives of China, with reference to the Trade Deal. The meeting should go very well. Thank you for your attention to this matter!"

Darwin port becomes Explosive Flashpoint in US-China power struggle

Australia’s Port of Darwin, leased to China’s Landbridge Group for 99 years, has ignited a fierce geopolitical battle as the US pushes to curb Beijing’s influence. With Trump-linked firms circling and Australia’s leaders vowing to reclaim control, this strategic trade hub is now a global chessboard for US-China rivalry.

Here’s why Darwin is the new epicenter of tension:

Strategic hotspot: Located in Australia’s Northern Territory, Darwin Port is a vital gateway to Asia, handling 4.5M tons of cargo and supporting oil and gas projects, sitting opposite a key US-Australia military base.

Controversial lease: In 2015, the Northern Territory leased the port to Landbridge for $506M, a move slammed by then-US President Obama for security risks, given its proximity to US Marine deployments.

US power play: US firm Cerberus Capital, tied to Trump’s administration, is eyeing the lease, escalating tensions as Australia’s Labor and Coalition parties pledge to return the port to local control.

China’s pushback: Beijing’s ambassador Xiao Qian calls Australia’s plan “ethically questionable,” defending Landbridge’s investments and accusing Australia of politicizing a fair deal.

Geopolitical stakes: The port’s fate could strain warming Australia-China ties, while a US takeover aligns with Trump’s campaign to counter China’s global reach, echoing disputes like the Panama Canal ports.

Economic angle: Landbridge turned the once-unprofitable port into a thriving hub, raising questions about fairness if Australia forcibly reclaims it now.

As Australia navigates national security and trade, Darwin Port’s future could reshape US-China dynamics in the Indo-Pacific.

Cardinals Parolin, Tagle likely to become pope, reports betting agency

Cardinals Pietro #Parolin and Luis Antonio Gokim Tagle have the best chance of ascending to the throne of St. Peter after the upcoming elections, data of the Polymarket betting agency showed.

Polymarket estimates the chances of victory for Italian Parolin, who has held the position of secretary of state of the Vatican since 2013, at 35%. The election of the Filipino Tagle is less likely, it is predicted with a probability of 23%, while on April 21 it was about 35%.

70-year-old Parolin is one of the most experienced diplomats of the Holy See and plays an important role in Vatican's foreign relations. According to Newsweek, he also participated in negotiations with China and the governments of the Middle East. The current secretary of state is seen as a centrist candidate who takes a less liberal position on some issues than the late Pope Francis. For instance, the cardinal called legalization of same-sex marriage in Ireland in 2015 "a defeat for all mankind."

At 67, Tagle is one of the youngest candidates for the Holy See. The Filipino, according to the magazine, was a confidant in the inner circle of the deceased pontiff. From 2011 to 2019, he was archbishop of Manila, and after that prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, one of the abolished divisions of the Roman Curia, which dealt with evangelization and missionary issues. Tagle belongs to the progressive wing and advocates for inclusivity. Previously he criticized the Catholic Church for being too harsh towards divorced couples and people in same-sex relationships.

Cardinals may only convene to elect a new pope no earlier than after nine days of mourning after the funeral, or two weeks after death, meaning that the event can start no sooner than May 10. Theoretically, 135 cardinals can claim the papacy.

Apr. 7, 2025: President Trump Statements

Nota: US Crude Oil Futures Drop Below $60 per Barrel to Lowest Level in 4 Years

"Yesterday, China issued Retaliatory Tariffs of 34%, on top of their already record setting Tariffs, Non-Monetary Tariffs, Illegal Subsidization of companies, and massive long term Currency Manipulation, despite my warning that any country that Retaliates against the U.S. by issuing additional Tariffs, above and beyond their already existing long term Tariff abuse of our Nation, will be immediately met with new and substantially higher Tariffs, over and above those initially set. Therefore, if China does not withdraw its 34% increase above their already long term trading abuses by tomorrow, April 8th, 2025, the United States will impose ADDITIONAL Tariffs on China of 50%, effective April 9th. Additionally, all talks with China concerning their requested meetings with us will be terminated! Negotiations with other countries, which have also requested meetings, will begin taking place immediately. Thank you for your attention to this matter!"

"Countries from all over the World are talking to us. Tough but fair parameters are being set. Spoke to the Japanese Prime Minister this morning. He is sending a top team to negotiate! They have treated the U.S. very poorly on Trade. They don’t take our cars, but we take MILLIONS of theirs. Likewise Agriculture, and many other “things.” It all has to change, but especially with CHINA!!!"

"The United States has a chance to do something that should have been done DECADES AGO. Don’t be Weak! Don’t be Stupid! Don’t be a PANICAN (A new party based on Weak and Stupid people!). Be Strong, Courageous, and Patient, and GREATNESS will be the result!"

"Oil prices are down, interest rates are down (the slow moving Fed should cut rates!), food prices are down, there is NO INFLATION, and the long time abused USA is bringing in Billions of Dollars a week from the abusing countries on Tariffs that are already in place. This is despite the fact that the biggest abuser of them all, China, whose markets are crashing, just raised its Tariffs by 34%, on top of its long term ridiculously high Tariffs (Plus!), not acknowledging my warning for abusing countries not to retaliate. They’ve made enough, for decades, taking advantage of the Good OL’ USA! Our past “leaders” are to blame for allowing this, and so much else, to happen to our Country. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!"

Top 5 new military facilities that could FLIP global power balance

Major powers are leveling up their military game with new facilities around the globe.
Here’s the top five list of such sites.

Russia’s military base in Sudan

The Sudanese Foreign Ministry earlier confirmed that Russia is building a military base in the East African nation near the Red Sea.
The base is expected to allow Russia to secure its presence on a key shipping route and increase its assertiveness in Africa.

US Andersen Air Force Base on Guam

New facilities are being built in the Pacific to deploy advanced strategic bombers, such as the B-21 Raider, that could be used for operations amid the US’ tensions with China and North Korea.

The goal is to strengthen America’s Pacific posture and improve responsiveness of US air forces.

China's ‘military city’

The People’s Liberation Army is reportedly constructing a new huge command center in the capital Beijing that is expected to be at least 10 times larger than the US Pentagon.
Western intelligence agencies fear that the construction could mean that China is preparing for a large-scale or even nuclear war.

India’s island military buildup

New Delhi is creating military infrastructure in its Andaman and Nicobar Islands amid concerns over what India sees as China’s “suspicious” activities in the Pacific.
Analysts say that developing strategic infrastructure such as naval air stations, ports and related infrastructure aims to fortify the Indian presence in the region.

Australia’s maintenance hub

The Canberra government plans to pump $127 million over three years to upgrade facilities at the Henderson shipyard near Perth, saying that will become the maintenance hub for its nuclear-powered submarine fleet within the AUKUS alliance that Australia clinched with the US and Britain.

Watch China holding Thunder of the Strait drills

The exercises in East #China Sea are aimed at controlling the supply of energy resources and cutting off hidden channels. The training grounds echoed with gunfire, suppressing #separatism.

PLA conducts military drills around Taiwan to defend China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity – statement

The exercises serve as a strong warning against the reckless provocations of the Lai Ching-te administration, which continues to push to destabilize the region, Zhu Fengliang, a spokeswoman for the State Council’s Taiwan Affairs Office, said, as quoted by China Central Television (CCTV). #China firmly upholds the principle that Taiwan is an inalienable part of its territory and will never allow any external interference or separatist agenda to divide the nation, she added.

#Taiwan deploys jets as Chinese #warships spotted drilling near its coast

What is known about impacts of Earthquake in Myanmar, Thailand

A powerful #earthquake has struck #Myanmar, and tremors were felt in #China, #Thailand, and #Vietnam. At least 43 workers were trapped in the debris of a collapsed building in Bangkok, AFP news agency reported.

Magnitude
- According to the Chinese Seismological Administration, the magnitude of the earthquake was measured at 7.9.
- The European-Mediterranean Seismological Center estimated the magnitude at 7.7. The earthquake occurred 33 km southwest of the city of Mandalay, home to about 1.2 million people. According to the center, the epicenter was at a depth of 10 km.
- Chinese seismologists believe the epicenter lay at a depth of 30 km. The epicenter was at 21.85 degrees north latitude and 95.95 degrees east longitude.
- The tremors were felt in China, Thailand, and Vietnam.
- A second, 6.4-magnitude earthquake occurred in Myanmar 12 minutes later, the Chinese Seismological Administration said. The second tremor was recorded at 21.60 degrees north latitude and 95.95 degrees east longitude. Its epicenter was at a depth of 30 km.

Fallout
- The earthquake damaged a 1 km bridge over the Irrawaddy River, linking the suburbs of Myanmar’s second largest city, Mandalay, with the city of Sagaing, the Myanmar Now portal reported.
- The portal reported that the historic Mandalay Palace has partially collapsed.
- A building fell in Bangkok due to the earthquake, Khaosod newspaper reported.
- At least 43 workers were trapped under the rubble, AFP news agency reported.
- Evacuation of residents of multi-storey buildings began in Bangkok.
- Thailand's aviation regulator halted all flights after the earthquake, The Nation newspaper reported.
- The Thai Meteorological Department has warned of potential imminent aftershocks, Khaosod newspaper reported.

Reaction
- Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra suspended a working event in the Phuket Province to hold an emergency meeting.
- The Russian embassy is checking for possible injured citizens, said Ilya Ilyin, head of the consular department of the Russian diplomatic mission.