International

45 Years of Diplomacy: Xi Jinping and Biden pledge practical actions for bilaterali tyes

Chinese President Xi Jinping stated that he is willing to collaborate with the United States to promote stable bilateral relations during an exchange of congratulatory messages marking the anniversary of diplomatic ties, as reported by the Chinese state media.

In the communication between Xi and Joe Biden on the 45th anniversary of China-U.S. diplomatic relations, the presidents called for “taking practical actions to promote stable, healthy, and sustainable development of bilateral relations,” according to the official CCTV network.

Xi emphasized, “I am willing to work with President Biden to continue navigating China-U.S. relations for the benefit of both countries and their peoples.”

The Chinese leader noted that “adhering to mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation is the correct way for China and the United States to interact.”

President Xi also declared last Sunday in his New Year’s speech, through state media, that the country “will surely reunify.” “All Chinese on both sides of the Taiwan Strait should be united by a common goal and share in the glory of the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation,” Xi said, according to the CCTV broadcast of the speech.

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During a mid-November meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden, Xi Jinping deemed the reunification of Taiwan “inevitable.”

China views the island as a province that has yet to be reunified with the rest of its territory since the end of the civil war in 1949. Beijing, which has not ruled out using force to achieve reunification, has exerted strong military and economic pressure on Taiwan since 2016 when Tsai Ing-wen of the Democratic Progressive Party came to power, a move perceived by Beijing as pushing for independence. Taipei claims that Beijing has escalated military pressure in recent months leading up to the January presidential elections.

On the economic front, Xi considered the Chinese economy to be “more resilient and dynamic” than before.

International

US panel backs Trump-themed coin amid controversy

The United States Department of the Treasury confirmed to AFP that the Commission of Fine Arts approved the design of a new collectible coin featuring Donald Trump, with members of the commission appointed by the current administration.

According to the proposal, the coin will feature an image of Trump standing with clenched fists over a desk on the obverse, while the reverse will display an eagle, a traditional symbol of the United States.

The sale price of the collectible has not yet been disclosed, although the United States Mint typically offers similar items for more than $1,000.

“There is no more iconic portrait for the front of these coins than that of our president Donald Trump,” U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach said in a statement sent to AFP. He added that two additional coins — a $1 piece and a one-ounce gold coin — are also under consideration.

However, the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC), another body responsible for reviewing new coin proposals, declined to discuss the Trump design in late February.

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“Only nations governed by kings or dictators place the image of a sitting leader on their currency,” said Donald Scarinciat the time. “No country in the world has minted coins featuring a democratically elected leader during their term in office,” he added.

When contacted by AFP, the Treasury Department did not immediately respond to requests for further comment.

International

Fed’s Waller warns of rising inflation risks amid Middle East conflict

Christopher Waller, a governor at the Federal Reserve, said Friday that he is increasingly concerned about the inflationary impact of the ongoing conflict involving United States and Israel against Iran, particularly due to the prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Waller, who had supported interest rate cuts over the past year amid concerns about the labor market, said he has shifted his stance in recent weeks due to rising inflation risks.

“Since the Strait of Hormuz was closed, it suggests this conflict could be much more prolonged and that oil prices will remain elevated for longer,” Waller said in an interview with CNBC.

“Therefore, this indicates that inflation is a greater concern than I had previously assessed,” he added.

Waller also backed the Federal Reserve’s decision earlier this week to keep interest rates unchanged, signaling a more cautious approach as global geopolitical tensions continue to affect economic outlooks.

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International

Brazil offers to mediate Colombia-Ecuador tensions, calls for restraint

The government of Brazil has offered to mediate in the ongoing tensions between Colombia and Ecuador, while calling on both nations to exercise restraint.

In a statement released Wednesday, Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged the parties involved to act with moderation and seek a peaceful resolution to the dispute.

“Brazil encourages all sides to act with moderation in order to find a peaceful solution to the controversy. It stands ready to support dialogue efforts aimed at preserving peace and security in the region,” the statement said.

Brazil also expressed “serious concern” over reports of deaths in the border area between Colombia and Ecuador, noting that the circumstances surrounding the incidents have not yet been clarified.

The diplomatic move comes amid rising tensions between the neighboring countries, increasing regional concern over stability and security along their shared border.