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US says China risks international isolation over covid investigation
Australia’s foreign minister also has warned China must ‘fully comply’ with the next phase of the WHO investigation
China will risk international isolation if it fails to allow an investigation into the origins of Covid, US national security adviser Jake Sullivan said.
This follows several world leaders calling for another investigation into how the virus originated.
Last month, Biden ordered the US intelligence community to “redouble” its efforts to determine where the coronavirus came from.
The US will continue “until we get to the bottom of how this virus came into the world and who has accountability for that”.
Jake Sullivan
The goal is to present China with “a stark choice: Either they will allow, in a responsible way, investigators in to do the real work of figuring out where this came from, or they will face isolation in the international community,” Sullivan said.
Chinese state security minister swaps sides
This follows China’s vice-minister of State Security defecting to the US.
China recently conceded, giving information to authorities about the Wuhan Institute of Virology.
China’s State Security official was responsible for the nation’s counter-intelligence. This defection may be the most significant in the history of the People’s Republic.
Reports have also suggested the official fled to the US via Hong Kong in February this year.
Australia comments on WHO investigation
Australian Minister of Foreign Affairs Marise Payne told China to comply with the investigation into the origins of Covid.
This comes amid growing speculation that Covid originally leaked from a lab in Wuhan, which is at the centre of the investigation. China has denied these claims.
Australia’s Foreign minister has refused to comment on the defection. Instead, he’s urged China to comply with the next phase of the WHO investigation.
Meanwhile, the head of the Australian National University’s National Security College cautions of “rumours and reports only”.
News
OpenAI prepares first consumer device amid revenue boom
OpenAI plans to launch a screenless smart speaker by late 2026, shifting focus to hardware amid significant revenue growth.
OpenAI plans to launch a screenless smart speaker by late 2026, shifting focus to hardware amid significant revenue growth.
OpenAI is gearing up to launch its first-ever consumer hardware device in late 2026. The product is expected to be a screenless smart speaker, signalling the tech giant’s move beyond software and into the world of physical devices.
The device comes after OpenAI acquired a promising hardware startup to accelerate development.
The company is also pushing a strategy to strengthen domestic manufacturing, working closely with U.S. manufacturers to secure efficient production of essential components.
Despite the progress, technical hurdles remain, especially around the device’s listening capabilities, which could delay the rollout.
This development comes on the heels of OpenAI reporting an annualised revenue of over $20 billion in 2025, representing a staggering 233% increase from the previous year. The combination of massive revenue growth and expansion into hardware marks a new era for the AI pioneer.
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Putin invited to Trump’s Gaza Peace Board
Putin invited to U.S.-led ‘Board of Peace’ for Gaza amid ceasefire efforts and reconstruction debates.
Putin invited to U.S.-led ‘Board of Peace’ for Gaza amid ceasefire efforts and reconstruction debates.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly received an invitation to join the U.S.-led ‘Board of Peace’ for Gaza, according to the Kremlin. The council, created by President Donald Trump, is designed to maintain a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas while overseeing the region’s reconstruction.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow will review the details of the invitation before responding. The board has already extended invitations to several world leaders, with some nations confirming their participation.
The proposal has sparked debate because the Trump administration reportedly requires participating nations to pay $1 billion to secure a permanent seat. Putin’s potential involvement also raises concerns, given his ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
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Trump escalates Greenland standoff as Europe weighs retaliation
Denmark boosts Greenland troops as Trump pushes U.S. control, prompting European leaders to seek diplomatic solutions amidst rising tensions.
Denmark boosts Greenland troops as Trump pushes U.S. control, prompting European leaders to seek diplomatic solutions amidst rising tensions.
Denmark has deployed additional troops to Greenland after President Donald Trump renewed his push for U.S. control of the island, linking the issue to what he claims cost him a Nobel Peace Prize.
The move has raised alarm across Europe, with leaders scrambling to prevent a fresh transatlantic crisis.
Trump has warned of tariffs against countries opposing American control of Greenland, calling the territory vital to U.S. security interests. Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre has privately raised concerns with Trump, while EU officials assess potential coordinated countermeasures.
Despite the rhetoric, European leaders remain cautious. With U.S. influence deeply embedded in Europe’s defence and security framework, the bloc is keen to avoid further escalation as diplomatic negotiations continue behind the scenes.
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