News

G-7 leaders discuss trade, seek tariff reductions

G-7 leaders seek trade breakthroughs with Trump, aiming to ease tensions over tariffs and discuss military spending concessions.

Published

7 months ago

June 17, 2025

Ahron Young

G-7 leaders seek trade breakthroughs with Trump, aiming to ease tensions over tariffs and discuss military spending concessions.

In Short:
World leaders are discussing trade and tariff issues with President Trump at the G-7 summit in Canada, focusing on military spending and trade barriers. Despite plans for multiple agreements by July 9, only a limited pact with the UK has been reached as Canada and Mexico push for tariff eliminations.

World leaders are engaging in trade discussions with President Trump during the G-7 summit in Kananaskis, Canada, aiming to address tariff tensions.

Countries including Japan, the EU, Canada, and Mexico are seeking concessions in exchange for reduced tariffs, with talks focused on military spending, action against China, and the reduction of trade barriers.

President Trump noted ongoing discussions with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney regarding trade agreements. Despite plans to finalise numerous deals by July 9, only a limited pact with the UK has been reached, while issues surrounding auto, steel, and aluminum tariffs persist.

Steel and aluminium

Canada is advocating for the lifting of tariffs due to its status as a major supplier of steel and aluminum to the U.S. Canadian trade officials, alongside Carney, have engaged directly with Trump’s team to advance negotiations.

Carney highlighted an increase in Canada’s military budget, aligning with NATO spending targets. He aims to rejuvenate trade talks prior to the 2026 review of the USMCA.

Although Mexico is not a G-7 member, President Claudia Sheinbaum was invited. Mexican officials are pushing to eliminate tariffs on steel and aluminum, arguing that trade surplus justifies exemptions.

Discussions regarding auto tariffs remain challenging, particularly with Japan, which relies heavily on vehicle exports to the U.S. Japan is keen on securing similar concessions as those granted to the UK.

News

PM initiates royal commission on anti-Semitism and unity

PM announces royal commission to address anti-Semitism and social cohesion following pressure from various communities and leaders

Published

16 minutes ago

January 8, 2026

Ahron Young

PM announces royal commission to address anti-Semitism and social cohesion following pressure from various communities and leaders

In Short:
– Anthony Albanese has announced a royal commission into anti-Semitism and social cohesion, led by Virginia Bell.
– The inquiry aims to foster unity in Australia amid rising tensions and concerns from various community groups.

Anthony Albanese has initiated a commonwealth royal commission into anti-Semitism and social cohesion following mounting pressure.

The inquiry, announced in Canberra, will be led by former High Court justice Virginia Bell, despite opposition from some Jewish groups.The Prime Minister stated the need for a royal commission was essential for promoting unity within Australia, particularly after engaging with families of Bondi attack victims and the Jewish community.

He confirmed discussions with NSW Premier Chris Minns and expects the single commission to run over the next 12 months, with further comments from Mr Minns anticipated soon.

This decision comes after sustained advocacy from various groups, including victims’ families, former leaders, and prominent figures across sectors.

Over recent weeks, Albanese and his team had put forth several arguments against a royal commission, such as concerns over divisiveness and potential exposure of sensitive information.

Gamel Kheir from the Lebanese Muslim Association has suggested that a broader inquiry into all forms of “minority religion” discrimination is needed, expressing wariness within the Muslim community regarding the federal inquiry’s focus.

Broad Support

A significant number of community and cultural organisations back a royal commission addressing social tensions and discrimination related to the Israel-Gaza conflict.

In support of this sentiment, nearly 50 diaspora and faith groups released an open letter urging a thorough examination of rising anti-Semitism and related issues following the Bondi Beach terror attack.

News

U.S. keeps Greenland in focus as Rubio signals all options remain

US sharpens focus on Greenland; Rubio emphasizes ongoing strategic interest ahead of diplomatic talks with Denmark.

Published

7 hours ago

January 8, 2026

Harvey Vargas

US sharpens focus on Greenland; Rubio emphasizes ongoing strategic interest ahead of diplomatic talks with Denmark.

The United States is sharpening its focus on Greenland, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirming that Washington is keeping every option on the table. His comments come ahead of a high-level diplomatic meeting with Danish leaders next week.

The visit is seen as a signal of President Donald Trump’s ongoing strategic interest in the Arctic territory, which holds growing geopolitical and security significance as global competition in the region intensifies.

While the administration has not outlined specific next steps, the message from Washington is clear that Greenland remains firmly on the US agenda.

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#Greenland #USPolitics #MarcoRubio #Arctic #Geopolitics #USForeignPolicy #WorldNews #Ticker

News

U.S. seizes Venezuelan oil tankers Marinera and Sophia amid legal turmoil

U.S. seizes two oil tankers linked to Venezuela, escalating efforts against oil smuggling and raising international legal concerns.

Published

8 hours ago

January 8, 2026

Harvey Vargas

U.S. seizes two oil tankers linked to Venezuela, escalating efforts against oil smuggling and raising international legal concerns.

In a dramatic escalation of its campaign against Venezuelan oil smuggling, the U.S. has seized two oil tankers linked to Caracas. The Russian-flagged Marinera — formerly known as the Bella-1 — was captured in the North Atlantic after a weeks-long chase by U.S. forces, who allege it was violating sanctions tied to Venezuelan and Iranian oil. This rare high-seas seizure has drawn international attention due to the change of flag and the involvement of Russian maritime interests.

Meanwhile, a second vessel, the Sophia, was taken in the Caribbean in a coordinated operation against alleged sanctioned shipments. U.S. authorities describe these moves as part of a broader effort to clamp down on illicit oil flows and enforce sanctions by interdicting vessels before they can deliver crude to sanctioned buyers. The Sophia was reportedly operating with its tracking systems off, a tactic used in “dark fleet” smuggling operations.
Defense News

While the White House defends the operations as necessary to uphold sanctions and curb illicit oil trafficking, legal experts and foreign governments — especially Russia — are questioning the legality of boarding and seizing foreign-flagged ships in international waters. The debate over maritime law and sanctions enforcement is heating up as the U.S. signals it will continue to aggressively target Venezuela’s oil network.

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#VenezuelaOil #USSeizure #Marinera #OilSmuggling #InternationalLaw #TrumpAdministration #GlobalPolitics