Chinese military disputes Manila’s version of South China Sea naval crossing
By Enoch Wong
Beijing and Manila have exchanged barbs over the transit of a Chinese destroyer fleet in the Basilan Strait, which separates the Philippine islands of Mindanao and Basilan, in a continuing escalation of bilateral tensions in the South China Sea.
Senior Colonel Tian Junli, from the People’s Liberation Army’s Southern Theatre Command, said on Monday that Chinese naval and air forces transited the strait for distant-sea training.
“The operation strictly adhered to safe, standardised, and professional practices, fully complying with international law and norms,” the PLA spokesman said.
In his statement, Tian accused Manila of distorting the routine transit to stir tensions and argued that such actions undermined the navigational rights of China and other nations.
Tian’s remarks, which were posted on the command’s official social media account, followed Philippine officials voicing their concerns over Chinese warships near their territory.
According to local media reports, the Western Mindanao Command claimed to be tracking three PLA Navy vessels – a Type 055 destroyer, a Type 054A frigate, and a Type 903 replenishment ship – in what it described as “Philippine waters” on Sunday.
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By Enoch Wong
Beijing and Manila have exchanged barbs over the transit of a Chinese destroyer fleet in the Basilan Strait, which separates the Philippine islands of Mindanao and Basilan, in a continuing escalation of bilateral tensions in the South China Sea.
Senior Colonel Tian Junli, from the People’s Liberation Army’s Southern Theatre Command, said on Monday that Chinese naval and air forces transited the strait for distant-sea training.
“The operation strictly adhered to safe, standardised, and professional practices, fully complying with international law and norms,” the PLA spokesman said.
In his statement, Tian accused Manila of distorting the routine transit to stir tensions and argued that such actions undermined the navigational rights of China and other nations.
Tian’s remarks, which were posted on the command’s official social media account, followed Philippine officials voicing their concerns over Chinese warships near their territory.
According to local media reports, the Western Mindanao Command claimed to be tracking three PLA Navy vessels – a Type 055 destroyer, a Type 054A frigate, and a Type 903 replenishment ship – in what it described as “Philippine waters” on Sunday.
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How Chinese AI start-up DeepSeek may help drive innovation in countries like Russia
By Dewey SimVictoria Bela
While Chinese artificial intelligence start-up DeepSeek has drawn scrutiny in the West over national security and privacy concerns, it could be an opportunity for countries like Russia that have little access to advanced technologies.
That is the assessment of analysts after Hangzhou-based DeepSeek surprised the world last month with the launch of an open-source reasoning model, R1, with capabilities that are comparable to OpenAI’s closed-source GPT but at significantly lower cost.
DeepSeek’s success also raises the question of how effective US tech curbs on China have been, since restrictions on advanced semiconductors and computing chips were meant to limit the nation’s hi-tech development.
Russia similarly faces significant technology and semiconductor restrictions imposed by the United States and other Western powers aimed at limiting Moscow’s access to critical technologies following its invasion of Ukraine.
You Chuanman, a senior lecturer at the Singapore University of Social Sciences’ School of Law, said Russia had the talent but it faced sanctions on tech exports that were “much stricter” than those imposed on China.
“It’s much worse than the Chinese situation when it comes to finance, core technologies and semiconductors,” he said.
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By Dewey SimVictoria Bela
While Chinese artificial intelligence start-up DeepSeek has drawn scrutiny in the West over national security and privacy concerns, it could be an opportunity for countries like Russia that have little access to advanced technologies.
That is the assessment of analysts after Hangzhou-based DeepSeek surprised the world last month with the launch of an open-source reasoning model, R1, with capabilities that are comparable to OpenAI’s closed-source GPT but at significantly lower cost.
DeepSeek’s success also raises the question of how effective US tech curbs on China have been, since restrictions on advanced semiconductors and computing chips were meant to limit the nation’s hi-tech development.
Russia similarly faces significant technology and semiconductor restrictions imposed by the United States and other Western powers aimed at limiting Moscow’s access to critical technologies following its invasion of Ukraine.
You Chuanman, a senior lecturer at the Singapore University of Social Sciences’ School of Law, said Russia had the talent but it faced sanctions on tech exports that were “much stricter” than those imposed on China.
“It’s much worse than the Chinese situation when it comes to finance, core technologies and semiconductors,” he said.
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Buffaloes and smoke machines: staged rural scenes create viral tourist spot in China
By Xinyi Wu
A county in China’s southeastern Fujian province has become a social media hit because of widely shared images depicting idyllic countryside scenes from the area.
Most show a wizened farmer leading a buffalo through a misty copse of gnarled trees, followed closely by a woman in a straw hat heaving pails of water.
The catch? The scene is staged by residents who charge as much as 300 yuan (US$42) to pose for photographs.
Tourists have been flocking to the village in Xiapu for the perfect shot, including many elderly visitors who say they are hungry for nostalgia.
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By Xinyi Wu
A county in China’s southeastern Fujian province has become a social media hit because of widely shared images depicting idyllic countryside scenes from the area.
Most show a wizened farmer leading a buffalo through a misty copse of gnarled trees, followed closely by a woman in a straw hat heaving pails of water.
The catch? The scene is staged by residents who charge as much as 300 yuan (US$42) to pose for photographs.
Tourists have been flocking to the village in Xiapu for the perfect shot, including many elderly visitors who say they are hungry for nostalgia.
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Hong Kong tourists with medical conditions should avoid flu-hit countries: experts
By Lam Ka-sing
Chronically ill patients should consider delaying any planned trips to countries battling flu surges, Hong Kong medical experts have warned, while also urging travellers to keep a record of local emergency numbers and buy insurance ahead of their departure.
The warning came after the family of 48-year-old Taiwanese actress Barbie “Big S” Hsu Shi-yuan revealed on Monday that the beloved celebrity had died from pneumonia after contracting flu while travelling in Japan.
Hsu also reportedly had a heart condition and a history of epilepsy, which had required treatment in hospital due to seizures.
“High-risk patients should consider delaying their travel if the destination has a serious epidemic of influenza,” respiratory medicine specialist Dr Leung Chi-chiu said.
High-risk patients had a higher chance of developing severe complications if they contracted flu, he said.
“Chronic diseases, especially poorly controlled cardiovascular and lung diseases, increase the risk of death after severe flu,” Leung said. “Flu and other infections may also increase the risk of epileptic attacks among patients with poorly controlled epilepsy.”
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By Lam Ka-sing
Chronically ill patients should consider delaying any planned trips to countries battling flu surges, Hong Kong medical experts have warned, while also urging travellers to keep a record of local emergency numbers and buy insurance ahead of their departure.
The warning came after the family of 48-year-old Taiwanese actress Barbie “Big S” Hsu Shi-yuan revealed on Monday that the beloved celebrity had died from pneumonia after contracting flu while travelling in Japan.
Hsu also reportedly had a heart condition and a history of epilepsy, which had required treatment in hospital due to seizures.
“High-risk patients should consider delaying their travel if the destination has a serious epidemic of influenza,” respiratory medicine specialist Dr Leung Chi-chiu said.
High-risk patients had a higher chance of developing severe complications if they contracted flu, he said.
“Chronic diseases, especially poorly controlled cardiovascular and lung diseases, increase the risk of death after severe flu,” Leung said. “Flu and other infections may also increase the risk of epileptic attacks among patients with poorly controlled epilepsy.”
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FBI advocates appeal to Congress as agents face scrutiny for January 6 work
By Reuters
Advocacy groups representing FBI agents appealed to the US Congress on Monday to intervene to stop possible mass firings of agents who worked on the investigation of the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack and other investigations condemned by US President Donald Trump.
In a letter to Republican and Democratic leaders in the Senate and House of Representatives, the groups warned that Trump-appointed leaders at the Justice Department were taking actions that imperilled the careers of thousands of FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) agents.
Republicans hold narrow majorities in both the chambers and have so far shown little interest in criticising or reining in the administration’s actions.
A senior Justice Department official appointed by Trump asked the FBI to compile a list of employees who worked on cases related to the Capitol attack. FBI employees were ordered to fill out a questionnaire on Sunday detailing their work on those cases.
“We urge you to work with President Trump to prevent acting officials from taking personnel actions that undermine our shared goal of keeping the FBI out of politics,” the groups wrote in the letter. It was signed by the head of the FBI Agents Association, which represents 14,000 current and former special agents, and other police groups.
The directive has stoked fears that the Trump administration, which has already fired or reassigned dozens of Justice Department prosecutors and senior FBI officials, may take action against FBI agents who worked on the Capitol riot investigation.
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By Reuters
Advocacy groups representing FBI agents appealed to the US Congress on Monday to intervene to stop possible mass firings of agents who worked on the investigation of the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack and other investigations condemned by US President Donald Trump.
In a letter to Republican and Democratic leaders in the Senate and House of Representatives, the groups warned that Trump-appointed leaders at the Justice Department were taking actions that imperilled the careers of thousands of FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) agents.
Republicans hold narrow majorities in both the chambers and have so far shown little interest in criticising or reining in the administration’s actions.
A senior Justice Department official appointed by Trump asked the FBI to compile a list of employees who worked on cases related to the Capitol attack. FBI employees were ordered to fill out a questionnaire on Sunday detailing their work on those cases.
“We urge you to work with President Trump to prevent acting officials from taking personnel actions that undermine our shared goal of keeping the FBI out of politics,” the groups wrote in the letter. It was signed by the head of the FBI Agents Association, which represents 14,000 current and former special agents, and other police groups.
The directive has stoked fears that the Trump administration, which has already fired or reassigned dozens of Justice Department prosecutors and senior FBI officials, may take action against FBI agents who worked on the Capitol riot investigation.
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Stradivarius violin up for auction could become most expensive instrument ever sold
By Associated Press
A violin made by the famed Antonio Stradivari in 1714 has the potential to become the most expensive musical instrument ever sold when it goes up for auction on Friday at Sotheby’s in New York.
The auction house is estimating the value of the “Joachim-Ma Stradivarius” at US$12 million to US$18 million. If it sells at the top end of that range, it could best the US$15.9 million paid in 2011 for another Stradivarius, the “Lady Blunt,” made in 1721 and named by Guinness World Records as the most expensive instrument ever sold at auction.
Mari-Claudia Jimenez, Sotheby’s Americas president and head of global business, said Stradivari made the violin during his “Golden Period”, which began around 1700 and was marked by an improvement in his craftsmanship.
“So this is the peak of his output,” Jimenez said. “This is the best violin of this era.”
Sotheby’s says the violin’s preservation is remarkable, and its ownership history extraordinary.
It’s named for two of its famed owners – violin virtuosos Joseph Joachim of Hungary, who lived from 1831 to 1907, and Ma Si-Hon, who was born in China in 1926, moved to the US in 1948 and died in 2009.
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By Associated Press
A violin made by the famed Antonio Stradivari in 1714 has the potential to become the most expensive musical instrument ever sold when it goes up for auction on Friday at Sotheby’s in New York.
The auction house is estimating the value of the “Joachim-Ma Stradivarius” at US$12 million to US$18 million. If it sells at the top end of that range, it could best the US$15.9 million paid in 2011 for another Stradivarius, the “Lady Blunt,” made in 1721 and named by Guinness World Records as the most expensive instrument ever sold at auction.
Mari-Claudia Jimenez, Sotheby’s Americas president and head of global business, said Stradivari made the violin during his “Golden Period”, which began around 1700 and was marked by an improvement in his craftsmanship.
“So this is the peak of his output,” Jimenez said. “This is the best violin of this era.”
Sotheby’s says the violin’s preservation is remarkable, and its ownership history extraordinary.
It’s named for two of its famed owners – violin virtuosos Joseph Joachim of Hungary, who lived from 1831 to 1907, and Ma Si-Hon, who was born in China in 1926, moved to the US in 1948 and died in 2009.
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By Agence France-Presse
A wizened farmer leads a buffalo through a misty copse of gnarled trees in eastern China, closely followed by a woman in a straw hat heaving pails of water.
It is a tranquil image of rural Chinese life – except for the overhead whirr of a drone, the hiss of a smoke machine and the excited chatter of smartphone-wielding day trippers.
Residents in Xiapu county, Fujian province, have achieved viral online fame by staging picturesque country scenes and charging tourists up to 300 yuan (about US$40) to photograph them.
By doing so, they indulge visitors’ nostalgia for a pastoral idyll that has been swept away by rampant urbanisation and industrial development – assuming it ever truly existed at all.
One visitor is Liang Liuling, 72, on holiday from the southwestern Guangxi region.A tourist takes a photo of a poster in Xiapu that has been widely circulated online. Photo: AFP
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As China takes the gavel at the UN Security Council, its envoy has words for the US
By Mark Magnier
At the start of Beijing’s month-long presidency of the United Nations Security Council, a senior Chinese diplomat on Monday outlined a multilateral agenda to appeal to the Global South – but not before he criticised the tariff, Panama Canal and AI policies of the US under Donald Trump.
“I do hope that, despite all the rhetoric that we have heard from the American politicians, we can take a constructive – and I will emphasise a professional – approach to our work here in the United Nations,” Fu Cong, China’s ambassador to the UN, said.
“There are so many things that need the cooperation of the two countries. Targeting China is not the right way forward.”
Fu said that during its February tenure China planned to address conflicts in the Middle East and Africa as well as UN reform. It would also promote multilateralism, capped by a high-level UN meeting on February 18 that Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yiis to attend.
There would also be a marking of the third anniversary on February 24 of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, he said, as well as conflicts to address in Syria, Gaza, Yemen, Sudan, the Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Fu said he did not know whether US Secretary of State Marco Rubio would attend the February 18 meeting in New York – Rubio was sanctioned twice by Beijing in 2020 and US President Trump has been deeply critical of multilateralism and global governance – but noted that it would be “a very good opportunity for the two foreign ministers to meet”.
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By Mark Magnier
At the start of Beijing’s month-long presidency of the United Nations Security Council, a senior Chinese diplomat on Monday outlined a multilateral agenda to appeal to the Global South – but not before he criticised the tariff, Panama Canal and AI policies of the US under Donald Trump.
“I do hope that, despite all the rhetoric that we have heard from the American politicians, we can take a constructive – and I will emphasise a professional – approach to our work here in the United Nations,” Fu Cong, China’s ambassador to the UN, said.
“There are so many things that need the cooperation of the two countries. Targeting China is not the right way forward.”
Fu said that during its February tenure China planned to address conflicts in the Middle East and Africa as well as UN reform. It would also promote multilateralism, capped by a high-level UN meeting on February 18 that Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yiis to attend.
There would also be a marking of the third anniversary on February 24 of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, he said, as well as conflicts to address in Syria, Gaza, Yemen, Sudan, the Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Fu said he did not know whether US Secretary of State Marco Rubio would attend the February 18 meeting in New York – Rubio was sanctioned twice by Beijing in 2020 and US President Trump has been deeply critical of multilateralism and global governance – but noted that it would be “a very good opportunity for the two foreign ministers to meet”.
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Trump orders creation of US sovereign wealth fund, says it could buy TikTok
By Reuters
US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday ordering the creation of a sovereign wealth fund within the next year, saying it could potentially buy the Chinese-owned short video app TikTok.
If created, the sovereign wealth fund could place the US alongside numerous other countries, particularly in the Middle East and Asia, that have launched similar funds as a way to make direct investments with government dollars.
Trump offered little in the way of detail and it was unclear how such a wealth fund would work. Typically such funds rely on a country’s budget surplus to make investments, but the US operates at a deficit. Its creation also would be likely to require approval from Congress.
“We’re going to create a lot of wealth for the fund,” Trump told reporters. “And I think it’s about time that this country had a sovereign wealth fund.”
Trump had previously floated such a government investment vehicle as a presidential candidate, saying it could fund “great national endeavours” including infrastructure projects such as highways and airports, manufacturing and medical research.
In another surprise twist, Trump suggested the wealth fund could buy TikTok, whose fate has been up in the air since a law requiring its Chinese owner ByteDance to either sell it on national security grounds or face a ban took effect on January 19.
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By Reuters
US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday ordering the creation of a sovereign wealth fund within the next year, saying it could potentially buy the Chinese-owned short video app TikTok.
If created, the sovereign wealth fund could place the US alongside numerous other countries, particularly in the Middle East and Asia, that have launched similar funds as a way to make direct investments with government dollars.
Trump offered little in the way of detail and it was unclear how such a wealth fund would work. Typically such funds rely on a country’s budget surplus to make investments, but the US operates at a deficit. Its creation also would be likely to require approval from Congress.
“We’re going to create a lot of wealth for the fund,” Trump told reporters. “And I think it’s about time that this country had a sovereign wealth fund.”
Trump had previously floated such a government investment vehicle as a presidential candidate, saying it could fund “great national endeavours” including infrastructure projects such as highways and airports, manufacturing and medical research.
In another surprise twist, Trump suggested the wealth fund could buy TikTok, whose fate has been up in the air since a law requiring its Chinese owner ByteDance to either sell it on national security grounds or face a ban took effect on January 19.
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As humanoid robots take centre stage in China, do androids dream of economic spotlight?
By Luna Sun
This is the first story in a three-part series examining the future of China’s humanoid robots; competition between the US and China; and the Chinese government’s efforts to gain an advantage in this emerging arena. In this piece, we look at how the roles of humanoid robots are expanding.
Humanoid robots will move from factory floors and convention centres to a more spiritual realm this year when more than 20 robotic monks manufactured by Shanghai Qingbao Engine Robot begin delivering sermons at a temple in India.
With their serene faces framed by orange robes as they sit cross-legged in the traditional Buddhist lotus posture, they will mark the world’s first instance of robots assuming a spiritual role in a religious setting, engaging with the public in ways never previously thought possible.
Shanghai Qingbao, which revealed the development recently, also makes robots used in cultural tourism roles and at conventions. It is among the thousands of companies entering the humanoid robot race, arguably one of the world’s hottest commercial and technological arenas, following heavyweight players such as America’s Tesla and Nvidia, as well as Chinese electric vehicle giants like Xiaomi and Xpeng.
From Tesla’s Optimus working on factory floors, to Chinese company Unitree Robotics sending its latest football-playing robot onto a pitch, the machines are stepping into the human realm in an unprecedented range of roles that also include being museum guides and entertainers at exhibitions.
Last week, 16 humanoid robots made by Hangzhou-based Unitree even featured in a dance performance during China’s Spring Festival Gala – the world’s most-watched annual TV programme – on Lunar New Year’s Eve.
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By Luna Sun
This is the first story in a three-part series examining the future of China’s humanoid robots; competition between the US and China; and the Chinese government’s efforts to gain an advantage in this emerging arena. In this piece, we look at how the roles of humanoid robots are expanding.
Humanoid robots will move from factory floors and convention centres to a more spiritual realm this year when more than 20 robotic monks manufactured by Shanghai Qingbao Engine Robot begin delivering sermons at a temple in India.
With their serene faces framed by orange robes as they sit cross-legged in the traditional Buddhist lotus posture, they will mark the world’s first instance of robots assuming a spiritual role in a religious setting, engaging with the public in ways never previously thought possible.
Shanghai Qingbao, which revealed the development recently, also makes robots used in cultural tourism roles and at conventions. It is among the thousands of companies entering the humanoid robot race, arguably one of the world’s hottest commercial and technological arenas, following heavyweight players such as America’s Tesla and Nvidia, as well as Chinese electric vehicle giants like Xiaomi and Xpeng.
From Tesla’s Optimus working on factory floors, to Chinese company Unitree Robotics sending its latest football-playing robot onto a pitch, the machines are stepping into the human realm in an unprecedented range of roles that also include being museum guides and entertainers at exhibitions.
Last week, 16 humanoid robots made by Hangzhou-based Unitree even featured in a dance performance during China’s Spring Festival Gala – the world’s most-watched annual TV programme – on Lunar New Year’s Eve.
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China’s ambassador to Panama slams US for stirring ‘tropical storm’ with Marco Rubio visit
By Igor Patrick
China’s ambassador to Panama accused the United States of stirring a “tropical storm” diplomatically and intimidating the Central American country on Monday, following its announcement it would end a high-profile development agreement with Beijing.
Ambassador Xu Xueyuan’s criticism came after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited the country and urged Panamanian officials to distance themselves from China.
Published by Panamanian newspaper La Estrella and titled “United States, please learn to respect”, Xu’s editorial called the American delegation’s visit a “tropical storm” that disrupted Panama’s sovereignty.
She accused it of coercive diplomacy and questioned why Rubio reacted with “such fury” to Panama’s relations with Beijing.
Xu highlighted the extensive trade and investment between Washington and Beijing, accusing the Americans of hypocrisy for opposing similar Chinese activities in Panama.
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By Igor Patrick
China’s ambassador to Panama accused the United States of stirring a “tropical storm” diplomatically and intimidating the Central American country on Monday, following its announcement it would end a high-profile development agreement with Beijing.
Ambassador Xu Xueyuan’s criticism came after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited the country and urged Panamanian officials to distance themselves from China.
Published by Panamanian newspaper La Estrella and titled “United States, please learn to respect”, Xu’s editorial called the American delegation’s visit a “tropical storm” that disrupted Panama’s sovereignty.
She accused it of coercive diplomacy and questioned why Rubio reacted with “such fury” to Panama’s relations with Beijing.
Xu highlighted the extensive trade and investment between Washington and Beijing, accusing the Americans of hypocrisy for opposing similar Chinese activities in Panama.
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How Trump is creating a more peaceful and cooperative multipolar world
By Andrew Leung
Notwithstanding US President Donald Trump’s “America first” iconoclasm with his territorial ambitions and obsession with tariffs, powerful dynamics are at play which may result in a less dystopian outcome.
First, notwithstanding strong bipartisan consensus regarding China as America’s primary “existential threat”, relations are becoming more nuanced. China is now so deeply embedded in the interlocked global supply chain that no amount of “de-risking” is likely to turn the table.
Nor have export controls retarded China’s technological advancement. Witness China’s latest groundbreaking sixth-generation fighter jet and DeepSeek’s “Sputnik moment” revolutionising artificial intelligence. Similarly with China’s success in building from scratch and operating its own Tiangong space station, its delivery of humankind’s first soil samples from the far side of the moon and its steady progress towards achieving a crewed lunar landing by 2030.
Regardless of tariffs, most jobs are realistically not coming back to the US due to higher costs, not to mention hollowed-out modes of production after decades of deindustrialisation in favour of capital markets.
Meanwhile, many Chinese manufacturing enterprises are setting up foreign-registered operations abroad. For example, Geely, one of China’s largest car manufacturers, has taken control of the London Electric Vehicle Company, which now produces electric versions of London’s popular black cabs.
With Elon Musk as a possible intermediary, China may help create many joint-venture manufacturing jobs in the US and Europe, helping to reset China’s relations with the West.
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By Andrew Leung
Notwithstanding US President Donald Trump’s “America first” iconoclasm with his territorial ambitions and obsession with tariffs, powerful dynamics are at play which may result in a less dystopian outcome.
First, notwithstanding strong bipartisan consensus regarding China as America’s primary “existential threat”, relations are becoming more nuanced. China is now so deeply embedded in the interlocked global supply chain that no amount of “de-risking” is likely to turn the table.
Nor have export controls retarded China’s technological advancement. Witness China’s latest groundbreaking sixth-generation fighter jet and DeepSeek’s “Sputnik moment” revolutionising artificial intelligence. Similarly with China’s success in building from scratch and operating its own Tiangong space station, its delivery of humankind’s first soil samples from the far side of the moon and its steady progress towards achieving a crewed lunar landing by 2030.
Regardless of tariffs, most jobs are realistically not coming back to the US due to higher costs, not to mention hollowed-out modes of production after decades of deindustrialisation in favour of capital markets.
Meanwhile, many Chinese manufacturing enterprises are setting up foreign-registered operations abroad. For example, Geely, one of China’s largest car manufacturers, has taken control of the London Electric Vehicle Company, which now produces electric versions of London’s popular black cabs.
With Elon Musk as a possible intermediary, China may help create many joint-venture manufacturing jobs in the US and Europe, helping to reset China’s relations with the West.
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‘No guarantees’ Gaza truce will hold, Trump says ahead of Netanyahu talks
By Agence France-Presse
US President Donald Trump said on Monday there were “no guarantees” that a fragile ceasefire in Gaza will hold, as he prepares to discuss its future with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Netanyahu was in Washington for talks with the new Trump administration on a second phase of the truce with Hamas, which has not yet been finalised.
Just over two weeks after the ceasefire took hold, two Hamas officials said the group was ready to begin talks on the details of a second phase, which could help secure a lasting cessation of violence.
Before leaving Israel, Netanyahu told reporters he would discuss “victory over Hamas”, countering Iran and freeing all hostages when he meets Trump on Tuesday.
It will be Trump’s first meeting with a foreign leader since returning to the White House in January, a prioritisation Netanyahu said showed “the strength of the Israeli-American alliance”.
Netanyahu on Monday said he will extend his visit and will return to Israel on Saturday, an Axios reporter said on social media.
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By Agence France-Presse
US President Donald Trump said on Monday there were “no guarantees” that a fragile ceasefire in Gaza will hold, as he prepares to discuss its future with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Netanyahu was in Washington for talks with the new Trump administration on a second phase of the truce with Hamas, which has not yet been finalised.
Just over two weeks after the ceasefire took hold, two Hamas officials said the group was ready to begin talks on the details of a second phase, which could help secure a lasting cessation of violence.
Before leaving Israel, Netanyahu told reporters he would discuss “victory over Hamas”, countering Iran and freeing all hostages when he meets Trump on Tuesday.
It will be Trump’s first meeting with a foreign leader since returning to the White House in January, a prioritisation Netanyahu said showed “the strength of the Israeli-American alliance”.
Netanyahu on Monday said he will extend his visit and will return to Israel on Saturday, an Axios reporter said on social media.
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