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Reuters reports: On the 25th, U.S. President Donald Trump stated in an interview in New Jersey that the country’s tariff policy is aimed at strengthening domestic defense and artificial intelligence (AI) industries, rather than boosting production of sneakers and T-shirts. He agreed with Treasury Secretary Bessent’s view that the U.S. does not need a booming textile industry, but should instead focus on high-tech and military manufacturing.

The National Council of Textile Organizations expressed disappointment, emphasizing that the U.S. textile industry produced a large amount of personal protective equipment (PPE) during the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to supply the military with 8,000 essential products to reduce reliance on foreign adversaries. They argued that the textile sector still holds strategic value for the U.S. and should not be easily dismissed.

Trump’s recent tariff policies have caused global market fluctuations, particularly after he threatened on May 23 to impose a 50% tariff on European Union goods starting June 1. He also warned Apple that iPhones sold in the U.S. but not manufactured domestically could face a 25% tariff. However, on the 25th, Trump confirmed that in order to continue trade negotiations, he has agreed to postpone the EU tariff deadline to July 9.

On the 25th, Russia launched its largest airstrike on Ukraine since the war began, targeting the capital Kyiv and other cities, leaving 13 dead and dozens injured. Former U.S. President Donald Trump expressed dissatisfaction with Russia’s actions, saying he didn’t understand what Putin was thinking and revealed he is considering intensifying sanctions against Moscow.

According to reports, this assault marks the most extensive aerial attack since the start of the war, involving 298 drones and 69 missiles. The strike killed at least 13 people and injured many more. The timing is especially sensitive, as Russia and Ukraine have been in negotiations to reach a ceasefire. “We’re talking peace, and at the same time Putin is firing rockets at Kyiv and other cities,” Trump said, expressing his surprise at the escalation. “I’ve known Putin a long time and got along with him fine, but now he’s firing rockets into cities and killing civilians—this, I do not like at all.”

On the 23rd, Ukraine and Russia conducted their largest prisoner exchange in over three years, offering a glimmer of hope for a ceasefire. However, just hours later, Moscow launched an even larger drone and missile attack. In terms of sheer volume, it was the biggest airstrike against Ukraine since the war began.

Ukraine’s Air Force reported that it intercepted 266 drones and 45 missiles. Explosions were heard in Kyiv, Kharkiv (Ukraine’s second-largest city), the southern city of Mykolaiv, and the western city of Ternopil, as well as in Sumy, Dnipro, and Odesa. Twenty-two locations across Ukraine were directly hit. In response, several Polish fighter jets were scrambled and air defense systems activated to secure the country’s airspace.

Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha strongly condemned the airstrike and called on the international community to pressure Russia into a ceasefire. President Volodymyr Zelensky also denounced Moscow’s deliberate attacks on innocent people and ordinary cities, stating that Russia is the main obstacle to ending the war. He urged the United States to take a stand, insisting that the only way to force Moscow into a ceasefire is to increase sanctions.

U.S. President Donald Trump has once again made headlines by announcing via social media that starting June 1, he plans to impose a 50% tariff on goods from the European Union—just hours before scheduled trade talks between the U.S. and EU. The announcement sent shockwaves through global financial markets, with major U.S. and European stock indices closing in the red, triggering renewed volatility across global stock and currency markets.

On May 23, Trump first posted that he would impose at least a 25% tariff on iPhones produced overseas, stating, "I’ve long told Apple’s Tim Cook that iPhones destined for the U.S. should be made in America—not in India or elsewhere." He followed up with another post criticizing the EU, claiming it has been "very difficult to deal with" on trade and that "no progress" has been made, threatening to slap a 50% tariff on EU goods starting June 1.

The EU has long resisted Trump’s demands, particularly regarding the value-added tax (VAT), which Trump views as an unfair trade practice. Valdis Dombrovskis, the European Commissioner for Economic Policy, previously stated that VAT is not part of bilateral trade negotiations. He emphasized that the U.S.-EU trade relationship is unique and must be based on mutual respect rather than threats, adding that the EU is ready to defend its interests at any time.

Following Trump’s posts, stock markets in both the U.S. and Europe initially plummeted, but losses narrowed by the end of the trading day. The S&P 500 ultimately closed down 0.67%. Many analysts believe Trump's threat is yet another negotiation tactic. According to the Financial Times, the industries most likely to be impacted by the proposed tariffs include pharmaceuticals, aerospace, and automotive sectors. EU Commission data shows that the U.S. is the EU’s largest trading partner, with exports to the U.S. exceeding €530 billion in 2024. Major exporters include Germany, France, Italy, and Ireland.

In April, Trump introduced the idea of "reciprocal tariffs" on all U.S. trade partners, initially setting the EU rate at 20%, then postponing implementation for 90 days to allow for negotiations. The New York Times reports that the EU had offered to significantly reduce tariffs on a reciprocal basis and to increase purchases of U.S. energy products. However, European officials have often expressed frustration over the unclear objectives of U.S. trade policy and uncertainty over who is actually in charge. Trump’s unpredictable stance has added to the confusion. Observers believe Trump ultimately aims to bring manufacturing back to the U.S. and boost domestic employment. However, multiple media outlets have pointed out that manufacturing products like the iPhone domestically poses serious challenges, including a lack of supporting supply chains and a shortage of large numbers of low-cost skilled workers. Implementing such a shift abruptly would result in high costs and logistical hurdles.

Media reports state that U.S. President Donald Trump announced new tariff measures in early April, sparking international turmoil. On the 21st, twelve U.S. states filed a lawsuit with the United States Court of International Trade, accusing Trump of exceeding presidential authority and calling for a suspension of the tariff measures.

According to the report, Democratic attorneys general from New York, Illinois, Oregon, and nine other states argued that Trump severely misinterpreted the **International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA)** as a legal basis for implementing his tariff policy. They emphasized that the IEEPA is intended for addressing extraordinary threats to the United States, and that a trade deficit does not constitute a national emergency. Moreover, the law does not grant the president the authority to impose tariffs — the power to levy taxes, including tariffs, belongs to Congress as outlined in the U.S. Constitution.

The report also notes that the case will be heard by a panel of three judges from the U.S. Court of International Trade, with a decision expected in the coming weeks. Brett Shumate, an attorney for the Department of Justice, defended the administration by arguing that the IEEPA grants the president authority to engage in trade negotiations and advance foreign policy objectives. He stated that the tariffs were intended to exert pressure and provide the president with necessary leverage.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni recently stated that she has confirmed with the newly elected Pope Leo XIV that the Vatican is willing to host peace talks between Russia and Ukraine.

Pope Leo XIV, who was elected two weeks ago, is the first Catholic pope from the United States. On Wednesday, during his first public meeting with foreign dignitaries at the Vatican, the new head of the Roman Catholic Church reaffirmed in his inaugural address that the Vatican is willing to serve as a mediator in global conflicts. Pope Leo XIV said, “People around the world long for peace. To their leaders, I say from the bottom of my heart: let us meet, let us talk, let us negotiate—war is always avoidable.”

Prime Minister Meloni said that during a phone conversation with the Pope, he confirmed his willingness to host the next round of peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine at the Vatican, with the aim of ending the war. Meloni also held discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other world leaders to maintain "close coordination" and advance the peace talks. She expressed her gratitude to the Pope for his "steadfast commitment to peace."

U.S. President Donald Trump said he believed that holding peace talks at the Vatican would be a great idea and could carry more significance. “I saw people talking about it yesterday. Someone told me they were honored to be involved. So, I think it could be helpful,” Trump said. He added that there is currently great pain and anger, and that the Pope’s involvement in mediation could help ease tensions.

After 11 weeks of blockade, Israel has allowed five UN trucks carrying humanitarian aid, including baby formula and other essential supplies, to enter Gaza. The United Nations welcomed the move but stated that the scale of aid is vastly insufficient, warning that Gaza faces the risk of famine. The United Kingdom, France, and Canada have declared that if Israel continues its attacks on Gaza, they will consider imposing sanctions on the country.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the decision to permit a limited amount of UN aid into Gaza was made under pressure from allies in the U.S. Congress. He emphasized the need to avoid famine but also announced plans to expand ground operations against Hamas, with the goal of fully seizing control of Gaza.

According to international reports, on May 20, the leaders of the UK, France, and Canada issued a joint statement condemning and warning Israel that if it does not halt its renewed military offensive on Gaza and continues blocking aid, they will consider implementing sanctions. Netanyahu responded by criticizing the stance of these countries, saying it amounts to rewarding Hamas for its terrorist attacks on October 7, 2023.

Former U.S. President Joe Biden was diagnosed on the 16th with aggressive prostate cancer that has metastasized to his bones. His former Vice President, Kamala Harris, praised him as a “fighter,” while former President Barack Obama expressed confidence that Biden will face the challenge with characteristic determination.

According to a statement released by Biden’s office on the 18th, he sought medical attention after experiencing urinary symptoms. He was subsequently diagnosed with a highly malignant and aggressive form of prostate cancer, with a Gleason score of 9 — indicating poorly differentiated cancer cells and rapid progression. Dr. Dahut, Chief Scientific Officer of the American Cancer Society, noted that bone metastasis signifies late-stage cancer, which is no longer curable. However, he emphasized that most patients can still live for years with early-stage hormone therapy and other palliative treatments.

Vice President Harris expressed her support in a statement, calling Biden a determined fighter and voicing her belief that he will confront the illness with the same strength, resilience, and optimism he has always shown. Former President Obama also extended his care and support to Biden and his family, lauding Biden’s longstanding commitment to cancer research and expressing faith in his ability to face the challenge. Obama added that he is praying for Biden’s swift and full recovery.

Biden himself took to social media to thank the public for their support, stating, “Cancer affects all of us.” He added that he and his family are carefully considering treatment options.

Throughout his career, Biden has been a strong advocate for cancer prevention and research — particularly after the death of his son, Beau Biden, from brain cancer in 2015. During the Obama administration, he led the “Cancer Moonshot” initiative. In 2022, Biden and First Lady Jill Biden relaunched the initiative with the goal of preventing four million cancer deaths by 2047.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among American men, affecting roughly 13 out of every 100 men. Age remains the greatest risk factor.

On the morning of the 18th, the newly elected Pope Leo XIV presided over his inauguration Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, officially commencing his papal ministry. During the ceremony, the cardinal protodeacon bestowed upon him the pallium and the Fisherman’s Ring—symbols of the pope’s pastoral authority and leadership—signifying his acceptance of the mission to lead the Church.

In his homily, Pope Leo XIV emphasized his commitment to fostering unity and communion within the Catholic Church, expressing his hope that the Church may serve as a symbol of peace for the world. He also called for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine through diplomatic negotiations and offered prayers for the people of Gaza, highlighting his concern for global humanitarian issues.

Early that morning, Pope Leo XIV made his first tour of St. Peter’s Square in the Popemobile, greeting the gathered faithful. The crowd, waving flags from various nations—including the United States and Peru—enthusiastically chanted “Viva il Papa!” The Vatican estimated that approximately 250,000 people attended the inauguration Mass, a turnout comparable to that of the funeral of Pope Francis.

The ceremony began at 10 a.m. Vatican time (4 p.m. in Taiwan) and lasted two hours. Pope Leo XIV first prayed at the tomb of Saint Peter beneath the main altar, then presided over the Mass. During the liturgy, the cardinal protodeacon presented the pope with the two primary symbols of the papacy, representing his role as both shepherd and leader. Afterward, cardinals, bishops, priests, religious sisters, and lay representatives came forward one by one to express their allegiance, symbolizing their respect and support for the new pontiff.

The event drew delegations and dignitaries from over 150 countries, including more than 20 heads of state, such as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Italian President Sergio Mattarella, and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

As Pope Leo XIV holds dual citizenship of the United States and Peru, representatives from both countries were seated in the front rows. The United States was represented by Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, while Peruvian President Dina Boluarte attended in person. Taiwan was represented by former Vice President Chen Chien-jen.

In his homily, Pope Leo XIV urged the faithful: “Let us build a Church founded on the love of God, with arms open to embrace the world.” He stressed that the Church should become “a leaven of human harmony,” and pledged to carry forward the mission of his predecessor, Pope Francis, especially in promoting social justice, caring for the vulnerable, and protecting the environment.

On the 16th, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that within the next two to three weeks, the United States may directly inform its trade partners of new tariff rates, rather than engaging in individual negotiations.

According to CNN, Trump said at a business roundtable in Abu Dhabi on the 16th, "There are 150 countries that want to make deals, but you can’t negotiate with that many countries at once. So in the next two to three weeks, I believe Scott Bessent (U.S. Secretary of the Treasury) and Howard Lutnick (U.S. Secretary of Commerce) will send out letters. We will be very fair, but we will tell people how much it costs to do business in the U.S."

Trump previously shocked the global economy by announcing sweeping “reciprocal tariffs” on various countries. On April 2, Trump announced a 90-day suspension of this policy starting April 9 to allow trade partners to negotiate with the U.S. U.S. officials stated that around 100 countries have requested trade talks, placing immense pressure on American negotiators to conclude these discussions within the 90-day window.

The Trump administration first reached an agreement with the United Kingdom, followed by a deal with China, which included scrapping a proposed 145% tariff on Chinese goods. U.S. officials stated they are currently in discussions with over a dozen countries, including India and Japan, and are close to finalizing frameworks for agreements.

Trump has previously said that his administration is rapidly securing various deals to make trade fairer and bring manufacturing back to the U.S. However, it remains unclear what tariff rates will be imposed on countries unable to reach short-term agreements with the U.S., and whether these tariffs will be permanent or serve as temporary rates during the negotiation period. Although Trump and his administration have touted the conclusion of multiple trade talks, in practice, formal trade agreements often take years to finalize. Trump’s tariff policies remain subject to change and could significantly impact the global political and economic landscape.

Sakurajima, a volcanic island off the coast of Kagoshima, Japan, continues to experience active volcanic activity. On the 15th, the volcano erupted three times with moderate intensity, with plumes reaching as high as 3,000 meters. Due to the impact of volcanic ash, at least 30 flights were canceled on the 15th and 16th.

Volcanic activity was first observed around 8 PM on the night of the 12th. On the 15th, starting at approximately 7:08 AM local time, three eruptions of moderate or greater scale occurred at the Minamidake summit crater. The eruption lasted more than 17 hours, ending at 4 AM on the 16th. Smoke plumes reached up to 3,000 meters. This marks the first time since November 2019 that Sakurajima has produced continuous volcanic plumes for more than 10 hours.

Due to the ashfall from the ongoing eruptions, 25 flights were canceled at Kagoshima Airport on the 15th, with most of the cancellations occurring after 5 PM. On the 16th, at least 7 more flights were canceled. Airline counters were crowded with travelers seeking to change flights or request refunds.

Meteorological authorities reported that volcanic ash was visible across much of Kagoshima Prefecture and parts of neighboring Kumamoto Prefecture. In the coming days, residents are advised to monitor for any increase in eruption activity and to take precautions such as using umbrellas and wearing masks when going outside to protect their health. Drivers are also urged to proceed slowly on ash-covered roads. Those in areas where small volcanic rocks may fall are advised to move indoors or seek shelter under sturdy roofs.