World Bank Emergency Funding Demand Surges as 27 Countries Seek Crisis Support Amid Iran Conflict 
Marco Rubio Visits India to Rebuild U.S.-India Ties Amid Trade and Geopolitical Tensions 
Trump-China Summit Yields Limited Progress on Trade and Tech Cooperation 
U.S. Sanctions Tanzanian Police Official Over Human Rights Violations 
U.S. Military Drill Over Caracas Raises Tensions in Venezuela 
Israeli Airstrike in Gaza Refugee Camp Kills Infant and Parents Amid Fragile Ceasefire 
Rubio Says NATO Must Benefit All Members Ahead of Sweden Meeting 
Iran-U.S. Talks Continue as Strait of Hormuz and Uranium Dispute Stall Peace Efforts 
Mexico-EU Free Trade Deal Signals Strategic Shift Away From U.S. Dependence 
Trump Sends 5,000 Additional U.S. Troops to Poland Ahead of NATO Talks on Iran War 
First Trump, now Putin – all roads lead to Xi Jinping 
Trump’s White House Ballroom Project Draws Criticism Amid Rising Gas Prices 
China Coal Mine Explosion Death Toll Revised to 82 in Shanxi 
DHS Threatens to Halt International Airport Processing in Sanctuary Cities 
Israel Faces Global Backlash Over Gaza Flotilla Activists’ Treatment 
Taiwan Says No Notice of U.S. Arms Sales Pause Amid Iran Conflict Concerns 
Trump-Lai Call Remains Uncertain as U.S.-China Tensions Over Taiwan Intensify 
Joe Biden has shown himself to be a stark contrast to his predecessor Donald Trump from the first day he moved into the Oval Office. With the impeachment trials of the former president already underway, Biden remains focused on his administration’s agenda and COVID-19 relief.
Speaking with the press before he met with executives and shortly after the trial started, Biden made clear that he was not going to tune in to watch the trial occur. Instead, Biden said that he was more focused on getting the COVID-19 relief aid to Americans rather than what was happening at the Senate. Trump is facing trial before the upper chamber this week after he was impeached by the House on his last days in office.
“The Senate has their job,” said Biden. “They’re about to begin it. I’m sure they’re going to conduct themselves well. And that’s all I have to say about impeachment.”
Prior to Biden’s comments, White House press secretary Jen Psaki already stressed that Biden was not going to further comment or engage in a trial against his predecessor. “Joe Biden is the president. He is not a pundit. He’s not going to opine on the back and forth arguments, nor is he watching them, that are taking place in the Senate.” Psaki also noted that Biden remains in touch with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer about his COVID-19 relief plan.
On Wednesday, Biden unveiled a task force under the Defense Department that would focus on the assessment of the military’s approach towards China. The group would be made up of 15 experts who will provide recommendations to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on matters related to China. Their findings and recommendations are due in four months. The Pentagon announced through a statement that final public reports from the task force are not anticipated. However, the group will discuss its recommendations with Congress and other stakeholders.
Tensions between the US and China have risen during the Trump administration, and Biden plans on taking a different approach. Having yet to speak with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Biden said last week during his visit to the State Department that he plans on working closely with US allies in order to effectively engage with China.
