Russian Missile Attacks Hit Kyiv and Kharkiv, Causing Casualties 
Australian Arts Festival Faces Author Boycott Amid Free Speech and Antisemitism Debate 
South Korea Factory Activity Returns to Growth in December on Export Rebound 
Gold Prices Rebound in Europe as Geopolitical Tensions and Fed Outlook Support Bullion 
U.S. Plans $115 Million Counter-Drone Investment to Secure FIFA World Cup and Major National Events 
Trump Delays Tariff Increases on Furniture and Cabinets for One More Year 
Trump Urges Iranian Protests as Tehran Accuses U.S. of Destabilization 
Trump Administration Weighs Diplomacy and Military Options as Iran Nuclear Tensions Rise 
Wall Street Ends Mixed as Tech and Financial Stocks Weigh on Markets Amid Thin Holiday Trading 
Trump Responds to Criticism at Michigan Auto Plant as Epstein Controversy Resurfaces 
U.S. Stock Index Futures Steady as Markets Await Fed Policy Clues in Holiday-Thinned Trade 
Singapore GDP Growth Surges in 2025 but Outlook Remains Cautious Amid Global Trade Risks 
Marine Le Pen Appeal Puts 2027 French Presidential Race in the Balance 
Zelenskiy Urges Global Support for Iranian Protests Amid Rising Tensions With Russia 
Amazon Reviews Supplier Costs as U.S.–China Tariffs Ease 
Oil Prices Slide in 2025 as Oversupply and Geopolitical Risks Shape Market Outlook 
Asian Markets Slip as Precious Metals Cool, Geopolitical Tensions Weigh on Sentiment 
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that he believes China could eventually open its markets wider to American goods, once again emphasizing what he described as a strong personal relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Speaking to reporters, Trump expressed optimism about future trade relations between Washington and Beijing, saying, “I think it’s going to happen,” when asked whether China would allow greater access for U.S. products. He did not provide further details or a timeline for such a move.
The comments come at a time when U.S.-China relations remain strained due to a long list of unresolved issues. These include ongoing disputes over trade tariffs, intellectual property rights, human rights concerns, cybersecurity, and geopolitical flashpoints such as Taiwan, Hong Kong, and China’s stance on Russia’s war in Ukraine. The origins of the COVID-19 pandemic also continue to cast a shadow over bilateral ties, keeping diplomatic relations tense.
Adding to the uncertainty, Trump earlier threatened to impose a 25% tariff on countries that continue to trade with Iran. This proposal could reopen old diplomatic rifts, particularly with China, which is Iran’s largest trading partner. The warning was issued amid heightened global concern over Iran, which is currently experiencing some of its largest anti-government demonstrations in years.
China swiftly condemned Trump’s tariff threat, while Trump himself offered no concrete explanation on how such measures would be implemented or enforced. The situation is further complicated by Iran’s recent history of conflict, including a 12-day war with U.S. ally Israel last year and U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites in June.
As Trump weighs potential responses to developments in Iran and signals renewed confidence in future trade cooperation with China, global markets and policymakers are closely watching for clearer direction. His remarks suggest a mix of optimism and confrontation that could significantly influence international trade, economic stability, and geopolitical relations in the months ahead.
