
America is in its anti-hero era — and it's changing who we elect
But today, the problem isn't that our heroes will disappoint us. It's that they're missing altogether. Instead, we have the anti-hero, fueled by negative partisanship.
The shift isn't just political — it's cultural. On television, we have found ourselves cheering for Italian mob boss Tony Soprano and outlaw biker Jax Teller on Sons of Anarchy. In the movies, Elphaba, the main character in Wicked, changes our perception of her as the Wicked Witch of the West in the Wizard of Oz. In Batman, we sympathize with the Joker.
The lines between good and evil, right and wrong, have blurred — and we're told that's the point.
There was a time when moral clarity was a virtue — when Mr. Smith went to Washington, Atticus Finch stood for justice and being a public servant meant working toward the greater good. Those are examples drawn from fiction but the sentiment was real. These days, in 2025, I'm pretty sure Mr. Smith wouldn't make it out of his hometown.
Americans are increasingly drawn to the rule-breaker, the disruptor and the candidate who fights, no matter the cost. America is in its anti-hero era — and that's dangerous for our national character.
The transformation is happening on both sides of the aisle. But the most visible representation of this is the rise of president Donald Trump.
He has embodied the anti-hero archetype — flawed, combative and unrelenting. He has broken political norms and actively worked to dismantle institutions. He has called for punishment of perceived political foes and promised to 'drain the swamp.' Many voters see him as imperfect but fighting for them.
Trump cast himself as a victim of the system, giving millions of Americans, who felt betrayed by elites, someone to identify with. His vulgarity and defiance of political norms became credentials supporters hold up as virtues.
On the other side of the political spectrum, a figure with some parallels has emerged in New York City — Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani. A democratic socialist, Mamdani also questions foundational institutions — he supports freezing rents on nearly 50% of apartments in NYC and having city-run grocery stores. To his supporters, he is a revolutionary voice. To his critics, he is a provocateur more interested in free bus rides than governance.
While Trump and Mamdani occupy opposite ends of the political spectrum, they're using the same anti-hero playbook: reject the establishment, defy norms and rally the base through outrage. And it's working. Trump is serving a second term and Mamdani has the Democratic establishment worried he may very well become the next mayor of New York City.
But winning isn't the same as governing.
If we win by abandoning the virtues that once defined public service — humility, personal responsibility, respect for constitutional limits — what exactly are we winning?
For conservatives, this moment feels like having dental work without novacaine. It's painful.
The cornerstone of conservatism has long been moral clarity. The peril of embracing the anti-hero is that we may be responding to performance rather than principle.
In pop culture, anti-heroes entertain us — they're charismatic and charming, and we root for them to prevail. But in politics, the prevalence of anti-heroes reflects something darker — a nation that cheers for the demise of the other side, instead of for the preservation of democratic ideals.
I'm not saying we need to elect saints, but democracy requires stewards — leaders who who seek to unite rather than divide and who put country over party.
America doesn't need perfect heroes. But we do need to want them again. Because in real life — unlike the movies — the anti-hero doesn't save the day, they burn it down.
Mary Anna Mancuso is a member of the Miami Herald Editorial Board. Her email: mmancuso@miamiherald.com

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Yahoo
5 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Trump tariffs live updates: No tariff pause announced after US-China talks; Trump plans 20–25% India tariffs
President Trump told reporters that India may be hit with a tariff rate of 20% to 25% and cautioned that the final levy still hadn't been decided. This news comes days before Trump's Aug. 1 deadline, when nations who have not yet reached a deal will face higher tariffs. 'I think so,' Trump told reporters when asked if that was a possible tariff rate for New Delhi. 'India has been a good friend, but India has charged basically more tariffs than almost any other country.' The US and China concluded their latest round of tariff and trade talks in Sweden on Tuesday, with both sides touting progress but without an immediate announcement of a further tariff delay. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said President Trump would make the final call on extending the trade truce between the world's two largest economies. This week's talks were the third round for the countries, which have slowly deescalated trade tensions since Trump imposed gargantuan tariffs in April, and China reciprocated. The countries suspended those tariffs for 90 days — a suspension that is set to end on Aug. 12. Bessent said another 90-day extension is possible. Meanwhile, the US and EU are racing to lock in the final details of their major new trade deal before President Trump's self-imposed Friday deadline to reach agreements with partners other than China. Critics say it's a rushed fix, with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz calling the outcome unsatisfying and France's Bayrou dubbing the EU's "submission" a "dark day." The agreement includes a baseline tariff rate of 15% on most EU goods imported into the US. Trump called the deal 'the biggest of them all." Trump also confirmed on Monday that 15% represents the new tariff "floor" for countries, whose rates he has been dictating to leaders in the absence of trade deals. 'For the world, I would say it'll be somewhere in the 15% to 20% range,' Trump said in Scotland as he met with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Last week, Trump said those letters dictating tariff rates for over 200 countries would go out soon while his administration works to clinch deals with larger trade partners. Still in focus are potential deals with Canada, Mexico, and India, among others. Trump also touted a deal with Japan that included a $550 billion investment in the US and a 15% tariff on goods imported into the US from Japan. Japan said Tuesday its trade deal with the US eased policy uncertainty but warned US trade actions could still weigh on its economy. Read more: What Trump's tariffs mean for the economy and your wallet Here are the latest updates as the policy reverberates around the world. No tariff pause announced after US-China talks, with Trump set to make the 'final call' The US and China wrapped up trade talks in Sweden on Tuesday, saying they had made progress but after two days of discussions, gave no update on delaying more tariffs. Yahoo Finance's Washington Correspondent Ben Werschkul looks into the latest on the trade talks between the world's two largest economies. Read more here. Trump: India may get 20% to 25% tariff but not yet final President Trump said India could face tariffs of 20% to 25%, but added the final rate isn't set yet as both countries work on a trade deal before the August 1 deadline. 'I think so,' Trump told reporters Tuesday when asked if that was a possible tariff rate for New Delhi. 'India has been a good friend, but India has charged basically more tariffs than almost any other country,' Trump said aboard Air Force One as he returned to Washington from a five-day visit to Scotland. 'You just can't do that.' The US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said "more negotiations" are needed between the US and India in order to secure a trade deal, Greer's statement was made just days before the Aug. 1 deadline for higher tariffs. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. 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US-China talks end without further pause, with Trump to make 'final call' US and Chinese negotiators wrapped up two days of talks Tuesday without an immediate announcement of a further tariff delay between the world's two largest economies as markets watch closely for an offramp to avert additional duties that could be in the offing in about two weeks' time. "We're going to head back to Washington, D.C., and we're going to talk to the president about whether that's something that he wants to do," said Trade Representative Jamieson Greer after the talks concluded in Stockholm, Sweden. "The president can make a final call," he added. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent added Tuesday that it was "a very fulsome two days" of talks and that another 90-day pause remains on the table with the overall tone of talks being "very constructive." Trump himself was asked later in the afternoon about the chances of approval, telling reporters on Air Force One he had just spoken to Bessent and that he would decide after a briefing but that Bessent felt good about Tuesday's meeting. Read more here. US goods trade deficit hits nearly 2-year low as imports tumble The US trade deficit in goods narrowed in June to its lowest in nearly two years as imports dropped sharply. Reuters reports: Read more here. IMF edges 2025 growth forecast slightly higher, warns tariff risks still dog outlook Reuters reports: Read more here. India braces for higher US tariffs, eyes broader trade deal: Sources India is bracing itself for higher US tariffs, which will likely be between 20-25% on some exports, according to people familiar with the matter. This will be a temporary measure as it holds off on a fresh trade concession ahead of President Trump's August 1 deadline. Reuters reports: Read more here. Why markets are shrugging off lack of details in Trump trade deals The simplest reason, as explained by Siebert Financial CIO Mark Malek, is that overall progress in various trade talks suggests that worst case scenarios are being avoided "so I think for the most part we're happy." More from Yahoo Finance's Ben Werschkul: Read more here. Tariffs bleed into profits A few tariff mentions on earnings releases this morning that have caught my attention: P&G beats on earnings, warns of $1 billion tariff hit The consumer goods giant, Proctor and Gamble (PG) said on Tuesday that it will see a $1 billion hit to profits in its new fiscal year as a result of tariffs. Yahoo Finance's executive editor Brian Sozzi looks into the latest earnings report from makers of Tide and Pampers. Read more here. EU, US rush to clinch final details and lock in trade deal The EU and the US are rushing to finish a trade deal before the August 1 deadline. They want to agree on a joint statement that will allow the US to start cutting tariffs on some goods, like cars and car parts. After that, they will work on a final, legally binding deal. This will need approval from EU countries and maybe the European Parliament. The exact details are still being worked out. Some European leaders worry the deal might hurt their economies. But both sides are focused on finishing the deal soon to avoid more trade problems. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. Trump official: More talks needed to clinch India deal The US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said "more negotiations" are needed between the US and India in order to secure a trade deal, Greer's statement was made just days before the Aug. 1 deadline for higher tariffs. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. Rating firms say US tariffs alone will not trigger EU sovereign downgrades Reuters reports: Read more here. US trade deal eases tariff uncertainties, but risks remain: Japan Japan said on Tuesday that its trade deal with the US has removed uncertainties on but attention must be given to the risks these policies are putting on the Japanese economy. Reuters reports: Read more here. Philips soars after lifting margin outlook on softer tariff hit Royal Philips NV (PHG) stock rose 9% before the bell on Tuesday after it increased its profitability outlook as the impact of the trade war was not as severe as it feared. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. Stellantis warns of $1.7B US tariff impact in 2025 Stellantis (STLA) shared updated first-half results after giving early numbers last week. The company said that President Trump's tariffs will cost it $1.73 billion in 2025. Yahoo Finance's senior reporter Pras Subramanian looks into the automakers earnings further and its anticipated tariff hit: Read more here. Germany's Merz says he did not expect better EU-US trade deal, German economy will suffer Germany's Chancellor released a statement saying he's not "satisfied" with the new EU-US trade deal and expressed concerns about how it'll affect his country's economy. Reuters reports: Read more here. Carney says US trade talks in 'intense phase' The Canadian Press reports: Read more here. Analysts say EU-US trade deal could add up to $19 billion in pharma industry costs The recent trade deal announced between the United States and the European Union is raising concerns in different industries about potential costs. The pharmaceutical industry, specifically, is estimated to take on an extra billion dollars based on new data. Reuters reports: Read more here. Analysis: US tariffs will be test of luxury brands' pricing power Luxury goods companies have been spared the worst case scenario in Sunday's EU-US trade deal. But the worst is not over yet, they still face a balancing act as already weak consumer demand prevents them from raising prices further. Reuters reports: Read more here. No tariff pause announced after US-China talks, with Trump set to make the 'final call' The US and China wrapped up trade talks in Sweden on Tuesday, saying they had made progress but after two days of discussions, gave no update on delaying more tariffs. Yahoo Finance's Washington Correspondent Ben Werschkul looks into the latest on the trade talks between the world's two largest economies. Read more here. The US and China wrapped up trade talks in Sweden on Tuesday, saying they had made progress but after two days of discussions, gave no update on delaying more tariffs. Yahoo Finance's Washington Correspondent Ben Werschkul looks into the latest on the trade talks between the world's two largest economies. Read more here. Trump: India may get 20% to 25% tariff but not yet final President Trump said India could face tariffs of 20% to 25%, but added the final rate isn't set yet as both countries work on a trade deal before the August 1 deadline. 'I think so,' Trump told reporters Tuesday when asked if that was a possible tariff rate for New Delhi. 'India has been a good friend, but India has charged basically more tariffs than almost any other country,' Trump said aboard Air Force One as he returned to Washington from a five-day visit to Scotland. 'You just can't do that.' The US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said "more negotiations" are needed between the US and India in order to secure a trade deal, Greer's statement was made just days before the Aug. 1 deadline for higher tariffs. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. President Trump said India could face tariffs of 20% to 25%, but added the final rate isn't set yet as both countries work on a trade deal before the August 1 deadline. 'I think so,' Trump told reporters Tuesday when asked if that was a possible tariff rate for New Delhi. 'India has been a good friend, but India has charged basically more tariffs than almost any other country,' Trump said aboard Air Force One as he returned to Washington from a five-day visit to Scotland. 'You just can't do that.' The US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said "more negotiations" are needed between the US and India in order to secure a trade deal, Greer's statement was made just days before the Aug. 1 deadline for higher tariffs. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. Brazil asks US to spare key food products, planes from tariffs Brazil has asked the US to spare key sectors from sky-high tariffs that will take effect on Friday. Specifically, it has asked for exemptions for food products and aircraft from Embraer, the world's third-largest planemaker. More from Reuters: Brazil is facing 50% tariffs on its exports to the US from Friday. That is among the highest rates Trump has threatened in his new round of sweeping tariffs. Those levies are coming in part because of what Trump alleges is the country's unfair treatment of its former president, who is currently on trial in the country. Read more here. Brazil has asked the US to spare key sectors from sky-high tariffs that will take effect on Friday. Specifically, it has asked for exemptions for food products and aircraft from Embraer, the world's third-largest planemaker. More from Reuters: Brazil is facing 50% tariffs on its exports to the US from Friday. That is among the highest rates Trump has threatened in his new round of sweeping tariffs. Those levies are coming in part because of what Trump alleges is the country's unfair treatment of its former president, who is currently on trial in the country. Read more here. US-China talks end without further pause, with Trump to make 'final call' US and Chinese negotiators wrapped up two days of talks Tuesday without an immediate announcement of a further tariff delay between the world's two largest economies as markets watch closely for an offramp to avert additional duties that could be in the offing in about two weeks' time. "We're going to head back to Washington, D.C., and we're going to talk to the president about whether that's something that he wants to do," said Trade Representative Jamieson Greer after the talks concluded in Stockholm, Sweden. "The president can make a final call," he added. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent added Tuesday that it was "a very fulsome two days" of talks and that another 90-day pause remains on the table with the overall tone of talks being "very constructive." Trump himself was asked later in the afternoon about the chances of approval, telling reporters on Air Force One he had just spoken to Bessent and that he would decide after a briefing but that Bessent felt good about Tuesday's meeting. Read more here. US and Chinese negotiators wrapped up two days of talks Tuesday without an immediate announcement of a further tariff delay between the world's two largest economies as markets watch closely for an offramp to avert additional duties that could be in the offing in about two weeks' time. "We're going to head back to Washington, D.C., and we're going to talk to the president about whether that's something that he wants to do," said Trade Representative Jamieson Greer after the talks concluded in Stockholm, Sweden. "The president can make a final call," he added. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent added Tuesday that it was "a very fulsome two days" of talks and that another 90-day pause remains on the table with the overall tone of talks being "very constructive." Trump himself was asked later in the afternoon about the chances of approval, telling reporters on Air Force One he had just spoken to Bessent and that he would decide after a briefing but that Bessent felt good about Tuesday's meeting. Read more here. US goods trade deficit hits nearly 2-year low as imports tumble The US trade deficit in goods narrowed in June to its lowest in nearly two years as imports dropped sharply. Reuters reports: Read more here. The US trade deficit in goods narrowed in June to its lowest in nearly two years as imports dropped sharply. Reuters reports: Read more here. IMF edges 2025 growth forecast slightly higher, warns tariff risks still dog outlook Reuters reports: Read more here. Reuters reports: Read more here. India braces for higher US tariffs, eyes broader trade deal: Sources India is bracing itself for higher US tariffs, which will likely be between 20-25% on some exports, according to people familiar with the matter. This will be a temporary measure as it holds off on a fresh trade concession ahead of President Trump's August 1 deadline. Reuters reports: Read more here. India is bracing itself for higher US tariffs, which will likely be between 20-25% on some exports, according to people familiar with the matter. This will be a temporary measure as it holds off on a fresh trade concession ahead of President Trump's August 1 deadline. Reuters reports: Read more here. Why markets are shrugging off lack of details in Trump trade deals The simplest reason, as explained by Siebert Financial CIO Mark Malek, is that overall progress in various trade talks suggests that worst case scenarios are being avoided "so I think for the most part we're happy." More from Yahoo Finance's Ben Werschkul: Read more here. The simplest reason, as explained by Siebert Financial CIO Mark Malek, is that overall progress in various trade talks suggests that worst case scenarios are being avoided "so I think for the most part we're happy." More from Yahoo Finance's Ben Werschkul: Read more here. Tariffs bleed into profits A few tariff mentions on earnings releases this morning that have caught my attention: A few tariff mentions on earnings releases this morning that have caught my attention: P&G beats on earnings, warns of $1 billion tariff hit The consumer goods giant, Proctor and Gamble (PG) said on Tuesday that it will see a $1 billion hit to profits in its new fiscal year as a result of tariffs. Yahoo Finance's executive editor Brian Sozzi looks into the latest earnings report from makers of Tide and Pampers. Read more here. The consumer goods giant, Proctor and Gamble (PG) said on Tuesday that it will see a $1 billion hit to profits in its new fiscal year as a result of tariffs. Yahoo Finance's executive editor Brian Sozzi looks into the latest earnings report from makers of Tide and Pampers. Read more here. EU, US rush to clinch final details and lock in trade deal The EU and the US are rushing to finish a trade deal before the August 1 deadline. They want to agree on a joint statement that will allow the US to start cutting tariffs on some goods, like cars and car parts. After that, they will work on a final, legally binding deal. This will need approval from EU countries and maybe the European Parliament. The exact details are still being worked out. Some European leaders worry the deal might hurt their economies. But both sides are focused on finishing the deal soon to avoid more trade problems. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. The EU and the US are rushing to finish a trade deal before the August 1 deadline. They want to agree on a joint statement that will allow the US to start cutting tariffs on some goods, like cars and car parts. After that, they will work on a final, legally binding deal. This will need approval from EU countries and maybe the European Parliament. The exact details are still being worked out. Some European leaders worry the deal might hurt their economies. But both sides are focused on finishing the deal soon to avoid more trade problems. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. Trump official: More talks needed to clinch India deal The US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said "more negotiations" are needed between the US and India in order to secure a trade deal, Greer's statement was made just days before the Aug. 1 deadline for higher tariffs. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. The US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said "more negotiations" are needed between the US and India in order to secure a trade deal, Greer's statement was made just days before the Aug. 1 deadline for higher tariffs. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. Rating firms say US tariffs alone will not trigger EU sovereign downgrades Reuters reports: Read more here. Reuters reports: Read more here. US trade deal eases tariff uncertainties, but risks remain: Japan Japan said on Tuesday that its trade deal with the US has removed uncertainties on but attention must be given to the risks these policies are putting on the Japanese economy. Reuters reports: Read more here. Japan said on Tuesday that its trade deal with the US has removed uncertainties on but attention must be given to the risks these policies are putting on the Japanese economy. Reuters reports: Read more here. Philips soars after lifting margin outlook on softer tariff hit Royal Philips NV (PHG) stock rose 9% before the bell on Tuesday after it increased its profitability outlook as the impact of the trade war was not as severe as it feared. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. Royal Philips NV (PHG) stock rose 9% before the bell on Tuesday after it increased its profitability outlook as the impact of the trade war was not as severe as it feared. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. Stellantis warns of $1.7B US tariff impact in 2025 Stellantis (STLA) shared updated first-half results after giving early numbers last week. The company said that President Trump's tariffs will cost it $1.73 billion in 2025. Yahoo Finance's senior reporter Pras Subramanian looks into the automakers earnings further and its anticipated tariff hit: Read more here. Stellantis (STLA) shared updated first-half results after giving early numbers last week. The company said that President Trump's tariffs will cost it $1.73 billion in 2025. Yahoo Finance's senior reporter Pras Subramanian looks into the automakers earnings further and its anticipated tariff hit: Read more here. Germany's Merz says he did not expect better EU-US trade deal, German economy will suffer Germany's Chancellor released a statement saying he's not "satisfied" with the new EU-US trade deal and expressed concerns about how it'll affect his country's economy. Reuters reports: Read more here. Germany's Chancellor released a statement saying he's not "satisfied" with the new EU-US trade deal and expressed concerns about how it'll affect his country's economy. Reuters reports: Read more here. Carney says US trade talks in 'intense phase' The Canadian Press reports: Read more here. The Canadian Press reports: Read more here. Analysts say EU-US trade deal could add up to $19 billion in pharma industry costs The recent trade deal announced between the United States and the European Union is raising concerns in different industries about potential costs. The pharmaceutical industry, specifically, is estimated to take on an extra billion dollars based on new data. Reuters reports: Read more here. The recent trade deal announced between the United States and the European Union is raising concerns in different industries about potential costs. The pharmaceutical industry, specifically, is estimated to take on an extra billion dollars based on new data. Reuters reports: Read more here. Analysis: US tariffs will be test of luxury brands' pricing power Luxury goods companies have been spared the worst case scenario in Sunday's EU-US trade deal. But the worst is not over yet, they still face a balancing act as already weak consumer demand prevents them from raising prices further. Reuters reports: Read more here. Luxury goods companies have been spared the worst case scenario in Sunday's EU-US trade deal. But the worst is not over yet, they still face a balancing act as already weak consumer demand prevents them from raising prices further. Reuters reports: Read more here. Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data


Hamilton Spectator
7 minutes ago
- Hamilton Spectator
Thailand and Cambodia reaffirm ceasefire after China-brokered meeting in Shanghai
BANGKOK, Thailand (AP) — Thailand and Cambodia reaffirmed their shaky ceasefire violation after days of fighting along their border, as China stepped into negotiate with the two countries. The ceasefire reached in Malaysia was supposed to take effect at midnight on Monday, but was quickly tested . Thailand's army accused Cambodia of launching attacks in multiple areas early Tuesday, but Cambodia said there was no firing in any location. The Thai army then reported exchanges of gunfire into Wednesday morning but said there was no use of heavy artillery. 'Such act of aggression constitutes once again a clear violation of the ceasefire agreement by Cambodian forces and their apparent lack of good faith,' said Thailand's Foreign Ministry in a statement Wednesday morning. By Wednesday afternoon, however, both sides appeared to have reaffirmed their commitment to a ceasefire, with representatives appearing smiling in a photo with a Chinese vice minister Sun Weidong at a meeting in Shanghai. 'Cambodia and Thailand reiterated to China their commitment to the ceasefire consensus and expressed appreciation for China's positive role in de-escalating the situation,' a statement from China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. China said the informal meeting was its 'latest diplomatic effort' and it was playing a 'constructive role in resolving their border dispute,' according to the same statement. Violating the ceasefire The fighting Tuesday night occurred in Phu Makhuea, a mountain in a disputed area next to Thaikand's Sisaket province. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand's acting prime minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, agreed on Monday to an 'unconditional' halt in fighting, which has killed at least 41 people. The meeting was hosted by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim as annual chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. He called the ceasefire a 'vital first step towards de-escalation and the restoration of peace and security.' The ceasefire was brokered with U.S. pressure and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington applauded the ceasefire declaration. 'President (Donald) Trump and I are committed to an immediate cessation of violence and expect the governments of Cambodia and Thailand to fully honor their commitments to end this conflict,' Rubio said in a statement. Hun Manet said Tuesday that Trump had called to offer congratulations for the peace move. He posted on social media that Trump pledged the U.S. would join the monitoring process along with Malaysia to ensure the ceasefire is implemented. The Thai government separately said it has complained to Malaysia, the U.S. and China about Cambodia's alleged breach of the ceasefire agreement previously. By Wednesday, there were signs of calm along the border, with some of the more than 260,000 people displaced by the fighting returning to their homes. Cambodia and Thailand have clashed in the past over their 800-kilometer (500-mile) border. The fighting began Thursday after a land mine explosion along the border wounded five Thai soldiers. Tensions had been growing since May when a Cambodian soldier was killed in a confrontation that created a diplomatic rift and roiled Thailand's domestic politics . Residents face limbo While some residents near the border have started returning home, many remain behind in evacuation shelters, uncertain of their fate. Vendor Kanchana Sukjit, 33, said she fled home near the Ta Muen Thom temple with a few belongings and her small white-colored dog Nam Khaeng, which means ice in Thai. The temple had been one of the main flashpoints in the conflict over the past week. It was the first time she had to flee home like this and she was worried as she waited for clearer instructions about what happens next. 'I'm stressed when I read the news, like when reports said they were going to fire (a long-range rocket), because my home is right next to a military camp. I was quite stressed that day because I was afraid that my home would get caught in a crossfire,' she said. ___ Wu reported from Bangkok. Sopheng Cheang in Samrong, Cambodia, contributed to this report. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .

Associated Press
8 minutes ago
- Associated Press
Thailand and Cambodia reaffirm ceasefire after China-brokered meeting in Shanghai
BANGKOK, Thailand (AP) — Thailand and Cambodia reaffirmed their shaky ceasefire violation after days of fighting along their border, as China stepped into negotiate with the two countries. The ceasefire reached in Malaysia was supposed to take effect at midnight on Monday, but was quickly tested. Thailand's army accused Cambodia of launching attacks in multiple areas early Tuesday, but Cambodia said there was no firing in any location. The Thai army then reported exchanges of gunfire into Wednesday morning but said there was no use of heavy artillery. 'Such act of aggression constitutes once again a clear violation of the ceasefire agreement by Cambodian forces and their apparent lack of good faith,' said Thailand's Foreign Ministry in a statement Wednesday morning. By Wednesday afternoon, however, both sides appeared to have reaffirmed their commitment to a ceasefire, with representatives appearing smiling in a photo with a Chinese vice minister Sun Weidong at a meeting in Shanghai. 'Cambodia and Thailand reiterated to China their commitment to the ceasefire consensus and expressed appreciation for China's positive role in de-escalating the situation,' a statement from China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. China said the informal meeting was its 'latest diplomatic effort' and it was playing a 'constructive role in resolving their border dispute,' according to the same statement. Violating the ceasefire The fighting Tuesday night occurred in Phu Makhuea, a mountain in a disputed area next to Thaikand's Sisaket province. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand's acting prime minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, agreed on Monday to an 'unconditional' halt in fighting, which has killed at least 41 people. The meeting was hosted by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim as annual chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. He called the ceasefire a 'vital first step towards de-escalation and the restoration of peace and security.' The ceasefire was brokered with U.S. pressure and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington applauded the ceasefire declaration. 'President (Donald) Trump and I are committed to an immediate cessation of violence and expect the governments of Cambodia and Thailand to fully honor their commitments to end this conflict,' Rubio said in a statement. Hun Manet said Tuesday that Trump had called to offer congratulations for the peace move. He posted on social media that Trump pledged the U.S. would join the monitoring process along with Malaysia to ensure the ceasefire is implemented. The Thai government separately said it has complained to Malaysia, the U.S. and China about Cambodia's alleged breach of the ceasefire agreement previously. By Wednesday, there were signs of calm along the border, with some of the more than 260,000 people displaced by the fighting returning to their homes. Cambodia and Thailand have clashed in the past over their 800-kilometer (500-mile) border. The fighting began Thursday after a land mine explosion along the border wounded five Thai soldiers. Tensions had been growing since May when a Cambodian soldier was killed in a confrontation that created a diplomatic rift and roiled Thailand's domestic politics. Residents face limbo While some residents near the border have started returning home, many remain behind in evacuation shelters, uncertain of their fate. Vendor Kanchana Sukjit, 33, said she fled home near the Ta Muen Thom temple with a few belongings and her small white-colored dog Nam Khaeng, which means ice in Thai. The temple had been one of the main flashpoints in the conflict over the past week. It was the first time she had to flee home like this and she was worried as she waited for clearer instructions about what happens next. 'I'm stressed when I read the news, like when reports said they were going to fire (a long-range rocket), because my home is right next to a military camp. I was quite stressed that day because I was afraid that my home would get caught in a crossfire,' she said. ___ Wu reported from Bangkok. Sopheng Cheang in Samrong, Cambodia, contributed to this report.