
How the US and China Play the Fentanyl Blame Game
China is an easy scapegoat for America's fentanyl addiction. The US has made it part of trade negotiations between the two superpowers, but recent shifts in production and supply tell a more nuanced story.
Addressing fentanyl's flow requires cooperation from both nations. That's challenging, but not impossible. Beijing could work more closely with American law enforcement to crack down on Chinese chemical firms that export the ingredients going into the drug. Washington could stop using it as a political weapon, while also keeping up hard-fought momentum against the opioid crisis.
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News24
38 minutes ago
- News24
DA postpones fundraiser after accusations of turning Cape Town comedy festival into election money spinner
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Miami Herald
41 minutes ago
- Miami Herald
Xi Jinping Reluctant to Meet ‘Unpredictable' Trump: Report
President Donald Trump's "unpredictable" diplomatic behavior could prevent his meeting his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping to end the trade war between the world's two largest economies, it has been reported. Politico said the Trump administration is under pressure to reset souring trade talks after both sides reached a tariff truce in May, and the U.S. leader is allegedly fixated on a phone call with his Chinese counterpart. But Rush Doshi, former National Security Council official, told the publication that Beijing would be reluctant to put Xi "at risk of a potentially embarrassing or unpredictable encounter" referring to recent White House spats with the leaders of Ukraine and South Africa. Trump said in a late-night social media post that Xi was "very tough" to make a deal with. Newsweek has contacted the White House for comment. Any hesitation from Beijing marks a setback for U.S.-China diplomacy at a crucial point for global markets and trade. The U.S. and China last month reduced the tariffs they imposed on each other following an initial escalation by Trump, with both sides cancelling some levies and suspending others for 90 days. Citing an unnamed source, Politico said that Trump believes a call with Xi could help deteriorating trade talks but this is unlikely to provide the breakthrough the U.S. leader was hoping for. The Trump administration is under pressure because of China's block on critical minerals and crucial manufacturing, and that Xi is not interested in exporting any more rare earths or magnets to the United States, although the U.S. still has leverage. The Chinese government has been "shaken" by the White House dressing downs by Trump of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Politico said, without citing a source for this claim. In February, Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky clashed, initially resulting in no agreement on a minerals deal and public criticism online. In May, a similarly tense meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa included Trump showing video footage alleging violence against white farmers—claims denied by South Africa. Doshi, a NSC deputy senior director for China and Taiwan in the Biden administration, told Politico that Beijing sees Trump as "unpredictable", which poses risks reputationally for President Xi. It would not be usual diplomatic practice to put Xi at risk of a potentially embarrassing or unpredictable encounter, Doshi added. In a post on Truth Social in the early hours of Wednesday, June 4, Trump said Xi is "very tough and extremely hard to make a deal with." Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said that Beijing's "principle and position of developing China-US relations is consistent." Rash Doshi, former deputy director for China and Taiwan at the National Security Council, told Politico: "China views Trump as unpredictable, posing reputational risks for Xi Jinping. It is not typical for Chinese officials to expose a leader to the risk of a potentially awkward or unpredictable meeting." President Donald Trump on Truth Social: "I like President XI of China, always have, and always will, but he is VERY TOUGH, AND EXTREMELY HARD TO MAKE A DEAL WITH!!!" Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian: "China's principle and position of developing China-US relations is consistent." Scott Bessent, U.S. Treasury Secretary, said during an interview with CBS' "Face the Nation" as reported by Reuters: "I am confident that when President Trump and Party Chairman Xi have a call, that this will be ironed out. But the fact that they are withholding some of the products that they agreed to release during our agreement —maybe it's a glitch in the Chinese system, maybe it's intentional. We'll see after the President speaks with the party chairman." The U.S. administration faces mounting tension with China over critical minerals, with a temporary May truce unravelling. The White House continues to seek a call between Trump and Xi to address trade and mineral disputes. As of Wednesday, Beijing had not agreed to a date for talks. Related Articles US Allies Stage War Games Near ChinaChina Reacts to Ukraine's Raid on Russian Bomber BasesUS Sends Amphibious Warship to Pacific Front LineTrump Vents About China's Xi 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.


Associated Press
an hour ago
- Associated Press
Top Restructuring Lawyers Kyle Ortiz and Brian Shaughnessy Join Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer in New York
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jun 4, 2025-- Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer announced today that leading restructuring attorneys Kyle J. Ortiz and Brian F. Shaughnessy have joined the firm as partners in its Bankruptcy and Restructuring Group. Ortiz and Shaughnessy advise debtors, creditors, and other parties in interest in complex restructurings both in and out of court. On June 1, 2025, Kramer Levin officially combined with Herbert Smith Freehills to become Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer, known as HSF Kramer. Ortiz has represented debtors and creditors in some of the largest and most complex chapter 11 cases of the past fifteen years including Eletson Holdings, LATAM Airlines, Greensill Capital, Pacific Drilling, Westinghouse, SunEdison, American Airlines, and Lehman Brothers. He has also represented investors and other creditors in complex restructuring matters, including cross-border restructurings. An experienced trial lawyer, Shaughnessy has nearly two decades of experience in complex business disputes involving bankruptcy, securities and contract issues, as well as regulatory and corporate governance matters, among others. 'We are delighted to welcome Brian and Kyle as the first new hires of HSF Kramer,' said Justin D'Agostino, Global CEO of Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer. 'Kyle is a widely-respected and dynamic adviser. Their addition enhances the pre-eminence and depth of our restructuring team and fits squarely into our strategic plan.' 'Kyle and Brian's deep experience in high-stakes restructurings and distressed situations will be instrumental in helping clients navigate an uncertain economic landscape,' said Amy Caton and Ken Eckstein, HSF Kramer's Heads of Bankruptcy and Restructuring, US. 'Their insight, creativity, and commercial acumen are a perfect fit for our solutions-driven group.' Paul Schoeman, executive partner of the U.S. region for Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer, said: 'I'm thrilled that Kyle and Brian are joining our premier bankruptcy and restructuring practice. Their arrival underscores the commitment that we at HSF Kramer have to building on our strengths and attracting top-level talent in key markets.' Ortiz added, 'I have consistently enjoyed working with and across from Kramer Levin's world-class restructuring team. I'm incredibly excited to join this team and to take advantage of the global reach and industry expertise that the HSF Kramer platform now has to offer.' Ortiz received his J.D. from The University of Chicago Law School and his B.A. from Northern Michigan University. Shaughnessy earned his J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center and his B.A., cum laude, from Harvard College. About Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer (HSF Kramer) was formed in June 2025 through the transformational combination of Herbert Smith Freehills and Kramer Levin, creating a world-leading global law firm. With over 6,000 people including c.2,700 lawyers and spanning 26 offices, HSF Kramer provides comprehensive legal services across every major region of the world. Uniquely positioned to help clients achieve ambitious objectives, HSF Kramer delivers exceptional results in complex transactions and high-stakes disputes. For more information visit LinkedIn: View source version on CONTACT: Media contact: Jennifer Manton Tel: +1 212 715 7612 Email:[email protected] Christine Kiran Tel: +1 212-843-8364 Email:[email protected] KEYWORD: UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA NEW YORK INDUSTRY KEYWORD: PROFESSIONAL SERVICES LEGAL FINANCE SOURCE: Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 06/04/2025 10:12 AM/DISC: 06/04/2025 10:11 AM