Daily World Briefing, May 27
China to jointly usher in new "Golden 50 Years" for bilateral ties with Malaysia: Premier
Chinese Premier Li Qiang said Monday that China is ready to work with Malaysia to deepen exchanges and collaboration across various fields, and jointly usher in a new "Golden 50 Years" for bilateral ties guided by the principles of mutual respect and trust, equality and mutual benefit for win-win outcomes.
Li made the remarks when meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
Recalling that Chinese President Xi Jinping paid a state visit to Malaysia last month, Li said that both sides agreed to build a high-level strategic China-Malaysia community with a shared future and mapped out the strategic direction for the development of bilateral relations. China is willing to work with Malaysia to implement the important outcomes of this historic visit, he said.
Trump threatens to send Harvard grant money to trade schools
U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday threatened to divert billions in grant dollars away from Harvard University and give those funds to trade schools across the United States, escalating his clash with the elite institution.
"I am considering taking Three Billion Dollars of Grant Money away from a very antisemitic Harvard, and giving it to TRADE SCHOOLS all across our land," Trump said in a post on social media. "What a great investment that would be for the USA, and so badly needed!!!"
The Trump administration has already moved to freeze funding and block Harvard's ability to enroll international students in an intensifying battle over what the president has cast as a failure by the Ivy League university and others to crack down on antisemitism. Harvard is the oldest and richest U.S. university with a 53 billion U.S. dollars endowment.
EU pledges to strike trade deal with U.S. amid tariff twists
The European Commission remains "fully committed" to reaching a trade deal with the United States amid tariff twists, according to a senior European Union (EU) official.
In a Monday post on social media platform X, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maros Sefcovic wrote: "The European Commission remains fully committed to constructive and focused efforts at pace towards an EU-US deal," adding that Brussels would continue to stay in constant contact with Washington.
His remarks followed his calls with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.
Tensions flare as Israeli ultranationalists march through East Jerusalem
Crowds of young far-right Israeli activists attacked Palestinians in East Jerusalem's Old City on Monday as they marched through the narrow streets to mark Israel's occupation of the eastern part of the city.
The annual event, known as the "Flag March," drew mainly ultranationalist religious Jewish youths who waved Israeli flags and blew horns as they passed through the Old City's Muslim Quarter on their way to the Western Wall.
Videos posted on social media showed dozens of Israeli participants chanting "Death to Arabs," "May your village burn," and "Revenge," while pushing, insulting, and spitting at Palestinian men and women.
The parade was held under heavy police presence, with "thousands" of police officers, Border Police troops, and volunteers securing the event, according to a police statement.
Intense tornado whips southern Chile, damaging 250 homes
Chile's President Gabriel Boric was set to travel Monday to the southern city of Puerto Varas after an unusually strong tornado whipped through the town Sunday, injuring 19 people, damaging over 250 homes, and knocking down power lines and trees.
The intense tornado surprised the 45,000 residents of the city located at the edge of Lake Llanquihue, close to numerous volcanoes.
Following the incident, Boric announced the government will take emergency measures to expedite the survey of damage to homes and property, and said "various state agencies are collaborating in the removal of debris."
Dozens injured after car drove into crowd at Liverpool parade
Dozens of people, including four children, were injured after a car ploughed into a crowd celebrating Liverpool Football Club's Premier League victory in the British city, emergency services said on Monday.
A total of 27 people were taken to hospital, and two suffered serious injuries, including one child, the North West Ambulance Service said.
The incident is not being treated as terrorism, Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims told a press conference.
A 53-year-old British man has been arrested and is believed to be the driver of the vehicle, according to police.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Malay Mail
28 minutes ago
- Malay Mail
Report on alleged sukuk fund misappropriation linked to Klang Valley highway project ready in two months, says MACC chief
BANGI, June 12 — The investigation report on the alleged misappropriation of sukuk funds meant for the construction of a highway in the Klang Valley is expected to be completed within the next one to two months, according to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC). MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said the probe is progressing well and statements have been recorded from 53 witnesses so far. He added that more witnesses are expected to be called soon to assist in completing the investigation. 'This case will take about one or two months to complete as there are many aspects to examine and documents to analyse, including financial statements,' he said. He was speaking at a press conference after the 2nd Convocation Ceremony of the MACC's Certified Law Enforcement Programme here today. Azam said the recording of a statement from a person with the title 'Tan Sri' resumed today after a six-hour session was conducted at the individual's residence yesterday. Earlier, media reports stated that the MACC had seized various assets, including handbags, jewellery, luxury vehicles, watches, cash and high-end properties, collectively estimated at RM32 million, believed to belong to a highway concessionaire bearing the 'Tan Sri' title. In a separate case, Azam clarified that the statement from renowned fashion designer Datuk Jovian Mandagie was recorded yesterday in Jakarta, not Bali, as previously reported. It was earlier reported that the MACC investigation team would be in Jakarta for two days to record the statement of the 39-year-old designer, who is Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob's former son-in-law, in connection with an investigation into asset ownership involving the former prime minister. Ismail Sabri had been called in multiple times to the MACC headquarters to assist in investigations related to corruption and money laundering involving expenditures and funding for the promotion and publicity of the 'Keluarga Malaysia' programme during his tenure as prime minister from August 2021 to November 2022. — Bernama
The Sun
29 minutes ago
- The Sun
First China bishop appointed under Pope Leo
Vatican City: The Vatican announced Wednesday the first appointment of a Chinese bishop under Leo XIV, signalling the new pope's support for a controversial accord on nominations struck by his predecessor with Beijing. The Holy See expressed "satisfaction" at the recognition by China of the appointment of Joseph Lin Yuntuan as auxiliary bishop of Fuzhou, capital of the southeastern Fujian province. The pope made the nomination on June 5. "This event represents further fruit of the dialogue between the Holy See and the Chinese authorities and is an important step in the communal journey of the diocese," it said in a statement. The Vatican and China's Communist leadership do not have formal diplomatic relations, as the Holy See recognises Taiwan while Beijing claims the self-ruled island as its own territory. But in a historic deal, they agreed in 2018 to allow both sides a say in the naming of bishops in China, which has about 12 million Catholics. The deal -- whose text has never been made public -- has drawn criticism within the Church, with some seeing it as allowing the Communist government a stranglehold over the country's Catholics. Yet as Pope Francis sought to make inroads for the Church in China, the deal was renewed several times, most recently in October 2024, for four years. Francis died on April 21 after 12 years as head of the world's 1.4 billion Catholics, and Leo was elected in a conclave of cardinals on May 8. Between the death of one pope and the naming of another, Beijing proceeded with the "election" of two bishops in the dioceses of Shanghai and Xinxiang. Commentators have viewed that move as an attempt by the Chinese Communist Party to take advantage of the institutional vacuum in the Vatican to assert its authority over the Church in China.
New Straits Times
29 minutes ago
- New Straits Times
HSBC Survey: Malaysian firms turn inward amid rising trade pressures
KUALA LUMPUR: Around 42 per cent of Malaysian businesses have shifted their focus to the domestic market, prioritising local customers and minimising exposure to global uncertainties, according to HSBC's 2025 Global Trade Pulse Survey. This strategic pivot reflects efforts by companies to mitigate the effects of tariffs and other trade-related challenges on their operations. Among the 250 Malaysian firms surveyed, more than half flagged rising costs from tariffs and trade barriers as a key concern. To address ongoing supply chain disruptions, 37 per cent have already increased inventory levels, while another 49 per cent plan to do the same, signalling a broader push towards strengthening supply chain resilience. Despite the global uncertainties, optimism about international growth remains high among Malaysian businesses but they need external strategic advice on the matter. 91 per cent of them expressed confidence in their ability to grow international trade, surpassing the global average of 89 per cent. Encouragingly, 73 per cent of respondents believe that trade uncertainty has prompted their businesses to evolve and seek new opportunities. Meanwhile, more than half are actively seeking strategic advice on international expansion, business restructuring or supply chain realignment. Considering current trade dynamics, 61 per cent of the local businesses are adapting their trade strategy to significantly increase connections with China, followed by South Asia (55 per cent) and North Asia (44 per cent). 32 per cent of them plan to trade more with Europe and the United States. HSBC Malaysia chief executive officer and head of banking Datuk Omar Siddiq said the businesses in Malaysia continue to show resilience and adaptability in navigating the challenges posed by the uncertain tariff and trade landscape. "While supply chains may be further reconfigured, there continues to be strong potential for local companies to leverage Malaysia's strong trade ties, particularly in Asia. "Having said that, it is key to note that markets like the US remain key trade destinations for Malaysia for high-value sectors such as electronics and semiconductors," he said in a statement. The survey also pointed out that while managing cost remains a top priority for Malaysian businesses amid global uncertainties, many are seizing the opportunity to innovate and adopt new technology to boost operational efficiencies. HSBC said 64 per cent of Malaysian businesses have adopted new technology or digital platforms, while 48 per cent have developed new products and services. Other growth opportunities that the businesses are considering include shifting their focus to domestic or regional growth (57 per cent) and improving their internal efficiencies or changing their cost structures (54 per cent). The survey also indicates that during the current period of trade disruption, Malaysian businesses find cash and liquidity management as the most helpful form of support in managing working capital (64 per cent), followed by improved payment terms with buyers and suppliers (56 per cent) and supply chain finance (55 per cent). "With over 70 per cent of Malaysian businesses anticipating sustained cost increases from the impact of tariffs and trade uncertainty on the cost of doing business and businesses facing an average 18 per cent drop in revenue, the imperative for strategic adaptation is clear." "Despite uncertainties, the world is also full of opportunities. Navigating this climate requires not only agility but strong partnerships to ensure sustained growth in a shifting global economy," Omar added.
