Singapore to expand rail network with new MRT lines; China says it's 'ready for war' over US tariffs: Singapore live news

Yahoo

06-03-2025

Hello to all our readers, Yahoo Singapore will be bringing you live news updates today. The editorial team will be curating the latest must-know local and international news.
First up, Singapore is expanding its rail network with the West Coast Extension, Seletar Line, and Tengah Line to improve public transport connectivity, according the Land Transport Authority (LTA). These new MRT lines, part of Land Transport Master Plan, will significantly reduce travel times, benefiting over 400,000 households. The West Coast Extension connects the Jurong Region Line with the Circle Line and Cross Island Line, saving commuters up to 20 minutes. Feasibility studies for the Seletar Line and Tengah Line are underway, aiming to enhance access to northern, western, and southern regions. The government is also investing S$1 billion to improve rail reliability and maintain high standards of service.
Amid escalating trade tensions, China warns the US it is "ready for war" as President Trump imposes new tariffs. In retaliation, Beijing raises defence spending by 7.2 per cent and targets US imports with its own tariffs. With military modernisation goals for 2035, China vows to safeguard its sovereignty against external pressures. The growing trade war is straining global relations, while Beijing's firm stance on the fentanyl crisis and tariffs has sparked further international concern. As both nations escalate their economic and military efforts, the global impact of their power struggle looms large.
Read more in our live blog below, including the latest local and international news and updates.
DBS CEO Piyush Gupta's pay jumps 14.3% to $17.6 million in 2024 after strong earnings
In a major move to boost public transport connectivity, Singapore's Land Transport Authority (LTA) has unveiled ambitious plans to expand its rail network.
The West Coast Extension, Seletar Line, and Tengah Line are the centrepiece of these initiatives, set to improve commuter access across the island and significantly reduce travel times for hundreds of thousands of residents.
The highly anticipated West Coast Extension (WCE) will link the Jurong Region Line (JRL) with the Circle Line (CCL) and Cross Island Line (CRL), providing commuters in the western region with quicker access to the city centre.
This extension, expected to be completed in phases, promises to save commuters up to 20 minutes on their journeys.
The first phase will connect the JRL from Pandan Reservoir Station to West Coast Station by the late 2030s, while the second phase will extend the line further to Kent Ridge station in the early 2040s.
Alongside the WCE, LTA is conducting feasibility studies on two other new rail lines – the Seletar Line and Tengah Line.
The Seletar Line, covering regions such as Woodlands, Sembawang, and the Greater Southern Waterfront, aims to serve over 400,000 households.
Similarly, the Tengah Line will enhance access to the western and northwestern areas, including Tengah, Bukit Batok, and Bukit Merah.
If deemed feasible, these lines could be connected into one continuous MRT line, expected to roll out in phases from the 2040s.
These major projects are part of the Land Transport Master Plan, which aims to ensure 80 per cent of Singaporean households are within a 10-minute walk from a train station by 2030.
This expansion will significantly increase the convenience of rail travel, making Singapore's public transport system more efficient and accessible.
In addition to expanding the rail network, the government is committing up to $1 billion over the next five years to strengthen rail reliability and resilience.
The funds will be used to upgrade asset management systems, enhance maintenance capabilities, and upskill the rail workforce.
These investments aim to maintain high standards of safety and reliability, especially as the network grows.
'By expanding our rail network and enhancing its resilience, we're making long-term investments in the future of Singapore's public transport,' said an LTA spokesperson.
"This is part of our ongoing commitment to providing reliable and accessible rail services for our residents.'
In a combative response to US President Donald Trump's escalating trade tariffs, China has warned the US that it is 'ready for war'.
This bold statement comes as China pledges to ramp up defence spending by 7.2 per cent and retaliates with its own tariffs on US imports.
Tensions between the two superpowers have flared after the US imposed a 20 per cent tariff on Chinese goods in retaliation for China's handling of the fentanyl crisis, with China vowing to fight back "to the bitter end."
China has announced plans to boost its defence budget to a massive 1.78 trillion yuan (US$191.5 billion), reinforcing its commitment to military modernisation by 2035.
The increase in defence spending aligns with Chinese President Xi Jinping's vision of building a modern military.
With this, Beijing aims to safeguard its sovereignty and interests against external pressures, including Trump's trade policies.
The tariffs from China will target US agricultural imports, further escalating the trade war that has strained global relations.
China's Foreign Ministry has strongly rejected Trump's claims, labelling them 'blackmail' and 'intimidation,' and reaffirming their readiness for any form of confrontation.
'Bullying does not work on us,' China's Ministry stated in a direct post on X, criticising Washington for linking tariffs to the fentanyl issue.
The US has imposed higher tariffs, blaming China for the fentanyl crisis, while Beijing counters that its strict anti-drug policies are being overlooked.
As tensions rise, the US-China trade war threatens to undermine economic growth worldwide.
The WTO has already filed complaints against the US tariffs, citing violations of global trade rules.
The dispute has already disrupted global supply chains and led to the imposition of billions of dollars in tariffs on both sides.
Though trade relations softened during President Joe Biden's administration, the resurgence of these tariffs reflects ongoing volatility in international relations.
China's expansion of military spending and retaliation against US tariffs comes at a critical time, as both nations remain locked in a power struggle.
While the US military budget is significantly larger, China continues to modernise its military capabilities, including the development of advanced missile systems, submarines, and nuclear-powered aircraft carriers.
Read on China's strong response Trump's tariffs here.
DBS Group CEO Piyush Gupta earned S$17.6 million (US$13.22 million) in 2024, a 14.3 per cent increase from the previous year, following strong profits and a record-high share price.
Gupta's pay rise reflects the bank's successful turnaround, which was marked by a strong fourth-quarter profit and positive outlook for 2025.
This comes after Gupta voluntarily took a pay cut in 2023 in response to digital banking disruptions.
The bank also announced a dividend capital return plan, boosting investor confidence.
Gupta is also focusing on AI-driven efficiency, with plans to cut 4,000 jobs as automation increases.
His leadership and strategic direction continue to position DBS for future growth.
Read on DBS CEO Gupta getting a pay bump here.
In a major move to boost public transport connectivity, Singapore's Land Transport Authority (LTA) has unveiled ambitious plans to expand its rail network.
The West Coast Extension, Seletar Line, and Tengah Line are the centrepiece of these initiatives, set to improve commuter access across the island and significantly reduce travel times for hundreds of thousands of residents.
The highly anticipated West Coast Extension (WCE) will link the Jurong Region Line (JRL) with the Circle Line (CCL) and Cross Island Line (CRL), providing commuters in the western region with quicker access to the city centre.
This extension, expected to be completed in phases, promises to save commuters up to 20 minutes on their journeys.
The first phase will connect the JRL from Pandan Reservoir Station to West Coast Station by the late 2030s, while the second phase will extend the line further to Kent Ridge station in the early 2040s.
Alongside the WCE, LTA is conducting feasibility studies on two other new rail lines – the Seletar Line and Tengah Line.
The Seletar Line, covering regions such as Woodlands, Sembawang, and the Greater Southern Waterfront, aims to serve over 400,000 households.
Similarly, the Tengah Line will enhance access to the western and northwestern areas, including Tengah, Bukit Batok, and Bukit Merah.
If deemed feasible, these lines could be connected into one continuous MRT line, expected to roll out in phases from the 2040s.
These major projects are part of the Land Transport Master Plan, which aims to ensure 80 per cent of Singaporean households are within a 10-minute walk from a train station by 2030.
This expansion will significantly increase the convenience of rail travel, making Singapore's public transport system more efficient and accessible.
In addition to expanding the rail network, the government is committing up to $1 billion over the next five years to strengthen rail reliability and resilience.
The funds will be used to upgrade asset management systems, enhance maintenance capabilities, and upskill the rail workforce.
These investments aim to maintain high standards of safety and reliability, especially as the network grows.
'By expanding our rail network and enhancing its resilience, we're making long-term investments in the future of Singapore's public transport,' said an LTA spokesperson.
"This is part of our ongoing commitment to providing reliable and accessible rail services for our residents.'
In a combative response to US President Donald Trump's escalating trade tariffs, China has warned the US that it is 'ready for war'.
This bold statement comes as China pledges to ramp up defence spending by 7.2 per cent and retaliates with its own tariffs on US imports.
Tensions between the two superpowers have flared after the US imposed a 20 per cent tariff on Chinese goods in retaliation for China's handling of the fentanyl crisis, with China vowing to fight back "to the bitter end."
China has announced plans to boost its defence budget to a massive 1.78 trillion yuan (US$191.5 billion), reinforcing its commitment to military modernisation by 2035.
The increase in defence spending aligns with Chinese President Xi Jinping's vision of building a modern military.
With this, Beijing aims to safeguard its sovereignty and interests against external pressures, including Trump's trade policies.
The tariffs from China will target US agricultural imports, further escalating the trade war that has strained global relations.
China's Foreign Ministry has strongly rejected Trump's claims, labelling them 'blackmail' and 'intimidation,' and reaffirming their readiness for any form of confrontation.
'Bullying does not work on us,' China's Ministry stated in a direct post on X, criticising Washington for linking tariffs to the fentanyl issue.
The US has imposed higher tariffs, blaming China for the fentanyl crisis, while Beijing counters that its strict anti-drug policies are being overlooked.
As tensions rise, the US-China trade war threatens to undermine economic growth worldwide.
The WTO has already filed complaints against the US tariffs, citing violations of global trade rules.
The dispute has already disrupted global supply chains and led to the imposition of billions of dollars in tariffs on both sides.
Though trade relations softened during President Joe Biden's administration, the resurgence of these tariffs reflects ongoing volatility in international relations.
China's expansion of military spending and retaliation against US tariffs comes at a critical time, as both nations remain locked in a power struggle.
While the US military budget is significantly larger, China continues to modernise its military capabilities, including the development of advanced missile systems, submarines, and nuclear-powered aircraft carriers.
Read on China's strong response Trump's tariffs here.
DBS Group CEO Piyush Gupta earned S$17.6 million (US$13.22 million) in 2024, a 14.3 per cent increase from the previous year, following strong profits and a record-high share price.
Gupta's pay rise reflects the bank's successful turnaround, which was marked by a strong fourth-quarter profit and positive outlook for 2025.
This comes after Gupta voluntarily took a pay cut in 2023 in response to digital banking disruptions.
The bank also announced a dividend capital return plan, boosting investor confidence.
Gupta is also focusing on AI-driven efficiency, with plans to cut 4,000 jobs as automation increases.
His leadership and strategic direction continue to position DBS for future growth.
Read on DBS CEO Gupta getting a pay bump here.