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📰 China hits back at U.S.

📰 China hits back at U.S.

and Balochistan clashes turn deadly

Ross Crabtree & Billy Robinson
February 05, 2025

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China has retaliated to Trump's tariffs rollout, while temporary relief has been secured for Mexico and Canada. At the UN, there are growing concerns over the U.S. freezing funding for the UN-backed mission in Haiti. Meanwhile, Russia is strengthening its ties with Myanmar’s military junta, and tensions continue to rise in Pakistan’s Balochistan province.

The day’s top story focuses on the implications of the U.S. designation of cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations.

This, and more, below ⤵️

Top 5 Stories

1️⃣ 🇨🇳 🇺🇸 China imposes retaliatory tariffs on U.S: China swiftly responded to new U.S. tariffs by imposing its own levies on American imports and launching an antitrust probe into Google. While President Trump’s tariffs on Canada and Mexico were temporarily paused, those on Chinese goods took immediate effect, prompting Beijing to announce tariffs of up to 15% on U.S. energy and automotive products. The Chinese government condemned Washington’s actions as a violation of WTO rules, formally requesting consultations to resolve the dispute. However, the WTO’s weakened dispute-resolution system offers little hope for swift resolution. Analysts note that China is better positioned than in previous trade wars, diversifying its countermeasures beyond tariffs. Yet, the overall impact on U.S. exports may be minimal, as China accounts for only a small fraction of America’s liquefied natural gas trade.

2️⃣ 🇺🇸 🇨🇦 🇲🇽 Trump to temporarily pause Mexico, Canada tariffs after border enforcement deal: President Trump has temporarily halted planned tariffs on Canada and Mexico for 30 days as both nations take steps to address his concerns over border security and drug trafficking. The move, which follows tense negotiations, offers a brief reprieve from a potential trade war that could have disrupted economic stability. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced new measures, including designating a fentanyl czar and forming a joint U.S.-Canada task force to combat organized crime. Meanwhile, Mexico has deployed 10,000 National Guard troops to reinforce its border, while the U.S. has pledged to curb arms trafficking. Despite these pauses, Trump’s 10% tariff on China remains on track, and additional tariffs on European imports are under consideration, leaving global markets uncertain about whether the threat of economic turmoil has truly passed.

3️⃣ 🇨🇳 🇵🇸 🇮🇱 China’s BRI interests driving its opposition to Gaza’s forced displacement: President Trump’s proposal to forcibly relocate Palestinians from Gaza has sparked fierce international backlash, as it appears aimed at emptying the Strip to enable an Israeli project to annex Gaza’s port and create a rival hub to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the Egyptian Suez Canal. Analysts suggest the plan is intended to serve extreme right-wing interests in Israel while exploiting Palestinian resources, bolstering Israel’s maritime dominance. In response, Chinese authorities and think tanks have strongly denounced the proposal, labeling forced displacement a war crime under international law and a severe threat to regional stability and global trade routes. They remain resolute in preventing any measures that would allow Israel to seize Gaza’s port and facilitate such mass displacement.

4️⃣ 🇼🇸 🇵🇬 🇫🇯 🇺🇸 Pacific leaders express alarm over Trump’s Paris agreement withdrawal and aid freeze: Pacific leaders and environmental advocates have voiced deep concern over President Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris climate agreement and the freeze on foreign aid, fearing these moves will exacerbate climate-related threats. Samoa’s Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataʻafa criticized Trump’s decision, calling it “very disappointing” and warning that it undermines global climate efforts, placing Pacific nations at greater risk. Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister James Marape labeled the U.S. withdrawal as “morally wrong,” emphasizing its impact on climate change mitigation in the Pacific. Despite these setbacks, regional leaders remain committed to addressing climate challenges, seeking support from other international partners like Australia, the UK, China, and Japan, while stressing the urgent need for adaptation and resilience-building initiatives to combat rising sea levels and extreme weather events.

5️⃣ 🇵🇰 Dozens killed as Pakistani troops clash with Balochistan insurgents: Pakistani security forces clashed with militants in Balochistan’s restive northwest, leaving 18 paramilitary personnel and 23 insurgents dead, officials confirmed. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the attack, in which 70 to 80 fighters ambushed an unarmed border patrol near Kalat, close to the Afghan border. Balochistan, rich in natural resources yet home to widespread poverty, has long been a battleground for separatist movements demanding greater autonomy. The conflict is further complicated by the BLA’s ties to the Pakistani Taliban (TTP) and Iran’s suppression of its own Baloch population, fueling a cycle of violence across the region.

Major Story

🇺🇸 🇲🇽 THE IMPLICATIONS OF THE U.S. DESIGNATION OF CARTELS AS FOREIGN TERRORIST ORGANIZATIONS

The U.S. government has recently issued an executive order to designate certain international cartels and transnational organizations, such as Mexican cartels and groups like MS-13, as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) or Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs). This move aims to address the threat posed by these organizations, which have been responsible for widespread violence, trafficking, and terror across the Western Hemisphere. The cartels, which control drug trafficking and contribute to destabilization in key regions, operate both within the U.S. and internationally.

By applying the FTO and SDGT labels, the U.S. hopes to dismantle these criminal networks and protect its national interests. This designation will enable enhanced law enforcement coordination, asset freezes, and travel bans against individuals associated with these groups. However, it also carries potential diplomatic implications, particularly in regions where these organizations have significant influence, and could complicate U.S. relations with countries where these groups operate. The ultimate goal is to curb the violence and undermine the operations of these transnational entities to safeguard U.S. citizens and regional stability.

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Other News

1️⃣ 🇷🇺 🇲🇲 Russia expands ties with Myanmar’s junta: Russia has reaffirmed its commitment to investing in Myanmar’s Dawei Special Economic Zone (SEZ) despite the challenges of the ongoing civil war. This strategic project, launched in 2008 in partnership with Thailand, includes the construction of a deep-sea port capable of handling vessels over 200,000 tons. The port is expected to support naval operations, potentially accommodating both Russian and Chinese vessels. The Dawei SEZ aims to create a transport route bypassing the Malacca Strait, easing Beijing’s shipping concerns. While Russia also shows interest in Myanmar’s tourism potential, especially in the Myeik Archipelago, progress on foreign-backed projects remains stalled due to the conflict. Despite skepticism about Myanmar’s stability, Russia continues to strengthen its ties with Naypyidaw, providing arms and military support since the 2021 coup.

2️⃣ 🇭🇹 🇺🇳 🇺🇸 U.S. freezes funding for UN–backed Haiti mission: The U.S. has issued an immediate stop-work order on its financial contributions to the UN-backed fund supporting Haiti’s Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, according to UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric. The funding freeze aligns with President Trump’s broader push to reduce overseas aid, including efforts to dismantle USAID. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has warned that without urgent reinforcements, Haiti’s capital could be overrun by gangs, further destabilizing the country. With just 800 of the planned 2,500 security personnel deployed and funding far below what is needed, Haiti’s transitional government faces mounting challenges, including widespread violence, political instability, and a humanitarian crisis that has displaced over a million people.

3️⃣ 🇮🇱 🇱🇧 🇸🇾 🇾🇪 Eyal Zamir becomes new IDF chief: A day after being named the next IDF Chief of Staff, Major General (Res.) Eyal Zamir, currently the Ministry of Defense’s director general, delivered his first speech at the ministry’s work plan conference. Zamir stated that despite ceasefires in Gaza and Lebanon, 2025 would remain a year of combat. He underscored the intensifying global arms race, warning that Israel’s adversaries—from Iran to Gaza, Yemen, Beirut, and Damascus—leave ‘no room for complacency.’ At 59, Zamir will become the oldest chief of staff in IDF history, recognized for his extensive combat experience and firm opposition to military downsizing, positioning him as the natural successor to Herzi Halevi.