Boao Forum for Asia confernce opens in Hainan

The Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference has officially opened in Hainan Province.

Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang attended the opening ceremony in the southern island province.

Events have been ongoing since Tuesday.

This year’s gathering reflects efforts in Asia to promote multilateralism, boost development and jointly respond to global challenges.

Trump signs executive order to impose 25 percent auto tariffs

U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to impose 25-percent tariffs on cars.

Industry experts warn that the uncertainty associated with the import duties could be disruptive and hurt U.S. carmakers that source their components from around the world.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has expressed deep regrets about the tariffs on European cars.

She noted that the European Union will continue to seek negotiated solutions.

Meanwhile, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said his government will look at options for possible retaliation.

The Atlantic releases full text of group chat on Yemen airstrike plans

The editor-in-chief of The Atlantic is accusing officials from the Trump administration of discussing sensitive information in nonsecure communications channels and attempting to downplay the significance of the messages.

Jeffrey Goldberg released the full content of an online group chat about U.S. military plans in Yemen that he was invited to.

Goldberg said experts told him that using communication app Signal for such discussions poses a threat to national security.

The White House said the thread contained no classified information, but was intended to be an "internal and private deliberation."

National Security Advisor Mike Waltz said he takes full responsibility and promised investigations.

Chinese vice premier, U.S. trade representative discuss tariffs in video call

Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer have acknowledged the importance of maintaining stable relations and agreed to continue communication.

During a video call, China’s lead negotiator on economic and trade issues expressed concerns over tariffs under the pretext of fentanyl, the Section 301 investigation, and the proposed "reciprocal" tariffs.

Both sides described the conversation as candid.

Chinese FM calls for deepened cooperation with Nauru

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has pledged cooperation with Nauru in fields such as agriculture, sports and climate change.

He met the foreign minister from the Pacific Island country and reviewed the achievements in bilateral relations since the resumption of diplomatic ties.

Lionel Aingimea is in China for the inauguration of Nauru’s embassy.

He reaffirmed the country’s commitment to the one-China Principle, and expressed hope to expand cooperation and lift ties.

South Korea's worst forest fires kill at least 26

South Korean Acting President Han Duck-soo has vowed to gather all available resources to contain the forest fires in the southeastern regions.

The worst forest fires in the country’s history have killed at least 26 people and forced tens of thousands to flee.

The flames also destroyed hundreds of structures including an ancient temple.

Bolsonaro to face trial, calls accusations unfounded

Brazil's Supreme Court has ordered former President Jair Bolsonaro to face trial for allegedly conspiring to overthrow the government after his election loss in 2022.

Bolsonaro said the ruling was grave and baseless.

He is accused of five crimes and could face decades in prison.

British GDP growth forecast halved to 1 percent in 2025

The British finance minister says the country’s public finance watchdog has downgraded economy growth by half to one percent this year.

The Office for Budget Responsibility said roughly one-third of the downgrade reflects structural weaknesses, particularly in productivity.

It also warned that escalating global trade tensions could further dent growth.

Recent data showed the economy contracted by 0.1 percent in January.