Junior Digest

SYDNEY, Dec 2,2025: Australia on Tuesday unveiled a roadmap to ramp up the adoption of artificial intelligence across its economy but said it would rely on existing laws to manage emerging risks, stepping back from earlier plans for tougher rules on high-risk scenarios.

Australia currently has no specific AI laws though the centre-left Labor government last year signalled it would introduce voluntary guidelines amid concerns over privacy, safety and transparency.
In its National AI Plan released on Tuesday, Labor said it would focus on luring investment in advanced data centres, building AI skills to support and protect jobs, and ensuring public safety as AI becomes more integrated into daily life.

“The government’s regulatory approach to AI will continue to build on Australia’s robust existing legal and regulatory frameworks, ensuring that established laws remain the foundation for addressing and mitigating AI-related risks,” it said in the plan.

Agencies and regulators will remain responsible for identifying and managing potential AI-related harms within their sectors, it said.

The roadmap comes after the government last month said it would set up an AI Safety Institute in 2026 to help authorities monitor emerging risks and respond to threats.

Global regulators have increasingly raised concerns about misinformation associated with generative AI tools.

Federal Industry Minister Tim Ayres said the AI roadmap aims to ensure Australians can benefit from new technology while maintaining a balance between innovation and risk management.

“As the technology continues to evolve, we will continue to refine and strengthen this plan to seize new opportunities and act decisively to keep Australians safe,” Ayres said.

But Australian Catholic University Associate Professor Niusha Shafiabady said there were critical gaps in the government’s updated AI roadmap.

“The plan is ambitious in unlocking data and boosting productivity, but it leaves critical gaps in accountability, sovereignty, sustainability, and democratic oversight,” Shafiabady said.

“Without addressing these unexplored areas, Australia risks building an AI economy that is efficient but not equitable or trusted.”

Dec 2,2025: Envoys for United States President Donald Trump are due to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss Washington’s proposed peace plan to end the war in Ukraine.
In advance of the meeting in Moscow on Tuesday, the White House said it was “very optimistic” about reaching a deal. However, Ukraine remains wary that despite meetings with US officials on Sunday and Monday, the proposal still reflects Russian demands that are difficult to accept.
Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff, alongside the president’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, travels to the Russian capital as part of the renewed US diplomatic push to broker an end to the war in Ukraine, which was triggered in February 2022 when Moscow launched a full-scale invasion of its neighbour.
Trump, who had promised to resolve the conflict quickly during his election campaign, has expressed frustration that achieving that result has proved more difficult than planned.

Last week, a 28-point draft proposal was leaked. It quickly earned condemnation as a Russian “wish list” as it called for Ukraine to give up huge territory, limit its military, and abandon efforts to join NATO.

The plan has since been altered, first with input from Kyiv alongside its European allies and then on Sunday and Monday in meetings between Ukrainian and US officials.

The full details of the proposal as it stands have not been disclosed.
However, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Monday evening that preserving Ukraine’s “territorial integrity” remains the “biggest challenge” in ongoing negotiations.

Putin has repeatedly said he is ready to talk peace and that Moscow is generally OK with the latest US proposals as a “basis for future agreements”.

However, he has also threatened that if Ukraine refuses an agreement, Russian forces will continue to advance.

Russian troops have made some headway in recent months on the front line in eastern Ukraine, which has seen little movement over years of attritional conflict.

“Ukrainian troops must withdraw from the territories they hold, and then the fighting will cease. If they don’t leave, then we shall achieve this by armed means. That’s it,” Putin said last week.

Speaking about Witkoff and Kushner’s upcoming visit, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov declined to specify Russia’s red lines, saying megaphone diplomacy was not constructive.

However, Moscow has long reiterated that it will not agree to any ceasefire that does not meet its maximalist demands, which Kyiv and its allies warn would put Ukraine at its mercy.
‘Looks better’

Following discussions in Paris with European and US officials on Monday, Zelenskyy said the latest peace plan “looks better” but that points regarding Ukrainian control over its territories are “the most complicated” issue.

French President Emmanuel Macron, speaking alongside Zelenskyy at a joint news conference in Paris, said the flurry of diplomatic activity could be “a moment that could be a turning point” but reiterated “Ukraine must be the one to decide its own territorial boundaries”.

Russian forces control more than 19 percent of Ukraine, up one percentage point from two years ago. This year, however, they have advanced at the fastest pace since 2022, according to pro-Ukrainian maps.

Putin’s military commanders told him on Monday that Russian forces had captured the strategic front-line town of Pokrovsk.

However, Ukraine refuted that claim on Tuesday, saying its forces still control the northern part of of the key logistics hub and were mounting assaults on Russian positions in the south.

US officials say more than 1.2 million men have been killed or injured in the war. Neither Ukraine nor Russia discloses their losses.

New York, Nov 1,2025: The United Nations Security Council has adopted a US-backed resolution supporting Morocco’s sovereignty over the disputed territory of Western Sahara, marking the strongest international endorsement yet of Rabat’s plan, despite opposition from Algeria.
The resolution was passed in the UNSC with 11 votes in favor and none against, with three abstentions (China, Pakistan, and the Russian Federation). Algeria did not participate in the vote. Authorizing the continued operations of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) until 31 October 2026, the 15-member organ adopted resolution 2797 (2025) (to be issued as document S/RES/2797(2025)).
The Security Council also renewed for one year the mandate of the long-standing UN peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara, referencing Morocco’s Autonomy Proposal presented in 2007—which envisions the territory as self-governing under Moroccan sovereignty—as a basis for negotiations.
Adopted on Friday, the text calls for negotiations based on Morocco’s 2007 autonomy plan. It does not mention a referendum on self-determination that includes independence—an option long supported by the pro-independence Polisario Front and its allies, including Algeria, Russia, and China.
The resolution frames the autonomy plan as the basis for resolving the decades-long conflict with the Algeria-backed Polisario Front. Western Sahara, a desert territory roughly the size of Britain, has been disputed since Spain withdrew in 1975 and Morocco annexed the region. The Polisario Front, which operates from refugee camps in southwestern Algeria, seeks an independent Sahrawi Republic.
The vote highlights broad international support for Morocco, including most European union nations and several African countries, while leaving the question of independence unresolved.
MINURSO was established by Council resolution 690 (1991) in accordance with UN–Organization of African Unity settlement proposals accepted in 1988 by Morocco and the Frente Popular para la Liberación de Saguia el-Hamra y de Río de Oro (Frente POLISARIO). The settlement proposals, as approved by the Council, provided for a transitional period to prepare a referendum in which the people of Western Sahara would choose between independence and integration with Morocco.
While the referendum has never taken place, MINURSO has continued to perform the tasks entrusted to it by the Council. In today’s text, the Council expressed “its full support for the Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy in facilitating and conducting negotiations, taking as basis Morocco’s Autonomy Proposal with a view to achieving a just, lasting and mutually acceptable resolution to the dispute, consistent with the UN Charter,” and welcomed “any constructive suggestions by the parties in response to the Autonomy Proposal.”
The 15-member organ also called upon the parties to the dispute to “engage in these discussions without preconditions, taking as basis Morocco’s Autonomy Proposal, with a view to achieving a final and mutually acceptable political solution that provides for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara.”
It also recognized that “genuine autonomy could represent a most feasible outcome” and encouraged the parties to submit ideas to support “a final mutually acceptable solution.” The Council requested the Secretary-General to submit a strategic review within six months on MINURSO’s future mandate, considering the progress of the talks.
The US representative, which drafted the text and led negotiations on it, welcomed “today’s historic vote, which seizes upon this unique moment and builds on the momentum for a long, long overdue peace in Western Sahara.” “We’ve made a genuine effort to incorporate everyone’s proposals, and they were quite numerous from across the Council,” he recalled, adding that the United States and its President Donald J. Trump are resolute in their “support for peace.”
He urged all parties to use the coming weeks to engage in serious discussions, using Morocco’s “credible and realistic” autonomy proposal as “the only basis for a just and lasting solution to the dispute.” “We believe regional peace is possible this year, and we will make every effort to facilitate progress towards this shared goal of peace and prosperity for the people of Western Sahara,” he concluded.
Algeria’s delegate, however, said the text does not faithfully or sufficiently reflect the United Nations doctrine on decolonization—a doctrine that has allowed many countries to join the UN. He quoted former US President Woodrow Wilson: “Peoples are not to be handed about from one sovereignty to another by an international conference or an understanding between rivals and antagonists. National aspirations must be respected. Peoples may now be dominated and governed only by their own consent. Self-determination is not a mere phrase; it is an imperative principle of action.”

ISLAMABAD/KABUL, Oct 18,2025: Afghanistan and Pakistan will hold peace talks in Doha on Saturday, both sides said, after the South Asia neighbours extended a ceasefire following a week of fierce border clashes.

Pakistan and Afghanistan on Friday extended the 48-hour truce for the duration of the Doha talks, sources said, as they seek to resolve the clashes that killed dozens and wounded hundreds in the worst violence between the two countries since the Taliban seized power in Kabul in 2021.
In a statement, Pakistan’s foreign office said Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif will lead discussions with representatives of the Afghan Taliban.

“The talks will focus on immediate measures to end cross-border terrorism against Pakistan emanating from Afghanistan and restore peace and stability along the Pak-Afghan border,” it said.
PAUSE IN WORST FIGHTING SINCE TALIBAN TOOK KABUL

The fierce ground fighting between the one-time allies and Pakistani airstrikes across their contested 2,600-km (1,600-mile) frontier were triggered after Islamabad demanded that Kabul rein in militants who had stepped up attacks in Pakistan, saying they operated from havens in Afghanistan.

The Taliban denies giving haven to militants to attack Pakistan and accuses the Pakistani military of spreading misinformation about Afghanistan, provoking border tensions and sheltering ISIS-linked militants to undermine its stability and sovereignty. Islamabad denies the accusations.

Militant violence in Pakistan has been a major irritant in its relationship with the Afghan Taliban.

On Friday, a suicide attack near the Afghan border killed seven Pakistani soldiers and wounded 13, security officials said.
KABUL CONDEMNS PAKISTAN AIRSTRIKES

Islamabad does not seek escalation, Pakistan’s foreign office said, urging the Afghan Taliban authorities to address Pakistan’s “legitimate security concerns by taking verifiable action against terrorist entities”.

“The Afghan regime must rein in the proxies who have sanctuaries in Afghanistan and are using Afghan soil to perpetrate heinous attacks inside Pakistan,” the Pakistan Army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, said on Saturday, addressing a graduation ceremony of cadets.

The Afghan government’s spokesperson said Pakistan had conducted airstrikes in Afghanistan hours after the ceasefire was extended.

He condemned the strikes, saying Kabul reserved the right to respond but that Afghan fighters had been directed to refrain from retaliating to maintain the status of and respect for its negotiating team.

The Pakistani military did not respond to a request for a comment on the airstrikes.

The airstrikes killed some local Afghan cricketers, prompting Kabul to announce that its national team will not play a cricket tournament in Pakistan scheduled for November, the Afghanistan Cricket Board said in a statement.

NEW DELHI,Oct 17,2025: Gujarat chief minister Bhupendra Patel on Friday carried out a major cabinet reshuffle, inducting 19 new ministers and retaining six from his earlier team. Harsh Sanghavi was elevated as deputy chief minister, while Rivaba Jadeja, wife of cricketer Ravindra Jadeja, was also included in the council of ministers.Following the expansion, the council now has 26 members, including the chief minister, up from 17 earlier. Gujarat, with a 182-member assembly, can have a maximum of 27 ministers, or 15% of the total strength of the House.
The cabinet reshuffle comes two years before the next state assembly elections in 2027 and months ahead of local body polls.Governor Acharya Devvrat administered the oath of office and secrecy to the new ministers and those elevated to cabinet rank or assigned independent charge.

Oct 9, 2025: The recently approved ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip is set to go into effect after the Knesset formally ratifies the deal on Thursday evening, after which a 24-hour countdown will commence during which appeals over the decision can made to the High Court of Justice.
Post that window, Hamas will have 72 hours to uphold its side of the deal — notably the release of all hostages, both living and deceased, reports Times of Israel.
Under this framework, the final phase of hostage releases could conclude on Monday, rather than Sunday as initially anticipated.
The ceasefire deal is notably based on an informal understanding between the two parties and is not part of any signed formal document, which has compounded worries by officials who cite the questionable compliance of Hamas operatives to the deal’s dictates, coupled with the lack of any formal signature – making all agreements non-binding and unofficial.
As part of the agreement, a joint Israeli-US-Qatari-Egyptian-Turkish task force will be formed to assist in locating and recovering the bodies of deceased hostages whose whereabouts remain unknown.
The task force will be equipped with heavy machinery and authorised to conduct excavation and demolition operations across Gaza to retrieve the remains of those captives, lost somewhere in the rubble of the war-torn enclave.
Officials familiar with the initiative say the effort’s primary objective is to ensure that as many abductees as possible—both living and dead—are returned to Israel within the initial 72-hour implementation period.

New Delhi, Sep 27,2025: The 2nd Regional Dialogue under the State Support Mission (SSM) highlighted the pivotal role of State Institutions for Transformation (SITs) in guiding state missions, advancing reforms and aligning with national aspiration of Viksit Bharat @2047, an official statement said today.
The dialogue in Pune yesterday brought together senior officials from 11 Western and Southern States and UTs to share their experience on SSM initiatives and learn from each other.
The dialogue was organized by NITI Aayog with Maharashtra Institution for Transformation (MITRA), Government of Maharashtra.
The Regional dialogue featured sessions on strengthening State Institutions of Transformation (SITs) as multi-disciplinary hubs for long-term visioning, evidence-based policy and future-ready governance.
Moreover, the session of 4Ds of Good Governance–Data to Decision, Decision to Development highlighted how States can leverage data for better policy and accelerate delivery.
Experts from DMEO, MoSPI, BISAG-N, RBI and others shared their innovative approaches including digital enablers, geospatial applications like PM Gati Shakti and use of administrative, survey and geospatial data, triangulating insights and applying ML/AI tools.
Discussions also focussed on ‘Harnessing Frontier Technologies for Viksit Bharat @2047’ focused on AI, data centres and emerging technologies as a catalyst for State innovation, announcement on Frontier Tech Policy Repository was also made.
The session on State Vision @2047 stressed the importance of building dynamic, data-driven visions for development while the concluding session underlined the role of Lead Knowledge Institutions (LKIs) in driving research, innovation and policy excellence across States and UTs.
Dr. Arvind Virmani, Member, NITI Aayog, Praveen Pardeshi, CEO, MITRA, Rohit Kumar, Additional Secretary, NITI Aayog and other senior officers of NITI Aayog were present at the inaugural session.

LONDON/TORONTO, Sept 22,2025: Britain, Canada, Australia and Portugal all recognised a Palestinian state on Sunday in a move borne out of frustration over the Gaza war and intended to promote a two-state solution, prompting a furious response from Israel.
The decision by four nations from the West, which has traditionally allied with Israel, aligned them with more than 140 other countries also backing Palestinians’ aspiration to forge an independent homeland from the occupied territories.
Britain’s decision carried particular symbolism given its major role in Israel’s creation as a modern nation in the aftermath of World War Two.
“Today, to revive the hope of peace for the Palestinians and Israelis, and a two-state solution, the United Kingdom formally recognises the State of Palestine,” said Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

“The man-made humanitarian crisis in Gaza reaches new depths. The Israeli government’s relentless and increasing bombardment of Gaza, the offensive of recent weeks, the starvation and devastation are utterly intolerable.”

Other nations, including France, are expected to follow suit this week at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the move.

“I have a clear message to those leaders who recognise a Palestinian state after the horrific massacre of October 7: You are giving a huge reward to terrorism,” he said, referring to Palestinian militant group Hamas’ 2023 attack on Israel that triggered the nearly two-year war in Gaza.
“And I have another message for you: It will not happen. A Palestinian state will not be established west of the Jordan River.”

The Hamas-led attack on Israel killed 1,200 people and saw 251 others taken hostage, according to Israeli tallies.

Israel’s ensuing campaign in Gaza has killed more than 65,000 Palestinians, most of them civilians, according to local health authorities, spread famine, demolished most buildings and displaced most of the population – often multiple times.
PALESTINIANS WELCOME RECOGNITION
“It is a human duty of every respectful and free human being in the world to support Palestinians during the ordeal they are going through and Britain’s role now comes within this,” said Sharaf Al Tarda, a Palestinian resident of Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

Hamas welcomed the move but said it must be accompanied by “practical measures” to end the war in Gaza and prevent Israel from annexing the West Bank.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said recognition would help pave the way for the “State of Palestine to live side by side with the State of Israel in security, peace, and good neighbourliness”.

Starmer wrote to Abbas to confirm Britain’s decision, noting that London had backed a Jewish homeland in 1917 while also pledging to protect the rights of non-Jewish communities.

Western governments have been under pressure from many in their parties and populations angry at the ever-rising death toll in Gaza, images of starving children and their states’ inability to rein in Israel, even continuing to provide arms.
Announcing his country’s decision, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said it would empower those seeking peaceful co-existence and the end of Hamas. “This in no way legitimises terrorism, nor is it any reward for it,” he added.
Portugal’s Foreign Affairs Minister Paulo Rangel said this recognition was a “fundamental line of Portuguese foreign policy”. Speaking to reporters at the headquarters of Portugal’s permanent mission to the United Nations in New York, he said: “Portugal advocates the two-state solution as the only path to a just and lasting peace…a ceasefire is urgent.”
The United States, Israel’s closest ally, did not comment immediately on the decision by three of its allies to recognise a Palestinian state, but President Donald Trump has previously made clear he opposes such a move.
Israeli Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said he would propose that the cabinet apply sovereignty in another Israeli-occupied Palestinian territory, the West Bank. That would represent de facto annexation of land seized in a 1967 war.
BRITAIN PLAYED A KEY HISTORIC ROLE
British troops captured Jerusalem from the Ottoman Empire in 1917, and in 1922 the League of Nations awarded Britain an international mandate to administer Palestine during the post-war deal-making that redrew the map of the Middle East.

Sept 22,2025: The goods and services tax (GST) rate rationalisation announced by the GST Council earlier this month will come into effect today, on September 22, 2025.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the Council approved revision of GST slabs from four (5 per cent, 12 per cent, 18 per cent, and 28 per cent); to two (5 per cent and 18 per cent), plus a special rate of 40 per cent on select items and sin goods.
‘Relief for middle-class’: Nirmala Sitharaman
Termed as a “Diwali gift” to consumers, Sitharaman said the aim of the new reforms is to bring relief to the middle class. “In common man and middle class items, there is a complete reduction,” she stated.
“This reform is not just about rationalising rates. It’s also on structural reforms. It’s also about ease of living, so that businesses can conduct their operations with the GST with great ease. We’ve reduced the slabs. There shall be only two slabs, and we are also addressing the issues of compensation cess,” the finance minister added.
GST rate: What items get cheaper?
As many as 375 items, including automobiles, electronics, equipment, kitchen staples and medicines, are set to get cheaper for you from today.

Food items that will see reduced prices include beverages containing milk, coffee, condensed milk, biscuits, butter, cereals, corn flakes, drinking water packed in 20-litre bottles, dry fruits, fruit pulp or fruit juice, ghee, ice cream, jam and fruit jellies, ketchup, namkeen, paneer, pastry, sausages and meat, and tender coconut water, among others.
Other daily items such as after-shave lotion, face cream, face powder, hair oil, shampoos, shaving cream, talcum powder, toothbrush, and toilet soap bars could see reduction in prices.
In electronics, the items that will see price cuts include, airconditioners (ACs), diswashers, televisions (TVs), and washing machines.
Cost of medicines will come down for the common man, GST for medical devices such as diagonistic kits and glucometers has been cut to 5 per cent, which could lead to price cuts as well. The government has already directed pharmacies to revise their MRP or sell medicines at a lower rate after taking into account GST cut benefits, according to a PTI report.
In the beauty and physical well-being services, GST has been slashed for barbers, fitness centres, health clubs, salons, and yoga, which could be passed to the end customers.
For homebuyers, GST on cement has been reduced from 28 per cent to 18 per cent, which is likely to lead in lower home prices.
The biggest beneficiary has been the auto space, where effective tax including cess has been reduced from 35-50 per cent to flat 40 per cent.
Notably, after the GST rate cut announcement, several consumer brands announced reduction in the prices of their goods, including Amul, HUL, L’Oréal and Himalaya. Auto brands also rushed to announced the “Diwali” rate reductions from September 22, 2025.

New Delhi, Sep 19,2025: The European Commission (EC) has outlined a ‘New Strategic EU-India Agenda’ to deepen, broaden and better coordinate bilateral cooperation, enhance prosperity and security for both partners and help tackle major global challenges.
The EC adopted a Joint Communication outlining the ‘New Strategic EU-India Agenda’ marking a significant milestone in EU-India relations. This initiative was announced by President von der Leyen in her Political Guidelines for 2024-2029.
She said the two sides will cooperate in advancing trade, investment and talent mobility, strengthening joint economic security, advancing the clean transition and driving innovation together, deepening industrial cooperation in Defence.
Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, said ‘’India is one of the most important players in the world today and a natural partner for the European Union. There are many areas where our interests, strengths and political will align. Boosting our collaboration – which we are proposing today – will benefit the security and prosperity of citizens and businesses on both sides. There are areas where we disagree. Ultimately our partnership is about defending a rules-based international order. Our negotiations will address these challenges.

The Joint Communication identifies five areas of shared interest and complementary strengths, building on existing ties while addressing areas that present potential for increased engagement. Amid shifting geopolitical realities, closer EU–India relations are increasingly vital for strengthening economic growth and security and diversifying supply chains in response to today’s uncertain global order.

Beyond the bilateral dimension, the new strategic agenda highlights EU-India joint engagement on global issues and with third partners, reflecting India’s growing global influence, according to the Joint Communication.

It also identifies significant untapped potential in trade and investment, outlining strategies to strengthen commercial ties, particularly finalising the ongoing negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

It proposes reinforcing supply chains while promoting critical emerging technologies and engagement on digital issues, with particular attention to strengthening economic security within the Trade and Technology Council (TTC).

The new strategy also proposes deepening tech cooperation, including a potential EU-India Startup partnership, and invites India to associate with Horizon Europe programme. It suggests ambitious initiatives for decarbonisation and the clean transition, such as intensifying cooperation on renewables, developing green hydrogen capabilities and expanding green finance.

Moreover, it highlights opportunities to jointly strengthen food security, and health, climate and disaster resilience.

The Joint Communication takes forward the proposed EU-India Security and Defence Partnership. ‘’This will enhance strategic consultations and joint initiatives, including on crisis management, maritime security, cyber defence, and counterterrorism, and foster defence industrial cooperation, focusing on boosting production and technological capabilities, securing supply chains, and driving innovation.

It said that launching negotiations for a Security of Information Agreement to facilitate classified information exchange will support closer security and defence cooperation. Closer cooperation on the Indo-Pacific, addressing hybrid threats, space security, and intensifying engagement on Russia’s war against Ukraine, shadow fleets, and sanctions are other areas of focus.

The Joint Communication prioritises maximising interaction and strengthening EU-India coordination at all levels. This includes skills mobility with the pilot European Legal Gateway Office to facilitate labour mobility.

It also proposes developing a comprehensive mobility cooperation framework covering study, work, and research. In addition to deeper engagement with civil society, youth and think tanks, further reach out to the businesses community is supported by the proposal for an EU-India Business Forum.

Washington DC [US], September 19,2025: US President Donald Trump has declined to give approval for USD 400 million of military aid to Taiwan because he is seeking to negotiate a trade deal with China, The Washington Post reported citing sources.Trump is also striving for a summit deal with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, as per an exclusive report of the US newspaper on Thursday.The Trump administration is generally seeking to soften relations with Beijing, the Post noted. The US media report comes just ahead of Trump’s call with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping later today. A White House representative said that the aid package decision is not final and may be reviewed.According to local US media outlets, Trump and Xi are expected to speak today to discuss a deal to confirm the framework of a deal that would separate the TikTok app from its Chinese owner, ByteDance, to avoid a ban in the United States.
“We have a deal on TikTok. I’ve reached a deal with China. I’m going to speak to President Xi on Friday to confirm everything up,” Trump told mediapersons outside the White House on Tuesday according to the New York Post.Last year, former US President Joe Biden enacted a law mandating that TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, based in China, sell off the app or face a ban in the US due to national security concerns.A US federal law was scheduled to take effect in January this year, requiring the company to find a non-Chinese owner or face a ban in the United States. Trump later extended the deadline.US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent at a press conference in Madrid on September 14 announced that the United States had a “framework” for a deal to keep TikTok operational in the US.Chinese and US officials had trade teams held a new round of talks in Madrid, Spain, on Sunday and Monday, following discussions earlier in Switzerland, Britain and Sweden, Xinhua reported.Li Chenggang, China’s international trade representative and vice minister of commerce was cited by the Chinese news outlet as saying that the the two sides held candid discussions on TikTok and related concerns, reaching a basic framework consensus on resolving the issue through cooperation, reducing investment barriers and promoting economic and trade ties.China claims Taiwan as a part of its territory and has vowed to unify with Taiwan, using force if necessary.