Trade war escalates with China
The tariff battle between the world’s two largest economies shows no sign of stopping. On April 4, China announced a 34% tax on all U.S. imports. This comes after Trump imposed two rounds of 20% tariffs on Chinese goods in the last two months, according to AP News. On April 7, Trump posted to Truth Social that if China did not withdraw its 34% counter-tariff by the following day, the U.S. would impose an additional 50% tax as soon as April 9. With this new pending tariff, Chinese products would reach a combined 104% tax. On Tuesday, April 8, AP News reported that China is willing to “fight to the end”.
South Korean president impeached
Yoon Suk Yeol was removed from office last Friday in an unanimous vote by the Constitutional Court. Yoon was suspended from duty in December due to a failed attempt to impose martial law. On Dec. 3, Yoon declared martial law; however, BBC reported it only lasted six hours due to lawmakers quickly overturning it. After the announcement, troops stormed the National Assembly under orders to “break down the door and drag out” lawmakers who gathered to vote down the martial law decree. BBC reiterated from Korean officials that the decree brought back the “ghosts” of Korea’s violent and dictatorial past. Many are still upset; afraid that the threat of martial law could be brandished again by “overzealous” politicians. South Korea will hold a snap election for Yoon’s replacement on June 3.
Prince Harry appears in court
On Tuesday, April 8, Prince Harry appeared in court to win back his government-funded protection. In 2020, the Duke of Sussez stepped down from his role as a working member of the royal family and moved to the U.S. with his family. His lawyer, according to AP News, said Harry and his wife stepped back from their roles because they no longer felt protected by the institution. A High Court judge ruled last year that the Duke’s as-needed security basis was not unlawful, irrational, or unjustified. Harry claimed he and his family are endangered when visiting the U.K. because of hostility aimed through social media and relentless hounding by the media. Since losing government-sponsored protection, Harry faced at least two serious security threats, according to his lawyer. Al-Qaida published a document saying Harry’s assassination would “please Muslims,” and his family were attacked by paparazzi in New York.
