The US imposed punitive tariffs on China in April as part of its "Liberation Day" trade war, but failed to recognize China's powerful alternative weapon - its control over rare earths. China has a decade-long dominance of the market, which was a key component of its "Made in China 2025" strategy. The US is heavily reliant on China for rare earths, with 80% of America's demand coming from China. In response to Trump's tariffs, China effectively shut down exports of six rare earths subject to export controls, despite agreeing to suspend non-tariff measures. However, after a phone call between Trump and Xi Jinping, China granted temporary export licenses for rare earth sales to three major US carmakers, GM, Ford, and Stellantis, whose production was threatened by the supply shortage.
https://www.smh.com.au/business/markets/it-s-clear-who-has-greater-leverage-in-the-trade-talks-and-it-s-not-trump-20250610-p5m65a.htmlJapan has confirmed that two Chinese aircraft carriers, Shandong and Liaoning, are operating simultaneously in the Pacific, with the Shandong spotted near Okinotori island and the Liaoning seen southwest of Minamitori Island. The Shandong conducted landing and takeoff drills north of Okinotori, while the Liaoning moved beyond Japan's "second island chain" and conducted similar drills outside its exclusive economic zone. China's growing maritime activity has prompted Japan to increase surveillance, with Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi stating that Tokyo will closely monitor China's actions. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian defended the aircraft carriers' activities as consistent with international law, while expressing hope that Japan would view them objectively.
https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20250610/p2g/00m/0na/004000cThe EU plans to launch initiatives worth €800 billion to enhance national defenses, with a focus on streamlining regulations to boost the European defense industry's production capabilities in Brussels.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/06/11/world/americas-emea/europe-facing-security-perfect-storm-eu-official/2130853In the Gaza Strip, a humanitarian crisis deepens as Israel faces international pressure to allow more aid into the territory. The US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) has been criticized by humanitarian agencies for its practices and neutrality, leading the UN to refuse working with it. Despite this, GHF has resumed humanitarian deliveries after a two-month ban. However, dozens of people have been killed near distribution points since May, including at least 10 civilians hit by gunfire near an aid centre on Sunday. The situation is further complicated by Israeli attacks, which have injured an eight-year-old boy while he played in a park and left an 11-month-old baby, Zakariya al-Majdoub, facing life-threatening malnutrition due to severe weight loss.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14796223/Greta-Thunberg-freedom-flotilla-activists-airport-risk-deported-Israel-says-Greta-Thunbergs-lawyer-demanded-answers.htmlGreta Thunberg accused Israel of kidnapping her and fellow pro-Palestinian activists while attempting to deliver aid to Gaza by breaking through a years-old naval blockade. She denied any wrongdoing, stating she and her team had broken no laws. Thunberg called for the immediate release of the activists still in Israel.
https://www.khaleejtimes.com/world/mena/greta-thunberg-israel-gaza-aid-boat?utm_source=most-popular-worldGreta Thunberg accused Israel of kidnapping her and fellow pro-Palestinian activists in international waters, claiming they were stopped by the Israeli navy near Gaza and had their charity boat seized. Thunberg denied claims it was a publicity stunt, stating she and her team broke no laws and called for the immediate release of the detained activists still in Israel.
https://indiatoday.in/world/story/kidnapped-on-international-waters-greta-thunberg-after-israel-deports-her-2738782-2025-06-10The British-flagged yacht Madleen, carrying humanitarian aid including rice and baby formula, was seized by Israel's navy in international waters. The activists were taken to Ashdod port, where they were transferred to Ben Gurion airport overnight. Greta Thunberg accused Israel of kidnapping her and called on the Swedish government to release her and the others as soon as possible. Israel dismissed the voyage as a pro-Hamas publicity stunt, saying the aid would be transferred through real humanitarian channels.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/greta-thunberg-other-activists-deportation-israel/article69677866.eceGreta Thunberg and other pro-Palestinian activists were taken to Tel Aviv airport ahead of deportation after being intercepted by Israeli forces on a charity vessel attempting to break through a naval blockade of Gaza. The British-flagged yacht, carrying humanitarian aid including rice and baby formula, was seized by the Israeli navy near Gaza. Consular representatives from Thunberg's home country met her at the airport, where she accused Israel of kidnapping her in international waters. US President Donald Trump dismissed Thunberg's claim, suggesting she needed an "anger management class".
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40366963/israel-set-to-deport-greta-thunberg-other-activists-ministry-saysGreta Thunberg called on governments to demand an end to Israel's occupation and systemic oppression in Gaza, stating recognition of Palestine as the minimum help they can offer. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition and rights groups claim Israel's actions in international waters were a violation of international law. Israel disputes this, citing its naval blockade of Gaza as lawful.
https://www.ocregister.com/2025/06/10/israel-deports-greta-thunberg/