Breaking News Live: Trump slaps 25% tariffs on US steel and aluminum imports

Ecuador Presidential Election: Noboa Takes Slim Lead With Runoff Expected

Incumbent President Daniel Noboa is under strong opposition pressure from leftist challenger Luisa González as votes are counted in Ecuador's presidential election. With almost two-thirds counted, Noboa stands at 45% and González at 44%-far stronger than she had been polling in the pre-election period. The closeness of the margin means a runoff is likely, with a second-round battle now set to be very bruising.

Serbian Students Protest Corruption, Block Bridges After 100 Days Without Accountability

Serbian students marked 100 days since the deadly train station canopy collapse that killed 15 people, holding a national anti-corruption protest. Protesters blocked most major roads and bridges, asking for answers over accountability and structural reforms. It's already cost one prime minister his job, but President Aleksandar Vurić lashed out against what he characterized as foreign-influenced protests. With huge rallies scheduled on February 15, Serbia can expect further turmoil.

Chinese Military Aircraft and Naval Ships Spotted near Taiwan

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense is concerned with the increased presence of Chinese military activities near the self-governing territory. The ministry said it detected five People's Liberation Army aircraft and six People's Liberation Army Navy vessels operating near Taiwan. Of the five spotted, three broke through the median line of the Taiwan Strait into the island nation's southwestern Air Defense Identification Zone, marking the latest in a series of escalatory incidents.

Chinese Cargo Ship Runs Aground in Russia's Sakhalin Region

A Chinese cargo ship, An Yang 2, carrying coal and heavy fuel oil, ran aground off the southwest coast of Russia's Pacific island region of Sakhalin. Authorities have declared an emergency, but officials confirm there is no immediate danger to the 20-member crew aboard. Russia's emergency ministry is keeping a close watch on the situation to prevent any potential environmental hazards.

President of Colombia, Gustavo Petro, asks cabinet to resign amidst political tensions

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has demanded that all ministers and senior officials in his government tender their resignations, hours after a dramatic televised dressing-down of his team. In a social network post on X, Petro said: "Some changes will take place in the cabinet to ensure better enforcement of the program mandated by the people." His move signals growing tension inside the administration and possible changes at the top.

Trump to Reinstate 25% Tariffs on US Steel and Aluminum Imports

Former US President Donald Trump announced Sunday that the US would slap 25% tariffs on imported steel and aluminum. Speaking on Air Force One, Trump confirmed the new tariffs-which are to be formally unveiled on Monday-would apply to all steel imports and extend to aluminum products as well. The move represents a continuation of his efforts through trade policy to shield US industries from global competition.

Trump had imposed similar tariffs from 2017 to 2021, citing the need to protect American manufacturers against what he described as unfair trade practices by Asian and European countries. The latest tariff action suggests that, if elected again, he would continue a hardline approach to trade.

North Korea's Kim Jong Un Condemns US-South Korea-Japan Alliance, Vows to Expand Nuclear Program

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has sharply denounced the deepening security alliance between the U.S., South Korea, and Japan. According to state media, Kim views the trilateral alliance as a grave threat to North Korea's sovereignty and has vowed to expand the nation's nuclear weapons program.

Such pronouncements are not new, but Kim's rhetoric indicates North Korea is unlikely to enter diplomatic negotiations with the U.S. anytime soon. His latest remarks add to concerns of heightened regional instability.

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