Greetings from Yimianpo, China, where artisans carve Russian nesting dolls

US officials are reportedly delaying the implementation of long-promised semiconductor tariffs by President Donald Trump to avoid escalating tensions with China. This cautious approach has been communicated to stakeholders in both government and private sectors over recent days, indicating a shift in strategy regarding the tariffs.

MI5 has issued a warning about ongoing espionage attempts by China in Britain, indicating that Beijing is trying to recruit British sources within parliament. The recruitment efforts involve offers for part-time work that may include writing geopolitical reports for a Chinese company, often with payment in cryptocurrency or cash. This alert highlights the persistent threat posed by China's Ministry of State Security.

The death toll from a Russian missile and drone attack on Ternopil, Ukraine, has risen to 25, with over 70 people injured. Ukrainian officials have announced plans to raise the issue at the United Nations Security Council. The attack coincided with President Volodymyr Zelensky's diplomatic visit to Turkey, highlighting the ongoing violence in the region.

Tensions between Japan and China are escalating after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested Japan might defend Taiwan against a Chinese invasion. In response, Beijing has suspended Japanese seafood imports and issued travel warnings, prompting Japan to alert its schools in China about heightened security risks.

Norway conducted a test to determine if Chinese-made buses could be hacked, highlighting growing security concerns regarding the increasing presence of Chinese technology in European infrastructure. The investigation reflects broader anxieties about the implications of relying on foreign technology for critical services.

China has announced a ban on all imports of Japanese seafood, escalating tensions in the diplomatic relationship between the two countries. This decision follows remarks made by Japan's Prime Minister regarding Taiwan, which have been met with strong opposition from Beijing. The ban reflects ongoing disputes and could have significant economic implications for Japan's seafood industry.

The Netherlands has suspended its state seizure of the Chinese-owned chipmaker Nexperia, pausing a dispute that had threatened global car production. Dutch Economic Affairs Minister Vincent Karremans announced the decision, which aims to alleviate tensions between the EU and China over semiconductor supply chains.

President Trump defended Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during a recent White House visit, asserting that the Crown Prince had no knowledge of journalist Jamal Khashoggi's murder. This defense comes amid a low approval rating for Trump, as indicated by a new NPR/PBS News/Marist poll.