U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
Nighttime Shelling Causes Serious Damage in Russia’s Belgorod Region Near Ukraine Border 
Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal 
Federal Judge Restores Funding for Gateway Rail Tunnel Project 
Japan Election 2026: Sanae Takaichi Poised for Landslide Win Despite Record Snowfall 
New York Legalizes Medical Aid in Dying for Terminally Ill Patients 
TrumpRx.gov Highlights GLP-1 Drug Discounts but Offers Limited Savings for Most Americans 
TrumpRx Website Launches to Offer Discounted Prescription Drugs for Cash-Paying Americans 
Ohio Man Indicted for Alleged Threat Against Vice President JD Vance, Faces Additional Federal Charges 
Pentagon Ends Military Education Programs With Harvard University 
Trump Signs “America First Arms Transfer Strategy” to Prioritize U.S. Weapons Sales 
India–U.S. Interim Trade Pact Cuts Auto Tariffs but Leaves Tesla Out 
Trump Endorses Japan’s Sanae Takaichi Ahead of Crucial Election Amid Market and China Tensions 
Iran–U.S. Nuclear Talks in Oman Face Major Hurdles Amid Rising Regional Tensions 
China Warns US Arms Sales to Taiwan Could Disrupt Trump’s Planned Visit 
Missouri Judge Dismisses Lawsuit Challenging Starbucks’ Diversity and Inclusion Policies 
U.S. to Begin Paying UN Dues as Financial Crisis Spurs Push for Reforms 
The upcoming winter Olympics in Bejing has been wrought with politicization, and other issues as athletes from all over the world are set to take part in the major sporting event. China’s state media has since accused the US of paying athletes to cause disturbances during the Olympic games.
AFP reports Chinese state media outlet China Daily, citing anonymous sources, claimed that Washington was plotting to get athletes to “play passively” or refuse to participate in events and express “discontent towards China.” The accusations come as the Beijing Winter Olympics takes place this week.
“The sources stressed that Washington’s plan is a new example demonstrating attempts by some anti-China forces in the United States to politicize sports and maliciously disrupt and spoil the Beijing Winter Olympic Games,” said the report. The outlet then said that in return for the supposed efforts, the US will offer financial compensation and will work to maintain the reputations of the athletes involved.
The US Embassy in Beijing denied the accusations made in the newspaper. In a statement to AFP, the embassy dismissed the accusations, saying that China is trying to deflect attention from its track record on human rights.
“We were not and are not coordinating a global campaign regarding participation at the Olympics,” said the embassy spokesperson. “US athletes are entitled to express themselves freely in line with the spirit and charter of the Olympics, which includes advancing human rights.”
The accusations also come as the US is leading a diplomatic boycott of the upcoming Olympic Games. While no dignitaries would be present, only the athletes would be attending. Washington has cited the human rights abuses by China towards its Uyghur Muslim community in Xinjiang that has been labeled a “genocide.”
Meanwhile, Japan’s Parliament is set to pass a resolution regarding Uyghur human rights as soon as Tuesday, according to Bloomberg. The move will likely draw the ire of Beijing, especially as the Olympic Games are around the corner.
The resolution came as a result of months of debate among the country’s political parties, underscores Japan’s struggle to balance its ties with the US and with China. Regardless of the struggle, the move to pass a resolution is also a sign that its lawmakers are keen on holding Beijing accountable for suspected human rights abuses on its minorities.
