South Korea Inflation Rises to 2.3% in December, Matching Market Expectations 
U.S. Stocks Slip as Gold Rebounds Ahead of Year-End, Markets Eye 2026 Outlook 
China Imposes 55% Tariff on Beef Imports Above Quota to Protect Domestic Industry 
U.S. Dollar Steadies Ahead of Fed Minutes as Markets Eye Policy Divisions 
Gold Prices Rebound in Europe as Geopolitical Tensions and Fed Outlook Support Bullion 
Trump Administration Approves Nvidia H200 AI Chip Sales to China Under New Export Rules 
NATO Discusses Arctic Security Measures as Greenland and U.S. Concerns Take Center Stage 
U.S. Plans $115 Million Counter-Drone Investment to Secure FIFA World Cup and Major National Events 
South Korea Investigates Alleged Civilian Drone Flights Into North Korean Airspace 
U.S. Issues Urgent Advisory Urging Americans to Leave Iran Amid Protests 
Trump Warns of New Tariffs as Iran Protests Escalate and U.S.-Iran Tensions Rise 
Trump Urges Iranian Protests as Tehran Accuses U.S. of Destabilization 
Oil Prices Slip Slightly as Markets Weigh Geopolitical Risks and Supply Glut Concerns 
Asia Manufacturing PMI Rebounds as Exports and Tech Demand Drive Growth into 2026 
Oil Prices Stabilize at Start of 2026 as OPEC+ Policy and Geopolitical Risks Shape Market Outlook 
South Korea Factory Output Misses Forecasts in November Amid Ongoing Economic Uncertainty 
U.S. Stock Futures Slip as Year-End Trading Turns Cautious 
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that he believes China could eventually open its markets wider to American goods, once again emphasizing what he described as a strong personal relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Speaking to reporters, Trump expressed optimism about future trade relations between Washington and Beijing, saying, “I think it’s going to happen,” when asked whether China would allow greater access for U.S. products. He did not provide further details or a timeline for such a move.
The comments come at a time when U.S.-China relations remain strained due to a long list of unresolved issues. These include ongoing disputes over trade tariffs, intellectual property rights, human rights concerns, cybersecurity, and geopolitical flashpoints such as Taiwan, Hong Kong, and China’s stance on Russia’s war in Ukraine. The origins of the COVID-19 pandemic also continue to cast a shadow over bilateral ties, keeping diplomatic relations tense.
Adding to the uncertainty, Trump earlier threatened to impose a 25% tariff on countries that continue to trade with Iran. This proposal could reopen old diplomatic rifts, particularly with China, which is Iran’s largest trading partner. The warning was issued amid heightened global concern over Iran, which is currently experiencing some of its largest anti-government demonstrations in years.
China swiftly condemned Trump’s tariff threat, while Trump himself offered no concrete explanation on how such measures would be implemented or enforced. The situation is further complicated by Iran’s recent history of conflict, including a 12-day war with U.S. ally Israel last year and U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites in June.
As Trump weighs potential responses to developments in Iran and signals renewed confidence in future trade cooperation with China, global markets and policymakers are closely watching for clearer direction. His remarks suggest a mix of optimism and confrontation that could significantly influence international trade, economic stability, and geopolitical relations in the months ahead.
