Sejong, South Korea – By the standards of South Korea’s teeming metropolises, Sejong is not much of a city.
With a population of 400,000 people, Sejong, a planned city located about 100km (62 miles) south of Seoul, does not even crack the top 20 urban centres.
But if South Korea’s likely next president has his way, Sejong could soon become the country’s “de facto” capital.
Lee Jae-myung, the overwhelming favourite in Tuesday’s presidential election, has pledged to relocate the presidential office, legislature and numerous public institutions to Sejong as part of a renewed push to establish a new administrative capital.
“I will make Sejong the de facto administrative capital and Daejeon a global science capital,” Lee said in the run-up to the election, referring to the nearby central city.
“I will also push for the complete relocation of the National Assembly and presidential office to Sejong through social consensus.”
Sejong was conceived of in 2003 by late President Roh Moo-hyun, who believed that moving the capital would achieve the twin aims of reducing congestion in Seoul and encouraging development in South Korea’s central region.
Roh’s ambitions for Sejong were dealt a setback the following year when the Constitutional Court ruled that Seoul should remain the capital.
While the prime minister’s office and about a dozen ministries have moved to Sejong over the years as part of successive governments’ decentralisation efforts, Seoul has remained not only the official capital but also the centre of political, economic and cultural life.
Greater Seoul is home to about 26 million people – half of South Korea’s population – and most of the country’s top companies, universities, hospitals and cultural institutions are clustered in the region.
Streets in Sejong are uncrowded [David D Lee/Al Jazeera]
On a recent Friday afternoon, Sejong’s wide streets were mostly quiet, a world away from the bustling alleyways of downtown Seoul.
At the city’s express bus station, a number of government workers were waiting on a bus to take them to the capital.
Kevin Kim, a 30-year-old civil servant, travels to Seoul for the weekend at least twice a month.
“My family, friends and girlfriend are in Seoul,” Kim, who has lived in Sejong for nearly two years, told Al Jazeera.
“I have to go to Seoul, as all the big hospitals are there.”
Lee Ho-baek, who works for a start-up in Sejong, also visits Seoul several times a month.
“There just isn’t enough infrastructure or things to do in the city for us,” he told Al Jazeera, explaining that he is not sure if he will stay much longer despite having moved to Sejong only a year ago.
After years of roadblocks to Sejong’s development, including concerns about costs and constitutional legitimacy, candidate Lee’s pledge has stirred tentative signs of growth in the city.
In April, real estate transactions increased threefold compared with the same period the previous year.
But with Sejong’s fortunes so closely tied to the changing whims of politicians, there are concerns about its long-term sustainability.
During discussions about the possible relocation of the presidential office and legislature by Lee Jae-myung’s Democratic Party in 2020, apartment prices jumped by 45 percent – only to decline in the following years.
In Sejong’s Nasung-dong, a central neighbourhood surrounded by parks, shopping centres and flashy apartments, the streets were quiet as Friday afternoon turned into evening.
M-Bridge, a highly anticipated multifunctional mall designed by global architect Thom Mayne’s firm, was largely empty.
According to the Korea Real Estate Board, Sejong has a 25 percent vacancy rate for mid- to large-sized shopping centres, the highest rate in the country.
Few draws for young people
“In our city, the weekdays are busier than the weekends,” Jace Kim, a restaurant owner who came to Sejong in 2015, told Al Jazeera.
“Most public workers who work within the city spend their time and money outside of the city limits. Our city is relatively small and newly built, so it’s ideal for mothers and children. But we don’t have any universities or major companies that will attract young people to come here.”
Moon Yoon-sang, a research fellow at the Korea Development Institute (KDI), said Washington, DC, could be a model for Sejong’s growth and development.
“If the centre of the government moves to Sejong, it’s the hope that conventions and important meetings will happen there instead of in Seoul,” Moon told Al Jazeera.
“Today, there are only two major hotels in the city, but people are expecting a monumental effect with the moving of the National Assembly.”
Park Jin, a professor at KDI’s School of Public Policy and Management, said he supports Sejong becoming the official capital.
After the 2004 Constitutional Court ruling, relocating the capital would require an amendment to the constitution, which would need to be approved by two-thirds of the National Assembly and half of voters in a referendum.
In a 2022 survey by Hankook Research, 54.9 percent of respondents said they approved of moving the capital to Sejong, but 51.7 percent disapproved of moving the National Assembly and the president’s office out of Seoul.
The central park in Sejong, South Korea, pictured on May 2, 2025 [David D Lee/Al Jazeera]
“As all of the country’s talent pool and key infrastructure are staying within Seoul, the country needs to invest in developing our other major cities,” Park told Al Jazeera.
“For Sejong, this means combining with neighbouring Daejeon to become the nation’s centre for administration and research.”
Park believes that the country’s five major cities outside the greater Seoul area should have at least 4 million residents to maintain healthy urbanisation.
Busan, South Korea’s second-largest city, has 3.26 million people. Last year, the Korea Employment Information Service officially categorised Busan as being at risk of extinction due to record-low birth rates and a declining young workforce.
Population declines in regional parts of the country have been further exacerbated by internal migration to Seoul. More than 418,000 people moved to the capital region last year.
Sejong has a goal of reaching 800,000 residents by 2040, roughly double its current population.
“Today, many people won’t think about moving to Sejong. In an age where it’s expected for both members of married couples to be working, it’s very difficult for both members to find jobs outside of Seoul,” Moon said.
“Maybe in the next 10 years, we might see differences in how people view Sejong.”
Park said developing a city from scratch is not a short-term project.
“But with the relocation of the capital, we can expect some real changes to happen,” he said.
A popular seaside town stung by negative reviews of being ‘tatty and rundown’ has almost finished its huge £10.8million refurb plan to bring the resort back to life
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Almost £11m is being pumped into the town(Image: Getty Images)
A snubbed seaside resort described by visitors as ‘tatty and rundown’ has unveiled ambitious plans to come roaring back to life.
Situated in the centre of the dramatic Ceredigion coastline in Wales, Aberystwyth (also known as Aber) has been a popular holiday destination for decades. Famed for its crescent-shaped beach, historic pier, and pastel-coloured homes, the town – in theory – ticks all the must-haves for any successful coastal resort.
In the summer, the promenade sees music, choirs, and other performances liven up the street, while Constitution Hill, snuggled at the quieter northern end of the Promenade, features a cliff railway with the largest camera obscura in the world. “On clear days, the beach offers wonderful views of North Wales, including the peaks of the Llyn Peninsular and Snowdonia,” Visit Wales states.
The seaside towns has garnered mixed reviews online(Image: Getty Images)
However, just like many seaside towns up and down the nation – Aber has struggled keeping its pristine reputation. Just three weeks ago, one traveller left a scathing review of the town’s seafront on Trip Advisor – stating he was ‘really disappointed and pretty disgusted too’.
“Very difficult to find parking and the seafront and town streets were filthy,” the user wrote. “I have honestly never seen so much dog poo on the pavements anywhere in the whole of Britain.” Older reviews from 2023 describe the town as ‘drab, grey, and run down’ while other say it’s not somewhere you should go ‘out of your way’ to visit.
Work to ‘revitalise’ the promenade started last year(Image: Getty Images)
But, last year, Aberystwyth started revamping the promenade as part of a £10.8 million investment funded by the UK Government. Work started on October 9, 2024, and has already seen new lighting foundations along the promenade as well as the installation of a slate poem celebrating the town’s ‘deep connection with the sea, history, and community spirit’.
Other works include kerb-line replacements, creating more parking spaces, and widening the promenade between the Hut and Castle Point. “The road and widened footways along the promenade opened to the public on December 20, 2024, meeting the goal of completion before Christmas,” the council stated. “Remaining tasks, including cobble-effect surfacing for table tops, bollard reinstatement, and street furniture installation, will be addressed later.”
The Old College is also being revamped following a deadly fire(Image: Daily Post Wales)
£43 million is also being pumped into restoring Old College, a Victorian university building which was gutted by a fire which killed three people. Upon completion, it is expected to attract 200,000 visitors a year and become a centre for ‘learning, heritage, culture and enterprise’ as well as homing a four-star hotel.
Councillor Bryan Davies, Leader of Ceredigion County Council said the revitalisation of the promenade and the development of the Old College are ‘pivotal projects’ for the town’s future. “Thanks to UK Government funding, we are seeing the physical and economic transformation of our town, enhancing opportunities for residents and visitors alike,” he added.
Dame Nia Griffith MP also welcomed the investment plans, arguing the UK government is ‘committed to investing’ in Wales. “Projects like the Old College and the improvements to Aberystwyth Promenade are crucial for driving local economic prosperity and creating spaces that benefit the whole community,” she added.
Visiting Aberystwyth – everything you need to know
Located some 238 miles from London, getting to Aber from the Big Smoke takes around five and a half hours in the car. However, you can slash 45 minutes off the journey by taking the train – which will usually include a stopover in Birmingham. If you’re flexible with dates, you can grab single adult fares for as little as £31.50.
For example, a weekend’s stay (Friday, June 20-22) at the Starling Cloud Hotel will set you back £239. This is based on two adults sharing a Standard Double Room. If you’re looking for a more luxurious stay – check out the five-star Awel Mor Holiday Apartments. Here, a three-bed apartment with a sea view will cost £690 on the exact same dates.
*Prices based on Trainline and Booking.com listings at the time of writing.
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Fresh storylines are waiting TV fans this week, with new series hitting screens and streaming platforms alike. From powerful documentaries to suspenseful dramas, get the lowdown.
Gut-punch drama is to be expected on our screens this week(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Hera/Enda Bowe)
Ups and downs are ahead for drama lovers with new action-packed shows being released this week – but that’s not all the TV landscape brings.
Over on Channel 4, former motorcycle racer Guy Martin embarks on road trip across Vietnam, while Matt Baker pays tribute to the people behind the UK’s bustling life.
Discovery +, on the other hand, delivers a compelling feature about Olympic champion and LGBTQ+ icon Tom Daley – from his beginnings as a young diving whizz to his life with his loved ones. Here’s everything you should keep an eye on.
Princes William and Harry have been feuding for several years(Image: In Pictures via Getty Images)
Crisis At Sandringham Summit
Saturday, C5
The royal walls shook in 2020 – now Crisis at Sandringham Summit reveals the explosive fallout that fractured The Firm. With Harry and Meghan’s bombshell exit still reverberating, this documentary explores the aftermath of that infamous family meeting.
Featuring gripping dramatisations, royal insiders and top-tier journalism, it digs deep into the tension between Prince Harry, his brother Prince William and their father, King Charles.
What really happened behind closed doors? And how did one discussion spark a global media frenzy? Prepare for a compelling look into palace drama that’s more explosive than fiction.
A sinister houseguest, a haunted pregnancy and a chilling secret – Brandy Norwood stars as Belinda in this taut psychological thriller that will twist your nerves into knots.
When Belinda welcomes her creepy stepmother-in-law into the family home, things spiral fast into gothic terror for her and her husband Norman (Andrew Burnap).
Based on Susan Hill’s short story, The Front Room is a slow-burn descent into paranoia, grief and maternal instinct gone primal. Expect fiendish secrets, surreal horror and tension that’ll cling to your skin like fog long after the credits roll.
Guy Martin takes a trip to Vietnam as he explores the country’s history and culture(Image: Channel 4)
Our Guy In Vietnam
Sunday, C4
Guy Martin heads to Vietnam for a riveting, three-part road trip across war-scarred land and a fast-moving culture. From riding the Ho Chi Minh Trail to triggering a dormant bomb, Our Guy In Vietnam unpacks a nation’s trauma with heart and horsepower.
This isn’t your usual history lesson – it’s culture, tech and memory through a mechanic’s lens. Fifty years after the war ended, Vietnam’s resilience roars back to life in this loud, smart and surprising journey.
Tom Daleu opens up about his journey, from teen prodigy to Olympic champion(Image: Eurosport.)
Tom Daley 1.6 seconds
Sunday, Discovery+
In just 1.6 seconds, Tom Daley must deliver perfection. This gripping documentary follows the Olympic diving legend and LGBTQIA+ trailblazer as he reflects on a lifetime of pushing limits.
With never-before-seen footage and heartfelt interviews with his family, Tom Daley: 1.6 Seconds dives deep into the victories, heartbreaks and pressures behind the podium.
From teenage prodigy to global icon, Tom lifts the lid on the grit that comes with the gold. But more than a sports story, it’s a portrait of resilience and the quiet power of becoming your truest self.
C*A*U*G*H*T
Sunday, ITVX
War, mistaken identity and viral fame collide in C*A*U*G*H*T, where four Aussie soldiers are dumped in the chaos of a war-torn island, where everything spirals out of control.
Captured by rebels who believe they’re Americans, the group become viral sensations after filming a hostage video – then decide fame beats going home.
Created by Kick Gurry, this darkly funny satire skewers celebrity culture with help from stars like Sean Penn and Matthew Fox. It’s outrageous, unpredictable and wickedly smart.
Isolated from the chaos below, their retreat turns into a psychological (and hilarious) pressure cooker. Who cracks first? Who hoards the snacks? And what’s left when your money means nothing? It’s a sharp and stylish satire on privilege.
Matt Baker pays tribute to the people behind the UK’s landscapes(Image: Channel 4)
Matt Baker’s British Isles
Tuesday, More4
Matt Baker’s got his walking boots on – and his heart firmly rooted in home soil. In this lush four-part series, the Countryfile star treks across the UK, from Kent’s white cliffs to Northern Ireland and Scotland, to meet the extraordinary people quietly shaping Britain.
From sculpture-like mushrooms to engineering marvels in motion, Matt Baker’s British Isles is a feel-good patchwork of unsung heroes, beautiful vistas and big-hearted storytelling. It’s more than sightseeing – it’s soul-sighting. A great reminder of what makes Britain truly brilliant.
Blue Road: The Edna O’Brien Story
Tuesday, Sky Arts
Few writers lived as boldly as Edna O’Brien – and this intimate documentary captures her fire in full. From banned books to literary breakthroughs, Blue Road traces Edna’s fearless path through fame, feminism and family.
With tributes from friends, sons and fellow authors, plus access to her personal diaries, this isn’t just a biography – it’s a final love letter, month after the icon’s death in July, 2024. Filmmaker Sinéad O’Shea honours the Irish legend with grace and grit. Edna may have passed but her voice, spirit and rebellion clearly live on.
Nathan Fillion stars in The Rookie(Image: Disney via Getty Images)
The Rookie
Tuesday, Sky Witness
Nathan Fillion is back as the LAPD’s most seasoned recruit, John Nolan. No longer the new kid on the block, John faces fresh pressure in season seven of The Rookie as he recovers from a gunshot wound and grapples with the physical toll of the job.
But there’s no slowing down – especially with two new rookies joining the team and a dangerous manhunt underway for two escaped inmates. Blending grit, humour and heart, The Rookie continues to prove that experience is the ultimate weapon.
What It Feels Like For A Girl is based on Paris Lees’ memoir(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Hera/Enda Bowe)
Heartbreaking, chaotic and unexpectedly hilarious, What It Feels Like For a Girl is the BBC’s Y2K-styled adaptation of Paris Lees’ memoir.
It follows Byron (Ellis Howard), who breaks free from the drudgery of his working-class hometown and dives headfirst into Nottingham’s neon-lit underworld.
There, he meets a crew of new friends, drugs and dizzying nights of rebellion. But when Byron falls for bad boy Liam (Jake Dunn), the fallout is brutal. A raw coming-of-age tale that blends euphoria, trauma and truth in equal measure. You’ll feel every high – and every crash.
Stick
Wednesday, Apple TV+
Owen Wilson stars in Stick, a quirky underdog comedy about second chances and missed swings. He plays Pryce Cahill, a washed-up golf pro whose glory days are long behind him.
After losing his wife, job and mojo, he meets Santi (Peter Dager), a 17-year-old golf prodigy with baggage – and maybe a shot. Together, they form an unlikely bond.
Set in small-town Indiana and full of dry wit, this series mixes sports, found family and emotional redemption. Pryce may be down, but don’t count him out – he’s about to tee off on life again.
Charlie Vickers (Rings of Power) fronts The Survivors(Image: Courtesy of Netflix)
When Kieran Elliott returns to his hometown, fifteen years after a deadly storm ravaged the area and left three of his friends dead, he walks straight into a fresh murder that rips open old scars.
The Survivors blends seaside small-town secrets with brooding, slow-build suspense across six punchy episodes. Fronted by Charlie Vickers (Rings of Power), the drama grips like a rip tide, dragging you through trauma, guilt and buried truths.
As the town closes ranks, Kieran’s past resurfaces – and the monster may be someone they all know. Emotional, eerie and impossible to pause.
Tyler Perry gives a raw look at motherhood in Straw(Image: Chip Bergmann/Perry Well Films 2/Courtesy Netflix)
Straw
Friday, Netflix
Tyler Perry and Taraji P. Henson deliver gut-punch drama in Straw, a searing look at one woman’s spiral through desperation. Janiyah, a single mother with a sick child, faces the kind of day where every door shuts – and survival demands unthinkable choices.
Stark, raw and viscerally emotional, Straw is a bruising portrait of motherhood on the edge. The Color Purple and Hidden Figures star Taraji is phenomenal, anchoring a story that speaks to systemic failure, strength and sacrifice. You won’t be able to look away – even when it hurts.
Hundreds of foreign companies left Russia after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, including major U.S. firms like Coca-Cola, Nike, Starbucks, ExxonMobil and Ford Motor Co. Read More
The housing estate of Tlajomulco de Zúñiga has become a no-go area, with gang violence a regular feature of an abandoned project that is now crumbling into the ground
Tlajomulco de Zúñiga has become known as the ‘Mexican Chernobyl’(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
A big ‘no entry’ sign hangs ominously above the entrance to an abandoned town known as the ‘MexicanChernobyl‘.
Unlike the Ukrainian town, which was evacuated following the nuclear meltdown of 1986, the housing estate of Tlajomulco de Zúñiga is not empty of almost all human life as a consequence of a futuristic energy solution gone wrong.
The housing complex was built with the people of the Guadalajara district in mind, designed to provide safe, spacious homes for families there. According to data from the National Institute of Statistics and Geography, there are 70,000 homes in Tlajomulco. Just 12 years after they were built, all of them are empty.
It takes a brave soul to visit the abandoned town. The unfinished buildings tower ominously over the empty streets. Many have no windows and have been battered by the elements. Plants have broken through the cracks in the brickwork, upon which graffiti has been slapped.
The town has become a hotbed of crime(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Inside some, there are hundreds of scratches on the wall. In others, food and clothing have been scattered on the floor. The properties are occasionally frequented by homeless people looking for shelter for the night, although they have a long 20-mile journey from the bustling centre of Guadalajara over swaying fields of grass that seem to hold in the silence of the eerie settlement.
The area is under the control of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), reports Info Bae, meaning the YouTubers, media outlets and tourists who venture to the housing complex for a poke around do so at no small risk to themselves.
In the last six years, the area has become a go-to place for those looking to get rid of a body. Officials found 54 bodies in clandestine graves in the area in December 2019, and a further 110 in July 2020, reports La Jornada.
Next to the unfinished buildings are apartment blocks that stand over them, both a legacy of the construction company that went bust in 2014. The Mexican Army set up one of its bases in one of these apartment towers.
Mexico has a huge number of abandoned homes, with some estimates putting the total nationwide into the millions. As in the case of Tlajomulco de Zúñiga, housing estates are built on the outskirts of urban centres specifically for working people and their families.
Few people remain living there (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
During periods of wage stagnation and inflation, many have defaulted on unfavourable mortgages. At the same time, construction firms, including the one responsible for Tlajomulco de Zúñiga, have struggled to complete ambitious jobs. Some of the homes in Tlajomulco de Zúñiga are finished and ready for habitation, while other sections consist of half-built shells.
Some families still live in the housing complex, but it is a far cry from the brief period when a majority of the buildings were occupied. The remaining few live under a cloud of fear. “Those who stayed are living under a self-imposed curfew. At 6pm no one leaves their homes, and outside, only the wind and criminals roam the streets,” La Jornada adds.
Guillermina Sánchez is one of the limited number still living in estate, along with her husband. She adheres to the 6pm curfew after her partner was badly beaten while leaving their home, NMas reports.
Alcaraz’s form during his second-round win over Fabian Marozsan had been patchy and Friday’s first meeting at ATP Tour level against Dzumhur looked set to be a much smoother affair.
Having shrugged off two early break points, he reeled off five successive games to wrap up the opening set inside 30 minutes, with his opponent looking exasperated at times as he struggled to contain the man seen as the one to beat on the Paris clay this year.
The second set followed in much the same fashion, and while Dzumhur, 33, did have his chances with break points in the second and sixth games, he lacked the weapons to cause Alcaraz any concern.
A double fault sealed the two-set lead for the Spaniard, but then the errors started to creep into his own game in the third as Dzumhur found another gear on the other side of the net.
After a brief pause to receive treatment on a knee injury, the Bosnian – seeking to reach the fourth round of a Slam for the first time – finally got the break he had been fighting for.
Alcaraz wasted three immediate chances to break back at 4-3 down, and a further two as his opponent served out the set.
Dzumhur’s resurgence continued into the fourth as he broke the frustrated Spaniard at the first time of asking, and Alcaraz was forced to watch more break points of his own come and go unconverted.
But Dzumhur was only ever going to hold him off temporarily.
Alcaraz, starting to show glimpses of the clinical form on show in the opening two sets, won four successive games, and while he was broken back when serving for the match, he again broke Dzumhur to close the tie as the clock neared midnight in the French capital.
1 of 6 | White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller speaks to reporters outside the White House in Washington, D.C., on Friday as he he explained how China had violated a trade agreement with the United States. Photo by Francis Chung/UPI | License Photo
May 30 (UPI) — President Donald Trump on Friday accused China of violating a trade agreement with the United States.
“I made a FAST DEAL with China in order to save them from what I thought was going to be a very bad situation, and I didn’t want to see that happen. Because of this deal, everything quickly stabilized and China got back to business as usual. Everybody was happy! That is the good news!!!,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
“The bad news is that China, perhaps not surprisingly to some, HAS TOTALLY VIOLATED ITS AGREEMENT WITH US. So much for being Mr. NICE GUY!”
The president did not specify which trade agreement China was violating.
Just over two weeks ago, the United States and China reached a deal to pause tariffs between the countries for 90 days. China also reduced tariffs on American goods to 10%, down from 125%, while American officials cut tariffs on Chinese goods from 145% to 30% as part of the deal.
Trump in early April announced he would enact tariffs on several countries worldwide. He later upped the number to 145% on China after that country responded to the initial levy with duties of its own on U.S. goods.
China later said it could punish other countries that side with the United States in the trade war.
Earlier this week a federal appeals court blocked the Trump administration from enacting the tariffs on most American trading partners.
“President Trump is carrying out the long-overdue work of rebalancing the global economy to the benefit of the American people,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on X Thursday.
“I am confident that the Chinese, and the rest of our trading partners, will come to the table thanks to his leadership.”
World Boxing says Algerian gold medallist must get genetic screening to compete in future events, including Olympics.
Algeria’s Olympic boxing champion Imane Khelif must undergo genetic sex screening in order to participate in upcoming events, the sport’s governing body said, as it introduced mandatory sex testing for all boxers in its competitions.
World Boxing announced the new policy on Friday and specifically mentioned Algeria’s Khelif, who won the women’s welterweight gold at the Paris Olympics last year and prompted a gender-eligibility row.
“Imane Khelif may not participate in the female category at … any World Boxing event until Imane Khelif undergoes genetic sex screening in accordance with World Boxing’s rules and testing procedures,” the organisation said in a statement.
“World Boxing has written to the Algerian Boxing Federation to inform it that Imane Khelif will not be allowed to participate in the female category at the Eindhoven Box Cup or any World Boxing event until Imane Khelif undergoes sex testing,” it added.
World Boxing is responsible for organising bouts at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, after being granted provisional recognition by the International Olympic Committee.
Under the new policy, all athletes above the age of 18 who want to participate in a World Boxing-owned or sanctioned competition will need to undergo a PCR, or polymerase chain reaction genetic test, to determine what sex they were at birth and their eligibility to compete.
The PCR test is a laboratory technique used to detect specific genetic material, in this case the SRY gene, that reveals the presence of the Y chromosome, which is an indicator of biological sex.
The test can be conducted by a nasal or mouth swab, or by taking a sample of saliva or blood.
National federations will be responsible for testing and will be required to confirm the sex of their athletes when entering them into World Boxing competitions by producing certification of their chromosomal sex, as determined by a PCR test.
Reuters news agency reported that Khelif could not be reached for comment, while the Algerian Boxing Federation did not immediately respond to questions about the development.
Khelif said in March: “For me, I see myself as a girl, just like any other girl. I was born a girl, raised as a girl, and have lived my entire life as one.”
“I have competed in many tournaments, including the Tokyo Olympics and other major competitions, as well as four World Championships,” she said at the time.
“All of these took place before I started winning and earning titles. But once I began achieving success, the campaigns against me started.”
The 26-year-old is targeting a second gold medal at the 2028 Games in Los Angeles after her triumph in Paris.
Her Olympic success, along with that of Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting, led to a raging gender eligibility debate in Paris, with high-profile figures such as United States President Donald Trump and Elon Musk weighing in.
In February, Trump signed an executive order banning transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports.
Khelif said she would not be intimidated by Trump as she is not transgender.
A stunning Mediterranean country featuring golden sand, beach clubs, and ubiquitous history is ‘redesigning’ the way it approaches tourism following an explosive conflict
The country says it is ‘redesigning tourism’(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Boasting 139 miles of pristine Mediterranean coastline, luxury holiday resorts, and 32C temperatures – this ‘beautiful’ country could easily be mistaken for Greece.
Last year, a staggering 1.31 million tourists flocked to Lebanon, lured in by the country’s ancient ruins, golden sandy beaches, and stunning architecture. The influx marks a 32.1 per cent decrease in visitor numbers compared to 2023, which can largely be attributed to the conflict between Israel and Lebanese Hizballah.
However, after a ceasefire came into force on November 27, 2024, Lebanon has been grappling to restore its image as a holiday destination. Laura Lahoud, the country’s Minister of Tourism, says Lebanon is entering a ‘new chapter’ – adding: “We are redesigning the tourism journey to meet modern expectations. This includes higher hospitality standards and consistent, transparent pricing. For Gulf visitors in particular, we are encouraging medical, wellness, and cultural offerings that reflect their current expectations, grounded in authenticity, not nostalgia.”
The FCDO changed its travel advice on Lebanon earlier this year(Image: Getty Images)
On March 27, the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) updated its advice for Lebanon – removing the strict warning to avoid travelling to the entire country. Now, the body advises against all travel to areas in Beirut and Mount Lebanon Governorate – including the following neighbourhoods:
Tariq el Jdideh
Bir Hassan (excluding the Rafiq Hariri Hospital and the Ministry of Public Health)
Ghobeiry
Chiayah (south of the Rizkallah Semaan Road and west of (but not including) the Old Saida Road)
Haret Hraik
Burj Al Barajneh
Mraije
Laylake
The FCDO’s map also shows long stretchers of the country that have an ‘advise against all but essential travel’ warning.This includes spots such as Jezzine, Zgharta, Bcharre, Sidon, and Kfaroue. However, much of the coastline has now turned green – which means tourists can visit but should check the FCDO’s advice before travelling.
Many parts of the country are still under a ‘do not travel’ warning(Image: FCDO)
Under its ‘Safety and Security’ page, the FCDO highlights multiple risks tourists should consider if visiting the country, including potential terrorist attacks, crime, drug smuggling, and sexual assault. “The Lebanese Criminal Code includes a general provision concerning ‘every sexual act against nature’,” the FCDO adds. “Lebanese courts might consider that this includes same-sex sexual activity. A criminal offence under this provision is punishable by a prison sentence of up to a year.”
Despite the barrage of warnings, travel enthusiasts are still flocking to the country – desperate to show its more luxurious side. Last year, TikTok account Wanderlust Family shared a video of their trip to Lebanon, comparing it to the insatiably popular country of Greece.
Travel influencers are plugging Lebanon as a holiday destination – comparing it to Greece(Image: Getty Images)
“Be honest, how many of you thought Lebanon was so beautiful?” the account wrote. “The news gives you a whole wrong picture of this beautiful country! The Lebanese love to party and if you’re travelling to Lebanon, you absolutely have to visit a beach club.”
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Hundreds of viewers flocked to the comments section to hail Lebanon’s beauty, with one user writing: “Even as a Greek, I can easily say Lebanon has the most beautiful people and the best food. I can’t wait to go back.” Another said: “I literally want to go so bad,” while a third added: “Wow, so beautiful.”
The travel review website has released its summer travel index for 2025, revealing the fastest growing destinations in the UK, with one destination much closer to home making the list
Beach huts and apartments on St Annes beach(Image: Emma Gill/Manchester Evening News)
No British summer is truly fulfilled without a trip to the seaside. For years, families have flocked to the coast for a paddle in the waves, sandcastle building, and indulging in ice creams and fish and chips. Coastal destinations continue to be a hit, as recent data from Tripadvisor indicates that seaside spots are trending this summer.
The travel review platform unveiled its summer travel index for 2025, featuring the UK’s fastest-growing destinations, which are predominantly coastal locations. The top three hotspots are Seaview in the Isle of Wight, Ingoldmells in Lincolnshire, and Bamburgh in Northumberland.
However, also nestled within the top ten is little Lytham St Anne’s on the Lancashire coast, which secured the eighth spot on the list. Tripadvisor compiled the data by analysing responses from its Consumer Sentiment Survey, which polled over 2,800 consumers, and traffic data from the Tripadvisor website.
The research revealed that affordability was a crucial factor for two-thirds of Brits when it comes to travel, with cost outweighing considerations such as work schedules and school holidays.
Given these factors, it’s easy to understand why UK seaside destinations remain so popular – they’re often budget-friendly and more accessible, allowing for day trips instead of splashing out on an overseas holiday.
St Annes Kite Festival is an annual event(Image: Lancs Live/Jude Tolson)
With its grand Victorian pier, expansive sandy beach and charming pastel-hued beach huts, it’s no surprise that Lytham St Annes was listed as one of the top holiday spots this summer, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Comprising two towns, Lytham and St Annes, this coastal gem offers visitors a unique experience compared to neighbouring Blackpool, exuding an old-world seaside charm.
The vast beach is perfect for building sandcastles or enjoying a picnic, while the 600ft Victorian Pier boasts amusements, a café and ice cream stalls.
What distinguishes this resort from others in the vicinity are the delightful beach huts available for daily hire starting from £135. They’re equipped with everything you might need, including mains electricity, a compact kitchen area, chairs and a table.
The pier at sunset(Image: Getty Images)
For families with children, the Splash park is a hit with youngsters – suitable for ages three to 12 – featuring various attractions such as spray loops, water sprays, bucket drops and water domes, priced at £2 for a one-hour session.
Parking at Lytham St Annes is plentiful, with options including the beachside North Promenade (FY8 2NQ) and Fairhaven Road (FY8 1NW), both starting from £1.30 for one hour and up to £4.60 for over four hours.
The garden essential is being snapped up by those with a garden lawn, especially if overgrown grass is in need of some TLC after winter.
The online deal has come at a time when Brits are starting to prioritise keeping on top of their outdoor space as the weather starts warming up this weekend.
Although I haven’t personally tested it out, given the positive feedback and that the brand is sold at some of the top home and garden retailers, it should be a reliable choice.
The lawnmower has a powerful 1500W motor which is suitable for small, medium or large-sized gardens.
Designed to be easy to use, the controls are operated on the main handle, and include a choice of five grass cutting heights between 20-60mm, so you can choose which length to opt for and ensure an even trim.
The easy set-up is mentioned often by customers, who praise how quick it is to assemble, so it’s ideal if you’re looking to put your new lawnmower to use as soon as possible.
Emptying out the grass should be straightforward too, as you simply need to
If you’re looking for a lightweight lawnmower, this could suit you, and it’s also easy to manoeuvre using the handy foldable handle.
The lawnmower has amassed over 8,000 reviews, earning it a 4.6 star rating on Amazon, with plenty of shoppers buying it in the past month.
One shopper was full of praise for their Amazon purchase, saying: ‘’Easily put together and has the ability to cut at different lengths. Great machine and lightweight. Managed to get the perfect lines when mowing the lawn!’
Another shopper continued the positive feedback, adding: ‘’So to save money paying a gardener I bought this mower…. cheap as chips.
“Always been put off before as my old mower was so heavy. This one is a dream and I am quids in already doing it myself!
“Can’t fault it and my lawn looks great already because I do it more often and it is so easy to do.’’
While a third described it as ‘’amazing’’, adding that it was ‘’easy to put together’’, ‘’sturdy’’ and ‘’has a large collection grass box which is easy to empty’’.
Flymo Speedi-Mo 360C Electric Wheeled Lawn Mower, £102.75 (was £134.99)
Joe Absolom is joining Emmerdale as a ‘dark and villainous’ characterCredit: ITV
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The actor played Matthew Rose in EastEnders for three yearsCredit: BBC
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Joe said he is “grateful” to be part of EmmerdaleCredit: Rex
Joe, 46, is joining Emmerdale this summer, playing the role of newcomer Ray,.
Introduced as old acquaintance of Mackenzie’s (Laurence Robb), Ray arrives at the farm claiming to be selling farm machinery.
But it’s not long before the character’s true, drug dealing ways come to light.
While he possesses a calm and collected exterior, it’s clear a menacing strike hides just below the surface.
Discussing his new role, Joe said: “Well what an honour to join such a talented team at Emmerdale!
“It’s an iconic show and I’m grateful to be part of it.”
He added: “I can’t wait to see what’s in stock for Ray!”
Emmerdale producer Laura Shaw says: “We are thrilled to welcome Joe Absolom to the cast.
“It’s fantastic to have such a high calibre and immensely talented actor join our wonderful team to play the role of Ray.
“Charming, charismatic and effortlessly likeable, Ray is an extremely complex character who very quickly shows his dark and villainous side to some of our most loved villagers, leaving them in no doubt as to what he’s capable of.”
A Confession episode three sees EastEnders star Joe Absolom reveal true extent of evil killer Christopher Halliwell
Hue Abandoned Water Park, also known as Thuy Tien Lake, sits on the outskirts of the Vietnamese city of Hue and has been attracting urban explorers since it closed 14 years ago
Thuy Tien Lake has become a hotspot for urban explorers(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Dried-up waterslides run out of the mouths of crumbling dragon statues in a curious abandoned theme park.
Hue Abandoned Water Park, also known as Thuy Tien Lake, is about four miles outside the city center of Hue, Vietnam. Built a quarter of a century ago, the water park once attracted crowds of thrillseekers who flocked to peer into the aquarium, marvel at the dragon sculptures, and whizz down the rides.
Sadly for the business minds behind the park, it proved to be a commercial failure. A change of ownership and management led to the park’s closure just 11 years after it first opened.
For several years, it remained forgotten and gathering dust until urban explorers began posting about Thuy Tien Lake online. Soon it became a fixture of the backpacker trail, with many drawn to the way its curious buildings and statues appear frozen in time.
The slides have long since run dry(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
They were also drawn to rumours of a scarier surprise. Years after the park officially packed up, a group of crocodiles—initially brought in as an attraction—continued to roam Hue unchecked. Thankfully, for the safety of those who rock up and pay 10,000 VND (£0.29) to look around the abandoned park today, the animals were removed and rehomed.
The dragon that emerges from the center of the lake have become a popular hangout spot among Vietnamese teens and backpackers alike.
“The inside of the dragon used to be an aquarium filled with all sorts of creatures, including crocodiles. Now the inside is in complete disrepair. There’s graffiti everywhere and there’s still glass on the ground from people bashing in the glass aquariums. It’s super eerie and would be the perfect setting for a horror film.
It has been officially closed since 2011(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
“Walk up the stairs and check out the view from the dragon’s mouth. I’m not sure that the platform is all that safe to stand on, but I went for it anyway. The view from there is pretty amazing.”
The park is mostly easily accessed via a short scooter or taxi ride from Hue centre. The staff members guarding the entrance to Hue require visitors sign a waiver to access the park.
If you fancy visiting somewhere abandoned but don’t feel like travelling so far, Crete is a good bet.
The abandoned Dionysos village sits along the coast from Sitia. As you approach the flock of buildings on the hillside you will notice that it “looks different somehow. Something looks wrong, somehow lost,” an explorer for We Travel wrote recently.
Tourists can still visit the park today(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Until the mid 2010s, the village was a thriving holiday destination. It has a prime location on the coastline scorched by summer sun. To the untrained eye, there is nothing amiss about the cluster of holiday homes and hotels that sit at the foot of the parched, dusty hillside. Get closer, and you realise it’s all but empty.
Today plants are growing through cracks in the rocks and the streets are untidy. A large central swimming pool is empty of water but increasingly full of dust. Now, just 10 families call Dionysos their fulltime home.
Looking for a unique spot to stay – or celebrate – in the capital? We found a charming and luxurious hidden gem of a hotel rich in history in London’s Marylebone district
CLEVELAND — José Soriano threw six scoreless innings, Mike Trout had a hit in his return to the Angels’ lineup in a 4-1 win over the Cleveland Guardians on Friday.
Jo Adell had three hits and an RBI and Jorge Soler hit a solo homer down the left-field line in the ninth inning as the Angels snapped a five-game losing streak.
Cleveland’s José Ramírez had his 21-game hitting streak snapped. He drew a walk in the eighth inning to extend his on-base streak to 26 games.
The Guardians, who have dropped four of their last five, avoided a shutout on Nolan Jones’ RBI single to right with two outs in the ninth.
It was the third time this season Soriano (4-5) has gone at least six innings and not given up a run. The right-hander yielded just four hits with two strikeouts and four walks.
Trout, activated off the injured list after he missed 26 games due to a bone bruise on his left knee, lined out to Ramírez at third in his first at-bat before he lined a base hit to left-center in the fourth inning.
Adell singled to right with one out in the second to drive in Soler, who drew a walk off Luis Ortiz (2-6) to lead off the inning.
The Angels added a pair of runs in the seventh when Scott Kingery scored on a passed ball and Soler had a run-scoring single to center.
Key moment: The Guardians had the bases loaded with two outs in the fourth inning, but Soriano got Gabriel Arias to chase a 98-mph sinker for the strikeout.
Key stat: Trout went one for five and batted fifth as the designated hitter. It was the first time since Sept. 26, 2011, the three-time American League MVP started a game hitting lower than third.
Up next: RHP Kyle Hendricks (2-6, 5.23 ERA) goes for the Angels while RHP Slade Cecconi (1-1, 3.27 ERA) takes the mound for the Guardians.
Cuba’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a statement of protest against the head of the United States mission to the island, Michael Hammer.
In a news release published on Friday, the Foreign Ministry accused Hammer, a career diplomat, of “unfriendly and meddling behaviour” since his arrival in Cuba in late 2024.
“By inciting Cuban citizens to commit extremely serious criminal acts, attacking the constitutional order, or encouraging them to act against the authorities or demonstrate in support of the interests and objectives of a hostile foreign power, the diplomat is engaging in provocative and irresponsible conduct,” the Foreign Ministry wrote.
“The immunity he enjoys as a representative of his country cannot be used as cover for acts contrary to the sovereignty and internal order of the country to which he is assigned, in this case, Cuba.”
The Foreign Ministry said the message was delivered by its director of bilateral affairs with the US, Alejandro Garcia del Toro.
Friday’s statement is the latest indication of increasingly rocky relations between Cuba and the US, particularly since President Donald Trump began his second term in January.
A history of tensions
Diplomatic ties between the two countries, however, have been icy for decades, stretching back to the Cold War in the 1960s. After the Cuban Revolution of 1959, the US government imposed strict trade restrictions on the island and backed efforts to topple the newly established Communist government.
But there have been efforts to ease the tensions, notably during the administrations of Democratic presidents like Barack Obama and Joe Biden in the US.
In 2016, for instance, Obama sought to normalise relations with Cuba, only to see those efforts rolled back during the first Trump administration, starting in 2017.
Likewise, President Biden – who formerly served as Obama’s vice president – removed Cuba from the US’s list of “state sponsors of terrorism” in the waning days of his term in January.
But upon taking office for his second time on January 20, Trump reversed course once more, putting Cuba back on the list that very same day.
Trump also included in his presidential cabinet several officials who have taken a hardline stance towards Cuba, most notably former Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Born to Cuban immigrants, Rubio is an outspoken supporter of continuing the trade embargo against the island.
The Cuban government, meanwhile, has continued to accuse the US of attempting to destabilise its leadership.
In Friday’s statement, the Cuban Foreign Ministry accused Hammer of “public and insulting manipulation” for his recent visit to the tomb of a 19th-century national hero, Jose Marti.
The US Embassy to Cuba posted a video of the visit with a voiceover of Marti’s words, “Respect for the freedom and thoughts of others, even of the most unhappy kind, is my passion: If I die or am killed, it will be for that.” Critics have interpreted that citation as an implied endorsement of dissent on the island.
Ramping up pressure
In recent months, there have also been signs that Trump plans to once again tighten the screws on the Cuban government, in a return to the “maximum pressure” campaigns that typified foreign policy during his first term.
In February, for instance, the Trump administration announced it would yank visas from anyone who works with Cuba’s medical system, which sends thousands of healthcare workers abroad each year, particularly in the Caribbean region.
Critics have criticised the healthcare programme for its low pay and hefty restrictions on its employees. Trump and Rubio, meanwhile, have claimed the medical system amounts to a form of “forced labour” that enriches the Cuban government. But leaders in Havana have denied that allegation.
Then, in April, the US government condemned Cuba for re-arresting a group of dissidents, among them prominent figures like Jose Daniel Ferrer and Felix Navarro.
Cuba was expected to release 553 prisoners, many of whom were swept up in antigovernment protests, and in exchange, the US was supposed to ease its sanctions against the island. The sanctions relief, however, never came.
An additional measure was taken against Cuba just this month. The Department of State, under Rubio’s direction, determined that “Cuba did not fully cooperate with US counterterrorism efforts in 2024”. It accused Cuba of harbouring 11 fugitives, some of whom faced terrorism-related charges in the US.
“The Cuban regime made clear it was not willing to discuss their return to face justice in our nation,” the State Department wrote in a news release. “The United States will continue to promote international cooperation on counterterrorism issues. We also continue to promote accountability for countries that do not stand against terrorism.”
As punishment, Cuba was labelled as a “not fully cooperating country” under the Arms Export Control Act, a designation that limits its ability to buy weaponry and other defence tools from the US.
Furthermore, Hammer had recently signalled that new sanctions were on the way for the island.
But in the face of Friday’s reprimand, the State Department indicated it was undeterred and would continue to support dissidents against Cuba’s “malign influence”.
Rescuers have already pulled a dozen injured people from the debris during a gruelling search effort at the site.
At least 10 people have been killed after a stone quarry collapsed in Indonesia’s West Java province, with the country’s disaster agency saying search efforts are ongoing to find missing people buried beneath the rubble.
The collapse took place early on Friday at Gunung Kuda mining site in Cirebon, West Java. Footage from the scene of the accident shows excavators moving large rocks and emergency workers placing victims in body bags in an ambulance.
Footage circulating online showed rescuers struggling to retrieve a body from the devastated area. Another showed people scrambling for safety as thick dust rose from a pile of rocks and soil that had collapsed.
Indonesia’s National Agency for Disaster Countermeasure (BNPB) said at least 10 people had been killed, but gave no estimate on the number of people missing. It said heavy machinery – including three excavators – were buried and rescue operations would continue throughout Saturday.
Rescue teams have already pulled a dozen injured people from the debris during a gruelling search effort, according to Cirebon district police chief, Sumarni, who uses a single name.
Sumarni said authorities are investigating the cause of the collapse, adding that the owner and quarry workers have been summoned for questioning. He said police, emergency personnel, soldiers and volunteers – supported by five excavators – are trying to locate any further trapped workers. Rescue efforts are being hampered by unstable soil, risking further slides, he added.
On his Instagram account, West Java governor Dedi Mulyadi said the site was “very dangerous” and did not “meet safety standards for workers”. The governor added that the mine was opened before he was elected and he “didn’t have any capacity to stop it”.
Mulyadi said he has taken action to close the Gunung Kuda mine and four others in West Java considered to be endangering lives and the environment.
Illegal mining operations are commonplace across Indonesia, providing a tenuous livelihood to low-wage workers while coming with a high risk of injury or death due to landslides, flooding and tunnel collapses. Much of the processing of sand, rock or gold ore also involves workers using highly toxic materials like mercury and cyanide with little or no protection.
In May, torrential rain triggered a landslide and floods near a small mine run by local residents in the Arfak Mountains in Indonesia’s West Papua province, killing at least six people.
Last year, a landslide also triggered by torrential rain struck an unauthorised gold mining operation on Indonesia’s Sumatra island, killing at least 15 people.
The world’s best countries to visit in 2025 have been ranked with one gorgeous European destination taking the top spot – and it’s got heaps for Brits to explore
Ksamil has been dubbed ‘Europe’s Maldives’ (Image: Getty Images)
The world’s best country to visit in 2025 has been revealed, and it boasts some incredible Maldives-worthy beaches, not to mention it’s easy for Brits to visit on a budget as it’s in Europe.
Albania has been emerging as must-visit holiday destination in recent yers, and now travel insiders have ranked it as the top spot that’s ‘preserved from mass tourism, authentic and affordable’, closely followed by Colombia and Laos.
The travel experts at HelloSafe, who conducted the study, explained: “Among the top-rated European destinations in 2025, Albania stands out with its still largely unexplored mountainous landscapes, Ionian beaches and excellent value for money.” According to the research, the best months to visit are between May and September, which isn’t surprising considering this is when the country boasts some enviable hot and sunny weather, with temperatures reaching an average of 32-33C across July and August.
Theth National Park is well worth a visit (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
There’s so much to see and do across the country, but the team flagged that if you’re only going to visit one area, make it the “preserved valley of Theth, nestled in the heart of the Albanian Alps”. Theth itself is a small village that looks like it’s straight out of a storybook, thanks to the lush green valley that surrounds it, complete with ethereal waterfalls and colourful flowers. Hikers will definitely want to don some sturdy boots and take on many of the countless trails that weave through the landscape, with some Instagram-worthy views.
For those after more social media fodder, the small coastal village of Ksamil is worth having on your radar. Dubbed ‘Europe’s answer to the Maldives’, it boasts plenty of incredible white beaches and crystal-clear waters, while the Ksamil Islands can be reached by boat or even by kayak if you fancy a day trip. (It’s also just a 30-minute ferry ride from Corfu if you want to add a Greek island to the itinerary!).
Tirana has everything you could want for a city break(Image: Getty Images)
Meanwhile, the ‘Stone City’ of Gjirokastër is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, because of its ‘rare examples of an architectural character typical of the Ottoman period’. This citadel town, along with Berat which is part of the site, looks like it belongs in a film set with the ancient ruins, historic churches and dense green surroundings.
For those who prefer a city break, the Albanian capital, Tirana, is sure to tick all of the boxes. Boasting an enviable nightlife, plenty of restaurants and heaps of museums to explore, the city also has a plethora of attractions to fill up the itinerary whether that’s taking in the mountain views from the cable car, discovering the Cold War bunkers, or taking a guided walking tour of all of the incredible street art nestled across the city.
If you want to visit Albania, one of the easiest routes is to fly direct to Tirana, with airlines including Wizz Air and Ryanair offering a range of options from the UK, with fares starting from £19.99 each way (excluding luggage fees).
You can check out the full rankings and find out more at hellosafe.com.
President Donald Trump announced Friday that he is firing Kim Sajet, the longtime director of the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery, for being “a highly partisan person, and a strong supporter of DEI.”
The announcement, made on Truth Social, comes as Trump pushes to remake some of the highest profile national arts institutions so they align with his political agenda. In February, he dismissed much of the Kennedy Center board in order to have himself appointed chairman. In March, he targeted the Smithsonian Institution by issuing an executive order demanding an end to federal funding for exhibitions and programs based on racial themes that “divide Americans.”
The National Portrait Gallery did not immediately respond to a request for comment Friday. It is unclear, as with many of Trump’s social media decrees, if the organization was expecting the latest action.
Sajet was appointed director in 2013 by Wayne Clough, then the secretary of the Smithsonian. Sajet, the first woman to serve in the role, had come from the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, where she was president and chief executive. Sajet, a Dutch national, was born in Nigeria and raised in Australia.
In his Truth Social post, Trump said he was terminating Sajet “upon the request and recommendation of many people.” He said her support of diversity and inclusion was “totally inappropriate for her position.” He promised to name her replacement soon.
The National Portrait Gallery was founded by Congress in 1962 and houses more than 26,000 objects, including portraits of all the nation’s presidents. It shares a building with the Smithsonian American Art Museum and attracts about 1 million visitors a year.
The gallery contains a photo portrait of Trump taken in 2017 by Matt McClain, with a caption that reads, in part, “Impeached twice, on charges of abuse of power and incitement of insurrection after supporters attacked the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, he was acquitted by the Senate in both trials. After losing to Joe Biden in 2020, Trump mounted a historic comeback in the 2024 election. He is the only president aside from Grover Cleveland (1837-1908) to have won a nonconsecutive second term.”
United States President Donald Trump has accused China of violating an agreement to mutually roll back tariffs and trade restrictions for critical minerals, as he suggested China was in “grave economic danger” until he agreed to cut a deal earlier this month.
Posting on his Truth Social platform on Friday evening, Trump said he made a “fast deal” with China for both countries to back away from triple-digit tariffs for 90 days to “save” Beijing from a “very bad situation”.
The US leader said his tariffs of up to 145 percent on Chinese imports had made it “virtually impossible” for China to trade with the US market, resulting in closed factories and “civil unrest” in the country.
“China, perhaps not surprisingly to some, HAS TOTALLY VIOLATED ITS AGREEMENT WITH US. So much for being Mr. NICE GUY!” Trump added.
Trump did not specify in his post how China had violated the agreement – made following trade talks in Geneva, Switzerland, in mid-May – or what action he planned to take at their alleged failure to comply with its terms.
Asked by reporters about the China deal later on Friday in the Oval Office, Trump said: “I’m sure that I’ll speak to [China’s] President Xi [Jinping], and hopefully we’ll work that out.”
Trump’s deputy chief of staff, Stephen Miller, told reporters that China’s failure to fulfil its obligations “opens up all manner of action for the United States to ensure future compliance”.
Miller added that Trump hoped China would open up to American business in a similar manner to the way the US has been open to Chinese business “for a very long time now”.
China’s embassy in Washington said Beijing has maintained communication with its US counterparts since the Geneva talks, but said they had concerns about recently imposed US export controls.
“China has repeatedly raised concerns with the US regarding its abuse of export control measures in the semiconductor sector and other related practices,” embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu said in a statement.
“China once again urges the US to immediately correct its erroneous actions, cease discriminatory restrictions against China and jointly uphold the consensus reached at the high-level talks in Geneva,” Liu added.
Broken promises
Earlier this week, media reports suggested the Trump administration had ordered US firms offering software used to design semiconductors to stop selling their services to Chinese groups.
On Wednesday, a spokesperson for the US Department of Commerce confirmed that it was reviewing exports of strategic significance to China, and “in some cases … suspended existing export licences or imposed additional licence requirements while the review is pending”.
On Friday, shortly after lamenting China’s lack of compliance with the Geneva agreement, President Trump also announced plans to increase tariffs on foreign imports of steel from 25 percent to 50 percent on June 4.
The agreement two weeks ago dialling back tariffs for 90 days prompted a massive rally in global stocks, as it effectively lowered the US tariff rate on Chinese goods to the mid-teens from about 25 percent in early April.
As part of the deal, China also agreed to lift trade countermeasures restricting exports of critical metals needed for production by US semiconductors, electronics and defence industries.
But Trump administration officials have publicly stated that China has been slow to adhere to their Geneva commitments and have so far failed to comply.
The Reuters news agency also reported on Friday that global auto executives are sounding the alarm on a looming shortage of rare-earth magnets from China that could force car factories to close within weeks.
“Without reliable access to these elements and magnets, automotive suppliers will be unable to produce critical automotive components, including automatic transmissions, throttle bodies, alternators, various motors, sensors, seat belts, speakers, lights, motors, power steering, and cameras,” the Alliance for Automotive Innovation said in a letter to the Trump administration.
