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In September 2025, the US military conducted at least three strikes on vessels alleged to be involved in drug trafficking near Venezuela, killing at least 17 men described as narcoterrorists. President Trump ordered the strikes, citing threats to US security, while Venezuela condemned the actions as illegal aggression and called for UN investigations amid rising regional tensions.
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A Chinese biotech executive and his colleague received lengthy prison sentences in New York for trafficking fentanyl precursors into the US. The case marks a rare US charge against Chinese companies for inside-the-US chemical trafficking, highlighting China's role in the fentanyl crisis.
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Since early September, the US has conducted at least six military strikes against vessels suspected of drug trafficking in the Caribbean, killing 27 people. The operations, justified as part of a legal armed conflict with drug cartels, have heightened regional tensions and raised legal questions. The Biden administration claims these actions are lawful, but critics argue they violate international law and lack sufficient evidence.
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The US military targeted a suspected drug-carrying submarine off Venezuela, claiming it was built for transporting narcotics. Survivors were reported, raising questions about the legality of the strikes amid regional tensions and accusations from Venezuela. The operation is part of a broader US campaign against drug trafficking in the Caribbean.
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President Trump announced plans to lower tariffs on Chinese goods, including fentanyl-related imports, amid ongoing negotiations with China. He aims to address the fentanyl crisis by encouraging China to curb exports, with a potential tariff reduction from 20% to 10%. The meeting with Xi Jinping is scheduled for Thursday at the APEC summit in South Korea.
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The US and China have agreed on a one-year trade truce during a summit in South Korea, involving tariffs, agricultural purchases, and critical mineral exports. The deal aims to de-escalate tensions, though key issues like technology and AI remain unaddressed. The agreement is seen as a cautious step forward amid ongoing disputes.
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In interviews following a recent summit with Xi Jinping, Trump claimed Taiwan was not discussed with China and expressed confidence that China would not take military action on Taiwan during his presidency. He also highlighted ongoing US-China trade negotiations and military communication efforts, amid tensions over Taiwan's status.
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The FBI director, Christopher Patel, visited Beijing to negotiate China's commitment to control fentanyl precursor chemicals, marking the first such visit in over a decade. The trip coincides with ongoing US-China talks on tariffs, trade, and drug enforcement, amid scrutiny over his frequent use of government jets.