New York City has joined the World Health Organization's global outbreak response network, defying President Trump's withdrawal of the U.S. from the WHO. This move grants the city access to a network of over 360 institutions to combat public health events worldwide
Boeing layoffs: Aircraft manufacturer Boeing is laying off 300 people from its defence division, according to a Bloomberg report quoting a person with the knowledge of the matter. The concerned jobs that will be eliminated are in the supply chain section of the defence division
Ramiz Raja's old warning resurfaces as Pakistan risks ICC sanctions for boycotting India in the T20 World Cup. Financial fallout could be massive. An old video of former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja has resurfaced at a critical moment for world cricket
The Supreme Court will hear a Public Interest Litigation in March. The petition seeks action against political parties that promise freebies before elections. It asks for seizure of symbols or deregistration of such parties. The court previously sought responses from the Centre and Election
The Karnataka government on Wednesday passed a resolution opposing the Centre's decisions to repeal the MGNREGA and replace it with the VB-G RAM G Act, even as the Bharatiya Janata Party and Janata Dal (Secular) staged a walkout from the Legislative Assembly and the Council, The Hindu reported
Three coaches of the Chennai Central Express derailed near Jakhapura railway station in Odisha's Jajpur district on Thursday, an official said. On Chennai Central-New Jalpaiguri SF Express train derailment near Jakhapura Station, Deepak Rout, CPRO, East Coast Railway, says
Jalna (Maharashtra), Feb 5 (PTI) Police have registered a case against an unidentified woman for allegedly performing ‘black magic' rituals targeting prominent personalities and police personnel in Maharashtra's Jalna district, officials said on Thursday.Jalna (Maharashtra)
The controversy surrounding revelations about convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has deepened, as a new report has claimed that Epstein once derided Gates as “cheap" over the billionaire's alleged treatment of Russian bridge player Mila Antonova
Trump, Xi discuss Iran in wide-ranging call as U.S. presses China, others to break from Tehran
Trump, Xi discuss Iran in wide-ranging call as U.S. presses China, others to break from Tehran
President Donald Trump said on Wednesday (February 4, 2026) that he and Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed the situation in Iran in a wide-ranging call as the U.S. administration pushes Beijing and others to further isolate Tehran.
Mr. Trump said the two leaders also discussed a broad range of other critical issues in the U.S.-China relationship, including trade and Taiwan and his plans to visit Beijing in April.
"The relationship with China, and my personal relationship with President Xi, is an extremely good one, and we both realise how important it is to keep it that way," Mr. Trump said in a social media posting about the call.
The Chinese government, in a readout of the call, said the two leaders discussed major summits that both nations will host in the coming year that could present opportunities for them to meet. The Chinese statement, however, made no mention of Mr. Trump's expected April visit to Beijing.
Mr. Trump and Mr. Xi discussed Iran as tensions remain high between Washington and Tehran over Iran's bloody crackdown on nationwide protests last month. The U.S. President says he is weighing taking military action against the Middle Eastern country.
Mr. Trump is also pressing Iran to make concessions over its nuclear programme, which his Republican administration says was already set back by the U.S. bombing of three Iranian nuclear sites during the 12-day war Israel launched against Iran in June.
White House officials on Tuesday (February 3, 2026) said special envoy Steve Witkoff is slated to take part in talks with Iranian officials later this week.
Mr. Trump announced last month that the U.S. would impose a 25% tax on imports to the United States from countries that do business with Iran. China is Iran's biggest trading partner.
Years of sanctions aimed at stopping Iran's nuclear programme have left the country isolated. But Tehran still did nearly $125 billion in international trade in 2024, including $32 billion with China, $28 billion with the United Arab Emirates and $17 billion with Turkey, the World Trade Organisation says.
China also made clear that it has no intention of stepping away from its long-term plans of reunification with Taiwan, a self-governing, democratic island operating independently from mainland China, though Beijing claims it as its own territory.
The Trump administration in December announced a massive package of arms sales to Taiwan valued at more than $10 billion that includes medium-range missiles, howitzers and drones. The move continues to draw an angry response from Beijing.
."Taiwan will never be allowed to separate from China," the Chinese government statement said. "The U.S must handle the issue of arms sales to Taiwan with prudence." Neither Mr. Trump nor the Chinese government in its statement raised whether the U.S. leader's repeated calls for a U.S. takeover of Greenland, the Arctic territory controlled by Denmark, came up during the conversation.
Mr. Trump has made his case for the U.S. taking over the strategic island as necessary to rebuff Chinese and Russian encroachment, even as experts have repeatedly rebuffed Mr. Trump's claims of Chinese and Russian military forces lurking off Greenland's coastline. Denmark and Greenland as well as several European government leaders have pushed back against Mr. Trump's takeover calls.
Separately, Mr. Xi also spoke on Wednesday (February 4, 2026) with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Mr. Xi's engagement with Mr. Trump and Mr. Putin comes as the last remaining nuclear arms pact, known as the New START treaty, between Russia and the United States is set to expire on Thursday (February 5, 2026), removing any caps on the two largest atomic arsenals for the first time in more than a half-century.
Mr. Trump has indicated he would like to keep limits on nuclear weapons but wants to involve China in a potential new treaty.
"I actually feel strongly that if we're going to do it, I think China should be a member of the extension," Mr. Trump told The New York Times last month. "China should be a part of the agreement." The call with Mr. Xi also coincided with a ministerial meeting that the Trump administration convened in Washington with several dozen European, Asian and African nations to discuss how to rebuild global supply chains of critical minerals without Beijing.
Critical minerals are needed for everything from jet engines to smartphones. China dominates the market for those ingredients crucial to high-tech products.
"What is before all of us is an opportunity at self-reliance that we never have to rely on anybody else except for each other, for the critical minerals necessary to sustain our industries and to sustain growth," Vice President J.D. Vance said at the gathering.
Mr. Xi has recently held a series of meetings with Western leaders who have sought to boost ties with China amid growing concerns about Mr. Trump's tariff policies and calls for the US to take over Greenland, a Danish territory.
The disruption to global trade under Mr. Trump has made expanding trade and investment more imperative for many U.S. economic partners. Vietnam and the European Union upgraded ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership last month, two days after the EU and India announced a free-trade agreement. And Canada struck a deal last month to cut its 100% tariff on Chinese electric cars in return for lower tariffs on Canadian farm products.
Published - February 05, 2026 07:58 am IST
World / USA / China / diplomacy
Source: TheHindu
Related Posts: Congress questions Trump's announcement of India-US trade deal Iran Signals Readiness To Suspend Nuclear Programme Ahead Of Istanbul Talks With US Trump signs bill to end shutdown but another budget cliff looms over ICE funding Trump berates reporter over Epstein Files question India, US kept ties on track despite tariffs, Trump's ceasefire talk Trump calls Colombia's Petro ‘terrific’ just weeks after insulting him as a ‘sick man’ Donald Trump says Washington has waited 200 years for the arch he wants to build TMC says it will consult other parties to discuss impeaching EC chief for alleged SIR irregularities Deepinder Goyal issues public call to all former Zomato employees Trump signs bill to end partial government shutdown
Mumbai, Feb 5 (PTI) His life has come a full circle having represented Mumbai in the Indian domestic circuit but USA all-rounder Harmeet Singh doesn't want his side to put any team “on a pedestal", urging them to showcase same brand of cricket that they displayed two years ago in the T20
2 minutes ago
Apple has announced its special Valentine's Day sale offer that lets you buy the iPhone 17, 17 Pro or even a new MacBook with some appealing discounts. The sale is already live on Apple India website and it is flashing right on the home page for people who can just head over to the sale page and
2 minutes ago
U.S. President Donald Trump stated in a Truth Social post that he had spoken with NBC “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie to assure her that all federal law enforcement would be at the “complete disposal” of the family and local investigators to get her mother home safely.U.S
2 minutes ago
With inflation under control and growth steady, the RBI is widely expected to hold the repo rate at 5.25% in Friday's policy announcement. RBI MPC Meeting February 2026: The Reserve Bank of India's rate-setting panel, whose three-day monetary policy deliberations started on Wednesday
2 minutes ago
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, who was earlier stripped of his title of Prince, has now moved out of his home in Windsor, UK to the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk. The former prince left Royal Lodge on Monday night and is now staying at Wood Farm on the Sandringham Estate while his permanent home
2 minutes ago
Mirzapur: The Movie release - The cult saga of Mirzapur steps into cinemas, transforming its beloved world into an epic big-screen experience. Mirzapur: The Movie release - Ending days of speculation the makers of Mirzapur. The Movie have unveiled the release date poster
2 minutes ago
Each year, Nutella lovers around the globe celebrate the rich, creamy hazelnut-chocolate spread that brings joy to breakfast tables and dessert menus alike. Whether you're indulging in classic waffles or adventurous desserts, these six restaurants are serving up Nutella creations worth a visit
2 minutes ago
In a leadership change, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy has announced to make Dharmesh Mehta, VP of Worldwide Selling Partner Services (SPS), as his Technical Advisor (TA) from March. Meanwhile, Amit Agarwal, SVP of International Emerging Stores, will take over the charge to lead the SPS division
2 minutes ago
The trailer for the Hindi courtroom drama film Assi, starring Taapsee Pannu and directed by Anubhav Sinha. Mumbai: The trailer for Taapsee Pannu's starrer 'Assi' has been finally unveiled, offering an unflinching look at the uncomfortable truth of rape cases that continue to make headlines every
2 minutes ago
The Al-Nassr star had not featured in the club's 1-0 win over Al Riyadh on Monday, in protest of PIF's alleged lack of investment in Al Nassr and to give their arch-rivals, Al Hilal, an advantage and greater effort. Riyadh: Football icon Cristiano Ronaldo is set to boycott his second-straight Saudi
2 minutes ago
iPhone 18 series launch is expected later this year and if you are expecting for some big design changes with the new 18 Pro models, you're in for some bad news. According to new details, the new iPhone 18 lineup (mostly the Pro) will look a lot like the iPhone 17 Pro models
2 minutes ago
Pakistan has decided to boycott the group match against India in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. While it is apparently a move to back Bangladesh, it is not something that pleases the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). Here's why. Pakistan's move is expected to affect more than the two nations involved in
2 minutes ago
A man convicted of trying to assassinate President Donald Trump on a Florida golf course in 2024 was sentenced Wednesday (February 4, 2026) to life in prison after a federal prosecutor said his crime was unacceptable "in this country or anywhere." U.S
2 minutes ago
Nagaland Sambad State Lottery Thursday 05-02-2026 LIVE: The results of Nagaland State Lottery DEAR MAHANADI MORNING 1 PM, Nagaland DEAR DANCER EVENING 6 PM Lucky Draw Result, Nagaland DEAR SANDPIPER NIGHT 8 PM weekly lottery will be declared today i.e Thursday, Feb 05, 2026, at 1 PM
2 minutes ago
India is getting ready for a major change on one of its busiest highways with the long-awaited Missing Link project on the Mumbai Pune Expressway. This new project aims to make journeys safer, faster and smoother for daily travellers. The highlight of the project is a modern cable bridge built
2 minutes ago
A political storm brews in Tamil Nadu as a DMK minister's comments about North Indian migrants working as cleaners and sellers draws sharp criticism. The BJP accuses the DMK of fueling divisions and mocking workers. Senior DMK leaders attempt damage control
2 minutes ago
The Supreme Court on Thursday agreed to list for hearing in March a PIL seeking direction to seize the symbol or deregister a political party that promises or distributes "irrational freebies" before polls. Lawyer-petitioner Ashwini Updhyaya told a bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and
2 minutes ago
Health crises triggered by viral outbreaks often spread two things at the same time: the virus itself and a deep sense of fear. Misinformation travels faster than facts, leaving people anxious, confused, and unsure about what truly helps. Dr Partap Chauhan, Founder and Director, Jiva Ayurveda
2 minutes ago
Ghaziabad horror: The deceased minor girls have been identified as Nishika (16), Prachi (14), and Pakhi (12), daughters of Chetan Kumar, a resident of Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. Meanwhile, several revelations have surfaced surrounding the alleged suicide
2 minutes ago
Manchester City will compete against Arsenal in the League Cup final after ending Newcastle's tenure as holders with a commanding first-half performance, securing a 3-1 victory on Wednesday. Pep Guardiola's team had already established an advantage after winning the semi-final first leg on Tyneside
2 minutes ago
Indian Railways has introduced fresh changes to the Tatkal ticket booking system for 2026, aiming to make last-minute travel reservations more transparent, secure and equitable for genuine passengers. The revised rules place a strong emphasis on identity verification
2 minutes ago
The cab-hailing landscape in India is set for a big change today with Bharat Taxi launching officially in New Delhi. Bharat Taxi is a cab service, based on a cooperative model, and is backed by the Government of India. The app will be launched by Union Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah
2 minutes ago
In a lighthearted viral moment, an 11-year-old nephew's witty wedding speech for his uncle left guests laughing and netizens praising his confidence and humour. Viral: A wedding speech delivered by an 11 year old nephew has taken the internet by storm
2 minutes ago
Three coaches of the Chennai Central Express derailed near Jakhapura railway station in Odisha's Jajpur district on Thursday morning. The incident occurred at 8.51 am. No injuries or fatalities were reported. One AC and two general coaches derailed. A rescue team was dispatched
2 minutes ago
Iran and the United States are meeting in Oman to discuss Tehran's nuclear program. This comes after recent Israeli military action and internal protests in Iran. U.S. President Donald Trump has maintained pressure on Iran. Oman has previously mediated talks between the two nations
2 minutes ago
RCB face Delhi Capitals in the WPL 2026 final. Preview, playing XI, pitch report, prediction, and key battles ahead of the title clash. The Women's Premier League 2026 final promises a high-stakes rematch as Royal Challengers Bengaluru take on Delhi Capitals in Vadodara on Thursday
2 minutes ago
Malls have always been more than just places to shop. They're where we hang out, make memories and spend hours doing nothing yet feeling like the day was perfect. From movie plans with friends to weekend shopping with family, malls have been a key part of city life. But sometimes, the energy fades
2 minutes ago
