Barack Obama

Summits for all diplomatic seasons: how the US has set the stage for Xi Jinping

24 Sep 2026 - 5:54PMvideocam

All you need to know about a state visit, as US rolls out red carpet for Xi

24 Sep 2026 - 8:45AMvideocam

US, China need nuclear-style AI safeguards, congressman says before Xi summit

Top Democrat on the House China committee calls for international inspections of leading AI laboratories and a ban on self-improving systems.

22 Sep 2026 - 6:56AMvideocam

US House Select Committee on China ranking member Ro Khanna speaks with journalists before an Artificial Intelligence briefing on September 16 in Washington. Photo: Getty Images via AFP

Trump downplays AI development checks, says unwilling to cede edge to China

The US is leading China in the development of AI and ‘frankly, I want to keep it that way because whoever wins AI wins’, Trump said.

14 Sep 2026 - 5:06AMvideocam

Iran likely to reverse-engineer captured US underwater drone

The loss represents ‌a propaganda victory for Tehran and an awkward setback for Washington’s efforts to project technological superiority.

10 Sep 2026 - 7:34AM

Malaysia

PAS chief to face Malaysian police over explosive US remarks

The US has rejected Abdul Hadi Awang’s claim that it offered help to change Malaysia’s political leadership during Obama’s visit in 2014.

7 Sep 2026 - 9:45PM

PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang (centre) attends the party’s recent annual congress. Photo: Handout

US-China relations

Xi, Trump and Putin may hold trilateral meeting at next Apec forum, Kremlin says

Senior Russian aide confirms possibility of all three leaders meeting in Shenzhen in November ‘was discussed’ at this week’s SCO summit.

2 Sep 2026 - 10:22AMvideocam

Trump administration faces backlash over Yosemite park giveaway

A news outlet claims the government has been quietly working to transfer a roughly 400-metre strip of the park to a Nevada-based company.

29 Aug 2026 - 2:29PM

US judge blocks rule implementing Trump plan to curb mail-in ballots

A Trump administration appeal is expected as both parties battle for control of Congress in the midterms.

28 Aug 2026 - 10:51AM

A voter places a mail ballot into a drop box. About 30 per cent of Americans vote by mail, according to state election data. Photo: TNS

South Korea

Trump’s decision to scale back South Korea drills ‘makes no sense’

The decision threatens to undermine the South Koreans and Japanese, unnerve Nato and embolden the Chinese and North Koreans, one expert says.

18 Aug 2026 - 2:06PM

US Army armoured vehicles gather to cross a river at a training field in Yeoncheon, South Korea, on Monday. Photo: AP

China’s military

The PLA at 99: how China’s military went from ragtag rifles to world-class force

From revolutionary group to hi-tech machine, the PLA’s transformation has been a long pursuit of strength and self-reliance.

31 Jul 2026 - 6:44AM

Trump White House getting new helipad for more powerful Marine One helicopter

The granite helipad project marks Donald Trump’s latest move to reshape the executive mansion.

7 Jul 2026 - 11:57AM

Celebrity children

Meet Caroline Jones, who performed with the Zac Brown Band at a Trump event

Jones and the Zac Brown Band performed at the UFC Freedom 250 – but why is an insult against Michelle Obama driving a wedge between the billionaire heiress and her family?

25 Jun 2026 - 6:00PM

Caroline Jones is in the news for her recent performance with the Zac Brown Band at the UFC Freedom 250. Photo: @carolinejones/Instagram

New poll shows eroding global trust in Trump and America

Pew survey across 36 nations found just 23 per cent of respondents had confidence in Trump to do the right thing in world affairs.

24 Jun 2026 - 2:00PMvideocam

About two-thirds of respondents had little or no confidence in Donald Trump on global affairs. Photo: Getty Images via AFP

Vance calls Iran deal a ‘win-win’ as Trump lashes out at ‘fools’ who oppose it

US Vice-President also claims Iran will not receive money or sanctions relief unless it meets the obligations outlined in agreement.

19 Jun 2026 - 6:19AMvideocam

Ex-presidents and stars gather for Obama library opening, but Trump stays away

Bush, Clinton and Biden join a star-studded event to celebrate the new ⁠museum and civic centre in Chicago.

19 Jun 2026 - 3:15PM

US judge reprimanded for having sex in chambers apologises: ‘I have no excuse’

Eleanor Ross wrote an apology letter for falsely accusing the clerk who exposed her conduct of poor work attitude.

13 Jun 2026 - 8:43AM

Then senior assistant district attorney Eleanor Ross speaks in court on February 17, 2010 in Atlanta. Photo: Atlanta Journal-Constitution/AP

Tourism

‘It’s a Trojan horse’: how the Obama Presidential Centre is dividing Chicago

The presidential museum that opens on June 19 is a bold addition to Chicago’s iconic skyline, but not all local residents are impressed.

9 Jun 2026 - 7:15PMvideocam

Is Trump calling the shots on Israel, or just pretending to?

The US president says he’s losing patience with Israel’s prime minister. Analysts say he’s just playing to the crowd.

9 Jun 2026 - 11:00PMvideocam

US judge strikes down Trump’s US$100,000 H-1B visa fee as unlawful

White House signals it will appeal ruling that eliminates an aggressive financial hurdle on H-1B visa applications.

9 Jun 2026 - 11:59AMvideocam

H-1B visa application documents. Photo: TNS

Court blocks US military removing transgender troops for now

Appeals court shields current service members from discharge while leaving wider enlisting restrictions in place.

2 Jun 2026 - 10:24AM

The Pentagon, headquarters of the US military, in Washington. File photo: AP

Powell uses JFK award speech to defend Fed from political pressure

Former Fed chair urges protection of America’s democratic institutions, warns they face a ‘stress test’.

1 Jun 2026 - 11:35AM

As I see it | Trump makes everything worse but he didn’t start it

Essays from over a decade ago show that America’s institutional decay and populist revolt predate the current US president’s rise to power.

26 May 2026 - 8:30PMvideocam

Netanyahu increasingly isolated as Trump pursues Iran peace deal

The lack of a decisive victory in the Iran war has led Trump to lose confidence in the Israeli prime minister, analysts say.

25 May 2026 - 6:48PMvideocam

US President Donald Trump points towards Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a press conference after meeting at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club on December 29, 2025. Photo: Reuters