Latest news for 5 June 2025

UNITED STATES

Trump imposes travel ban on 12 countries.

The US President announced on Wednesday he had signed a travel ban on nationals from 12 countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, and Haiti, citing national security concerns. An additional seven countries, including Venezuela and Cuba, will face additional travel restrictions. The ban is scheduled to take effect next Monday. (BBC)

Comment: Like the travel ban issued during Trump 1.0, the latest order is likely to be challenged in the courts.

EUROPEAN UNION

EU official presses Beijing to loosen rare earth curbs.

The EU trade commissioner pressed the Chinese commerce minister about loosening Beijing’s export restrictions on rare earth minerals and magnets, following outcry from the bloc’s automotive industry. The European Association of Automotive Suppliers (CLEPA) recently warned that the restrictions have “led to the shutdown of several production lines and plants across Europe”. (CNN)

CHINA

Government media unveils details on nuclear weapon.

Chinese state media has shared detailed information about the DF-5 intercontinental ballistic missile, including its maximum range of 12,000km (7,460 mi) and precision threshold of 500m. The announcement took many by surprise as Beijing is usually sensitive about sharing information about its defence capabilities. (SCMP)

Comment: As ever, timing is key. These details were shared days after US Defense Secretary Hegseth accused China of posing a “threat” to the region, which tells you a lot about the message China wants to send in return.

INDIA

Modi to visit Kashmir for first time since India-Pakistan spat.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to travel to Indian-administered Kashmir this week to announce a new ‘strategic railway’ in the contested region. This is the first time the Indian leader has visited Kashmir since last month’s clashes with Pakistan. (Barron’s)Comment: This might be obvious, but Modi’s visit has very little to do with trains and everything to do with demonstrating India’s tight security control of Kashmir and its intention to further develop the region to its advantage.

MEXICO

Ship carrying EVs catches fire in the Pacific.

A Mexico-bound ship carrying ~3,000 cars, including 800 EVs, was evacuated after it caught fire in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. There have been a number of similar incidents involving ships carrying EVs as cargo in recent years, raising concerns about the safety of the batteries transported aboard. (Bloomberg $)

GERMANY

City evacuates 20,000 after WWII bombs found.

The city of Cologne evacuated over 20,000 people from the city centre after three unexploded WWII ordnances were found in a shipyard. Finding unexploded Allied bombs in Germany is not uncommon, but authorities warned the explosives were particularly large. (BBC)

IVORY COAST

Former Credit Suisse boss barred from election.

Tidjane Thiam, the former Credit Suisse AG Chief Executive Officer, has been barred from running as the main opposition candidate in the country’s upcoming elections. Several other opposition candidates have been barred, in a move that appears to benefit incumbent President Alassane Ouattara and his re-election bid. (Reuters)

Comment: Ivory Coast is the world’s biggest cocoa producer. That doesn’t have much to do with the story, but chocolate is always important.