US imposes high tariffs on Chinese goods; Former Malaysian Prime Minister faces money laundering charges

Malaysia's new attorney general Tommy Thomas said his office is exploring possible civil and criminal charges against former prime minister Najib Razak after receiving investigation documents into the 1MDB fund from the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

Mr Najib could be charged with misappropriation of property under the Malaysian Penal Code. If convicted, Najib could face up to five years in prison, a fine and caning.

However, the law also prohibits beating people over 50 years old, and Najib is 64. Any court ruling will depend on the crime and the amount of money taken.

According to the source, Mr. Najib also faces money laundering charges, which could carry a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison and a fine of five times the amount laundered. The attorney general will decide whether to accept the recommendation for charges or call for further investigation.

US imposes high tariffs on more than 800 imported goods from China

On June 15, US President Donald Trump announced a list of Chinese goods (including 818 product categories) worth a total of 50 billion USD that will be subject to a 25% tax rate, accusing Beijing of violating intellectual property rights. The new tax rate will take effect from July 6. US President Donald Trump also warned that additional taxes will be imposed if China takes retaliatory measures.

In a statement, President Trump stressed: "The United States cannot continue to ignore the theft of our technology and intellectual property through unfair economic regulations."

Minutes after the US President's announcement, China said it would immediately respond with equivalent tariffs to protect its economy.

Syrian President makes rare appearance outside capital Damascus

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad appears at the Sayyida Khadija mosque in the city of Tartus

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad attended a mosque in the country's west on Friday offering prayers marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan, in one of the few images of him outside Damascus.

President Assad offers Eid al-Fitr prayers at the Sayyida Khadija mosque in the city of Tartus, marking the end of the Muslim holy month. The president is joined by Syria's religious affairs minister and top cleric.

Assad has rarely appeared in public outside Damascus since the Syrian conflict erupted more than six years ago.

President Moon Jae-in's approval rating hits record high

President Moon Jae-in's approval rating is at a record high. Source: Time

South Korean radio and television stations on June 15 cited the results of a public opinion survey conducted by the Gallup Institute, saying that up to 79% of respondents positively evaluated President Moon Jae-in's national governance, an increase of 4% compared to two weeks ago.

Among voters who gave a positive assessment, 28% cited President Moon Jae-in’s policies toward North Korea, his security policies, and his diplomatic activities that helped resume dialogue with Pyongyang. Meanwhile, voters gave a negative assessment, citing the president’s failure to resolve economic and social issues, relations with North Korea, and raising the minimum wage.

Euro continues to lose value after ECB's announcement to postpone interest rate hike

Euro. Source: AFP/VNA

Euro selling spread across Asian markets on June 15 after the European Central Bank (ECB) said it would delay raising interest rates for at least another year.

The common currency was hit hard by the ECB's announcement on June 14, in which the institution downgraded its growth outlook for the Eurozone due to rising protectionism and concerns about the global trade situation.

US claims to have killed Taliban leader in Pakistan

• Fazlullah (center), leader of the Taliban in Pakistan since 2013 - Photo: EPA/Al-Jazeera

On June 14, the US military said it had carried out an airstrike targeting a senior Taliban fighter in Kunar province, northeast of Afghanistan, near the Pakistan border. A US official also said the target was believed to be Fazlullah.

On June 15, the Afghan Ministry of Defense announced that Fazlullah had indeed been killed in a US airstrike. The Pakistani Foreign Ministry also confirmed the gunman's death, while the Pakistani Taliban did not comment.

Tensions continue over Macedonia's name

A protest in Macedonia. Photo: Reuters

Macedonian President Gjorge Ivanov has said he will veto a historic deal reached with Greece to resolve the country's name dispute.

Under the agreement signed by the two prime ministers on June 13, Macedonia will officially change its name to the Republic of North Macedonia. The agreement will only take effect once it is approved by the parliaments of both countries. However, President Ivanov and the opposition party have strongly criticized it, and thousands of people have protested loudly in the capital Skopje, according to Reuters.

In Greece, Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras was also harshly condemned “for signing an unfavorable agreement” and the opposition asked parliament to vote no confidence in him.

Book about birds sells for $9.65 million

The book has just been auctioned. Photo: Reuters

Christie's auction house said the first edition of the famous book "The Birds of America" ​​was just successfully sold in New York (USA) for up to 9.65 million USD (220 billion VND).

The book, published by John James Audubon in 1827-1838, features drawings of more than 1,037 American bird species. The book was colored after printing and only about 120 copies remain, of which only 13 are in private hands.

The book measures 99 x 66 cm and features life-size images of birds, including six species that are now extinct.