NEW: The Chinese military said on Wednesday evening it had completed all designated exercises around Taiwan, in a social media post from the Eastern Theater Command.

Source: Reuters

A high-ranking commander within the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO) has urged immediate intervention from regional and international organizations to facilitate the release of First Vice President Riek Machar, issuing a warning of potential military intervention should the matter remain unresolved.

Pursuant to President Salva Kiir Mayardit's directive, Machar, head of the principal armed opposition faction, was put under house arrest by security forces on March 26.

Source: Sudan Post

NEW: The three Americans had their sentences commuted to life imprisonment ahead of an expected visit by a Trump official.

A spokeswoman for the Democratic Republic of Congo's president announced the reduction of sentence for three American citizens sentenced to death over a failed coup attempt.

Congo has been seeking American support against neighboring Rwanda and the M23 rebel militia that it directs and arms. Congo's president, Félix Tshisekedi, has offered the United States a stake in his country's vast mineral wealth in return for help.

Trump tariffs would hit lower-income Americans hardest

Trump's new tariffs will hit lower-income Americans. According to an analysis by the Yale Budget Lab:

• Low-income households could see a 5.5% drop in disposable income if other countries retaliate with tariffs of their own.

• In comparison, the wealthiest households would see a 2.1% decrease, though in absolute dollar terms, they still bear a larger burden due to higher spending.

• For middle-income families, the average annual cost of the tariffs is about $3,800, while for top earners it could reach $9,500.

Despite promises to lower inflation, Trump's trade war risks raising the cost of everyday goods—from food and clothes to electronics and cars—across the board. The tariffs are expected to significantly influence both U.S. inflation and economic growth.

Source: Axios

Aliyev: Peace Deal Ready, Ball in Armenia’s Court

Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev says the peace treaty with Armenia is fully agreed upon but awaits action from Yerevan.

Key demands of Azerbaijan:
• Dissolution of the OSCE Minsk Group
• Removal of territorial claims from Armenia’s constitution
(Specifically, the clause referencing the unification of Azerbaijani territory with Armenia)

“Our terms are clear and longstanding. If Armenia truly wants peace, it must meet these two legitimate conditions. The ball is in their court.”

Just in case if you missed it👆

U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson on tariffs:

You have to trust the President’s instincts on the economy.

European Tourists Shun U.S.

European travelers are increasingly avoiding trips to the U.S., citing political tensions and stricter border policies under President Trump.

• Booking Drop: Accor SA reports a 25% decline in summer bookings from Europe to the U.S., up from an 18–20% drop earlier this year.

• Traveler Concerns: Reports of tourist detentions and fears of hostility at U.S. borders have created a “bad buzz” among travelers.

• Shift in Destinations: Many are choosing Canada, South America, or Egypt instead.

Polish Foreign Minister Sikorski:

Poland will not send troops to Ukraine, as Russia might interpret it as an attempt by Warsaw to seize Ukrainian territory.

We don’t want to give them that pretext.

Canada's Ontario Premier Doug Ford:

We would take tariffs to zero if Trump ended his tariff war. And we told him this.

Trump Lawyer Explores Third-Term Possibility

Donald Trump’s attorney, Boris Epshteyn, has reportedly looked into legal options for Trump to run for a third presidential term, despite the 22nd Amendment banning more than two.

• In 2023, Epshteyn suggested Trump could possibly run in 2028, even if he wins in 2024.

• Some legal theorists have floated unconventional scenarios, but these are highly disputed and not widely accepted.

• Trump hasn’t ruled it out, saying he’s been encouraged by supporters but called talk of a third term premature.

Source: WSJ

The YPG/PKK-linked SDF has withdrawn from the Tishrin Dam, east of Aleppo, in accordance with a prior agreement reached with the newly formed Syrian Arab government.

YPG/PKK-linked SDF has withdrawn from the Tishrin Dam east of Aleppo as per an agreement with the new Syrian government.

BREAKING: Following a declaration of a one-month ceasefire by revolutionary armed resistance groups, the Myanmar military has announced a temporary ceasefire today, effective immediately until April 22, 2025, to support earthquake rescue efforts.

The foreign ministers of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger will visit Moscow tomorrow. Sahel nations and Russia seek to strengthen ties, the three African countries' foreign ministries said in a joint statement.

"The Moscow meeting represents an important step in establishing strategic, pragmatic, dynamic and supportive cooperation and partnership relations in areas of common interest between the Confederation of Sahel States (AES)and Russia," the ministries said.

The United States has added 4 individuals, 3 legal entities, and one dry cargo ship to the sanctions lists against Russia.