Murad rejects new province claims, rules out viole…

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has warned that any military or economic conflict between the United States and China would have devastating consequences for both countries and the wider world, stressing the importance of carefully managing relations between the two global powers. Speaking during a televised interview, Rubio said the relationship between Washington and Beijing remains one of the most significant challenges in international diplomacy. He cautioned that a direct confrontation between the world’s two largest economies would create severe political, economic and security consequences far beyond their borders. Rubio said the United States must continue protecting its national interests while avoiding actions that could trigger a major conflict. He described balancing competition with stability as one of the most difficult responsibilities of foreign policy. His remarks come as strategic rivalry between the United States and China continues to deepen across multiple sectors, including trade, technology, security and global influence. Economic tensions have remained high in recent years, with both countries imposing restrictions on each other’s industries. The United States has expanded trade measures and tightened controls on several Chinese products and technologies, citing national security concerns. Washington has also introduced new restrictions on advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence and robotics, as part of broader efforts to protect sensitive industries and limit the transfer of critical technologies. China has strongly criticised these measures, calling them unfair and unilateral. Beijing has repeatedly opposed US trade restrictions and warned that it could respond with countermeasures to protect its economic interests. Competition between the two countries has also intensified in the field of artificial intelligence, where both sides have exchanged allegations over technology development and intellectual property. Beyond economic and technological issues, both nations continue to strengthen their global influence through different diplomatic strategies. While the United States has focused on reinforcing partnerships with regional allies, China has expanded its engagement with developing countries and strengthened ties with nations across the Global South. Analysts believe that despite growing competition, both Washington and Beijing recognise the importance of maintaining communication to prevent tensions from escalating into open conflict.

Yemen’s Houthi movement is attempting to replicate Iran’s strategy in the Strait of Hormuz by disrupting maritime traffic through the Bab el-Mandeb strait, Yemeni Foreign Minister-designate Afrah al-Zouba warned on Monday. Speaking to reporters at the Yemeni Embassy in Riyadh, al-Zouba stated that an insufficient international response has emboldened the group to pursue control over critical Red Sea shipping corridors. The Red Sea has emerged as a major flashpoint following escalations linked to the broader regional conflict involving Iran. The Houthis have intensified operations against Saudi Arabia by launching drone and missile strikes and announcing a blockade on Saudi-bound shipping. In response, Saudi Arabia has conducted airstrikes targeting Houthi military positions and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting commercial maritime routes. The surge in hostilities threatens to unravel the fragile truce established in 2022, raising concerns among diplomats and officials over a potential return to full-scale war in Yemen. Al-Zouba confirmed that while military skirmishes persist along frontline positions stretching from the Red Sea to the Saudi border, neither side has launched a major ground offensive. She emphasised that the internationally recognised government is prepared for further escalation, asserting that the conflict must ultimately be resolved either diplomatically or by force.