Trump Arrives in Canada for G7 Summit Amid Global TensionsPresident Donald Trump arrived in Canada on Sunday for the Group of 7 summit, marking his first major international leaders’ gathering since beginning his second term in January. Over the three-day summit, Trump will engage with the leaders of the world’s seven advanced economies to tackle pressing economic challenges and escalating geopolitical crises, particularly in the Middle East given the recent escalation to direct conflict between Israel and Iran.

A group of local leaders greeted the president at Calgary International Airport in Alberta. Alberta, a conservative, oil-rich province, is an intriguing choice for the summit, given an upcoming 2026 referendum on its potential separation from Canada. The leaders’ summit, which marks the 50th anniversary of the G7, will be held in Kananaskis, nestled in the Canadian Rockies, from June 15 to June 17.

The group comprises the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the European Union, representing more than half of global GDP. This year’s gathering unfolds against the backdrop of active conflict between Israel and Iran, with both countries exchanging strikes for a third consecutive day as of June 15. (More)

Taiwan Blacklists China’s Huawei, SMIC Amid Escalating US–China Semiconductor RaceTaiwan is imposing new export restrictions on Huawei Technologies and Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp. (SMIC), dealing a major blow to communist China’s ambition to advance its domestic chipmaking industry and challenge global leaders like Nvidia.

Taiwan’s International Trade Administration on June 15 said it has updated its Strategic High-Tech Commodities Entity List to include Huawei and SMIC, the two companies spearheading the Chinese regime’s efforts to develop high-end chips needed for artificial intelligence technologies. “To combat arms proliferation and address other national security concerns, a total of 601 entities involved in arms proliferation activities were added to the list released on June 10, including Russia, Pakistan, Iran, Myanmar, and mainland China, including Chinese companies such as Huawei and SMIC,” the administration said in a statement.

Taiwanese companies must get government approval before they can ship anything to entities on the list, according to the administration. The move aligns Taiwan more closely with the United States’ strategy of tightening restrictions on the transfer of semiconductor technology, tools, and materials to China. (More)