International
Blinken asks China not to “help” Russia with the supply of Defense components
The US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, asked Beijing this Friday not to “help Russia” and not to provide it with components that could be used in its war against Ukraine.
“I have made it clear in the meetings that China cannot help Russia by providing electronic, mechanical, electromechanical components and other types of Defense technology,” Blinken said at a press conference at the end of his visit to the Asian country, during which he met today with his counterpart, Wang Yi, and with the country’s president, Xi Jinping.
The diplomat told Russia “it will be difficult for him to maintain his military effort without the help of China and did not rule out with sanctions Chinese companies that provide equipment to Moscow.
Since the outset of the war in Ukraine, China has maintained an ambiguous position within which it has asked for respect for “the territorial integrity of all countries,” including Ukraine, and attention to the “legitimate concerns of all countries,” in reference to Russia.
Likewise, Beijing has denied that it has sold weapons to Russia and assures that it maintains a “normal” trade relationship with Moscow.
However, US officials have warned in recent weeks that Chinese companies are helping the Russian arms industry by selling equipment that could be used for the production of ballistic missiles.
“It’s about defending the security of Ukraine but also that of the whole of Europe,” Blinken said when referring to this issue, which threatens to tarnish relations between Washington and Beijing despite the fact that, according to the American, “relations have made progress in recent months.”
Thus, Blinken welcomed the re-establishment of communications between the military or in the fight against narcotics, and indicated that, in their meetings with Wang, both bet on “strengthening the lines of communication” to “address differences responsibly and thus avoid misperceptions or miscalculation.”
The American diplomat also pointed out that both countries will hold their first talks on Artificial Intelligence in the coming weeks “because of the security risks it entails” and that the two countries are willing to increase exchanges “to improve understanding.”
Blinken also referred to the South China Sea, and assured that the United States has to “guarantee freedom of navigation,” something that “is not only critical for countries such as the Philippines but for any other nation in the Pacific and the world.”
“We have shown our concern about China’s maneuvers in that sea. The United States seeks a de-escalation, but will maintain its security commitments,” he said in reference to the mutual defense treaty between Washington and Manila.
Blinken also said that he transferred Wang Yi that he hopes that China can “use its influence” in countries such as Iran or North Korea so that they show a willingness to dialogue on regional issues.
Central America
Senator Van Hollen Meets with Deported MS-13 Member in El Salvador; Trump and Bukele React
U.S. Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen, representing the state of Maryland, held a meeting in El Salvador with deported MS-13 gang member Kilmar Ábrego García, a member of the criminal group classified by the U.S. government as a terrorist organization.
“Kilmar Ábrego García, miraculously resurrected from the ‘extermination camps’ and ‘torture chambers,’ now sipping margaritas with Senator Van Hollen in the tropical paradise of El Salvador!” wrote President Nayib Bukeleon X (formerly Twitter), sharing photos of Van Hollen, Ábrego García, and a lawyer sitting together at a Salvadoran hotel.
The deported gang member is seen wearing a plaid shirt and a flat-brimmed cap, seated at a table with glasses and coffee cups. The senator also shared images of the meeting on his own social media accounts.
Bukele reaffirmed that Ábrego will remain in El Salvador and will not be returned to the United States.
“Now that his health has been confirmed, he has earned the honor of remaining under the custody of El Salvador,” Bukele added.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump criticized the senator’s meeting with Ábrego on Truth Social, calling Van Hollen “a fool” for advocating for Ábrego’s return to the U.S.
International
Pope Francis Appears for Easter Blessing, Calls for Peace and Religious Freedom
Pope Francis, still recovering from pneumonia, appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican on Easter Sunday and, with a faint voice, wished a “Happy Easter” to the thousands of faithful gathered to celebrate the Resurrection of Christ.
A month after being discharged from a lengthy hospital stay, the presence of the 88-year-old pontiff had remained uncertain, with the Vatican not confirming his attendance ahead of time.
Eventually, the pope made a brief appearance in a wheelchair shortly after 12:00 p.m. (10:00 GMT) to deliver his traditional “Urbi et Orbi” blessing (“to the city and to the world”).
Although no longer wearing an oxygen cannula, the Argentine Jesuit relied on a close aide to read his Easter message, which touched on major global conflicts.
Francis condemned the “dramatic and unworthy humanitarian crisis” in Gaza and called for a ceasefire, while also expressing concern over the “growing climate of antisemitism spreading across the globe.”
He further emphasized the importance of religious freedom and freedom of thought, stating that without mutual respect, “peace is not possible.”
International
Thousands rally nationwide against Trump’s threat to U.S. democracy
Thousands of protesters gathered on Saturday (April 19, 2025) in major cities like New York and Washington, as well as in small communities across the United States, in a second wave of demonstrations against President Donald Trump. The crowds denounced what they view as growing threats to the country’s democratic ideals.
In New York City, demonstrators of all ages rallied in front of the Public Library near Trump Tower, holding signs accusing the president of undermining democratic institutions and judicial independence.
Many protesters also criticized Trump’s hardline immigration policies, including mass deportations and raids targeting undocumented migrants.
“Democracy is in grave danger,” said Kathy Valyi, 73, the daughter of Holocaust survivors. She told AFP that the stories her parents shared about Adolf Hitler’s rise to power in 1930s Germany “are happening here now.”
In Washington, demonstrators voiced concern over what they see as Trump’s disregard for long-standing constitutional norms, such as the right to due process.
Senator Van Hollen Meets with Deported MS-13 Member in El Salvador; Trump and Bukele React
Pope Francis Appears for Easter Blessing, Calls for Peace and Religious Freedom
Thousands rally nationwide against Trump’s threat to U.S. democracy
Tec de Monterrey honors one of its students for his contribution to nanotechnology in medicine
Defense Minister commends salvadoran soldier for Central American Cross Country victory
Extension of the state of emergency approved in southern Chile
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