A massive earthquake of magnitude 7.7 hit central Myanmar. Reports coming into The Economist from Mandalay, in the centre of the war-torn country, suggested that at least one bridge had collapsed and that many buildings were ablaze. At least 20 people died and dozens more were injured. It was also strongly felt in Bangkok in neighboring Thailand, where a skyscraper collapsed and over 90 people are trapped under rubble. Thai authorities declared a state of emergency in the city.
Ukraine said a proposed minerals deal with America is not final, after a leaked summary showed the country demanding all resource income until wartime aid is repaid, with no future security guarantees. Mr Zelensky warned that he would not sign a deal that impoverishes Ukraine. Earlier Vladimir Putin called for Ukraine’s government to be replaced by a “transitional administration” under the United Nations’ supervision.
Israel launched a drone strike in Beirut’s southern suburbs after issuing an evacuation warning—the first since it agreed a ceasefire in November with Hizbullah. The strike targeted a building linked to the militant group. Israel also hit targets in south Lebanon after intercepting a rocket, though Hizbullah denied firing it.
Mark Carney declared that Canada’s “old relationship” with America, based on close economic ties and security co-operation, was “over”. The new Canadian prime minister’s remarks came in response to Donald Trump’s tariffs, which are due to come into effect from April 2nd. Mr Carney added that Canada must “pivot our trade relationships elsewhere”. Currently, more than 75% of its exports go to America.
Xi Jinping, China’s president, met more than 40 foreign chief executives in Beijing. He urged them to resist “regressive” trade actions and help stabilise global supply chains. Mr Xi pitched China as a champion of open markets and promised better treatment for foreign firms operating in the country. Tensions are rising between China and America, which plans new tariffs in April.
Stockmarkets in Asia dropped, as investors concerned about American tariffs sold shares in the region’s carmakers. The share price of Japan’s Toyota fell by 3% in morning trading; that of South Korea’s Hyundai dipped by 4.2%. America’s imminent introduction of a 25% levy on all foreign vehicles had already contributed to falls in American stockmarkets on Thursday.
Turkish authorities detained a lawyer for Ekrem Imamoglu, a popular opposition leader who was jailed on Sunday. Mr Imamoglu condemned the arrest and demanded his lawyer’s immediate release. More than 1,800 people have been detained since mass protests erupted last week. Marco Rubio, America’s secretary of state, said he had raised concerns about the crackdown with Turkey’s foreign minister.
Figure of the day: 458, the number of elephant statues in the opulent Eisenhower Lounge of the Capitol Hill Club, a gathering spot for Washington’s Republican elite. Read the full story.
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