China has cautioned that it will respond forcefully against any government deepening ties with the US, insisting its own strategic interests must be safeguarded and hinting at countermeasures should isolationist policies prevail, while the PM stays firmly set on cooperation with Western partners.

Analysts voice alarm over global market instability and shifting economic policies, prompting concerns that protracted trade disputes could curb business confidence this year.

A recent defence evaluation highlights the urgent need to bolster capabilities in the far north, citing climate factors, resource competition and technological advances as key drivers for increased strategic focus.

Wall Street banks reported US$37bn in first-quarter trading revenues as volatility linked to Washington’s administration spurred increased investor activity, marking their strongest performance in a decade.