US-China Ties Fray as Beijing Defies Sanctions Threats

China has rejected US President Donald Trump's threats of 'tremendous economic consequences' over its business ties with Iran. The US had warned countries that continue to trade with Tehran would face severe penalties, but China sees this as an empty threat.

Beijing buys around 90% of Iran's oil exports and has continued to defy Western sanctions by shipping Iranian oil despite restrictions through the Strait of Hormuz.

This move is seen as a test for Trump's ability to enforce his economic policies, which have already been strained with China after last year's trade war.

Meanwhile, Botswana has cracked down on efforts to recruit its citizens to fight in Russia's conflict against Ukraine. The government revealed that eight of its citizens were recently stopped from being recruited at airports in three countries.

The African nation has identified 22 of its citizens who have been successfully recruited into fighting, often under false pretenses and with promises of high-paying jobs and hefty signing bonuses.