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U.S. Seizes Venezuelan Oil Tanker Skipper, Escalating Tensions with Caracas

U.S. Seizes Venezuelan Oil Tanker Skipper, Escalating Tensions with Caracas

The United States has seized the oil tanker Skipper off the coast of Venezuela, marking a significant escalation in tensions between Washington and Caracas. The Skipper, which was carrying Venezuelan crude oil, is the first tanker to be interdicted under U.S. sanctions imposed on Venezuela since 2019. The seizure is part of a broader U.S. strategy to intercept more ships transporting Venezuelan oil, aiming to increase pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The Skipper had been involved in ship-to-ship transfers of Venezuelan crude oil to other vessels, including the Panama-flagged Neptune 6, owned by a Chinese company. This move by the U.S. is seen as an effort to disrupt a network of tankers, often referred to as the 'dark fleet,' that transport sanctioned oil from countries like Venezuela, Iran, and Russia.
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Trump's AI order faces political and legal hurdles

Trump's AI order faces political and legal hurdles

By Jody Godoy Dec 12 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump's executive order seeking to bar state laws on artificial intelligence that he says slow innovation will face political and legal opposition from states seeking to preserve their right to regulate the rapidly growing technology.
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Analysis-Contrasting views of Russia show deepening Republican split over foreign policy

Analysis-Contrasting views of Russia show deepening Republican split over foreign policy

By Jonathan Landay and Patricia Zengerle WASHINGTON, Dec 11 (Reuters) - In the past week, President Donald Trump and senior Republican lawmakers have presented starkly different views of a top U.S. national security challenge: Russia, its war in Ukraine and the threat it poses to Europe and the
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Over 30 sanctioned ships in Venezuela at risk after US tanker seizure

Over 30 sanctioned ships in Venezuela at risk after US tanker seizure

By Marianna Parraga and Jonathan Saul HOUSTON/LONDON, Dec 10 (Reuters) - More than 30 U.S.-sanctioned oil vessels doing business in Venezuela could face punishment by Washington after the Coast Guard seized a supertanker carrying Venezuelan crude for export, according to shipping data.
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Exclusive-China's ZTE may pay more than $1 billion to the US over foreign bribery allegations, sources say

Exclusive-China's ZTE may pay more than $1 billion to the US over foreign bribery allegations, sources say

Dec 10 (Reuters) - Chinese telecom equipment maker ZTE Corp may pay more than $1 billion to the U.S. government to resolve years-old allegations of foreign bribery, according to two people familiar with the matter.
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Danish Intelligence Identifies U.S. as Security Threat Amid Greenland Dispute

Danish Intelligence Identifies U.S. as Security Threat Amid Greenland Dispute

For the first time, Danish intelligence has classified the United States as a potential security threat, citing geopolitical tensions over Greenland. This development follows statements by President Trump expressing interest in acquiring Greenland, a territory of Denmark, and not ruling out the use of force. The Danish Defense Intelligence Service (DDIS) highlighted the growing U.S. interest in Greenland and the strain it has placed on diplomatic relations between Copenhagen and Washington. The report also noted that U.S. policies in Europe are perceived to strengthen adversaries like Russia and China, increasing the likelihood of hybrid attacks against NATO. The assessment underscores the broader uncertainties surrounding U.S. global priorities and its role as a security guarantor for Europe.
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US seizes oil tanker off coast of Venezuela, Trump says

US seizes oil tanker off coast of Venezuela, Trump says

By Idrees Ali, Phil Stewart and Steve Holland WASHINGTON, Dec 10 (Reuters) - The U.S. has seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, President Donald Trump said on Wednesday, a move that raised oil prices and is likely to further inflame tensions between Washington and Caracas.
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Danish Intelligence Labels U.S. Under President Trump as Security Risk, Citing Strategic Shifts

Danish Intelligence Labels U.S. Under President Trump as Security Risk, Citing Strategic Shifts

The Danish Defense Intelligence Service has classified the United States, under President Trump's administration, as a security risk. This marks a significant shift in the perception of one of Washington's closest European allies. The 2025 intelligence outlook report highlights concerns over the U.S.'s increasing prioritization of its own interests, using economic and technological power as leverage, even against allies. The report specifically mentions the U.S.'s attempts to exert control over Greenland, a Danish territory, as an example of this aggressive stance. Additionally, the report notes the growing uncertainty in U.S.-China relations, as the U.S. focuses on countering China's influence, particularly in the Pacific and Arctic regions. This strategic pivot has raised concerns about the U.S.'s commitment to European security, suggesting that European countries may need to bolster their own defenses against potential threats from Russia.
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Exclusive-India frees up visas for Chinese professionals in key step to boost ties

Exclusive-India frees up visas for Chinese professionals in key step to boost ties

NEW DELHI, Dec 12 (Reuters) - India has cut red tape to speed business visas for Chinese professionals, two officials said, a major step to boost ties between the Asian giants and end chronic delays that cost output worth billions of dollars because of scarce technicians.
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Danish intelligence report warns of US military threat under Trump

Danish intelligence report warns of US military threat under Trump

A Danish intelligence agency report has warned that the United States is using its economic power to assert its will and threaten military force against both allies and adversaries
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Bipartisan group of US lawmakers calls for export controls on synthetic DNA sequences

Bipartisan group of US lawmakers calls for export controls on synthetic DNA sequences

By Stephen Nellis SAN FRANCISCO, Dec 12 (Reuters) - A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers this week introduced bills that would require U.S. firms to obtain a license before exporting sequences of synthetic DNA.
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Major automakers say China poses 'clear and present threat' to US auto industry

Major automakers say China poses 'clear and present threat' to US auto industry

By David Shepardson WASHINGTON, Dec 11 - Major automakers on Thursday urged Washington to prevent Chinese government-backed automakers and battery manufacturers from opening U.S. manufacturing plants, warning the industry's future is at stake.