South Korea’s Lee at White House for talks after Trump blasts the US ally

South Korea’s new President, Lee Jae Myung, arrived at the White House on Aug 25 for talks hours after US President Donald Trump criticised Seoul and as conflict over defense spending and trade tests the two countries’ decades-old alliance.

The leaders were gearing up for their first summit when Mr Trump criticised the South Korean government over its handling of investigations related to his conservative predecessor’s December attempt to impose martial law.

The remarks cast a dark mood over high-stakes talks for Mr Lee, who took office in June following a snap election that followed Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment and removal.

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Trump says likely to visit China this year or soon after

REUTERS

US President Donald Trump said Aug 25 that he expects to visit China this year or shortly afterwards, noting that economic ties between the two countries have improved – even as he kept the door open to steeper tariffs.

Speaking to reporters as he met South Korean President Lee Jae Myung in Washington, Mr Trump pointed to recent talks with Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping: “At some point, probably during this year or shortly thereafter, we’ll go to China.”

“We’re going to have a great relationship with China,” Mr Trump vowed.

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Syria says Israel takes some territory around Mount Hermon despite talks

via REUTERS

Syria said on Aug 25 that Israel had sent 60 soldiers to take control of an area inside the Syrian border around Mount Hermon, saying the operation violated its sovereignty and posed a further threat to regional security.

Israel did not immediately comment on the accusation by Syria’s foreign ministry, which comes as the two countries engage in US-mediated talks on de-escalating their conflict in southern Syria. Damascus hopes to reach a security arrangement that could eventually pave the way for broader political talks.

Aug 25’s incident took place near a strategic hilltop that overlooks Beit Jinn, an area of southern Syria close to the border with Lebanon, the ministry said. Israel also arrested six Syrians there, according to residents in the area.

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Neymar sidelined again as Brazil prepare for final World Cup qualifiers

REUTERS

Neymar will miss Brazil’s final two World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Bolivia next week, extending his absence from international duty to nearly two years.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti left the Santos star out of his 23-man squad announced on Aug 25, citing a minor leg muscle injury sustained last week as the reason for his latest omission. Brazil have already secured their place at the 2026 World Cup.

The former Barcelona and Paris St Germain striker has not donned the famous yellow jersey since October 2023, when he suffered serious knee ligament injuries that have plagued his comeback attempts.

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Lil Nas X pleads not guilty to felony charges of assaulting police

via REUTERS

Grammy-winning musician Lil Nas X pleaded not guilty on Aug 25 to four felony charges after police say he assaulted officers who approached the singer while he was found wandering the streets of Los Angeles in his underwear.

A Los Angeles judge set bail at US$75,000 (S$96,479) and said the Old Town Road singer must attend Narcotics Anonymous meetings. Police said they believed Lil Nas X was using drugs at the time of the incident.

His attorney, Christy O’Connor, however, said the singer was not taking illegal drugs and that the episode was an aberration in his life.

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