US steps up pushback against China across Latin America

IANS | June 3, 2026 7:43 AM

Washington, June 3 (IANS) US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the United States is intensifying efforts to counter China's expanding influence across Latin America, arguing that decades of American neglect allowed Beijing to establish a significant presence in sectors ranging from ports and telecommunications to critical minerals and infrastructure.

Rubio says China has not aided Iran in conflict

IANS | June 3, 2026 7:36 AM

Washington, June 3 (IANS) US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the United States has seen no evidence of China providing military assistance to Iran during the ongoing regional crisis, while urging Beijing to support international efforts aimed at restoring freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

China's Belt and Road Initiative faces new US pushback

IANS | June 3, 2026 7:33 AM

Washington, June 3 (IANS) Two Republican lawmakers have introduced legislation aimed at countering China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), arguing that Beijing is using infrastructure financing and investment deals to expand its economic and strategic influence around the world.

Rubio says Hamas disarmament key to Gaza rebuild

IANS | June 3, 2026 7:29 AM

Washington, June 3 (IANS) US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that reconstruction of Gaza cannot move forward unless Hamas is demilitarised, arguing that governments and investors will not commit billions of dollars to rebuilding the territory while the militant group retains military capabilities.

Trump's DNI pick sparks Capitol Hill storm

IANS | June 3, 2026 7:27 AM

Washington, June 3 (IANS) US President Donald Trump's appointment of Bill Pulte as Acting Director of National Intelligence triggered a sharp political clash on Capitol Hill, with top Democrats questioning his qualifications while Republicans largely deferred judgment and pointed to the temporary nature of the move.

Rubio defends aid cuts, says US aid now ‘faster’

IANS | June 3, 2026 7:23 AM

Washington, June 3 (IANS) US Secretary of State Marco Rubio vigorously defended the Trump administration's restructuring of US foreign assistance programmes, rejecting Democratic criticism that cuts to aid and the dismantling of parts of the foreign aid bureaucracy have weakened America's global influence and contributed to humanitarian suffering.

US DHS chief clashes with Democrats on court rulings

IANS | June 3, 2026 7:20 AM

Washington, June 3 (IANS) US Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin repeatedly clashed with Democratic senators over immigration enforcement, court orders and the rule of law, exposing deep divisions over the Trump administration's handling of border security and deportation policies.

US visa delay threatens 2,000 foreign students

IANS | June 3, 2026 7:17 AM

Washington, June 3 (IANS) A New Hampshire university could lose as many as 2,000 international graduate students unless the Department of Homeland Security quickly approves a pending application tied to a new doctoral programme, prompting lawmakers to press the Trump administration for urgent action.