While You Were Sleeping: 5 stories you might have missed, July 23, 2025
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US President Donald Trump (centre) meeting Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr (left) at the White House on July 22.
PHOTO: EPA
Trump may travel to China to meet Xi soon
US President Donald Trump said on July 22 that he may visit China soon for a landmark trip to address simmering trade and security tensions between the superpower rivals.
“President Xi has invited me to China, and we’ll probably be doing that in the not-too-distant future,” Mr Trump told reporters in the White House’s Oval Office.
“A little bit out, but not too distant. And I’ve been invited by a lot of people, and we’ll make those decisions pretty soon.”
Mr Trump and Mr Xi’s aides have discussed a potential meeting between the leaders during a trip by the US president to Asia later this year, Reuters has reported, citing two people familiar with the plans.
US will charge 19% tariff on goods from Philippines
US President Donald Trump on July 22 announced a new 19 per cent tariff rate for goods from the Philippines after what he called a “beautiful visit” by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to the White House, saying US goods would pay zero tariffs.
Mr Trump posted the news on his Truth Social media platform after meeting with Mr Marcos in the Oval Office, where he had signalled a deal could be reached during the visit.
“It was a beautiful visit, and we concluded our Trade Deal, whereby The Philippines is going OPEN MARKET with the United States, and ZERO Tariffs. The Philippines will pay a 19 per cent Tariff,” Mr Trump said, calling Mr Marcos a “very good and tough negotiator”.
France’s Foreign Minister visits Ukraine front line
France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot on July 22 visited Ukraine’s north-eastern front-line region of Kharkiv, where Russia launched a new offensive in 2024.
With a small group of journalists including AFP, Mr Barrot walked through the centre of Kharkiv, which is under constant fire from the Russian forces located some 30km away.
“Russia isn’t only leading its war of aggression on the front line. It also deliberately targets civilians, residential areas and businesses to undermine Ukrainian morale,” Mr Barrot said, standing on a rooftop overlooking the city, from where ruined offices and residential buildings could be seen.
Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne dies aged 76
Ozzy Osbourne, frontman of 1970s heavy metal band Black Sabbath, earned his infamy biting the head off a bat on stage and pursuing a drug-fuelled lifestyle before reinventing himself as a loveable if often foul-mouthed reality TV star.
Known to fans as “The Prince of Darkness” and the “Godfather of Heavy Metal,” Osbourne has died at the age of 76, the BBC reported, citing a family statement.
The hell-raising singer, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2019, passed away just over two weeks after playing a farewell concert in his home city of Birmingham, England.
England beat Italy to reach Women’s Euro final
PHOTO: REUTERS
Chloe Kelly fired home the rebound from her own penalty to net the winner as England pulled off a stunning comeback to beat Italy 2-1 after extra time on July 22 and reach the Women’s European Championship final.
England, who fell behind in the first half but hit back to level in second-half stoppage time, had the better of the chances in extra time, and when Emma Severini pulled down Beth Mead in the box, Kelly grabbed the chance to decide the game.
He first effort was saved but she fired home the rebound to send them through to the final where they will face either Spain or Germany.
