On today's podcast:

1) Trump Targets China With Biggest Salvo So Far in Second Term The Trump administration took aim at China with a series of moves involving investment, trade and other issues that raises the risk ties may soon worsen between the US and its top economic rival. In recent days, President Donald Trump has rolled out a memorandum telling a key government committee to curb Chinese spending on tech, energy and other strategic American sectors. The administration also called on Mexican officials to place their own levies on Chinese imports – a move that comes after some firms from the Asian nation shifted production to the US neighbor to avoid duties the Republican enacted in his first term.

2) Merz Wins Chance to Fix Germany and Steer EU Through Trump Era Germany’s next chancellor faces a daunting list of challenges to revive his country’s fortunes — but the rest of Europe is looking to him for leadership too. After his election win on Sunday, Friedrich Merz is set to take charge of Europe’s biggest economy with the US defense umbrella looking shakier than any time since the NATO alliance was founded and Donald Trump is discussing the continent’s security with Vladimir Putin.

3) Federal Agencies Tell Workers to Pause Reply to Musk Threat Several US government agencies have advised their employees to ignore for now a demand from Elon Musk’s government efficiency office to justify their jobs or face dismissal. The Pentagon and Department of Justice have told workers to pause on replying to the Trump administration’s email, citing potential legal pitfalls and agency autonomy.

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