• China said it “firmly opposes” a potential forced sale of social video app TikTok as the United States mulls a ban of the app over surveillance and data privacy concerns. (Financial Times) TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew told a congressional committee that he is addressing concerns by moving U.S. user data to facilities in the United States overseen by American personnel, but lawmakers appeared skeptical of such steps. (Financial Times)
• U.S. President Joe Biden and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reached a deal that will allow Ottawa to turn back asylum seekers from entering at an informal border crossing from New York in exchange for providing a legal refugee program for 15,000 migrants fleeing violence and economic collapse in Latin America — lessening the pressure of illegal crossings into the United States from Mexico. (The New York Times) The two leaders are expected to continue their summit today with discussions of how to address political chaos in Haiti, but American hopes of a Canadian-led intervention are unlikely to bear fruit. (The New York Times)
• Syrian and Saudi officials say the two countries are close to sealing an agreement to normalize relations in talks mediated by Russia, which could mark an important milestone in Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s incipient political rehabilitation. It also marks an unexpected diplomatic coup for Russia, and underlines a shift in Middle East geopolitics following China’s brokering of a deal between Saudi Arabia and Iran to restore diplomatic ties. (The Wall Street Journal)
• China threatened “serious consequences” after a United States Navy destroyer sailed around the disputed Paracel Islands in the South China Sea for the second day in a row, with Beijing claiming a violation of its sovereignty. (The Associated Press)

Happening today (all times Eastern):

• 2 p.m. Biden addresses the Canadian parliament following talks with Trudeau on his first trip to Canada as president. 

How bad are the current market jitters?

The Economist

As Zelensky Visits Kherson, World Bank Says Ukraine Needs $411 Billion to Rebuild

Enjoli Liston et al., The New York Times 

The bank released a significantly higher figure as European Union leaders approved plans to provide Kyiv with one million artillery shells over the next 12 months.

Track and Field Keeps Ban on Russia and Belarus, Adding to Debate on Olympics

Matthew Futterman, The New York Times 

Another similar ban by the council that oversees ice hockey shows the issue has not waned.

India’s parliament disqualifies opposition leader Rahul Gandhi

Shivam Patel, Reuters 

India’s parliament on Friday disqualified opposition Congress party leader Rahul Gandhi as a lawmaker after a lower court found him guilty of defamation and sentenced him to two years in prison, according to a parliament notice.

Russia cannot meet arms delivery commitments because of war, Indian Air Force says

Krishn Kaushik, Reuters 

Russia is unable to deliver vital defence supplies it had committed to India’s military because of the war in Ukraine, the Indian Air Force (IAF) says.

North Korea Threatens ‘Radioactive Tsunami’ With New Underwater Drone

Dasl Yoon, The Wall Street Journal 

Kim Jong Un oversaw a simulation of a nuclear attack using the weapon that could target vessels and ports of the U.S. and its allies

Vietnam may resist diplomatic upgrade with Washington as U.S.-China tensions simmer

Francesco Guarascio, Reuters 

A push by the United States to upgrade ties with Vietnam this year is facing resistance in Hanoi, over what experts say are concerns that China could see the move as hostile at a time of tension between superpowers Beijing and Washington.

China touts ‘good neighborliness’ as Philippines tensions rise

Cliff Venzon, Nikkei Asia 

Meeting between diplomats follows series of flare-ups in South China Sea

China, Philippines Open Bilateral ‘Consultative’ Talks in Manila

Sebastian Strangio, The Diplomat 

Chinese officials took the opportunity to voice their opposition to a recent expansion of the U.S. military presence in the Philippine archipelago.

U.S. Due Diligence Firm Says China Detained Its Employees

Keith Bradsher, The New York Times 

Five Chinese nationals were taken away last Monday, and the company, which does corporate investigations, and its law firm have been unable to contact them.

Thaksin Shinawatra predicts election win for Pheu Thai party he backs

Apornrath Phoonphongphiphat, Nikkei Asia 

Exclusive Nikkei Asia interview in Tokyo with former Thai prime minister.

Pakistan election spat enters new stage as IMF cash remains elusive

Adnan Aamir, Nikkei Asia 

Imran Khan slams decision to delay polls in defiance of court ruling.

A Year Into War, Ukraine Faces Challenges Mobilizing Troops

Matthew Luxmoore, The Wall Street Journal 

So far, Ukraine has managed to replenish its ranks. But some draft-age men are dodging mobilization.

Scattered protests continue as Paris reels from violence

The Associated Press 

Protesters angry at French President Emmanuel Macron’s pension reforms continued with scattered actions on Friday amid slowed train traffic, rows of trucks blocking access to Marseille’s commercial port and debris still littering the Paris streets following the previous day’s mass demonstrations.

Sunak hosts Netanyahu amid disquiet over Israel’s rightwing coalition

Patrick Wintour, The Guardian 

Chief rabbi calls for unity among British Jews as protests planned at visit of Israeli prime minister.

Scotland’s Sturgeon exits with pride, brickbats from critics

Jill Lawless, The Associated Press 

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon addressed lawmakers for the last time as Scottish leader on Thursday, expressing pride in her government’s achievements to lessen poverty and inequality – but frustrated in her quest to make Scotland an independent country.

Italy’s tax credit experiment puts Meloni government in a bind

Amy Kazmin, Financial Times 

Protesters take to the streets as restrictions on pandemic-era ‘Superbonus’ scheme cause liquidity crunch in construction sector.

Taiwan recalls ambassador as Honduras switches ties to China

The Associated Press 

Taiwan says it has recalled its ambassador to Honduras amid moves by the Central American country to establish formal diplomatic ties with China.

US air strikes target Iran-backed militants in Syria

Andrew England and James Politi, Financial Times 

Washington retaliates following drone attack that killed an American contractor.

DRC’s President Tshisekedi reshuffles cabinet ahead of election

Al Jazeera 

Analyst says the overhaul of the DRC’s 57 member-cabinet just months before the election is a ‘deeply political shuffle’.

Pro-Kurdish party switches to new banner to contest Turkish elections 

Ayla Jean Yackley, Financial Times 

HDP will run parliamentary candidates on Green Left ticket to sidestep potential legal ban.

Netanyahu Digs In on Court Overhaul, in the Face of Mass Protests

Patrick Kingsley and Isabel Kershner, The New York Times 

Amid a national crisis over a planned judicial overhaul, Israel’s Parliament approved a bill making it much harder to remove a prime minister from office.

Younger Americans are friendlier to China

The Economist 

They are much less likely to see the country as an enemy than their parents.

Ukraine War Amputees Get New Limbs in U.S.

Eric Nagourney, The New York Times 

War has forced Ukraine to become skilled at treating amputees, but there are too many for its overtaxed medical workers. Some are finding their way to a prosthetics clinic in Minnesota.