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BEIJING/WASHINGTON China threatened to retaliate on Wednesday if US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy meets Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen during her planned transit of the United States in May, saying any such move would be a provocation.

China, which claims democratically-ruled Taiwan as its own territory, has repeatedly warned US officials not to meet Ms Tsai, viewing it as support for the islands desire to be seen as a separate country.

China staged war games around Taiwan in August 2022 when then-US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taipei, and Taiwans armed forces have said they are keeping watch for any Chinese moves when Ms Tsai is abroad.

Ms Tsai is going to Guatemala and Belize, transiting through New York and Los Angeles on the way back. While not officially confirmed, she is expected to meet Mr McCarthy while in California.

Speaking in Beijing shortly before Ms Tsai left, Ms Zhu Fenglian, a spokesman of Chinas Taiwan Affairs Office, said that Ms Tsais transits of the US were not just her waiting at the airport or hotel, but for her to meet US officials and lawmakers.

If she contacts US House Speaker McCarthy, it will be another provocation that seriously violates the one China principle, harms Chinas sovereignty and territorial integrity, and destroys peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, she said.

We firmly oppose this and will definitely take measures to resolutely fight back, Ms Zhu added, without giving details.

Ms Tsais transits will come at a time when US relations with China are at what some analysts see as their worst level since Washington normalised ties with Beijing in 1979 and switched diplomatic recognition from Taipei.

Taiwan is Chinas most sensitive territorial issue and a major bone of contention with Washington, which, like most countries, maintains only unofficial ties with Taipei.

However, the US government is required by US law to provide the island with the means to defend itself. No reason to overreact

The US says such transits by Taiwanese presidents are routine and that China should not use Ms Tsais trip to take any aggressive moves against Taiwan.

The US sees no reason for China to overreact to planned transits of the US this week and next month by Taiwans president, senior US officials said ahead of Ms Tsais departure.

A senior US official said that in her previous transits, Ms Tsai had engaged in a range of activities, including meetings with members of Congress, the Taiwanese diaspora and other groups.

So, there is absolutely no reason for Beijing to use this upcoming transit as an excuse or a pretext to carry out aggressive or coercive activities aimed at Taiwan, the official said. More On This Topic No imminent threat of China invading Taiwan, says senior US official Russia dancing to Chinas tune on Taiwan, says Taipei At Taiwans main international airport at Taoyuan before she left, Ms Tsai said that external pressure will not hinder our determination to go to the world, in a veiled reference to China.

We are calm and confident, will neither yield nor provoke. Taiwan will firmly walk on the road of freedom and democracy and go into the world. Although this road is rough, Taiwan is not alone.

Taiwanese presidents routinely pass through the US while visiting diplomatic allies in Latin America, the Caribbean and the Pacific, which, although not official visits, are often used by both sides for high-level meetings.

Taiwans government rejects Chinas sovereignty claims and while Ms Tsai has repeatedly offered talks with Beijing, she has also said that only Taiwans people can decide their future.

Ms Tsais trip has unnerved security agencies in Taiwan, who worry that China could launch a series of influence campaigns including spreading misinformation on social media platforms to sway public perceptions of Ms Tsais US transit, according to an internal memo by a Taiwan security agency, a copy of which was reviewed by Reuters.

The note said that China had used large-scale influence campaigns, including cyber attacks, against Taiwan during Ms Pelosis visit in 2022, and the Taiwan authorities expected Beijing to deepen its cognitive operations in the coming days.

Chinas Taiwan Affairs Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

China claimed another diplomatic victory over Taiwan on Sunday when one-time loyal Taiwan ally Honduras switched diplomatic recognition to Beijing. Only 13 countries now maintain formal ties with Taiwan.

China says that both it and Taiwan belong to one China and that as a Chinese province, the island has no right to any sort of state-to-state ties. Taiwan strongly disputes that view.

Meanwhile, White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan spoke with Chinas top diplomat Wang Yi last Friday, people familiar with the matter said, as the two sides look to ease tensions that have continued to build in recent months.

In a sign of the fraught state of US-China ties, neither side opted to publicise the call between Mr Sullivan and Mr Wang. Spokesmen for the White House and the Chinese Embassy did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The people who confirmed the call asked not to be identified discussing private conversations.

The official contact comes as the Biden administration is looking to arrange a phone call between President Joe Biden and Chinas President Xi Jinping.

REUTERS, BLOOMBERG More On This Topic Former Taiwan president Ma Ying-jeou arrives in China pledging peace Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen reviews troops ahead of sensitive US visit

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Business

Microsoft is now worth over $4 trn, becoming only second firm ever to pass milestone

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July 31, 2025

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Microsoft is now worth over trn, becoming only second firm ever to pass milestone

Microsoft has become only the second publicly traded company after Nvidia to surpass $4 trn (£3.03trn) in market valuation, after registering huge earnings.

On Thursday, shares rose on Wall Street with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq climbing to new record highs.

Stocks in Microsoft jumped after posting better-than-expected results, helped by its Azure cloud computing platform, which is a centrepiece of the company’s artificial intelligence (AI) efforts.

Shares in Facebook and Instagram’s parent company, Meta, also surged after beating sales and profit targets.

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Technology giants Apple and Amazon will report their results after Wall Street’s close.

Microsoft first cracked the $1trn (£760bn) mark in April 2019, but its move to $3trn (£2.27trn) took longer than technology giants Nvidia and Apple.

Nvidia tripled its value in just about a year and clinched the $4trn milestone before any other company on 9 July. Apple was last valued at $3.12trn.

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In comparison, the biggest UK company by market value is drug manufacturer AstraZeneca, worth $235.97bn (£178.55bn).

Companies ranked by market value (USD), according to tradingview.com

1. Nvidia (US) $4.43trn
2. Microsoft (US) $4trn
3. Apple (US) $3.12trn
4. Amazon (US) $2.47trn
5. Alphabet (US) $2.35trn
6. Meta (US) $1.95trn
7. Saudi Arabian Oil (Saudi Arabia) $1.56trn
8. Broadcom (US) $1.42trn
9. Berkshire Hathaway (US) $1.03trn
10. Tesla (US) $1.02trn
11. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (Taiwan) $1trn
29. Samsung Electronics (South Korea) $338.06bn
36. Alibaba (China) $284.62bn
52. AstraZeneca (UK) $235.97bn

While sweeping US tariffs had investors worried about tighter business spending, Microsoft’s strong earnings have shown that the company’s books are yet to take a hit.

Microsoft’s multibillion-dollar bet on OpenAI is proving to be a game changer, powering its Office Suite and Azure offerings with cutting-edge AI and fueling the stock to more than double its value since ChatGPT’s late-2022 debut.

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On Wednesday, the firm announced Azure sales surpassed $75bn (£56bn) on an annual basis, while Azure revenue jumped 39% in the April-June quarter.

Overall revenue rose 18% to $76.4bn (£57.81bn) over the same period.

It is also forecasting a record $30bn (£22.7bn) in capital spending over the first quarter to meet soaring AI demand..

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Environment

ENGWE Engine Pro 2.0 e-bike at exclusive new $750 low, Anker eufy S220 solar cam $65, Linkind smart solar spotlights from $23, more

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July 31, 2025

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ENGWE Engine Pro 2.0 e-bike at exclusive new 0 low, Anker eufy S220 solar cam , Linkind smart solar spotlights from , more

Leading today’s pack of Green Deals is an exclusive 50% discount for our readers on the ENGWE Engine Pro 2.0 Folding e-bike at a new $749.50 low. Right behind it we have Anker’s eufy SoloCam S220 Solar Security Camera starting at $65, with some multi-pack discounts also available, as well as multi-packs of Linkind’s Smart Solar Spotlights starting from $23. From there we have a 3-in-1 tool bundle with replacement parts from Worx, a 60V 610 CFM cordless leaf blower from Greenworks, and more waiting for you below. Plus, all the hangover savings at the bottom of the page, like yesterday’s ECOVACS Goat RTK robot lawn mower low price, Rad Power’s RadWagon 4 cargo e-bike discount, and more.

Head below for other New Green Deals we’ve found today and, of course, Electrek’s best EV buying and leasing deals. Also, check out the new Electrek Tesla Shop for the best deals on Tesla accessories.

Commute up to 68 miles with exclusive 50% savings on ENGWE’s Engine Pro 2.0 folding e-bike at a new $749.50 low

We’ve secured an exclusive and budget-friendly deal from Wellbots for our readers on the ENGWE Engine PRO 2.0 Folding e-bike at $749.50 shipped, after using the exclusive promo code 9TO5ENGWE50 at checkout for 50% off. This model would normally run you $1,499 here, which we’ve seen discounted as low as $1,149 from the brand over the last year. That price is getting strong-armed out of the way with this exclusive deal that gives you a 50% markdown, putting nearly $750 back into your pocket at the best new price we have tracked.

A great alternative option for riders who want a reliable means to get through their commutes without shelling out $1,000 or more on other brands, the ENGWE Engine Pro 2.0 e-bike is a folding model that saves on space while also providing some significant travel support. The 750W rear hub motor peaks at 1,200W and comes paired with a removable 16Ah battery for up to 68 miles of pedal-assisted travel (five levels supported by a torque sensor) at up to 20 to 28 MPH top speeds, depending on what your local laws allow. Of course, you’ll have the option for pure electric travel via the throttle, though keep in mind this reduces the mileage to around 30 miles on one full charge.

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For the low price you’re getting on ENGWE’s Engine Pro 2.0, you’ll be scoring some solid features, including hydraulic disc brakes for greater stopping power, puncture-resistant all-terrain fat tires so you don’t have to fear what you may ride over, and an 8-speed Shimano derailleur for versatile pedaling options. That’s not all, as you’ll also be getting a rear cargo rack, a full suspension system, and a smart LCD screen for performance data and setting adjustments – plus, the whole thing weighs in at 70 pounds, so it’s manageable regardless of your rural/suburban/urban environment.

rain falling onto Anker eufy SoloCam S220 solar security camera

Upgrade your home security with Anker’s solar-powered eufy SoloCam S220 camera at $65

Anker is offering its eufy SoloCam S220 Solar Security Camera at $64.99 shipped, after using the on-page promo code at checkout for $35 off the price, which is beating out Amazon’s pricing by $5. Coming down off its $100 full price tag while the savings last, this model has been regularly seen dropping to $70 and more recently going lower to $65 over the last handful of months, only beaten out by the $62 low we first saw appearing during Prime Day at the top of the month. You’re looking at 35% markdown while the savings last, giving you the second-best price we have tracked if you missed out on the one-time Prime Day low. You’ll also find the camera’s multi-pack options starting from $129.99 shipped here.

If you want to learn more about this solar-powered security device, be sure to check out our original coverage of this deal here.

Daytime and Nighttime differences with Linkind's smart solar spotlights lining walkway

Save up to 34% on multi-packs of Linkind’s Smart Solar Spotlights starting from $23

By way of its official Amazon storefront, Linkind is offering its Smart Solar Spotlights starting at $22.99 shipped for a 2-pack. The price is coming down from its $35 tag, with them having spent a significant portion of recent months at $24, with some falls to $23 (including during Prime Day) and one earlier drop to the $21 low back in April. You’re looking at a 34% markdown here that cuts $12 off the tag for the second-best price we have tracked, landing just $2 above the all-time low. You’ll also find its larger bundles benefitting from discounts, with the 4-pack down at its second-best price of $48.99 shipped, after clipping the on-page 30% off coupon, while its 8-pack is down at a $90.98 low.

If you want to learn more about this outdoor lighting device, be sure to check out our original coverage of this deal here.

man trimming around tree trunk with Worx GT revolution 3-in-1 string trimmer/edger/mini-mower

Pick up the Worx GT Revolution 20V 12-inch string trimmer/edger/mini-mower with spare parts at $83 (2025 low)

Amazon is offering the Worx GT Revolution 20V 12-inch String Trimmer/Edger/Mini-Mower kit that comes with a 2.0Ah battery, 2A charger, three replacement spools, a spool holder, and replacement edger wheels for $82.99 shipped. The combination of the tool and battery alone goes for $130 at full price directly from the brand’s website, where it’s currently priced, but we’ve been seeing this larger bundle package keep down to $100 for much of the time since late March. While we have seen it drop lower in the past, the additional $17 savings from its recent going rate is the best price we have tracked over the last 12 months, even beating out its Prime Day pricing by $2.

If you want to learn more about this 3-in-1 tool, be sure to check out our original coverage of the deal here.

man clearing large pile of leaves in yard with greenworks 60V 610 CFM cordless leaf blower

Clear out your yard with up to 610 CFM air flow through this 60V Greenworks cordless leaf blower at $142

Amazon is offering the Greenworks 60V 610 CFM Cordless Leaf Blower at $142.49 shipped. Normally fetching $200 directly from the brand’s website, where this model is priced $8 higher, we’ve been seeing it keep to $180 in full at Amazon since March, with discounts dropping costs lower between $160 and $140 on average. The lowest we’ve seen this model fall was to a $135 rate on the last of Prime Day’s 4-day event, with the deal today matching the event’s first three days of pricing. You’re looking at the third-lowest price we have tracked, saving you $58 off the MSRP and landing just $7 above the all-time low.

If you want to learn more about this 60V blower, be sure to check out our original coverage of this deal here.

Best Summer EV deals!

Best new Green Deals landing this week

The savings this week are also continuing to a collection of other markdowns. To the same tune as the offers above, these all help you take a more energy-conscious approach to your routine. Winter means you can lock in even better off-season price cuts on electric tools for the lawn while saving on EVs and tons of other gear.

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Technology

Apple reports third-quarter earnings after the bell

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July 31, 2025

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Apple reports third-quarter earnings after the bell

Apple CEO Tim Cook attends the world premiere of “F1” at Times Square in New York on June 16, 2025.

Angela Weiss | AFP | Getty Images

Apple reports fiscal third-quarter earnings on Thursday after the bell.

The June quarter is typically Apple’s slowest of the year by sales, ahead of new device launches in September that typically spur the company’s biggest sales surge of the year driven in the December quarter.

Still, Apple is expected to report nearly $90 billion in overall sales during the period, which would be a 4% increase from last year. Analysts expect it to guide for 3% growth in the September quarter.

But there are lots of questions swirling around Apple, whose stock is down 16% so far in 2025.

The biggest question facing Apple is what it will say about tariffs. In May, Apple said it would have about $900 million in additional tariff costs in the June quarter, but that it couldn’t predict beyond that. Apple will likely update investors on how it sees tariffs affecting the September quarter, a key indicator for how President Donald Trump’s trade war is affecting American technology companies.

Apple also said in May that it would manufacture U.S.-bound iPhones in India to avoid tariffs on Chinese imports. But the company’s move upset Trump, who said after Apple’s last earnings call that he didn’t want the iPhone maker building in India. India is in line to receive a 25% tariff as soon as Friday. Apple CEO Tim Cook may update investors on its India pivot on Thursday.

The company held its annual Worldwide Developers Conference in June, in which it announced major updates to its software for iPhones and other devices. Apple did not, however, announce major new artificial intelligence products or initiatives, disappointing some analysts. However, some investors believe Apple’s AI stumbles aren’t expected to show up in its results for years.

On the brighter side, Cook will likely shout out the movie “F1,” which is Apple Original Films’ first summer blockbuster and passed $500 million at the global box office last weekend.

Here’s how Apple is expected to do in the June quarter, per LSEG consensus estimates:

  • Earnings per share: $1.43
  • Revenue: $89.54 billion

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