Trump signs executive order pledging U.S. security guarantees to Qatar

U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed an executive order pledging to guarantee Qatar's security, saying that any armed attack on the Gulf state will be considered a threat to the peace and security of the United States.

The executive order, shared by the U.S. Embassy in Qatar, highlights the long-standing cooperation between the two countries, noting that Qatar has hosted U.S. forces, enabled critical security operations, and acted as a steadfast ally in the pursuit of peace, stability and prosperity, including by mediating to help resolve regional and global conflicts.

Trump said in the order that it is the policy of the United States to ensure the security and territorial integrity of Qatar against external aggression.

Any armed attacks against the territory, sovereignty or key infrastructure will be regarded as threats to the peace and safety of the U.S., said the order, and Washington would take "all lawful and appropriate measures -- including diplomatic, economic and, if necessary, military -- to defend the interests of the United States and the State of Qatar and to restore peace and stability."

The Qatari Foreign Ministry, for its part, said on Wednesday evening that it welcomes the document.

The order came two days after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during a visit to the White House, apologized to Qatar for a recent airstrike in Doha. According to a statement from Qatar's Foreign Ministry, Netanyahu expressed regret over the incident and pledged that such an event would not recur.

On Sept. 9, Israel carried out airstrikes on Doha, claiming they targeted senior Hamas leaders based in the city. Hamas said its delegation was in Doha at the time to discuss a U.S.-brokered ceasefire proposal. The strikes killed five Palestinians and one Qatari security officer, drawing widespread international condemnation.

Trump signs executive order pledging U.S. security guarantees to Qatar

Trump signs executive order pledging U.S. security guarantees to Qatar

Trump signs executive order pledging U.S. security guarantees to Qatar

The China Media Group (CMG) held the first rehearsal for the 2026 Spring Festival Gala on Saturday, fine-tuning the highly anticipated TV event amid the festive atmosphere of the traditional Chinese New Year.

The rehearsal seamlessly integrated innovative technologies with vibrant stage visuals, offering a first glimpse of the gala's overall impact under the theme "Galloping Steed, Onward Unstoppable.”

Inspired by traditional Chinese culture, the Year of the Horse gala incorporates zodiac themes that symbolize perseverance and progress. The production merges art and technology, using AI, AR, and XR to create immersive, blended-reality visuals. Horse-themed artistic installations shape a dynamic stage, while original songs and opera pieces convey the spirited ethos of the zodiac year.

Robots, which made their debut in last year's gala, will once again take the stage at the Spring Festival Gala, showcasing the country's technological advancements.

Known as "Chunwan" in Chinese, the gala has been broadcast live annually since 1983 and is regarded as a major cultural symbol for the Chinese New Year celebrations in China. This year's gala will air on Feb 16, the eve of the Chinese New Year.

The gala has been recognized by Guinness World Records as the most-watched annual television program worldwide. Just over a year ago, the Spring Festival itself was inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

CMG holds first rehearsal for 2026 Spring Festival Gala