Russia may condition the release of American Robert Gilman, convicted in Russia for violence against officials, on the US releasing Russian citizens imprisoned in the US, according to Konstantin Yaroshenko, a member of Russia's Civic Chamber.
Russian Foreign Ministry Ambassador-at-Large Rodion Miroshnik stated that US foreign policy resembles a major chess game, where Washington consistently seeks to maximize profits, particularly in energy resources, and aims to preserve its global hegemony.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian criticized the US's foreign policy, comparing its role as 2026 World Cup host to "bending rules, bullying rivals, creating obstacles, and cheating." This comes amid escalating tensions, with Iran launching retaliatory strikes on US bases in Bahrain and Kuwait, and the US hitting over 80 Iranian military targets in response to shipping attacks in the Strait of Hormuz. Diplomatic tensions also rose as the US restored oil sanctions on Iran.
Steven Spielberg's 'The Post' is a fast-paced drama about the Washington Post's handling of the Pentagon Papers. Despite taking liberties with the truth, the film serves as a full-throated hurrah for journalists and journalism, capturing a national mood of optimism that has since faded.
Chinese researcher Wu Xinbo analyzes US foreign policy shifts, particularly under a potential second Trump term, suggesting a return to pragmatic realism. He believes China-US relations are moving towards "dynamic stability" with an emphasis on process management.
As the US approaches its 250th anniversary, a Russian analyst notes deep societal and political divisions. Dissatisfaction stems from the current president's actions and foreign policy, alongside scandals like the Jeffrey Epstein case, raising questions about budget priorities for celebrations.
A DW analysis highlights how US foreign policy has shifted over 250 years, increasingly prioritizing military force over diplomacy, especially post-9/11. This trend, driven by objectives like nation-building and regime change, coincides with declining diplomatic capacity and a worsening US international image, raising doubts among Americans about founding values.
The concept of American soft power, coined by Joseph Nye, has entered a state of "clinical death" due to shifts in US foreign policy, the erosion of cultural and values-based influence, and declining legitimacy of its international actions, leading nations like China and Russia to abandon the framework.
Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin issued a joint statement criticizing the US for undermining global stability, while strengthening bilateral cooperation in various sectors and extending their 'treaty of good neighbourliness'.
Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te emphasized US arms sales as crucial for regional stability, countering US President Trump's comments questioning future support. Trump's remarks, made after his China visit, suggested Taiwan arms deals could be a "negotiating chip." Lai affirmed Taiwan's resolve to defend its sovereignty and democratic way of life.
