A US-Iran agreement aims to end hostilities and start 60-day negotiations on key issues, including Iran's nuclear program. However, significant disagreements on enrichment, missiles, and proxies remain unresolved, with observers calling it a 'deal-to-do-a-deal' that postpones critical decisions.
Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed a commitment to strengthening strategic guidance and comprehensive cooperation with Myanmar, referring to their relationship with a Burmese term for close ties. The leaders witnessed the signing of 18 MOUs covering areas like transport, trade, disaster relief, health, and media.
Qatar's discreet mediation, characterized by patience, access, and shuttle diplomacy, ultimately secured the US-Iran ceasefire, outmaneuvering Pakistan's more public efforts. Doha's credibility with Tehran and established lines to Washington proved crucial.
US ambassadors' tradition of intimate dinners in Brussels, used for building consensus among European allies, has largely disappeared under Donald Trump. These 'like-minded' gatherings facilitated off-the-record discussions on key policy issues, fostering candid exchanges that are now seen as diminished.
EU member states could not reach a consensus on imposing economic sanctions against Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, according to EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. While many states proposed restrictions, unanimity was not achieved. The EU is also exploring options to limit trade with illegal settlements in the West Bank.
South Korean Ambassador Ham Sang-wook stated that escalating geopolitical tensions and bloc politics are complicating multilateral diplomacy in Vienna, making the global environment surrounding North Korea's nuclear program more complex. He called for strengthened solidarity among like-minded nations to support multilateralism in addressing interconnected security challenges.
China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh, reaffirming Beijing's commitment to stable bilateral relations and offering support for Mongolia's development. The leaders discussed aligning development strategies and enhancing cooperation in critical minerals, green development, and the digital economy, with trade expected to reach $20 billion this year. Mongolia pledged not to harm China's interests.
Thailand and Vietnam agreed to nearly double bilateral trade to $25 billion within four years, with plans to double it again later. The deal aims to integrate supply chains in electronics and semiconductors and reduce trade barriers, addressing shared external shocks like the fracturing of the rules-based trading order.
PM Narendra Modi's Europe tour includes France and Slovakia, focusing on diplomacy, tech partnerships, and trade. He will attend the G7 Summit, potentially meeting US President Trump, and participate in VivaTech.
Canadian PM Mark Carney's visit to Ireland highlights a diplomatic tightrope walk as Ireland seeks to balance its pro-Canada stance with its deep economic ties and desire to maintain favor with U.S. President Donald Trump.
SCMP highlights seven stories including Xi Jinping’s meeting with Kim Jong-un on enhancing military ties, Thailand’s struggling shrimp industry, and Chinese space firms anticipating a potential SpaceX IPO.
The UN's spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, stated that the organization does not wish to see the US seize Iran's Kharg Island, preferring diplomacy over further destruction. This follows US President Donald Trump's remarks about intending to control the island and its oil facilities.
Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy met with press at the Colosseum in Rome to discuss the "Troy and Rome" exhibition. He emphasized the strong cultural ties between Turkey and Italy, highlighting how the exhibition showcases shared history and mythology, and its contribution to cultural tourism and Turkey's global brand value.
Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that he has cancelled scheduled strikes on Iran, claiming a peace agreement is imminent and approved by Iranian leadership and allies. This comes amid ongoing exchanges of fire and despite Iranian news agency Tasnim urging dismissal of Trump's claims.
Experts warn that US and Iran are in a 'limbo' period, conducting symbolic strikes to pressure each other into concessions, risking a new round of conflict. The carefully choreographed escalation follows an incident near the Strait of Hormuz.
Despite pledges to strengthen strategic communications, denuclearization of the Korean peninsula was absent from statements following a meeting between Chinese and North Korean officials. This marks a shift from Xi's 2019 visit, with increased prominence given to military matters this week, though North Korean media notably omitted Xi's remarks on military exchanges.
Xi Jinping's visit to North Korea emphasized military exchanges, a shift from previous talks that focused on denuclearization. North Korean media notably omitted Xi's remarks on military cooperation, despite extensive coverage of the visit.
A 1-year analysis of 64,827 foreign media articles reveals South Korea is viewed as a 'pragmatic middle power' and 'key AI supply chain nation'. K-culture's influence is dominant, while AI and semiconductor booms are seen as strong economic positives.
Australian PM Anthony Albanese's potential trip to the World Cup in Seattle to meet Donald Trump was unlikely due to escalating war tensions and Trump's unconfirmed attendance. Albanese expressed skepticism about Trump's peace deal declarations, citing market volatility and the ongoing conflict.
Russian strikes on Ukraine's Kharkiv and Donetsk regions kill 5, injure 27, amid Zelenskyy's diplomatic efforts with US, UK, France, and Germany to end the war.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Europe, led by its current elites, has become an "offcut" for global diplomacy, implying its diminished role and isolation from international affairs.
Germany suffered a significant defeat in its bid for a UN Security Council seat, failing in the first round against Portugal and Austria. The loss is seen as an "embarrassment" for German diplomacy, with criticism directed at Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul and Chancellor Friedrich Merz for failing to secure the seat.
US Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna stated that the Biden administration can resolve the Ukraine conflict through diplomacy and maintaining contact with Russia, calling dialogue with Moscow "mature diplomacy."
Donald Trump reportedly clashed with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu over military actions in Lebanon, potentially jeopardizing US-Iran diplomacy and a ceasefire. Netanyahu downplayed tensions, calling them "tactical disagreements."
