International Relations

Diplomacy, treaties, alliances, and the multilateral institutions governing world affairs.

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Trump-Xi Summit Ends With Contradictory Readouts — International Brief

Trump left Beijing claiming trade deals, but the two nations disagree on key points regarding Iran and Taiwan. No binding agreements reached.

Trump-Xi Summit Yields No Iran Deal — International Relations Briefing

Trump left Beijing claiming 'fantastic trade deals' but no substantial agreements were made on Iran or trade. Xi warned mishandling Taiwan could lead to conflict.

International Relations

Trump Meets Xi in Beijing — International Relations Briefing, May 14,

Trump and Xi held their first face-to-face talks in nearly seven months today at the Great Hall of the People, with bilateral talks running two hours — double the originally scheduled time. Xi framed the relationship as "partners not rivals" and pressed "utmost caution" on Taiwan; Trump praised the Chinese leader and called it "the biggest summit ever." The real ask, however, is Iran: Washington needs Beijing — which buys over 80% of Iran's exported crude — to lean on Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and accept a nuclear deal. Analysts broadly expect transactional outcomes on agriculture (soybeans, beef, Boeing) rather than breakthroughs on Iran, with CSIS's Scott Kennedy calling the likely result "a superficial ceasefire that is largely to China's advantage." Trump arrives with his hand weakened by a $29bn war, 60% domestic disapproval on Iran, and court rulings blocking his tariff agenda.

International Relations

Trump Lands in Beijing With Iran's Ceasefire in His Pocket — Political

Trump's visit to China focuses on trade and Iran's war, seeking Xi's help to pressure Tehran. Limited deliverables expected from the summit.

International Relations

Malpass Warns China on Fertiliser Hoarding Impact

David Malpass urges China to ease fertiliser hoarding amid supply shocks.

4d ago

International Relations

US Oil Stockpile Release Buys Time, Not Security

Washington is trying to buy time while the oil market reacts to the Iran crisis.

International Relations

Iran's Tactical Medical Release of Narges Mohammadi Explained

Iran's hospital transfer of Narges Mohammadi is a tactical move, not a release.

International Relations

Trump and Xi's Summit: The Illusion of a US-China G2

Trump and Xi's summit may create an illusion of cooperation, but a true G2 is unlikely.

International Relations

Macron’s $27 Billion Africa Bet Targets Europe’s Reset

Macron's $27 billion investment in Africa seeks a reset in ties with Europe.

4d ago

International Relations

Trump Flies to Beijing Amid Iran Crisis — International Relations, May

Trump departs for a state visit to China, facing a weakened negotiating position amid a fraught ceasefire with Iran. The summit will focus on Taiwan and Iran's Strait of Hormuz.

International Relations

Europe's Struggle Against China's Strategic Advantage

Europe faces challenges as China exploits its openness for strategic gain.

International Relations

EU Restores Trade with Syria While Maintaining Sanctions Leverage

The EU revives trade with Syria but retains sanctions to ensure compliance.

International Relations

La UE levanta sanciones a ministros clave sirios

La UE levanta sanciones a ministros sirios para ganar influencia en Damasco.

5d ago

International Relations

Hormuz Standoff Exposes Gulf Economies' Vulnerability

The Gulf's economic resilience is at risk due to reliance on Hormuz amid ongoing tensions.

International Relations

EU Imposes Sanctions on Israeli Settlers After Hungary's Veto

The EU ends its deadlock by sanctioning violent Israeli settlers, responding to West Bank violence.

International Relations

Macron’s Kenya Summit Aims to Rebrand France’s Africa Role

Macron's summit in Kenya is a strategic move to regain France's relevance in Africa.

International Relations

Trump Calls Iran's Peace Response 'Unacceptable' — International Brief

Iran's reply to the US proposal is labeled 'TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE' by Trump, escalating tensions ahead of a crucial summit in Beijing.

5d ago

International Relations

Macron’s Kenya Pivot: A Strategic Reset for France in Africa

France seeks to redefine its role in Africa through new partnerships in East Africa.

International Relations

Iran's Guards Use Tankers to Challenge U.S. Pressure

Iran's IRGC threatens U.S. interests, turning tankers into leverage.

International Relations

Far Right Gains in EU Vote, but Macron Took the Bigger Hit

The far right's gains in the EU elections put Macron on the defensive.

International Relations

Downing Street Rally Tests Britain’s Anti-Hate Coalition

A rally outside Downing Street aims to unite against antisemitism in Britain.

6d ago

International Relations

Iran Leverages Narges Mohammadi's Health for Political Gain

Narges Mohammadi's health crisis highlights Iran's political leverage.

International Relations

Iran Faces US Ultimatum as Trump Prepares for Beijing Visit — Diplomat

Washington has circulated a 14-point memorandum of understanding to Tehran via Pakistani mediators, demanding Iran suspend uranium enrichment for at least 12 years and surrender an estimated 440 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 percent.

International Relations

U.S. Softens Iran Draft, but Veto Fight Stays Locked

The U.S. revises its Iran resolution, but China and Russia are poised to veto it.

International Relations

Russia's Downsized Victory Day Exposes Wartime Strain

Russia's Victory Day parade reveals wartime strain and Ukraine's influence.

7d ago

International Relations

Iran's 2026 World Cup Participation Tied to Visa Guarantees

Iran leverages World Cup participation to negotiate visa and security terms.

International Relations

Trump’s Counterterrorism Plan Targets Enemies First

Trump's new counterterrorism strategy redefines enemies and shifts burdens.

International Relations

Denmark's Coalition Power Shifts to Troels Lund Poulsen

Troels Lund Poulsen must navigate Denmark's fragmented politics to form a government.

International Relations

EUA e Irã disputam controle do Estreito de Ormuz

EUA e Irã usam o Estreito de Ormuz como moeda de troca em suas negociações.

7d ago

International Relations

Iran Reviews New US Proposal Amid Ongoing Tensions — Political Briefin

Iran said on Wednesday it was reviewing a new U.S. proposal, after sources said Washington and Tehran were closing in on a one-page memorandum to end the war in the Gulf while leaving tricky issues such as Iran's nuclear programme for later.