Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese arrived in China this weekend, leading a large business delegation in a diplomatic push to stabilize and expand trade relations. His visit, which includes meetings with top Chinese officials like President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, marks a shift from years of strained ties under the previous conservative government.
China and Brazil signed a memorandum of understanding this week to study the creation of a transcontinental railroad from Brazil’s Atlantic coast to Peru’s Pacific coast. Chinese state media heralded the plan as a strategic alternative to the Panama Canal and a step toward tightening Beijing’s grip on Latin American infrastructure.
Taiwan launched its most expansive military drills amid an increased threat posed by China. The 10-day live fire drills include those to counter the Chinese Coast Guard.
A covert disinformation campaign orchestrated by Chinese embassies sought to undermine France’s top-tier Rafale fighter jet in the wake of India-Pakistan clashes, according to French military and intelligence sources.
Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced during a press conference with Trump administration officials that the U.S. will move to ban Chinese ownership of farmland.
The Chinese Communist Party announced Tuesday it is investigating former Wuhan Mayor Zhou Xianwang—the face of the city’s botched coronavirus response—for alleged “serious violations of discipline and law.” The probe, revealed by the regime’s Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, marks a rare move against a high-profile official who played a pivotal role during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.
South Korea’s newly inaugurated leftist president, Lee Jae-myung, announced his intent Thursday to prioritize closer ties with North Korea, China, and Russia, signaling a sharp departure from the staunch U.S. alliance under his impeached conservative predecessor. Lee’s comments came during a press conference marking his first month in office.
