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UK health secretary Wes Streeting resigned on Thursday (May 14), marking one of the biggest exits from Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Cabinet, after publicly declaring that he had “lost confidence” in the Prime Minister’s leadership.&nbsp;In a lengthy resignation letter, Streeting said he was stepping down despite what he described as major achievements in improving the National Health Service.“Having lost confidence in your leadership, I have concluded that it would be dishonourable and unprincipled to do so,” Streeting wrote.&nbsp;Despite praising Starmer’s role in Labour’s 2024 election victory and his handling of foreign affairs, Streeting accused the Prime Minister of lacking vision and direction following Labour’s recent electoral defeats across England, Scotland and Wales.&nbsp;“Where we need vision, we have a vacuum. Where we need direction, we have drift,” he wrote.&nbsp;Streeting described the recent election results as “unprecedented”, warning that nationalism was now rising across the United Kingdom, including what he called a “dangerous English nationalism represented by Nigel Farage and Reform UK”.&nbsp;He argued that many progressive voters were “losing faith” in Labour and criticised several government decisions, including the controversial winter fuel allowance cuts and the Prime Minister’s “island of strangers” speech.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-invites-xi-to-white-house-on-september-24-1778755078358">Trump in China: US President invites Chinese President Xi and wife to White House on September 24</a>&nbsp;“There are many reasons we could point to: from individual mistakes on policy like the decision to cut the winter fuel allowance to the ‘island of strangers’ speech, all of which have left the country not knowing who we are or what we really stand for,” Streeting said.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">&quot;It is now clear you will not lead the Labour Party into the next election&quot; Britain&#39;s health minister Wes Streeting resigns from PM Keir Starmer’s Cabinet, raises questions over Labour&#39;s leadership ahead of the next election <a href="https://t.co/KzGHABzNro">pic.twitter.com/KzGHABzNro</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/2054897278817898857?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h3>Streeting says Labour needs ‘bold vision’</h3>&nbsp;The departing health secretary said Britain was facing enormous political and economic challenges, including wars in Europe and the Middle East, technological disruption and declining public faith in democracy.&nbsp;“These are big challenges that require a bold vision and bigger solutions than we are offering,” he wrote.&nbsp;Streeting also claimed that Starmer would not lead Labour into the next general election, saying Labour MPs and unions wanted a leadership debate focused on “ideas, not personalities or petty factionalism”.&nbsp;“It is now clear that you will not lead the Labour Party into the next general election,” he stated.&nbsp;Streeting’s resignation comes as the Keir Starmer-led UK government is rocked by a wave of exits following Labour’s disastrous performance in regional elections.&nbsp;&nbsp;The party lost over 450 council seats and surrendered control of 12 local authorities, leading to the resignations of ministers Miatta Fahnbulleh, Jess Phillips, Alex Davies-Jones, and Zubir Ahmed.&nbsp;&nbsp;These junior ministers have joined approximately 90 Labour MPs in calling for the Prime Minister to set a timetable for his departure, citing a lack of pace and vision in the government’s current direction.

Streeting and junior ministers Miatta Fahnbulleh, Jess Phillips, Alex Davies-Jones, and Zubir Ahmed resigned after Labour lost 450 seats and 12 councils. The Starmer government now faces a crisis as nearly 90 MPs demand a leadership departure timetable following the election rout.

UK health secretary Wes Streeting resigned on Thursday (May 14), marking one of the biggest exits from Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Cabinet, after publicly declaring that he had “lost confidence” in the Prime Minister’s leadership. In a lengthy resignation letter, Streeting said he was stepping down despite what he described as major achievements in improving the National Health Service. “Having lost confidence in your leadership, I have concluded that it would be dishonourable and unprincipled to do so,” Streeting wrote. Despite praising Starmer’s role in Labour’s 2024 election victory and his handling of foreign affairs, Streeting accused the Prime Minister of lacking vision and direction following Labour’s recent electoral defeats across England, Scotland and Wales. “Where we need vision, we have a vacuum. Where we need direction, we have drift,” he wrote. Streeting described the recent election results as “unprecedented”, warning that nationalism was now rising across the United Kingdom, including what he called a “dangerous English nationalism represented by Nigel Farage and Reform UK”. He argued that many progressive voters were “losing faith” in Labour and criticised several government decisions, including the controversial winter fuel allowance cuts and the Prime Minister’s “island of strangers” speech. Also Read: Trump in China: US President invites Chinese President Xi and wife to White House on September 24 “There are many reasons we could point to: from individual mistakes on policy like the decision to cut the winter fuel allowance to the ‘island of strangers’ speech, all of which have left the country not knowing who we are or what we really stand for,” Streeting said.

Streeting and junior ministers Miatta Fahnbulleh, Jess Phillips, Alex Davies-Jones, and Zubir Ahmed resigned after Labour lost 450 seats and 12 councils. The Starmer government now faces a crisis as nearly 90 MPs demand a leadership departure timetable following the election rout.

UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting resigns, says he has ‘lost confidence’ in PM’s leadership

US President Donald Trump used a state banquet hosted by Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing to assert that American and Chinese societies are far more interrelated than political tensions often suggest, pointing to the popularity of Chinese restaurants across the United States as a symbol of growing cultural exchange. He also argued that the relationship between the two powers is deeply rooted in culture, trade and shared history.&nbsp;Speaking after high-level talks with Xi, Trump described the discussions as ‘extremely positive and productive’ and thanked Chinese officials for what he called a ‘magnificent welcome’. But much of his speech focused on how interconnected American and Chinese societies have become over decades of exchange. “The world is a special world with the two of us united and together,” Trump said during the banquet, framing cooperation between Washington and Beijing as central to global stability and prosperity.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-invites-xi-to-white-house-on-september-24-1778755078358">Trump in China: US President invites Chinese President Xi and wife to White House on September 24</a><h2>Food, basketball and blue jeans used as symbols of exchange</h2>In one of the speech’s most widely discussed moments, Trump pointed to the popularity of Chinese food in the United States as evidence of cultural integration between the two countries. “As many Chinese love basketball and blue jeans, Chinese restaurants in America today outnumber the five largest fast-food chains in the United States, all combined — that’s a pretty big,” he said.<h2>Trump invokes history to underline ties</h2>Trump also used the speech to highlight historical links between the two countries. He referenced Samuel Shaw, one of the first American merchants to trade with China after US independence, and noted that Benjamin Franklin had cited Confucius in his writings.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vessel-seized-off-uae-coast-now-heading-towards-iranian-waters-uk-maritime-agency-says-1778749563364">Vessel seized by unknown men off UAE coast, heading towards Iranian waters: UK maritime agency says</a>&nbsp;He also referred to Chinese workers who helped build rail tracks connecting America’s Atlantic and Pacific coasts, saying: “Chinese workers helped to lay the rail tracks that helped to connect our Atlantic coast to the Pacific.” At another point, Trump said Americans who travelled to China helped spread 'literacy and modern medicine'.He argued that both countries shared values of ‘hard work’, ‘courage’ and ‘achievement’, adding: “We love our families and we love our countries.” Trump said the US and China had “the chance to create a future of greater prosperity, cooperation, happiness and peace for our children”, describing the relationship between the two nations as vital to global stability and economic growth.

In one of the speech’s most widely discussed moments, Trump pointed to the popularity of Chinese food in the United States as evidence of cultural integration between the two countries.

US President Donald Trump used a state banquet hosted by Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing to assert that American and Chinese societies are far more interrelated than political tensions often suggest, pointing to the popularity of Chinese restaurants across the United States as a symbol of growing cultural exchange. He also argued that the relationship between the two powers is deeply rooted in culture, trade and shared history. Speaking after high-level talks with Xi, Trump described the discussions as ‘extremely positive and productive’ and thanked Chinese officials for what he called a ‘magnificent welcome’. But much of his speech focused on how interconnected American and Chinese societies have become over decades of exchange. “The world is a special world with the two of us united and together,” Trump said during the banquet, framing cooperation between Washington and Beijing as central to global stability and prosperity. ALSO READ: Trump in China: US President invites Chinese President Xi and wife to White House on September 24 Food, basketball and blue jeans used as symbols of exchange In one of the speech’s most widely discussed moments, Trump pointed to the popularity of Chinese food in the United States as evidence of cultural integration between the two countries. “As many Chinese love basketball and blue jeans, Chinese restaurants in America today outnumber the five largest fast-food chains in the United States, all combined — that’s a pretty big,” he said. Trump invokes history to underline ties Trump also used the speech to highlight historical links between the two countries. He referenced Samuel Shaw, one of the first American merchants to trade with China after US independence, and noted that Benjamin Franklin had cited Confucius in his writings. ALSO READ: Vessel seized by unknown men off UAE coast, heading towards Iranian waters: UK maritime agency says He also referred to Chinese workers who helped build rail tracks connecting America’s Atlantic and Pacific coasts, saying: “Chinese workers helped to lay the rail tracks that helped to connect our Atlantic coast to the Pacific.” At another point, Trump said Americans who travelled to China helped spread 'literacy and modern medicine'. He argued that both countries shared values of ‘hard work’, ‘courage’ and ‘achievement’, adding: “We love our families and we love our countries.” Trump said the US and China had “the chance to create a future of greater prosperity, cooperation, happiness and peace for our children”, describing the relationship between the two nations as vital to global stability and economic growth.

In one of the speech’s most widely discussed moments, Trump pointed to the popularity of Chinese food in the United States as evidence of cultural integration between the two countries.celebrates US-China cultural ties in Beijing

‘Basketball, blue jeans and Chinese restaurants’: Trump hails deep US-China ties at Xi banquet

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday (May 14) stressed that New Delhi supports a two-state solution to the Palestine issue in his statement at the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. Jaishankar also expressed concerns over the threat to maritime traffic and energy supply disruption due to tensions in the Gulf region. This comes as India holds the key meeting on May 14-15 in New Delhi at Bharat Mandapam, hosting foreign ministers from Iran, Russia, and others.Speaking on the Israel-Palestine issue, the EAM said, “India supports a two-state solution where the Palestine issue is concerned.”Talking about the war in West Asia, Jaishankar said, “The conflict in West Asia merits particular attention. Continuing tensions, risks to maritime traffic, and disruptions to energy infrastructure highlight the fragility of the situation.”He also noted instability in countries including Lebanon, Syria, Sudan, Yemen and Libya. “Lebanon and Syria face continuing challenges. The conflict in Sudan imposes a heavy human cost. Yemen presents humanitarian concerns and maritime risks, while stability in Libya remains important,” he said.Jaishankar said that the crisis in these regions requires sustained international cooperation and diplomatic efforts.“Taken together, they underline a clear reality: stability cannot be selective, and peace cannot be piecemeal,” he said. “It is essential to uphold international law, protect civilians, and avoid targeting public infrastructure. India stands ready to contribute constructively to de-escalation efforts and to support initiatives aimed at restoring stability.”As the Iran-US conflict in West Asia continues to escalate, foreign ministers from BRICS nations gathered in New Delhi on Thursday for a two-day meeting. The meeting comes amid surging oil prices and increasing global economic instability caused by the conflict in the Gulf, which has stretched on for more than two months.Representatives from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, along with the bloc’s newly inducted members, are participating in the discussions. Among those attending is Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who has been deeply involved in Tehran’s ongoing diplomatic engagements with Washington.During the meeting, Araghchi appealed to BRICS countries to denounce the United States and Israel, accusing both nations of carrying out what he termed “unlawful aggression” against Iran, according to AP. He also urged member states and the wider international community to take concrete measures to halt escalating tensions and address what he described as unchecked violations of the UN Charter.

At the BRICS meet in New Delhi, S. Jaishankar backed a two-state solution for Palestine and warned that Gulf tensions threaten energy supply and maritime security.

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday (May 14) stressed that New Delhi supports a two-state solution to the Palestine issue in his statement at the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. Jaishankar also expressed concerns over the threat to maritime traffic and energy supply disruption due to tensions in the Gulf region. This comes as India holds the key meeting on May 14-15 in New Delhi at Bharat Mandapam, hosting foreign ministers from Iran, Russia, and others. Speaking on the Israel-Palestine issue, the EAM said, “India supports a two-state solution where the Palestine issue is concerned.” Talking about the war in West Asia, Jaishankar said, “The conflict in West Asia merits particular attention. Continuing tensions, risks to maritime traffic, and disruptions to energy infrastructure highlight the fragility of the situation.” He also noted instability in countries including Lebanon, Syria, Sudan, Yemen and Libya. “Lebanon and Syria face continuing challenges. The conflict in Sudan imposes a heavy human cost. Yemen presents humanitarian concerns and maritime risks, while stability in Libya remains important,” he said. Jaishankar said that the crisis in these regions requires sustained international cooperation and diplomatic efforts. “Taken together, they underline a clear reality: stability cannot be selective, and peace cannot be piecemeal,” he said. “It is essential to uphold international law, protect civilians, and avoid targeting public infrastructure. India stands ready to contribute constructively to de-escalation efforts and to support initiatives aimed at restoring stability.” As the Iran-US conflict in West Asia continues to escalate, foreign ministers from BRICS nations gathered in New Delhi on Thursday for a two-day meeting. The meeting comes amid surging oil prices and increasing global economic instability caused by the conflict in the Gulf, which has stretched on for more than two months. Representatives from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, along with the bloc’s newly inducted members, are participating in the discussions. Among those attending is Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who has been deeply involved in Tehran’s ongoing diplomatic engagements with Washington. During the meeting, Araghchi appealed to BRICS countries to denounce the United States and Israel, accusing both nations of carrying out what he termed “unlawful aggression” against Iran, according to AP. He also urged member states and the wider international community to take concrete measures to halt escalating tensions and address what he described as unchecked violations of the UN Charter.

At the BRICS meet in New Delhi, S. Jaishankar backed a two-state solution for Palestine and warned that Gulf tensions threaten energy supply and maritime security.

‘India supports two-state solution’: Indian EAM Jaishankar on Palestine, Iran war at BRICS meet

US President Donald Trump is in China for a two-day visit from May 13 to 15 at the invitation of President Xi Jinping amid the ongoing Iran war. Trump came to Beijing after almost nine years amid escalating bilateral tensions over a range of issues, including trade, technology, defence and Taiwan. During the meeting, the major flashpoint was the Taiwan issue more than any other issue, as Beijing has called Taiwan the core of China's core interests, with reunification, even by force. But even after two hours and 15 minutes of meeting on the Taiwan issue, Trump dodged questions on Taiwan after reporters asked. Meanwhile, Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday warned US President Donald Trump that both the largest economies could "come into conflict" if the issue over self-ruled Taiwan is mishandled. The Taiwan question is "the most important issue in China-US relations," Xi told US President Donald Trump while hosting him at the Great Hall of the People, China's ceremonial state building, according to Xinhua News Agency. "If it is handled properly, the bilateral relationship will enjoy overall stability. Otherwise, the two countries will have clashes and even conflicts, putting the entire relationship in great jeopardy," he said. In another significant development, Taiwan's cabinet spokeswoman, Michelle Lee, on Thursday emphasised that the US has been continuously in support of the sovereign status of Taiwan, according to Al Jazeera. She added that the US has "repeatedly reaffirmed" its support for Taiwan.<h3>Why is Taiwan important to the United States?</h3>Taiwan is a self-ruled island which is currently thriving in its democracy with a dynamic capitalist economy. It is also one of the largest potential flash points between the US and China, marking the only place which make possible for open warfare between the two powerful militaries. China, around Taiwan, regularly conducts military exercises in an ongoing show of force. For years, successive US presidents have firmly backed Taiwan against pressure from its powerful neighbour, China. However, there is growing unease that President Donald Trump could shift that policy, a move that could have far-reaching global consequences. Taiwan is vital to the American economy, producing more than 90 per cent of the world’s most advanced semiconductors, which are essential for artificial intelligence, defence systems and global supply chains. For decades, the United States has refused to recognise Beijing’s claim over the island and has continued supplying Taiwan with billions of dollars in military assistance each year, including a $10 billion arms package announced last December. However, a fresh $14 billion arms package has reportedly been awaiting Trump’s approval for months. Many in Taiwan are concerned that President Xi Jinping could leverage trade negotiations to weaken US backing or alter the existing status quo. As Assistant Secretary of Defence Ely Ratner noted, Taiwan is situated at a critical point within the first island chain, which anchors a network of US allies and partners, extending from the Japanese archipelago down to the Philippines and into the South China Sea. It is also critical for the region’s security and critical to the defence of US interests along the Indo-Pacific region. Taiwan also plays a key role in maintaining the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific due to its key location. As part of the first island chain, Taiwan helps limit China’s ability to project military power into the wider Pacific. If China were to take control of Taiwan, it could deploy military assets there, restricting US operations and threatening regional allies such as Japan and the Philippines. Taiwan is also central to global economic stability, producing nearly 70 per cent of the world’s semiconductors and the most advanced chips. Any disruption could trigger severe supply chain shocks worldwide. Politically, Taiwan represents a successful democracy in Asia. Its fall would weaken international norms against changing borders by force, damage US credibility with allies, and increase instability across the region.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-us-china-should-be-partners-not-rivals-xi-hails-historic-trump-visit-1778753461122">‘US, China should be partners, not rivals’: Xi hails ‘historic’ Trump visit</a>

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday warned US President Donald Trump that the world's two largest economies could "come into conflict" if the issue over self-ruled Taiwan is mishandled.

US President Donald Trump is in China for a two-day visit from May 13 to 15 at the invitation of President Xi Jinping amid the ongoing Iran war. Trump came to Beijing after almost nine years amid escalating bilateral tensions over a range of issues, including trade, technology, defence and Taiwan. During the meeting, the major flashpoint was the Taiwan issue more than any other issue, as Beijing has called Taiwan the core of China's core interests, with reunification, even by force. But even after two hours and 15 minutes of meeting on the Taiwan issue, Trump dodged questions on Taiwan after reporters asked. Meanwhile, Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday warned US President Donald Trump that both the largest economies could "come into conflict" if the issue over self-ruled Taiwan is mishandled. The Taiwan question is "the most important issue in China-US relations," Xi told US President Donald Trump while hosting him at the Great Hall of the People, China's ceremonial state building, according to Xinhua News Agency. "If it is handled properly, the bilateral relationship will enjoy overall stability. Otherwise, the two countries will have clashes and even conflicts, putting the entire relationship in great jeopardy," he said. In another significant development, Taiwan's cabinet spokeswoman, Michelle Lee, on Thursday emphasised that the US has been continuously in support of the sovereign status of Taiwan, according to Al Jazeera. She added that the US has "repeatedly reaffirmed" its support for Taiwan. Why is Taiwan important to the United States? Taiwan is a self-ruled island which is currently thriving in its democracy with a dynamic capitalist economy. It is also one of the largest potential flash points between the US and China, marking the only place which make possible for open warfare between the two powerful militaries. China, around Taiwan, regularly conducts military exercises in an ongoing show of force. For years, successive US presidents have firmly backed Taiwan against pressure from its powerful neighbour, China. However, there is growing unease that President Donald Trump could shift that policy, a move that could have far-reaching global consequences. Taiwan is vital to the American economy, producing more than 90 per cent of the world’s most advanced semiconductors, which are essential for artificial intelligence, defence systems and global supply chains. For decades, the United States has refused to recognise Beijing’s claim over the island and has continued supplying Taiwan with billions of dollars in military assistance each year, including a $10 billion arms package announced last December. However, a fresh $14 billion arms package has reportedly been awaiting Trump’s approval for months. Many in Taiwan are concerned that President Xi Jinping could leverage trade negotiations to weaken US backing or alter the existing status quo. As Assistant Secretary of Defence Ely Ratner noted, Taiwan is situated at a critical point within the first island chain, which anchors a network of US allies and partners, extending from the Japanese archipelago down to the Philippines and into the South China Sea. It is also critical for the region’s security and critical to the defence of US interests along the Indo-Pacific region. Taiwan also plays a key role in maintaining the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific due to its key location. As part of the first island chain, Taiwan helps limit China’s ability to project military power into the wider Pacific. If China were to take control of Taiwan, it could deploy military assets there, restricting US operations and threatening regional allies such as Japan and the Philippines. Taiwan is also central to global economic stability, producing nearly 70 per cent of the world’s semiconductors and the most advanced chips. Any disruption could trigger severe supply chain shocks worldwide. Politically, Taiwan represents a successful democracy in Asia. Its fall would weaken international norms against changing borders by force, damage US credibility with allies, and increase instability across the region. Also read: ‘US, China should be partners, not rivals’: Xi hails ‘historic’ Trump visit

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday warned US President Donald Trump that the world's two largest economies could "come into conflict" if the issue over self-ruled Taiwan is mishandled.

Why Taiwan matters so much to the United States? WION explains

The US government has cleared the sale of Nvidia Corp's powerful H200 Tensor Core GPU AI chips to 10 Chinese tech giants, including Alibaba Group Holding, ByteDance, JD.com Inc and Tencent Holdings ADR through intermediaries like Lenovo and Foxconn, but after weeks of US clearance, the deal has not been completed, due to regulatory standoffs and resistance from Beijing.&nbsp;NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang, who was initially not in the list of delegates, was later picked up by Trump from Alaska, en route to China, as he seeks a breakthrough in China this week. Lenovo confirmed it "is one of several companies approved to sell H200 in China as part of Nvidia‘s export license." Each approved customer can buy up to 75000 chips. The US requirements made clear that the chips could not be used for military purposes. The government wants 25 per cent of the revenue for the export, and to legally collect the export fee, the arrangement requires the hardware to physically pass through US territory for testing before shipment to China.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-trump-brought-top-us-ceos-to-beijing-china-visit-1778744738917">From NVIDIA to Goldman Sachs: Why America’s top CEOs are with Trump in China</a><h2>Why was there no sale?</h2>However, according to a Reuters report, not a single delivery has been made, and Chinese firms pulled back following the direction from the government. China seeks to promote its domestic alternatives, such as Huawei, to avoid foreign tech dependencies. It is a strategic calculation of Beijing that imports could weaken a push to develop homegrown AI chips. Further, Beijing has security concerns; the requirement to route hardware through US soil has fueled anxieties in Beijing over potential tampering or hidden system vulnerabilitiesUS Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said that “the Chinese central government has not let them, as of yet, buy the chips, because they’re trying to keep their investment focused on their own domestic industry.”&nbsp;NVIDIA accounted for 95 per cent of China’s advanced chip market, and China accounted for over 13 per cent of NVIDIA's revenue. Huang estimated that China's chip market is likely to account for $50 billion this year. Huang has warned that US export controls are eroding the company’s foothold in the market, and he said that its share of the AI accelerator has effectively fallen to zero.&nbsp;&nbsp;

China has reportedly halted Nvidia H200 AI chip purchases despite US approval for sales to Alibaba, Tencent and ByteDance. Here’s why Beijing is resisting the deal amid security fears, Huawei competition and the US-China AI race.

The US government has cleared the sale of Nvidia Corp's powerful H200 Tensor Core GPU AI chips to 10 Chinese tech giants, including Alibaba Group Holding, ByteDance, JD.com Inc and Tencent Holdings ADR through intermediaries like Lenovo and Foxconn, but after weeks of US clearance, the deal has not been completed, due to regulatory standoffs and resistance from Beijing. NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang, who was initially not in the list of delegates, was later picked up by Trump from Alaska, en route to China, as he seeks a breakthrough in China this week. Lenovo confirmed it "is one of several companies approved to sell H200 in China as part of Nvidia‘s export license." Each approved customer can buy up to 75000 chips. The US requirements made clear that the chips could not be used for military purposes. The government wants 25 per cent of the revenue for the export, and to legally collect the export fee, the arrangement requires the hardware to physically pass through US territory for testing before shipment to China. Also Read: From NVIDIA to Goldman Sachs: Why America’s top CEOs are with Trump in China Why was there no sale? However, according to a Reuters report, not a single delivery has been made, and Chinese firms pulled back following the direction from the government. China seeks to promote its domestic alternatives, such as Huawei, to avoid foreign tech dependencies. It is a strategic calculation of Beijing that imports could weaken a push to develop homegrown AI chips. Further, Beijing has security concerns; the requirement to route hardware through US soil has fueled anxieties in Beijing over potential tampering or hidden system vulnerabilities US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said that “the Chinese central government has not let them, as of yet, buy the chips, because they’re trying to keep their investment focused on their own domestic industry.” NVIDIA accounted for 95 per cent of China’s advanced chip market, and China accounted for over 13 per cent of NVIDIA's revenue. Huang estimated that China's chip market is likely to account for $50 billion this year. Huang has warned that US export controls are eroding the company’s foothold in the market, and he said that its share of the AI accelerator has effectively fallen to zero.

China has reportedly halted Nvidia H200 AI chip purchases despite US approval for sales to Alibaba, Tencent and ByteDance. Here’s why Beijing is resisting the deal amid security fears, Huawei competition and the US-China AI race.

Why China blocked Nvidia H200 AI chip sales despite US approval and Trump’s push

During his address from Beijing, US President Donald Trump hailed the relationship between the two countries, further saying that the citizens “have a deep sense of mutual respect.” He thanked the nation for the “magnificent welcome” as he landed to embark on his historic visit. Talking about his exchange with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, the 79-year-old said, “We had an extremely positive and constructive discussion today.”&nbsp;Trump arrived at the Great Hall of the People, where he was received with an opening ceremony featuring the national anthems of both nations.&nbsp; The visit is his first to Beijing since 2017 and comes amid a backdrop of mounting geopolitical pressure, with the ongoing Iran war casting a long shadow over bilateral talks.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-us-china-should-be-partners-not-rivals-xi-hails-historic-trump-visit-1778753461122">‘US, China should be partners, not rivals’: Xi hails ‘historic’ Trump visit</a>&nbsp;Trump was accompanied on the trip by a host of American corporate executives, including Apple CEO Tim Cook, Tesla CEO Elon Musk, and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang. The bilateral meeting between the two leaders lasted approximately two hours and fifteen minutes. Key issues on the table included trade, Taiwan, artificial intelligence, and the war involving Iran. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed that the US and China are also coordinating on AI safety, with plans to establish a protocol on best practices to prevent non-state actors from gaining access to advanced models.&nbsp; The day's engagements extended beyond the negotiating table. Trump and Xi visited the Temple of Heaven together, a UNESCO heritage site steeped in centuries of Chinese imperial history, before the two delegations gathered for a lavish state banquet at the Great Hall of the People.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-basketball-blue-jeans-and-chinese-restaurants-trump-hails-deep-us-china-ties-at-xi-banquet-1778757462999">‘Basketball, blue jeans and Chinese restaurants’: Trump hails deep US-China ties at Xi banquet</a>&nbsp;Xi, for his part, described US-China relations as the world's most consequential, though he also issued a pointed warning over Taiwan, cautioning that mishandling the issue could lead to serious conflict.&nbsp;As he closed his speech, the US president invited Xi and his wife to the White House on September 24, a gesture widely seen as a signal of Washington's intent to keep diplomatic momentum alive well beyond the Beijing summit.

A major diplomatic shift? Trump sets September 24 for Xi Jinping's White House visit. See what’s on the agenda for the biggest US-China meeting of 2026.

During his address from Beijing, US President Donald Trump hailed the relationship between the two countries, further saying that the citizens “have a deep sense of mutual respect.” He thanked the nation for the “magnificent welcome” as he landed to embark on his historic visit. Talking about his exchange with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, the 79-year-old said, “We had an extremely positive and constructive discussion today.” Trump arrived at the Great Hall of the People, where he was received with an opening ceremony featuring the national anthems of both nations. The visit is his first to Beijing since 2017 and comes amid a backdrop of mounting geopolitical pressure, with the ongoing Iran war casting a long shadow over bilateral talks. Also read: ‘US, China should be partners, not rivals’: Xi hails ‘historic’ Trump visit Trump was accompanied on the trip by a host of American corporate executives, including Apple CEO Tim Cook, Tesla CEO Elon Musk, and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang. The bilateral meeting between the two leaders lasted approximately two hours and fifteen minutes. Key issues on the table included trade, Taiwan, artificial intelligence, and the war involving Iran. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed that the US and China are also coordinating on AI safety, with plans to establish a protocol on best practices to prevent non-state actors from gaining access to advanced models. The day's engagements extended beyond the negotiating table. Trump and Xi visited the Temple of Heaven together, a UNESCO heritage site steeped in centuries of Chinese imperial history, before the two delegations gathered for a lavish state banquet at the Great Hall of the People. Also read: ‘Basketball, blue jeans and Chinese restaurants’: Trump hails deep US-China ties at Xi banquet Xi, for his part, described US-China relations as the world's most consequential, though he also issued a pointed warning over Taiwan, cautioning that mishandling the issue could lead to serious conflict. As he closed his speech, the US president invited Xi and his wife to the White House on September 24, a gesture widely seen as a signal of Washington's intent to keep diplomatic momentum alive well beyond the Beijing summit.

A major diplomatic shift? Trump sets September 24 for Xi Jinping's White House visit. See what’s on the agenda for the biggest US-China meeting of 2026.

Trump in China: US President invites Chinese President Xi and wife to White House on September 24

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday (May 14) hailed US President Donald Trump’s visit to his country as “historic”, saying that the United States and China “should be partners” and not “rivals”. This comes after the White House said that the high-stakes talks between the two leaders were “good”.“Today, President Trump and I had in-depth exchanges on China-US relations and the international and regional dynamics. We both believe that the China-US relationship is the most important bilateral relationship in the world. We must make it work and never mess it up,” the Chinese leader said following talks with Trump.“Both China and the United States stand to gain from cooperation and lose from confrontation. Our two countries should be partners rather than rivals,” he added.“The people of China and the United States are both great peoples, achieving the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and making America great again can go hand in hand,” Xi said. “We can help each other succeed and advance the wellbeing of the whole world.”<h2>Trump invites Xi to White House</h2>Addressing the state dinner, Trump hailed the “fantastic day”. He also thanked Xi for “a magnificent welcome like none other”.“We had extremely positive and productive conversations and meetings today with the Chinese delegation earlier, and this evening is another cherished opportunity to discuss among friends some of the things that we discussed today.”Concluding his speech, Trump invited Xi to the White House on September 24 as he raised a glass.<h2>White House says Trump-Xi meeting was ‘good’</h2>Following the talks between the two leaders, the White House said in a statement, “President Trump had a good meeting with President Xi of China. The two sides discussed ways to enhance economic cooperation.” The statement had no mention of discussions on self-ruled Taiwan. Earlier, Xi said that the issue is mishandled, it could cause a “conflict” between China and the United States.

Chinese President Xi Jinping called Donald Trump’s China visit “historic”, saying the US and China should be partners, not rivals, after talks the White House described as “good”.

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday (May 14) hailed US President Donald Trump’s visit to his country as “historic”, saying that the United States and China “should be partners” and not “rivals”. This comes after the White House said that the high-stakes talks between the two leaders were “good”. “Today, President Trump and I had in-depth exchanges on China-US relations and the international and regional dynamics. We both believe that the China-US relationship is the most important bilateral relationship in the world. We must make it work and never mess it up,” the Chinese leader said following talks with Trump. “Both China and the United States stand to gain from cooperation and lose from confrontation. Our two countries should be partners rather than rivals,” he added. “The people of China and the United States are both great peoples, achieving the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and making America great again can go hand in hand,” Xi said. “We can help each other succeed and advance the wellbeing of the whole world.” Trump invites Xi to White House Addressing the state dinner, Trump hailed the “fantastic day”. He also thanked Xi for “a magnificent welcome like none other”. “We had extremely positive and productive conversations and meetings today with the Chinese delegation earlier, and this evening is another cherished opportunity to discuss among friends some of the things that we discussed today.” Concluding his speech, Trump invited Xi to the White House on September 24 as he raised a glass. White House says Trump-Xi meeting was ‘good’ Following the talks between the two leaders, the White House said in a statement, “President Trump had a good meeting with President Xi of China. The two sides discussed ways to enhance economic cooperation.” The statement had no mention of discussions on self-ruled Taiwan. Earlier, Xi said that the issue is mishandled, it could cause a “conflict” between China and the United States.

Chinese President Xi Jinping called Donald Trump’s visit to China “historic”, saying the US and China should be partners, not rivals, after talks the White House described as “good”.

‘US, China should be partners, not rivals’: Xi hails ‘historic’ Trump visit

A US jury convicted a man named "Harry" Lu Jianwang for his role in running a clandestine Chinese "police station" in New York as part of a campaign to monitor US-based dissidents. Lu and another man, Chen Jinping, were arrested in April 2023 and accused of operating the secret police station, which operated from an office building, on behalf of China's Ministry of Public Security. Canada and several European governments have cracked down on similar "police stations," whose existence was first revealed by Spain-based rights group Safeguard Defenders. Now, they face up to 30 years in prison for acting as an illegal agent of the Chinese government in setting up and running the "overseas police station" in Manhattan's Chinatown, the Justice Department said in a statement.&nbsp;FBI agents first searched the outpost in October 2022 and found a blue banner reading "Fuzhou Police Overseas Service Station, New York, USA," referring to a city in southeastern China. "The New York police station was part of a global initiative by the MPS (Ministry of Public Security) to establish overseas police service stations all over the world," the Justice Department said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/xi-wants-china-us-to-transcend-thucydides-trap-what-the-term-means-and-what-are-its-origins-1778736539728">Xi wants China-US to transcend 'Thucydides Trap': What the term means and what are its origins</a>&nbsp;According to Safeguard Defenders, the stations have been involved in pressuring&nbsp;Chinese&nbsp;nationals to return home to face criminal charges. "Lu Jianwang used a police station in New York City to target PRC (People's Republic of China) dissidents in furtherance of the Chinese government's political agenda," said FBI Assistant Director in Charge James C Barnacle Jr. "Lu was tasked by his MPS handler with collecting information on behalf of the Chinese government, such as locating a pro-democracy advocate who had fled from China and moved to the US," it added.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-world-at-crossroads-xi-jinping-tells-trump-china-and-united-states-should-be-partners-not-rivals-beijing-talks-musk-rubio-1778726835661/amp">'World at crossroads': Xi Jinping tells Trump China and United States 'should be partners, not rivals'</a><h2>China's reaction</h2>China's government has called the charges in the case "fabricated" and part of an effort to smear the country's image. Beijing has said there are centers outside China run by local volunteers, not Chinese police officers, that aim to help Chinese citizens renew documents and offer other services. John Carman, a lawyer for Lu, said his client agreed to open the center to help Chinese nationals who were unable to travel to the country to renew documents due to the COVID pandemic. But Carman said Lu was not tasked with doing so by the Chinese government. A co-defendant arrested alongside Lu, Chen Jinping, pleaded guilty in 2024 to conspiring to act as an unregistered Chinese agent. The arrests followed a 2022 investigation published by Spain-based advocacy group Safeguard Defenders that reported China had set up overseas "service stations," including in New York, that illegally worked with Chinese police to pressure fugitives to return to China.&nbsp;

Lu Jianwang was convicted in New York for acting as an illegal Chinese foreign agent and obstructing justice by deleting messages tied to alleged efforts to harass pro-democracy dissidents. Prosecutors said he helped run a covert Chinese police outpost in Manhattan’s Chinatown.

A US jury convicted a man named "Harry" Lu Jianwang for his role in running a clandestine Chinese "police station" in New York as part of a campaign to monitor US-based dissidents. Lu and another man, Chen Jinping, were arrested in April 2023 and accused of operating the secret police station, which operated from an office building, on behalf of China's Ministry of Public Security. Canada and several European governments have cracked down on similar "police stations," whose existence was first revealed by Spain-based rights group Safeguard Defenders. Now, they face up to 30 years in prison for acting as an illegal agent of the Chinese government in setting up and running the "overseas police station" in Manhattan's Chinatown, the Justice Department said in a statement. FBI agents first searched the outpost in October 2022 and found a blue banner reading "Fuzhou Police Overseas Service Station, New York, USA," referring to a city in southeastern China. "The New York police station was part of a global initiative by the MPS (Ministry of Public Security) to establish overseas police service stations all over the world," the Justice Department said. Also Read: Xi wants China-US to transcend 'Thucydides Trap': What the term means and what are its origins According to Safeguard Defenders, the stations have been involved in pressuring Chinese nationals to return home to face criminal charges. "Lu Jianwang used a police station in New York City to target PRC (People's Republic of China) dissidents in furtherance of the Chinese government's political agenda," said FBI Assistant Director in Charge James C Barnacle Jr. "Lu was tasked by his MPS handler with collecting information on behalf of the Chinese government, such as locating a pro-democracy advocate who had fled from China and moved to the US," it added. Also Read: 'World at crossroads': Xi Jinping tells Trump China and United States 'should be partners, not rivals' China's reaction China's government has called the charges in the case "fabricated" and part of an effort to smear the country's image. Beijing has said there are centers outside China run by local volunteers, not Chinese police officers, that aim to help Chinese citizens renew documents and offer other services. John Carman, a lawyer for Lu, said his client agreed to open the center to help Chinese nationals who were unable to travel to the country to renew documents due to the COVID pandemic. But Carman said Lu was not tasked with doing so by the Chinese government. A co-defendant arrested alongside Lu, Chen Jinping, pleaded guilty in 2024 to conspiring to act as an unregistered Chinese agent. The arrests followed a 2022 investigation published by Spain-based advocacy group Safeguard Defenders that reported China had set up overseas "service stations," including in New York, that illegally worked with Chinese police to pressure fugitives to return to China.

Lu Jianwang was convicted in New York for acting as an illegal Chinese foreign agent and obstructing justice by deleting messages tied to alleged efforts to harass pro-democracy dissidents. Prosecutors said he helped run a covert Chinese police outpost in Manhattan’s Chinatown.

US citizen convicted of running secret Chinese 'police station': How he operated

A vessel anchored off the coast of the United Arab Emirates has been seized by “unauthorised personnel” and is now heading towards Iranian territorial waters, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), intensifying concerns over security in the Strait of Hormuz. The UK maritime agency said it received a report of the incident approximately 38 nautical miles, or around 70 kilometres, northeast of Fujairah, one of the UAE’s main ports near the strategic waterway linking the Gulf to global shipping routes.&nbsp;According to AFP, United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations centre (UKMTO) said the ship’s company security officer reported that “the vessel has been taken by unauthorized personnel whilst at anchor and is now bound for Iranian Territorial Waters”. No details were immediately released about the vessel’s identity, ownership, cargo or the individuals involved in the seizure. The agency said investigations were ongoing and urged ships operating in the area to report suspicious activity.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-linked-shadow-fleet-uses-ship-to-ship-transfers-near-malaysia-to-bypass-oil-sanctions-1778747105693">Iran-linked 'shadow fleet' uses ship-to-ship transfers near Malaysia to bypass oil sanctions</a>&nbsp;<h2>Hormuz remains critical to global energy trade</h2><h2>&nbsp;</h2>The incident comes amid heightened tensions involving Iran, the United States and Israel following conflict that erupted on February 28. Iran has since restricted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, while the United States imposed a naval blockade targeting Iranian maritime traffic despite a ceasefire brokered through Pakistani mediation on April 8.The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints, carrying nearly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. Disruptions in the narrow passage can quickly affect international energy markets and commercial shipping.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-conflict-triggers-ink-shortage-as-japanese-snack-giant-switches-to-black-and-white-packaging-1778658515642">Iran conflict triggers ink shortage as Japanese snack giant switches to black-and-white packaging</a>&nbsp;<h2>Fresh security fears after recent attacks</h2><h2>&nbsp;</h2>Thursday’s seizure follows a series of recent maritime incidents in the region. South Korea said earlier this week that a cargo ship was struck by unidentified aircraft in Hormuz, while Qatar reported that a freighter travelling from Abu Dhabi had been hit by a drone. The UKMTO noted that the latest vessel was seized “whilst at anchor”, before moving towards Iranian waters, underlining continuing risks for commercial ships operating near one of the world’s busiest trade routes.

The UK maritime agency said it received a report of the incident approximately 38 nautical miles, or around 70 kilometres, northeast of Fujairah, one of the UAE’s main ports near the strategic waterway linking the Gulf to global shipping routes.

A vessel anchored off the coast of the United Arab Emirates has been seized by “unauthorised personnel” and is now heading towards Iranian territorial waters, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), intensifying concerns over security in the Strait of Hormuz. The UK maritime agency said it received a report of the incident approximately 38 nautical miles, or around 70 kilometres, northeast of Fujairah, one of the UAE’s main ports near the strategic waterway linking the Gulf to global shipping routes. According to AFP, United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations centre (UKMTO) said the ship’s company security officer reported that “the vessel has been taken by unauthorized personnel whilst at anchor and is now bound for Iranian Territorial Waters”. No details were immediately released about the vessel’s identity, ownership, cargo or the individuals involved in the seizure. The agency said investigations were ongoing and urged ships operating in the area to report suspicious activity. ALSO READ: Iran-linked 'shadow fleet' uses ship-to-ship transfers near Malaysia to bypass oil sanctions Hormuz remains critical to global energy trade The incident comes amid heightened tensions involving Iran, the United States and Israel following conflict that erupted on February 28. Iran has since restricted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, while the United States imposed a naval blockade targeting Iranian maritime traffic despite a ceasefire brokered through Pakistani mediation on April 8. The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints, carrying nearly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. Disruptions in the narrow passage can quickly affect international energy markets and commercial shipping. ALSO READ: Iran conflict triggers ink shortage as Japanese snack giant switches to black-and-white packaging Fresh security fears after recent attacks Thursday’s seizure follows a series of recent maritime incidents in the region. South Korea said earlier this week that a cargo ship was struck by unidentified aircraft in Hormuz, while Qatar reported that a freighter travelling from Abu Dhabi had been hit by a drone. The UKMTO noted that the latest vessel was seized “whilst at anchor”, before moving towards Iranian waters, underlining continuing risks for commercial ships operating near one of the world’s busiest trade routes.

The UK maritime agency said it received a report of the incident approximately 38 nautical miles, or around 70 kilometres, northeast of Fujairah, one of the UAE’s main ports near the strategic waterway linking the Gulf to global shipping routes.

Vessel seized by unknown men off UAE coast, heading towards Iranian waters: UK maritime agency says

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a hearing at the Tel Aviv District Court for a libel suit said he is in perfect health. The suit was filed against two journalists and a political activist for claiming he suffered from various serious diseases in 2024. During the hearing Netanyahu said, “My health situation is fine, some would say excellent."&nbsp;Netanyahu said he never suffered from pancreatic cancer, as claimed by activist Gonen Ben Yitzhak. He argued that had he been suffering from the disease he would have not been alive by now.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-this-is-false-tulsi-gabbard-s-office-denies-whistleblower-claims-on-cia-raid-and-mkultra-files-seizure-1778744267421">‘This is false’: Tulsi Gabbard’s office denies whistleblower claims on CIA raid and MKUltra files seizure</a>&nbsp;He told the court that he underwent five treatments for radiation therapy in January and February of 2026, after he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, which he said happened “towards the end of 2025.” He then said that these treatments totally removed the cancer.&nbsp;Last month a formal medical report released by the Prime Minister’s Office said &nbsp;Netanyahu is in "excellent" health and is officially cancer-free following successful treatment for an early-stage malignancy.&nbsp;The medical summary, signed by the Prime Minister’s personal physician Dr. Tzvi Berkovitz, confirmed that a "minuscule suspicious lesion" was identified following a routine MRI scan. Subsequent tests confirmed the presence of localised, early-stage prostate cancer.&nbsp;In a statement released on the social media platform X, Netanyahu addressed the delay in making the diagnosis public. He cited the ongoing security crisis with Iran, referred to as 'Operation Epic Fury', as the primary reason for the confidentiality. "I chose to delay the report’s publication so it would not come out at the peak of the war. Today I can say I am healthy... the spot disappeared completely."

He told the court that he underwent five treatments for radiation therapy in January and February of 2026, after he was diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a hearing at the Tel Aviv District Court for a libel suit said he is in perfect health. The suit was filed against two journalists and a political activist for claiming he suffered from various serious diseases in 2024. During the hearing Netanyahu said, “My health situation is fine, some would say excellent." Netanyahu said he never suffered from pancreatic cancer, as claimed by activist Gonen Ben Yitzhak. He argued that had he been suffering from the disease he would have not been alive by now. ALSO READ: ‘This is false’: Tulsi Gabbard’s office denies whistleblower claims on CIA raid and MKUltra files seizure He told the court that he underwent five treatments for radiation therapy in January and February of 2026, after he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, which he said happened “towards the end of 2025.” He then said that these treatments totally removed the cancer. Last month a formal medical report released by the Prime Minister’s Office said Netanyahu is in "excellent" health and is officially cancer-free following successful treatment for an early-stage malignancy. The medical summary, signed by the Prime Minister’s personal physician Dr. Tzvi Berkovitz, confirmed that a "minuscule suspicious lesion" was identified following a routine MRI scan. Subsequent tests confirmed the presence of localised, early-stage prostate cancer. In a statement released on the social media platform X, Netanyahu addressed the delay in making the diagnosis public. He cited the ongoing security crisis with Iran, referred to as 'Operation Epic Fury', as the primary reason for the confidentiality. "I chose to delay the report’s publication so it would not come out at the peak of the war. Today I can say I am healthy... the spot disappeared completely."

He told the court that he underwent five treatments for radiation therapy in January and February of 2026, after he was diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Netanyahu claims in court to be in good health, says have treated cancer completely

US President Donald Trump is in Beijing for a 3-day state visit. He is accompanied by some of the tech and AI industry and financial titans, approximately 17 prominent chief executives and Wall Street financial leaders. US media termed it “a roster of candidates for Mar-a-Lago membership” instead of a diplomatic mission. "I will be asking President Xi, a Leader of extraordinary distinction, to 'open up' China so that these brilliant people can work their magic, and help bring the People's Republic to an even higher level," wrote US President Donald Trump.<h2>Who are the big giants in Trump's entourage?</h2>The roster includes SpaceXAI CEO Elon Musk, BlackRock CEO Larry Fink, Apple CEO Tim Cook, NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang, Kelly Ortberg Kelly President and Chief Executive of Boeing, Larry Culp Chief Executive of GE Aerospace, Cristiano Amon Chief Executive of Qualcomm, Sanjay Mehrotra Chief Executive of Micron, Stephen Schwarzman Chief Executive of Blackstone, David Solomon Chief Executive of Goldman Sachs, Jane Fraser Chief Executive of Citigroup (Citi), Ryan McInerney Chief Executive of Visa.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-refuses-answer-taiwan-questions-xi-jinping-beijing-summit-1778738689005">Trump dodges Taiwan questions following two-hour summit with Xi Jinping</a><h2>Why are there so many CEOs in Trump's entourage?</h2>The most honest extrapolation from the situation, after looking at the ballooning US debts of $39 trillion, is that Wall Street wants to access the Chinese household savings, China's enormous pool of capital, consumers, data-driven growth and AI sectors. China's household savings rate is over 35 per cent, which amounts to 2.44 trillion RMB in March 2026, outpacing all the major global economies like Germany at around 19 per cent, the European average at around 14 per cent, and the US and the UK hovering close to 3 per cent.&nbsp;Wall Street and US markets want continued access to Global capital, as AI has intensified the global capital allocation, and China represents one of the largest untapped pools of savings. This huge financial strength is required to fill the trillion-dollar gap created by the massive speculative investment by top executives in AI, betting it would become profitable in future. US asset managers like BlackRock and Goldman Sachs have long pushed for deeper access to China's retail and institutional investors. Most of these tech and financial giants face regulations, heavy tariffs and manufacturing disruptions. BlackRock, Goldman, Citi want access to Chinese retail and institutional investors; NVIDIA, Qualcomm, Micron want chip sales into China's AI infrastructure buildout, despite export controls; Apple, Boeing, GE &nbsp;Aerospace want supply chain normalisation and market access; Citi, Visa want payment infrastructure penetration into China's consumer economy. They want uncontrolled access to the “second largest economy” in the world. Analysts, after looking at Trump's entourage, frame it as a business pitch meeting rather than a diplomatic mission.&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump arrived in Beijing with top CEOs from Apple, NVIDIA, BlackRock, Goldman Sachs and Boeing. Analysts say the visit reflects Wall Street and AI industry efforts to access China’s capital, consumers and AI market.

US President Donald Trump is in Beijing for a 3-day state visit. He is accompanied by some of the tech and AI industry and financial titans, approximately 17 prominent chief executives and Wall Street financial leaders. US media termed it “a roster of candidates for Mar-a-Lago membership” instead of a diplomatic mission. "I will be asking President Xi, a Leader of extraordinary distinction, to 'open up' China so that these brilliant people can work their magic, and help bring the People's Republic to an even higher level," wrote US President Donald Trump. Who are the big giants in Trump's entourage? The roster includes SpaceXAI CEO Elon Musk, BlackRock CEO Larry Fink, Apple CEO Tim Cook, NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang, Kelly Ortberg Kelly President and Chief Executive of Boeing, Larry Culp Chief Executive of GE Aerospace, Cristiano Amon Chief Executive of Qualcomm, Sanjay Mehrotra Chief Executive of Micron, Stephen Schwarzman Chief Executive of Blackstone, David Solomon Chief Executive of Goldman Sachs, Jane Fraser Chief Executive of Citigroup (Citi), Ryan McInerney Chief Executive of Visa. Also Read: Trump dodges Taiwan questions following two-hour summit with Xi Jinping Why are there so many CEOs in Trump's entourage? The most honest extrapolation from the situation, after looking at the ballooning US debts of $39 trillion, is that Wall Street wants to access the Chinese household savings, China's enormous pool of capital, consumers, data-driven growth and AI sectors. China's household savings rate is over 35 per cent, which amounts to 2.44 trillion RMB in March 2026, outpacing all the major global economies like Germany at around 19 per cent, the European average at around 14 per cent, and the US and the UK hovering close to 3 per cent. Wall Street and US markets want continued access to Global capital, as AI has intensified the global capital allocation, and China represents one of the largest untapped pools of savings. This huge financial strength is required to fill the trillion-dollar gap created by the massive speculative investment by top executives in AI, betting it would become profitable in future. US asset managers like BlackRock and Goldman Sachs have long pushed for deeper access to China's retail and institutional investors. Most of these tech and financial giants face regulations, heavy tariffs and manufacturing disruptions. BlackRock, Goldman, Citi want access to Chinese retail and institutional investors; NVIDIA, Qualcomm, Micron want chip sales into China's AI infrastructure buildout, despite export controls; Apple, Boeing, GE Aerospace want supply chain normalisation and market access; Citi, Visa want payment infrastructure penetration into China's consumer economy. They want uncontrolled access to the “second largest economy” in the world. Analysts, after looking at Trump's entourage, frame it as a business pitch meeting rather than a diplomatic mission.

US President Donald Trump arrived in Beijing with top CEOs from Apple, NVIDIA, BlackRock, Goldman Sachs and Boeing. Analysts say the visit reflects Wall Street and AI industry efforts to access China’s capital, consumers and AI market.

From NVIDIA to Goldman Sachs: Why America’s top CEOs are with Trump in China

Waters off Malaysia’s southern Johor state have become a critical hub for clandestine transfers of Iranian oil, with Malaysian authorities acknowledging that foreign-linked tankers are exploiting “jurisdictional gaps” in busy international shipping lanes to evade enforcement action. According to the Associated Press, the operations centre on the Eastern Outer Port Limits (EOPL) in the South China Sea, an area roughly 70 kilometres off Johor that sits along one of the world’s busiest maritime corridors between the Middle East and East Asia.&nbsp;The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) said that many of the ship-to-ship oil transfers are carried out beyond Malaysia’s territorial waters and outside effective radar coverage. “The selection of such locations is intended to exploit jurisdictional gaps and limit direct enforcement action by local authorities,” MMEA Director-General Mohamad Rosli Abdullah told AP.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/xi-trump-summit-us-president-reaches-china-for-high-stakes-talks-date-venue-key-facts-and-what-s-at-stake-1778665281416">Xi-Trump summit: US president reaches China for high-stakes talks — Date, venue, key facts and what’s at stake</a>&nbsp;The activity involves Iran-linked vessels commonly described as a ‘shadow fleet’, ageing tankers operating with disabled tracking systems, altered identities and opaque ownership structures to disguise the origin of crude oil shipments, much of which is believed to be destined for China. Industry observers note that China purchases about 90 per cent of Iran’s oil exports, despite longstanding US sanctions targeting Tehran’s energy trade.&nbsp;<h3>Allegations of weak enforcement rejected by Malaysian authorities</h3><h3>&nbsp;</h3>US-based advocacy organisation United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI) claims the EOPL area has seen 42 ship-to-ship transfers involving Iranian oil since February 28, based on satellite imagery monitoring. Senior UANI adviser Charlie Brown accused Malaysia of enabling the trade through insufficient enforcement. “Because of Malaysia’s inaction, it is facilitating this business model by Iran and China and dark fleet actors,” he told AP, adding that the country risked becoming “a facilitator rather than merely a transit point”.&nbsp;Malaysian authorities rejected the criticism, insisting enforcement is conducted strictly under domestic law and international maritime conventions. Rosli said the allegations “do not align with the actual situation on the ground” and pointed to limited real-time intelligence sharing between agencies as a significant obstacle.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-conflict-triggers-ink-shortage-as-japanese-snack-giant-switches-to-black-and-white-packaging-1778658515642">Iran conflict triggers ink shortage as Japanese snack giant switches to black-and-white packaging</a>&nbsp;Malaysia discourages unsanctioned offshore transfers because they heighten the risk of oil spills, particularly when conducted using ageing vessels far from port facilities.&nbsp;<h3>Indonesia reviews legality as shadow fleet activity continues</h3><h3>&nbsp;</h3>The issue has also drawn scrutiny from neighbouring Indonesia, whose maritime territory borders the transfer zone near the Riau Archipelago. Indonesia’s Foreign Ministry said authorities were reviewing the legality of activities in the area. Spokesperson Yvonne Mewengkang told AP: “Indonesia does not permit its territory or maritime zones to be used for unlawful activities.”&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/why-does-china-hold-stronger-cards-as-trump-heads-to-beijing-for-high-stakes-summit-1778668449710">Xi-Trump summit: Why does China hold stronger cards as Trump heads to Beijing for high-stakes talks?</a>&nbsp;Despite increased scrutiny and a US blockade of Iranian ports introduced in mid-April, UANI says Iranian-linked tankers continue operating near the EOPL. “It’s business as usual,” Brown said.&nbsp;Earlier this year, Malaysian authorities seized two vessels involved in the transfer of two million barrels of crude oil within Malaysian territorial waters. One vessel was stateless, while the other sailed under a Cameroon flag. Both were later released on bond after being detained for conducting unauthorised oil transfers.

The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) said that many of the ship-to-ship oil transfers are carried out beyond Malaysia’s territorial waters and outside effective radar coverage. 

Waters off Malaysia’s southern Johor state have become a critical hub for clandestine transfers of Iranian oil, with Malaysian authorities acknowledging that foreign-linked tankers are exploiting “jurisdictional gaps” in busy international shipping lanes to evade enforcement action. According to the Associated Press, the operations centre on the Eastern Outer Port Limits (EOPL) in the South China Sea, an area roughly 70 kilometres off Johor that sits along one of the world’s busiest maritime corridors between the Middle East and East Asia. The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) said that many of the ship-to-ship oil transfers are carried out beyond Malaysia’s territorial waters and outside effective radar coverage. “The selection of such locations is intended to exploit jurisdictional gaps and limit direct enforcement action by local authorities,” MMEA Director-General Mohamad Rosli Abdullah told AP. ALSO READ: Xi-Trump summit: US president reaches China for high-stakes talks — Date, venue, key facts and what’s at stake The activity involves Iran-linked vessels commonly described as a ‘shadow fleet’, ageing tankers operating with disabled tracking systems, altered identities and opaque ownership structures to disguise the origin of crude oil shipments, much of which is believed to be destined for China. Industry observers note that China purchases about 90 per cent of Iran’s oil exports, despite longstanding US sanctions targeting Tehran’s energy trade. Allegations of weak enforcement rejected by Malaysian authorities US-based advocacy organisation United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI) claims the EOPL area has seen 42 ship-to-ship transfers involving Iranian oil since February 28, based on satellite imagery monitoring. Senior UANI adviser Charlie Brown accused Malaysia of enabling the trade through insufficient enforcement. “Because of Malaysia’s inaction, it is facilitating this business model by Iran and China and dark fleet actors,” he told AP, adding that the country risked becoming “a facilitator rather than merely a transit point”. Malaysian authorities rejected the criticism, insisting enforcement is conducted strictly under domestic law and international maritime conventions. Rosli said the allegations “do not align with the actual situation on the ground” and pointed to limited real-time intelligence sharing between agencies as a significant obstacle. ALSO READ: Iran conflict triggers ink shortage as Japanese snack giant switches to black-and-white packaging Malaysia discourages unsanctioned offshore transfers because they heighten the risk of oil spills, particularly when conducted using ageing vessels far from port facilities. Indonesia reviews legality as shadow fleet activity continues The issue has also drawn scrutiny from neighbouring Indonesia, whose maritime territory borders the transfer zone near the Riau Archipelago. Indonesia’s Foreign Ministry said authorities were reviewing the legality of activities in the area. Spokesperson Yvonne Mewengkang told AP: “Indonesia does not permit its territory or maritime zones to be used for unlawful activities.” ALSO READ: Xi-Trump summit: Why does China hold stronger cards as Trump heads to Beijing for high-stakes talks? Despite increased scrutiny and a US blockade of Iranian ports introduced in mid-April, UANI says Iranian-linked tankers continue operating near the EOPL. “It’s business as usual,” Brown said. Earlier this year, Malaysian authorities seized two vessels involved in the transfer of two million barrels of crude oil within Malaysian territorial waters. One vessel was stateless, while the other sailed under a Cameroon flag. Both were later released on bond after being detained for conducting unauthorised oil transfers.

The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) said that many of the ship-to-ship oil transfers are carried out beyond Malaysia’s territorial waters and outside effective radar coverage.&nbsp;

Iran-linked 'shadow fleet' uses ship-to-ship transfers near Malaysia to bypass oil sanctions

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi on Thursday (May 14) addressed the BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting and urged members of the block to “unequivocally condemn violations of international law”, adding that his country has been subjected to “brutal and unlawful aggression by the United States and Israel.” He said that Iran is the “victim of illegal expansionism and warmongering" and called on BRICS nation to shatter “West’s false sense of superiority.” In what sounded like a message to the US, Araghchi said that Iran is “unbreakable and emerges stronger and more united when under pressure." He said that the Islamic Republic is ready to fight but is also ready to pursue and defend diplomacy. The Iranian Foreign Minister described Iran's confrontation with Western powers as part of a broader struggle against "Western hegemony", saying Tehran's actions were linked to the interests of BRICS nations and the wider Global South.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-we-meet-at-a-time-jaishankar-bats-for-diplomacy-in-opening-remarks-of-brics-foreign-ministers-meet-amid-iran-us-war-1778739810691">BRICS Foreign Ministers’ meeting: S Jaishankar greets Iranian FM Araghchi, other leaders</a>&nbsp;"Over the past year, I have had the honour of attending two BRICS summits to express the Iranian government's belief that this mechanism symbolises the emergence of a new world order, one in which the global South is one of the main architects of the world's future. What was once an ambitious ideal has become a reality, but it is a fragile one. Declining imperialist powers are seeking to turn back the clock and are reacting with desperation and aggression as they seek to downgrade," Araghchi said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-we-meet-at-a-time-jaishankar-pushes-for-diplomacy-at-brics-foreign-ministers-meet-1778743629621">Jaishankar pushes for 'diplomacy' at BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meet</a> Abbas Araghchi calls Iran’s battle a defence of BRICS nationsIranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran’s confrontation with the West was not just about Tehran, but about defending all BRICS+ nations and the “new world” the bloc was trying to build together. He claimed Iranian soldiers had sacrificed their lives resisting what he described as Western hegemony and America’s perceived sense of immunity.<h3>Iran urges BRICS to counter US ‘superiority’ and ‘bullying’</h3>Araghchi expressed appreciation for support from BRICS countries but urged member states to intensify efforts against what he called a culture of superiority and impunity associated with the United States. He said many countries in the BRICS grouping were familiar with American coercion and pressure, adding that such practices belonged to the past and should be collectively challenged.<h3>BRICS meeting underway under India’s chairmanship</h3>The BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting is being held from May 14 to 15 amid discussions on global governance, development priorities and geopolitical challenges. India assumed the BRICS chairmanship on January 1, taking over from Brazil, marking the fourth time New Delhi has led the bloc after hosting summits in 2012, 2016 and 2021.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi urged BRICS nations to condemn alleged US and Israeli violations of international law, warning against Western “hegemony” and calling for a more just global order led by the Global South.

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi on Thursday (May 14) addressed the BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting and urged members of the block to “unequivocally condemn violations of international law”, adding that his country has been subjected to “brutal and unlawful aggression by the United States and Israel.” He said that Iran is the “victim of illegal expansionism and warmongering" and called on BRICS nation to shatter “West’s false sense of superiority.” In what sounded like a message to the US, Araghchi said that Iran is “unbreakable and emerges stronger and more united when under pressure." He said that the Islamic Republic is ready to fight but is also ready to pursue and defend diplomacy. The Iranian Foreign Minister described Iran's confrontation with Western powers as part of a broader struggle against "Western hegemony", saying Tehran's actions were linked to the interests of BRICS nations and the wider Global South. Also Read: BRICS Foreign Ministers’ meeting: S Jaishankar greets Iranian FM Araghchi, other leaders "Over the past year, I have had the honour of attending two BRICS summits to express the Iranian government's belief that this mechanism symbolises the emergence of a new world order, one in which the global South is one of the main architects of the world's future. What was once an ambitious ideal has become a reality, but it is a fragile one. Declining imperialist powers are seeking to turn back the clock and are reacting with desperation and aggression as they seek to downgrade," Araghchi said. Also Read: Jaishankar pushes for 'diplomacy' at BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meet Abbas Araghchi calls Iran’s battle a defence of BRICS nations Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran’s confrontation with the West was not just about Tehran, but about defending all BRICS+ nations and the “new world” the bloc was trying to build together. He claimed Iranian soldiers had sacrificed their lives resisting what he described as Western hegemony and America’s perceived sense of immunity. Iran urges BRICS to counter US ‘superiority’ and ‘bullying’ Araghchi expressed appreciation for support from BRICS countries but urged member states to intensify efforts against what he called a culture of superiority and impunity associated with the United States. He said many countries in the BRICS grouping were familiar with American coercion and pressure, adding that such practices belonged to the past and should be collectively challenged. BRICS meeting underway under India’s chairmanship The BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting is being held from May 14 to 15 amid discussions on global governance, development priorities and geopolitical challenges. India assumed the BRICS chairmanship on January 1, taking over from Brazil, marking the fourth time New Delhi has led the bloc after hosting summits in 2012, 2016 and 2021.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi urged BRICS nations to condemn alleged US and Israeli violations of international law, warning against Western “hegemony” and calling for a more just global order led by the Global South.

'Ready to fight but will defend diplomacy': Iran sends message to US from India, wants BRICS to shatter 'Western superiority'

Tulsi Gabbard's office has denied reports that explosive files on the United States' so-called mind control experiment, MKUltra, and the tragic assassination of former president John F Kennedy were seized by the CIA in a raid. In a post on X, Olivia Coleman, the Press Secretary for the Director of National Intelligence, refuted the reports and said that "This is false". She insisted that "the CIA did not raid the DNI’s office." This comes as CIA whistleblower James Erdman III claimed that the agency seized sensitive files tied to both the notorious MKUltra mind-control program and documents related to the assassination of John F. Kennedy from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), Tulsi Gabbard, just as those records were allegedly nearing declassification. Notably, Erdman recently made headlines for explosive allegations about COVID-19 and Dr Anthony Fauci.<h2>What did the CIA whistleblower allege?</h2>According to Erdman, the files were in the possession of Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard's office and were being prepared for potential public release on the orders of US President Donald Trump. However, the CIA intervened and seized the much-awaited files.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/to-block-declassification-whistleblower-claims-cia-swooped-in-to-seize-mkultra-jfk-assassination-files-from-tulsi-gabbard-s-office-trump-order-1778733463976">To block declassification? Whistleblower claims CIA ‘swooped in’ to seize MKUltra, JFK assassination files from Tulsi Gabbard’s office Trump order</a><h2>House Oversight Task Force on the Declassification of Federal Secrets threatens CIA with subpoena</h2>James Erdman III's allegation quickly triggered political fallout. Seizing on the explosive testimony, Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna, who chairs the House Oversight Task Force on the Declassification of Federal Secrets, accused the CIA of potentially violating executive authority and giving the agency a 24-hour ultimatum to return the documents. In a post on X, she noted that "these documents have been requested by Congress," and warned that the CIA must return the documents within 24 hours "or else I will make a motion to issue a subpoena".Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/want-internet-in-iran-you-ll-have-to-buy-your-way-out-of-longest-nation-scale-blackout-on-record-here-s-how-1778729994279">Want internet in Iran? You'll have to buy your way out of ‘longest nation-scale blackout on record'; Here's how</a>Luna also posted what she described as a "preservation notice," arguing that ODNI had explicit presidential authority to declassify records related to JFK, RFK, and MLK. Talking to NewsNation, she said that the allegations were troubling because "there was an executive order that the president directed the full declassification of JFK, but then also to the MK-Ultra files, famously the CIA said that all documents were released and other documents had been destroyed"."Given the nature of the docs in question, we are sending a preservation notice. Docs need to be returned to ODNI, given that ODNI was given direction and authority by the President to declass RFK, MLK, &amp; JFK. Regarding MKULTRA, these were documents specifically requested by my Task Force and currently being used for our investigation," she added. &nbsp;

Tulsi Gabbard’s office has directly pushed back on explosive whistleblower claims that the CIA raided ODNI and seized JFK and MKUltra files, calling the allegation ‘false’. Here's all you need to know.

Tulsi Gabbard's office has denied reports that explosive files on the United States' so-called mind control experiment, MKUltra, and the tragic assassination of former president John F Kennedy were seized by the CIA in a raid. In a post on X, Olivia Coleman, the Press Secretary for the Director of National Intelligence, refuted the reports and said that "This is false". She insisted that "the CIA did not raid the DNI’s office." This comes as CIA whistleblower James Erdman III claimed that the agency seized sensitive files tied to both the notorious MKUltra mind-control program and documents related to the assassination of John F. Kennedy from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), Tulsi Gabbard, just as those records were allegedly nearing declassification. Notably, Erdman recently made headlines for explosive allegations about COVID-19 and Dr Anthony Fauci. What did the CIA whistleblower allege? According to Erdman, the files were in the possession of Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard's office and were being prepared for potential public release on the orders of US President Donald Trump. However, the CIA intervened and seized the much-awaited files. Also read | To block declassification? Whistleblower claims CIA ‘swooped in’ to seize MKUltra, JFK assassination files from Tulsi Gabbard’s office Trump order House Oversight Task Force on the Declassification of Federal Secrets threatens CIA with subpoena James Erdman III's allegation quickly triggered political fallout. Seizing on the explosive testimony, Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna, who chairs the House Oversight Task Force on the Declassification of Federal Secrets, accused the CIA of potentially violating executive authority and giving the agency a 24-hour ultimatum to return the documents. In a post on X, she noted that "these documents have been requested by Congress," and warned that the CIA must return the documents within 24 hours "or else I will make a motion to issue a subpoena". Also read | Want internet in Iran? You'll have to buy your way out of ‘longest nation-scale blackout on record'; Here's how Luna also posted what she described as a "preservation notice," arguing that ODNI had explicit presidential authority to declassify records related to JFK, RFK, and MLK. Talking to NewsNation, she said that the allegations were troubling because "there was an executive order that the president directed the full declassification of JFK, but then also to the MK-Ultra files, famously the CIA said that all documents were released and other documents had been destroyed". "Given the nature of the docs in question, we are sending a preservation notice. Docs need to be returned to ODNI, given that ODNI was given direction and authority by the President to declass RFK, MLK, & JFK. Regarding MKULTRA, these were documents specifically requested by my Task Force and currently being used for our investigation," she added.

Tulsi Gabbard’s office has directly pushed back on explosive whistleblower claims that the CIA raided ODNI and seized JFK and MKUltra files, calling the allegation ‘false’. Here's all you need to know.

‘This is false’: Tulsi Gabbard’s office denies whistleblower claims on CIA raid and MKUltra files seizure

US President Donald Trump is in Beijing, China where he met Chinese President Xi Jinping and discussed various issues including Taiwan. According to the Chinese state media, Jinping, during the bilateral meeting with Trump said that their countries could come into conflict if the issue over Taiwan is “mishandled."&nbsp;Immediately after after the statement was made by Xi Jinping, Taiwan reacted by saying that China is the "sole risk" to regional peace and stability.&nbsp;"The Beijing authorities are currently the sole risk to regional peace and stability," the ministry said in a statement adding that "Beijing has no right to make any claims on behalf of Taiwan internationally."&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-china-visit-the-president-got-a-greeter-upgrade-in-beijing-here-is-what-an-expert-says-it-means-1778741229806">Donald Trump's China visit: The president got a greeter upgrade in Beijing. Here is what an expert says it means</a>&nbsp;Earlier on Thursday (May 14) Chinese President Xi Jinping told US President Donald Trump that if the Taiwan issue is not handled well there could be a conflict between the two nations that could push China-U.S. relations into an "extremely dangerous situation."&nbsp;Xi stressed on safeguarding peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is the biggest common denominator between China and the US.&nbsp;The Trump-Xi summit comes with high stakes for Taiwan, the island democracy that China views as its breakaway province. The nation of 23 million people has spent decades living under threat from the China, which claims Taiwan as its territory despite never having control over it.&nbsp;The Chinese Foreign Ministry, after the meeting between trump and Xi concluded on Thursday (May 14) stressed that maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait remains the “biggest common denominator” between China and the US.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Earlier on Thursday (May 14) Chinese President Xi Jinping told US President Donald Trump that if the Taiwan issue is not handled well there could be a conflict between the two nations.

US President Donald Trump is in Beijing, China where he met Chinese President Xi Jinping and discussed various issues including Taiwan. According to the Chinese state media, Jinping, during the bilateral meeting with Trump said that their countries could come into conflict if the issue over Taiwan is “mishandled." Immediately after after the statement was made by Xi Jinping, Taiwan reacted by saying that China is the "sole risk" to regional peace and stability. "The Beijing authorities are currently the sole risk to regional peace and stability," the ministry said in a statement adding that "Beijing has no right to make any claims on behalf of Taiwan internationally." ALSO READ: Donald Trump's China visit: The president got a greeter upgrade in Beijing. Here is what an expert says it means Earlier on Thursday (May 14) Chinese President Xi Jinping told US President Donald Trump that if the Taiwan issue is not handled well there could be a conflict between the two nations that could push China-U.S. relations into an "extremely dangerous situation." Xi stressed on safeguarding peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is the biggest common denominator between China and the US. The Trump-Xi summit comes with high stakes for Taiwan, the island democracy that China views as its breakaway province. The nation of 23 million people has spent decades living under threat from the China, which claims Taiwan as its territory despite never having control over it. The Chinese Foreign Ministry, after the meeting between trump and Xi concluded on Thursday (May 14) stressed that maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait remains the “biggest common denominator” between China and the US.

Earlier on Thursday (May 14) Chinese President Xi Jinping told US President Donald Trump that if the Taiwan issue is not handled well there could be a conflict between the two nations.

China is the 'sole risk' to regional peace: Taiwan reacts after Xi warns Trump

Chinese President Xi Jinping was not at the airport to greet Donald Trump when he arrived in Beijing for the three-day meeting. However, the welcome accorded to the American president was bigger than what he was given in 2017. Vice President Han Zheng, along with both ambassadors and senior foreign affairs officials, was present. Isabelle Vladoiu, founder of the US Institute of Diplomacy and Human Rights, told New York Post, "Xi Jinping did not personally greet Trump at the airport in 2017 either, but this time Beijing noticeably upgraded the reception by sending Vice President Han Zheng along with both ambassadors and senior foreign affairs officials." Isabelle claims this departure matters immensely since "in Chinese diplomatic protocol, rank is never accidental."&nbsp;Nine years ago, a lower-level official welcomed him, while Beijing upgraded it this time. According to Isabelle, this signals a major shift in the way China is perceiving Trump's latest visit. “In 2017, Trump was greeted by Yang Jiechi, who was a senior official and state councillor, but not as high rank than the vice president. China is signalling, therefore, that this visit carries greater strategic and geopolitical weight than before.” The American president was accorded a grand welcome with the red carpet laid out. A military band played as 300 youths sang a welcome song, waving American and Chinese flags. Body language expert Dr Lillian Glass says Trump appeared “emotional and visibly moved” by the spectacle.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/wor">'If mishandled...': Xi Jinping issues BIG warning to Trump over Taiwan, says it could lead to US-China conflict</a><h2>Donald Trump in China</h2>He was accompanied by Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang. Trump and Xi are expected to talk on a range of topics. On Thursday (May 14), the two leaders touched upon the topic of Taiwan, with the Chinese premier warning that US interference and mishandling of the matter would lead to a conflict. “If mishandled, the two nations could collide or even come into conflict, pushing the entire China-US relationship into a highly perilous situation,” according to state broadcaster CCTV. “Taiwan independence and cross-Strait peace are as irreconcilable as fire and water," he added.&nbsp;https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-xi-jinping-summit-trump-says-have-fantastic-relationship-with-xi-jinping-1778738388075/embed&nbsp;Before this, Xi hailed a new era of US-China relations, with stable ties and managed competition. The US-Israeli war with Iran is also expected to come up as Trump could urge Xi to push Tehran to agree to a peace deal and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

The greeter upgrade this time around for Donald Trump's China visit signifies a major shift in how Xi Jinping is perceiving his meeting with the American president. This time, Vice President Han Zheng was there, while last time, a state councillor greeted him.

Chinese President Xi Jinping was not at the airport to greet Donald Trump when he arrived in Beijing for the three-day meeting. However, the welcome accorded to the American president was bigger than what he was given in 2017. Vice President Han Zheng, along with both ambassadors and senior foreign affairs officials, was present. Isabelle Vladoiu, founder of the US Institute of Diplomacy and Human Rights, told New York Post, "Xi Jinping did not personally greet Trump at the airport in 2017 either, but this time Beijing noticeably upgraded the reception by sending Vice President Han Zheng along with both ambassadors and senior foreign affairs officials." Isabelle claims this departure matters immensely since "in Chinese diplomatic protocol, rank is never accidental." Nine years ago, a lower-level official welcomed him, while Beijing upgraded it this time. According to Isabelle, this signals a major shift in the way China is perceiving Trump's latest visit. “In 2017, Trump was greeted by Yang Jiechi, who was a senior official and state councillor, but not as high rank than the vice president. China is signalling, therefore, that this visit carries greater strategic and geopolitical weight than before.” The American president was accorded a grand welcome with the red carpet laid out. A military band played as 300 youths sang a welcome song, waving American and Chinese flags. Body language expert Dr Lillian Glass says Trump appeared “emotional and visibly moved” by the spectacle. Also Read: 'If mishandled...': Xi Jinping issues BIG warning to Trump over Taiwan, says it could lead to US-China conflict Donald Trump in China He was accompanied by Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang. Trump and Xi are expected to talk on a range of topics. On Thursday (May 14), the two leaders touched upon the topic of Taiwan, with the Chinese premier warning that US interference and mishandling of the matter would lead to a conflict. “If mishandled, the two nations could collide or even come into conflict, pushing the entire China-US relationship into a highly perilous situation,” according to state broadcaster CCTV. “Taiwan independence and cross-Strait peace are as irreconcilable as fire and water," he added. https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-xi-jinping-summit-trump-says-have-fantastic-relationship-with-xi-jinping-1778738388075/embed Before this, Xi hailed a new era of US-China relations, with stable ties and managed competition. The US-Israeli war with Iran is also expected to come up as Trump could urge Xi to push Tehran to agree to a peace deal and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

The greeter upgrade this time around for Donald Trump's China visit signifies a major shift in how Xi Jinping is perceiving his meeting with the American president. This time, Vice President Han Zheng was there, while last time, a state councillor greeted him.

Donald Trump's China visit: The president got a greeter upgrade in Beijing. Here is what an expert says it means

US President Donald Trump, on Thursday, in his trip to Beijing, met Chinese President Xi Jinping for two hours and 15 minutes after an elaborate arrival ceremony. When reporters asked how the talks with Xi went, he said it was “great”. When repeatedly asked about Taiwan, Trump did not engage with reporters as he left the Temple of Heaven. Xi, on the other hand, said that the Taiwan question is the most important issue in China-U.S. relations.&nbsp;“It’s great. Great place, incredible. China is beautiful,” said US President Donald Trump to the reporter, but he refused to respond to the questions as he posed alongside Xi for photos after they arrived at the Temple of Heaven. Chinese President Xi has said that “Taiwan independence” and cross-Strait peace would decide the stability of the “bilateral” relation. But if mishandled, it would put the nations in a “very dangerous place.”According to Chinese media reports, the meeting, which lasted over two hours, centred on Taiwan. President Xi's direct warning about "clashes" is a shift from the traditional diplomatic rhetoric.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-truth-social-meltdown-iran-report-china-visit-1778678353692">Trump melts down after US media shows Iran retains missile capabilities</a>The US has repeatedly reaffirmed its clear position of firm support for Taiwan, and the government is very grateful, Executive Yuan spokeswoman Michelle Lee said when asked about the summit between Trump and Xi. Even Jensen Huang, the NVIDIA CEO who is in Trump's camp, has deep personal and professional ties to Taiwan. Taiwan serves as the backbone of NVIDIA's chip manufacturing. By calling for Taiwan independence, China has shifted the premise; it is capitalising on the US being preoccupied with Iran and trade objectives by drawing a “red line”.&nbsp;This followed a public opening remark at the Great Hall of the People, where Trump said, “You’re a great leader. Sometimes people don’t like me saying it, but I say it anyway, because it’s true.” “It’s an honour to be with you. It’s an honour to be your friend,” Trump said, before adding that “the relationship between China and the USA is going to be better than ever before.”&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump refused to answer questions on Taiwan after a two-hour meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing. Xi warned that mishandling Taiwan could push US-China relations into a “very dangerous place.”

US President Donald Trump, on Thursday, in his trip to Beijing, met Chinese President Xi Jinping for two hours and 15 minutes after an elaborate arrival ceremony. When reporters asked how the talks with Xi went, he said it was “great”. When repeatedly asked about Taiwan, Trump did not engage with reporters as he left the Temple of Heaven. Xi, on the other hand, said that the Taiwan question is the most important issue in China-U.S. relations. “It’s great. Great place, incredible. China is beautiful,” said US President Donald Trump to the reporter, but he refused to respond to the questions as he posed alongside Xi for photos after they arrived at the Temple of Heaven. Chinese President Xi has said that “Taiwan independence” and cross-Strait peace would decide the stability of the “bilateral” relation. But if mishandled, it would put the nations in a “very dangerous place.” According to Chinese media reports, the meeting, which lasted over two hours, centred on Taiwan. President Xi's direct warning about "clashes" is a shift from the traditional diplomatic rhetoric. Also Read: Trump melts down after US media shows Iran retains missile capabilities The US has repeatedly reaffirmed its clear position of firm support for Taiwan, and the government is very grateful, Executive Yuan spokeswoman Michelle Lee said when asked about the summit between Trump and Xi. Even Jensen Huang, the NVIDIA CEO who is in Trump's camp, has deep personal and professional ties to Taiwan. Taiwan serves as the backbone of NVIDIA's chip manufacturing. By calling for Taiwan independence, China has shifted the premise; it is capitalising on the US being preoccupied with Iran and trade objectives by drawing a “red line”. This followed a public opening remark at the Great Hall of the People, where Trump said, “You’re a great leader. Sometimes people don’t like me saying it, but I say it anyway, because it’s true.” “It’s an honour to be with you. It’s an honour to be your friend,” Trump said, before adding that “the relationship between China and the USA is going to be better than ever before.”

US President Donald Trump refused to answer questions on Taiwan after a two-hour meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing. Xi warned that mishandling Taiwan could push US-China relations into a “very dangerous place.”

Trump dodges Taiwan questions following two-hour summit with Xi Jinping

Xi Jinping invoked the “Thucydides Trap” during talks with Donald Trump in Beijing, urging both nations to avoid conflict over Taiwan and manage rising US-China tensions through cooperation and stability.

Xi wants China-US to transcend 'Thucydides Trap': What the term means and what are its origins | WION Decodes

Solar Impulse 2 once made history by circling the globe on sunlight alone, proving solar aviation was possible. But the revolutionary aircraft’s story has now taken a dramatic turn, ending not in triumph, but at the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico. Scroll down for pics and more.

Irony strikes! Solar Impulse 2, the plane that flew around the world on sunlight crashes after electrical failure | In Pics

A Japanese company making ferocious-looking "Monster wolf" robots is in high demand to scare off bears in Japan after several fatal bear attacks on humans last year. The designed robot is an animatronic scarecrow with flashing red eyes that howls and growls threateningly to scare away wild animals. The Hokkaido-based company, Ohta Seiki, that makes the devices, has already received nearly 50 orders in 2026, more than the firm usually receives in an entire year. "We make them by hand. We cannot make them fast enough now. We are asking our customers to wait two to three months," company president Yuji Ohta told AFP.&nbsp;"Awareness of bear safety and measures against wildlife damage (on farm products) improved. There was also a growing recognition that our product is effective in dealing with bears," Ohta said, adding that most orders are coming from farmers, golf course operators and people who work outdoors in rural regions. Bears were responsible for 13 deaths across Japan during 2025–2026, more than double the previous record, while over 200 others were injured. Last week, authorities confirmed the first fatal bear attack of 2026, along with two other suspected deadly incidents.<h3>Terror of bears across the city</h3>Official figures show that more than 50,000 bear sightings were reported across the country, more than twice the previous record set two years earlier. Bears were spotted on airport runways, golf courses, near schools, and even around supermarkets and hot spring resorts, triggering near-daily concern. The number of bears captured and subsequently culled also surged, nearly tripling from the previous year to 14,601, setting a new all-time record. Local media confirmed that several northern regions also reported more than four times as many bear sightings in April compared with the same period last year, as the animals emerge from hibernation. Scientists attribute the rise in attacks to the rapidly growing numbers of bears, combined with a falling human population, particularly in rural areas. This depopulation has effectively given bears more space to expand into new territories, biologist Koji Yamazaki of Tokyo University of Agriculture told CBS News’ Elizabeth Palmer in 2023.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/cheaters-will-cheat-again-and-again-study-shows-infidelity-is-a-pattern-1778678680243">Cheaters will cheat...again, and again: Study shows infidelity is a pattern</a>

Bears were spotted on airport runways, golf courses, near schools, and even around supermarkets and hot spring resorts, triggering near-daily concern. The number of bears captured nearly tripled from the previous year to 14,601, setting a new record.

A Japanese company making ferocious-looking "Monster wolf" robots is in high demand to scare off bears in Japan after several fatal bear attacks on humans last year. The designed robot is an animatronic scarecrow with flashing red eyes that howls and growls threateningly to scare away wild animals. The Hokkaido-based company, Ohta Seiki, that makes the devices, has already received nearly 50 orders in 2026, more than the firm usually receives in an entire year. "We make them by hand. We cannot make them fast enough now. We are asking our customers to wait two to three months," company president Yuji Ohta told AFP. "Awareness of bear safety and measures against wildlife damage (on farm products) improved. There was also a growing recognition that our product is effective in dealing with bears," Ohta said, adding that most orders are coming from farmers, golf course operators and people who work outdoors in rural regions. Bears were responsible for 13 deaths across Japan during 2025–2026, more than double the previous record, while over 200 others were injured. Last week, authorities confirmed the first fatal bear attack of 2026, along with two other suspected deadly incidents. Terror of bears across the city Official figures show that more than 50,000 bear sightings were reported across the country, more than twice the previous record set two years earlier. Bears were spotted on airport runways, golf courses, near schools, and even around supermarkets and hot spring resorts, triggering near-daily concern. The number of bears captured and subsequently culled also surged, nearly tripling from the previous year to 14,601, setting a new all-time record. Local media confirmed that several northern regions also reported more than four times as many bear sightings in April compared with the same period last year, as the animals emerge from hibernation. Scientists attribute the rise in attacks to the rapidly growing numbers of bears, combined with a falling human population, particularly in rural areas. This depopulation has effectively given bears more space to expand into new territories, biologist Koji Yamazaki of Tokyo University of Agriculture told CBS News’ Elizabeth Palmer in 2023. Also read: Cheaters will cheat...again, and again: Study shows infidelity is a pattern

Bears were spotted on airport runways, golf courses, near schools, and even around supermarkets and hot spring resorts, triggering near-daily concern. The number of bears captured nearly tripled from the previous year to 14,601, setting a new record.

Flashing eyes, loud howls: Japan’s ‘Monster Wolf’ robots see boom in orders as bear attacks rise

Donald Trump’s late-night Truth Social habit has become one of the defining features of his return to the White House. Between midnight reposts, conspiracy-fueled rants, AI-generated memes and attacks on political rivals, the President’s social media feed has become a nonstop MAGA content machine. Now, a new report has revealed the key figure helping keep that machine running: Natalie Harp.<h2>Who is Natalie Harp? What is the process of posting?</h2>According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, Harp, Trump’s 34-year-old executive assistant and longtime loyalist, has become one of the most influential behind-the-scenes figures shaping the President’s Truth Social activity. Harp reportedly compiles screenshots, memes, praise posts and conspiracy-laden content from MAGA influencers, supporters and accounts across X and Truth Social, then presents them to Trump as stacks of printed drafts for approval. The posts often include attacks on Democrats, insults aimed at Trump’s political enemies and content designed to appeal directly to the President’s online instincts. Once Trump signs off, Harp reportedly logs into his Truth Social account, often late at night and outside regular work hours, to publish waves of posts in rapid succession.&nbsp;“Truth Social has never been hotter, and it’s because President Trump offers his unfiltered and direct thoughts to the American people, without the biased media taking him out of context,” White House Communications Director Steven Cheung said in a statement. “We don’t discuss internal deliberations of how the process works, but no other social-media tool has been more effective than Truth.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/to-block-declassification-whistleblower-claims-cia-swooped-in-to-seize-mkultra-jfk-assassination-files-from-tulsi-gabbard-s-office-trump-order-1778733463976">To block declassification? Whistleblower claims CIA ‘swooped in’ to seize MKUltra, JFK assassination files from Tulsi Gabbard’s office</a><h2>How many times Trump has posted on Truth Social in one year? And what time does he usually posts?</h2>The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump has posted nearly 8,800 times since returning to office. The report also found that the President carried out late-night posting sessions involving at least a dozen posts between 10 pm and 6 am EST on 44 separate occasions since January last year. The President’s online activity has become especially intense in recent months.&nbsp;According to The Daily Beast, Trump remained highly active on Truth Social between 11 pm and 6 am throughout April. On one night alone, Trump reportedly reposted or published 54 separate messages between 10:14 pm and 1:12 am, including posts calling former President Barack Obama a ‘traitor’ and demanding his arrest. The revelations have also renewed scrutiny over controversial content posted from Trump’s account.&nbsp;Earlier this year, at Trump’s direction, Harp reportedly posted a video containing racist imagery depicting Barack Obama and Michelle Obama as apes, alongside an AI-generated image portraying Trump as a Christ-like figure. Both posts were later deleted following bipartisan backlash. Trump later told reporters he did not notice the offensive imagery involving the Obamas before approving the post. A White House official reportedly blamed the incident on an editing mistake.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-war-tehran-rebuilds-missile-network-despite-us-israeli-strikes-reports-claim-1778723980990/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-war-tehran-rebuilds-missile-network-despite-us-israeli-strikes-reports-claim-1778723980990/embed</a>&nbsp;The report also suggests Harp’s growing influence inside Trump’s orbit has frustrated some White House officials. According to people familiar with the matter, Harp frequently bypasses the chief of staff’s office, communications staff and national security officials when handling draft posts. Harp has reportedly told colleagues that she works directly for Trump and answers only to him.&nbsp;For critics, the revelations raise fresh concerns about how presidential messaging is being curated and amplified in the social media age. For Trump supporters, however, the President’s unfiltered posting style remains a core part of his political appeal, chaotic, constant and always online. And increasingly, Natalie Harp appears to be the person helping keep that feed alive deep into the night.

Who is Natalie Harp? Meet the Trump aide reportedly behind Donald Trump’s late-night Truth Social posts, memes, conspiracy theories and viral online rants

Donald Trump’s late-night Truth Social habit has become one of the defining features of his return to the White House. Between midnight reposts, conspiracy-fueled rants, AI-generated memes and attacks on political rivals, the President’s social media feed has become a nonstop MAGA content machine. Now, a new report has revealed the key figure helping keep that machine running: Natalie Harp. Who is Natalie Harp? What is the process of posting? According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, Harp, Trump’s 34-year-old executive assistant and longtime loyalist, has become one of the most influential behind-the-scenes figures shaping the President’s Truth Social activity. Harp reportedly compiles screenshots, memes, praise posts and conspiracy-laden content from MAGA influencers, supporters and accounts across X and Truth Social, then presents them to Trump as stacks of printed drafts for approval. The posts often include attacks on Democrats, insults aimed at Trump’s political enemies and content designed to appeal directly to the President’s online instincts. Once Trump signs off, Harp reportedly logs into his Truth Social account, often late at night and outside regular work hours, to publish waves of posts in rapid succession. “Truth Social has never been hotter, and it’s because President Trump offers his unfiltered and direct thoughts to the American people, without the biased media taking him out of context,” White House Communications Director Steven Cheung said in a statement. “We don’t discuss internal deliberations of how the process works, but no other social-media tool has been more effective than Truth.” Also Read: To block declassification? Whistleblower claims CIA ‘swooped in’ to seize MKUltra, JFK assassination files from Tulsi Gabbard’s office How many times Trump has posted on Truth Social in one year? And what time does he usually posts? The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump has posted nearly 8,800 times since returning to office. The report also found that the President carried out late-night posting sessions involving at least a dozen posts between 10 pm and 6 am EST on 44 separate occasions since January last year. The President’s online activity has become especially intense in recent months. According to The Daily Beast, Trump remained highly active on Truth Social between 11 pm and 6 am throughout April. On one night alone, Trump reportedly reposted or published 54 separate messages between 10:14 pm and 1:12 am, including posts calling former President Barack Obama a ‘traitor’ and demanding his arrest. The revelations have also renewed scrutiny over controversial content posted from Trump’s account. Earlier this year, at Trump’s direction, Harp reportedly posted a video containing racist imagery depicting Barack Obama and Michelle Obama as apes, alongside an AI-generated image portraying Trump as a Christ-like figure. Both posts were later deleted following bipartisan backlash. Trump later told reporters he did not notice the offensive imagery involving the Obamas before approving the post. A White House official reportedly blamed the incident on an editing mistake. https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-war-tehran-rebuilds-missile-network-despite-us-israeli-strikes-reports-claim-1778723980990/embed The report also suggests Harp’s growing influence inside Trump’s orbit has frustrated some White House officials. According to people familiar with the matter, Harp frequently bypasses the chief of staff’s office, communications staff and national security officials when handling draft posts. Harp has reportedly told colleagues that she works directly for Trump and answers only to him. For critics, the revelations raise fresh concerns about how presidential messaging is being curated and amplified in the social media age. For Trump supporters, however, the President’s unfiltered posting style remains a core part of his political appeal, chaotic, constant and always online. And increasingly, Natalie Harp appears to be the person helping keep that feed alive deep into the night.

Meet Natalie Harp, the aide reportedly helping fuel US President Donald Trump’s late-night Truth Social posting frenzy

Fascinated by Trump’s late-night Truth Social posts? Meet Natalie Harp, the woman helping run the feed

James Erdman III, the CIA whistleblower now dominating headlines with a fresh round of explosive allegations about COVID-19 and Dr Anthony Fauci, has directly targeted the CIA itself over some of America's darkest and most controversial secrets. Testifying before the Senate Homeland Security Committee on Wednesday (May 13), Erdman, identified as a senior CIA operations officer, claimed that the agency seized sensitive files tied to both the notorious MKUltra mind-control program and documents related to the assassination of John F. Kennedy from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), Tulsi Gabbard, just as those records were allegedly nearing declassification.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-world-at-crossroads-xi-jinping-tells-trump-china-and-united-states-should-be-partners-not-rivals-beijing-talks-musk-rubio-1778726835661">'World at crossroads': Xi Jinping tells Trump China and United States 'should be partners, not rivals'</a><h2>Files seized from Tulsi Gabbard's office</h2>According to Erdman, the files were in the possession of Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard’s office and were being prepared for potential public release. However, the CIA intervened and seized the much-awaited files.If true, the claim immediately raises extraordinary questions, not just about classified records, but about whether the intelligence agency actively obstructed presidential or congressional declassification efforts.<h2>Luna threatens subpoena showdown</h2>James Erdman III's allegation quickly triggered political fallout. Seizing on the explosive testimony, Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna accused the CIA of potentially violating executive authority and giving the agency a 24-hour ultimatum to return the documents. In a post on X, she noted that "these documents have been requested by Congress," and warned that the CIA must return the documents within 24 hours "or else I will make a motion to issue a subpoena".

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Given the nature of docs in question, we are sending a preservation notice. Docs need to be returned to ODNI given that ODNI was given direction and authority by the President to declass RFK, MLK, &amp; JFK. Regarding MKULTRA, these were documents specifically requested by my Task… <a href="https://t.co/uBnt5RqjDD">pic.twitter.com/uBnt5RqjDD</a>&mdash; Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (@RepLuna) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepLuna/status/2054693936120164756?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Luna also posted what she described as a "preservation notice," arguing that ODNI had explicit presidential authority to declassify records related to JFK, RFK, and MLK.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rfk-jr-claims-modern-us-teens-have-half-the-sperm-count-of-68-year-olds-in-1970-fact-check-1778560549502">RFK Jr claims modern US teens have half the sperm count of 68-year-olds in 1970 | Fact-check</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The CIA has 24 hours to return the documents to Tulsi Gabbard’s office or else I will make a motion to issue a subpoena. These documents have been requested by Congress. <a href="https://twitter.com/DNIGabbard?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DNIGabbard</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CIADirector?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CIADirector</a> <a href="https://t.co/Y5lMw8AYK5">https://t.co/Y5lMw8AYK5</a>&mdash; Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (@RepLuna) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepLuna/status/2054637198679367875?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>What is MKUltra? Why it still matters</h2>MKUltra remains one of the CIA’s most infamous historical scandals, involving covert experimentation in the 1950s and 1960s with LSD, psychological manipulation, and behavioural control, often without consent. A set of the MK Ultra files was released in 2018.

CIA whistleblower James Erdman III has claimed the CIA seized MKUltra and JFK-related files from Tulsi Gabbard’s office just as they were nearing possible declassification. If true, this could trigger a major showdown over some of the darkest secrets in US history.

James Erdman III, the CIA whistleblower now dominating headlines with a fresh round of explosive allegations about COVID-19 and Dr Anthony Fauci, has directly targeted the CIA itself over some of America's darkest and most controversial secrets. Testifying before the Senate Homeland Security Committee on Wednesday (May 13), Erdman, identified as a senior CIA operations officer, claimed that the agency seized sensitive files tied to both the notorious MKUltra mind-control program and documents related to the assassination of John F. Kennedy from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), Tulsi Gabbard, just as those records were allegedly nearing declassification. Also read | 'World at crossroads': Xi Jinping tells Trump China and United States 'should be partners, not rivals' Files seized from Tulsi Gabbard's office According to Erdman, the files were in the possession of Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard’s office and were being prepared for potential public release. However, the CIA intervened and seized the much-awaited files. If true, the claim immediately raises extraordinary questions, not just about classified records, but about whether the intelligence agency actively obstructed presidential or congressional declassification efforts. Luna threatens subpoena showdown James Erdman III's allegation quickly triggered political fallout. Seizing on the explosive testimony, Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna accused the CIA of potentially violating executive authority and giving the agency a 24-hour ultimatum to return the documents. In a post on X, she noted that "these documents have been requested by Congress," and warned that the CIA must return the documents within 24 hours "or else I will make a motion to issue a subpoena".

CIA whistleblower James Erdman III has claimed the CIA seized MKUltra and JFK-related files from Tulsi Gabbard’s office just as they were nearing possible declassification. If true, this could trigger a major showdown over some of the darkest secrets in US history.

To block declassification? Whistleblower claims CIA ‘swooped in’ to seize MKUltra, JFK assassination files from Tulsi Gabbard’s office Trump order

The thorny issue of Taiwan was very much a part of conversation between Chinese leader Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump in Thursday's bilateral meeting in Beijing. The Chinese premier might have warned the US counterpart about a possible conflict if America attempts to interfere. According to the Chinese state media, Jinping, during the bilateral meeting with Trump said that their countries could come into conflict if the issue over Taiwan is “mishandled." He said that the issue of Taiwan is the “most important issue.” “If mishandled, the two nations could collide or even come into conflict, pushing the entire China-US relationship into a highly perilous situation,” according to state broadcaster CCTV.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-xi-shake-hands-as-they-meet-in-beijing-bilateral-underway-video-1778724231801">Trump, Xi shake hands as they meet in Beijing, bilateral meeting underway - VIDEO</a>&nbsp;Jinping also said that safeguarding peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is the biggest common denominator between China and the US. Xi also said that &nbsp;if the issue is not handled properly, two countries will have clashes and even conflicts, putting the entire relationship in great jeopardy. He clearly stated that “Taiwan independence and cross-Strait peace are as irreconcilable as fire and water.” This comes at the backdrop of the Trump administration approving an $11 billion weapons ​package for Taiwan in December 2025. The US is now bound by law to provide Taiwan with the ​means to defend itself, despite a lack of formal diplomatic ties.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-blog-trump-xi-summit-us-china-trade-talks-iran-taiwan-tensions-beijing-meeting-live-updates-2026-1778722093859">Trump-Xi Summit LIVE Updates here</a><h2>How Taiwan reacted?</h2>As the two leaders met, Taiwan said that the United States has expressed "clear and firm support" for the island democracy. "The US side has repeatedly reaffirmed its clear and firm support for Taiwan," cabinet spokeswoman Michelle Lee told reporters.&nbsp;Earlier in Feb, Taiwan's Deputy Foreign Minister Chen Ming-chi told AFP that "we don't worry too much about this whole telephone communication". “In fact, we believe that it will contribute to stabilise the situation.” Taiwan President Lai Ching-te told reporters that Washington and Taipei maintain close communication at all times. Lai claimed that Trump reiterated the US' long-held stance on Taiwan, based on the TRA and the Six Assurances, during his latest call with Xi. "Taiwan-U.S. relations are rock-solid, and all ongoing cooperation projects are continuing," Lai told reporters. Despite the call, a White House official was quoted by CNA saying that the US policy regarding Taiwan has not changed.<h2>What Jinping warned US about Taiwan earlier?</h2>Earlier in Feb, Trump and Jinping held a telephonic conversation in which the Chinese leader warned the US to handle arms sales to Taiwan “with prudence.” the Chinese premier primarily termed the "Taiwan issue" as the "most important issue" in US.-China relations. Sharing his stance on $11 billion US arms package to Taiwan, Xi Jinping said that America should handle it with "utmost caution" and “prudence." He also clarified that China will "never allow Taiwan to be separated" and must safeguard its territorial integrity.

Chinese President Xi Jinping warned Donald Trump that mishandling Taiwan could trigger conflict and endanger US-China ties during talks in Beijing. Taiwan, however, said its relations with Washington remain “rock-solid.”

The thorny issue of Taiwan was very much a part of conversation between Chinese leader Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump in Thursday's bilateral meeting in Beijing. The Chinese premier might have warned the US counterpart about a possible conflict if America attempts to interfere. According to the Chinese state media, Jinping, during the bilateral meeting with Trump said that their countries could come into conflict if the issue over Taiwan is “mishandled." He said that the issue of Taiwan is the “most important issue.” “If mishandled, the two nations could collide or even come into conflict, pushing the entire China-US relationship into a highly perilous situation,” according to state broadcaster CCTV. Also Read: Trump, Xi shake hands as they meet in Beijing, bilateral meeting underway - VIDEO Jinping also said that safeguarding peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is the biggest common denominator between China and the US. Xi also said that if the issue is not handled properly, two countries will have clashes and even conflicts, putting the entire relationship in great jeopardy. He clearly stated that “Taiwan independence and cross-Strait peace are as irreconcilable as fire and water.” This comes at the backdrop of the Trump administration approving an $11 billion weapons package for Taiwan in December 2025. The US is now bound by law to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself, despite a lack of formal diplomatic ties. Trump-Xi Summit LIVE Updates here How Taiwan reacted? As the two leaders met, Taiwan said that the United States has expressed "clear and firm support" for the island democracy. "The US side has repeatedly reaffirmed its clear and firm support for Taiwan," cabinet spokeswoman Michelle Lee told reporters. Earlier in Feb, Taiwan's Deputy Foreign Minister Chen Ming-chi told AFP that "we don't worry too much about this whole telephone communication". “In fact, we believe that it will contribute to stabilise the situation.” Taiwan President Lai Ching-te told reporters that Washington and Taipei maintain close communication at all times. Lai claimed that Trump reiterated the US' long-held stance on Taiwan, based on the TRA and the Six Assurances, during his latest call with Xi. "Taiwan-U.S. relations are rock-solid, and all ongoing cooperation projects are continuing," Lai told reporters. Despite the call, a White House official was quoted by CNA saying that the US policy regarding Taiwan has not changed. What Jinping warned US about Taiwan earlier? Earlier in Feb, Trump and Jinping held a telephonic conversation in which the Chinese leader warned the US to handle arms sales to Taiwan “with prudence.” the Chinese premier primarily termed the "Taiwan issue" as the "most important issue" in US.-China relations. Sharing his stance on $11 billion US arms package to Taiwan, Xi Jinping said that America should handle it with "utmost caution" and “prudence." He also clarified that China will "never allow Taiwan to be separated" and must safeguard its territorial integrity.

Chinese President Xi Jinping warned Donald Trump that mishandling Taiwan could trigger conflict and endanger US-China ties during talks in Beijing. Taiwan, however, said its relations with Washington remain “rock-solid.”

'If mishandled...': Xi Jinping issues BIG warning to Trump over Taiwan, says it could lead to US-China conflict

Some Iranians have finally been able to get online, as after months of near-total blackout, Tehran had rolled out a privileged service for a select few. The internet service being offered to a select few at astronomical prices has sparked public criticism, with netizens slamming the new model as "clearly meant to generate money".<h2>Netizens cough up sky-high prices to once again join the digital world</h2>Iran has been in a near-total internet blackout since February 28, the day the United States and Israel launched their campaign against Iran, and the government imposed what has become the longest nation-scale internet shutdown ever recorded.By May 13, according to internet monitor NetBlocks, it had tracked the blackout for 1,776 hours, or 75 days. “The digital censorship measure has led to profiteering and a decline in digital security as government-backed ”pro" internet schemes and selective whitelisting result in surveillance, corruption and scams," it noted in a post on X.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">💸 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Iran?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Iran</a>&#39;s internet blackout is now past hour 1776, entering its 75th day. The digital censorship measure has led to profiteering and a decline in digital security as government-backed &quot;pro&quot; internet schemes and selective whitelisting result in surveillance, corruption and scams. <a href="https://t.co/iVk6Lx0EFf">pic.twitter.com/iVk6Lx0EFf</a>&mdash; NetBlocks (@netblocks) <a href="https://twitter.com/netblocks/status/2054469192271720950?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

When a message arrived on Amir-Hassan's phone offering him access to the internet through a special paid service, he didn't think twice. He paid around $11 for an initial 50-gigabyte package. He had no real choice. The 39-year-old tech worker had been without internet access since February 28.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-two-timed-trump-report-reveals-islamabad-quietly-sheltered-iranian-military-aircraft-while-brokering-peace-talks-1778551810479">Pakistan two-timed Trump? Report REVEALS Islamabad quietly sheltered Iranian military aircraft while playing mediator in Iran war</a><h2>Internet replaced by a tiered system favouring a select few</h2>What has replaced open internet access is something critics are calling a tiered system, one where connectivity has been transformed, in the words of the reformist Shargh newspaper, "from a public and civic right into an allocable privilege."A government-backed scheme called "Pro Internet" is now offering certain professionals and business owners in Iran limited access at above-normal prices. The scheme has sparked public anger, accusations of profiteering, and concerns about surveillance."This model of categorising and classifying the internet in Iran is not a good model," Amir-Hassan told AFP. "It is clearly meant to generate money." Through the Pro Internet service, he can access WhatsApp and Telegram, but not Instagram, X or YouTube without a VPN. The social stigma of subscribing has added another layer of discomfort. "There is judgment, too," Amir-Hassan said. "People say you went and put money into the pocket of a government that unfairly offers this."Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-tell-the-pope-trump-reveals-he-sent-rubio-to-vatican-with-a-pointed-message-on-iran-1778313211041">‘Tell the pope’: Trump REVEALS he sent Rubio to Vatican with a pointed message on Iran</a><h2>Third-class citizens?</h2>However, according to AFP, not everyone within the designated professional groups has even received the offer. Behrooz Mahmoodi-Bakhtiari, a linguistics professor at the University of Tehran, told the news agency that he did not receive the invitation to subscribe. He said he can access the internet reliably only while on campus. "As soon as you step out of the university, you will again become a third-class citizen, and you have no internet access," he said, noting that other professors at the same institution have received the offer.The financial burden of the scheme sits atop an economy already under severe strain. Inflation has surged above 50 per cent in recent weeks, the rial has lost much of its value, and basic goods have become sharply more expensive. For many Iranians, paying for limited internet access on top of VPN subscriptions and rising living costs is a stretch that isn't justified by what's on offer. The government's response has been to blame the war's "enemies" for creating the security conditions that made the blackout necessary. Government spokeswoman Fatemeh Mohajerani said the internet situation would return to normal "once the shadow of war is gone." Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

After 75 days of near-total blackout, some Iranians are getting internet back, but only if they can pay steep prices for restricted “Pro Internet.” Critics say connectivity has shifted from public right to premium privilege, creating a tiered digital class system under crisis. Scroll down.

Some Iranians have finally been able to get online, as after months of near-total blackout, Tehran had rolled out a privileged service for a select few. The internet service being offered to a select few at astronomical prices has sparked public criticism, with netizens slamming the new model as "clearly meant to generate money". Netizens cough up sky-high prices to once again join the digital world Iran has been in a near-total internet blackout since February 28, the day the United States and Israel launched their campaign against Iran, and the government imposed what has become the longest nation-scale internet shutdown ever recorded. By May 13, according to internet monitor NetBlocks, it had tracked the blackout for 1,776 hours, or 75 days. “The digital censorship measure has led to profiteering and a decline in digital security as government-backed ”pro" internet schemes and selective whitelisting result in surveillance, corruption and scams," it noted in a post on X.

After 75 days of near-total blackout, some Iranians are getting internet back, but only if they can pay steep prices for restricted “Pro Internet.” Critics say connectivity has shifted from public right to premium privilege, creating a tiered digital class system under crisis. Scroll down.

Want internet in Iran? You'll have to buy your way out of ‘longest nation-scale blackout on record'; Here's how

Disclaimer:&nbsp;&nbsp;The most comprehensive account of the atrocities committed by Hamas on October 7 was released by The Civil Commission on Tuesday (May 12). It describes them acting like "animals", laughing while raping both men and women and then killing them, while continuing to commit sexual atrocities on them. The 2023 massacre left nearly 2,000 dead, with survivor accounts showing the grave nature of their actions. The terrorists stripped the women, assaulted them, killed them and then paraded their bodies as trophies. The most grave account is of people telling how they forced people of the same families to perform sexual acts on one another. “There was laughter. There were jokes. They were passing them from one to another. It wasn’t — it was done for fun,” a survivor of the Nova festival told October 7 Crimes by Hamas against Women and Children, an Israeli non-profit. The body investigated the sexual crimes committed by Hamas on the day that shocked the world.&nbsp;“This is not rape as it is usually understood. I don’t know what ‘regular rape’ is, but what was heard there was not that.” The survivor added, “I heard one rape where they were passing her around. She was probably injured, judging by her screams — screams you have never heard anywhere. It’s between silence and screams, between pain and wanting to die." Then, they shot her, the person said. The report titled "Silenced No More" carries testimonies of 430 witnesses, survivors, experts and medical staff gathered over two years, who urge the world not to avoid the accounts because of their gory nature.<h2>A man who was sexually abused describes what he went through</h2>It reveals that not only were the women degraded as a "deliberate tool of terror, humiliation, and control" but the men were also sexually abused. At Kibbutz Be'eri, nails, sharp objects, and pieces of metal and plastic were found embedded in a woman's. The hostages were not spared either and witnessed extreme and unspeakable atrocities. They were assaulted in front of their family members and were forced to perform sexual acts on one another. A male survivor recalled being treated like their "sex doll". "We went through abuse of every kind. They spat in our faces, humiliated us, and said things about Jews. There were no boundaries. I was completely naked. They did whatever they wanted to me. You feel dirty all the time," he said.&nbsp;One person who searched the Be’eri kibbutz on October 9 revealed the horrifying condition of the corpses. &nbsp;“In the room were knives, scalpels, a hammer, an axe, screwdrivers, tools, and tools from the household. All of those were embedded in the body. The body was completely mutilated," the survivor revealed while talking about a body on a hospital bed, which he understood was a woman. “Female bodies were found naked or partially naked, in some cases with aluminium cans, grenades, nails, blunt objects, rods, household tools and spike-like instruments, inserted into genitals and other parts of the body," the report stated.

A report on sexual atrocities committed by Hamas on October 7 reveals unspeakable horrors. Survivors and others who witnessed the acts and saw the dead bodies have described in detail what unfolded on the day. They say the terrorists seem to have taken something and were acting like animals.

Disclaimer: The most comprehensive account of the atrocities committed by Hamas on October 7 was released by The Civil Commission on Tuesday (May 12). It describes them acting like "animals", laughing while raping both men and women and then killing them, while continuing to commit sexual atrocities on them. The 2023 massacre left nearly 2,000 dead, with survivor accounts showing the grave nature of their actions. The terrorists stripped the women, assaulted them, killed them and then paraded their bodies as trophies. The most grave account is of people telling how they forced people of the same families to perform sexual acts on one another. “There was laughter. There were jokes. They were passing them from one to another. It wasn’t — it was done for fun,” a survivor of the Nova festival told October 7 Crimes by Hamas against Women and Children, an Israeli non-profit. The body investigated the sexual crimes committed by Hamas on the day that shocked the world. “This is not rape as it is usually understood. I don’t know what ‘regular rape’ is, but what was heard there was not that.” The survivor added, “I heard one rape where they were passing her around. She was probably injured, judging by her screams — screams you have never heard anywhere. It’s between silence and screams, between pain and wanting to die." Then, they shot her, the person said. The report titled "Silenced No More" carries testimonies of 430 witnesses, survivors, experts and medical staff gathered over two years, who urge the world not to avoid the accounts because of their gory nature. A man who was sexually abused describes what he went through It reveals that not only were the women degraded as a "deliberate tool of terror, humiliation, and control" but the men were also sexually abused. At Kibbutz Be'eri, nails, sharp objects, and pieces of metal and plastic were found embedded in a woman's. The hostages were not spared either and witnessed extreme and unspeakable atrocities. They were assaulted in front of their family members and were forced to perform sexual acts on one another. A male survivor recalled being treated like their "sex doll". "We went through abuse of every kind. They spat in our faces, humiliated us, and said things about Jews. There were no boundaries. I was completely naked. They did whatever they wanted to me. You feel dirty all the time," he said. One person who searched the Be’eri kibbutz on October 9 revealed the horrifying condition of the corpses. “In the room were knives, scalpels, a hammer, an axe, screwdrivers, tools, and tools from the household. All of those were embedded in the body. The body was completely mutilated," the survivor revealed while talking about a body on a hospital bed, which he understood was a woman. “Female bodies were found naked or partially naked, in some cases with aluminium cans, grenades, nails, blunt objects, rods, household tools and spike-like instruments, inserted into genitals and other parts of the body," the report stated.

A report on sexual atrocities committed by Hamas on October 7 reveals unspeakable horrors. Survivors and others who witnessed the acts and saw the dead bodies have described in detail what unfolded on the day. They say the terrorists seem to have taken something and were acting like animals.

New report on October 7 Hamas attack describes depraved acts, families forced into sexual acts with each other

Chinese President Xi Jinping opened his high-stakes summit with US President Donald Trump on Thursday (May 14) by striking a tone of warmth, caution and strategic optimism, telling the US president he was "happy" to welcome him back to Beijing at what he described as a moment when the world stands at a historic "crossroads." Seated at the head of the table inside the Great Hall of the People, Xi framed the meeting as bigger than a routine bilateral engagement, presenting it instead as a defining moment for global stability."A stable China-US relationship is a boon for the world. Cooperation benefits both sides, while confrontation harms both. We should be partners and not rivals," Xi said, adding in a pointed remark that "The world today is at a crossroads," and that China and the United States should choose partnership over confrontation. "China and the United States should be partners, not rivals," the Chinese leader told Trump, in remarks clearly aimed at lowering the temperature after years of trade wars, technology sanctions and mounting geopolitical distrust.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-ultimate-frenemies-from-big-fat-hug-to-bitter-trade-wars-analysing-a-decade-of-trump-xi-rollercoaster-equation-1778571377420">The ultimate frenemies? From ‘big, fat hug’ to bitter trade wars, analysing a decade of Trump-Xi rollercoaster equation</a><h2>Trump touts 'fantastic future together'</h2>The POTUS, for his part, responded in characteristically expansive fashion. "We’re going to have a fantastic future together,” the US president declared, praising Xi as a "great leader" and repeatedly highlighting what he called their "fantastic relationship."Calling the summit "maybe the biggest summit ever," Trump said the ceremony itself was "an honour like few I’ve ever seen before.""It's an honour to be with you. It's an honour to be your friend," Trump added. "The relationship between China and the USA is going to be better than ever before." Trump’s rhetoric leaned heavily on personal chemistry, a familiar hallmark of his diplomacy with Xi dating back to their first Mar-a-Lago meeting in 2017.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-two-timed-trump-report-reveals-islamabad-quietly-sheltered-iranian-military-aircraft-while-brokering-peace-talks-1778551810479">Pakistan two-timed Trump? Report REVEALS Islamabad quietly sheltered Iranian military aircraft while playing mediator in Iran war</a><h2>Warm opening remarks amid global tensions</h2>The two leaders met on the steps of the Great Hall of the People with a handshake, as opposed to the "big, fat hug" Trump was expecting from the Chinese president. The two leaders shook hands after Trump arrived in a motorcade to the steps, where a US delegation, including State Secretary Marco Rubio, War Secretary Pete Hegseth, and business CEOs, including Elon Musk, awaited him.The opening exchange, rich in personal compliments and diplomatic symbolism, offered a carefully choreographed contrast to the deep tensions hanging over the summit, including disputes over Iran, Taiwan, tariffs, technology restrictions and strategic competition in Asia.&nbsp;

Chinese President Xi Jinping opened the Beijing talks by noting that the world was “at a crossroads” and urged the US to be China’s “partner, not rival.” What did Trump say? Scroll down.

Chinese President Xi Jinping opened his high-stakes summit with US President Donald Trump on Thursday (May 14) by striking a tone of warmth, caution and strategic optimism, telling the US president he was "happy" to welcome him back to Beijing at what he described as a moment when the world stands at a historic "crossroads." Seated at the head of the table inside the Great Hall of the People, Xi framed the meeting as bigger than a routine bilateral engagement, presenting it instead as a defining moment for global stability. "A stable China-US relationship is a boon for the world. Cooperation benefits both sides, while confrontation harms both. We should be partners and not rivals," Xi said, adding in a pointed remark that "The world today is at a crossroads," and that China and the United States should choose partnership over confrontation. "China and the United States should be partners, not rivals," the Chinese leader told Trump, in remarks clearly aimed at lowering the temperature after years of trade wars, technology sanctions and mounting geopolitical distrust. Also read | The ultimate frenemies? From ‘big, fat hug’ to bitter trade wars, analysing a decade of Trump-Xi rollercoaster equation Trump touts 'fantastic future together' The POTUS, for his part, responded in characteristically expansive fashion. "We’re going to have a fantastic future together,” the US president declared, praising Xi as a "great leader" and repeatedly highlighting what he called their "fantastic relationship." Calling the summit "maybe the biggest summit ever," Trump said the ceremony itself was "an honour like few I’ve ever seen before." "It's an honour to be with you. It's an honour to be your friend," Trump added. "The relationship between China and the USA is going to be better than ever before." Trump’s rhetoric leaned heavily on personal chemistry, a familiar hallmark of his diplomacy with Xi dating back to their first Mar-a-Lago meeting in 2017. Also read | Pakistan two-timed Trump? Report REVEALS Islamabad quietly sheltered Iranian military aircraft while playing mediator in Iran war Warm opening remarks amid global tensions The two leaders met on the steps of the Great Hall of the People with a handshake, as opposed to the "big, fat hug" Trump was expecting from the Chinese president. The two leaders shook hands after Trump arrived in a motorcade to the steps, where a US delegation, including State Secretary Marco Rubio, War Secretary Pete Hegseth, and business CEOs, including Elon Musk, awaited him. The opening exchange, rich in personal compliments and diplomatic symbolism, offered a carefully choreographed contrast to the deep tensions hanging over the summit, including disputes over Iran, Taiwan, tariffs, technology restrictions and strategic competition in Asia.

Chinese President Xi Jinping opened the Beijing talks by noting that the world was “at a crossroads” and urged the US to be China’s “partner, not rival.” What did Trump say? Scroll down.

'World at crossroads': Xi Jinping tells Trump China and United States 'should be partners, not rivals'

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Xi Jinping tells Trump China and United States 'should be partners, not rivals'