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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'

Kouri Richins, the Utah mother who gained national attention after publishing a children’s book about grief following her husband’s death, has been sentenced to life in prison without parole for murdering him. Judge Richard Mrazik delivered the sentence on Wednesday (May 13), the same day that would have marked the 44th birthday of her late husband, Eric Richins. Following a lengthy trial earlier this year, an eight-person jury found Richins guilty of aggravated murder for fatally poisoning her husband in March 2022. She was also convicted of attempted aggravated murder for allegedly trying to kill him weeks earlier on Valentine’s Day, along with insurance fraud and forgery tied to his life insurance policies.&nbsp;“A person convicted of those things is simply too dangerous to ever be free,” Judge Mrazik said while announcing the sentence. The judge also ordered Richins to serve additional consecutive prison terms related to the other convictions. As the sentence was delivered, Richins reportedly looked toward her defense attorney and raised her eyebrows. Before sentencing, Richins addressed her three young sons in court through an emotional statement. “As much as you’ve been influenced into thinking that dad was murdered, that I took your dad from you, that is completely wrong. An absolute lie,” Richins said. “And the thought of that is still as absurd today as it was four years ago.”&nbsp;Statements written by the couple’s children were later read aloud in court by therapists. All three expressed fear about their mother potentially being released one day.“You took away everything from my brothers and me. I don’t want you out of jail because I will not feel safe if you are out,” wrote the couple’s middle child, identified as “A.R.” “You have never said sorry for anything that you have done to my brothers or me. I don’t want you to hurt anyone again.” Members of Eric Richins’ family also urged the court to impose the harshest sentence possible. “Please do not leave those boys to wonder whether Kouri might track them or their children down in the future,” said his sister, Katie Richins-Benson. “Please do not create a possibility for Kouri to endanger Eric’s boys, my daughters, my family, or anybody else ever again.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/this-website-tracks-private-jets-to-predict-doomsday-on-earth-billionaires-will-know-1778680680419">THIS website tracks private jets to reveal if Earth is facing an extinction-level event</a>&nbsp;Defense attorney Wendy Lewis argued against a life sentence without parole, saying the children could someday want a relationship with their mother. “A life without the possibility of parole, the sentence cannot be changed,” Lewis said. “If Kouri and Eric’s boys someday change their mind and it is too late to say something different than what they’ve said today, this day will become one more day that haunts them.” Some of Richins’ family members defended her character during the hearing, calling her a loving mother and claiming she had been wrongfully convicted.&nbsp;“We don’t with 100% certainty know what happened to Eric, no one does,” her brother Ronney Darden told the court. “But we do know with 100% certainty that it wasn’t caused by you.” Her legal team confirmed plans to appeal the conviction and seek a new trial. Judge Mrazik said that the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole could theoretically release Richins in the future if officials determined “by clear and convincing evidence at some future point that she is permanently incapable of being a threat to the safety of society.”<h2>How did the case unfold?</h2>Eric Richins was found dead inside the couple’s home in Kamas during the early morning hours of March 4, 2022. According to statements given to investigators, the couple had celebrated a successful real estate transaction that evening with drinks. Richins told police she later slept in one of her son’s rooms because he was having nightmares. When she returned to the master bedroom hours later, she claimed she found her husband dead. An autopsy later determined Eric Richins died from a fentanyl overdose, with prosecutors saying he had nearly five times the lethal amount in his system.&nbsp;During the 13-day trial, prosecutors presented testimony from more than 40 witnesses, including family members, investigators, associates connected to the drug supply, and people close to Richins. A key witness, house cleaner Carmen Lauber, testified she sold illicit pills to Richins several times in early 2022. Prosecutors also presented cellphone data placing Richins near locations where the drugs were allegedly obtained. The prosecution argued Richins had multiple motives, including financial problems, an extramarital affair, and a desire to escape her marriage.&nbsp;Her alleged lover, Robert Josh Grossmann, became emotional while messages exchanged between the pair were shown in court. “I do want a future together. I do want you. Figure life out together,” Richins texted Grossmann weeks before her husband’s death. “If he could just go away, and you could just be here! Life would be so perfect!!! I love you.” Prosecutors also highlighted testimony from a forensic accountant who said Richins’ real estate business was drowning in debt despite appearances of success.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/paraguay-beethoven-s-ode-to-joy-echoes-in-guarani-1778722201630/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/paraguay-beethoven-s-ode-to-joy-echoes-in-guarani-1778722201630/embed</a>&nbsp;Eric Richins reportedly carried around $2.2 million in life insurance policies, including one prosecutors said Richins fraudulently secured shortly before his death. “She murdered Eric Richins,” prosecutor Brad Bloodworth told jurors during closing arguments, “and then she submitted a claim to get the money.” The jury also convicted Richins of attempting to murder her husband on Valentine’s Day 2022. Prosecutors said Eric Richins told friends he felt like he was dying after eating a sandwich his wife had prepared for him.&nbsp;Investigators additionally pointed to internet searches found on Richins’ cellphone, including:<ul><li>What is a lethal dose of fentanyl</li><li>If someone is poisoned, what does it go down on the death certificate as?</li><li>Kouri Richins Kamas net worth</li></ul>Authorities argued Richins later attempted to redirect suspicion by publishing her children’s book, Are You With Me?, roughly a year after her husband’s death. While promoting the book on local television in April 2023, just weeks before her arrest, Richins said the story was intended to help her children process grief. “Just because he’s not present here with us physically, that doesn’t mean his presence isn’t here with us,” Richins said. “Dad is still here. It’s just in a different way.”

Utah mother Kouri Richins, who wrote a children’s book about grief after her husband’s death, was sentenced to life without parole for his murder. Emotional testimony from family members and her children marked the sentencing hearing

Kouri Richins, the Utah mother who gained national attention after publishing a children’s book about grief following her husband’s death, has been sentenced to life in prison without parole for murdering him. Judge Richard Mrazik delivered the sentence on Wednesday (May 13), the same day that would have marked the 44th birthday of her late husband, Eric Richins. Following a lengthy trial earlier this year, an eight-person jury found Richins guilty of aggravated murder for fatally poisoning her husband in March 2022. She was also convicted of attempted aggravated murder for allegedly trying to kill him weeks earlier on Valentine’s Day, along with insurance fraud and forgery tied to his life insurance policies. “A person convicted of those things is simply too dangerous to ever be free,” Judge Mrazik said while announcing the sentence. The judge also ordered Richins to serve additional consecutive prison terms related to the other convictions. As the sentence was delivered, Richins reportedly looked toward her defense attorney and raised her eyebrows. Before sentencing, Richins addressed her three young sons in court through an emotional statement. “As much as you’ve been influenced into thinking that dad was murdered, that I took your dad from you, that is completely wrong. An absolute lie,” Richins said. “And the thought of that is still as absurd today as it was four years ago.” Statements written by the couple’s children were later read aloud in court by therapists. All three expressed fear about their mother potentially being released one day. “You took away everything from my brothers and me. I don’t want you out of jail because I will not feel safe if you are out,” wrote the couple’s middle child, identified as “A.R.” “You have never said sorry for anything that you have done to my brothers or me. I don’t want you to hurt anyone again.” Members of Eric Richins’ family also urged the court to impose the harshest sentence possible. “Please do not leave those boys to wonder whether Kouri might track them or their children down in the future,” said his sister, Katie Richins-Benson. “Please do not create a possibility for Kouri to endanger Eric’s boys, my daughters, my family, or anybody else ever again.” Also Read: THIS website tracks private jets to reveal if Earth is facing an extinction-level event Defense attorney Wendy Lewis argued against a life sentence without parole, saying the children could someday want a relationship with their mother. “A life without the possibility of parole, the sentence cannot be changed,” Lewis said. “If Kouri and Eric’s boys someday change their mind and it is too late to say something different than what they’ve said today, this day will become one more day that haunts them.” Some of Richins’ family members defended her character during the hearing, calling her a loving mother and claiming she had been wrongfully convicted. “We don’t with 100% certainty know what happened to Eric, no one does,” her brother Ronney Darden told the court. “But we do know with 100% certainty that it wasn’t caused by you.” Her legal team confirmed plans to appeal the conviction and seek a new trial. Judge Mrazik said that the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole could theoretically release Richins in the future if officials determined “by clear and convincing evidence at some future point that she is permanently incapable of being a threat to the safety of society.” How did the case unfold? Eric Richins was found dead inside the couple’s home in Kamas during the early morning hours of March 4, 2022. According to statements given to investigators, the couple had celebrated a successful real estate transaction that evening with drinks. Richins told police she later slept in one of her son’s rooms because he was having nightmares. When she returned to the master bedroom hours later, she claimed she found her husband dead. An autopsy later determined Eric Richins died from a fentanyl overdose, with prosecutors saying he had nearly five times the lethal amount in his system. During the 13-day trial, prosecutors presented testimony from more than 40 witnesses, including family members, investigators, associates connected to the drug supply, and people close to Richins. A key witness, house cleaner Carmen Lauber, testified she sold illicit pills to Richins several times in early 2022. Prosecutors also presented cellphone data placing Richins near locations where the drugs were allegedly obtained. The prosecution argued Richins had multiple motives, including financial problems, an extramarital affair, and a desire to escape her marriage. Her alleged lover, Robert Josh Grossmann, became emotional while messages exchanged between the pair were shown in court. “I do want a future together. I do want you. Figure life out together,” Richins texted Grossmann weeks before her husband’s death. “If he could just go away, and you could just be here! Life would be so perfect!!! I love you.” Prosecutors also highlighted testimony from a forensic accountant who said Richins’ real estate business was drowning in debt despite appearances of success. https://www.wionews.com/videos/paraguay-beethoven-s-ode-to-joy-echoes-in-guarani-1778722201630/embed Eric Richins reportedly carried around $2.2 million in life insurance policies, including one prosecutors said Richins fraudulently secured shortly before his death. “She murdered Eric Richins,” prosecutor Brad Bloodworth told jurors during closing arguments, “and then she submitted a claim to get the money.” The jury also convicted Richins of attempting to murder her husband on Valentine’s Day 2022. Prosecutors said Eric Richins told friends he felt like he was dying after eating a sandwich his wife had prepared for him. Investigators additionally pointed to internet searches found on Richins’ cellphone, including: What is a lethal dose of fentanyl If someone is poisoned, what does it go down on the death certificate as? Kouri Richins Kamas net worth Authorities argued Richins later attempted to redirect suspicion by publishing her children’s book, Are You With Me?, roughly a year after her husband’s death. While promoting the book on local television in April 2023, just weeks before her arrest, Richins said the story was intended to help her children process grief. “Just because he’s not present here with us physically, that doesn’t mean his presence isn’t here with us,” Richins said. “Dad is still here. It’s just in a different way.”

Utah mother and children’s author Kouri Richins was sentenced to life without parole for poisoning her husband with fentanyl

'Dad is still here': Inside the chilling case of Kouri Richins, Utah mom who wrote grief book after husband’s death gets life sentence for his murder

US President Donald Trump on Thursday morning (May 14) met Chinese leader Xi Jinping at Beijing's Great Hall of the People for a high-stakes summit. The two leaders shook hands after Trump arrived in a motorcade to the steps. The two leaders shook hands for a good 15 seconds, but stopped short at it and did not proceed for a hug. US delegation including State Secretary Marco Rubio, War Secretary Pete Hegseth and business CEOs including Elon Musk awaited the two leaders to meet before greeting the Chinese officials. The ceremony is continuing, with marching soldiers and music. Xi and Trump are seen standing side by side under a gazebo.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TrumpInChina?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TrumpInChina</a> | US President Donald Trump was accorded a grand military reception, including a 21-gun salute, upon his arrival at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UnitedStates?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UnitedStates</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Trump?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Trump</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/military?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#military</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/China?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#China</a> <a href="https://t.co/z2LgMdjClM">pic.twitter.com/z2LgMdjClM</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/2054748381717868991?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The US president was accorded a grand military reception, including a 21-gun salute. &nbsp;Xi introduced Trump with the key Chinese officials before the they proceeded amid band playing the US national anthem. The Chinese national anthem was then played.&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>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">U.S. President Donald Trump met with Chinese President Xi Jinping during a formal greeting ceremony, marking his first engagement of the two-day visit to China<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UnitedStates?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UnitedStates</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/China?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#China</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ceremony?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ceremony</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Trump?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Trump</a> <a href="https://t.co/Mt69H9EkJ7">pic.twitter.com/Mt69H9EkJ7</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/2054745463908446702?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Trump-Xi bilateral meeting begins</h2>After the grand reception, the two sides are seen seated in a conference hall. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is seated next to Jinping, and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is seated next to Trump. The meeting comes amid the ongoing Iran war and worldwide trade tensions. The two sides will discuss in great length the trade rules and Washington may propose a special trade mechanism to decide what goods both countries should buy and sell from each other. Rare minerals may be a goldmine deal as US is likely to seek steady access to China’s rare earth minerals, which are important for technology and defence. China buying hundreds of Boeing planes and more US farm products could also be discussed. China wants fewer restrictions on its companies in the US, specially in sectors like AI and electric vehicles. Chinese EV giant BYD could become a key talking point. Taiwan is expected to remain a sensitive issue. China has repeatedly warned the US to be careful about arms sales and military support to Taiwan, which Beijing considers part of its territory. Trump has also hinted that he would talk about Jimmy Lai.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-confirms-trump-s-beijing-visit-from-may-13-to-15-trade-jimmy-lai-taiwan-iran-war-what-s-on-agenda-1778465256028">China confirms Trump's Beijing visit from May 13 to 15: What's on agenda?</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TrumpInChina?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TrumpInChina</a> | US President Donald Trump joined Chinese President Xi Jinping for a high-level bilateral meeting during his visit to Beijing<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UnitedStates?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UnitedStates</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/China?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#China</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Trump?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Trump</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/XiJinping?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#XiJinping</a> <a href="https://t.co/rGvUn5rEpw">pic.twitter.com/rGvUn5rEpw</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/2054751014771929099?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>What Trump and Xi told each other in opening remarks?</h2>Xi Jinping welcomed Trump to Beijing, saying it was a “pleasure” to meet him and stressing that the success of both China and the United States should be seen as “an opportunity for each other.” Xi added that he has “always believed that the common interests between China and the United States outweigh the differences” and said he was “happy” about Trump’s visit at a time when the world stands at a “crossroads.”&nbsp;Trump, in response, said the US-China relationship was “going to be better than ever” and described the meeting with Xi as “an honour like few I’ve ever seen before.” The US president also expressed optimism about bilateral ties, telling the Chinese leader: “We’re going to have a fantastic future together.”

US President Donald Trump met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing for a high-stakes summit focused on trade, rare earth minerals, Taiwan, AI, EVs and the Iran war, amid rising US-China tensions and global economic uncertainty.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday morning (May 14) met Chinese leader Xi Jinping at Beijing's Great Hall of the People for a high-stakes summit. The two leaders shook hands after Trump arrived in a motorcade to the steps. The two leaders shook hands for a good 15 seconds, but stopped short at it and did not proceed for a hug. US delegation including State Secretary Marco Rubio, War Secretary Pete Hegseth and business CEOs including Elon Musk awaited the two leaders to meet before greeting the Chinese officials. The ceremony is continuing, with marching soldiers and music. Xi and Trump are seen standing side by side under a gazebo.

US President Donald Trump met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing for a high-stakes summit focused on trade, rare earth minerals, Taiwan, AI, EVs and the Iran war, amid rising US-China tensions and global economic uncertainty.

Trump, Xi shake hands as they meet in Beijing, discuss Taiwan and trade - VIDEO

Denise Powell secured victory in the Democratic primary for Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District on Wednesday (May 13), winning a closely watched race centered around the district’s influential ‘blue dot’ status in presidential elections. The Omaha-based district has become one of the Democratic Party’s top battleground targets this midterm cycle following the retirement of Republican Congressman Don Bacon. The district also receives national attention during presidential elections because Nebraska is one of only two states that splits its Electoral College votes by congressional district. Nebraska’s 2nd District has earned the nickname ‘blue dot’ after supporting Democratic presidential candidates in three of the last five elections since 2008, despite the state’s overall Republican dominance.&nbsp;Powell, a longtime political activist, defeated state Senator John Cavanaugh and several other candidates in a competitive Democratic primary race that remained too close to call on election night. She will now face Brinker Harding, a Republican Omaha City Council member endorsed by President Donald Trump. Harding ran unopposed in the Republican primary. “This country and Nebraska are worth fighting for, and I’m ready to spend the next six months working for every vote and sharing my vision for Nebraska so we can finally have a representative in Congress who will serve us,” Powell said in a statement. “It’s time to be brave.”&nbsp;Powell ultimately led Cavanaugh by 2.1 percentage points, or roughly 1,080 votes, out of more than 51,000 ballots counted. The Associated Press projected Powell as the winner after election officials in Douglas County reported that the number of outstanding ballots was too small for Cavanaugh to overcome the margin. Douglas County accounted for nearly 93 per cent of all votes cast in the district.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/did-chinese-companies-plot-covert-weapons-transfers-to-iran-here-s-what-us-intelligence-claims-1778717551853">Did Chinese companies plot covert weapons transfers to Iran? Here's what US intelligence claims</a><h2>One of the most competitive House races</h2>The general election matchup between Powell and Harding is expected to become one of the most competitive House races in the country as Democrats attempt to regain control of the House of Representatives during the second half of Trump’s presidency. Nebraska’s 2nd District is one of only three congressional districts nationwide that voted for Democrat Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election while simultaneously electing a Republican member of Congress.&nbsp;Trump carried the district in 2016, while Bacon, who occasionally clashed with Trump during his time in office, held the congressional seat for five consecutive terms before announcing his retirement. The Nebraska Republican Party responded to Powell’s victory by warning against growing Democratic investment in the state. “The left wants Nebraska, and we are going to make sure they don’t get it,” said Nebraska GOP Chair Mary Jane Truemper.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/japan-moves-to-create-first-central-spy-agency-since-world-war-ii-1778695192311/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/japan-moves-to-create-first-central-spy-agency-since-world-war-ii-1778695192311/embed</a><h2>Powell’s progressive campaign</h2>Powell, who is Latina, co-founded Women Who Run Nebraska, a political action committee focused on supporting progressive female candidates across the state. She also received endorsements from prominent Democratic groups, including EMILY’s List and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus’ campaign arm. Although she has never held elected office, Powell argued throughout the campaign that her strong community ties and grassroots organizing experience positioned her well with independent and third-party voters, who make up nearly 30 per cent of the district’s electorate.&nbsp;Some Democrats had expressed concerns that a victory by Cavanaugh could weaken the district’s 'blue dot' status because it would create an opening in the Nebraska Legislature that Republicans might use to push changes to the state’s unique electoral vote system. That electoral structure has made Nebraska’s 2nd District one of the most politically significant swing districts in the country.

Denise Powell wins Nebraska’s 2nd District Democratic primary, setting up a major House showdown in the state’s influential 'blue dot' district

Denise Powell secured victory in the Democratic primary for Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District on Wednesday (May 13), winning a closely watched race centered around the district’s influential ‘blue dot’ status in presidential elections. The Omaha-based district has become one of the Democratic Party’s top battleground targets this midterm cycle following the retirement of Republican Congressman Don Bacon. The district also receives national attention during presidential elections because Nebraska is one of only two states that splits its Electoral College votes by congressional district. Nebraska’s 2nd District has earned the nickname ‘blue dot’ after supporting Democratic presidential candidates in three of the last five elections since 2008, despite the state’s overall Republican dominance. Powell, a longtime political activist, defeated state Senator John Cavanaugh and several other candidates in a competitive Democratic primary race that remained too close to call on election night. She will now face Brinker Harding, a Republican Omaha City Council member endorsed by President Donald Trump. Harding ran unopposed in the Republican primary. “This country and Nebraska are worth fighting for, and I’m ready to spend the next six months working for every vote and sharing my vision for Nebraska so we can finally have a representative in Congress who will serve us,” Powell said in a statement. “It’s time to be brave.” Powell ultimately led Cavanaugh by 2.1 percentage points, or roughly 1,080 votes, out of more than 51,000 ballots counted. The Associated Press projected Powell as the winner after election officials in Douglas County reported that the number of outstanding ballots was too small for Cavanaugh to overcome the margin. Douglas County accounted for nearly 93 per cent of all votes cast in the district. Also Read: Did Chinese companies plot covert weapons transfers to Iran? Here's what US intelligence claims One of the most competitive House races The general election matchup between Powell and Harding is expected to become one of the most competitive House races in the country as Democrats attempt to regain control of the House of Representatives during the second half of Trump’s presidency. Nebraska’s 2nd District is one of only three congressional districts nationwide that voted for Democrat Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election while simultaneously electing a Republican member of Congress. Trump carried the district in 2016, while Bacon, who occasionally clashed with Trump during his time in office, held the congressional seat for five consecutive terms before announcing his retirement. The Nebraska Republican Party responded to Powell’s victory by warning against growing Democratic investment in the state. “The left wants Nebraska, and we are going to make sure they don’t get it,” said Nebraska GOP Chair Mary Jane Truemper. https://www.wionews.com/videos/japan-moves-to-create-first-central-spy-agency-since-world-war-ii-1778695192311/embed Powell’s progressive campaign Powell, who is Latina, co-founded Women Who Run Nebraska, a political action committee focused on supporting progressive female candidates across the state. She also received endorsements from prominent Democratic groups, including EMILY’s List and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus’ campaign arm. Although she has never held elected office, Powell argued throughout the campaign that her strong community ties and grassroots organizing experience positioned her well with independent and third-party voters, who make up nearly 30 per cent of the district’s electorate. Some Democrats had expressed concerns that a victory by Cavanaugh could weaken the district’s 'blue dot' status because it would create an opening in the Nebraska Legislature that Republicans might use to push changes to the state’s unique electoral vote system. That electoral structure has made Nebraska’s 2nd District one of the most politically significant swing districts in the country.

Denise Powell wins Nebraska’s key ‘blue dot’ Democratic primary and advances to a high-stakes House race against Brinker Harding

Denise Powell wins Nebraska’s ‘blue dot’ Democratic primary: Why this battleground district is so important ahead of midterm elections

Trump-Xi Summit LIVE Highlights: US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are set for a high-stakes summit in Beijing on Thursday (May 14), with Iran, trade tensions and Taiwan expected to dominate talks.Trump, on his first China visit since 2017, received a grand ceremonial welcome in Beijing and is accompanied by top US business leaders including Nvidia’s Jensen Huang and Tesla’s Elon Musk, underscoring his push for major commercial deals.The summit comes amid deep strains between the two powers, including a fragile tariff truce after last year’s trade war, China’s rare earth restrictions, AI rivalry and growing geopolitical friction over Taiwan.Iran is also expected to feature prominently, with Washington hoping Beijing can play a bigger role given China’s economic ties with Tehran.Trump has said he expects a warm personal reception from Xi, but both sides face difficult negotiations as they seek business wins while managing one of the world’s most consequential and tense bilateral relationships.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington’s policy towards Taiwan remains unchanged following President Donald Trump’s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, while cautioning Beijing against attempting to seize the island by force.Speaking to NBC News during Trump’s visit to China, Rubio said Taiwan was discussed during the talks, but stressed that the US position had not shifted.“US policy on the issue of Taiwan is unchanged as of today and as of the meeting that we had here today,” Rubio said.He added that China routinely raises the Taiwan issue during bilateral engagements and the United States continues to reiterate its long-standing position before moving on to other matters.

Rubio says US stance on Taiwan remains unchanged after Trump-Xi meeting

China is willing to work with the United States to expand its list of areas for cooperation and shorten the list of problems, aiming for healthy, stable and sustainable trade ties, said He Yongqian, a spokeswoman for the Ministry of Commerce, at a press conference in Beijing on Thursday. &nbsp;

China says ready to expand cooperation with US: Commerce Ministry

During his visit to China, US President Donald Trump said Beijing has agreed to purchase 200 Boeing aircraft as part of ongoing bilateral engagements.&nbsp;

Trump says China agrees to buy 200 Boeing aircraft

US President Donald Trump on Thursday said President Xi Jinping had offered China's help to open the Strait of Hormuz and pledged not to send military equipment to aid Iran in its war against the US and Israel."He said he's not going to give military equipment… he said that strongly," Trump told the "Hannity" show on Fox News, after the two leaders met in Beijing."He'd like to see the Hormuz Strait open, and said 'if I can be of any help whatsoever, I would like to help,'" Trump added.

Trump says Xi offered help to open Hormuz, vowed not to arm Iran

European and US stock markets climbed on Thursday as a tech-led rally extended gains, even as Washington and Beijing continued high-level talks in Beijing, with key US business leaders present in hopes of securing commercial agreements.AFP reported that Wall Street's leading indices opened higher, with both the S&amp;P 500 and Nasdaq Composite climbing from record closes set on AI bullishness.

Markets rise as tech rally continues amid US–China talks in Beijing

At a state banquet in Beijing, China reportedly played US President Donald Trump’s signature walk-off song, The Village People’s disco hit “Y.M.C.A”, during a private portion of the dinner, according to a White House official.The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the Chinese military band performed the track during the closed-door segment of the banquet, where Trump was being feted by his hosts, the AP reported.Trump is known to regularly close campaign rallies and official appearances with ‘Y.M.C.A’, often dancing to the song with small fist pumps as it plays.The choice of music echoes earlier diplomatic gestures. In 2017, ‘The Stars and Stripes Forever’ was played during a ceremony where Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping reviewed Chinese honour guards, in what was seen as a symbolic cultural nod during the US leader’s visit.

China plays Trump’s signature ‘Y.M.C.A’ at Beijing state banquet

Gita Gopinath, the former chief economist of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) reacted sharply to visuals from the Trump-Xi meeting, pointing to the absence of women in the high-level discussions. “A meeting of the two largest economies and not one woman at the table,” she wrote.&nbsp;<img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260514/image-1778767392217.png">.

‘Not one woman at the table’: Ex IMF chief economist

The United States has reportedly approved around 10 Chinese companies to purchase Nvidia’s second-most advanced AI chip, a step that could help ease tensions in the ongoing US-China technology dispute.While China remains a global leader in the production of legacy semiconductors used in products such as smartphones, cars, washing machines and medical equipment, it still trails behind in advanced AI chips developed by firms like Nvidia. Earlier this year, US authorities charged three individuals for allegedly attempting to illegally transfer sensitive American AI technology to China, highlighting the intense race for dominance in artificial intelligence. The unexpected presence of Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang during Donald Trump’s China visit has also fueled speculation that a broader tech agreement may still be possible.

US clears Nvidia chip sales to 10 Chinese firms

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”.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-us-china-should-be-partners-not-rivals-xi-hails-historic-trump-visit-1778753461122">Read more here.</a>

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

The state banquet dinner will include hors d’oeuvres to begin, followed by a main course, which will include:<ul><li>Lobster in tomato soup</li><li>Crispy beef ribs</li><li>Beijing roast duck</li><li>Stewed seasonal vegetables</li><li>Slow-cooked salmon in mustard sauce</li><li>Pan-fried pork bun</li></ul>The dessert will include:&nbsp;<ul><li>Trumpet shell-shaped pastry</li><li>Tiramisu</li><li>Fruits and ice cream</li></ul>

What's on the menu of state banquet?

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Thursday that President Donald Trump would say more on Taiwan "in the coming days".The self-ruled island, which China views as part of its territory, is set to be a key issue for talks in Beijing between Trump and his counterpart Xi Jinping.

Trump will say more on Taiwan 'in the coming days': Bessent

Chinese President Xi Jinping says, "...China and US have written many chapters of friendship through mutual openness and cooperation. Under the new situation, President Trump and I are fully aware of the expectations of our two nations and the international community, have had multiple meetings and phone calls, and kept China-US relations generally stable. Today, President Trump and I had an in-depth exchanges on China-US relations and the international &amp; 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. Both China and the US stand to gain from cooperation and lose from confrontation. Our two countries should be partners, rather than rivals. President Trump and I also agreed to build a constructive China-US relationship of strategic stability to promote the steady, sound and sustainable development of China-US relations and bring more peace, prosperity and progress to the world."

Xi Jinping on China-US relations 

Chinese leader Xi Jinping said on Thursday that China's advancement could go "hand-in-hand" with making America great again, as he addressed a banquet following talks with US President Donald Trump."Achieving the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and making America great again can totally go hand in hand, help each other succeed, and advance the well-being of the whole world," Xi said, a reference to Trump's MAGA movement.

Xi Tells Trump China’s Rise Can Go ‘Hand in Hand’ With ‘Make America Great Again’ Vision

US President Donald Trump says, "We had extremely positive and productive conversations and meetings today with the Chinese delegation earlier. This evening is another cherished opportunity to discuss among friends, some of the things that we discussed today, all good for the United States and for China. It was a great honour to be with you."

Trump praises talks with China

Xi urges the two sides to work closely together. “We must make it work and never mess it up,” he says, adding, “Our two countries should be partners rather than rivals.”

'Two countries should be partners rather than rivals': Xi urges Trump

&nbsp;“We can help each other succeed and advance the well being of the whole world,” the Chinese leader says.

Xi welcome speech for Trump 

Xi Jinping appears to be seeking either a shift in rhetoric or fresh assurances from President Donald Trump regarding Taiwan. Beijing is looking for clear confirmation that the US does not support Taiwan’s independence. Ideally, China would also like to see a further reduction in US arms sales to Taiwan, including the defence package currently under consideration that Taipei is awaiting.

Xi Seeks Taiwan Assurances From Trump Ahead of Key Talks

On the Xi Jinping-Donald Trump meeting and the Tibet issue, the Tibetan Government in exile, Spokesperson, Tenzin Lekshay told ANI, "It's very important that the two world leaders should meet and to engage to make a better future for all the world. And they should be responsible also. They should also understand that in this chaotic time that we are living in, the Tibet issue is still an unresolved issue. The US has made lots of policies on Tibet, which all talk about engaging with the Chinese to seek dialogue to resolve this under the Tibetan conflict. The US can put up this cause to the Chinese leaders because the Chinese leaders are the ones who suppress the Tibetan identity, who are the ones who have occupied Tibet."

Tibetan Government in exile spokesperson on Xi Jinping-Donald Trump meeting 

"The two sides agreed that the Strait of Hormuz must remain open to support the free flow of energy," the White House said.

Trump, Xi agreed Strait of Hormuz 'must remain open'

"The Beijing authorities are currently the sole risk to regional peace and stability," Taiwan Foreign Ministry said in a statement adding that "Beijing has no right to make any claims on behalf of Taiwan internationally."

Taiwan reacts after Xi warns Trump

'China is willing to work with the US to translate the 'new orientation' of China-US relations into actions toward each other', says China Foreign Ministry

'China is willing to work with the US'

Xi stated that he and president Trump agreed to establish a “constructive strategic and stable relationship between China and the US”

Xi hails new era of 'constructive strategic stable relationship' with US

A statement from the Chinese foreign ministry said:<blockquote>Xi Jinping emphasised that China is committed to the stable, healthy, and sustainable development of China-US relations. He stated that he and president Trump agreed to establish a “constructive strategic and stable relationship between China and the US” as a new positioning for China-US relations, which will provide strategic guidance for China-US relations for the next three years and beyond, and is believed to be welcomed by the people of both countries and the international community. “Constructive strategic stability” should be positive stability based on cooperation, benign stability with moderate competition, normalised stability with manageable differences, and lasting stability with a promising future of peace. “A constructive strategic and stable relationship between China and the US” is not just a slogan, but should be a matter of concerted action.</blockquote>

Chinese foreign ministry statement on Trump-Xi meet

China’s Foreign Ministry said Beijing is willing to work with the United States to turn the “new orientation” of China-US relations into concrete actions and strengthen cooperation between the two countries. The ministry also stressed that maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait remains the “biggest common denominator” between China and the US.

China calls for stable US-China ties, stresses peace in Taiwan Strait

&lt;blockquote class="twitter-tweet"&gt;&lt;p lang="en" dir="ltr"&gt;President Xi Jinping and President Trump visited the Temple of Heaven and had a photo taken in front of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests. &lt;a href="https://t.co/1jPen5bhXQ"&gt;pic.twitter.com/1jPen5bhXQ&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&amp;mdash; Mao Ning 毛宁 (@SpoxCHN_MaoNing) &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/SpoxCHN_MaoNing/status/2054809357733548241?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;May 14, 2026&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"&gt;&lt;/script&gt;

China shares image of Trump and Xi taken in front of Temple of Heaven

Taiwan's foreign ministry said that China is the "sole risk" to regional peace and stability, after Chinese President Xi Jinping warned his US counterpart Donald Trump that the issue of Taiwan could lead to conflict. "The Beijing authorities are currently the sole risk to regional peace and stability," the ministry said in a statement, highlighting China's "military harassment" and grey-zone activities around Taiwan and the region as evidence, and adding that "Beijing has no right to make any claims on behalf of Taiwan internationally.

Taiwan says China is 'sole risk' to regional peace, stability

US President Donald Trump and China's leader Xi Jinping discussed the war in the Middle East, the Ukraine conflict, and issues on the Korean Peninsula when they met in Beijing on Thursday, the Chinese government said."The two heads of state exchanged views on major international and regional issues, including the situation in the Middle East, the Ukraine crisis, and the Korean Peninsula," according to a Chinese foreign ministry readout.

Trump, Xi discussed Middle East, Ukraine, Korean Peninsula: Beijing

China has renewed export licences for hundreds of US beef processing plants, customs data showed, in a possible goodwill gesture as the leaders of both countries met in Beijing.

China renews hundreds of US beef exporters' licences amid summit

US President Donald Trump described his talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping as "great" when questioned by reporters. However, he declined to elaborate further. Reporters also asked whether Taiwan was discussed during the meeting, but Trump did not respond as he stood alongside Xi for photographs after arriving at the Temple of Heaven. -- Agencies

Trump declines to say if he and Xi discussed Taiwan

US President Donald Trump says "China is beautiful" as reporters fire questions at him at the historic Temple of Heaven in Beijing. Standing side-by-side, Trump and China's Xi did not respond to questions about whether they had discussed Taiwan during their bilateral meeting earlier in the day.

'China is beautiful', Trump says at Temple of Heaven in Beijing

Marco Rubio said US officials would try to persuade China to take a more “active role” in resolving the conflict in Iran. The US secretary of state told Fox News while en route to China that the US had made its case to Beijing on why it should engage in efforts to settle simmering tensions with Iran.

What has US officials said before the visit?

Xi Jinping said the new positioning agreed upon during talks with Donald Trump would provide “strategic guidance” for US-China relations over the next three years and beyond. Xi said both sides should expand cooperation in areas including trade, agriculture, healthcare, tourism and law enforcement, while also urging Washington to handle the Taiwan issue with the “utmost prudence.” According to Chinese state broadcaster CCTV, the two leaders also exchanged views on the Middle East situation, the Ukraine crisis and developments on the Korean Peninsula.

Xi hints at new phase of US-China relations

The Trump-Xi bilateral meet has wrapped, a WH official said. It lasted for 2 hours and 15 mins

Trump-Xi bilateral meet lasts for 2 hours and 15 mins

Taiwan said Thursday the United States has expressed "clear and firm support" for the island democracy, as US President Donald Trump meets with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in Beijing. "The US side has repeatedly reaffirmed its clear and firm support for Taiwan," cabinet spokeswoman Michelle Lee told reporters.

Taiwan says US has 'reaffirmed its clear and firm support' for island

Several of the US company CEOs entered the room during the Trump-Xi talks, according to China's CCTV. Responding to reporters on his way out of the Great Hall of the People, Tesla CEO Elon Musk said he wants to accomplish "many good things" in China. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said he hopes the two leaders will build on a good relationship to improve two-way ties, CCTV reported. Apple CEO Tim Cook gave an affirmative gesture as he was leaving.

Xi meeting US CEOs now

Xi Jinping and Donald Trump concluded their high-stakes bilateral meeting in Beijing after discussions on trade, Taiwan, rare earth minerals and global security. The summit at the Great Hall of the People came amid rising US-China tensions and ongoing concerns over the Iran war and global economic uncertainty.

Xi-Trump meeting concludes

Xi quoted an ancient Greek historian to express his hopes that the US and China can avoid conflict, saying that history, the world and its people were asking whether the two countries can transcend the “Thucydides Trap” and forge a new model for relations between major powers.

Two countries can transcend the “Thucydides Trap", says Xi

Xi Jinping has told Trump their countries could come into conflict if the issue over self-ruled Taiwan claimed by Beijing is mishandled, Chinese state media said.

Xi tells Trump China could 'come into conflict' with US if Taiwan mishandled – report

“You’re a great leader,” Trump told Xi. “Sometimes people don’t like me saying it, but I say it anyway, because it’s true.”

Trump praises Xi

Asian markets traded mixed on Thursday as investors balanced optimism around the Trump-Xi summit in Beijing with inflation concerns and Middle East-linked energy risks.Wall Street’s tech-driven momentum pushed the Nasdaq and S&amp;P 500 to fresh record highs overnight, powered by AI enthusiasm and strong earnings, but Asia remained cautious as traders looked for signs of progress in US-China trade talks.Trump and Xi opened their Beijing summit with warm public remarks, raising hopes for some easing in tensions, though analysts remain cautious about any major breakthrough.Meanwhile, inflation pressures persisted after US wholesale prices surged beyond expectations, while Brent crude hovered above $105 a barrel as the Strait of Hormuz crisis continued to weigh on energy markets.Hong Kong, Tokyo, Seoul and Taipei advanced, while Shanghai and Singapore slipped, reflecting investor caution as markets await concrete outcomes from the high-stakes summit. &nbsp;

Trump-Xi Summit LIVE Updates: Asia markets mixed as Trump-Xi summit, AI rally and inflation shape sentiment

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 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">Here's all you need to know</a><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260514/image-1778727567434.png?rect=(0,0,1200,900)&amp;imwidth=800&amp;imheight=600&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="'World at crossroads': Xi Jinping tells Trump China and United States 'should be partners, not rivals'"></figure>

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

US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping walked up the red-carpeted steps into Beijing’s Great Hall of the People, where high-level talks are now underway.Xi is delivering opening remarks as the two leaders begin discussions on trade, Iran and Taiwan.

Trump-Xi Summit LIVE Updates: US and China leaders sit down for vital talks; Xi delivering opening remarks

&lt;blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"&gt;&lt;p lang="en" dir="ltr"&gt;&lt;a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TrumpInChina?src=hash&amp;amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;#TrumpInChina&lt;/a&gt; | US President Donald Trump was accorded a grand military reception, including a 21-gun salute, upon his arrival at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People&lt;a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UnitedStates?src=hash&amp;amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;#UnitedStates&lt;/a&gt; &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Trump?src=hash&amp;amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;#Trump&lt;/a&gt; &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/military?src=hash&amp;amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;#military&lt;/a&gt; &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/China?src=hash&amp;amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;#China&lt;/a&gt; &lt;a href="https://t.co/z2LgMdjClM"&gt;pic.twitter.com/z2LgMdjClM&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&amp;mdash; WION (@WIONews) &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/2054748381717868991?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;May 14, 2026&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"&gt;&lt;/script&gt;

Trump-Xi Summit LIVE Updates: Trump accorded a grand military reception, including 21-gun salute

&lt;blockquote class="twitter-tweet"&gt;&lt;p lang="en" dir="ltr"&gt;Children waving flowers and American flags welcomed US President Donald Trump at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People during his ceremonial reception in China&lt;a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UnitedStates?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;#UnitedStates&lt;/a&gt; &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/China?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;#China&lt;/a&gt; &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Trump?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;#Trump&lt;/a&gt; &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/XiJinping?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;#XiJinping&lt;/a&gt; &lt;a href="https://t.co/Bw1DjHboW8"&gt;pic.twitter.com/Bw1DjHboW8&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;— WION (@WIONews) &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/2054747247146057950?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;May 14, 2026&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"&gt;&lt;/script&gt;

Trump-Xi Summit LIVE Updates: Children waving flowers and American flags welcomed POTUS

US President Donald Trump met Chinese leader Xi Jinping at Beijing's Great Hall of the People for a high-stakes summit.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.<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260514/image-1778725146279.jpg"></figure>

Trump-Xi Summit LIVE Updates: Trump, Xi shake hands at Beijing's Great Hall of the People

US President Donald Trump has arrived at the Great Hall of the People to take part in high-stakes talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, with trade, Iran, and Taiwan topping the agenda.

Trump-Xi Summit LIVE Updates: Trump-Xi summit begins in Beijing amid global tensions

&lt;blockquote class="twitter-tweet"&gt;&lt;p lang="en" dir="ltr"&gt;U.S. President Donald Trump met with Chinese President Xi Jinping during a formal greeting ceremony, marking his first engagement of the two-day visit to China&lt;a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UnitedStates?src=hash&amp;amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;#UnitedStates&lt;/a&gt; &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/China?src=hash&amp;amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;#China&lt;/a&gt; &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ceremony?src=hash&amp;amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;#ceremony&lt;/a&gt; &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Trump?src=hash&amp;amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;#Trump&lt;/a&gt; &lt;a href="https://t.co/Mt69H9EkJ7"&gt;pic.twitter.com/Mt69H9EkJ7&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&amp;mdash; WION (@WIONews) &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/2054745463908446702?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;May 14, 2026&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"&gt;&lt;/script&gt;

Trump-Xi Summit LIVE Updates: Trump-Xi meet during a formal greeting ceremony

&lt;blockquote class="twitter-tweet"&gt;&lt;p lang="en" dir="ltr"&gt;U.S. President Donald Trump received a grand ceremonial welcome upon arriving at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People&lt;a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UnitedStates?src=hash&amp;amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;#UnitedStates&lt;/a&gt; &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Trump?src=hash&amp;amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;#Trump&lt;/a&gt; &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/China?src=hash&amp;amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;#China&lt;/a&gt; &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GreatHall?src=hash&amp;amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;#GreatHall&lt;/a&gt; &lt;a href="https://t.co/QsNW8je35t"&gt;pic.twitter.com/QsNW8je35t&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&amp;mdash; WION (@WIONews) &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/2054746223308095571?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;May 14, 2026&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"&gt;&lt;/script&gt;

Trump-Xi Summit LIVE Updates: Trump receives a grand ceremonial welcome upon arriving at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People

Trump-Xi Summit LIVE Updates: Trump-Xi pose for press ahead of vital talks

Beyond tariffs, the two leaders are also expected to tackle China’s rare earth export controls, artificial intelligence competition and broader economic rivalry.

Trump-Xi Summit LIVE Updates: Rare earths, AI rivalry and market access also key summit flashpoints

"We hope to convince them to play a more active role in getting Iran to walk away from what they are doing now, and trying to do now in the Persian Gulf," US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told broadcaster Fox News in an interview aired Wednesday ahead of the summit between Chinese President Xi Jinping and his American counterpart Donald Trump.

Trump-Xi Summit LIVE Updates: Rubio says hopes to convince China to play 'more active role' in Iran

Trump has said he plans to discuss US arms sales to Taiwan with Xi, a sensitive move likely to be closely watched by Beijing and regional allies.

Trump-Xi Summit LIVE Updates: Taiwan issue under sharp focus as Trump raises arms sales

Trump and Xi are expected to discuss extending their fragile tariff truce, reached last year after a bruising trade war that saw tariffs soar beyond 100 percent.

Trump-Xi Summit LIVE Updates: Trade truce extension on the table as tariff war shadows summit

Trump said he expects a lengthy discussion with Xi on Iran, while Washington hopes Beijing will use its influence to pressure Tehran amid the ongoing Gulf conflict.

Trump-Xi Summit LIVE Updates: Iran crisis expected to dominate Trump-Xi discussions

Trump landed in Beijing alongside top US CEOs including Tesla’s Elon Musk and Nvidia’s Jensen Huang as he pushes for major business and market access deals.

Trump-Xi Summit LIVE Updates: Trump arrives with Musk, Jensen Huang in business-heavy delegation

Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomed Trump with full state honours in Beijing, offering pomp and ceremony despite deep tensions between the world’s two largest economies.

Trump-Xi Summit LIVE Updates: Xi gives Trump grand state welcome at Great Hall of the People

US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are set for a high-stakes summit in Beijing on Thursday (May 14), with Iran, trade tensions and Taiwan expected to dominate talks. All LIVE updates HERE.

Trump-Xi Summit LIVE Highlights: US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are set for a high-stakes summit in Beijing on Thursday (May 14), with Iran, trade tensions and Taiwan expected to dominate talks. Trump, on his first China visit since 2017, received a grand ceremonial welcome in Beijing and is accompanied by top US business leaders including Nvidia’s Jensen Huang and Tesla’s Elon Musk, underscoring his push for major commercial deals. The summit comes amid deep strains between the two powers, including a fragile tariff truce after last year’s trade war, China’s rare earth restrictions, AI rivalry and growing geopolitical friction over Taiwan. Iran is also expected to feature prominently, with Washington hoping Beijing can play a bigger role given China’s economic ties with Tehran. Trump has said he expects a warm personal reception from Xi, but both sides face difficult negotiations as they seek business wins while managing one of the world’s most consequential and tense bilateral relationships.

Trump-Xi Summit LIVE Highlights: US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are set for a high-stakes summit in Beijing on Thursday (May 14), with Iran, trade tensions and Taiwan expected to dominate talks. All LIVE updates HERE.

Trump-Xi Summit LIVE Highlights: Trump says China agrees to buy 200 Boeing aircraft

American intelligence officials believe Chinese companies have been in discussions with Iran over potential arms sales, with plans to route weapons through third-party countries to conceal the origin of the military support. According to US officials familiar with the intelligence, Chinese firms and Iranian representatives discussed possible transfers of military equipment during the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. However, it remains unclear whether any weapons have actually been delivered or whether the Chinese government formally approved the proposed deals. The revelations are expected to increase pressure on US President Donald Trump during his visit to China this week. Despite taking a hard stance with leaders of smaller nations, Trump appears focused on stabilizing relations with Chinese President Xi Jinping during high-level talks in Beijing.&nbsp;Speaking on Tuesday (May 12), Trump said he planned to have a ‘long talk’ with Xi about the escalating Middle East conflict and added that the Chinese leader had been ‘relatively good’ on Iran. Officials briefed on the intelligence offered differing assessments on whether the weapons had already reached intermediary countries. So far, no Chinese-made weapons appear to have been used directly against American or Israeli forces since the war with Iran intensified in late February. Last month, reports emerged that US intelligence agencies had obtained information suggesting China may have transferred MANPADS, shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missile systems, to Iran. The weapons are capable of targeting low-flying aircraft, and officials also believed Beijing was considering additional shipments of military equipment.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uae-rejects-benjamin-netanyahu-s-secret-visit-claims-amid-ongoing-iran-conflict-1778716836701">UAE rejects Benjamin Netanyahu’s ‘secret visit’ claims amid ongoing Iran conflict</a><h2>Pressure on Beijing</h2>US officials have been quietly and publicly urging China to reduce its support for Iran amid the conflict. Trump arrived in Beijing on Wednesday, and members of his administration are reportedly trying to avoid adding further tensions during the diplomatic visit. However, American officials believe any Chinese effort to supply military equipment to Iran is unacceptable and want Beijing to block all arms transfers. The officials, speaking anonymously because of the sensitivity of the intelligence and the timing of Trump’s trip, said at least one of the possible transit countries involved in the discussions was located in Africa. It remains unclear whether any shipment has reached the country.&nbsp;Following earlier reports regarding the possible MANPADS transfers, Trump said he personally appealed to Xi to stop any military supplies to Iran. “I wrote him a letter asking him not to do that, and he wrote me a letter saying ⁠that, essentially, he’s not doing that,” Trump said during an interview with Fox Business Network.<h2>China-Iran cooperation under lens</h2>Since the beginning of the conflict, China has reportedly provided Iran with intelligence support and satellite surveillance capabilities that helped monitor US military positions across the region. American officials also allege that China has supplied dual-use technology components needed for the production of drones, missiles, and other military systems. These include semiconductors, sensors, and voltage converters, which can be used for both civilian manufacturing and military purposes.&nbsp;Supplying dual-use materials typically attracts less international scrutiny than direct weapons sales. China has similarly been accused of providing such components to Russia during the war in Ukraine. However, intelligence officials say the alleged effort to move completed weapons through third-party countries indicates a deliberate attempt to keep military support for Iran hidden from public view.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-launches-ai-powered-hyperlocal-monsoon-forecast-system-how-will-ai-forecast-benefit-farmers-1778693875491/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-launches-ai-powered-hyperlocal-monsoon-forecast-system-how-will-ai-forecast-benefit-farmers-1778693875491/embed</a><h2>Strategic interests in the Middle East</h2>China remains one of Iran’s largest economic partners and purchases around 80 per cent of Iran’s oil exports, often at discounted prices due to international sanctions.While the economic relationship is significantly more important for Tehran than for Beijing, analysts say China has strong strategic reasons to maintain ties with Iran.Beijing relies heavily on energy shipments passing through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes.&nbsp;&nbsp;Supporting Iran could help ensure Chinese-bound oil tankers continue to move through the region safely. However, the ongoing war and instability have severely disrupted shipping traffic through the strait. Although a ceasefire was reached weeks ago, maritime trade has struggled to recover fully, creating new economic pressures for China and global markets alike.&nbsp;Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the 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.

US officials claim Chinese companies discussed secret arms sales to Iran through third countries as Trump visits Beijing for talks with Xi Jinping

American intelligence officials believe Chinese companies have been in discussions with Iran over potential arms sales, with plans to route weapons through third-party countries to conceal the origin of the military support. According to US officials familiar with the intelligence, Chinese firms and Iranian representatives discussed possible transfers of military equipment during the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. However, it remains unclear whether any weapons have actually been delivered or whether the Chinese government formally approved the proposed deals. The revelations are expected to increase pressure on US President Donald Trump during his visit to China this week. Despite taking a hard stance with leaders of smaller nations, Trump appears focused on stabilizing relations with Chinese President Xi Jinping during high-level talks in Beijing. Speaking on Tuesday (May 12), Trump said he planned to have a ‘long talk’ with Xi about the escalating Middle East conflict and added that the Chinese leader had been ‘relatively good’ on Iran. Officials briefed on the intelligence offered differing assessments on whether the weapons had already reached intermediary countries. So far, no Chinese-made weapons appear to have been used directly against American or Israeli forces since the war with Iran intensified in late February. Last month, reports emerged that US intelligence agencies had obtained information suggesting China may have transferred MANPADS, shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missile systems, to Iran. The weapons are capable of targeting low-flying aircraft, and officials also believed Beijing was considering additional shipments of military equipment. Also Read: UAE rejects Benjamin Netanyahu’s ‘secret visit’ claims amid ongoing Iran conflict Pressure on Beijing US officials have been quietly and publicly urging China to reduce its support for Iran amid the conflict. Trump arrived in Beijing on Wednesday, and members of his administration are reportedly trying to avoid adding further tensions during the diplomatic visit. However, American officials believe any Chinese effort to supply military equipment to Iran is unacceptable and want Beijing to block all arms transfers. The officials, speaking anonymously because of the sensitivity of the intelligence and the timing of Trump’s trip, said at least one of the possible transit countries involved in the discussions was located in Africa. It remains unclear whether any shipment has reached the country. Following earlier reports regarding the possible MANPADS transfers, Trump said he personally appealed to Xi to stop any military supplies to Iran. “I wrote him a letter asking him not to do that, and he wrote me a letter saying ⁠that, essentially, he’s not doing that,” Trump said during an interview with Fox Business Network. China-Iran cooperation under lens Since the beginning of the conflict, China has reportedly provided Iran with intelligence support and satellite surveillance capabilities that helped monitor US military positions across the region. American officials also allege that China has supplied dual-use technology components needed for the production of drones, missiles, and other military systems. These include semiconductors, sensors, and voltage converters, which can be used for both civilian manufacturing and military purposes. Supplying dual-use materials typically attracts less international scrutiny than direct weapons sales. China has similarly been accused of providing such components to Russia during the war in Ukraine. However, intelligence officials say the alleged effort to move completed weapons through third-party countries indicates a deliberate attempt to keep military support for Iran hidden from public view. https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-launches-ai-powered-hyperlocal-monsoon-forecast-system-how-will-ai-forecast-benefit-farmers-1778693875491/embed Strategic interests in the Middle East China remains one of Iran’s largest economic partners and purchases around 80 per cent of Iran’s oil exports, often at discounted prices due to international sanctions. While the economic relationship is significantly more important for Tehran than for Beijing, analysts say China has strong strategic reasons to maintain ties with Iran. Beijing relies heavily on energy shipments passing through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes. Supporting Iran could help ensure Chinese-bound oil tankers continue to move through the region safely. However, the ongoing war and instability have severely disrupted shipping traffic through the strait. Although a ceasefire was reached weeks ago, maritime trade has struggled to recover fully, creating new economic pressures for China and global markets alike. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the 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.

US intelligence claims that Chinese firms discussed covert arms transfers to Iran through third countries amid escalating Middle East tensions

Did Chinese companies plot covert weapons transfers to Iran? Here's what US intelligence claims

The United Arab Emirates has denied claims that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a “secret visit” to the Gulf nation during the ongoing conflict involving Iran.Earlier on Wednesday, Netanyahu’s office released a statement claiming the Israeli leader had secretly traveled to the UAE to strengthen diplomatic and military cooperation amid escalating regional tensions.According to the statement issued by the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office, the alleged visit resulted in a “historic breakthrough” in relations between Israel and the UAE."In the midst of Operation Roaring Lion, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu secretly visited the United Arab Emirates, where he met with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed. This visit has led to a historic breakthrough in relations between Israel and the UAE," read the statement from Netanyahu’s office.<h3>UAE Rejects ‘Secret Visit’ Claims</h3>In response, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued an official statement rejecting reports of any undisclosed visit by Netanyahu or Israeli military officials.“The United Arab Emirates denies reports circulating regarding an alleged visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the UAE, or receiving any Israeli military delegation in the country,” the UAE said.“The UAE reaffirms that its relations with Israel are public and conducted within the framework of the well-known and officially declared Abraham Accords, and are not based on non-transparent or unofficial arrangements. Accordingly, any claims regarding unannounced visits or undisclosed arrangements are entirely unfounded unless officially announced by the relevant authorities in the UAE,” the statement added.<h3>Reports of Earlier Meeting</h3>According to a report by Reuters, sources familiar with the matter claimed that Netanyahu and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, widely known as MBZ, held a meeting on March 26.The report stated that discussions reportedly focused on coordinating military actions amid the ongoing war involving Iran. Reuters published the report shortly after Netanyahu’s office publicized details of the alleged “secret meeting.”The claims also emerged after US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee revealed that Israel had deployed Iron Dome interception batteries to operate from the UAE during the height of the conflict with Iran.<h3>Rising Regional Tensions</h3>The US-Israeli conflict with Iran reportedly began on February 28 and has since intensified tensions across the Middle East. Following strikes carried out by American and Israeli forces, and the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, Tehran launched retaliatory attacks targeting US-linked assets and Gulf nations.The UAE was among the first countries targeted by Iranian missile and drone strikes and has reportedly faced repeated attacks despite the fragile ceasefire currently in place between Washington and Tehran.The UAE remains a major strategic ally of the United States in the region and was also the first Arab nation to normalize relations with Israel under the Abraham Accords.&nbsp;Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the 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.

The UAE rejects claims that Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu made a secret visit to Abu Dhabi during the Iran conflict, despite reports of military coordination

The United Arab Emirates has denied claims that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a “secret visit” to the Gulf nation during the ongoing conflict involving Iran. Earlier on Wednesday, Netanyahu’s office released a statement claiming the Israeli leader had secretly traveled to the UAE to strengthen diplomatic and military cooperation amid escalating regional tensions. According to the statement issued by the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office, the alleged visit resulted in a “historic breakthrough” in relations between Israel and the UAE. "In the midst of Operation Roaring Lion, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu secretly visited the United Arab Emirates, where he met with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed. This visit has led to a historic breakthrough in relations between Israel and the UAE," read the statement from Netanyahu’s office. UAE Rejects ‘Secret Visit’ Claims In response, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued an official statement rejecting reports of any undisclosed visit by Netanyahu or Israeli military officials. “The United Arab Emirates denies reports circulating regarding an alleged visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the UAE, or receiving any Israeli military delegation in the country,” the UAE said. “The UAE reaffirms that its relations with Israel are public and conducted within the framework of the well-known and officially declared Abraham Accords, and are not based on non-transparent or unofficial arrangements. Accordingly, any claims regarding unannounced visits or undisclosed arrangements are entirely unfounded unless officially announced by the relevant authorities in the UAE,” the statement added. Reports of Earlier Meeting According to a report by Reuters, sources familiar with the matter claimed that Netanyahu and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, widely known as MBZ, held a meeting on March 26. The report stated that discussions reportedly focused on coordinating military actions amid the ongoing war involving Iran. Reuters published the report shortly after Netanyahu’s office publicized details of the alleged “secret meeting.” The claims also emerged after US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee revealed that Israel had deployed Iron Dome interception batteries to operate from the UAE during the height of the conflict with Iran. Rising Regional Tensions The US-Israeli conflict with Iran reportedly began on February 28 and has since intensified tensions across the Middle East. Following strikes carried out by American and Israeli forces, and the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, Tehran launched retaliatory attacks targeting US-linked assets and Gulf nations. The UAE was among the first countries targeted by Iranian missile and drone strikes and has reportedly faced repeated attacks despite the fragile ceasefire currently in place between Washington and Tehran. The UAE remains a major strategic ally of the United States in the region and was also the first Arab nation to normalize relations with Israel under the Abraham Accords. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the 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.

UAE denies claims of a secret visit by Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu amid reports of covert Israel-UAE coordination during the Iran conflict

UAE rejects Benjamin Netanyahu’s ‘secret visit’ claims amid ongoing Iran conflict

US Vice President JD Vance said on Wednesday (May 13) that the United States continues to make progress in ongoing negotiations with Iran, even as talks face growing challenges due to what he described as unsatisfactory responses from Tehran in recent weeks. Speaking to reporters during a press briefing, Vance said senior members of the administration remain actively engaged with both American negotiators and regional allies as diplomatic efforts continue. “I spent a good amount of time on the phone with both Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff this morning, and a number of our friends in the Arab world this morning,” Vance told reporters. “Look, I think that we are making progress. The fundamental question is, do we make enough progress that we satisfy the president’s red line?”&nbsp;Kushner and Witkoff are currently leading the administration’s diplomatic outreach regarding Iran, as Washington seeks to prevent further escalation in the Middle East while attempting to revive a workable framework for long-term regional stability. Despite signs of movement in negotiations, Vance acknowledged that recent responses from Tehran have fallen short of US expectations, creating uncertainty over whether both sides can eventually reach a comprehensive agreement. The vice president reiterated that preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon remains the administration’s top priority and the key condition for any future deal.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-senate-confirms-kevin-warsh-as-next-federal-reserve-chair-amid-rising-inflation-1778703928808">US Senate confirms Kevin Warsh as next Federal Reserve Chair amid rising inflation</a>&nbsp;“The red line is very simple,” Vance said, adding that the president needs to feel confident that we’ve put several protections in place such that Iran will never have a nuclear weapon. Vance stressed that the White House remains focused on ensuring strict safeguards and verification measures are included in any diplomatic arrangement with Tehran. According to administration officials, the US continues to coordinate closely with allies in the Middle East and Europe while monitoring Iran’s nuclear activities and regional actions.&nbsp;The negotiations come at a time of heightened geopolitical tension across the region, with concerns growing over Iran’s nuclear ambitions, military activities, and its role in broader regional conflicts. Oil markets and global security analysts have been closely watching developments, as any collapse in diplomacy could further destabilise the Middle East and impact global energy prices. While the administration has projected cautious optimism, officials have also made clear that the president is unwilling to accept any agreement that fails to permanently block Iran’s path to developing nuclear weapons.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/japan-moves-to-create-first-central-spy-agency-since-world-war-ii-1778695192311/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/japan-moves-to-create-first-central-spy-agency-since-world-war-ii-1778695192311/embed</a>&nbsp;The talks represent one of the most significant foreign policy challenges facing the administration, as Washington attempts to balance diplomatic engagement with increasing pressure from allies demanding stronger action against Tehran. Analysts say the coming weeks could prove critical in determining whether negotiations move toward a breakthrough or slide into another period of confrontation between the two countries.&nbsp;Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the 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.

Vice President JD Vance says US negotiators are making progress in Iran peace talks while insisting Tehran must never obtain nuclear weapons

US Vice President JD Vance said on Wednesday (May 13) that the United States continues to make progress in ongoing negotiations with Iran, even as talks face growing challenges due to what he described as unsatisfactory responses from Tehran in recent weeks. Speaking to reporters during a press briefing, Vance said senior members of the administration remain actively engaged with both American negotiators and regional allies as diplomatic efforts continue. “I spent a good amount of time on the phone with both Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff this morning, and a number of our friends in the Arab world this morning,” Vance told reporters. “Look, I think that we are making progress. The fundamental question is, do we make enough progress that we satisfy the president’s red line?” Kushner and Witkoff are currently leading the administration’s diplomatic outreach regarding Iran, as Washington seeks to prevent further escalation in the Middle East while attempting to revive a workable framework for long-term regional stability. Despite signs of movement in negotiations, Vance acknowledged that recent responses from Tehran have fallen short of US expectations, creating uncertainty over whether both sides can eventually reach a comprehensive agreement. The vice president reiterated that preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon remains the administration’s top priority and the key condition for any future deal. Also Read: US Senate confirms Kevin Warsh as next Federal Reserve Chair amid rising inflation “The red line is very simple,” Vance said, adding that the president needs to feel confident that we’ve put several protections in place such that Iran will never have a nuclear weapon. Vance stressed that the White House remains focused on ensuring strict safeguards and verification measures are included in any diplomatic arrangement with Tehran. According to administration officials, the US continues to coordinate closely with allies in the Middle East and Europe while monitoring Iran’s nuclear activities and regional actions. The negotiations come at a time of heightened geopolitical tension across the region, with concerns growing over Iran’s nuclear ambitions, military activities, and its role in broader regional conflicts. Oil markets and global security analysts have been closely watching developments, as any collapse in diplomacy could further destabilise the Middle East and impact global energy prices. While the administration has projected cautious optimism, officials have also made clear that the president is unwilling to accept any agreement that fails to permanently block Iran’s path to developing nuclear weapons. https://www.wionews.com/videos/japan-moves-to-create-first-central-spy-agency-since-world-war-ii-1778695192311/embed The talks represent one of the most significant foreign policy challenges facing the administration, as Washington attempts to balance diplomatic engagement with increasing pressure from allies demanding stronger action against Tehran. Analysts say the coming weeks could prove critical in determining whether negotiations move toward a breakthrough or slide into another period of confrontation between the two countries. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the 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.

United States Vice President JD Vance says US-Iran peace talks are progressing, but warns any deal must guarantee Iran never obtains nuclear weapons

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