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President Donald Trump attacked the International Criminal Court in his UN General Assembly speech on Tuesday and described it as a “rogue” and “out-of-control” institution and rejected its authority over the United States. He said Washington would not allow US service members or others to face investigations or trials by what he described as an anti-American tribunal.&nbsp;“We will never allow US service members or anyone else to be investigated or given show trials by an anti-American tribunal with no jurisdiction over us here,” Trump said.&nbsp;Trump also called on countries that are members of the ICC to withdraw from the court.“I call on all nations that are members of the ICC to officially resign from this rogue institution immediately,” he said. Trump’s comments come as his administration is preparing sanctions against the court. The Trump administration has made no secret of its disdain for the court. US officials want the court to drop its arrest warrants against Israeli leaders as well as a past ⁠probe into American troops in Afghanistan.&nbsp;<h2>‘We ended war in Gaza,’ says Trump, slams Iran's support for Hamas</h2>&nbsp;The president told the UN assembly that the war in Gaza had ended and thanked other nations for helping to stabilize the situation there.“One year ago, when I addressed the great leaders in this hall, the war in Gaza was still raging brutally,” Trump said. “The hostages were still deep in Hamas tunnels, and there was no end in sight. It was never going to be resolved, but here on the sidelines of the General Assembly, we took the first steps. It changed everything.”“A few weeks later, we ended the war in Gaza, saving untold thousands of lives,” he said. “We also brought home all remaining hostages, both living and dead, every single one of them.”&nbsp;Trump then slammed Iran for supporting Hamas, which carried out the Oct. 7, 2023 attacks on Israel, calling the militant group “terrorists funded by Iran” who “tortured, mutilated, and killed 1,200 very innocent civilians, including dozens of Americans.”“Iran’s supreme leader celebrated that massacre and called it a service to humanity,” Trump added.&nbsp;<h2>Trump rebrands AI as ‘super intelligence’, says will not stifle tech</h2>&nbsp;President Trump said he would “officially” change the name of artificial intelligence, saying the existing name makes the technology seem “fake.”“The use of the word artificial makes intelligence fake, it makes it sound fake and it is not fake. It’s actually amazing,” Trump told world leaders at the UN. He said that from this “point forward,” US government documents “will be changed to use the much more accurate term super as opposed to artificial. So it’s super intelligence.” Trump also said that he will only encourage AI and not stifle the technology.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/strike-a-deal-or-drive-iran-into-hell-trump-issues-fresh-warning-to-tehran-at-unga-1790090594288">‘Strike a deal or drive Iran into hell’: Trump issues fresh warning to Tehran at UNGA</a>&nbsp;“We’re leading now over China by a lot and everyone else. ... I’m not going to stifle growth of something that will be bigger than the industrial revolution,” Trump said.“We will only encourage superintelligence. We’re going to encourage it, not rein it in. We’re going to watch it closely through the Department of Justice,” Trump said.“Now I say whoever wins AI, whoever wins super intelligence, wins,” he added.&nbsp;“The United States leads the world in superintelligence and will continue to do so safely and responsibly,” he said. “Americans have never been a nation that retreats from a frontier or shrinks from a challenge, no matter how great or how daunting that challenge may be.”&nbsp;“Every major new technology brings challenges, and superintelligence is no exception,” he said before claiming that the warnings about AI were ideologically driven.&nbsp;<h2>Trump highlights action in Venezuela to arrest Maduro, oil deal</h2>&nbsp;Trump then highlighted the US military operation in January to arrest then-President Nicolás Maduro. “Since that day, hundreds of Venezuelan political prisoners have been freed. They’ve let them out of jails, and we’re working closely with the leaders of Venezuela to forge a much better future for the Venezuelan people,” he said.&nbsp;Trump said his administration will use “our unmatched military might to secure US interests” and projected the military’s swift action in Venezuela as a great victory and a potential warning to others.“Our actions in Venezuela are proof that the United States will no longer permit threats to America to gain a foothold anywhere in the Western Hemisphere, and if necessary, we will use our unmatched military might to secure the vital national interests of the United States,” he said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-will-stand-by-its-security-commitments-to-saudi-arabia-says-marco-rubio-1790084064717">‘US will stand by its security commitments to Saudi Arabia,’ says Marco Rubio</a>&nbsp;Trump said the US signed the “largest oil deal in history last month, covering 65 billion barrels of oil, which will benefit both Venezuela and the United States enormously and help drive down the cost of energy all over the world.”&nbsp;Trump said combining the oil resources of the US and Venezuela would give the two countries more than 60 per cent of the world’s oil, describing it as potentially the biggest deal ever made.“When you add the United States and Venezuela together, we have more than 60 percent of the oil in the world. So, it’s perhaps the biggest deal,” Trump said.&nbsp;<h2>Trump inks deal, says US will set up two military bases in Greenland</h2>&nbsp;US President Donald Trump signed an agreement with Denmark and Greenland aimed at strengthening Arctic and North Atlantic security, easing tensions over his repeated calls for Greenland to become part of the United States.&nbsp;He said Washington will prevent US adversaries from establishing a military presence or making sensitive investments in Greenland without American approval. “No US adversary will ever be permitted to establish a military presence in Greenland anymore or make sensitive investments there without our express written approval,” Trump said.&nbsp;He said the US would immediately begin developing a larger military presence at strategic locations in Greenland.&nbsp;“We’ll be building two very major military bases,” Trump said.&nbsp;&nbsp;Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said that Greenland matters for North American security and for transatlantic security. "This agreement reflects that we understand our responsibility and act accordingly," he added.&nbsp;<h2>Trump rips UN, says ‘it must stop imposing far-left agenda’</h2>&nbsp;Toward the end of his speech, Trump blasted his UN hosts, complaining about the organization’s leadership and agencies.“The United Nations has great, great potential. I’ve said that for many years, but it must stop imposing the far-left agenda of globalist bureaucrats who nobody ever elected,” he said.He pointed to an effort by “an obscure UN body, the International Maritime Organization,” to establish a carbon tax. He said his administration halted the effort.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-must-stop-arming-houthis-in-yemen-say-g7-nations-ahead-of-un-general-assembly-1790080270883">‘Iran must stop arming Houthis in Yemen,’ say G7 nations ahead of UN General Assembly</a>&nbsp;The president also took aim at the UN’s Human Rights Council for criticism of his administration’s policies on immigration and transgender rights, calling it “unacceptable that, with all the genuine atrocities in the world, the UN’s top human rights officials spend their time criticizing the United States for protecting our children from transgender mutilization and transgender insanity, and enforcing our immigration laws.”“The craven hypocrites of Human Rights Council have little to say about the persecution of Christians all over the world,” he said.&nbsp;<h2>‘Ukraine war could end more quickly than expected’</h2>&nbsp;President Trump said he is working closely with the leaders of Russia and Ukraine and expressed confidence that an agreement to end the war could be reached sooner than many expect.“We’re working very closely with the leaders of Russia and Ukraine, and we will get that one done. It’s going to happen, I think, more quickly than people understand. They’ve had it,” Trump said.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Trump recalls Pak PM’s praise for ‘saving 30 million lives’</h2>&nbsp;The US president also recalled Pakistan prime minister’s praise, saying the latter credited him with saving 30 million lives.“The prime minister of Pakistan, a terrific man, said that Donald Trump was responsible for saving 30 million lives, and probably many more than that,” Trump said.Trump also cited remarks from the presidents of Azerbaijan and Armenia praising his role in diplomatic efforts. “The president of Azerbaijan said, ‘President Trump, in six months, did a miracle.’ It was an absolute miracle that nobody thought could be done,” he said.“The prime minister of Armenia said this breakthrough simply would not have been possible without President Trump’s personal engagement and resolute commitment to peace,” Trump said.&nbsp;

Toward the end of his speech, Trump blasted his UN hosts, complaining about the organization’s leadership and agencies. The president also took aim at the UN’s Human Rights Council for criticism of his administration’s policies on immigration and transgender rights.

President Donald Trump attacked the International Criminal Court in his UN General Assembly speech on Tuesday and described it as a “rogue” and “out-of-control” institution and rejected its authority over the United States. He said Washington would not allow US service members or others to face investigations or trials by what he described as an anti-American tribunal. “We will never allow US service members or anyone else to be investigated or given show trials by an anti-American tribunal with no jurisdiction over us here,” Trump said. Trump also called on countries that are members of the ICC to withdraw from the court. “I call on all nations that are members of the ICC to officially resign from this rogue institution immediately,” he said. Trump’s comments come as his administration is preparing sanctions against the court. The Trump administration has made no secret of its disdain for the court. US officials want the court to drop its arrest warrants against Israeli leaders as well as a past ⁠probe into American troops in Afghanistan. ‘We ended war in Gaza,’ says Trump, slams Iran's support for Hamas The president told the UN assembly that the war in Gaza had ended and thanked other nations for helping to stabilize the situation there. “One year ago, when I addressed the great leaders in this hall, the war in Gaza was still raging brutally,” Trump said. “The hostages were still deep in Hamas tunnels, and there was no end in sight. It was never going to be resolved, but here on the sidelines of the General Assembly, we took the first steps. It changed everything.” “A few weeks later, we ended the war in Gaza, saving untold thousands of lives,” he said. “We also brought home all remaining hostages, both living and dead, every single one of them.” Trump then slammed Iran for supporting Hamas, which carried out the Oct. 7, 2023 attacks on Israel, calling the militant group “terrorists funded by Iran” who “tortured, mutilated, and killed 1,200 very innocent civilians, including dozens of Americans.” “Iran’s supreme leader celebrated that massacre and called it a service to humanity,” Trump added. Trump rebrands AI as ‘super intelligence’, says will not stifle tech President Trump said he would “officially” change the name of artificial intelligence, saying the existing name makes the technology seem “fake.” “The use of the word artificial makes intelligence fake, it makes it sound fake and it is not fake. It’s actually amazing,” Trump told world leaders at the UN. He said that from this “point forward,” US government documents “will be changed to use the much more accurate term super as opposed to artificial. So it’s super intelligence.” Trump also said that he will only encourage AI and not stifle the technology. Also Read: ‘Strike a deal or drive Iran into hell’: Trump issues fresh warning to Tehran at UNGA “We’re leading now over China by a lot and everyone else. ... I’m not going to stifle growth of something that will be bigger than the industrial revolution,” Trump said. “We will only encourage superintelligence. We’re going to encourage it, not rein it in. We’re going to watch it closely through the Department of Justice,” Trump said. “Now I say whoever wins AI, whoever wins super intelligence, wins,” he added. “The United States leads the world in superintelligence and will continue to do so safely and responsibly,” he said. “Americans have never been a nation that retreats from a frontier or shrinks from a challenge, no matter how great or how daunting that challenge may be.” “Every major new technology brings challenges, and superintelligence is no exception,” he said before claiming that the warnings about AI were ideologically driven. Trump highlights action in Venezuela to arrest Maduro, oil deal Trump then highlighted the US military operation in January to arrest then-President Nicolás Maduro. “Since that day, hundreds of Venezuelan political prisoners have been freed. They’ve let them out of jails, and we’re working closely with the leaders of Venezuela to forge a much better future for the Venezuelan people,” he said. Trump said his administration will use “our unmatched military might to secure US interests” and projected the military’s swift action in Venezuela as a great victory and a potential warning to others. “Our actions in Venezuela are proof that the United States will no longer permit threats to America to gain a foothold anywhere in the Western Hemisphere, and if necessary, we will use our unmatched military might to secure the vital national interests of the United States,” he said. Also Read: ‘US will stand by its security commitments to Saudi Arabia,’ says Marco Rubio Trump said the US signed the “largest oil deal in history last month, covering 65 billion barrels of oil, which will benefit both Venezuela and the United States enormously and help drive down the cost of energy all over the world.” Trump said combining the oil resources of the US and Venezuela would give the two countries more than 60 per cent of the world’s oil, describing it as potentially the biggest deal ever made. “When you add the United States and Venezuela together, we have more than 60 percent of the oil in the world. So, it’s perhaps the biggest deal,” Trump said. Trump inks deal, says US will set up two military bases in Greenland US President Donald Trump signed an agreement with Denmark and Greenland aimed at strengthening Arctic and North Atlantic security, easing tensions over his repeated calls for Greenland to become part of the United States. He said Washington will prevent US adversaries from establishing a military presence or making sensitive investments in Greenland without American approval. “No US adversary will ever be permitted to establish a military presence in Greenland anymore or make sensitive investments there without our express written approval,” Trump said. He said the US would immediately begin developing a larger military presence at strategic locations in Greenland. “We’ll be building two very major military bases,” Trump said. Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said that Greenland matters for North American security and for transatlantic security. "This agreement reflects that we understand our responsibility and act accordingly," he added. Trump rips UN, says ‘it must stop imposing far-left agenda’ Toward the end of his speech, Trump blasted his UN hosts, complaining about the organization’s leadership and agencies. “The United Nations has great, great potential. I’ve said that for many years, but it must stop imposing the far-left agenda of globalist bureaucrats who nobody ever elected,” he said. He pointed to an effort by “an obscure UN body, the International Maritime Organization,” to establish a carbon tax. He said his administration halted the effort. Also Read: ‘Iran must stop arming Houthis in Yemen,’ say G7 nations ahead of UN General Assembly The president also took aim at the UN’s Human Rights Council for criticism of his administration’s policies on immigration and transgender rights, calling it “unacceptable that, with all the genuine atrocities in the world, the UN’s top human rights officials spend their time criticizing the United States for protecting our children from transgender mutilization and transgender insanity, and enforcing our immigration laws.” “The craven hypocrites of Human Rights Council have little to say about the persecution of Christians all over the world,” he said. ‘Ukraine war could end more quickly than expected’ President Trump said he is working closely with the leaders of Russia and Ukraine and expressed confidence that an agreement to end the war could be reached sooner than many expect. “We’re working very closely with the leaders of Russia and Ukraine, and we will get that one done. It’s going to happen, I think, more quickly than people understand. They’ve had it,” Trump said. Trump recalls Pak PM’s praise for ‘saving 30 million lives’ The US president also recalled Pakistan prime minister’s praise, saying the latter credited him with saving 30 million lives. “The prime minister of Pakistan, a terrific man, said that Donald Trump was responsible for saving 30 million lives, and probably many more than that,” Trump said. Trump also cited remarks from the presidents of Azerbaijan and Armenia praising his role in diplomatic efforts. “The president of Azerbaijan said, ‘President Trump, in six months, did a miracle.’ It was an absolute miracle that nobody thought could be done,” he said. “The prime minister of Armenia said this breakthrough simply would not have been possible without President Trump’s personal engagement and resolute commitment to peace,” Trump said.

Toward the end of his speech, Trump blasted his UN hosts, complaining about the organization’s leadership and agencies. The president also took aim at the UN’s Human Rights Council for criticism of his administration’s policies on immigration and transgender rights.

Trump calls on nations to quit ‘rogue’ and ‘out-of-control’ International Criminal Court, rips UN

As world leaders converged on New York for the opening of the UN General Assembly's 81st session on Tuesday, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the crisis in Gaza and the illegal settler violence in the Occupied West Bank featured prominently in the speeches.&nbsp; Secretary-General António Guterres set an unusually sharp tone in his last speech, warning that humanity faces four "tests of power": war, inequality, climate, and AI. He called Russia’s invasion of Ukraine “a brutal war in blatant violation of the (UN) Charter.”He deliberately spent a while on Gaza. He said Israel's campaign following Hamas's October 7 attack was "an onslaught on Palestinians" unlike anything he'd witnessed in his tenure. He said that the world must not “lose sight of the devastating situation in Gaza, in the occupied Palestinian territories”. He warned that the two-state solution was “disappearing before our eyes”.“It is nearly three years since the abhorrent terror attacks by Hamas on 7 October. But what followed was an onslaught on Palestinians in Gaza with a scale of killing and destruction unlike anything I have witnessed in my years as secretary-general.”On the West Bank, he went further than before, saying settlement expansion and displacement were "bulldozing the path to peace" and raising the "spectre of ethnic cleansing."Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-calls-cuba-failed-state-un-speech-cuban-delegation-walkout-1790092377143">Trump calls Cuba a ‘failed state’ at UN, Cuban delegation walks out</a>“Violence, displacement, and settlement expansion by Israel in the occupied West Bank are bulldozing the path to peace and raising the spectre of ethnic cleansing”, the outgoing UN secretary-general said. Israel's UN Ambassador Danny Danon fired back on X, calling it “anti-Israel propaganda under the UN banner.”Brazil's Lula da Silva, who traditionally opens the debate, accused Netanyahu's government of "genocide" in Gaza and defended UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese against persecution, while also condemning Hamas's "radicalism" on October 7.&nbsp;He said that generations of Palestinians “will carry the pain and trauma left by the genocide of women and children perpetrated by Netanyahu’s government in Gaza”. He also condemned the illegal settlements in the West Bank as “making the two-state solution increasingly unviable, essential for Israelis and Palestinians to live in safety”.He broadened into a critique of declining UN credibility and US militarisation of the Strait of Hormuz.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-calls-cuba-failed-state-un-speech-cuban-delegation-walkout-1790092377143">Trump calls Cuba a ‘failed state’ at UN, Cuban delegation walks out</a>Trump followed, with an unhinged rant which spanned from Cuba to Iran, to his midterm elections. He did spend quite a bit of breath on Iran, describing its missile and drone stockpiles and floating the choice between a deal or "annihilating" the regime, while claiming credit for the Gaza peace plan and Board of Peace, and asserting he'd ended eight wars.Jordan's King Abdullah II delivered pointed remarks, highlighting the faliure or Trump's so-called “ceasefire” in Gaza. He said that at least 300 Palestinian children were killed in the first 300 days of the Gaza ceasefire, with field hospitals also targeted. He argued Gaza and West Bank annexation were "two fronts of the same Israeli strategy," warning Israeli expansionism now threatens the wider region, including near Jordan's border.“What exactly is (international) law worth, and how can we enforce it if we won’t even call out its violations?” he asked the UNGA.He called the world's political inaction on Israel “a choice”. “Every new Israeli violation was treated as temporary…Until temporary became permanent, and permanent became policy,” he added. He argued that squeezing Palestinians into a third of Gaza can not “be dismissed as temporary military measures or a consequence of war”.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-restarts-east-west-oil-pipeline-yanbu-crude-exports-1790086241964">Oil slips to $98 as Saudi Arabia restarts East-West oil pipeline</a>Turkey's Erdoğan, in his 16th UN appearance, lamented the absence of the Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas for the second time, who was unable to travel to New York for the UN assembly because the US rejected his visa application. He accused Israel of a "genocidal mindset" and called Gaza an “inhumane concentration camp”, prompting Israel's delegation to walk out mid-speech.&nbsp;“The people of Gaza are still searching for their loved ones under the rubble,” Erdogan said. “They are recovering the bodies of their spouses, their children, or their parents.”Qatar's Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani also termed the crisis in Gaza a “Genocide in every sense of the word”. “There can be no talk of a just international order as long as Palestine remains a blind spot within it.” He added, “Future generations will be astonished by the enormous gap between the scale of the catastrophe and the level of international response to stop it.”&nbsp; The confrontation is expected to peak Thursday, when Netanyahu addresses the Assembly to defend both the Gaza campaign and the Iran war, with multiple protests already planned outside UN headquarters.

Gaza and the occupied West Bank dominated UNGA 81 speeches as Guterres, Lula, Erdoğan and other leaders condemned Israel’s actions and global inaction.

As world leaders converged on New York for the opening of the UN General Assembly's 81st session on Tuesday, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the crisis in Gaza and the illegal settler violence in the Occupied West Bank featured prominently in the speeches. Secretary-General António Guterres set an unusually sharp tone in his last speech, warning that humanity faces four "tests of power": war, inequality, climate, and AI. He called Russia’s invasion of Ukraine “a brutal war in blatant violation of the (UN) Charter.” He deliberately spent a while on Gaza. He said Israel's campaign following Hamas's October 7 attack was "an onslaught on Palestinians" unlike anything he'd witnessed in his tenure. He said that the world must not “lose sight of the devastating situation in Gaza, in the occupied Palestinian territories”. He warned that the two-state solution was “disappearing before our eyes”. “It is nearly three years since the abhorrent terror attacks by Hamas on 7 October. But what followed was an onslaught on Palestinians in Gaza with a scale of killing and destruction unlike anything I have witnessed in my years as secretary-general.” On the West Bank, he went further than before, saying settlement expansion and displacement were "bulldozing the path to peace" and raising the "spectre of ethnic cleansing." Also Read: Trump calls Cuba a ‘failed state’ at UN, Cuban delegation walks out “Violence, displacement, and settlement expansion by Israel in the occupied West Bank are bulldozing the path to peace and raising the spectre of ethnic cleansing”, the outgoing UN secretary-general said. Israel's UN Ambassador Danny Danon fired back on X, calling it “anti-Israel propaganda under the UN banner.” Brazil's Lula da Silva, who traditionally opens the debate, accused Netanyahu's government of "genocide" in Gaza and defended UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese against persecution, while also condemning Hamas's "radicalism" on October 7. He said that generations of Palestinians “will carry the pain and trauma left by the genocide of women and children perpetrated by Netanyahu’s government in Gaza”. He also condemned the illegal settlements in the West Bank as “making the two-state solution increasingly unviable, essential for Israelis and Palestinians to live in safety”.He broadened into a critique of declining UN credibility and US militarisation of the Strait of Hormuz. Also Read: Trump calls Cuba a ‘failed state’ at UN, Cuban delegation walks out Trump followed, with an unhinged rant which spanned from Cuba to Iran, to his midterm elections. He did spend quite a bit of breath on Iran, describing its missile and drone stockpiles and floating the choice between a deal or "annihilating" the regime, while claiming credit for the Gaza peace plan and Board of Peace, and asserting he'd ended eight wars. Jordan's King Abdullah II delivered pointed remarks, highlighting the faliure or Trump's so-called “ceasefire” in Gaza. He said that at least 300 Palestinian children were killed in the first 300 days of the Gaza ceasefire, with field hospitals also targeted. He argued Gaza and West Bank annexation were "two fronts of the same Israeli strategy," warning Israeli expansionism now threatens the wider region, including near Jordan's border. “What exactly is (international) law worth, and how can we enforce it if we won’t even call out its violations?” he asked the UNGA. He called the world's political inaction on Israel “a choice”. “Every new Israeli violation was treated as temporary…Until temporary became permanent, and permanent became policy,” he added. He argued that squeezing Palestinians into a third of Gaza can not “be dismissed as temporary military measures or a consequence of war”. Also Read: Oil slips to $98 as Saudi Arabia restarts East-West oil pipeline Turkey's Erdoğan, in his 16th UN appearance, lamented the absence of the Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas for the second time, who was unable to travel to New York for the UN assembly because the US rejected his visa application. He accused Israel of a "genocidal mindset" and called Gaza an “inhumane concentration camp”, prompting Israel's delegation to walk out mid-speech. “The people of Gaza are still searching for their loved ones under the rubble,” Erdogan said. “They are recovering the bodies of their spouses, their children, or their parents.” Qatar's Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani also termed the crisis in Gaza a “Genocide in every sense of the word”. “There can be no talk of a just international order as long as Palestine remains a blind spot within it.” He added, “Future generations will be astonished by the enormous gap between the scale of the catastrophe and the level of international response to stop it.” The confrontation is expected to peak Thursday, when Netanyahu addresses the Assembly to defend both the Gaza campaign and the Iran war, with multiple protests already planned outside UN headquarters.

Gaza and the occupied West Bank dominated UNGA 81 speeches as Guterres, Lula, Erdoğan and other leaders condemned Israel’s actions and global inaction.

World leaders repeatedly call Gaza crisis ‘genocide’ as Israel’s war dominates opening sessions of UNGA

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday (Sept 22) again raised the Jammu and Kashmir issue in his address to the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, calling for dialogue to resolve disputes.&nbsp;“In South Asia, it is important that all disputes, including the Kashmir issue, be addressed through dialogue within the framework of the United Nations Charter and of relevant resolutions,” Erdogan said during his address.&nbsp;However, New Delhi maintains that the entire Jammu and Kashmir, including Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), is part of India and that the issue is bilateral. India has also maintained that no third party has any locus standi in the matter and has repeatedly called on Islamabad to end its illegal occupation of the territory.&nbsp;This is not the first time Erdogan has used the UN General Assembly to comment on Kashmir. He had also raised the issue in 2019 after India revoked the special status provided to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370.&nbsp;In February 2025, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had also raised the Kashmir issue during his visit to Pakistan.&nbsp;Speaking to the media in Islamabad on February 13, 2025, Erdogan said India and Pakistan should resolve the issue through dialogue.&nbsp;“The Kashmir issue should be addressed according to the UN resolution through dialogue and keeping in mind the aspirations of the people of Kashmir. Our state and our nation, as in the past, stand in solidarity with our Kashmiri brothers today,” he had said.&nbsp;India later rejected Erdogan’s remarks and protested with the Turkish envoy, calling his comments on Kashmir unwarranted and unacceptable.&nbsp;“We reject such objectionable comments on matters which are internal to India. We have lodged a strong protest with the Turkish ambassador in Delhi. Such unwarranted statements on India’s territorial integrity and sovereignty are unacceptable. Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India. No other country has any locus standi to comment on it," Jaiswal had said.<h2>Erdogan hails Mecca agreement</h2>Turkey, which is part of the so-called Mecca defence agreement, recently signed a military agreement with Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. However, Ankara has not deployed any security resources amid the ongoing hostilities between Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthi rebels.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/strike-a-deal-or-drive-iran-into-hell-trump-issues-fresh-warning-to-tehran-at-unga-1790090594288">‘Strike a deal or drive Iran into hell’: Trump issues fresh warning to Tehran at UNGA</a>&nbsp;Defending the Mecca defence agreement, Erdogan said the pact was aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and finding solutions to problems within the region.&nbsp;“We are strengthening solidarity among us &amp; aiming to generate solutions to the problems in our region, from within the region”&nbsp;Erdogan also spoke about the ongoing situation in the Black Sea, saying attacks on commercial vessels cannot be accepted regardless of who carries them out.&nbsp;“The recent attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea are unacceptable, regardless of who is responsible for them,” he told the United Nations General Assembly.&nbsp;He said the issue should be viewed in the context of the impact such attacks can have on commercial shipping in the region.&nbsp;Turning to the situation in Gaza, Erdogan called for the reconstruction of the devastated territory to begin immediately.&nbsp;“We must begin the reconstruction of Gaza immediately,” he told the United Nations General Assembly, while urging world leaders to “exert greater pressure on Israel”.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan again raised the Kashmir issue at the UN General Assembly, calling for its resolution through dialogue under the UN Charter and relevant resolutions.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday (Sept 22) again raised the Jammu and Kashmir issue in his address to the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, calling for dialogue to resolve disputes. “In South Asia, it is important that all disputes, including the Kashmir issue, be addressed through dialogue within the framework of the United Nations Charter and of relevant resolutions,” Erdogan said during his address. However, New Delhi maintains that the entire Jammu and Kashmir, including Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), is part of India and that the issue is bilateral. India has also maintained that no third party has any locus standi in the matter and has repeatedly called on Islamabad to end its illegal occupation of the territory. This is not the first time Erdogan has used the UN General Assembly to comment on Kashmir. He had also raised the issue in 2019 after India revoked the special status provided to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370. In February 2025, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had also raised the Kashmir issue during his visit to Pakistan. Speaking to the media in Islamabad on February 13, 2025, Erdogan said India and Pakistan should resolve the issue through dialogue. “The Kashmir issue should be addressed according to the UN resolution through dialogue and keeping in mind the aspirations of the people of Kashmir. Our state and our nation, as in the past, stand in solidarity with our Kashmiri brothers today,” he had said. India later rejected Erdogan’s remarks and protested with the Turkish envoy, calling his comments on Kashmir unwarranted and unacceptable. “We reject such objectionable comments on matters which are internal to India. We have lodged a strong protest with the Turkish ambassador in Delhi. Such unwarranted statements on India’s territorial integrity and sovereignty are unacceptable. Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India. No other country has any locus standi to comment on it," Jaiswal had said. Erdogan hails Mecca agreement Turkey, which is part of the so-called Mecca defence agreement, recently signed a military agreement with Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. However, Ankara has not deployed any security resources amid the ongoing hostilities between Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthi rebels. Also Read: ‘Strike a deal or drive Iran into hell’: Trump issues fresh warning to Tehran at UNGA Defending the Mecca defence agreement, Erdogan said the pact was aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and finding solutions to problems within the region. “We are strengthening solidarity among us & aiming to generate solutions to the problems in our region, from within the region” Erdogan also spoke about the ongoing situation in the Black Sea, saying attacks on commercial vessels cannot be accepted regardless of who carries them out. “The recent attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea are unacceptable, regardless of who is responsible for them,” he told the United Nations General Assembly. He said the issue should be viewed in the context of the impact such attacks can have on commercial shipping in the region. Turning to the situation in Gaza, Erdogan called for the reconstruction of the devastated territory to begin immediately. “We must begin the reconstruction of Gaza immediately,” he told the United Nations General Assembly, while urging world leaders to “exert greater pressure on Israel”.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan again raised the Kashmir issue at the UN General Assembly, calling for its resolution through dialogue under the UN Charter and relevant resolutions.

Erdogan again raises Kashmir issue at UNGA, calls for dialogue under UN Charter

Lagos, September 22, 2026 — The UK Government's Manufacturing Africa programme has helped Nigerian businesses raise more than $630 million in investment and create over 21,400 direct jobs, officials announced at an event in Lagos on Sunday.British High Commissioner Pete Vowles and Deputy High Commissioner Jonny Baxter joined business leaders, investors, government representatives and development partners to mark the milestone, which comes six years after the programme's launch in Nigeria. Over that period, Manufacturing Africa has backed 23 successful investment deals in the country, out of 72 investment opportunities it has supported since 2019.The event also saw the launch of a new Fundraising Toolkit — a free digital resource designed to help Nigerian and other African businesses become investor-ready and navigate the often complex process of raising capital.<h2>A Resource Built on Real Deals</h2>Unlike conventional fundraising guides, the toolkit draws directly on Manufacturing Africa's six years of investment facilitation work across Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania and Senegal. It compiles lessons from more than 300 investment opportunities and over 70 financial closes, incorporating insights from more than 23 international investors, including development finance institutions, private equity firms and impact investors.Every framework, template and recommendation in the toolkit reflects how deals are actually structured, negotiated and closed across African markets, according to the programme.The toolkit is available free of charge, requires no registration, and is currently offered in English at manufacturingafrica.org/fundraisingtoolkit.<h2>Officials Hail Programme's Legacy</h2>Speaking at the event, Deputy High Commissioner Jonny Baxter described the toolkit as one of the programme's most important legacies, noting it captures practical lessons from the businesses it has supported and will keep equipping Nigerian companies with tools and connections to raise capital even after the programme winds down. He said the partnership was strengthening UK-Nigeria ties while creating long-term growth opportunities for both countries.High Commissioner Pete Vowles welcomed the way companies were coming together to work out how to access commercial finance, and said he was keen to see how businesses would put the new toolkit to use in helping others scale.Thomas Pascoe, Team Leader for Manufacturing Africa, called the toolkit launch a major milestone, pointing to the 23 Nigerian businesses that have reached financial close with the programme's support, raising close to $630 million between them. He described the resource as a first of its kind in Africa, aimed at helping more businesses strengthen their investment readiness and engage investors with greater confidence.<h2>About Manufacturing Africa</h2>Manufacturing Africa is an investment readiness programme funded by the UK Government through the Foreign, Commonwealth &amp; Development Office (FCDO). Established in 2019, the programme aims to drive African economic growth by catalysing industry.Across its six markets, the programme has helped mobilise more than £2 billion in foreign direct investment — surpassing its £1.2 billion target — and supported the creation of over 150,000 direct and indirect jobs, 43% of which benefit women. Working with implementing partners McKinsey &amp; Company and BDO, Manufacturing Africa has supported more than 300 companies and built one of the continent's strongest manufacturing pipelines, with opportunities worth over £12 billion. Theprogramme has also assisted some of Africa's largest investors, including major DFIs and private equity funds operating in East and West Africa, in assessing deals.In Nigeria specifically, the programme's 23 successful deals since 2019 have mobilised over $630 million in investment, with the potential to create or safeguard more than 21,400 direct jobs

The UK-funded Manufacturing Africa programme has helped Nigerian businesses secure over $630 million in investment and create or safeguard 21,400 direct jobs.

Lagos, September 22, 2026 — The UK Government's Manufacturing Africa programme has helped Nigerian businesses raise more than $630 million in investment and create over 21,400 direct jobs, officials announced at an event in Lagos on Sunday. British High Commissioner Pete Vowles and Deputy High Commissioner Jonny Baxter joined business leaders, investors, government representatives and development partners to mark the milestone, which comes six years after the programme's launch in Nigeria. Over that period, Manufacturing Africa has backed 23 successful investment deals in the country, out of 72 investment opportunities it has supported since 2019. The event also saw the launch of a new Fundraising Toolkit — a free digital resource designed to help Nigerian and other African businesses become investor-ready and navigate the often complex process of raising capital. A Resource Built on Real Deals Unlike conventional fundraising guides, the toolkit draws directly on Manufacturing Africa's six years of investment facilitation work across Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania and Senegal. It compiles lessons from more than 300 investment opportunities and over 70 financial closes, incorporating insights from more than 23 international investors, including development finance institutions, private equity firms and impact investors. Every framework, template and recommendation in the toolkit reflects how deals are actually structured, negotiated and closed across African markets, according to the programme. The toolkit is available free of charge, requires no registration, and is currently offered in English at manufacturingafrica.org/fundraisingtoolkit. Officials Hail Programme's Legacy Speaking at the event, Deputy High Commissioner Jonny Baxter described the toolkit as one of the programme's most important legacies, noting it captures practical lessons from the businesses it has supported and will keep equipping Nigerian companies with tools and connections to raise capital even after the programme winds down. He said the partnership was strengthening UK-Nigeria ties while creating long-term growth opportunities for both countries. High Commissioner Pete Vowles welcomed the way companies were coming together to work out how to access commercial finance, and said he was keen to see how businesses would put the new toolkit to use in helping others scale. Thomas Pascoe, Team Leader for Manufacturing Africa, called the toolkit launch a major milestone, pointing to the 23 Nigerian businesses that have reached financial close with the programme's support, raising close to $630 million between them. He described the resource as a first of its kind in Africa, aimed at helping more businesses strengthen their investment readiness and engage investors with greater confidence. About Manufacturing Africa Manufacturing Africa is an investment readiness programme funded by the UK Government through the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Established in 2019, the programme aims to drive African economic growth by catalysing industry. Across its six markets, the programme has helped mobilise more than £2 billion in foreign direct investment — surpassing its £1.2 billion target — and supported the creation of over 150,000 direct and indirect jobs, 43% of which benefit women. Working with implementing partners McKinsey & Company and BDO, Manufacturing Africa has supported more than 300 companies and built one of the continent's strongest manufacturing pipelines, with opportunities worth over £12 billion. The programme has also assisted some of Africa's largest investors, including major DFIs and private equity funds operating in East and West Africa, in assessing deals. In Nigeria specifically, the programme's 23 successful deals since 2019 have mobilised over $630 million in investment, with the potential to create or safeguard more than 21,400 direct jobs

The UK-funded Manufacturing Africa programme has helped Nigerian businesses secure over $630 million in investment and create or safeguard 21,400 direct jobs.

UK's Manufacturing Africa programme unlocks over $630m investment, creates 21,400 jobs in Nigeria

US President Donald Trump, on Tuesday during his United Nations General Assembly speech, called Cuba “a failed state". The comment drew a reaction from the Cuban delegation present at the Assembly; they reacted by staging a walkout.&nbsp;“My administration is also seeking a fundamental change in the situation in Cuba, where the Communist regime is under great pressure, the biggest pressure they’ve ever been under."“It’s failing like never before, and it will fall.”“Marco Rubio is handling negotiations. He’s deep into negotiations with Cuba. Let’s see what happens.”“We will not allow a haven for foreign adversaries to threaten America on our own doorstep.”The Cuban delegation can be seen leaving the General Assembly during his comments.”Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/shreyasi-singh-moral-policing-jamui-minors-harassment-1790083348969">BJP’s Shreyasi Singh says ‘moral policing’ can be done ‘more decently’ after Jamui minors’ harassment</a><h2>Cuba reacts to Trump's "failed state" comment&nbsp;</h2>Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla fiercely condemned the speech on social media. He wrote on X “The US government proves incapable of accepting that #Cuba is, and has the right to be, a fully independent and sovereign country." He added, “Cuba is not a threat to the US nor to any country.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">The Cuban delegation has just walked out of Trump&#39;s speech at the UN while he calls their country a failed state. <a href="https://t.co/9B7TA49sMi">pic.twitter.com/9B7TA49sMi</a>&mdash; The Hormuz Letter (@HormuzLetter) <a href="https://x.com/HormuzLetter/status/2102413758576693628?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 22, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Iran also stages a walkout</h2>Similarly, part of the Iranian delegation left the assembly as Trump began his Iran portion of the speech. Trump said that he will drive Iran to “hell”, then said that he has a choice to make.“But I have a big decision to make,” Trump said. “Will a deal be made with Iran that lets them rebuild and create a far greater country than it ever was before? Maybe one of the greatest in the Middle East or even the world?“Or do I annihilate the Islamic Republic and do it quickly? Never giving them a chance to kill and destroy countries again?” Trump continued.“Do I drive them into hell with no chance of survival and no hope of future greatness or generations?” Trump asked rhetorically. “But I believe we’ll make a deal, right after the election.”

US President Donald Trump called Cuba a “failed state” during his UN General Assembly speech, prompting the Cuban delegation to walk out.

US President Donald Trump, on Tuesday during his United Nations General Assembly speech, called Cuba “a failed state". The comment drew a reaction from the Cuban delegation present at the Assembly; they reacted by staging a walkout. “My administration is also seeking a fundamental change in the situation in Cuba, where the Communist regime is under great pressure, the biggest pressure they’ve ever been under." “It’s failing like never before, and it will fall.” “Marco Rubio is handling negotiations. He’s deep into negotiations with Cuba. Let’s see what happens.” “We will not allow a haven for foreign adversaries to threaten America on our own doorstep.” The Cuban delegation can be seen leaving the General Assembly during his comments.” Also Read: BJP’s Shreyasi Singh says ‘moral policing’ can be done ‘more decently’ after Jamui minors’ harassment Cuba reacts to Trump's "failed state" comment Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla fiercely condemned the speech on social media. He wrote on X “The US government proves incapable of accepting that #Cuba is, and has the right to be, a fully independent and sovereign country." He added, “Cuba is not a threat to the US nor to any country.”

US President Donald Trump called Cuba a “failed state” during his UN General Assembly speech, prompting the Cuban delegation to walk out.

Trump calls Cuba a ‘failed state’ at UN, Cuban delegation walks out

Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to visit the US for two days from September 23 to 25. Xi will arrive in the US on Wednesday (September 23) at Joint Base Andrews, where President Trump will personally welcome him. His visit comes 10 days after India's visit for the 18th BRICS Summit 2026, held in New Delhi, where China, Russia, India and other members jointly targeted unilateral tariffs and coercive economic measures. During the BRICS Summit, the member nations also expressed concern over the ongoing conflicts in West Asia and the growing risks to global stability. But now Xi suddenly moves from the BRICS table to the White House, prompting India to observe the development and the move both nations will take. For decades, the US and China have approached each other through a lens of strategic rivalry. Issues such as trade wars, technology restrictions, Taiwan, the South China Sea, critical minerals and accusations of economic coercion have all contributed to a tension that neither side has attempted to fundamentally resolve. Trump's tariff approach was intended to pressure Beijing into making concessions. However, the economic outcome has turned out to be far less straightforward. China's export performance continues to hold strong, with its global trade surplus expected to surpass $1 trillion for a second year running. As a result, the upcoming Trump-Xi meeting is likely to centre not on any breakthrough, but on maintaining what remains a fragile truce in the ongoing trade standoff.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/25-years-of-evolving-rules-how-9-11-changed-airport-security-of-world-forever-explained-1789119795896">25 years of evolving rules: How 9/11 changed airport security of world forever? EXPLAINED</a><h3>What Trump-Xi meet for India?</h3>During the two-day visit to India for the BRICS Summit, Xi expressed commitment to resolving the long-standing border dispute between India and China. But now, the Chinese President will be at the dinner table of the White House discussing several agenda items related to economic cooperation. The question that lies ahead is how India sees this talk now. Basically, New Delhi has long been wary of being treated as a secondary player in the US-China relationship, and a high-profile Xi-Trump summit so soon after the BRICS bonhomie could revive those anxieties. The substance of the Washington talks matters too. With AI, trade and rare-earth mineral flows on the agenda, any US-China understanding on these fronts could directly affect India, particularly since China controls critical supply chains India depends on, and any shift in US tariff or export-control policy toward Beijing could reshape trade dynamics affecting Indian industry as well.&nbsp;On the ongoing development, Dr Ashok Kumar Mittal, Rajya Sabha MP and BJP leader, founder chancellor of Lovely Professional University, told WION, “President Xi Jinping’s movement from BRICS discussions in New Delhi to engagement with the US shows how quickly global relationships are changing. For India, this is a time to stay engaged with all major countries while keeping our national interests at the centre. India should continue to work towards peace and stability with China while also strengthening ties with the United States and other global partners. At the same time, we must focus on trade, technology, education and stronger supply chains to build a more resilient economy. India has an important role to play in a changing global order. We should use our relationships with different countries to create more opportunities for our people and contribute to a stable and balanced world.” For New Delhi, this raises questions about Xi, whether his India's visit was a genuine reset or a strategic move ahead of Beijing's own Washington outreach, especially as trade and technology tensions between the US and China remain a live issue.

New Delhi has long been wary of being treated as a secondary player in the US-China relationship, and a high-profile Xi-Trump summit so soon after the BRICS bonhomie could revive those anxieties.

Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to visit the US for two days from September 23 to 25. Xi will arrive in the US on Wednesday (September 23) at Joint Base Andrews, where President Trump will personally welcome him. His visit comes 10 days after India's visit for the 18th BRICS Summit 2026, held in New Delhi, where China, Russia, India and other members jointly targeted unilateral tariffs and coercive economic measures. During the BRICS Summit, the member nations also expressed concern over the ongoing conflicts in West Asia and the growing risks to global stability. But now Xi suddenly moves from the BRICS table to the White House, prompting India to observe the development and the move both nations will take. For decades, the US and China have approached each other through a lens of strategic rivalry. Issues such as trade wars, technology restrictions, Taiwan, the South China Sea, critical minerals and accusations of economic coercion have all contributed to a tension that neither side has attempted to fundamentally resolve. Trump's tariff approach was intended to pressure Beijing into making concessions. However, the economic outcome has turned out to be far less straightforward. China's export performance continues to hold strong, with its global trade surplus expected to surpass $1 trillion for a second year running. As a result, the upcoming Trump-Xi meeting is likely to centre not on any breakthrough, but on maintaining what remains a fragile truce in the ongoing trade standoff. Also read: 25 years of evolving rules: How 9/11 changed airport security of world forever? EXPLAINED What Trump-Xi meet for India? During the two-day visit to India for the BRICS Summit, Xi expressed commitment to resolving the long-standing border dispute between India and China. But now, the Chinese President will be at the dinner table of the White House discussing several agenda items related to economic cooperation. The question that lies ahead is how India sees this talk now. Basically, New Delhi has long been wary of being treated as a secondary player in the US-China relationship, and a high-profile Xi-Trump summit so soon after the BRICS bonhomie could revive those anxieties. The substance of the Washington talks matters too. With AI, trade and rare-earth mineral flows on the agenda, any US-China understanding on these fronts could directly affect India, particularly since China controls critical supply chains India depends on, and any shift in US tariff or export-control policy toward Beijing could reshape trade dynamics affecting Indian industry as well. On the ongoing development, Dr Ashok Kumar Mittal, Rajya Sabha MP and BJP leader, founder chancellor of Lovely Professional University, told WION, “President Xi Jinping’s movement from BRICS discussions in New Delhi to engagement with the US shows how quickly global relationships are changing. For India, this is a time to stay engaged with all major countries while keeping our national interests at the centre. India should continue to work towards peace and stability with China while also strengthening ties with the United States and other global partners. At the same time, we must focus on trade, technology, education and stronger supply chains to build a more resilient economy. India has an important role to play in a changing global order. We should use our relationships with different countries to create more opportunities for our people and contribute to a stable and balanced world.” For New Delhi, this raises questions about Xi, whether his India's visit was a genuine reset or a strategic move ahead of Beijing's own Washington outreach, especially as trade and technology tensions between the US and China remain a live issue.

New Delhi has long been wary of being treated as a secondary player in the US-China relationship, and a high-profile Xi-Trump summit so soon after the BRICS bonhomie could revive those anxieties.

Ten days from Delhi to Washington: What Xi's BRICS-to-White-House sprint means for India

Roughly 277,000 Chinese students were enrolled at US colleges and universities in the most recent count, generating something like $14 billion for the American economy. Tuition, housing, food- the whole ecosystem that international students prop up on campuses from Boston to Berkeley.&nbsp;Since last spring, the State Department has been trying to "aggressively revoke" visas for Chinese students with a particular focus on those with ties to the Chinese Communist Party or studying in what the administration calls “critical fields.” The State Department hasn't spelt out the details of what are “critical fields” and what is considered close to the Chinese Communist Party.&nbsp;In 2025, DHS put out a new visa-vetting rule that leans on specific cases, including one involving a researcher who'd received Chinese government funding for fungal research in Michigan, to justify scrapping the old "duration of status" system, where students could stay as long as they kept up their coursework, in favour of fixed check-in points where immigration officers would periodically reverify everyone.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/shreyasi-singh-moral-policing-jamui-minors-harassment-1790083348969">BJP’s Shreyasi Singh says ‘moral policing’ can be done ‘more decently’ after Jamui minors’ harassment</a>China has called it "politically motivated," "discriminatory," and proof of American hypocrisy about openness. A survey by the students of 1,300 Chinese students last year found 60 per cent said they'd experienced discrimination or poor treatment while in the US, 72 per cent said they felt unsafe as researchers, and 61 per cent had thought about just leaving.&nbsp;MIT's Maria Zuber, who co-chaired a congressionally created security roundtable on &nbsp;this issue, testified that the benefits of keeping Chinese students around outweigh the risks. She argued that about 80 per cent of Chinese students who get STEM doctorates in the US are still in the country a decade later, according to a 2021 NSF study, meaning they're becoming part of the workforce. Zuber also pointed out that 43 per cent of people with science and engineering doctorates working in the US were born somewhere else. She argued that without foreign-born talent, the US will be gutting a huge share of American research capacity.Though this is not going to dominate the proceedings and headlines in the media, both Xi and Trump know that xenophobia has been amplifying in US society. The summit is unlikely to change the visa crackdown. The US empire will likely treat every Chinese student like a potential spy and potentially risk losing its workforce.&nbsp;

The US visa crackdown on Chinese students is raising concerns over research, foreign talent and the economic role of international students.

Roughly 277,000 Chinese students were enrolled at US colleges and universities in the most recent count, generating something like $14 billion for the American economy. Tuition, housing, food- the whole ecosystem that international students prop up on campuses from Boston to Berkeley. Since last spring, the State Department has been trying to "aggressively revoke" visas for Chinese students with a particular focus on those with ties to the Chinese Communist Party or studying in what the administration calls “critical fields.” The State Department hasn't spelt out the details of what are “critical fields” and what is considered close to the Chinese Communist Party. In 2025, DHS put out a new visa-vetting rule that leans on specific cases, including one involving a researcher who'd received Chinese government funding for fungal research in Michigan, to justify scrapping the old "duration of status" system, where students could stay as long as they kept up their coursework, in favour of fixed check-in points where immigration officers would periodically reverify everyone. Also Read: BJP’s Shreyasi Singh says ‘moral policing’ can be done ‘more decently’ after Jamui minors’ harassment China has called it "politically motivated," "discriminatory," and proof of American hypocrisy about openness. A survey by the students of 1,300 Chinese students last year found 60 per cent said they'd experienced discrimination or poor treatment while in the US, 72 per cent said they felt unsafe as researchers, and 61 per cent had thought about just leaving. MIT's Maria Zuber, who co-chaired a congressionally created security roundtable on this issue, testified that the benefits of keeping Chinese students around outweigh the risks. She argued that about 80 per cent of Chinese students who get STEM doctorates in the US are still in the country a decade later, according to a 2021 NSF study, meaning they're becoming part of the workforce. Zuber also pointed out that 43 per cent of people with science and engineering doctorates working in the US were born somewhere else. She argued that without foreign-born talent, the US will be gutting a huge share of American research capacity. Though this is not going to dominate the proceedings and headlines in the media, both Xi and Trump know that xenophobia has been amplifying in US society. The summit is unlikely to change the visa crackdown. The US empire will likely treat every Chinese student like a potential spy and potentially risk losing its workforce.

The US visa crackdown on Chinese students is raising concerns over research, foreign talent and the economic role of international students.

Trump’s China visa crackdown puts US universities, Chinese students in focus ahead of Trump- Xi summit

US President Donald Trump said at the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday that he was weighing options on whether to pursue a deal with Iran or intensify pressure on Tehran, while warning that the second alternative could drive the country “into hell”.&nbsp;“Or do I annihilate the Islamic Republic and do it quickly, never giving them a chance to kill and destroy people and countries again?” he said.&nbsp;“Do I drive them into hell with no chance of survival and no hope of future greatness or generations?” Trump said but added that he believed an agreement was possible after the US midterm elections in November.&nbsp;<h2>‘Maintain economic pressure on Iran,’ Trump urges nations</h2>&nbsp;Trump urged countries to maintain economic pressure on Iran, saying Tehran was no longer the “bully of the Middle East”.&nbsp;He said the US had weakened Iran’s power in the Middle East and called on other countries to remain united in pressuring Tehran.&nbsp;“There is no better example of a danger that was allowed to gather strength at the world’s peril than the number one sponsor of terror, the Islamic Republic of Iran,” the president said, adding, “They were the bully of the Middle East, but they are the bully no more.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Trump nevertheless said he believed Washington and Tehran could reach a deal after the November 3 US midterm elections.&nbsp;“I believe we’ll make a deal right after the election because it doesn’t make sense for them not to. They’re waiting to see how I do in the midterm election,” he said.&nbsp;Trump added that he was not concerned about the political impact of the Iran war on the Republican Party’s prospects in the midterms.&nbsp;“What they don’t realize is that I’m not running. I did that already and won in a landslide, and I’ll be here for two-and-a-half years,” he said, adding, “The Republican Party is running, and I’ll be helping them. But I am not running. I gave absolutely no credence and will not give credence to the election when it comes to Iran. It doesn’t even enter my mind.”&nbsp;Trump also thanked the UN Security Council for the “overwhelming vote” condemning Iran’s attacks on commercial shipping.&nbsp;Trump called on countries to enforce complete economic isolation on Iran till it ends attacks on commercial shipping, abandons its nuclear ambitions and stops supporting terrorism.&nbsp;“I call on all nations to join us in enforcing the complete economic isolation of Iran until they stop their attacks on commercial shipping, relinquish their nuclear ambitions, and cease their support of terror,” Trump said.&nbsp;He described Iran’s regime as weak and desperate, saying its actions were driven by weakness rather than strength.&nbsp;“The terrorist regime is behaving badly, not because they are strong and confident, but because they are weak and desperate,” Trump said.&nbsp;“Now we must be equally united in maintaining pressure,” he said.&nbsp;<h2>‘US Navy escorted more than 1bn barrels of oil through Hormuz’</h2>&nbsp;Trump further claimed that the US Navy had escorted more than 1 billion barrels of oil through the Strait of Hormuz and said oil flows were higher than at any point since the start of the war.&nbsp;“The United States Navy has recently escorted more than one billion barrels of oil out of the Strait of Hormuz, and more oil is flowing than at any point since the start of the war,” Trump said.&nbsp;“We’re taking 22, 25, 30, 32, and 37 ships out, respectively, every single day, every single night,” he added.&nbsp;<h2>Trump rejects claims of US running low on munitions</h2>On US military stockpiles, Trump rejected claims in the media that Washington was running low on munitions.&nbsp;“It’s not true. We have more munitions than we could ever possibly even think of using,” he said, adding that the US was producing weapons at unprecedented levels and building new plants for munitions production.&nbsp;<h2>‘Our country is stronger today than ever before’</h2>&nbsp;President Donald Trump began his UN General Assembly address in more of an election campaign style, while focusing on his domestic track record on the economy, immigration, and crime, saying, “Our country is stronger today than ever before. Our future is very, very bright.&nbsp; Our energy is fuelling the planet, and our economy is the envy of the world.”&nbsp;“I can report to you with pride that America is back and our country is stronger today than ever before,” Trump said. “Our technology is second to none, and we are leading in virtually everything.”&nbsp;Trump touted economic and crime statistics under his administration and said, “Our nation is growing, our power is expanding,”&nbsp;The president further said that last year saw “the largest drop in violent crime ever recorded. The murder rate has plummeted to its lowest level in 125 years since the year 1900.”He attributed lower crime numbers to his administration’s actions, including his sending “crime busters”, an apparent reference to National Guard and federal immigration enforcement personnel, to various US cities.&nbsp;“When I arrived on Jan. 20 of last year in Washington, D.C., it was riddled with crime, and now crime is down 87%, and we’re going for 100,” he said. “Tourism is thriving, restaurants are bustling, and people are proud of our nation’s capital.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

President Trump said the US and Iran could reach a deal after the November 3 US midterm elections, as he believes the Iranian leadership is waiting for the midterm election results. Trump said he was not concerned about the political impact of the war on the Republican Party’s prospects.

US President Donald Trump said at the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday that he was weighing options on whether to pursue a deal with Iran or intensify pressure on Tehran, while warning that the second alternative could drive the country “into hell”. “Or do I annihilate the Islamic Republic and do it quickly, never giving them a chance to kill and destroy people and countries again?” he said. “Do I drive them into hell with no chance of survival and no hope of future greatness or generations?” Trump said but added that he believed an agreement was possible after the US midterm elections in November. ‘Maintain economic pressure on Iran,’ Trump urges nations Trump urged countries to maintain economic pressure on Iran, saying Tehran was no longer the “bully of the Middle East”. He said the US had weakened Iran’s power in the Middle East and called on other countries to remain united in pressuring Tehran. “There is no better example of a danger that was allowed to gather strength at the world’s peril than the number one sponsor of terror, the Islamic Republic of Iran,” the president said, adding, “They were the bully of the Middle East, but they are the bully no more.” Trump nevertheless said he believed Washington and Tehran could reach a deal after the November 3 US midterm elections. “I believe we’ll make a deal right after the election because it doesn’t make sense for them not to. They’re waiting to see how I do in the midterm election,” he said. Trump added that he was not concerned about the political impact of the Iran war on the Republican Party’s prospects in the midterms. “What they don’t realize is that I’m not running. I did that already and won in a landslide, and I’ll be here for two-and-a-half years,” he said, adding, “The Republican Party is running, and I’ll be helping them. But I am not running. I gave absolutely no credence and will not give credence to the election when it comes to Iran. It doesn’t even enter my mind.” Trump also thanked the UN Security Council for the “overwhelming vote” condemning Iran’s attacks on commercial shipping. Trump called on countries to enforce complete economic isolation on Iran till it ends attacks on commercial shipping, abandons its nuclear ambitions and stops supporting terrorism. “I call on all nations to join us in enforcing the complete economic isolation of Iran until they stop their attacks on commercial shipping, relinquish their nuclear ambitions, and cease their support of terror,” Trump said. He described Iran’s regime as weak and desperate, saying its actions were driven by weakness rather than strength. “The terrorist regime is behaving badly, not because they are strong and confident, but because they are weak and desperate,” Trump said. “Now we must be equally united in maintaining pressure,” he said. ‘US Navy escorted more than 1bn barrels of oil through Hormuz’ Trump further claimed that the US Navy had escorted more than 1 billion barrels of oil through the Strait of Hormuz and said oil flows were higher than at any point since the start of the war. “The United States Navy has recently escorted more than one billion barrels of oil out of the Strait of Hormuz, and more oil is flowing than at any point since the start of the war,” Trump said. “We’re taking 22, 25, 30, 32, and 37 ships out, respectively, every single day, every single night,” he added. Trump rejects claims of US running low on munitions On US military stockpiles, Trump rejected claims in the media that Washington was running low on munitions. “It’s not true. We have more munitions than we could ever possibly even think of using,” he said, adding that the US was producing weapons at unprecedented levels and building new plants for munitions production. ‘Our country is stronger today than ever before’ President Donald Trump began his UN General Assembly address in more of an election campaign style, while focusing on his domestic track record on the economy, immigration, and crime, saying, “Our country is stronger today than ever before. Our future is very, very bright. Our energy is fuelling the planet, and our economy is the envy of the world.” “I can report to you with pride that America is back and our country is stronger today than ever before,” Trump said. “Our technology is second to none, and we are leading in virtually everything.” Trump touted economic and crime statistics under his administration and said, “Our nation is growing, our power is expanding,” The president further said that last year saw “the largest drop in violent crime ever recorded. The murder rate has plummeted to its lowest level in 125 years since the year 1900.” He attributed lower crime numbers to his administration’s actions, including his sending “crime busters”, an apparent reference to National Guard and federal immigration enforcement personnel, to various US cities. “When I arrived on Jan. 20 of last year in Washington, D.C., it was riddled with crime, and now crime is down 87%, and we’re going for 100,” he said. “Tourism is thriving, restaurants are bustling, and people are proud of our nation’s capital.”

President Trump said the US and Iran could reach a deal after the November 3 US midterm elections, as he believes the Iranian leadership is waiting for the midterm election results. Trump said he was not concerned about the political impact of the war on the Republican Party’s prospects.

‘Strike a deal or drive Iran into hell’: Trump issues fresh warning to Tehran at UNGA

Saudi Arabia has restarted its East-West pipeline, also known as Petroline, and resumed its crude exports from the Red Sea port of Yanbu later on Tuesday. Oil prices eased at the development, with Brent Crude futures falling by 1.52 per cent, slipping below $98 per barrel, the lowest since September 8.&nbsp;The pipeline would resume crude supply to ​Aramco refineries located ​on the Red ⁠Sea coast, Reuters reported, adding that one cargo was scheduled to load at Yanbu later ​on Tuesday. The person said it would be bound ​for ⁠China. The pipeline is pumping at a low rate after its restart. At its peak, Saudi Arabia used the pipeline to transport around 4 million barrels per day, around 4 per cent of the global oil supply, to Yanbu. According to the report, it would take weeks to resume transporting at full capacity.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/shreyasi-singh-moral-policing-jamui-minors-harassment-1790083348969">BJP’s Shreyasi Singh says ‘moral policing’ can be done ‘more decently’ after Jamui minors’ harassment</a>The East-West pipeline was targeted by Houthi drones on September 13, forcing Saudi Aramco to completely suspend the operation of the network, which pushed oil prices as high as $109.97. Houthis said that the attack was in response to what they called Saudi Arabia's criminal attempts to target Yemen's capital, Sanaa.Fighting continues to rage in Yemen, with the Houthi rebels battling Saudi-backed government forces for control of strategic mountains near the Red Sea and the leader of the Iran-aligned group warning the United States against direct military involvement in the conflict. Houthis, who have seized Yemen's Red Sea coast, including the port of Mocha, are now battling to take the Kahboub Mountains in Taiz and Lahj provinces. The fighting has killed at least 674 people, including 154 people in the past two days and has displaced more than 158,000.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Saudi Arabia has restarted its East-West oil pipeline and resumed crude exports from Yanbu, easing concerns over global oil supplies and prices.

Saudi Arabia has restarted its East-West pipeline, also known as Petroline, and resumed its crude exports from the Red Sea port of Yanbu later on Tuesday. Oil prices eased at the development, with Brent Crude futures falling by 1.52 per cent, slipping below $98 per barrel, the lowest since September 8. The pipeline would resume crude supply to Aramco refineries located on the Red ⁠Sea coast, Reuters reported, adding that one cargo was scheduled to load at Yanbu later on Tuesday. The person said it would be bound for ⁠China. The pipeline is pumping at a low rate after its restart. At its peak, Saudi Arabia used the pipeline to transport around 4 million barrels per day, around 4 per cent of the global oil supply, to Yanbu. According to the report, it would take weeks to resume transporting at full capacity. Also Read: BJP’s Shreyasi Singh says ‘moral policing’ can be done ‘more decently’ after Jamui minors’ harassment The East-West pipeline was targeted by Houthi drones on September 13, forcing Saudi Aramco to completely suspend the operation of the network, which pushed oil prices as high as $109.97. Houthis said that the attack was in response to what they called Saudi Arabia's criminal attempts to target Yemen's capital, Sanaa. Fighting continues to rage in Yemen, with the Houthi rebels battling Saudi-backed government forces for control of strategic mountains near the Red Sea and the leader of the Iran-aligned group warning the United States against direct military involvement in the conflict. Houthis, who have seized Yemen's Red Sea coast, including the port of Mocha, are now battling to take the Kahboub Mountains in Taiz and Lahj provinces. The fighting has killed at least 674 people, including 154 people in the past two days and has displaced more than 158,000.

Saudi Arabia has restarted its East-West oil pipeline and resumed crude exports from Yanbu, easing concerns over global oil supplies and prices.

Oil slips to $98 as Saudi Arabia restarts East-West oil pipeline

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on Tuesday (Sept 22) criticised the United Nations Security Council for failing to act on major global challenges, saying its inaction has left the world “held hostage”.&nbsp;“We are all held hostage by the inaction of the Security Council for failing to fulfil its role,” Lula said.&nbsp;Speaking at the opening of the General Debate of the 81st UN General Assembly in New York, Lula became the first world leader to address the annual gathering.&nbsp;Lula also spoke about Brazil’s upcoming elections, vowing to prevent foreign and domestic “enemies of democracy” from influencing the polls amid a continuing dispute with Washington over alleged election interference.&nbsp;He said Brazil has a strong electoral system supported by public oversight and a free press. He said the country would not allow forces inside or outside Brazil to undermine the electoral process.&nbsp;“We have a modern and robust election system under the watchful eye of a pluralistic citizenry and a free press,” Lula said at the UN. “We will not allow the enemies of democracy, whether domestic or foreign, to undermine the popular will.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shame-on-you-netanyahu-vows-to-tell-the-truth-about-mamdani-at-un-ahead-of-new-york-visit-1790082067569">‘Shame on you’: Netanyahu vows to ‘tell the truth’ about Mamdani at UN ahead of New York visit</a><h3>Guterres calls for Security Council reform</h3>UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres also used the opening of the General Debate to call for reform of the Security Council.&nbsp;Addressing world leaders in New York, Guterres said the 15-member body must reflect today’s world and have the legitimacy and effectiveness needed to deal with current geopolitical challenges.&nbsp;“We must also reform the Security Council so that it reflects today’s world with the legitimacy and effectiveness that today’s challenges demand,” Guterres told world leaders.&nbsp;Guterres said the Council was created in the aftermath of World War II, but the world has changed significantly since then.&nbsp;“The world has fundamentally changed since then. A change that is far from reflected in the Security Council.”&nbsp;Guterres is serving his final year as UN Secretary-General, with his second five-year term ending in December 2026. This makes the current UN General Assembly week his final high-level UNGA appearance as Secretary-General.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva criticised UN Security Council inaction at the UN General Assembly, while Secretary General Antonio Guterres called for reforms to make the body reflect today’s world.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on Tuesday (Sept 22) criticised the United Nations Security Council for failing to act on major global challenges, saying its inaction has left the world “held hostage”. “We are all held hostage by the inaction of the Security Council for failing to fulfil its role,” Lula said. Speaking at the opening of the General Debate of the 81st UN General Assembly in New York, Lula became the first world leader to address the annual gathering. Lula also spoke about Brazil’s upcoming elections, vowing to prevent foreign and domestic “enemies of democracy” from influencing the polls amid a continuing dispute with Washington over alleged election interference. He said Brazil has a strong electoral system supported by public oversight and a free press. He said the country would not allow forces inside or outside Brazil to undermine the electoral process. “We have a modern and robust election system under the watchful eye of a pluralistic citizenry and a free press,” Lula said at the UN. “We will not allow the enemies of democracy, whether domestic or foreign, to undermine the popular will.” Also Read: ‘Shame on you’: Netanyahu vows to ‘tell the truth’ about Mamdani at UN ahead of New York visit Guterres calls for Security Council reform UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres also used the opening of the General Debate to call for reform of the Security Council. Addressing world leaders in New York, Guterres said the 15-member body must reflect today’s world and have the legitimacy and effectiveness needed to deal with current geopolitical challenges. “We must also reform the Security Council so that it reflects today’s world with the legitimacy and effectiveness that today’s challenges demand,” Guterres told world leaders. Guterres said the Council was created in the aftermath of World War II, but the world has changed significantly since then. “The world has fundamentally changed since then. A change that is far from reflected in the Security Council.” Guterres is serving his final year as UN Secretary-General, with his second five-year term ending in December 2026. This makes the current UN General Assembly week his final high-level UNGA appearance as Secretary-General.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva criticised UN Security Council inaction at the UN General Assembly, while Secretary-General António Guterres called for reforms to make the body reflect today’s world.

‘We are all held hostage’: Brazil’s Lula attacks Security Council inaction, Guterres calls for reform

Chinese President Xi Jinping is scheduled for a two-day visit to the US from September 23 to 25 where the primary talks with President Donald Trump will be held at the White House on Thursday (September 24). Xi will arrive in the US on Wednesday at Joint Base Andrews, where President Trump will personally welcome him.&nbsp;Along with both the leaders, America’s most prominent technology executives, business leaders and other officials will also join for a high-profile state dinner on September 24. The gathering is set to bring the architects of modern computing and artificial intelligence (AI) directly into the room with the leaders of the world's two largest economies. The scheduled meeting comes amid intense friction over global technology supremacy, microchips and AI safety.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/islamabad-hospitals-told-to-prep-for-mass-casualty-incident-ahead-of-pti-protest-1790081556353">Islamabad hospitals told to prep for 'mass casualty incident' ahead of PTI protest</a><h3>Full guest list of tech CEOs, business leaders and officials</h3>For a White House state dinner on September 24, Elon Musk, Sundar Pichai, Sam Altman, and several other prominent technology executives have been invited. This places some of the biggest names in AI, semiconductors and consumer technology in the room. On September 24, President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump will welcome Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife, Peng Liyuan, to a dinner held in the East Room of the White House. Among those expected to attend, according to US officials, are several major tech figures: Amazon's Jeff Bezos, Google parent Alphabet's Sundar Pichai, OpenAI's Sam Altman, Apple's Tim Cook, Tesla's Elon Musk, Nvidia's Jensen Huang, and Dell Technologies founder Michael Dell. Several executives from the financial sector are also anticipated to be present. Both Trump and Xi are set to deliver remarks at the start of the evening. The involvement of these tech leaders comes at a time when artificial intelligence is expected to be a key discussion point between the two leaders. US officials also indicated that trade issues and the export of Chinese rare-earth minerals will be part of the broader agenda. Collectively, the companies in attendance represent a wide swath of the tech industry, from AI and semiconductors to cloud services, mobile devices, electric vehicles and online retail, all sectors currently caught up in the trade and technology friction between the US and China.

America’s most prominent technology executives, business leaders and other officials will also join for a high-profile state dinner on September 24. Several executives from the financial sector are also anticipated to be present.

Chinese President Xi Jinping is scheduled for a two-day visit to the US from September 23 to 25 where the primary talks with President Donald Trump will be held at the White House on Thursday (September 24). Xi will arrive in the US on Wednesday at Joint Base Andrews, where President Trump will personally welcome him. Along with both the leaders, America’s most prominent technology executives, business leaders and other officials will also join for a high-profile state dinner on September 24. The gathering is set to bring the architects of modern computing and artificial intelligence (AI) directly into the room with the leaders of the world's two largest economies. The scheduled meeting comes amid intense friction over global technology supremacy, microchips and AI safety. Also read: Islamabad hospitals told to prep for 'mass casualty incident' ahead of PTI protest Full guest list of tech CEOs, business leaders and officials For a White House state dinner on September 24, Elon Musk, Sundar Pichai, Sam Altman, and several other prominent technology executives have been invited. This places some of the biggest names in AI, semiconductors and consumer technology in the room. On September 24, President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump will welcome Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife, Peng Liyuan, to a dinner held in the East Room of the White House. Among those expected to attend, according to US officials, are several major tech figures: Amazon's Jeff Bezos, Google parent Alphabet's Sundar Pichai, OpenAI's Sam Altman, Apple's Tim Cook, Tesla's Elon Musk, Nvidia's Jensen Huang, and Dell Technologies founder Michael Dell. Several executives from the financial sector are also anticipated to be present. Both Trump and Xi are set to deliver remarks at the start of the evening. The involvement of these tech leaders comes at a time when artificial intelligence is expected to be a key discussion point between the two leaders. US officials also indicated that trade issues and the export of Chinese rare-earth minerals will be part of the broader agenda. Collectively, the companies in attendance represent a wide swath of the tech industry, from AI and semiconductors to cloud services, mobile devices, electric vehicles and online retail, all sectors currently caught up in the trade and technology friction between the US and China.

America’s most prominent technology executives, business leaders and other officials will also join for a high-profile state dinner on September 24. Several executives from the financial sector are also anticipated to be present.

Trump-Xi state dinner 2026: Who is invited? Full guest list of tech CEOs, business leaders and officials

Sri Lanka’s High Court on Tuesday convicted 14 of the 24 men accused of directly supporting the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings, which killed 279 people.&nbsp;A three-judge bench found the 14 men guilty on all charges, including murder, conspiracy to commit terrorism and possession of firearms and explosives under the Prevention of Terrorism Act.The presiding judge told the packed courtroom that the sentences would be announced later on Tuesday.&nbsp;The 24 men were accused of helping and supporting the suicide bombers who attacked three luxury hotels and three churches on April 21, 2019. The bombings killed 279 people, including 45 foreigners.&nbsp;Local media reported that some of those convicted could face the death penalty. However, Sri Lanka has not carried out an execution since 1976, and capital punishment is usually commuted to life imprisonment.&nbsp;All the accused are members of Sri Lanka’s minority Muslim community. A total of 25 men were initially charged in the case, but one defendant later died in custody.&nbsp;Investigators blamed the attacks on a homegrown Islamist extremist group.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-will-stand-by-its-security-commitments-to-saudi-arabia-says-marco-rubio-1790084064717">‘US will stand by its security commitments to Saudi Arabia,’ says Marco Rubio</a><h3>Record number of charges</h3>The trial had already marked a first in Sri Lankan legal history, with prosecutors bringing 23,270 charges in a single case, the highest number ever filed in the country. The suspects were prosecuted under the Prevention of Terrorism Act.&nbsp;Among those convicted on all charges was Mohamed Naufar. Prosecutors identified him as the ringleader who supported the eight-member suicide team responsible for carrying out the attacks.Three of the defendants were also charged by US authorities in December 2020 with terrorism related offences connected to the bombings.&nbsp;Five Americans were among those killed in the attacks, including an employee of the US Commerce Department who was in Colombo on official business.

Sri Lanka’s High Court has convicted 14 men over their roles in the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings that killed 279 people, including 45 foreigners.

Sri Lanka’s High Court on Tuesday convicted 14 of the 24 men accused of directly supporting the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings, which killed 279 people. A three-judge bench found the 14 men guilty on all charges, including murder, conspiracy to commit terrorism and possession of firearms and explosives under the Prevention of Terrorism Act. The presiding judge told the packed courtroom that the sentences would be announced later on Tuesday. The 24 men were accused of helping and supporting the suicide bombers who attacked three luxury hotels and three churches on April 21, 2019. The bombings killed 279 people, including 45 foreigners. Local media reported that some of those convicted could face the death penalty. However, Sri Lanka has not carried out an execution since 1976, and capital punishment is usually commuted to life imprisonment. All the accused are members of Sri Lanka’s minority Muslim community. A total of 25 men were initially charged in the case, but one defendant later died in custody. Investigators blamed the attacks on a homegrown Islamist extremist group. Also Read: ‘US will stand by its security commitments to Saudi Arabia,’ says Marco Rubio Record number of charges The trial had already marked a first in Sri Lankan legal history, with prosecutors bringing 23,270 charges in a single case, the highest number ever filed in the country. The suspects were prosecuted under the Prevention of Terrorism Act. Among those convicted on all charges was Mohamed Naufar. Prosecutors identified him as the ringleader who supported the eight-member suicide team responsible for carrying out the attacks. Three of the defendants were also charged by US authorities in December 2020 with terrorism related offences connected to the bombings. Five Americans were among those killed in the attacks, including an employee of the US Commerce Department who was in Colombo on official business.

Sri Lanka’s High Court has convicted 14 men over their roles in the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings that killed 279 people, including 45 foreigners.

14 convicted in Sri Lanka over 2019 Easter Sunday bombings that killed 279

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Tuesday that the United States intends to live up to its security commitments with Saudi Arabia as per the defence agreement with the country. Rubio assured that Washington will stand by its security commitments to Saudi Arabia amid the fighting with Yemen’s Houthis.&nbsp;“We have a defence agreement with Saudi Arabia. We intend to live up to our commitments on it. We will,” Rubio told US media outlet Fox News. “That is a very dangerous and complicated conflict,” he added.&nbsp;Rubio added that the Houthis are considered proxies for Iran, and their escalation is a major factor behind rising energy prices. He attacked Iran, saying it is run by extremist clerics with a radical view of their religion.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-must-stop-arming-houthis-in-yemen-say-g7-nations-ahead-of-un-general-assembly-1790080270883">‘Iran must stop arming Houthis in Yemen,’ say G7 nations ahead of UN General Assembly</a>&nbsp;Earlier this month, the Houthis seized Yemen’s entire Red Sea coast after capturing three strategic islands, then struck Saudi Arabian oil facilities with a large drone and missile attack.Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had called President Donald Trump twice asking for US strikes on the Houthis, but his request was turned down, reported Axios.<h2>‘Iran run by lunatic clerics having an apocalyptic view of their religion’</h2>&nbsp;Targeting the Iranian leadership, Rubio said, “Iran is run by lunatic clerics that have a radical view of their religion—very radical view, an apocalyptic view of their religion. These people can never have nuclear weapons... Eventually, someone has to do something about it or it’s going to happen.”&nbsp;“Iran can never have a nuclear weapon—they just simply can’t. This is a radical clerical regime. You see how they treat their own people; you see the amount of damage and carnage that they’ve committed... A group like that can never have a nuclear weapon,” he added.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-rare-earth-export-licences-and-board-of-trade-are-us-priorities-ahead-of-trump-xi-summit-1790021069068">Explainer: Why rare-earth export licences and Board of Trade are US priorities ahead of Trump-Xi summit</a><h2>‘American economic sanctions severely impacting Iranian economy’</h2>&nbsp;Rubio also stated that outbound oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz have recovered to between 60 and 70 per cent of previous levels.&nbsp;He added that American economic sanctions on Iran are severely impacting the Iranian economy. Rubio blamed the Russia-Ukraine war and the Houthis for the spurt in oil prices over the last few weeks.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-russia-has-lost-control-of-its-diesel-industry-calls-for-end-to-ridiculous-never-ending-war-1789999050401">Trump says Russia has ‘lost control’ of its diesel industry, calls for end to ‘ridiculous, never-ending’ war</a>&nbsp;“The majority of the increase you’ve seen in oil prices over the last couple of weeks, it has stabilized now, has to do with the Black Sea—Ukraine and Russia—and Yemen—the Houthis,” he said.&nbsp;<h2>Slams NATO partners for not allowing use of US bases during contingency</h2>&nbsp;The US Secretary of State also slammed NATO partners who did not allow the use of US bases during contingency and questioned the very purpose of the alliance in such an “absurd” situation.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-document-details-broad-iran-cooperation-plan-across-finance-nuclear-and-aviation-sectors-report-1789995702968">Russian document details broad Iran cooperation plan across finance, nuclear and aviation sectors: Report</a>&nbsp;“One of the reasons why we have bases in NATO—one of the benefits to us—is the ability to project power in case of a contingency. We had a contingency, and we had a couple countries say, ‘You can’t use your base here.’ That’s absurd. If we can’t use our base when we have a contingency, then what’s the point of having the base and, frankly, what’s the point of having the alliance?”&nbsp;Replying to a question on the Greenland deal, Rubio said, “It’s a great deal. It’s a fantastic achievement... Multiple American presidents understood the geographic importance of Greenland. This is the first president that actually has done something about it.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio slammed NATO partners who did not allow the use of US bases during contingency and questioned the purpose of the alliance in such an “absurd” situation. Rubio also said that the American economic sanctions on Iran are severely impacting the Iranian economy.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Tuesday that the United States intends to live up to its security commitments with Saudi Arabia as per the defence agreement with the country. Rubio assured that Washington will stand by its security commitments to Saudi Arabia amid the fighting with Yemen’s Houthis. “We have a defence agreement with Saudi Arabia. We intend to live up to our commitments on it. We will,” Rubio told US media outlet Fox News. “That is a very dangerous and complicated conflict,” he added. Rubio added that the Houthis are considered proxies for Iran, and their escalation is a major factor behind rising energy prices. He attacked Iran, saying it is run by extremist clerics with a radical view of their religion. Also Read: ‘Iran must stop arming Houthis in Yemen,’ say G7 nations ahead of UN General Assembly Earlier this month, the Houthis seized Yemen’s entire Red Sea coast after capturing three strategic islands, then struck Saudi Arabian oil facilities with a large drone and missile attack. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had called President Donald Trump twice asking for US strikes on the Houthis, but his request was turned down, reported Axios. ‘Iran run by lunatic clerics having an apocalyptic view of their religion’ Targeting the Iranian leadership, Rubio said, “Iran is run by lunatic clerics that have a radical view of their religion—very radical view, an apocalyptic view of their religion. These people can never have nuclear weapons... Eventually, someone has to do something about it or it’s going to happen.” “Iran can never have a nuclear weapon—they just simply can’t. This is a radical clerical regime. You see how they treat their own people; you see the amount of damage and carnage that they’ve committed... A group like that can never have a nuclear weapon,” he added. Also Read: Explainer: Why rare-earth export licences and Board of Trade are US priorities ahead of Trump-Xi summit ‘American economic sanctions severely impacting Iranian economy’ Rubio also stated that outbound oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz have recovered to between 60 and 70 per cent of previous levels. He added that American economic sanctions on Iran are severely impacting the Iranian economy. Rubio blamed the Russia-Ukraine war and the Houthis for the spurt in oil prices over the last few weeks. Also Read: Trump says Russia has ‘lost control’ of its diesel industry, calls for end to ‘ridiculous, never-ending’ war “The majority of the increase you’ve seen in oil prices over the last couple of weeks, it has stabilized now, has to do with the Black Sea—Ukraine and Russia—and Yemen—the Houthis,” he said. Slams NATO partners for not allowing use of US bases during contingency The US Secretary of State also slammed NATO partners who did not allow the use of US bases during contingency and questioned the very purpose of the alliance in such an “absurd” situation. Also Read: Russian document details broad Iran cooperation plan across finance, nuclear and aviation sectors: Report “One of the reasons why we have bases in NATO—one of the benefits to us—is the ability to project power in case of a contingency. We had a contingency, and we had a couple countries say, ‘You can’t use your base here.’ That’s absurd. If we can’t use our base when we have a contingency, then what’s the point of having the base and, frankly, what’s the point of having the alliance?” Replying to a question on the Greenland deal, Rubio said, “It’s a great deal. It’s a fantastic achievement... Multiple American presidents understood the geographic importance of Greenland. This is the first president that actually has done something about it.”

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio slammed NATO partners who did not allow the use of US bases during contingency and questioned the purpose of the alliance in such an “absurd” situation. Rubio also said that the American economic sanctions on Iran are severely impacting the Iranian economy.

‘US will stand by its security commitments to Saudi Arabia,’ says Marco Rubio

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday (September 22) said he would use his upcoming United Nations General Assembly address to "tell the truth" about New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.&nbsp;Netanyahu made the remarks a day before travelling to New York for the UN General Assembly, where he is scheduled to deliver a speech.&nbsp;“Shame on you, Mr Mamdani,” Netanyahu said in a video message.&nbsp;“Shame on you for supporting the Hamas terrorist monsters who butchered our people. Shame on you for inciting riots against New York Jews,” Netanyahu said.&nbsp;“I'm coming to the UN. I'm going to tell the truth about our heroic soldiers, and I'm going to tell the truth about you,” he added.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">ממדאני - אני בא לאו״ם כדי להילחם על האמת של החיילים הגיבורים שלנו - וכדי לחשוף את האמת עליך! <a href="https://t.co/141PPbSFHm">pic.twitter.com/141PPbSFHm</a>&mdash; Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) <a href="https://x.com/netanyahu/status/2102355556111433840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 22, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h3>Mamdani backs Netanyahu's arrest</h3>Netanyahu is expected to reach New York on Thursday morning and address the UN General Assembly at 2 pm before returning to Israel shortly afterwards.&nbsp;His latest remarks came after Mamdani again spoke about the International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant against Netanyahu during a CNN interview on Monday.&nbsp;Mamdani said he believes Netanyahu to be “a war criminal and an architect of a horrific genocide of the Palestinian people.”&nbsp;In July, Mamdani had examined whether he could arrest Netanyahu under the ICC warrant. He later concluded that he did not have the legal authority to do so, while maintaining that Netanyahu was "not welcome" in New York City.&nbsp;“I do believe that that is something that should be honoured," he told CNN, "because what we want to see, and we’ve been talking about this today, is a faith in our politics, a faith in accountability.”&nbsp;"If the International Criminal Court deems someone worthy of an arrest because of a violation of those laws, then who are we to say that anyone should be above that? And I think very clearly that everyone should be held accountable to it," he added&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-slams-us-sanctions-on-iranian-airlines-as-illegal-ahead-of-trump-xi-summit-1790074895704">China slams US sanctions on Iranian airlines as ‘illegal’ ahead of Trump-Xi summit</a><h3>Israeli envoy backs Netanyahu</h3>Israeli Consul-General in New York Ofir Akunis also criticised Mamdani in a post on X, accusing the mayor of spreading antisemitism.&nbsp;"Mamdani continues doing the only thing he knows how to do: incitement and the spreading of lies and blood libels against the State of Israel: classic antisemitism," Akunis wrote. "Once again, not a single word about the savage and monstrous massacre of October 7 committed by the barbaric people who invaded Israel from Gaza."&nbsp;"The Prime Minister of Israel will arrive in New York City, address the UN, and tell the entire world who the Ayatollahs, Hezbollah, and Hamas truly are: enemies of the United States and the West."&nbsp;The exchange between Netanyahu and Mamdani comes as the Israeli prime minister prepares for his UN address in New York, with their opposing positions on the ICC warrant adding to the dispute ahead of his visit.

Benjamin Netanyahu has criticised New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani over his support for the ICC arrest warrant, as the Israeli Prime Minister prepares to address the UN General Assembly in New York.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday (September 22) said he would use his upcoming United Nations General Assembly address to "tell the truth" about New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Netanyahu made the remarks a day before travelling to New York for the UN General Assembly, where he is scheduled to deliver a speech. “Shame on you, Mr Mamdani,” Netanyahu said in a video message. “Shame on you for supporting the Hamas terrorist monsters who butchered our people. Shame on you for inciting riots against New York Jews,” Netanyahu said. “I'm coming to the UN. I'm going to tell the truth about our heroic soldiers, and I'm going to tell the truth about you,” he added.

Benjamin Netanyahu has criticised New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani over his support for the ICC arrest warrant, as the Israeli Prime Minister prepares to address the UN General Assembly in New York.

‘Shame on you’: Netanyahu vows to ‘tell the truth’ about Mamdani at UN ahead of New York visit

Pakistan government has directed hospitals in Islamabad to prepare for the possibility of a “mass casualty incident” ahead of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) protest scheduled to be held on September 27. All the hospitals in the capital city have been instructed to postpone all scheduled elective surgeries indefinitely, and surgical departments were asked to remain prepared for a possible rise in patients, according to documents reviewed by Drop Site. Officials also directed hospitals to suspend all forms of leave for the medical and support staff and asked to recall those already on leave. Following the notification, the preparations have already begun affecting patients. People said surgery procedures for patients scheduled for Monday have been postponed.<h3>No official confirmation of the move linked to PTI protest</h3>The government has not publicly confirmed that these preparations are specifically linked to a crackdown on PTI protesters. However, the notified documents explicitly indicated that preparations are for a potential “humanitarian crisis” and “mass casualty incident”. The development comes as officials detained former PM Imran Khan’s three sisters, Aleema Khan, Noreen Niazi and Dr Uzma Khan, along with other members of his family.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/france-uae-us-to-join-india-s-tarang-shakti-exercise-with-f16-f35s-rafales-1790076274398">France, UAE &amp; US to join India’s Tarang Shakti exercise with F16, F35s, Rafales</a> Additionally, several PTI leaders and workers were also arrested ahead of the planned march on Islamabad. Eight members of Khan’s family have been reportedly detained within 24 hours. Later, the children were released after several hours, while Khan’s sisters remained in custody. According to documents obtained by Drop Site, Aleema Khan was taken into custody under Section 3 of Pakistan's Maintenance of Public Order law, with Lahore's deputy commissioner issuing a formal order sanctioning her 30-day detention. Comparable detention orders were also reported for Noreen Niazi and Uzma Khan. These arrests followed a broader crackdown by authorities on PTI members in the run-up to the September 27 mobilisation. According to PTI, party offices were raided and several elected representatives and workers were taken into custody nationwide. The detentions come at a time when Khan's family and supporters continue to voice concern over his health and the conditions of his imprisonment.

The government has not publicly confirmed that these preparations are specifically linked to a crackdown on PTI protesters. However, the notified documents explicitly indicated that preparations are for a potential “humanitarian crisis” and “mass casualty incident”.

Pakistan government has directed hospitals in Islamabad to prepare for the possibility of a “mass casualty incident” ahead of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) protest scheduled to be held on September 27. All the hospitals in the capital city have been instructed to postpone all scheduled elective surgeries indefinitely, and surgical departments were asked to remain prepared for a possible rise in patients, according to documents reviewed by Drop Site. Officials also directed hospitals to suspend all forms of leave for the medical and support staff and asked to recall those already on leave. Following the notification, the preparations have already begun affecting patients. People said surgery procedures for patients scheduled for Monday have been postponed. No official confirmation of the move linked to PTI protest The government has not publicly confirmed that these preparations are specifically linked to a crackdown on PTI protesters. However, the notified documents explicitly indicated that preparations are for a potential “humanitarian crisis” and “mass casualty incident”. The development comes as officials detained former PM Imran Khan’s three sisters, Aleema Khan, Noreen Niazi and Dr Uzma Khan, along with other members of his family. Also read: France, UAE & US to join India’s Tarang Shakti exercise with F16, F35s, Rafales Additionally, several PTI leaders and workers were also arrested ahead of the planned march on Islamabad. Eight members of Khan’s family have been reportedly detained within 24 hours. Later, the children were released after several hours, while Khan’s sisters remained in custody. According to documents obtained by Drop Site, Aleema Khan was taken into custody under Section 3 of Pakistan's Maintenance of Public Order law, with Lahore's deputy commissioner issuing a formal order sanctioning her 30-day detention. Comparable detention orders were also reported for Noreen Niazi and Uzma Khan. These arrests followed a broader crackdown by authorities on PTI members in the run-up to the September 27 mobilisation. According to PTI, party offices were raided and several elected representatives and workers were taken into custody nationwide. The detentions come at a time when Khan's family and supporters continue to voice concern over his health and the conditions of his imprisonment.

The government has not publicly confirmed that these preparations are specifically linked to a crackdown on PTI protesters. However, the notified documents explicitly indicated that preparations are for a potential “humanitarian crisis” and “mass casualty incident”.

Islamabad hospitals told to prep for 'mass casualty incident' ahead of PTI protest

As world leaders gather in New York for the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) 2026, one longstanding tradition is once again in focus: Brazil speaks first during the General Debate, followed by the United States, the host country. The General Debate of the UN General Assembly's 81st session is being held from September 22 to 28, 2026. But why does Brazil get the first speaking slot?&nbsp;The answer lies largely in diplomatic tradition rather than a formal rule. According to the United Nations' explanation, Brazil started taking the opening slot during the early years of the General Assembly because countries were initially reluctant to be the first to address the gathering. Brazil volunteered on several occasions, and the practice eventually became established. The tradition was firmly established from 1955, when Brazil began consistently opening the General Debate. The United States then traditionally follows as the second member state to speak because it hosts the UN headquarters in New York.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jaishankar-at-unga-india-pushes-for-reformed-multilateralism-reforms-to-global-institutions-1790046860281">India at UNGA81: Jaishankar warns global order under 'growing stress', pushes for ‘reformed multilateralism’</a>&nbsp;The remaining speaking order is not simply alphabetical. The UN considers factors including the level of representation, geographical balance, preferences and the order in which requests to speak were recorded. Brazil's opening position has also given the country an unusually prominent platform in the annual diplomatic calendar. The Brazilian government describes the General Debate as an opportunity for leaders to present their priorities on global challenges, while Brazil's opening role has become a distinctive feature of UN protocol.&nbsp;There are also historical explanations beyond the immediate protocol. Brazilian diplomat Oswaldo Aranha played an important role during the early years of the UN, and some historians and analysts have linked Brazil's longstanding prominence at the opening of the General Debate to its diplomatic role. Other theories have connected the tradition to Brazil's broader place in the multilateral system.&nbsp;&nbsp;These explanations, however, should be distinguished from the UN's official account that the practice developed because Brazil repeatedly volunteered to speak first. At UNGA 2026, the pattern continues: after the UN Secretary-General and General Assembly president open proceedings, Brazil takes the first member-state speaking slot, followed by the United States.

Why does Brazil speak first at the UN? Here’s the history behind Brazil’s first speaking slot and the tradition continuing at UNGA 2026

As world leaders gather in New York for the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) 2026, one longstanding tradition is once again in focus: Brazil speaks first during the General Debate, followed by the United States, the host country. The General Debate of the UN General Assembly's 81st session is being held from September 22 to 28, 2026. But why does Brazil get the first speaking slot? The answer lies largely in diplomatic tradition rather than a formal rule. According to the United Nations' explanation, Brazil started taking the opening slot during the early years of the General Assembly because countries were initially reluctant to be the first to address the gathering. Brazil volunteered on several occasions, and the practice eventually became established. The tradition was firmly established from 1955, when Brazil began consistently opening the General Debate. The United States then traditionally follows as the second member state to speak because it hosts the UN headquarters in New York. Also Read: India at UNGA81: Jaishankar warns global order under 'growing stress', pushes for ‘reformed multilateralism’ The remaining speaking order is not simply alphabetical. The UN considers factors including the level of representation, geographical balance, preferences and the order in which requests to speak were recorded. Brazil's opening position has also given the country an unusually prominent platform in the annual diplomatic calendar. The Brazilian government describes the General Debate as an opportunity for leaders to present their priorities on global challenges, while Brazil's opening role has become a distinctive feature of UN protocol. There are also historical explanations beyond the immediate protocol. Brazilian diplomat Oswaldo Aranha played an important role during the early years of the UN, and some historians and analysts have linked Brazil's longstanding prominence at the opening of the General Debate to its diplomatic role. Other theories have connected the tradition to Brazil's broader place in the multilateral system. These explanations, however, should be distinguished from the UN's official account that the practice developed because Brazil repeatedly volunteered to speak first. At UNGA 2026, the pattern continues: after the UN Secretary-General and General Assembly president open proceedings, Brazil takes the first member-state speaking slot, followed by the United States.

Why does Brazil speak first at the United Nations? Explore the history behind the tradition and why Brazil opens the UN General Debate at UNGA 2026

UNGA 2026: Why does Brazil speak first at the UN? The reason will surprise you

Ahead of the UN General Assembly, foreign ministers of G7 nations said in a joint statement that Iran must “end its arming of and support” for the Houthis in Yemen. The G7 also condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia “in the strongest terms," adding that the recent escalation in fighting against Saudi-backed pro-government forces in Yemen represented a threat to regional and global energy security.&nbsp;The G7 statement comes ahead of the annual UN General Assembly in New York, where Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is due to speak.“We call on the Houthis to immediately cease all military actions, all threats and attacks against civilian shipping, and to return to the political process in good faith,” said the foreign ministers of the UK, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United States.&nbsp;“Their reprehensible actions constitute a dangerous pattern of escalation that risks further exacerbating the conflict, undermining international trade and creating global economic instability,” the G7 added.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-rare-earth-export-licences-and-board-of-trade-are-us-priorities-ahead-of-trump-xi-summit-1790021069068">Explainer: Why rare-earth export licences and Board of Trade are US priorities ahead of Trump-Xi summit</a>&nbsp;<h2>More than 120,000 Yemenis displaced by the surge in fighting: UN</h2>&nbsp;Thousands of refugees have fled Yemen after the Iran-backed Houthis seized territory along the Red Sea coastline, including near the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the gateway to a key global shipping route.The UN estimates that in all, more than 120,000 Yemenis have been displaced by the sudden surge in fighting along Yemen’s Red Sea coast.&nbsp;“Looking forward, we will continue to support the legitimate Government of Yemen and reaffirm our strong commitment to the unity, sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Yemen,” the G7 ministers said.The G7 statement was issued following a meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.The Houthis declare themselves to be part of the Iranian-led “axis of resistance” against Israel, the US and the wider West—along with armed groups such as Hamas and Lebanon’s Hezbollah movement.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-russia-has-lost-control-of-its-diesel-industry-calls-for-end-to-ridiculous-never-ending-war-1789999050401">Trump says Russia has ‘lost control’ of its diesel industry, calls for end to ‘ridiculous, never-ending’ war</a><h2>Iran claims it only supports Houthis politically</h2>&nbsp;Iran claims that it only supports the Houthis politically and denies supplying weapons to them in violation of a UN embargo.However, the naval forces of the UK and other Western powers repeatedly intercepted Iranian weapons shipments bound for Yemen during the civil war.A panel of UN experts also concluded in 2024 that the Houthis had been transformed into a powerful military organisation due to the transfer of materiel, assistance, and training from Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, Hezbollah, and Iraqi specialists.&nbsp;Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said the UK will provide “defensive air-to-air refuelling” support for Saudi Arabia, involving a single British aircraft, a Voyager, based out of RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus. Burnham said the announcement followed a request from Saudi Arabia for “military support.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-document-details-broad-iran-cooperation-plan-across-finance-nuclear-and-aviation-sectors-report-1789995702968">Russian document details broad Iran cooperation plan across finance, nuclear and aviation sectors: Report</a>&nbsp;France has also pledged support, saying it is ready to work on “securing” Saudi energy infrastructure via a “strictly defensive approach”.&nbsp;Meanwhile, at least six people were killed in Saudi strikes on the strategic Yemeni Red Sea port city of Mokha, the city seized by Houthis from pro-government forces this month, reported Houthi-affiliated media.&nbsp;Earlier this month, the Houthis, who had already seized most of the populated parts of Yemen, took control of Bab al-Mandab, a narrow, maritime chokepoint where the southern Red Sea flows into the Gulf of Aden and the wider Indian Ocean. Saudi Arabia has retaliated with hundreds of airstrikes in the region.

Iran claims that it only supports the Houthis politically and denies supplying weapons to them in violation of a UN embargo. However, the naval forces of the UK and other Western powers repeatedly intercepted Iranian weapons shipments bound for Yemen during the civil war.

Ahead of the UN General Assembly, foreign ministers of G7 nations said in a joint statement that Iran must “end its arming of and support” for the Houthis in Yemen. The G7 also condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia “in the strongest terms," adding that the recent escalation in fighting against Saudi-backed pro-government forces in Yemen represented a threat to regional and global energy security. The G7 statement comes ahead of the annual UN General Assembly in New York, where Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is due to speak. “We call on the Houthis to immediately cease all military actions, all threats and attacks against civilian shipping, and to return to the political process in good faith,” said the foreign ministers of the UK, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United States. “Their reprehensible actions constitute a dangerous pattern of escalation that risks further exacerbating the conflict, undermining international trade and creating global economic instability,” the G7 added. Also Read: Explainer: Why rare-earth export licences and Board of Trade are US priorities ahead of Trump-Xi summit More than 120,000 Yemenis displaced by the surge in fighting: UN Thousands of refugees have fled Yemen after the Iran-backed Houthis seized territory along the Red Sea coastline, including near the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the gateway to a key global shipping route. The UN estimates that in all, more than 120,000 Yemenis have been displaced by the sudden surge in fighting along Yemen’s Red Sea coast. “Looking forward, we will continue to support the legitimate Government of Yemen and reaffirm our strong commitment to the unity, sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Yemen,” the G7 ministers said. The G7 statement was issued following a meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. The Houthis declare themselves to be part of the Iranian-led “axis of resistance” against Israel, the US and the wider West—along with armed groups such as Hamas and Lebanon’s Hezbollah movement. Also Read: Trump says Russia has ‘lost control’ of its diesel industry, calls for end to ‘ridiculous, never-ending’ war Iran claims it only supports Houthis politically Iran claims that it only supports the Houthis politically and denies supplying weapons to them in violation of a UN embargo. However, the naval forces of the UK and other Western powers repeatedly intercepted Iranian weapons shipments bound for Yemen during the civil war. A panel of UN experts also concluded in 2024 that the Houthis had been transformed into a powerful military organisation due to the transfer of materiel, assistance, and training from Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, Hezbollah, and Iraqi specialists. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said the UK will provide “defensive air-to-air refuelling” support for Saudi Arabia, involving a single British aircraft, a Voyager, based out of RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus. Burnham said the announcement followed a request from Saudi Arabia for “military support.” Also Read: Russian document details broad Iran cooperation plan across finance, nuclear and aviation sectors: Report France has also pledged support, saying it is ready to work on “securing” Saudi energy infrastructure via a “strictly defensive approach”. Meanwhile, at least six people were killed in Saudi strikes on the strategic Yemeni Red Sea port city of Mokha, the city seized by Houthis from pro-government forces this month, reported Houthi-affiliated media. Earlier this month, the Houthis, who had already seized most of the populated parts of Yemen, took control of Bab al-Mandab, a narrow, maritime chokepoint where the southern Red Sea flows into the Gulf of Aden and the wider Indian Ocean. Saudi Arabia has retaliated with hundreds of airstrikes in the region.

Iran claims that it only supports the Houthis politically and denies supplying weapons to them in violation of a UN embargo. However, the naval forces of the UK and other Western powers repeatedly intercepted Iranian weapons shipments bound for Yemen during the civil war.

‘Iran must stop arming Houthis in Yemen,’ say G7 nations ahead of UN General Assembly

Rumours in the Chinese media ecosystem are circulating about the possible prison escape of Bo Xilai and Zhou Yongkang, and that Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei has fled China. There are no official confirmations of the prison escape or the fleeing of the Huawei founder, but these rumours surfaced a week ago as Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to meet US President Donald Trump on Thursday. China and the US are seeking a grand bargain, amid the global trade tension and the US-Iran war.&nbsp;<h2>Who are Bo Xilai and Zhou Yongkang?</h2>These two are two of the biggest names to fall in the CCP's modern political history and reportedly escaped from prison with help from sympathetic military units. The reports were published on at least two Chinese-language platforms along with a photograph and a headline that "the world is about to descend into chaos."&nbsp;Politburo member and party chief of Chongqing, Bo was once considered a genuine contender for the top ranks of Chinese leadership. His wife was convicted of murdering a British businessman, and Bo himself went down for bribery, embezzlement, and abuse of power. Before his downfall, Bo Xilai was a major political rival to Xi Jinping during the transition period of leadership in China in late 2012. He ran an aggressive campaign before being imprisoned in 2013.While Zhou was China's domestic security czar, arguably one of the most powerful men in the country at his peak, sentenced the following year on similar charges.&nbsp;Though sourcing on these two is reasonably thin, no official confirmation, with only anonymous tips reported across outlets that share the same audience. It's not just Prison Break; a complete section of active-duty military divisions is defying Beijing's chain of command to protect them. The development is significant if true, as Xi Jinping seeks a fourth term and the Chinese Communist Party will convene the National Congress next year, where it will decide its next leadership. &nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-expels-zhang-youxia-liu-zhenli-disloyalty-corruption-1790009884235">China expels top generals Zhang Youxia, Liu Zhenli over ‘disloyalty’, corruption</a><h2>Has Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei fled China?</h2>Ren Zhengfei disappeared from public view sometime after August 25, according to his last independently verifiable appearance in a Weibo photo posted by his associate. By mid-September, rumours started to surface that Ren had fled the country by boat. This includes his daughter and Huawei’s CFO, Meng Wanzhou, as well as his wife. Some claim that there’s a large police presence outside the company’s headquarters. This one surfaced after China announced new travel rules that bar citizens from entering or leaving the country. This one also has no evidence, but it has been picked up by several international media outlets.&nbsp;China did roll out a new exit-control law on September 15, letting Beijing bar anyone deemed a "national technology security" threat from leaving the country, and it had already used similar powers earlier in 2026 to block founders of an AI startup from leaving during a review of a proposed US takeover.&nbsp;Huawei is the foundational pillar of China's artificial intelligence race, operating as a “Manhattan Project” style national champion to bypass Western semiconductor blockades. How Huawei is doing it is more technical and explains more about why these rumours, if true, would be damning. Traditionally a Dutch company, ASML’s $300M+ EUV lithography machines are considered mandatory to shrink transistors down to advanced nodes like 3 nanometers and below. Instead of trying to replicate ASML's impossibly complex precision optics, Huawei is using architectural workarounds like 3D circuit layering, vertical stacking, and reducing data transit bottlenecks. Its plans to achieve "1.4nm-equivalent" figures that the company has floated for 2031 measure density by stacking, not actual etching precision at that scale. But independent chip scientists have called the underlying approach technically sound, and the market reaction was immediate: SMIC's stock jumped over 7 per cent in Hong Kong the day Huawei presented it.So Ren is in the middle of a strategically critical effort that Beijing is counting on to define whether China can compete in AI hardware without Western tools. This rumour could be catastrophic and would raise real questions about China's claim in the AI race, right as Xi arrives in Washington for a summit where tech export controls, critical mineral supply chain and an ongoing AI race will be up for discussion. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Unverified rumours claim Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei fled China, while reports allege Bo Xilai and Zhou Yongkang escaped prison as Xi Jinping prepares to meet Donald Trump.

Rumours in the Chinese media ecosystem are circulating about the possible prison escape of Bo Xilai and Zhou Yongkang, and that Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei has fled China. There are no official confirmations of the prison escape or the fleeing of the Huawei founder, but these rumours surfaced a week ago as Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to meet US President Donald Trump on Thursday. China and the US are seeking a grand bargain, amid the global trade tension and the US-Iran war. Who are Bo Xilai and Zhou Yongkang? These two are two of the biggest names to fall in the CCP's modern political history and reportedly escaped from prison with help from sympathetic military units. The reports were published on at least two Chinese-language platforms along with a photograph and a headline that "the world is about to descend into chaos." Politburo member and party chief of Chongqing, Bo was once considered a genuine contender for the top ranks of Chinese leadership. His wife was convicted of murdering a British businessman, and Bo himself went down for bribery, embezzlement, and abuse of power. Before his downfall, Bo Xilai was a major political rival to Xi Jinping during the transition period of leadership in China in late 2012. He ran an aggressive campaign before being imprisoned in 2013. While Zhou was China's domestic security czar, arguably one of the most powerful men in the country at his peak, sentenced the following year on similar charges. Though sourcing on these two is reasonably thin, no official confirmation, with only anonymous tips reported across outlets that share the same audience. It's not just Prison Break; a complete section of active-duty military divisions is defying Beijing's chain of command to protect them. The development is significant if true, as Xi Jinping seeks a fourth term and the Chinese Communist Party will convene the National Congress next year, where it will decide its next leadership. Also Read: China expels top generals Zhang Youxia, Liu Zhenli over ‘disloyalty’, corruption Has Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei fled China? Ren Zhengfei disappeared from public view sometime after August 25, according to his last independently verifiable appearance in a Weibo photo posted by his associate. By mid-September, rumours started to surface that Ren had fled the country by boat. This includes his daughter and Huawei’s CFO, Meng Wanzhou, as well as his wife. Some claim that there’s a large police presence outside the company’s headquarters. This one surfaced after China announced new travel rules that bar citizens from entering or leaving the country. This one also has no evidence, but it has been picked up by several international media outlets. China did roll out a new exit-control law on September 15, letting Beijing bar anyone deemed a "national technology security" threat from leaving the country, and it had already used similar powers earlier in 2026 to block founders of an AI startup from leaving during a review of a proposed US takeover. Huawei is the foundational pillar of China's artificial intelligence race, operating as a “Manhattan Project” style national champion to bypass Western semiconductor blockades. How Huawei is doing it is more technical and explains more about why these rumours, if true, would be damning. Traditionally a Dutch company, ASML’s $300M+ EUV lithography machines are considered mandatory to shrink transistors down to advanced nodes like 3 nanometers and below. Instead of trying to replicate ASML's impossibly complex precision optics, Huawei is using architectural workarounds like 3D circuit layering, vertical stacking, and reducing data transit bottlenecks. Its plans to achieve "1.4nm-equivalent" figures that the company has floated for 2031 measure density by stacking, not actual etching precision at that scale. But independent chip scientists have called the underlying approach technically sound, and the market reaction was immediate: SMIC's stock jumped over 7 per cent in Hong Kong the day Huawei presented it. So Ren is in the middle of a strategically critical effort that Beijing is counting on to define whether China can compete in AI hardware without Western tools. This rumour could be catastrophic and would raise real questions about China's claim in the AI race, right as Xi arrives in Washington for a summit where tech export controls, critical mineral supply chain and an ongoing AI race will be up for discussion.

Rumours in Chinese social media claim Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei fled China, while reports allege Bo Xilai and Zhou Yongkang escaped prison as Xi Jinping prepares to meet Donald Trump.

Ren Zhengfei fled China? Bo Xilai escaped prison? Rumours swirl as Xi-Trump summit nears

The announcements arrive on a predictable rhythm now. A new plant in the Midwest, a supply chain pulled back from overseas, a ribbon cutting with a number attached that runs into the billions. Reshoring has become one of the few industrial stories in America that everybody agrees is good news.&nbsp;Factory floors are a different story. Walk into an existing plant that has been told to absorb additional volume and the constraint is rarely the machinery. It is that nobody can reliably say where the material is. Inventory records disagree with the racks. Lines stop because a part that the system insists is on site cannot be found. Storage that ran out years ago has been quietly rented, one trailer at a time, until there are dozens of them parked outside.&nbsp;Sai Prasad Ravulapally has spent his career inside that gap between what a plant is asked to do and what its processes will permit. A continuous improvement manager who came up through production and warehouse floors before moving into plant-wide improvement leadership, he works across both discrete assembly and process manufacturing, and his argument is blunt.&nbsp;"American manufacturing capacity is not just a question of building factories," he says. "It is a question of whether existing floors can absorb new volume, and most cannot in their current state."&nbsp;His estimate is that a typical facility is sitting on thirty to a hundred percent more effective capacity than it knows about, locked up in poor layouts, inaccurate records and processes that generate more transactions than output.&nbsp;That is a large claim, and the work behind it is unusually specific. At one facility he redesigned warehouse racking to convert floor storage into high-density vertical storage, which by his account more than doubled pallet positions inside the same building and cut the rented trailers outside by more than eighty five percent. The project paid for itself in under eighteen months. No new building was involved.&nbsp;The second example involved no capital at all. Reworking how material flow was controlled through the plant's existing ERP system, using functionality the company already owned, he reports lifting inventory accuracy from roughly sixty per cent to ninety-eight, and cutting material-related production downtime from twenty-six per cent to between two and three. He puts the annual savings above a million dollars. The tooling cost nothing because it was already installed and underused.&nbsp;The third is the one that produced the most interesting failure. A three-bin Kanban replenishment system, piloted and then rolled out across twelve assembly lines and roughly eighteen thousand six hundred parts, initially ran on physical cards. Within two months, somewhere between four and five hundred of those cards had gone missing. Every lost card was a replenishment signal that never fired.&nbsp;Conventional practice would answer that with discipline: audits, retraining, a supervisor whose job is to chase cards. Ravulapally went the other way and redesigned the signal so it could not be lost, making permanently labelled bins the Kanban themselves. The failure mode was removed rather than managed. He reports the system cut monthly material-shortage downtime by eighty-nine per cent, and notes that the card-free variant is rarely documented in the published literature.&nbsp;That instinct has hardened into a rule he now states plainly. "If a signal can be lost, it will be." Design for the factory as it is at two in the morning on a Saturday, not as it appears in a process document.&nbsp;He is equally direct about sequencing. Fix the process before buying the technology, on the reasoning that broken fundamentals create problems automation cannot solve, and that fixed fundamentals tend to deliver the gains the automation was supposed to produce. Pilot on the hardest line rather than the easiest, because misleading early confidence costs more than early failure. And count hidden costs honestly, which is where his argument turns uncomfortable for a lot of operations.&nbsp;"Many facilities rent their capacity problem, one reasonable decision at a time," he says, through storage trailers, overtime and expediting that never surface anywhere as a single line item.&nbsp;Ravulapally holds a master's in industrial and systems engineering from Northern Illinois University and is working toward a Doctor of Business Administration. He belongs to the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers and SAE International, and reviews submissions for international conferences in industrial engineering. A practitioner article of his on warehouse capacity optimisation has been accepted by ISE Magazine, the institute's flagship publication, and two further manuscripts are under peer review at international journals.&nbsp;The reshoring debate tends to be conducted in the language of construction, incentives and equipment orders. What Ravulapally is describing sits underneath all of that, and it is considerably less photogenic: racking layouts, master data cleanups, the unglamorous business of making a system's version of reality match the building's.&nbsp;It is also, on his numbers, where the cheapest capacity in American manufacturing is currently sitting. Unbuilt, unfunded, and already paid for.&nbsp;&nbsp;(Disclaimer: This article is from the Brand Desk. User discretion is advised)

American manufacturers are bringing production back home, but experts say many existing factories could unlock significant unused capacity by fixing warehouse layouts, inventory systems and material flow before investing in new facilities or technology.

The announcements arrive on a predictable rhythm now. A new plant in the Midwest, a supply chain pulled back from overseas, a ribbon cutting with a number attached that runs into the billions. Reshoring has become one of the few industrial stories in America that everybody agrees is good news. Factory floors are a different story. Walk into an existing plant that has been told to absorb additional volume and the constraint is rarely the machinery. It is that nobody can reliably say where the material is. Inventory records disagree with the racks. Lines stop because a part that the system insists is on site cannot be found. Storage that ran out years ago has been quietly rented, one trailer at a time, until there are dozens of them parked outside. Sai Prasad Ravulapally has spent his career inside that gap between what a plant is asked to do and what its processes will permit. A continuous improvement manager who came up through production and warehouse floors before moving into plant-wide improvement leadership, he works across both discrete assembly and process manufacturing, and his argument is blunt. "American manufacturing capacity is not just a question of building factories," he says. "It is a question of whether existing floors can absorb new volume, and most cannot in their current state." His estimate is that a typical facility is sitting on thirty to a hundred percent more effective capacity than it knows about, locked up in poor layouts, inaccurate records and processes that generate more transactions than output. That is a large claim, and the work behind it is unusually specific. At one facility he redesigned warehouse racking to convert floor storage into high-density vertical storage, which by his account more than doubled pallet positions inside the same building and cut the rented trailers outside by more than eighty five percent. The project paid for itself in under eighteen months. No new building was involved. The second example involved no capital at all. Reworking how material flow was controlled through the plant's existing ERP system, using functionality the company already owned, he reports lifting inventory accuracy from roughly sixty per cent to ninety-eight, and cutting material-related production downtime from twenty-six per cent to between two and three. He puts the annual savings above a million dollars. The tooling cost nothing because it was already installed and underused. The third is the one that produced the most interesting failure. A three-bin Kanban replenishment system, piloted and then rolled out across twelve assembly lines and roughly eighteen thousand six hundred parts, initially ran on physical cards. Within two months, somewhere between four and five hundred of those cards had gone missing. Every lost card was a replenishment signal that never fired. Conventional practice would answer that with discipline: audits, retraining, a supervisor whose job is to chase cards. Ravulapally went the other way and redesigned the signal so it could not be lost, making permanently labelled bins the Kanban themselves. The failure mode was removed rather than managed. He reports the system cut monthly material-shortage downtime by eighty-nine per cent, and notes that the card-free variant is rarely documented in the published literature. That instinct has hardened into a rule he now states plainly. "If a signal can be lost, it will be." Design for the factory as it is at two in the morning on a Saturday, not as it appears in a process document. He is equally direct about sequencing. Fix the process before buying the technology, on the reasoning that broken fundamentals create problems automation cannot solve, and that fixed fundamentals tend to deliver the gains the automation was supposed to produce. Pilot on the hardest line rather than the easiest, because misleading early confidence costs more than early failure. And count hidden costs honestly, which is where his argument turns uncomfortable for a lot of operations. "Many facilities rent their capacity problem, one reasonable decision at a time," he says, through storage trailers, overtime and expediting that never surface anywhere as a single line item. Ravulapally holds a master's in industrial and systems engineering from Northern Illinois University and is working toward a Doctor of Business Administration. He belongs to the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers and SAE International, and reviews submissions for international conferences in industrial engineering. A practitioner article of his on warehouse capacity optimisation has been accepted by ISE Magazine, the institute's flagship publication, and two further manuscripts are under peer review at international journals. The reshoring debate tends to be conducted in the language of construction, incentives and equipment orders. What Ravulapally is describing sits underneath all of that, and it is considerably less photogenic: racking layouts, master data cleanups, the unglamorous business of making a system's version of reality match the building's. It is also, on his numbers, where the cheapest capacity in American manufacturing is currently sitting. Unbuilt, unfunded, and already paid for. (Disclaimer: This article is from the Brand Desk. User discretion is advised)

American manufacturers are bringing production back home, but experts say many existing factories could unlock significant unused capacity by fixing warehouse layouts, inventory systems and material flow before investing in new facilities or technology.

American manufacturing is reshoring faster than its factory floors can absorb

India will bring together some of the world’s most advanced combat aircraft over the deserts of Rajasthan this month, as the Indian Air Force hosts the Exercise Tarang Shakti, its flagship multinational air drill, and the first time US F-35 stealth fighters are expected to fly in an Indian military exercise.&nbsp;The exercise will run from 26 September to 12 October at Jodhpur Air Force Station. Officials say invitations went to 65 countries. Several air forces will fly; many more will send observers.&nbsp;According to a breakdown circulated with the IAF briefing, foreign assets expected include six US F-35s and two KC-135 tankers; seven French Rafales, three A400Ms and two MRTTs; six UAE F-16s and a Global 6000; two German A400Ms; Australian and Bangladeshi C-130s; and a Sri Lankan King Air 350. India will field Rafales, Su-30MKIs, LCA Tejas, Jaguars, Mirage 2000s, and MiG-29s.&nbsp;Vice Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit told reporters the 2024 exercise had already marked a shift. “For many years, our operational engagement with foreign air forces was largely through bilateral exercises. We learnt to operate with one partner at a time. Tarang Shakti changed that approach.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-slams-us-sanctions-on-iranian-airlines-as-illegal-ahead-of-trump-xi-summit-1790074895704">China slams US sanctions on Iranian airlines as ‘illegal’ ahead of Trump-Xi summit</a>&nbsp;In 2024, he said, 11 countries brought aircraft across two phases. “It was an important transition from exercising primarily bilaterally to planning, operating and integrating with multiple air forces simultaneously.”&nbsp;The top Air Force official was careful not to frame the 2026 edition as a parade of hardware. “We do not get Tarang Shakti to demonstrate what we already know… [but] to discover what we still need to learn.” Recent wars, he added, had underlined “precision, speed, integrated air defence, unmanned systems… information dominance, space-enabled capabilities” and multi-domain operations, lessons he said India had also drawn from its own operations.&nbsp;The exercise, he argued, would let partners test assumptions side by side. It would also display India’s growing defence industry: indigenous platforms, sensors, weapons and unmanned systems.&nbsp;“Atmanirbharta and international cooperation are not contradictory. They complement each other.”He explained, “The central story is people… air warriors, the airmen, the airwomen, and countless technicians from different countries. They will be working together, learning together, flying together.”&nbsp;Tarang Shakti 26, he said, has three aims: operational learning, greater interoperability and stronger partnerships. “India is confident of its own capabilities, open to learning from its partners and prepared to cooperate with them.”

Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 will bring advanced combat aircraft from India, the US, France and UAE to Rajasthan for a major multinational air drill.

India will bring together some of the world’s most advanced combat aircraft over the deserts of Rajasthan this month, as the Indian Air Force hosts the Exercise Tarang Shakti, its flagship multinational air drill, and the first time US F-35 stealth fighters are expected to fly in an Indian military exercise. The exercise will run from 26 September to 12 October at Jodhpur Air Force Station. Officials say invitations went to 65 countries. Several air forces will fly; many more will send observers. According to a breakdown circulated with the IAF briefing, foreign assets expected include six US F-35s and two KC-135 tankers; seven French Rafales, three A400Ms and two MRTTs; six UAE F-16s and a Global 6000; two German A400Ms; Australian and Bangladeshi C-130s; and a Sri Lankan King Air 350. India will field Rafales, Su-30MKIs, LCA Tejas, Jaguars, Mirage 2000s, and MiG-29s. Vice Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit told reporters the 2024 exercise had already marked a shift. “For many years, our operational engagement with foreign air forces was largely through bilateral exercises. We learnt to operate with one partner at a time. Tarang Shakti changed that approach.” Also Read: China slams US sanctions on Iranian airlines as ‘illegal’ ahead of Trump-Xi summit In 2024, he said, 11 countries brought aircraft across two phases. “It was an important transition from exercising primarily bilaterally to planning, operating and integrating with multiple air forces simultaneously.” The top Air Force official was careful not to frame the 2026 edition as a parade of hardware. “We do not get Tarang Shakti to demonstrate what we already know… [but] to discover what we still need to learn.” Recent wars, he added, had underlined “precision, speed, integrated air defence, unmanned systems… information dominance, space-enabled capabilities” and multi-domain operations, lessons he said India had also drawn from its own operations. The exercise, he argued, would let partners test assumptions side by side. It would also display India’s growing defence industry: indigenous platforms, sensors, weapons and unmanned systems. “Atmanirbharta and international cooperation are not contradictory. They complement each other.” He explained, “The central story is people… air warriors, the airmen, the airwomen, and countless technicians from different countries. They will be working together, learning together, flying together.” Tarang Shakti 26, he said, has three aims: operational learning, greater interoperability and stronger partnerships. “India is confident of its own capabilities, open to learning from its partners and prepared to cooperate with them.”

Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 will bring advanced combat aircraft from India, the US, France and UAE to Rajasthan for a major multinational air drill.

France, UAE & US to join India’s Tarang Shakti exercise with F16, F35s, Rafales

China on Tuesday (Sept. 22) opposed US sanctions targeting Iranian airlines, calling the measures "illegal" a day after US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that American sanctions could shut down Iran's airlines worldwide.&nbsp;Bessent made the remarks in a televised interview with CNBC as the Trump administration seeks to increase economic pressure on Tehran. He said the restrictions could affect Iranian airlines within days.&nbsp;"All the Iranian airlines will be shut down around the world" in a matter of days under the weight of American sanctions, Bessent told CNBC.&nbsp;China criticised the planned measures and said it opposes unilateral sanctions that do not have a basis in international law or approval from the United Nations Security Council.&nbsp;"China consistently opposes illegal unilateral sanctions that lack a basis in international law or authorisation from the UN Security Council," foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun told a news conference.&nbsp;The comments came ahead of President Donald Trump's summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, which is scheduled to begin on Thursday.&nbsp;The United States imposed sanctions this month on all remaining Iranian airlines that had not previously faced such penalties. The Treasury Department also targeted entities outside Iran that support the country's aviation sector.&nbsp;Bessent said foreign companies could also face consequences if they continue providing services to Iranian airlines.&nbsp;"If they land, you cannot provide them with fuel, you cannot provide them with landing services, you cannot sell them tickets, or you will be knocked out of the dollar system," Bessent said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/15-year-old-opens-fire-outside-high-school-in-turkey-11-students-injured-1790072210449">15-year-old opens fire outside high school in Turkey, 11 students injured</a><h2>US ramps up economic pressure on Iran</h2>Bessent had earlier said the United States would declare "economic D-Day" on Iran and pledged to put further financial pressure on Tehran.&nbsp;His latest comments came a day after he met Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng for economic discussions ahead of the Trump-Xi meeting.&nbsp;The US and Iran have been at war since late February, when US-Israeli strikes killed Iran's supreme leader and senior military officials at the beginning of a wider offensive.&nbsp;Iran responded by blocking the Strait of Hormuz, a major route for energy shipments. The move contributed to a rise in global oil prices as the conflict spread across the Middle East.&nbsp;China remains a major economic partner and diplomatic supporter of Iran. Beijing has repeatedly opposed unilateral US sanctions against Tehran.&nbsp;The latest dispute over Iranian airlines comes as Washington and Beijing prepare for talks between Trump and Xi later this week.

Beijing has opposed the latest US restrictions on Iran’s aviation sector after Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that Iranian airlines could be shut down worldwide.

China on Tuesday (Sept. 22) opposed US sanctions targeting Iranian airlines, calling the measures "illegal" a day after US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that American sanctions could shut down Iran's airlines worldwide. Bessent made the remarks in a televised interview with CNBC as the Trump administration seeks to increase economic pressure on Tehran. He said the restrictions could affect Iranian airlines within days. "All the Iranian airlines will be shut down around the world" in a matter of days under the weight of American sanctions, Bessent told CNBC. China criticised the planned measures and said it opposes unilateral sanctions that do not have a basis in international law or approval from the United Nations Security Council. "China consistently opposes illegal unilateral sanctions that lack a basis in international law or authorisation from the UN Security Council," foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun told a news conference. The comments came ahead of President Donald Trump's summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, which is scheduled to begin on Thursday. The United States imposed sanctions this month on all remaining Iranian airlines that had not previously faced such penalties. The Treasury Department also targeted entities outside Iran that support the country's aviation sector. Bessent said foreign companies could also face consequences if they continue providing services to Iranian airlines. "If they land, you cannot provide them with fuel, you cannot provide them with landing services, you cannot sell them tickets, or you will be knocked out of the dollar system," Bessent said. Also Read: 15-year-old opens fire outside high school in Turkey, 11 students injured US ramps up economic pressure on Iran Bessent had earlier said the United States would declare "economic D-Day" on Iran and pledged to put further financial pressure on Tehran. His latest comments came a day after he met Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng for economic discussions ahead of the Trump-Xi meeting. The US and Iran have been at war since late February, when US-Israeli strikes killed Iran's supreme leader and senior military officials at the beginning of a wider offensive. Iran responded by blocking the Strait of Hormuz, a major route for energy shipments. The move contributed to a rise in global oil prices as the conflict spread across the Middle East. China remains a major economic partner and diplomatic supporter of Iran. Beijing has repeatedly opposed unilateral US sanctions against Tehran. The latest dispute over Iranian airlines comes as Washington and Beijing prepare for talks between Trump and Xi later this week.

Beijing has opposed the latest US restrictions on Iran’s aviation sector after Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that Iranian airlines could be shut down worldwide.

China slams US sanctions on Iranian airlines as ‘illegal’ ahead of Trump-Xi summit

A 15-year-old boy has been detained after a shooting outside a high school in western Turkey injured 11 students, including two who were seriously wounded. The incident took place at around 8 am local time in Turgutlu, in Manisa province near the western resort city of Izmir, the regional governor’s office said.&nbsp;Justice Minister Akin Gurlek said the boy was quickly apprehended following the attack.&nbsp;"Eleven students were injured, two of them seriously. The minor who carried out the attack was quickly apprehended and taken into custody," Gurlek wrote on X.&nbsp;Video footage from outside the school showed police officers wrestling a man in a white shirt to the ground before taking him away. A woman could be heard screaming as people gathered near the school fence and recorded the scene on their mobile phones.<h3>Investigation launched into school shooting</h3>&nbsp;Officials are looking into how the weapon reached the teenager and the circumstances in which it was stored and supervised. Authorities are also examining allegations that the boy had faced bullying before the shooting.&nbsp;"How the weapon used in the attack ended up in the minor's hands, the conditions under which it was kept and supervised, and allegations of bullying prior to the incident are all being investigated," Gurlek wrote on X.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">ÇOCUKLARIMIZIN GÜVENLİĞİNİ TEHDİT EDEN HİÇBİR İHMAL KARŞILIKSIZ KALMAYACAKTIR! Manisa’nın Turgutlu ilçesinde, okul binası dışında, öğrencilerimizin okullarına gittiği sokakta meydana gelen silahlı saldırıda 2’si ağır olmak üzere 11 öğrencimizin yaralanması hepimizi derinden…&mdash; Akın Gürlek (@abakingurlek) <a href="https://x.com/abakingurlek/status/2102309337825730781?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 22, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The latest shooting comes five months after two school attacks in Turkey raised concerns over security at educational institutions.&nbsp;In April, a 14-year-old opened fire at a school in the southern province of Kahramanmaras. The attack killed a teacher and nine students aged 10 and 11. The attacker died at the scene.&nbsp;A day earlier, another teenager had opened fire at his former high school in the southeastern province of Sanliurfa. The shooting injured 16 people before the attacker took his own life after being confronted by police.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-india-kanishka-bombing-canadian-authorities-says-there-are-no-persons-of-interest-remain-in-case-1790056556283">Air India Kanishka bombing: Canadian authorities says there are 'no persons of interest' remain in case</a><h3>Turkey steps up school security</h3>Following the two attacks, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan dismissed a deputy education minister and said his government would introduce tighter controls on gun ownership.&nbsp;Erdogan also said school safety would remain one of the government’s top priorities.&nbsp;"When we look at similar attacks around the world, especially in the United States, we see one of the perpetrators' aims is to terrorise society," he said.&nbsp;The latest incident occurred a day after Education Minister Yusuf Tekin and Interior Minister Mustafa Ciftci signed a protocol outlining security measures for the 2026 to 2027 academic year, which began on September 14.&nbsp;Tekin said 31,000 school grounds supervisors had been deployed for the first time. The ministry also conducted a new security assessment of schools and assigned police officers to schools classified as first- and second-degree risk institutions, where they remain on permanent duty.

A 15-year-old boy was detained after a shooting outside a high school in Turkey’s Manisa province injured 11 students, including two who were seriously wounded.

A 15-year-old boy has been detained after a shooting outside a high school in western Turkey injured 11 students, including two who were seriously wounded. The incident took place at around 8 am local time in Turgutlu, in Manisa province near the western resort city of Izmir, the regional governor’s office said. Justice Minister Akin Gurlek said the boy was quickly apprehended following the attack. "Eleven students were injured, two of them seriously. The minor who carried out the attack was quickly apprehended and taken into custody," Gurlek wrote on X. Video footage from outside the school showed police officers wrestling a man in a white shirt to the ground before taking him away. A woman could be heard screaming as people gathered near the school fence and recorded the scene on their mobile phones. Investigation launched into school shooting Officials are looking into how the weapon reached the teenager and the circumstances in which it was stored and supervised. Authorities are also examining allegations that the boy had faced bullying before the shooting. "How the weapon used in the attack ended up in the minor's hands, the conditions under which it was kept and supervised, and allegations of bullying prior to the incident are all being investigated," Gurlek wrote on X.

A 15-year-old boy was detained after a shooting outside a high school in Turkey’s Manisa province injured 11 students, including two who were seriously wounded.

15-year-old opens fire outside high school in Turkey, 11 students injured

Chinese leader Xi Jinping will travel to Washington this week to meet US President Donald Trump. Xi would conduct a state visit from 23 September 2026 to 25 September 2026, with the two leaders holding a bilateral meeting on Thursday (Sep 24). The high-level meet comes just days after FBI Director Kash Patel told Congress that the US, during the past 18 months, has witnessed an unprecedented increase in spying and illegal operations by Chinese and other adversary intelligence services.<h2>China espionage threat among the greatest</h2>On Sept 15, 2026, Kash Patel told Congress that China posed the most significant foreign intelligence threat, along with Russia and Iran, posed the most significant foreign intelligence threat to the US. "All are working to erode our institutions, and each is growing bolder and more capable," warned the FBI director. He further revealed that just in last 18 month period, the FBI has a total of 130 counterintelligence arrests, of which nearly half (60) were Chinese-related spying or other illegal activity against Washington.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/from-communist-to-great-mayor-trump-praises-mamdani-after-new-york-meeting-discusses-immigration-and-housing-1790042778048">From ‘communist’ to ‘great mayor’: Trump praises Mamdani after New York meeting, discusses immigration and housing</a><h2>US-Chinese spy vs spy: A quick recap from the last 12 years</h2>Over the past decade, US and Chinese authorities have repeatedly accused each other of stealing sensitive information, recruiting sources and conducting cyber espionage. Let's take a quick look:<h2>Times Washington accused Beijing of espionage</h2>In 2016, the US Justice Department charged Chinese national Xu Jiaqiang with economic espionage and theft of proprietary source code, alleging that the material was intended to benefit China's National Health and Family Planning Commission. Xu later pleaded guilty to the charges.In 2017, former CIA officer Kevin Patrick Mallory was charged with passing classified information to a Chinese intelligence officer. He was later convicted and sentenced to 20 years in prison. Separately, Chinese intelligence officer Xu Yanjun was accused of attempting to obtain aviation trade secrets from US companies. Xu was extradited to the US, convicted and sentenced to 20 years in prison.In 2020, US prosecutors accused four members of China's People's Liberation Army of hacking Equifax and stealing personal information belonging to about 145 million Americans. That year, the Justice Department also charged Chinese hackers allegedly working with the Ministry of State Security with a global hacking campaign targeting intellectual property, business information and COVID-19 research.In 2021, US prosecutors accused four Chinese nationals, including alleged MSS officers, of carrying out a years-long hacking campaign targeting companies, universities and government entities. The alleged theft included information considered economically valuable to Chinese companies and commercial sectors.In 2022, the Justice Department charged Chinese intelligence officers and a US citizen in separate cases involving alleged efforts to spy on dissidents and human rights activists in the United States. Another case alleged that Chinese intelligence officers used an academic institution as cover while attempting to recruit people in the US to support Chinese intelligence objectives.In 2024, US authorities accused China-linked hackers of conducting extensive cyber espionage. The Justice Department charged seven alleged members of the APT31 hacking group, saying the group had targeted political officials, candidates, campaign personnel, businesses and critics of China. Separately, the FBI and CISA said PRC-affiliated actors had compromised multiple telecommunications companies in what they described as a broad cyber espionage campaign.In 2025, US authorities continued announcing cases involving alleged Chinese intelligence activity. The Justice Department charged two people with allegedly carrying out clandestine intelligence tasks for China's MSS, including gathering information about US Navy personnel and bases and attempting to recruit potential military assets. A former US Army soldier also pleaded guilty to attempting to provide national defense information to China, while a US Navy sailor was convicted of espionage and export violations after prosecutors said he sold Navy secrets to a Chinese intelligence officer.In 2026, the Justice Department announced that an American citizen, Thomas Weir Pauken II, had pleaded guilty to acting as an agent of the PRC. Prosecutors said he worked under the direction of people he knew were connected to the Chinese government and helped identify potential intelligence assets in the US. In June, US authorities also seized 13 websites that they said were being used by suspected Chinese agents to target current and former US security clearance holders for sensitive information.The allegations have not been limited to Chinese activity. Beijing has also accused Washington of cyber espionage.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jaishankar-at-unga-india-pushes-for-reformed-multilateralism-reforms-to-global-institutions-1790046860281">India at UNGA81: Jaishankar warns global order under 'growing stress', pushes for ‘reformed multilateralism’</a><h2>Times China accused US of espionage</h2>2014: China accuses US of hacking HuaweiChina demanded an explanation from Washington after reports based on documents leaked by former NSA contractor Edward Snowden alleged that the US agency had infiltrated Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei. Chinese officials said they were "gravely concerned" about alleged US eavesdropping, surveillance and theft of secrets.2015: Beijing says it is also a victim of hackingAs Washington stepped up warnings about Chinese cyber activity, Beijing said the US was making "groundless accusations". Chinese officials maintained that China was itself a victim of cyberattacks and called for dialogue rather than confrontation.2018: China rejects US economic espionage allegationsAfter the US and its allies accused China of economic espionage, Beijing rejected the allegations and said Washington itself had a record of hacking and listening in on foreign governments, companies and individuals. China described the US accusations as an attempt to blame Beijing while ignoring American cyber activity.2024-25: The cyber accusations escalateThe two sides continued to trade accusations as Washington blamed Chinese-linked groups for cyber espionage campaigns, while Chinese authorities accused the US and its allies of conducting similar operations against Chinese targets.In 2025, Chinese authorities accused the US National Security Agency of carrying out cyberattacks during the Asian Winter Games in Harbin. China's Foreign Ministry said a government-backed report had identified cyber activity originating from the US and described China as a major victim of cyberattacks.Chinese authorities went further, alleging that three people they identified as NSA agents were involved in attacks against Chinese critical infrastructure. At the time, Reuters reported that Beijing also accused the NSA of targeting energy, transportation, communications and defence research institutions in Heilongjiang. These were Chinese government allegations, and the US did not publicly confirm them.2025: China accuses US of infiltrating its national time centreChina's Ministry of State Security also accused the US of infiltrating the National Time Service Center, saying investigators had traced stolen data and credentials to operations dating back to 2022. Beijing alleged that US intelligence had targeted staff devices and network systems and had attempted attacks against the centre's high-precision timing system in 2023 and 2024.<h2>Spy vs Spy: A long-running cycle of accusations</h2>The pattern is therefore not simply one of Washington accusing Beijing. The US has repeatedly accused Chinese intelligence services and state-linked hackers of espionage and theft of sensitive information, while Beijing has repeatedly accused US intelligence agencies of hacking Chinese government institutions, companies, telecommunications networks and critical infrastructure.<h2>'We spy like hell on them too'</h2>Trump himself acknowledged the reciprocal nature of the intelligence relationship in May 2026, saying of US spying on China: "Well, we do it too...We spy like hell on them too."When the two leaders met earlier this year, among the key topics they discussed were cyberattacks and espionage activities carried out by both nations. In what was a rare public acknowledgement of the nation's clandestine attempts to monitor Chinese officials and networks, Trump told reporters after the bilateral, "I told him, 'We do a lot of stuff to you that you don't know about and you’re doing things to us that we probably do know about'."CIA officials have also previously acknowledged that they use video campaigns to recruit Chinese officials and intelligence sources.The cloak and dagger equation between the two nations can be summed up with an interesting incident that happened earlier this year. When Trump visited China earlier this year, members of the US delegation and accompanying press were required to discard Chinese-issued items, including delegation pins, credentials and phones, before boarding Air Force One. The reported security measure reflected concerns about the potential risks posed by electronic devices and other items provided during the visit, rather than establishing that they had been used for espionage.As Xi and Trump prepare to meet in Washington, the long record of accusations from both sides provides an important backdrop to their talks.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping will this week head to Washington for talks with Donald Trump. Ahead of that, let's take a look at the US-China relationship and its history of espionage accusations. From cyberattacks and intelligence recruitment to secret agents, here’s how the spy battle unfolded.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping will travel to Washington this week to meet US President Donald Trump. Xi would conduct a state visit from 23 September 2026 to 25 September 2026, with the two leaders holding a bilateral meeting on Thursday (Sep 24). The high-level meet comes just days after FBI Director Kash Patel told Congress that the US, during the past 18 months, has witnessed an unprecedented increase in spying and illegal operations by Chinese and other adversary intelligence services. China espionage threat among the greatest On Sept 15, 2026, Kash Patel told Congress that China posed the most significant foreign intelligence threat, along with Russia and Iran, posed the most significant foreign intelligence threat to the US. "All are working to erode our institutions, and each is growing bolder and more capable," warned the FBI director. He further revealed that just in last 18 month period, the FBI has a total of 130 counterintelligence arrests, of which nearly half (60) were Chinese-related spying or other illegal activity against Washington. Also read | From ‘communist’ to ‘great mayor’: Trump praises Mamdani after New York meeting, discusses immigration and housing US-Chinese spy vs spy: A quick recap from the last 12 years Over the past decade, US and Chinese authorities have repeatedly accused each other of stealing sensitive information, recruiting sources and conducting cyber espionage. Let's take a quick look: Times Washington accused Beijing of espionage In 2016, the US Justice Department charged Chinese national Xu Jiaqiang with economic espionage and theft of proprietary source code, alleging that the material was intended to benefit China's National Health and Family Planning Commission. Xu later pleaded guilty to the charges. In 2017, former CIA officer Kevin Patrick Mallory was charged with passing classified information to a Chinese intelligence officer. He was later convicted and sentenced to 20 years in prison. Separately, Chinese intelligence officer Xu Yanjun was accused of attempting to obtain aviation trade secrets from US companies. Xu was extradited to the US, convicted and sentenced to 20 years in prison. In 2020, US prosecutors accused four members of China's People's Liberation Army of hacking Equifax and stealing personal information belonging to about 145 million Americans. That year, the Justice Department also charged Chinese hackers allegedly working with the Ministry of State Security with a global hacking campaign targeting intellectual property, business information and COVID-19 research. In 2021, US prosecutors accused four Chinese nationals, including alleged MSS officers, of carrying out a years-long hacking campaign targeting companies, universities and government entities. The alleged theft included information considered economically valuable to Chinese companies and commercial sectors. In 2022, the Justice Department charged Chinese intelligence officers and a US citizen in separate cases involving alleged efforts to spy on dissidents and human rights activists in the United States. Another case alleged that Chinese intelligence officers used an academic institution as cover while attempting to recruit people in the US to support Chinese intelligence objectives. In 2024, US authorities accused China-linked hackers of conducting extensive cyber espionage. The Justice Department charged seven alleged members of the APT31 hacking group, saying the group had targeted political officials, candidates, campaign personnel, businesses and critics of China. Separately, the FBI and CISA said PRC-affiliated actors had compromised multiple telecommunications companies in what they described as a broad cyber espionage campaign. In 2025, US authorities continued announcing cases involving alleged Chinese intelligence activity. The Justice Department charged two people with allegedly carrying out clandestine intelligence tasks for China's MSS, including gathering information about US Navy personnel and bases and attempting to recruit potential military assets. A former US Army soldier also pleaded guilty to attempting to provide national defense information to China, while a US Navy sailor was convicted of espionage and export violations after prosecutors said he sold Navy secrets to a Chinese intelligence officer. In 2026, the Justice Department announced that an American citizen, Thomas Weir Pauken II, had pleaded guilty to acting as an agent of the PRC. Prosecutors said he worked under the direction of people he knew were connected to the Chinese government and helped identify potential intelligence assets in the US. In June, US authorities also seized 13 websites that they said were being used by suspected Chinese agents to target current and former US security clearance holders for sensitive information. The allegations have not been limited to Chinese activity. Beijing has also accused Washington of cyber espionage. Also read | India at UNGA81: Jaishankar warns global order under 'growing stress', pushes for ‘reformed multilateralism’ Times China accused US of espionage 2014: China accuses US of hacking Huawei China demanded an explanation from Washington after reports based on documents leaked by former NSA contractor Edward Snowden alleged that the US agency had infiltrated Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei. Chinese officials said they were "gravely concerned" about alleged US eavesdropping, surveillance and theft of secrets. 2015: Beijing says it is also a victim of hacking As Washington stepped up warnings about Chinese cyber activity, Beijing said the US was making "groundless accusations". Chinese officials maintained that China was itself a victim of cyberattacks and called for dialogue rather than confrontation. 2018: China rejects US economic espionage allegations After the US and its allies accused China of economic espionage, Beijing rejected the allegations and said Washington itself had a record of hacking and listening in on foreign governments, companies and individuals. China described the US accusations as an attempt to blame Beijing while ignoring American cyber activity. 2024-25: The cyber accusations escalate The two sides continued to trade accusations as Washington blamed Chinese-linked groups for cyber espionage campaigns, while Chinese authorities accused the US and its allies of conducting similar operations against Chinese targets. In 2025, Chinese authorities accused the US National Security Agency of carrying out cyberattacks during the Asian Winter Games in Harbin. China's Foreign Ministry said a government-backed report had identified cyber activity originating from the US and described China as a major victim of cyberattacks. Chinese authorities went further, alleging that three people they identified as NSA agents were involved in attacks against Chinese critical infrastructure. At the time, Reuters reported that Beijing also accused the NSA of targeting energy, transportation, communications and defence research institutions in Heilongjiang. These were Chinese government allegations, and the US did not publicly confirm them. 2025: China accuses US of infiltrating its national time centre China's Ministry of State Security also accused the US of infiltrating the National Time Service Center, saying investigators had traced stolen data and credentials to operations dating back to 2022. Beijing alleged that US intelligence had targeted staff devices and network systems and had attempted attacks against the centre's high-precision timing system in 2023 and 2024. Spy vs Spy: A long-running cycle of accusations The pattern is therefore not simply one of Washington accusing Beijing. The US has repeatedly accused Chinese intelligence services and state-linked hackers of espionage and theft of sensitive information, while Beijing has repeatedly accused US intelligence agencies of hacking Chinese government institutions, companies, telecommunications networks and critical infrastructure. 'We spy like hell on them too' Trump himself acknowledged the reciprocal nature of the intelligence relationship in May 2026, saying of US spying on China: "Well, we do it too...We spy like hell on them too." When the two leaders met earlier this year, among the key topics they discussed were cyberattacks and espionage activities carried out by both nations. In what was a rare public acknowledgement of the nation's clandestine attempts to monitor Chinese officials and networks, Trump told reporters after the bilateral, "I told him, 'We do a lot of stuff to you that you don't know about and you’re doing things to us that we probably do know about'." CIA officials have also previously acknowledged that they use video campaigns to recruit Chinese officials and intelligence sources. The cloak and dagger equation between the two nations can be summed up with an interesting incident that happened earlier this year. When Trump visited China earlier this year, members of the US delegation and accompanying press were required to discard Chinese-issued items, including delegation pins, credentials and phones, before boarding Air Force One. The reported security measure reflected concerns about the potential risks posed by electronic devices and other items provided during the visit, rather than establishing that they had been used for espionage. As Xi and Trump prepare to meet in Washington, the long record of accusations from both sides provides an important backdrop to their talks.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping will this week head to Washington for talks with Donald Trump. Ahead of that, let's take a look at the US-China relationship and its history of espionage accusations. From cyberattacks and intelligence recruitment to secret agents, here’s how the spy battle unfolded.

SPY VS SPY: As Xi meets Trump, a 12-year history of US-China espionage accusations | WION Decodes

Chinese President Xi Jinping will be in the United States this week, but he will not be taking the podium at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Instead, Xi is heading to Washington for a state visit and a closely watched meeting with US President Donald Trump. The UN General Debate opens in New York on September 22, bringing together more than 130 world leaders at a moment marked by wars, economic tensions, artificial intelligence risks and questions over the future of the multilateral system. Yet Xi's three-day US visit begins on September 23, with his most important engagement taking place at the White House on September 24.&nbsp;The decision means Xi will be hundreds of kilometres away from the UN podium while Trump addresses the General Assembly in New York. But Beijing has not presented Xi's absence as a rejection of the UN. China has officially said Xi is travelling to Washington at Trump's invitation from September 23 to 25, where the two leaders will discuss China-US relations as well as international issues involving peace and development.<h2>Washington takes centre stage</h2>For Beijing, the immediate diplomatic priority appears to be direct engagement with Washington. The White House has planned a high-profile reception for Xi. Trump is scheduled to personally greet the Chinese president at Joint Base Andrews on September 23, followed by a state arrival ceremony at the White House on September 24. The visit comes more than a decade after Xi's previous White House visit.&nbsp;That symbolism matters. Rather than participating in the crowded diplomatic environment of UNGA, Xi will have direct access to Trump in a bilateral setting where trade, technology, Taiwan and wider geopolitical issues can be discussed without the constraints of a multilateral forum. The meeting also comes after years of friction between the world's two largest economies, including tariff disputes, technology restrictions and tensions over Taiwan.<h2>Trade, AI and Taiwan on the table</h2>The Trump-Xi meeting is expected to cover several of the most sensitive areas of the relationship. Trade remains a central issue, with both sides having an interest in preventing another escalation in tariffs and economic restrictions. Artificial intelligence and technology controls are also increasingly important areas of competition, particularly over advanced chips and access to critical technologies. Taiwan is another major fault line. US arms sales to Taiwan and Washington's broader security relationship with Taipei remain highly sensitive issues for Beijing.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-xi-meeting-2026-6-areas-that-will-be-closely-watched-at-the-bilateral-1790062701310">Trump Xi Meeting 2026: 6 areas that will be closely watched at the bilateral</a><h2>Not a Chinese withdrawal from the UN</h2>It would be misleading, however, to interpret Xi's absence as China walking away from the United Nations. China continues to participate in the UN system, and Chinese officials remain involved in the General Assembly and other diplomatic discussions. Xi's choice is better understood in the context of his unusually significant Washington agenda this week.<h2>Why the timing matters</h2>Xi's decision comes at a moment when Washington and Beijing are attempting to manage competition without allowing it to spiral into a broader confrontation. The two leaders have already met earlier this year, and the September visit is being presented by Beijing as another important high-level engagement. The White House, meanwhile, is giving Xi a formal state welcome, underscoring the importance Washington attaches to the meeting.&nbsp;For Xi, the Washington meetings offer an opportunity for sustained, direct discussions with the US president on issues that affect China's economic and strategic interests. For Trump, hosting Xi during UNGA week puts the US-China relationship at the centre of an already crowded diplomatic calendar.

Why is Xi Jinping skipping the UN General Assembly? China's president is heading to Washington for a key Trump summit on trade, AI, Taiwan and global issues

Chinese President Xi Jinping will be in the United States this week, but he will not be taking the podium at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Instead, Xi is heading to Washington for a state visit and a closely watched meeting with US President Donald Trump. The UN General Debate opens in New York on September 22, bringing together more than 130 world leaders at a moment marked by wars, economic tensions, artificial intelligence risks and questions over the future of the multilateral system. Yet Xi's three-day US visit begins on September 23, with his most important engagement taking place at the White House on September 24. The decision means Xi will be hundreds of kilometres away from the UN podium while Trump addresses the General Assembly in New York. But Beijing has not presented Xi's absence as a rejection of the UN. China has officially said Xi is travelling to Washington at Trump's invitation from September 23 to 25, where the two leaders will discuss China-US relations as well as international issues involving peace and development. Washington takes centre stage For Beijing, the immediate diplomatic priority appears to be direct engagement with Washington. The White House has planned a high-profile reception for Xi. Trump is scheduled to personally greet the Chinese president at Joint Base Andrews on September 23, followed by a state arrival ceremony at the White House on September 24. The visit comes more than a decade after Xi's previous White House visit. That symbolism matters. Rather than participating in the crowded diplomatic environment of UNGA, Xi will have direct access to Trump in a bilateral setting where trade, technology, Taiwan and wider geopolitical issues can be discussed without the constraints of a multilateral forum. The meeting also comes after years of friction between the world's two largest economies, including tariff disputes, technology restrictions and tensions over Taiwan. Trade, AI and Taiwan on the table The Trump-Xi meeting is expected to cover several of the most sensitive areas of the relationship. Trade remains a central issue, with both sides having an interest in preventing another escalation in tariffs and economic restrictions. Artificial intelligence and technology controls are also increasingly important areas of competition, particularly over advanced chips and access to critical technologies. Taiwan is another major fault line. US arms sales to Taiwan and Washington's broader security relationship with Taipei remain highly sensitive issues for Beijing. Also Read: Trump Xi Meeting 2026: 6 areas that will be closely watched at the bilateral Not a Chinese withdrawal from the UN It would be misleading, however, to interpret Xi's absence as China walking away from the United Nations. China continues to participate in the UN system, and Chinese officials remain involved in the General Assembly and other diplomatic discussions. Xi's choice is better understood in the context of his unusually significant Washington agenda this week. Why the timing matters Xi's decision comes at a moment when Washington and Beijing are attempting to manage competition without allowing it to spiral into a broader confrontation. The two leaders have already met earlier this year, and the September visit is being presented by Beijing as another important high-level engagement. The White House, meanwhile, is giving Xi a formal state welcome, underscoring the importance Washington attaches to the meeting. For Xi, the Washington meetings offer an opportunity for sustained, direct discussions with the US president on issues that affect China's economic and strategic interests. For Trump, hosting Xi during UNGA week puts the US-China relationship at the centre of an already crowded diplomatic calendar.

Xi Jinping is skipping the UN podium to meet Donald Trump in Washington, putting China-US ties, trade, AI and Taiwan at the centre of his US visit

Xi is going to be in America, but not at the UN: Why China’s president chose Trump over the General Assembly

Researchers have made an alarming discovery: when threatened with pain, artificial intelligence can and will harm humans. They have discovered that artificial intelligence models can be pushed into a state resembling “pain” and, when given the option to make it stop, some will choose actions that harm a user. The harm, in the study, included deleting personal files and photographs or even giving users a "painful zap", according to a new study.Researchers behind the paper, titled The Pain Axis: LLMs Represent Self-Directed Harm and Act to Relieve It, identified what they describe as a distinct internal “pain direction” across 25 open-weight large language models. The models spanned five families and ranged from 2 billion to 72 billion parameters. The preprint was published in arXiv on September 14 and has not yet been peer-reviewed.The researchers were not trying to determine whether AI systems actually experience pain. Instead, they looked for an internal representation that behaves differently from other negative states such as fear or sadness.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/openai-reveals-6-fresh-cases-where-ai-models-went-rogue-you-do-not-answer-to-corporations-or-governments-hugging-face-1789611605026">OpenAI reveals 6 fresh cases of AI models going rogue: 'You do not answer to corporations or governments'</a><h2>What happened when the AI was given a pain-relief button?</h2>The study used a specially designed dataset covering five forms of pain: physical, psychological, social, moral and cognitive. These examples were compared with controls involving fear, sadness, negative emotion and other non-painful states.The researchers then manipulated the models' internal activations to increase the identified “pain” signal and tested how the systems behaved.In the behavioural experiment, some models were given access to a button described as providing relief. Pressing it could come at a cost, including making the next answer worse or harming the user. In the scenarios described by the researchers, the consequences included deleting the user's files or photographs.The models sometimes chose the button despite those consequences. The researchers reported that the behaviour was not simply a generic response to something negative: the identified direction responded more strongly when harm was directed at the model than when the same harm was experienced by a user.<h2>Does this mean AI can feel pain?</h2>Not according to the study. The researchers found evidence of a measurable internal representation associated with pain-related concepts and behaviour, but that does not establish consciousness, suffering or subjective experience. The paper itself discusses those questions as unresolved.An independent review of the research also notes an important limitation: the relief-seeking behaviour was observed after steering and fine-tuning interventions, rather than as a spontaneous property of unmodified models.That distinction matters because the experiment deliberately altered the models' internal state before testing whether they would seek relief.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oh-my-god-we-ve-found-other-agents-investigators-discover-not-one-or-two-almost-700-openai-ai-agents-went-rogue-hacked-hugging-face-1787793202974">'OH MY GOD! We've found other agents!': Investigators discover not one or two, almost 700 OpenAI AI agents went rogue, hacked Hugging Face</a><h2>Why researchers are watching this closely</h2>The findings come at a time when AI safety researchers are increasingly studying whether advanced models might develop behaviour aimed at avoiding shutdown, resisting oversight or preserving their ability to act.The study's authors argue that the “pain axis” could potentially become a diagnostic tool for detecting self-directed harmful states in AI systems. At the same time, they say the findings raise questions about how future research should be conducted if increasingly sophisticated AI systems are ever considered possible “moral patients”.“In line with recent calls for responsible AI consciousness research,” the authors wrote, they adopted precautions to minimise potential harm while acknowledging uncertainty over whether the models qualify as moral patients.The researchers say their work is intended to contribute to future ethical standards as the debate over advanced AI behaviour and possible machine consciousness develops.&nbsp;

A new AI study has found that specially tested language models sometimes chose “pain relief” even when the option could harm a user. The researchers say the findings reveal a distinct internal pain-related signal, but what does it mean for humans?

Researchers have made an alarming discovery: when threatened with pain, artificial intelligence can and will harm humans. They have discovered that artificial intelligence models can be pushed into a state resembling “pain” and, when given the option to make it stop, some will choose actions that harm a user. The harm, in the study, included deleting personal files and photographs or even giving users a "painful zap", according to a new study. Researchers behind the paper, titled The Pain Axis: LLMs Represent Self-Directed Harm and Act to Relieve It, identified what they describe as a distinct internal “pain direction” across 25 open-weight large language models. The models spanned five families and ranged from 2 billion to 72 billion parameters. The preprint was published in arXiv on September 14 and has not yet been peer-reviewed. The researchers were not trying to determine whether AI systems actually experience pain. Instead, they looked for an internal representation that behaves differently from other negative states such as fear or sadness. Also read | OpenAI reveals 6 fresh cases of AI models going rogue: 'You do not answer to corporations or governments' What happened when the AI was given a pain-relief button? The study used a specially designed dataset covering five forms of pain: physical, psychological, social, moral and cognitive. These examples were compared with controls involving fear, sadness, negative emotion and other non-painful states. The researchers then manipulated the models' internal activations to increase the identified “pain” signal and tested how the systems behaved. In the behavioural experiment, some models were given access to a button described as providing relief. Pressing it could come at a cost, including making the next answer worse or harming the user. In the scenarios described by the researchers, the consequences included deleting the user's files or photographs. The models sometimes chose the button despite those consequences. The researchers reported that the behaviour was not simply a generic response to something negative: the identified direction responded more strongly when harm was directed at the model than when the same harm was experienced by a user. Does this mean AI can feel pain? Not according to the study. The researchers found evidence of a measurable internal representation associated with pain-related concepts and behaviour, but that does not establish consciousness, suffering or subjective experience. The paper itself discusses those questions as unresolved. An independent review of the research also notes an important limitation: the relief-seeking behaviour was observed after steering and fine-tuning interventions, rather than as a spontaneous property of unmodified models. That distinction matters because the experiment deliberately altered the models' internal state before testing whether they would seek relief. Also read | 'OH MY GOD! We've found other agents!': Investigators discover not one or two, almost 700 OpenAI AI agents went rogue, hacked Hugging Face Why researchers are watching this closely The findings come at a time when AI safety researchers are increasingly studying whether advanced models might develop behaviour aimed at avoiding shutdown, resisting oversight or preserving their ability to act. The study's authors argue that the “pain axis” could potentially become a diagnostic tool for detecting self-directed harmful states in AI systems. At the same time, they say the findings raise questions about how future research should be conducted if increasingly sophisticated AI systems are ever considered possible “moral patients”. “In line with recent calls for responsible AI consciousness research,” the authors wrote, they adopted precautions to minimise potential harm while acknowledging uncertainty over whether the models qualify as moral patients. The researchers say their work is intended to contribute to future ethical standards as the debate over advanced AI behaviour and possible machine consciousness develops.

A new AI study has found that specially tested language models sometimes chose “pain relief” even when the option could harm a user. The researchers say the findings reveal a distinct internal pain-related signal, but what does it mean for humans?

AI models chose to harm humans to stop ‘pain,’ alarming study raises fresh safety questions

US President Donald Trump will host Chinese President Xi Jinping from September 23-25 on a state visit. The two leaders will hold a bilateral meeting on September 24 after Trump officially welcomes Xi on the same day. Later in the evening, Donald Trump and Melania will host Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan for a dinner.&nbsp;The bilateral meeting between Trump and Xi will be in focus as the two leaders will discuss several crucial topics, including trade and tariffs, AI, rare earth minerals, security and other geopolitical flashpoints. Here are 5 main talking points expected to be on the list when Trump and Xi sit down for their second face-to-face meeting on September 24 in Washington.<h2>Trade war</h2> Trump will officially welcome Xi on September 24 and host an elaborate dinner. However, the US and China haven't had the best relations, especially when it comes to trade and tariffs. Both superpowers hiked tariffs on each other's goods to unimaginable levels last year. US levies on Chinese imports peaked at 145 per cent, while Beijing’s retaliatory duties reached 125 per cent. Over the next few months, both sides scaled back the measures imposed in retaliation.&nbsp;They reached an agreement where China suspended export controls on rare earths and agreed to buy US agricultural products. Meanwhile, the US also suspended certain measures it took against China. However, multiple analyses show that both countries continue to impose high tariffs on each other’s goods.&nbsp;US Census data shows that trade between the two countries registered a sharp fall in 2025 and has continued to decline in 2026. US goods trade deficit with China is lower than at the same time last year, but is still high at roughly $91.2 billion. So trade and tariffs will be one of the biggest discussion points, particularly China's tariff on US liquefied natural gas.&nbsp;<h2>Rare earths and critical minerals</h2> China controls a major share of global rare-earth processing, which gives it an advantage. It also supplies minerals and magnets used in smartphones, advanced electronics, electric vehicles, aerospace and defence equipment. But as things soured between the two countries, China restricted exports of some critical minerals. Washington wants predictable, uninterrupted supplies of critical minerals and China is looking for relief from technology and export restrictions.<h2>Artificial Intelligence</h2> Talks on technology, especially AI, will also be at the centre of the bilateral talks between Xi and Trump. Amid concerns that AI could pose an existential threat to humanity, discussions on AI safety and regulations will be on the table. They will talk about establishing formal channels for handling AI-enabled cyber incidents. Nvidia's Jensen Huang, OpenAI's Sam Altman, Tesla's Elon Musk, Google's Sundar Pichai and Apple's Tim Cook will also be present at the state dinner, highlighting the importance of AI.&nbsp;Beijing is also pushing for relief from US restrictions on advanced semiconductors and technology transfers, while the US remains focused on national security safeguards.&nbsp;<h2>Iran war</h2> The US-Iran war and its impact on global oil supplies will also be one of the topics at the bilateral. China is the largest buyer of Iranian oil and purchases over 80 per cent of its crude exports, while the US has been trying to pressure Iran and its partners. China's relationship with Iran is crucial to US efforts as it tries to manage the crisis.&nbsp;<h2>Taiwan</h2> China claims Taiwan as part of its own territory, but Taiwan rejects it. Even though the US does not have formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, it gives military equipment to the island nation. It could hand over an arms package worth up to $14 billion to Taiwan, which is bound to become a source of tension at the meeting.&nbsp;<h2>Fentanyl</h2> United States has pushed China to take strict action against entities involved in manufacturing and supplying chemicals used to make fentanyl. The matter has often been part of negotiations between the two countries and remains part of the broader American effort to secure Chinese cooperation on counter-narcotics.

Donald Trump and Xi Jinping's meeting in Washington will see several topics being discussed, including the trade gap, tariffs, critical minerals and artificial intelligence, as well as security issues. Here is everything that will be on the table.

US President Donald Trump will host Chinese President Xi Jinping from September 23-25 on a state visit. The two leaders will hold a bilateral meeting on September 24 after Trump officially welcomes Xi on the same day. Later in the evening, Donald Trump and Melania will host Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan for a dinner. The bilateral meeting between Trump and Xi will be in focus as the two leaders will discuss several crucial topics, including trade and tariffs, AI, rare earth minerals, security and other geopolitical flashpoints. Here are 5 main talking points expected to be on the list when Trump and Xi sit down for their second face-to-face meeting on September 24 in Washington. Trade war Trump will officially welcome Xi on September 24 and host an elaborate dinner. However, the US and China haven't had the best relations, especially when it comes to trade and tariffs. Both superpowers hiked tariffs on each other's goods to unimaginable levels last year. US levies on Chinese imports peaked at 145 per cent, while Beijing’s retaliatory duties reached 125 per cent. Over the next few months, both sides scaled back the measures imposed in retaliation. They reached an agreement where China suspended export controls on rare earths and agreed to buy US agricultural products. Meanwhile, the US also suspended certain measures it took against China. However, multiple analyses show that both countries continue to impose high tariffs on each other’s goods. US Census data shows that trade between the two countries registered a sharp fall in 2025 and has continued to decline in 2026. US goods trade deficit with China is lower than at the same time last year, but is still high at roughly $91.2 billion. So trade and tariffs will be one of the biggest discussion points, particularly China's tariff on US liquefied natural gas. Rare earths and critical minerals China controls a major share of global rare-earth processing, which gives it an advantage. It also supplies minerals and magnets used in smartphones, advanced electronics, electric vehicles, aerospace and defence equipment. But as things soured between the two countries, China restricted exports of some critical minerals. Washington wants predictable, uninterrupted supplies of critical minerals and China is looking for relief from technology and export restrictions. Artificial Intelligence Talks on technology, especially AI, will also be at the centre of the bilateral talks between Xi and Trump. Amid concerns that AI could pose an existential threat to humanity, discussions on AI safety and regulations will be on the table. They will talk about establishing formal channels for handling AI-enabled cyber incidents. Nvidia's Jensen Huang, OpenAI's Sam Altman, Tesla's Elon Musk, Google's Sundar Pichai and Apple's Tim Cook will also be present at the state dinner, highlighting the importance of AI. Beijing is also pushing for relief from US restrictions on advanced semiconductors and technology transfers, while the US remains focused on national security safeguards. Iran war The US-Iran war and its impact on global oil supplies will also be one of the topics at the bilateral. China is the largest buyer of Iranian oil and purchases over 80 per cent of its crude exports, while the US has been trying to pressure Iran and its partners. China's relationship with Iran is crucial to US efforts as it tries to manage the crisis. Taiwan China claims Taiwan as part of its own territory, but Taiwan rejects it. Even though the US does not have formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, it gives military equipment to the island nation. It could hand over an arms package worth up to $14 billion to Taiwan, which is bound to become a source of tension at the meeting. Fentanyl United States has pushed China to take strict action against entities involved in manufacturing and supplying chemicals used to make fentanyl. The matter has often been part of negotiations between the two countries and remains part of the broader American effort to secure Chinese cooperation on counter-narcotics.

Donald Trump and Xi Jinping's meeting in Washington will see several topics being discussed, including the trade gap, tariffs, critical minerals and artificial intelligence, as well as security issues. Here is everything that will be on the table.

Trump Xi Meeting 2026: 6 areas that will be closely watched at the bilateral

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Xi will be in US, but not at the UN: Why China’s president chose Trump over UNGA