Author: staff
Taiwan asserted its sovereignty Saturday after U.S. President Donald Trump warned against Taiwanese self-determination following the American leader’s two-day summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing. Taiwan “is a sovereign and independent democratic nation, and is not subordinate to the People’s Republic of China,” Taiwan’s foreign ministry said in a statement. The ministry’s remarks come as a swift rebuke against Trump, who said Friday that he was “not looking to have somebody go independent” when asked about whether the U.S. would come to Taiwan’s rescue in the event of an invasion by China. “And, you know, we’re supposed to…
Published on 16/05/2026 – 16:39 GMT+2•Updated 16:42 Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has kicked off the European leg of his official tour with a meeting with the Dutch King and Queen in The Hague. Modi is currently on a six-day trip across the Middle East and Europe that began in the United Arab Emirates and will later see him visit Sweden, Norway, and Italy, meeting a host of key leaders including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Modi met with the Netherlands’ King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima, as well as a number of Dutch business executives, at the Huis…
His trip to France, as well as a previously announced June visit to Spain, showcases the Vatican leader’s interest in building ties with secular Catholic countries in Europe. It will be the first papal visit to France in 18 years. French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed the news Saturday, sharing on social media that “we are delighted that His Holiness Pope Leo XIV has confirmed his trip to France. This visit next September will be an honor for our country, a joy for Catholics, and a great moment of hope for everyone.” Macron visited the Vatican in April, where he extended…
John Bolton, der einst unter Donald Trump Nationaler Sicherheitsberater im Weißen Haus war, hat sich zu einem seiner schärfsten Kritiker entwickelt. Im exklusiven Interview zieht er eine düstere Bilanz der aktuellen US-Außenpolitik und analysiert die unberechenbare Strategie des Präsidenten. Bolton spart nicht mit deutlichen Worten in Richtung Washington. Er diente unter Reagan sowie beiden Bushs und versuchte fast zwei Jahre lang als Trumps nationaler Sicherheitsberater, dessen impulsive Sprünge in eine geordnete Strategie zu verwandeln. Ein, wie er heute selbst sagt, völlig aussichtsloses Unterfangen. Im Gespräch rechnet Bolton mit Trumps aktuellem Kurs im Iran-Konflikt ab. Während der Präsident glaubt, an der…
Published on 16/05/2026 – 12:19 GMT+2 Russian President Vladimir Putin will pay a visit to his Chinese counterpart from 19 to 20 May, just days after US President Donald Trump wrapped up a state visit to Beijing, the Kremlin has announced. In a post on Telegram, Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Putin would make the official trip “at the invitation” of Chinese President Xi Jinping, adding that it was intended to mark the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation between the two nations. The pair are set to discuss ways to…
Putin and Xi “will discuss current bilateral matters, ways to further strengthen the comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation between the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China, and exchange views on key international and regional matters,” according to a Kremlin statement. The Russian leader last visited China in 2025, when he signed several deals with Xi that boosted economic ties in areas such as energy and technology. China is Russia’s largest trading partner, as Moscow has shifted its economic focus to Asia after Western sanctions over Putin’s all-out invasion of Ukraine. During the Tuesday-Wednesday visit, Putin will also discuss…
Published on 16/05/2026 – 12:31 GMT+2 OpenAI has signed its first partnership with a national government bringing the paid version of ChatGPT for free to residents of Malta. OpenAI and the Government of Malta on Saturday announced a deal that will give every citizen free access to the artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot for one year through a government-led AI literacy programme. Citizens and residents registered with Malta’s online identity system can apply after completing a free online course called AI for All, developed by the University of Malta. According to the Malta Digital Innovation Authority, the course is designed to…
“Kosovo urgently needs to catch up on EU-related priorities,” Kos said during a press conference with caretaker Prime Minister Albin Kurti in Pristina. “Kosovo needs stable institutions and an effective government,” she added. Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008 and applied for EU membership in 2022, but major hurdles still stand in the way of candidate status. Five EU countries — Spain, Greece, Romania, Slovakia, and Cyprus — still do not recognize Kosovo, while Belgrade also refuses to recognize its independence, which hinders the normalization of relations between the two sides. Both issues remain paramount to Kosovo’s EU path,…
No Venice Biennale has ever been apolitical, but global affairs have deeply marked this year’s edition already. A week into the 61st international art exhibition, there have been protests against Russia and Israel’s participation, pavilions closing and threats to cut funding. The atmosphere is strikingly at odds with the late curator’s vision for the event, encapsulated in the theme ‘In Minor Keys’. Koyo Kouoh aimed to reorient the show away from the “anxious cacophony of the present chaos raging through the world” to focus on softer tones of emotion, connectivity and grounding. Despite the high-profile demonstrations, the pavilions and exhibitions…
The countries sitting out this year’s 70th anniversary contest (Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Iceland) say their decision is due to Israel’s war in Gaza — which was sparked by a violent attack on Israel by Hamas militants — and the resulting humanitarian crisis it has triggered. De Tender said the EBU is “engaging with” and “listening to” those countries to try to get them “back on board next year.” But he said in the end the public broadcasters in those countries need to listen to their audiences and make their own decisions about participation. Those calling for Israel’s exclusion from the song contest point to the fact…