China and Trump Agree to Enhance Trade Relations
China announced that President Xi Jinping and former U.S. President Donald Trump reached an agreement to enhance trade relations by lowering tariffs on a select group of products and expanding agricultural trade. The agreement includes the establishment of separate boards for trade and investment issues, although key topics such as technology and Taiwan remain unresolved. Trump's comments indicated that discussions included arms sales to Taiwan, which he stated were raised by Xi.
Israel airstrike kills Hamas commander amid fragile ceasefire
Israel conducted an airstrike in Gaza City that killed Izz al-Din al-Haddad, the commander of Hamas' military wing and a key figure behind the October 7, 2023 attacks, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths in Israel. The strike, which also killed six others including al-Haddad's family members, occurred despite an ongoing but fragile ceasefire, with over 850 fatalities reported in Gaza since its implementation in October. Israeli officials described al-Haddad as one of the last architects of the October 7 massacre, while both sides continue to accuse each other of violating ceasefire terms.
Trump warns Taiwan against formal independence declaration
US President Donald Trump cautioned Taiwan against formally declaring independence from China during a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, stating, "I'm not looking to have somebody go independent." Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te has maintained that Taiwan already considers itself a sovereign nation, while US arms sales to Taiwan, including an $11 billion package announced last year, remain a contentious issue in US-China relations.
US Lets Sanctions Waiver on Russian Oil Expire
The Trump administration has allowed a sanctions waiver on Russian seaborne oil to lapse, which previously enabled countries like India to purchase Russian oil stored on tankers. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed that no renewal notice has been posted, despite calls from Democratic Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Elizabeth Warren to end the waiver, citing concerns over funding Russia's war in Ukraine. This decision comes as U.S. gasoline prices remain elevated at approximately $4.50 per gallon, with global oil prices hovering around or above $100 per barrel.
Countries Turn to Coal Amid Middle East Energy Crisis
Countries are increasingly reverting to coal as a power source amid disruptions caused by the ongoing war in the Middle East, particularly due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's UN Ambassador, Amir Saeed Iravani, highlighted the crisis's impact on global energy markets and called for dialogue to address the root causes of instability, citing military aggression and unilateral sanctions as key factors exacerbating the situation.
WHO declares Ebola outbreak in DRC emergency
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) a public health emergency of international concern, reporting 246 suspected cases and 80 deaths as of May 16, 2026. The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo virus, has spread to Uganda, where two confirmed cases have been identified, including one death. Despite the declaration, the WHO noted that the situation does not meet the criteria for a pandemic emergency.
