Georgia and Azerbaijan sign landmark energy and transport agreements in Baku
In a sweeping diplomatic push in Baku, Georgia and Azerbaijan have signed a landmark package of energy and transport agreements, cementing a partne...
Trade discussions between China and the U.S. are expected to remain virtual for now, with no major investment initiatives planned before a potential meeting between Xi Jinping and Donald Trump, according to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.
Speaking on the state of bilateral engagement, Greer indicated that both sides are maintaining communication through online channels as they prepare the groundwork for a possible high-level summit. This cautious approach suggests that while dialogue remains open, neither side is rushing into new economic commitments amid ongoing strategic and trade tensions.
Analysts say the decision to keep talks virtual reflects a wait-and-see attitude in both Washington and Beijing, as they seek to stabilise relations before making any significant policy moves. A potential summit between Xi and Trump is widely seen as a key moment that could shape the direction of future economic cooperation or competition between the world’s two largest economies.
At the same time, China is actively strengthening its economic ties elsewhere. In a separate development, Chinese Premier Li Qiang has called for expanding trade and cooperation with Australia, emphasising the importance of “win-win” outcomes.
Li highlighted the complementary nature of the two economies, noting that deeper collaboration in areas such as resources, agriculture and clean energy could bring mutual benefits. He also stressed the need to maintain stable and open trade channels, particularly at a time of global economic uncertainty.
China and Australia have seen improvements in their relationship in recent years after a period of tension, with trade flows gradually recovering. Beijing’s push to expand cooperation with Canberra is being viewed as part of a broader framework to diversify economic partnerships while managing more complex ties with the U.S.
Experts say this dual approach - maintaining dialogue with the U.S. while strengthening ties with other key partners - shows China’s effort to balance geopolitical risks with economic stability. As global trade dynamics continue to evolve, Beijing appears focused on securing reliable partnerships and promoting steady growth.
With virtual talks ongoing and diplomatic channels active, attention is now turning to whether a future Xi-Trump meeting could unlock new momentum in China-U.S. relations. Until then, China’s outreach to countries such as Australia indicates its intent to keep trade moving forward, even as global uncertainties persist.
The World Urban Forum (WUF13) continues in Baku, Azerbaijan on 18 May, addressing the global housing crisis. The day’s agenda includes the official opening press conference, the WUF13 Urban Expo opening and a ministerial dialogue on the Nairobi Declaration to advance Africa's urban agenda.
United Nations World Urban Forum 13 continues in Baku, Azerbaijan on 19 May with sessions and roundtable discussions focused on strengthening dialogue and advancing cooperation in urban development. Organisers say there are nearly 3 billion people globally who face some form of housing inadequacy.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday he had paused a planned attack on Iran after appeals from the leaders of Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, allowing negotiations to continue over a possible deal to end the conflict.
A 5.2 magnitude earthquake struck China’s Guangxi region early on Monday, killing two people and forcing more than 7,000 residents in Liuzhou to evacuate as rescue efforts continued.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), warning that the situation poses a significant risk of cross-border spread in Central Africa.
Germany will deploy a Patriot air-defence battery to Türkiye in the coming weeks as part of a NATO mission aimed at strengthening the alliance’s south-eastern flank, German officials have said.
Estonia said on Tuesday (19 May) that a NATO fighter jet shot down a suspected Ukrainian drone over its territory, in the latest reported airspace violation in the region amid ongoing Ukrainian strikes against Russia.
Sweden has agreed to buy four naval frigates from France’s Naval Group in a deal worth more than $4 billion, as Stockholm moves to strengthen its defence capabilities in the Baltic Sea, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said on Tuesday.
Spanish police said on Tuesday they had detained a 25-year-old man suspected of killing his two parents and injuring four other people, including his son, in a shooting in the southern city of El Ejido in Almeria province overnight.
European Union negotiators are expected to agree on Tuesday (19 May) on legislation removing import duties on U.S. industrial goods, in a move aimed at implementing last year’s trade agreement with the United States and avoiding higher tariffs threatened by U.S. President Donald Trump.
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