AnewZ Morning Brief – 31 May 2026
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for 31 May, covering the latest developments you need to know....
The United States and China have reached a trade framework that both sides say could help restore trust and resolve key disputes, including removing China's export restrictions on rare earth and magnets.
At the end of two days of intense negotiations in London, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said the framework combines the agreement reached last month in Geneva and the outcome from the 5 June call between Presidents Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The Geneva deal had previously faltered over China's continued curbs on critical minerals exports, prompting the Trump administration to respond with export controls of its own preventing shipments of semiconductor design software, aircraft and other goods to China.
“We have reached a framework to implement the Geneva consensus,” Lutnick said, calling it “the first step” and adding, “We had to get the negativity out.”
Lutnick said he has briefed President Trump on the talks and added, “Once the presidents approve it, we will seek to implement it.”
He said the aim is to increase trade with China, and that the rare earth and magnet issues “will be resolved in this framework.” He added that when licenses are approved, “you should expect our export implementation to come down again.”
U.S. Trade Representative Sarah Greer said the U.S. is “in constant contact with China” but no further meetings are currently scheduled. She emphasized the U.S. is “moving as quickly as we can,” is “focused on full compliance,” and “feels positive about engaging with the Chinese.”
Greer added it’s up to President Trump whether a deadline gets extended. Greer also mentioned that she expects to see progress from China on fentanyl.
On the Chinese side, Vice Commerce Minister Li Chenggang said talks had been “professional, rational, in-depth and candid.” He said the progress could help “enhance trust” and “inject positive energy into world economic developments.” Li confirmed that the two sides agreed on a consensus during the Geneva meeting and that the framework will be reported to leaders.
A group of Azerbaijani civil society organisations has called for increased scrutiny of Swiss building materials giant Holcim, citing court rulings and ongoing investigations linked to its subsidiary Lafarge's activities during the Syrian conflict.
Iranian-made Yassin missiles were spotted mounted on Armenian Air Force fighter aircraft during Armenia's latest military parade on Thursday (28 May), drawing attention from defence observers and regional analysts.
Thai rescuers say five people have been pulled alive from a flooded cave in remote Laos, where seven villagers became trapped after heavy rain cut off access underground.
The Philippines remains under a "severe threat" from China despite recent efforts by Washington and Beijing to ease tensions, Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said on Saturday (30 May).
Russia has recalled its ambassador to Armenia for consultations, citing Yerevan's growing rapprochement with the European Union. The move is seen as the latest sign of deteriorating relations between the longtime allies ahead of Armenia's parliamentary election on 7 June.
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for 31 May, covering the latest developments you need to know.
The Philippines remains under a "severe threat" from China despite recent efforts by Washington and Beijing to ease tensions, Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said on Saturday (30 May).
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has urged Asian allies to increase military spending, warning of growing concern over China’s rapid military expansion and wider activities in the region.
Thai rescuers say five people have been pulled alive from a flooded cave in remote Laos, where seven villagers became trapped after heavy rain cut off access underground.
Three Latvian climbers have died after falling on Mount McKinley in Alaska’s Denali National Park and Preserve, authorities and a Latvian climbing organisation have said
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