Location · 2276 published stories · 281 outlets · All places
US President Donald Trump's visit to Beijing with Chinese President Xi Jinping produced little agreement on ending the Iran war. While China reiterated its opposition to the conflict and its diplomatic efforts, no concrete deal emerged, and the war continues with heavy casualties and ongoing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.
South Korea's benchmark KOSPI crashed over 6% on May 15, 2026, after briefly surpassing the historic 8,000-point level for the first time. Foreign investors sold heavily, while retail buyers stepped in, amid Middle East tensions and profit-taking in tech shares.
Despite weeks of speculation, U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un did not meet during Trump's visit to Beijing in mid-May. A White House official confirmed that no such meeting was scheduled, and South Korean officials noted that preparations for any summit appeared almost nonexistent. Trump's focus remained on his summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping and ongoing negotiations with Iran.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has moved closer to a potential challenge to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, with Labour MP Josh Simons giving up his seat to allow Burnham to stand in a by-election. The move comes amid turmoil in the Labour Party following poor local election results and the resignation of Health Secretary Wes Streeting.
US Central Command chief Admiral Brad Cooper told lawmakers that US-led strikes severely degraded Iran's military, setting back its defense industry by 90%. Lawmakers questioned the effectiveness of the campaign amid reports Iran retained significant missile and drone capabilities.
South Korea's KOSPI briefly crossed the 8,000-point mark for the first time on May 15, 2026, driven by AI optimism and positive U.S.-China summit talks, but later fell sharply due to foreign sell-offs. The index had surged from 7,000 to 8,000 in just over a week.
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said President Trump secured a commitment from China not to provide material support to Iran, while China's embassy reiterated its opposition to militarizing the Strait of Hormuz and its support for free navigation. The US is not seeking joint military operations with China in the region.
Container shipping costs from South Korea to the Middle East rose 22.8% in April, marking a second consecutive monthly increase amid geopolitical tensions. In response, Seoul has announced tariff exemptions on additional shipping costs for imports rerouted due to the Strait of Hormuz closure.
Australian shares are expected to open higher following a rally on Wall Street, with the S&P 500 notching another record close. Meanwhile, oil prices show mixed movements amid ongoing Middle East tensions and hopes for a peace deal, while investors also weigh US inflation data and the looming federal budget.
As the Middle East war enters its third month, the Brics grouping faces sharp internal divisions, with members Iran and the UAE at odds. Analysts argue that despite its lack of cohesion, Brics remains significant as a platform for emerging economies seeking greater autonomy in global governance.
A UN-backed food security analysis reveals that nearly 20 million people in Sudan face acute hunger, with 135,000 in catastrophic conditions. The IPC warns of famine risk in 14 areas as conflict-driven violence and funding shortfalls cripple aid response.
Russian officials at the KazanForum highlighted Oman's growing role in regional logistics amid the Strait of Hormuz closure, proposing expanded trade, transport corridor development, and tourism between the two countries.
For the second consecutive day, Russia has launched large-scale missile and drone strikes against Ukraine, with Kyiv bearing the brunt, leaving at least eight dead and dozens injured. As Ukrainian officials report heavy damage and civilian casualties, EU foreign ministers meet to discuss support for Ukraine amid skepticism over Russian intentions.
Japanese snack giant Calbee is temporarily switching to black-and-white packaging for 14 products due to shortages of naphtha, an ink ingredient, caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz amid the US-Iran conflict. The move highlights wider supply chain disruptions affecting Japanese businesses, including Mizkan and Toyota.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar met in New Delhi to discuss bilateral ties, high-level contacts, and the situation in the Middle East. The talks also covered trade, energy, and cooperation in multilateral forums, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to the strategic partnership.
Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu told SCO counterparts that 18,000–23,000 militants from over 20 groups are operating in Afghanistan, while praising Kabul's fight against Islamic State. Moscow is building a 'full-fledged partnership' with the Taliban, which it formally recognized in 2025.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for urgent reform of the UN Security Council and global financial institutions, highlighting Africa's lack of permanent representation as a historic injustice. Speaking at the AU-UN summit in Addis Ababa and at a Security Council debate, he warned of rising conflicts, erosion of international law, and the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on the most vulnerable.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called for transforming Pakistan into an economic power, speaking at a federal cabinet meeting on the anniversary of the country's 1998 nuclear tests. He paid tribute to key figures behind the nuclear program and highlighted the challenges posed by the Middle East conflict.
Hong Kong's GDP grew 5.9% in the first quarter, and the government revised its fiscal surplus to HK$11 billion. Yet, beneath the strong figures, business leaders express quiet unease over rising costs and geopolitical risks, as the IMF urges medium-term reforms.
At the 21st Meeting of Secretaries of the Security Councils of SCO member states in Bishkek, Russian Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoigu emphasized coordinated efforts to form the Greater Eurasian Partnership, while Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov highlighted geopolitical tensions and transnational threats. The meeting also saw announcements of joint counterterrorism drills in Belarus and Kazakhstan, and Russia's proposals for new SCO security structures.