Author: Admin

The United States is preparing to bypass stalled global trade negotiations by forming its own coalition to prevent tariffs on digital services, according to documents obtained by news outlets.

The move comes as Brazil and Turkey continue blocking efforts to extend a worldwide agreement that has prevented duties on digital downloads, streaming services, and software since 1998 at the World Trade Organization.

A draft proposal dated May 1 reveals America’s backup strategy, which would create a separate pact among willing nations. “Beginning on May 8, 2026, we, the co-sponsors of this communication, will continue to not impose customs duties on electronic transmissions among ourselves,” the document states.

The original global moratorium has been renewed multiple times over the past 25 years, protecting everything from Netflix streams to software downloads from cross-border tariffs. However, efforts to extend the deal collapsed during a high-level WTO gathering in Cameroon this past March.

Five diplomatic sources indicate little hope for resolving the standoff before Wednesday’s WTO General Council session in Geneva. If no breakthrough occurs, Washington intends to proceed with its alternative approach, already gaining backing from South Korea, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand.

Countries with major digital economies, including the United States, European Union, Canada, and Japan, view the moratorium as essential for providing stability in global digital commerce and have pushed to make it permanent.

Joseph Barloon, America’s WTO ambassador in Geneva, criticized the impasse caused by opposition from what he called “two members” – apparently referring to Brazil and Turkey. He emphasized that the inability to secure long-term protection highlights the WTO’s difficulties in tackling contemporary trade issues.

“The U.S. has secured commitments from dozens of countries – and nearly all its major trading partners – not to impose tariffs on electronic transmissions and it will continue to support efforts to obtain a plurilateral moratorium on e-commerce duties,” Barloon stated.

The proposed alternative builds upon an April declaration by 23 nations promising not to introduce such duties. While expressing disappointment over the lapse, the draft maintains that achieving a comprehensive multilateral agreement remains the ultimate goal.

Andrew Wilson from the International Chamber of Commerce warned that failing to restore the global moratorium would undermine the WTO’s authority. “It sends a clear signal that WTO rules are slowly eroding away,” Wilson explained, calling a partial agreement “sub-optimal” because it wouldn’t apply universally and could create business uncertainty.

Despite the diplomatic tensions, sources suggest immediate implementation of digital duties remains unlikely. However, the breakdown represents another blow to the WTO’s influence in establishing international trade standards.

Diplomatic efforts between Washington and Brazil since the March failure have produced minimal results, according to two sources familiar with the discussions. Representatives from Brazil and Turkey have not yet responded to requests for comment on the situation.

American military officials confirmed Tuesday that the fragile ceasefire with Iran continues despite escalating tensions in the crucial Strait of Hormuz shipping corridor. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine both stated that recent Iranian actions have not crossed the threshold to end the truce.

On Tuesday, US forces began escorting commercial vessels through the strategic waterway, successfully guiding two American-flagged cargo ships without incident. Chairman Caine revealed the operation involves guided-missile destroyers, over 100 aircraft, and 15,000 military personnel working to establish a safety corridor through the vital oil and gas transport route.

Defense Secretary Hegseth emphasized that American forces hope to peacefully assist more than 22,500 sailors stranded aboard over 1,550 ships in the Persian Gulf. “This is a temporary mission for us,” Hegseth stated. “We expect the world to step up.” Tehran has condemned the American escort mission as a violation of the ceasefire agreement.

The situation remains volatile with uncertain outcomes ahead. US Central Command reported that Iranian forces previously fired multiple cruise missiles, deployed drones, and sent small boats against civilian vessels under American military protection. American helicopters destroyed six small Iranian boats during these attacks, though officials rejected Iranian claims that US ships sustained damage.

Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio plans to visit Rome and Vatican City this week, attempting to reduce growing friction between President Donald Trump and Pope Leo XIV. Trump has again criticized the pontiff, distorting the pope’s statements about the Iranian conflict and claiming he is “endangering a lot of Catholics.”

Recent developments include new strikes this year where Hegseth says American forces joined Israeli operations against Iranian nuclear facilities. Following last summer’s bombing campaign, the defense secretary explained that US participation continued because Iran’s “will was still there to seek a nuclear bomb.”

When questioned about intelligence assessments showing Iran’s nuclear weapon development timeline remains at 9 to 12 months despite Operation Midnight Hammer, Hegseth responded: “The obliteration of those facilities set back their program. Hopefully Iran chooses a deal that they give up those ambitions, give up those capabilities.”

Chairman Caine described Tuesday as a “quieter” day in the Strait while confirming that over 100 American military aircraft maintain round-the-clock patrols. He praised troops from the 82nd Airborne Division for utilizing “next generation tactical networks” to coordinate military operations seamlessly.

During a Pentagon briefing Tuesday, Caine explained that Iran’s recent aggressive actions fall short of “major combat operations,” meaning Tehran has not breached the delicate ceasefire in the Trump administration’s assessment.

“Since the ceasefire was announced, Iran has fired at commercial vessels nine times and seized two container ships, and they’ve attacked U.S. forces more than 10 times – all below the threshold of restarting major combat operations at this point,” Caine reported.

The administration has used the ceasefire to argue that the president does not need to provide formal congressional updates about the conflict under the War Powers Resolution, which typically mandates presidential reports on military activities 60 days after combat begins.

Trump continues criticizing Pope Leo XIV even as Rubio prepares for Vatican discussions intended to reduce tensions between Washington and the Holy See. In an interview with conservative host Hugh Hewitt, the president mischaracterized the pontiff’s concerns about the Iranian war, claiming Leo supports Tehran and threatens global security.

“The pope would rather talk about the fact that it’s OK for Iran to have a nuclear weapon,” Trump declared. “And I don’t think that’s very good. I think he’s endangering a lot of Catholics and a lot of people.”

Pope Leo has never endorsed Iranian nuclear weapons acquisition. Instead, he has advocated for increased peace negotiations, criticized warfare generally, and condemned Trump’s specific threats targeting civilian populations. The pope has stressed that his positions reflect biblical and church doctrine rather than political opposition to Trump.

The State Department announced Monday that Rubio, a Catholic who will have visited Italy or the Vatican at least three times as the Republican president’s chief diplomat, will be in Italy Thursday and Friday. Vatican officials confirmed Rubio will meet with Leo, the first American pope, on Thursday.

“Secretary Rubio will meet with Holy See leadership to discuss the situation in the Middle East and mutual interests in the Western Hemisphere,” the department explained. “Meetings with Italian counterparts will be focused on shared security interests and strategic alignment.”

Iran’s newest peace proposal demands the US lift sanctions, end the naval blockade, withdraw regional forces, and halt all hostilities including Israeli operations in Lebanon, according to semiofficial Nour News and Tasnim agencies connected to Iran’s security establishment.

Iranian officials said over the weekend they were examining the American response. Tehran claims its proposal excludes its nuclear program and enriched uranium stockpiles, which have been central to tensions with the US and Israel.

Iran seeks resolution of other issues within 30 days and aims to conclude the war rather than extend the ceasefire. Trump expressed skepticism over the weekend that the proposal would produce an agreement.

The waterway disruption has pressured European and Asian nations dependent on Persian Gulf oil and gas, driving prices higher far beyond the region. Since April 13, the US has maintained a naval blockade of Iranian ports, directing at least 49 commercial ships to reverse course according to Central Command. Washington has also warned shipping companies they could face sanctions for paying Iran transit fees through the strait.

The blockade has denied Tehran crucial oil revenue needed to support its struggling economy. American officials hope the blockade will compel Iran to make concessions in negotiations over its disputed nuclear program and other persistent issues.

The United Arab Emirates Defense Ministry reported its air defenses engaged 15 missiles and four drones launched by Iran. Fujairah emirate authorities said one drone ignited a fire at a major oil facility, injuring three Indian citizens. British military sources reported two cargo ships burning off the UAE coast.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attacks Tuesday, calling civilian and infrastructure targeting “unacceptable.” Modi posted on X that India maintains “firm solidarity” with the UAE and stressed the importance of safe, uninterrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

Tehran neither confirmed nor denied the attacks, but Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned early Tuesday on X that both the US and UAE “should be wary of being dragged back into quagmire.”

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia denounced the strikes against the UAE, with Saudi condemnation coming despite increasingly tense relations between Riyadh and the UAE.

President Trump warned Sunday that Iranian efforts to block strait passage “will, unfortunately, have to be dealt with forcefully.” He described the American effort as “Project Freedom,” designed to help tens of thousands of stranded seafarers on hundreds of ships stuck in the Persian Gulf since fighting began.

The US-led Joint Maritime Information Center advised ships Monday to cross the strait through Omani waters, announcing establishment of an “enhanced security area.” Iran has declared the new American effort violates the fragile ceasefire that has lasted more than three weeks.

In a Tuesday X post, Iranian parliamentary speaker and chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf accused Washington of undermining Strait of Hormuz shipping security and warned of a developing “new equation.” He suggested Iran has not fully responded to American attempts to reopen the waterway, stating: “We know full well that the continuation of the status quo is intolerable for America; while we have not even begun yet.”

His statement made no reference to ongoing negotiations with the US conducted through Pakistani intermediaries. The Iranian conflict risked reigniting after America attempted to force open the Strait of Hormuz for commercial shipping, though the ceasefire appeared stable Tuesday despite UAE reports of Iranian missile and drone attacks.

American military officials reported two US-flagged merchant vessels successfully passed through the strait Monday during the operation’s first day, while US forces engaged Iranian units and sank six small boats targeting ships. Contradicting Washington’s account of destroying six boats, an Iranian military commander said two small civilian cargo vessels were hit Monday, killing five civilians, according to Iranian state television.

Tensions between Zambia and the United States have erupted into public view as the African nation’s top diplomat condemned what he described as America’s attempt to tie health aid to mineral access and criticized the departing U.S. ambassador’s corruption claims.

Foreign Affairs Minister Mulambo Haimbe spoke out Monday against the Trump administration’s approach to a $2 billion health assistance package, exposing underlying friction over the president’s “America First” foreign policy that transforms traditional aid into business-like transactions.

African leaders and health policy experts have voiced opposition to Washington’s new strategy, which demands sensitive health information in return for desperately needed support for healthcare systems weakened by the administration’s foreign aid cuts. Critics worry they won’t gain access to medical breakthroughs like vaccines despite providing data.

The United States is also working to compete with China, which has established itself as a major force in Zambia and across Africa, controlling minerals essential for renewable energy technology, including components for solar equipment, electric car batteries and power storage devices.

Haimbe characterized departing Ambassador Michael Gonzales’ corruption accusations and claims of slow negotiations as “mischievous” and “deeply regrettable, undiplomatic and inconsistent with the spirit of mutual respect.”

The minister further alleged that America was connecting mineral access to completing the health agreement, which Gonzales previously rejected as “alarmist allegations” that he termed “disgusting” and “absolutely and patently false.”

Talks have stretched on for months to finalize this agreement, which represents one of many similar deals the Trump administration is pursuing across some of the globe’s most aid-reliant nations.

In late April, Gonzales stated that Zambian officials had “abdicated their responsibilities, letting the United States pay for healthcare while officials diverted government funds to their own pockets.” He claimed Zambian leadership had “ignored” American attempts to complete a new agreement.

However, Haimbe explained that discussions had broken down over “unacceptable” information-sharing requirements “in violation of our citizens’ right to privacy” and “the insistence on preferential treatment of U.S companies over Zambia’s critical minerals.”

Zambia “takes the view, first and foremost, that Zambians must have a say on how her critical minerals are used, and second that no one strategic partner is to be treated preferentially to others,” he stated.

The U.S. Embassy did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

This American strategy replaces decades of involvement built around the now-eliminated United States Agency for International Development and the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, known as PEPFAR.

Instead, American officials are creating individual nation agreements that transform aid into business deals, connecting funding to requirements including trade provisions, domestic spending commitments, disease monitoring, pathogen sharing and even religious considerations.

Since the end of last year, the United States has completed agreements with approximately 30 nations, predominantly in Africa. Washington claims this method aims to decrease aid dependence, encourage local control and protect American interests, particularly against an assertive China that controls African trade while providing less assistance.

Resistance has emerged.

Ghana announced last week it had turned down a proposed agreement due to provisions allowing extensive access to confidential health information without protections. Zimbabwe abandoned a $367 million package over similar issues. In Kenya, a $2.5 billion deal signed in December has been suspended following a legal challenge claiming it breaks data protection regulations.

In Lesotho, initial American proposals requested 25 years of health data and biological sample access before local officials negotiated a reduced five-year agreement.

Opponents argue the data-sharing requirements favor American interests and caution that information exchange would primarily flow in one direction: toward Washington.

These new agreements seek to guarantee disease monitoring data and biological samples flow through direct channels, following America’s January withdrawal from the World Health Organization, explained Asia Russell, executive director of advocacy organization Health GAP.

Nations currently report disease outbreaks mainly through the WHO, which manages responses and is developing new frameworks for pathogen-sharing and fair vaccine access.

The United States, now excluded from those discussions, is seeking direct access instead.

“They (the U.S.) want to understand what’s actually happening,” noted Jen Kates, a senior vice president at the Washington-based nonprofit KFF. “But they are trying to do it in a very different way.”

Health advocates warn this could create a separate global health system. In Zimbabwe, a government representative said in February that officials ended negotiations because the United States was not providing a “corresponding guarantee of access to any medical innovations — such as vaccines, diagnostics, or treatments — that might result from that shared data.”

“That raises serious concerns about who benefits,” said Atilla Kisla of the Southern Africa Litigation Center.

Advocates reference the difficult COVID-19 pandemic experience, when African nations provided data and samples but received vaccines among the last globally.

The American agreements face criticism for private negotiations and minimal public oversight.

“Secrecy is at the center of this. That puts accountability for results at risk,” said Health GAP’s Russell. “It’s impossible to evaluate these deals properly without seeing the full terms. Part of what made PEPFAR successful was transparency. Now that’s been taken away.”

These deals also include stricter financial requirements. Many feature decreased funding compared to previous American assistance levels, while demanding countries boost domestic health investment, with aid threatened if goals aren’t achieved.

“These are going to be very heavy lifts,” said KFF’s Kates. “Countries are already under strain.”

Critics argue some agreements also promote American commercial and political interests, making the distinction between aid and transactional diplomacy unclear.

“When health becomes a bargaining chip, everyone becomes less safe,” Russell cautioned.

The United Nations Security Council will begin discussions Tuesday on a resolution backed by the United States and Bahrain that could result in sanctions against Iran, and possibly authorize military force, should Tehran continue its attacks and threats against commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, according to three Western diplomats.

Monday’s renewed military clashes highlighted the high stakes as America and Iran compete for dominance over the critical waterway that serves as a crucial passage for global energy supplies and international trade, disrupting a delicate month-long ceasefire and strengthening opposing naval blockades.

Washington’s diplomatic effort at the United Nations marks a significant shift from recent months when it operated largely outside UN channels, conducting military strikes against Iran without Security Council approval and urging allies to participate in informal naval patrols to maintain shipping freedom.

This previous strategy met resistance from partners concerned about unlimited conflict and legal risks, leading to harsh criticism from President Donald Trump against nations he claimed were not supporting American-led initiatives.

Monday’s violence, during which the US reported destroying six Iranian small vessels while Iranian missiles struck a UAE oil facility, came after Washington launched “Project Freedom,” an American-led initiative to guide stranded tankers and other ships through Hormuz.

Within this context, the proposed resolution represents part of what diplomats characterize as a plan to apply diplomatic pressure on Iran and prepare for post-conflict scenarios.

Washington has additionally distributed a proposal, reviewed by Reuters, to partner nations for establishing a new international maritime alliance called the Maritime Freedom Construct (MFC), designed to create a post-conflict security framework for the Middle East and reopen the Strait when stability returns.

The proposed resolution could authorize both sanctions and military intervention. A previous Bahraini resolution supported by the United States that seemed to legitimize military action against Iran was unsuccessful after Russia and China opposed it.

This new proposal adopts a more measured stance, avoiding direct language that would authorize force while still operating under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, which permits the Security Council to implement measures from sanctions to military intervention.

The resolution condemns Iran’s alleged ceasefire violations and its “continuing actions and threats aimed at closing, obstructing, tolling, or otherwise interfering with the lawful exercise of navigational rights and freedoms through the Strait of Hormuz,” including sea mine deployment.

It characterizes these activities as threatening international peace and security, demanding Iran immediately stop attacks, reveal mine locations, and avoid hindering clearance efforts.

The document also urges Tehran to work with UN initiatives to create a humanitarian passage through the Strait, referencing disrupted aid deliveries, fertilizer shipments, and other vital goods.

The UN secretary general would provide a compliance report within 30 days. The Security Council would reconvene to consider further measures, including potential sanctions, if Iran fails to follow the resolution.

Diplomats indicated Washington wants to conclude negotiations rapidly, aiming to distribute a final version by May 8 and conduct a vote early next week, though Russia and China maintain a competing proposal under review.

The Security Council initiative runs parallel to diplomatic outreach regarding the MFC, an American-led coordination entity that would collaborate with a separate Franco-British maritime mission involving approximately 30 nations.

The Franco-British effort aims to establish groundwork for secure passage through the Strait once conditions stabilize or the conflict ends, with Iranian cooperation.

Several countries have indicated any mission would need UN authorization before committing military resources.

“The MFC is complementary to other maritime security task forces, including the maritime planning effort the UK and France are leading,” states an informal diplomatic document distributed to governments and obtained by Reuters.

“The MFC will remain structurally independent, though close coordination is essential to achieve the strongest maritime security architecture possible.”

Two activists who participated in a humanitarian flotilla bound for Gaza will remain in Israeli custody until May 10 following a court ruling that extended their detention by six additional days.

Spanish citizen Saif Abu Keshek and Brazilian national Thiago Avila were taken into custody by Israeli forces last Wednesday after their flotilla was stopped in international waters near Greece. While over 100 other pro-Palestinian participants were transported to the Greek island of Crete, these two men were brought to Israel.

The Ashkelon Magistrate’s Court had originally scheduled their release for Tuesday, but Judge Yaniv Ben-Haroush granted the extension after hearing arguments from both sides. “I am convinced that there is reasonable suspicion,” the judge stated when announcing his decision.

Both men were participants in the second Global Sumud Flotilla, which departed from Barcelona on April 12 with the goal of delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza and challenging Israel’s naval blockade of the territory.

Israeli authorities have filed serious charges against the pair, including allegations of assisting enemy forces, communicating with foreign agents and terrorist groups, engaging in prohibited terrorist-related activities, and supplying resources to terrorist organizations.

Defense attorneys from the human rights organization Adalah challenged the detention during the hearing, arguing that the accusations lack merit and that no legal basis exists for keeping the men in custody. The lawyers emphasized that formal charges have not yet been filed and that the detention serves only to continue interrogations.

Adalah has announced plans to appeal the court’s decision and will push for the immediate and unconditional freedom of both activists. The organization has also alleged that the men have suffered torture while in custody, which Israeli officials have denied.

Abu Keshek’s spouse, Sally Issa, spoke to reporters Tuesday about her inability to communicate directly with her husband since his arrest. “They’ve told us that he’s in good condition. He’s hunger striking,” Issa explained. “But he’s okay. He suffered from torture on the boat when he was attacked by the Israelis.”

Israel’s foreign ministry has maintained that both Abu Keshek and Avila have connections to the Palestinian militant organization Hamas, characterizing the flotilla as “another provocation designed to divert attention from Hamas’ refusal to disarm.”

A ministry representative rejected what they called “false and baseless claims” regarding torture allegations. “Following violent physical obstruction by Saif Abu Keshek and Thiago Avila against Israeli staff members, staff were compelled to act in order to stop these actions. All measures taken were in accordance with the law,” the spokesperson stated.

Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares has called for Abu Keshek’s immediate freedom, stating that no evidence exists connecting him to Hamas. Albares revealed that he personally informed his Israeli counterpart, Gideon Saar, that the activists’ detention violates international law since Israel lacks authority in international waters.

Avila’s partner, Lara Souza, reported that her husband has been refusing food for six days and is under medical supervision. “He’s better from the injuries, but he is very weak, and the embassy is very worried about this,” she said.

In response to the hunger strikes, the court has directed Israel’s Prison Service to closely monitor both detainees’ health conditions.

A family-owned automotive parts manufacturing facility on the outskirts of Buenos Aires has fallen silent, with production lines operating well below normal capacity.

Suspenmec, the company behind the facility, finds itself battling an overwhelming wave of low-cost imported components, particularly those arriving from China, following Argentina’s dramatic reduction of trade barriers.

The manufacturer, which produces 600 different suspension component varieties, has witnessed approximately 30% decline in sales during the current year.

The aggressive economic overhaul implemented by President Javier Milei – which included eliminating import restrictions and strengthening the peso – has brought stability to Argentina’s economy. However, smaller and medium-scale manufacturers who previously enjoyed protection from international competition now face abrupt and difficult transitions.

According to industry association AFAC, automotive parts imports increased 11.6% in 2025 compared to the previous year, reaching approximately $10.32 billion. Meanwhile, exports – primarily destined for Brazil – grew only 1.2% to roughly $1.28 billion. Chinese imports experienced a dramatic surge of 80.9% year-over-year, totaling $1.46 billion, though Brazil continues as the primary supplier.

“It is worrying. We feel the impact of (duty-) free imports from so many brands,” Lucas Panarotti, a Suspenmec partner, stated while standing near unused equipment in the facility.

International companies including Sweden’s SKF and America’s Dana have closed several Argentine manufacturing operations.

The challenges facing domestic producers are evident in declining automotive parts manufacturing, which dropped 22.5% during the first two months of this year compared to the corresponding 2025 period, based on INDEC government statistics that did not provide specific volume figures.

Automobile manufacturing, which totaled 490,000 units in 2025, decreased 19% in the first quarter of 2026 versus the same period last year.

“It is a turning point. We very quickly entered a new ecosystem, where the opening of the economy and international trade has put pressure on Argentine industrial companies,” Nicolas Ballestrero, CEO of Grupo Corven, explained. His company has experienced reduced production and export levels this year.

Industry specialists suggest Argentina’s automotive sector must focus on specialization and export expansion for adaptation. Andres Civetta, an industrial sector economist at Abeceb consulting firm, projects the nation could potentially export approximately 400,000 light commercial vehicles annually, compared to roughly 280,000 shipped last year, primarily to Brazil and other regional markets.

Argentine government officials did not provide responses to requests for commentary.

The automotive parts sector situation mirrors a wider pattern favoring large commodity exporters while Argentina’s domestically-oriented industries face difficulties.

Despite the South American nation’s trade surplus reaching $2.5 billion in March, approximately 24,180 companies – about 5% of operating businesses – ceased operations between November 2023 (shortly before Milei assumed office with his right-wing libertarian platform) and January of this year, according to Fundar consultancy.

INDEC statistics indicate economic activity fell 2.1% in February year-over-year, though sectors including mining, agriculture, and fishing saw increases ranging from 8% to 15%. Manufacturing experienced an 8.7% decline while retail commerce dropped 7%.

“With a peso that has appreciated 10% versus last December, implying 10% dollar inflation, there will be many difficulties for companies that produce and compete with imports to do so successfully,” Ricardo Delgado, an economist leading Analytica consulting firm, observed.

Delgado, who anticipates roughly 2% economic growth in Argentina during 2026, noted the primary concern involves sectors damaged by Milei’s economic approach generating more employment and tax income than others, potentially threatening the government’s valued fiscal surplus.

This represents a challenging balancing act for Milei approaching next year’s re-election campaign. Giacobbe & Associates polling shows his approval rating at 36%, declining nearly six percentage points since March.

The Torcuato Di Tella University government confidence measurement fell to 2.02 points in April, down 12% from the previous month’s figure. The measurement uses a zero to 5 scale.

Manufacturing facilities also face pressure from weakening consumer demand following Milei’s cost-cutting measures designed to control high inflation, which reduced Argentine citizens’ buying power.

The economic downturn has affected employment markets. Unemployment increased to 7.5% in the fourth quarter of 2025, up from 6.4% the previous year. The automotive parts industry alone eliminated approximately 5,000 positions in 2025, representing 10% of its workforce, according to AFAC information.

Economic analysts noted unemployment figures would be higher without displaced workers transitioning to informal employment opportunities, such as ride-sharing services.

Thailand’s Cabinet voted Tuesday to cancel a maritime territorial agreement with Cambodia that had been in place since 2001, bringing an end to more than two decades of unsuccessful negotiations between the neighboring nations.

The memorandum of understanding was originally created to establish a peaceful process for settling competing claims over ocean boundaries and to create a joint framework for managing marine resources according to international standards. Despite five rounds of discussions spanning 23 years, the countries made no meaningful headway on the disputes.

Cambodia’s government expressed disappointment with Thailand’s Cabinet decision but indicated it would persist in seeking a resolution to the territorial disagreements.

The termination eliminates prospects that both nations had held for accessing potential offshore oil and natural gas deposits located in the contested waters. The decision becomes official only after Thailand delivers formal written notice to Cambodia.

Thailand’s move to abandon the pact follows a significant breakdown in diplomatic relations and military confrontations with Cambodia in the previous year. The nations engaged in armed conflicts over disputed land border areas during July and December, resulting in several dozen military and civilian deaths while forcing hundreds of thousands of residents to flee their homes.

Although a tentative ceasefire was established in late December, tensions persist with occasional incidents and substantial military deployments along the border.

The border violence sparked renewed focus on territorial protection and Thai sovereignty, elevating nationalist sentiment as a significant factor in domestic political discourse. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and his Bhumjaithai Party made canceling the maritime agreement a central campaign promise during this year’s elections.

Following Tuesday’s Cabinet session, Anutin clarified that ending the memorandum bears no connection to current border tensions and stated that maritime territory discussions would likely continue through alternative channels, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Thai government spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek emphasized that the cancellation represents a modification of cooperative methods rather than an end to diplomatic relations or negotiations altogether.

She explained that Thailand plans to maintain dialogue with Cambodia while proposing a transition to U.N. Convention mechanisms, which offer more clarity and comprehensive systematic approaches for effectively resolving maritime disagreements.

Cambodia’s Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, speaking from the capital Phnom Penh, voiced disappointment and characterized Thailand’s action as “a departure from the spirit and political will that enabled our two countries to establish a framework for peacefully resolving these issues in accordance with international law.”

Prak Sokhonn announced that Cambodia would pursue mandatory conciliation through the U.N. framework, which “reaffirms its commitment to resolving maritime disputes peacefully and in accordance with international law.”

In a social media statement, Prime Minister Hun Manet wrote, “Cambodia’s decision reflects our sincere hope that both countries can reach a just and lasting solution in line with international law, allowing our peoples to live together in peace, stability, and harmony.”

Ukrainian forces have dramatically escalated their medium-range drone operations against Russian military positions, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s announcement on Tuesday from Kyiv.

The Ukrainian leader revealed that attacks conducted at distances exceeding 20 kilometers have increased twofold compared to March operations and grown four times larger than February’s numbers. This tactical evolution represents a significant development for Ukraine’s outnumbered military as it continues battling Russian forces in what has become the fifth year of conflict.

“And there will be even more,” Zelenskyy posted on social media platform X. “This is a priority area.”

The intensified campaign focuses on what military officials call “middle strikes” – operations targeting Russian logistics centers, troop gatherings, and air defense installations positioned tens of kilometers beyond the front lines. This approach allows Ukrainian forces to strike assets that remain out of range for shorter-distance, first-person-view drones.

Ukraine’s Defense Ministry reported that military units executed over 160 of these medium-range operations during April alone, reaching targets located 120-150 kilometers away. The strikes successfully hit more than 65 supply and ammunition storage facilities, 33 drone operation centers and repair shops, plus 17 military command headquarters in both Russian-occupied Ukrainian territory and Russian border areas.

“We are hitting resources, disrupting supplies (and) reducing the intensity of shelling and the mobility of troops,” the Defense Ministry stated in its May 1 announcement. “The April strikes are a systemic campaign to exhaust Russia.”

This enhanced offensive strategy emerges as Russian forces intensify their assault on heavily defended eastern cities, attempting to seize complete control of Ukraine’s devastated Donetsk region.

Facing numerical and equipment disadvantages on the battlefield, Ukrainian forces have simultaneously expanded their attacks on energy infrastructure and military production facilities located deep within Russian territory, aiming to weaken Moscow’s war capabilities.

Recent weeks have seen Ukrainian troops conduct repeated strikes against a seaport and oil refinery in Russia’s southwestern Tuapse region, creating massive black smoke plumes and causing petroleum to leak into the Black Sea.

On Tuesday, Zelenskyy confirmed that Ukrainian forces successfully targeted Russian military manufacturing sites, including defense production facilities in Cheboksary city, located approximately 1,500 kilometers away. These long-distance attacks utilized Ukraine’s domestically produced Flamingo cruise missiles.

Robert Brovdi, who leads Ukraine’s drone operations, reported that his forces destroyed 25 air defense systems and 13 radar and electronic warfare installations throughout April. These tactical victories help clear pathways for Ukraine’s extended-range strike campaigns.

“The consistent and regular destruction of air-defence systems at the operational level opens corridors for ramping up deep strikes on military-industrial and energy-sector facilities,” Brovdi explained on Sunday.

This strategic shift toward medium-range capabilities reflects Ukraine’s broader effort to strengthen its domestic defense manufacturing sector while reducing dependence on Western military assistance.

Ireland’s Data Protection Commission announced Tuesday it has begun a formal investigation into Shein Ireland over the company’s handling of customer information from European Union residents being sent to China.

The regulatory agency will review whether Shein Ireland has properly followed requirements under European Union privacy laws, specifically the General Data Protection Regulation, when moving personal data across international borders, according to an official statement.

The investigation will focus on determining how well the online retail company has met its legal responsibilities regarding these international data transfers under EU privacy standards.

British counterterrorism investigators are examining an arson incident at a former synagogue in London as Prime Minister Keir Starmer convened emergency discussions with Jewish community leaders about escalating antisemitic violence across the nation.

The attack occurred Tuesday at the former house of worship in east London’s Whitechapel district, where flames damaged entrance gates and a front lock, though no injuries were reported, according to Metropolitan Police officials.

This incident marks the most recent in a series of attacks targeting Jewish sites since March, when four ambulances belonging to a Jewish charity were set ablaze. Additional incidents have included a synagogue bombing and multiple attempted arsons at Jewish facilities. The violence escalated last week when two Jewish men were stabbed in what authorities classified as terrorism.

“It is part of a pattern of rising antisemitism that has left our Jewish communities feeling frightened, angry, and asking whether this country, their home, is safe for them,” Starmer told community leaders. “These disgusting attacks are being made against British Jews. But, make no mistake, this crisis — it is a crisis for all of us.”

Antisemitic incidents across Britain have dramatically increased since Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel on October 7, 2023, and the ensuing Gaza conflict began, data from the Community Security Trust charity shows. The organization documented 3,700 incidents in 2025, a sharp rise from 1,662 recorded in 2022.

The recent surge in attacks has coincided with the Iran war that began February 28, prompting investigators to examine possible connections to Iranian operatives.

A pro-Iranian organization identifying itself as Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia — the Islamic Movement of the Companions of the Right — has taken credit for multiple attacks. The group has also acknowledged responsibility for recent incidents targeting religious sites, businesses and financial institutions throughout Europe that appear connected to Jewish or Israeli interests.

“One of the lines of inquiry is whether a foreign state has been behind some of these incidents,” Starmer said. “Our message to Iran, or to any other country that might seek to foment violence, hatred or division in society, is that it will not be tolerated.”

Starmer outlined new measures to combat antisemitism, including mandating universities disclose the extent of antisemitic incidents on their campuses and implement prevention strategies. Arts organizations promoting antisemitism will lose government funding.

Following the stabbing attack, Britain elevated its terrorism threat level from substantial to severe — the second-highest designation on its five-tier system. This rating indicates intelligence services believe an attack is highly probable within six months.

Officials said the threat level increase reflects concerns beyond the knife attack, citing “Islamist and extreme right-wing terrorist threat from individuals and small groups based in the U.K.”

BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — Romanian Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan is defending his government Tuesday as lawmakers debate a no-confidence motion that could topple his administration, bringing together unlikely allies in an attempt to oust the pro-European leader.

The challenge emerged last week when the Social Democratic Party (PSD), which abandoned the governing coalition in April, teamed up with the far-right Alliance for the Unity of Romanians (AUR) to file the parliamentary motion. This alliance has pushed the EU member nation back into political turmoil.

Parliamentary members are discussing the measure Tuesday ahead of a crucial vote that needs a minimum of 233 lawmakers to succeed. Both the PSD and AUR claimed last week they have secured sufficient backing for the motion.

Bolojan, who leads the center-right National Liberal Party (PNL), dismissed the challenge as “cynical and artificial,” telling Parliament Tuesday that it “seems to be written by people who were not in government every day and did not participate in all the decisions.”

“It is cynical, because it does not take into account the context in which we find ourselves,” he stated. “I assumed the position of prime minister, being aware that it comes with enormous pressure and that I would not receive applause from the citizens. But I chose to do what was urgent and necessary for our country.”

The Eastern European nation has endured extended political turmoil following the cancellation of presidential elections in December 2024, while also confronting among the EU’s largest budget shortfalls, soaring prices, and economic contraction.

Following its installation last June, the ruling coalition promised to prioritize deficit reduction. The PSD frequently clashed with Bolojan regarding strict economic policies, including higher taxes, frozen government salaries and pensions, and reductions in public expenditures and civil service positions.

The PSD accused Bolojan of failing to “implement any genuine reform” during his 10-month tenure, arguing Romania requires leadership “capable of collaboration.”

Bolojan defended his record, stating he implemented difficult but essential economic policies that successfully “regained the trust of the markets in the Romanian government.”

Should Bolojan fall, the PSD would become essential for establishing a pro-European parliamentary coalition. However, the party has previously rejected forming any administration alongside AUR.

AUR leader George Simion declared Tuesday that citizens had “supported and wanted water, food, energy,” but instead “received taxes, war and poverty.”

“We assume the future of this country, a future government and restore the hope of the Romanians,” he stated. “Romania must go back to the vote of the Romanians.”

Bucharest political analyst Cristian Andrei predicts the crisis will result in deadlock, explaining that “no one has a majority, or a coalition, and it will take the president … weeks to find such a majority and name a new prime minister, prolonging the indecision.”

“At this moment, there are two tentative options for a new Cabinet, both difficult to achieve; either a reshuffled coalition, without Bolojan, in the same formation … or a minority Cabinet, rather led by PSD and satellites from populist parties, like AUR, or other small groups,” he explained. “A PSD-AUR official Cabinet is not a possibility today because the president will not endorse it.”

Under the original power-sharing arrangement, the prime minister role was scheduled to transfer from Bolojan to a PSD leader in 2027. National elections are planned for 2028.

KYIV, Ukraine — Overnight attacks by Russian forces using drones and missiles against Ukraine’s electrical infrastructure resulted in the deaths of at least five people and left 39 others injured, according to Ukrainian officials who reported the casualties Tuesday.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned Moscow for what he characterized as “utter cynicism” in conducting these assaults following Russia’s declaration of a temporary unilateral ceasefire scheduled for later this week during Russia’s commemoration of the 81st anniversary of Nazi Germany’s defeat in World War II.

“Russia could cease fire at any moment, and this would stop the war and our responses,” Zelenskyy wrote on X. “Peace is needed, and real steps are needed to achieve it. Ukraine will act in kind.”

This ceasefire announcement represents a recurring theme throughout the conflict, with Russia repeatedly declaring brief unilateral pauses during various holidays — including the recent Orthodox Easter — that have failed to produce meaningful results given the profound distrust between Moscow and Kyiv following Russia’s full-scale invasion that began more than four years ago.

Moscow’s Defense Ministry announced the temporary halt in hostilities would cover Friday and Saturday, while warning it would retaliate against Ukraine if the country attempted to interfere with Victory Day commemorations on May 9.

In response, Zelenskyy stated Ukraine would begin observing its own ceasefire starting at midnight Wednesday and would mirror Russia’s behavior moving forward. He did not specify when Ukraine’s truce would conclude.

According to Ukraine’s Air Force, Russian military units launched 11 Iskander-M ballistic missiles and 164 attack drones at Ukrainian targets during Monday night into Tuesday, including a jet-powered version of the Shahed drone.

Ukrainian air defense systems successfully intercepted 149 drones and one missile, though some weapons penetrated the defenses, officials reported. Two ballistic missiles did not reach their intended targets, the air force noted without providing additional details.

Throughout the conflict that started on February 24, 2022, Russia has consistently targeted Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. The latest strikes damaged natural gas production sites in Ukraine’s central Poltava and northeastern Kharkiv regions, according to state energy company Naftogaz Group.

Naftogaz reported that since January, its facilities have been attacked 107 times.

Zelenskyy described the Poltava attack as “especially vile,” noting that Russia fired a second missile at the same location while emergency responders were conducting rescue operations.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko indicated that Russia primarily focused on energy facilities, oil and gas infrastructure, railways and industrial locations, though the bombardment also caused damage to residential areas, commercial buildings and transportation systems.

“Russia’s ceasefire proposals remain only statements,” Svyrydenko commented.

Ukraine continued its campaign of long-distance strikes against Russian positions in rear areas, apparently targeting additional oil facilities.

Russia’s Defense Ministry reported destroying 289 Ukrainian drones overnight across 18 Russian regions. Additional drones were shot down over the occupied Crimean Peninsula, which Russia seized from Ukraine in 2014, and over the Azov Sea, according to Russian officials.

A Ukrainian drone strike injured three people in Cheboksary, a city located east of Moscow and more than 900 kilometers from Ukraine’s border, the regional health ministry confirmed.

Ukrainian drones also struck the Kirishi oil refinery in the Leningrad region near St. Petersburg, igniting a fire in the town’s industrial area, local Governor Alexander Drozdenko reported.

Drozdenko posted on social media that 29 Ukrainian drones were destroyed during the assault. No casualties were reported from that incident.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — A fragile three-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran faced new strain Tuesday after American forces successfully pushed two commercial vessels through the blocked Strait of Hormuz, prompting Iranian retaliation against United Arab Emirates targets.

The American military operation, which officials dubbed “Project Freedom,” marked the first successful challenge to Iran’s blockade of the critical waterway since fighting began in late February. However, the breakthrough came at a cost, with Iran launching missiles and drones that struck UAE facilities and wounded three Indian workers.

Questions remain about whether additional ships will attempt the dangerous passage after Monday’s operation. Tracking systems showed a Panamanian oil tanker moving toward the strait Tuesday morning, bound for Singapore, though officials couldn’t confirm if it would try to cross.

Iran’s control over the strait has created a stranglehold on global energy markets, as roughly 20% of the world’s oil and natural gas normally flows through the narrow waterway. The blockade has driven fuel costs higher worldwide and given Tehran significant bargaining power in ceasefire negotiations.

The American breakthrough effort involved clearing Iranian mines and establishing what military officials called an “enhanced security area” in Omani waters. Admiral Brad Cooper, who leads U.S. Central Command, reported that Iranian forces responded with cruise missiles, drones and small attack boats targeting civilian ships under American protection. U.S. helicopters destroyed six Iranian boats during the confrontation.

Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf responded angrily on social media Tuesday, accusing Washington of threatening shipping safety in the strait. “We know full well that the continuation of the status quo is intolerable for America; while we have not even begun yet,” Qalibaf warned, suggesting Tehran plans further retaliation.

President Donald Trump had previewed the operation Sunday, stating that Iranian efforts to block the waterway “will, unfortunately, have to be dealt with forcefully.” Trump said the mission aimed to help hundreds of ships stranded in the Persian Gulf since hostilities began.

The UAE confirmed its air defenses engaged 15 Iranian missiles and four drones during Monday’s attacks. Officials in Fujairah reported that one drone sparked a fire at an oil facility, while British forces reported two cargo ships caught fire off the UAE coast.

International leaders quickly condemned the Iranian strikes. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called attacks on civilians and infrastructure “unacceptable,” while expressing “firm solidarity” with the UAE. Modi emphasized that safe passage through the strait “is vital for enduring regional peace, stability and global energy security.”

Both Pakistan, which has been mediating between Washington and Tehran, and Saudi Arabia denounced the attacks. The Saudi foreign ministry demanded Iran “cease these attacks, comply with the principles of international law and relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.”

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned both the U.S. and UAE Tuesday to avoid “being dragged back into quagmire,” though Tehran neither confirmed nor denied launching the attacks.

The strait closure has particularly hurt European and Asian nations dependent on Persian Gulf energy supplies. Meanwhile, the U.S. has maintained its own naval blockade of Iranian ports since mid-April, forcing at least 49 commercial ships to turn away and threatening sanctions against companies that pay Iran transit fees.

This economic pressure has cost Tehran crucial oil revenue needed for its struggling economy. American officials hope the blockade will force Iranian concessions on nuclear issues and other longstanding disputes.

Iran’s latest peace proposal demands the U.S. lift sanctions, end its blockade, withdraw regional forces, and halt all military actions including Israeli operations in Lebanon. Iranian officials say they’re reviewing the American response, though a Foreign Ministry spokesman complained Monday that changing demands complicate diplomatic efforts.

Tehran claims its proposal excludes nuclear program discussions, despite uranium enrichment being a key source of tensions with the U.S. and Israel. Iran wants other issues resolved within 30 days and seeks to end the conflict rather than simply extend the current ceasefire. Trump expressed skepticism over the weekend that the proposal would produce an agreement.

Turkish and Saudi Arabian officials are preparing to eliminate visa requirements for citizens traveling between the two nations, according to a Turkish diplomatic source who spoke Tuesday.

The visa elimination agreement is expected to be finalized Wednesday when foreign ministers from both countries meet in Ankara for high-level diplomatic discussions.

The diplomatic breakthrough comes as the two Middle Eastern powers work to rebuild a relationship that was severely fractured following the 2018 murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi at Saudi Arabia’s consulate in Istanbul. Turkish officials at the time pointed fingers at high-ranking Saudi leaders for planning the killing.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will meet with Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan to lead a session of the Turkey-Saudi Coordination Council. During these talks, officials plan to sign the visa waiver for both regular and diplomatic passport holders, the diplomatic source confirmed.

The source indicated that Fidan will emphasize Turkey’s commitment to “regional ownership” when addressing Middle Eastern conflicts and highlight Ankara’s ongoing constructive role in efforts to end the war in Iran.

Fidan will also stress that events surrounding the Strait of Hormuz must not create “new tensions and provocations,” the source noted.

The relationship between Ankara and Riyadh has shown remarkable improvement since 2021, when Turkey withdrew its allegations of Saudi government involvement in Khashoggi’s death. This shift was part of a broader Turkish diplomatic initiative to rebuild connections with regional adversaries, including Saudi Arabia.

Since 2020, both nations have been taking deliberate measures to restore their previously strong ties.

MOSCOW, May 5 – Russian authorities disabled mobile internet access for numerous customers throughout Moscow on Tuesday as security precautions before their annual May 9th celebration marking victory over Nazi Germany, which officials have reduced in scale due to concerns about potential Ukrainian drone strikes, according to Reuters correspondents on the ground.

Throughout this year, Russia has intensified restrictions on internet access, cutting off mobile connectivity and compelling millions of citizens to rely on VPN services, actions that critics of President Vladimir Putin describe as efforts to strengthen government control following four years of ongoing conflict.

According to Kremlin officials, these connectivity restrictions were implemented as security measures in response to increased risks of Ukrainian drone operations.

Multiple Reuters correspondents stationed in Moscow confirmed that mobile internet connectivity failed on their devices Tuesday across various districts of the capital city. However, voice calls remained functional in most areas of Moscow, the reporters noted.

Major Russian telecommunications providers acknowledged potential mobile internet disruptions, stating these measures were necessary to maintain security during the upcoming period. Russia’s largest financial institution, Sberbank, also warned customers about possible mobile internet and messaging service interruptions.

Yandex, the country’s dominant internet corporation, announced through its ride-sharing division that customers might experience difficulties booking taxi services online due to internet limitations.

Following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine four years ago, both nations have become involved in an unprecedented large-scale drone conflict. These long-distance unmanned aircraft are striking targets ranging from military command centers to power grid facilities, extending far beyond the concentrated combat zones where short-range drones operate along active battle lines.

A Russian court has sentenced two physicists to 12 and a half years in prison after finding them guilty of treason related to their work on hypersonic weapons technology, according to state media reports released Tuesday.

The convicted scientists are Valery Zvegintsev, 82, and Vladislav Galkin, 71, both of whom conducted research that helped develop Russia’s advanced missile systems. Their case represents the most recent prosecution in an ongoing series of treason charges targeting researchers who study ultra-high-speed flight technology.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has frequently highlighted his country’s leadership in hypersonic missile production, weapons that Russia has used in its conflict with Ukraine. These advanced missiles can reach speeds up to 10 times faster than sound, allowing them to penetrate defensive systems.

Zvegintsev held a senior position at the Khristianovich Institute of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics in Novosibirsk, a Siberian research center. Two of his former colleagues from the same institute, Anatoly Maslov and Alexander Shiplyuk, received prison sentences of 14 and 15 years respectively in 2024.

Galkin was employed at a different Siberian university and had collaborated on research papers with both Zvegintsev and Shiplyuk.

Russian authorities have pursued treason charges against at least 10 scientists working in hypersonics research over the past ten years. This field focuses on flight speeds that exceed Mach 5, which translates to more than 3,800 miles per hour.

Both men maintained their innocence throughout the proceedings. Their supporters argue that the scientists’ published research and participation in international conferences had received prior approval from Russian security agencies.

Colleagues at the Novosibirsk institute took the unusual step of publishing an open letter in 2023, defending the arrested researchers’ innocence. They warned that these prosecutions were harming Russian scientific progress and discouraging young scholars from pursuing careers in the field.

VATICAN CITY – America’s top diplomat Marco Rubio is scheduled to sit down with Pope Leo this Thursday for what the U.S. envoy to the Vatican describes as an open and honest discussion regarding the Trump administration’s policies.

Brian Burch, who serves as the United States ambassador to the Holy See, explained to reporters on Tuesday that countries naturally have differences of opinion, and working through these issues requires brotherhood and genuine conversation.

“I think the Secretary is coming here in that spirit,” Burch explained during his remarks to the media. “To have a frank conversation about U.S. policy, to engage in dialogue.”

The ambassador emphasized that addressing disagreements between nations is best accomplished through what he called fraternal relationships and sincere communication.

LONDON – The United Kingdom imposed financial penalties Tuesday on 35 individuals and organizations accused of helping Russia recruit vulnerable migrants as soldiers and manufacture military drones for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

British officials announced 17 sanctions under the country’s global migration violations program, targeting what they described as human trafficking operations that transport people to serve as expendable troops on the battlefield.

An additional 18 sanctions were imposed under Britain’s existing Russia penalties program, with several targeting a recruitment scheme that officials say employed misleading tactics to enlist people, primarily from Cameroon, for drone manufacturing operations.

“The practice of exploiting vulnerable people to prop up Russia’s failing and illegal war in Ukraine is barbaric,” stated Sanctions Minister Stephen Doughty.

Doughty explained that the penalties are designed to “disrupt the operations of those trafficking migrants as cannon fodder and feeding (Russian President Vladimir) Putin’s drone factories with illicit components.”

A prominent Hungarian media executive whose companies earned massive government contracts during Viktor Orban’s administration has made a surprising decision to voluntarily transfer his business empire to the state following the recent change in government.

Gyula Balasy, who controls multiple major media firms that have created government advertising campaigns for more than ten years, announced his unexpected decision during a video interview Monday evening on the Kontroll news website.

This marks the first significant strategic shift by a major business figure with close ties to Orban’s administration, which lost power last month after governing for 16 years.

The incoming Prime Minister Peter Magyar, who leads the center-right Tisza party and will be sworn in May 9, has promised to examine state contracts, fight corruption and “reclaim stolen government assets” as part of his platform that delivered a decisive electoral victory.

“I am offering the group of companies that I have been building for 22 years, which currently perform the events, communications and media purchasing tasks for the state and government, … to the Hungarian state,” Balasy stated to Kontroll.

“I am not doing this because I have something to hide or because we have done something unlawful or wrong, but because I think the activities that we have performed for the state go beyond market communication activities and therefore … their place is inside the public sector budget.”

Balasy’s companies were responsible for creating Orban’s anti-Ukraine electoral messaging, which portrayed the April election as a decision between conflict and peace, along with numerous anti-immigration advertising efforts.

The media executive maintained that his companies secured government procurement deals that were “entirely transparent.” Balasy also revealed that several of his companies had their bank accounts frozen on Monday, though he did not identify which agency took this action.

Magyar responded briefly to Balasy’s interview on Facebook Monday, stating in reference to Orban’s supporters, “this system could collapse much faster than anyone would think.”

Mark Radnai, Tisza party’s vice chairman, commented: “This is the man who we have known as Fidesz’s billboard maker, and who in the past eight years has practically dominated the entire market of state communication.”

“Let’s not forget that the money earned was not generated by the market, it was paid by us, Hungarians… nothing will be forgotten.”

Financial records from the Opten business database show Balasy’s New Land Media company generated net revenue of 85 billion forints ($273 million) in 2024, climbing from 70 billion in 2020, while after-tax profits jumped to approximately 9 billion forints from 3 billion. His other primary company, Lounge Design, experienced net revenue growth to 26.3 billion forints from 10 billion during the same timeframe, with net profits increasing fourfold to 4.25 billion from 1.4 billion in 2020.

According to Transparency International, during just the 2019-2021 timeframe, Balasy’s enterprises Lounge Design, New Land Media and Media Dynamics secured a combined 295 billion forints in government contracts, primarily from the National Communications Office, which managed Orban’s campaigns and played a crucial role in previous electoral victories.

“The number of contracts won by Balasy’s companies has risen significantly, from zero to 150 per year in the Orban regime, between 2012 and 2025,” stated the Corruption Research Centre CRCB, a Hungarian research organization, in an April 10, 2026 report.

BANGKOK – Thailand’s government has unilaterally ended a 25-year-old pact with Cambodia designed to facilitate joint offshore energy exploration, ignoring pleas from Cambodia to maintain the long-standing agreement announced Tuesday.

The Thai cabinet’s decision to cancel the accord, which aimed to establish a framework for jointly developing hydrocarbon resources in contested Gulf of Thailand waters, had been anticipated following two periods of armed hostilities between the nations in the previous year.

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul had promised during his election campaign to withdraw from the agreement. Earlier this year, he capitalized on nationalist sentiment fueled by intense military clashes with Cambodia to become Thailand’s first prime minister to win reelection in 20 years.

“Cancelling the deal is not related to the border conflict with Cambodia, but part of my policy. It has been 25 years and there has been no progress,” Anutin told reporters, adding that Cambodia would be informed of the decision.

Cambodia’s Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn expressed regret over the termination and said Phnom Penh “has no option” but to settle the boundary issue under processes outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, or UNCLOS.

“Cambodia’s decision to pursue compulsory conciliation under UNCLOS reaffirms its commitment to resolving maritime disputes peacefully and in accordance with international law,” he said in a statement.

The pact, commonly referred to as “MOU 44,” has achieved minimal advancement since its signing despite numerous negotiation sessions. Progress stalled due to Thailand’s political turmoil, periodic tensions between the neighboring countries, and strong resistance from Thai nationalist groups.

The dual-purpose agreement proposed establishing a system for collaborative offshore oil and gas exploration in disputed zones while simultaneously conducting separate discussions on official boundary demarcation.

Thai government spokesperson Rachada Dhanadirek announced Tuesday that UNCLOS would serve as a reference point for direct negotiations with Cambodia regarding maritime boundary determination.

Thailand has consistently declined to participate in Cambodia’s attempts to resolve border disagreements through international mechanisms, including the International Court of Justice, maintaining that such matters should be handled through bilateral negotiations.

A truce between Thailand and Cambodia has remained in effect since late December following two outbreaks of combat along extensive portions of their 817-kilometer border. The initial conflict concluded after intervention by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Both nations hold each other responsible for initiating the two rounds of violence, which resulted in nearly 150 deaths and forced hundreds of thousands of residents to flee their homes.

STOCKHOLM – Sweden’s government announced Tuesday it will establish a new civilian foreign intelligence agency following criticism that the country’s security services failed to anticipate Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

The decision represents the implementation of recommendations from a public investigation that received preliminary approval last year. The new civilian intelligence organization will report directly to Sweden’s government.

“As is well known, we have a serious security situation and we face a broad and complex threat picture every day, and this places new and increased demands on our capabilities,” Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard said during a press conference.

“We also have new expectations of ourselves as a NATO ally, and as we now develop our intelligence structure, we will also better match the structures that exist within NATO and among our allies,” Stenergard added.

Sweden’s Military Intelligence and Security Service (MUST), similar to intelligence organizations in other countries, failed to predict Russia’s comprehensive military assault on Ukraine. This oversight prompted criticism in an official government review and from political leaders.

The newly formed agency will operate in conjunction with Sweden’s current security apparatus, which includes MUST, the Swedish Security Service (SAPO) that operates under police authority, and the National Defence Radio Establishment (FRA), which handles signals intelligence operations.

According to Stenergard, establishing the new intelligence agency will cost approximately 2.8 billion Swedish crowns, equivalent to about $302 million. The funding will come primarily through budget transfers from the country’s armed forces.

Operations for the new intelligence service are scheduled to commence at the beginning of next year.

MANILA, Philippines — Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi arrived in the Philippines Tuesday for high-level discussions with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and to observe multinational military exercises aimed at strengthening defense partnerships between the two countries.

During his visit to Manila, Koizumi will meet with Marcos and Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. to discuss expanding military cooperation, including potential discussions about Japan providing used naval destroyers to the Philippines.

Both nations, which maintain defense treaties with the United States, established a mutual access agreement in 2024 that enables large-scale joint military training operations. This Reciprocal Access Agreement cleared the path for Japan to send 1,400 military personnel to participate regularly in exercises known as Balikatan.

The annual Balikatan exercises — meaning “shoulder-to-shoulder” in Tagalog — bring together American, Filipino and other allied forces to prepare for security challenges and counter China’s growing regional aggression.

Representatives from 16 nations, including India and Australia, are scheduled to travel Wednesday to Paoay in northwestern Philippines to observe a major Balikatan demonstration featuring coordinated firepower from Philippine, U.S., Japanese and Canadian forces targeting a vessel positioned approximately 25 miles offshore.

Japanese military units will launch two rounds of Type 88 missiles as part of efforts to destroy a decommissioned Philippine navy vessel from the World War II period, according to Philippine Marine Corps Col. Dennis Hernandez, who told The Associated Press that President Marcos will monitor the live-fire demonstration remotely from Manila.

Prior to arriving in the Philippines, Koizumi stopped in Jakarta, Indonesia, where he signed a defense cooperation pact Monday with Indonesian Defense Secretary Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin.

“As Japan faces the most severe and complex security environment in the postwar era, it is important to establish a multilayered network of allies and like-minded countries, while expanding it and strengthening the deterrence,” Koizumi stated during a recent Tokyo press briefing.

Japan has enhanced its military strike capabilities by acquiring long-range missile systems capable of hitting distant enemy positions, marking a significant departure from its post-World War II doctrine that restricted military action to defensive purposes only.

On April 21, Japan eliminated restrictions on exporting lethal military equipment, representing another substantial shift from its postwar pacifist stance as the country works to develop its defense manufacturing sector in response to increased Chinese military activity in the region. The Philippines shares similar concerns following escalating territorial disputes with Beijing in the South China Sea.

The policy change enables Japan to potentially provide the Philippines with up to six retired Abukuma-class destroyers, which could be deployed for patrol missions and monitoring air, surface and underwater threats, Hernandez explained, noting this topic may arise during Koizumi’s meetings with Philippine leadership. Specific terms of any potential transfer remain undisclosed.

While U.S. and Australian officials have praised Japan’s policy updates, China has expressed strong opposition to these changes.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated last month that the international community, including China, will “resolutely resist Japan’s reckless moves toward a new type of militarism.”

A delicate four-week ceasefire in the Middle East appeared on the verge of collapse Tuesday following renewed hostilities between American and Iranian forces battling for dominance over the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

According to U.S. military officials, American forces eliminated six Iranian patrol boats along with cruise missiles and unmanned aircraft on Monday. This action came as part of President Donald Trump’s naval escort mission dubbed “Project Freedom,” designed to guide stranded commercial vessels through the contested waterway.

Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, Iran’s parliamentary speaker, declared via social media Tuesday that shipping security and energy transportation routes faced danger due to ceasefire violations by America and its partners.

This narrow passage serves as a critical conduit for worldwide shipments of petroleum, fertilizer, and various commodities. The waterway has remained essentially blocked since American and Israeli forces initiated strikes against Iran on February 28, triggering global price increases.

Multiple commercial vessels in the Persian Gulf experienced explosions or fires Monday, while Iranian missiles ignited an oil facility in the United Arab Emirates, a nation housing a significant American military installation.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has successfully sealed the narrow channel using threats of naval mines, unmanned aircraft, missiles, and patrol boats. The United States has countered by implementing a blockade of Iranian harbors.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated that Monday’s incidents demonstrated the impossibility of a military resolution to the conflict. He noted that peace negotiations continue with Pakistani mediation and cautioned the U.S. and UAE against becoming entangled in a “quagmire.”

American military representatives confirmed that two U.S. commercial vessels successfully navigated the strait with assistance from Navy guided-missile destroyers, though they did not specify timing.

Iran disputed any successful crossings occurred, but shipping company Maersk confirmed the Alliance Fairfax, flying an American flag, departed the Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz with U.S. military escort Monday.

The regional U.S. forces commander reported destroying six small Iranian vessels, which Iran also contested. Iranian media cited a military official claiming American forces targeted civilian boats, resulting in five civilian deaths.

Iran also announced Monday that it had fired upon a U.S. warship approaching the strait, compelling it to retreat. Iranian officials later characterized the gunfire as warning shots.

Reuters was unable to independently confirm the complete situation in the strait Monday due to conflicting accounts from both sides.

South Korea reported that one of its merchant vessels, HMM Namu, experienced an explosion and fire in its engine compartment while in the strait, though no crew members were injured. A South Korean government representative said it remained unclear whether the fire resulted from an attack.

Additionally Monday, the British maritime security organization UKMTO reported two vessels were struck off the UAE coast, and Emirati oil corporation ADNOC said one of its empty tankers was hit by Iranian drones.

Iranian officials published a map showing what they claimed was an expanded maritime zone under their authority, stretching well beyond the strait to encompass extensive portions of the UAE’s shoreline.

Following reported drone and missile strikes throughout the UAE during the day, including one causing a fire at Fujairah, a major oil port, the UAE characterized Iranian attacks as a significant escalation and stated it maintained the right to retaliate.

Fujairah sits outside the strait, positioning it as one of the few Middle Eastern oil export channels that bypasses the waterway.

Iran’s state television reported that military commanders confirmed attacking the UAE in response to “U.S. military’s adventurism.”

Oil markets declined 1% Tuesday after rising as much as 6% in the prior session amid indications the U.S. Navy was weakening Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz.

The Middle Eastern conflict has claimed thousands of lives and disrupted the global economy. American and Iranian representatives have conducted one direct peace negotiation session, but efforts to arrange additional meetings have been unsuccessful.

Trump has stated that the U.S.-Israeli operations aimed to eliminate what he termed immediate threats from Iran, referencing its nuclear and ballistic missile programs, its backing of Hamas and Hezbollah, and its “menacing activities.”

Iranian state media reported Sunday that the U.S. had transmitted its response to a 14-point Iranian proposal through Pakistan, and Iran was examining it. Neither party provided specifics.

The Iranian proposal would delay discussions of Iran’s nuclear energy and research programs until after reaching an agreement to end the conflict and resolve the shipping dispute. Trump said over the weekend he was still reviewing it but would likely decline it.

Recent U.S. intelligence indicates minimal damage to Iran’s nuclear program since hostilities began, officials informed Reuters.

Trump seeks to eliminate Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles to prevent further processing that could enable nuclear weapon production. Iran denies any plans to develop nuclear weapons.

Five people lost their lives Tuesday when Russian forces launched an aerial assault on Ukrainian gas infrastructure facilities, according to the head of Ukraine’s national energy company.

The strike targeted production sites belonging to state-owned Naftogaz in the Poltava and Kharkiv regions, resulting in the deaths of three company workers and two emergency responders, CEO Serhiy Koretskyi reported.

The attack caused substantial damage to the facilities and halted gas production operations, Koretskyi stated. An additional 37 individuals sustained injuries in the bombardment.

Ukrainian officials reported Tuesday that a deadly Russian assault using missiles and drones targeted natural gas production sites overnight, resulting in five fatalities and widespread service disruptions.

The strike hit energy infrastructure operated by Ukraine’s state-owned Naftogaz company in both the Poltava and Kharkiv regions. Among those killed were three Naftogaz workers and two emergency response personnel, according to company CEO Serhiy Koretskyi.

“Gas production facilities in the Poltava and Kharkiv regions came under fire,” Koretskyi stated, adding that 37 additional people suffered injuries in the assault.

The Naftogaz chief described the operation as a coordinated strike using both unmanned aircraft and ballistic missiles, resulting in substantial infrastructure damage and production interruptions.

Ukrainian air defense forces tracked a massive wave of incoming threats beginning Monday evening at 6 p.m. local time, including 11 ballistic missiles and 164 drones launched by Russian forces. Military officials said they successfully intercepted one missile and 149 drones, though eight missiles and 14 drones managed to hit 14 separate locations across the country.

Regional governor Vitalii Diakivnych confirmed that direct strikes and falling debris impacted two facilities in the central Poltava area, leaving nearly 3,500 residents without gas service.

Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko revealed that the two emergency workers died during a follow-up missile strike after rescue teams had arrived to battle a large fire ignited by the initial attack on the gas facility. The secondary assault also injured 23 rescue personnel.

“These are deliberate attacks on those who save lives,” Klymenko wrote on the Telegram messaging platform.

Russian regional authorities reported Tuesday that Ukrainian forces launched an assault on a major oil processing facility in the Leningrad region, causing a blaze in an industrial section of Kirishi.

Regional Governor Alexander Drozdenko confirmed that Ukrainian forces targeted the Kirishinefteorgsintez refinery facility. “The enemy’s main target was the (Kirishinefteorgsintez) oil refinery,” Drozdenko stated, noting that the incident resulted in no injuries.

Emergency crews successfully controlled the blaze, with firefighting efforts nearly finished, according to the governor’s statement.

The targeted facility ranks among Russia’s most significant oil processing plants. Industry data shows the Kirishinefteorgsintez refinery handled 17.5 million metric tons of crude oil in 2024, equivalent to 350,000 barrels daily, representing 6.6% of the nation’s total refining capacity.

The facility’s annual output includes 2 million tons of gasoline, 7.1 million tons of diesel fuel, 6.1 million tons of fuel oil, and 600,000 tons of bitumen.

Russian military officials reported that defense systems eliminated 289 Ukrainian unmanned aircraft across various Russian territories during overnight operations.

Armenia marked a significant diplomatic milestone Tuesday by hosting its inaugural bilateral summit with the European Union in Yerevan, signaling the Caucasus nation’s determined shift toward Western alliances while gradually distancing itself from Russia, its traditional partner.

The EU-Armenia summit took place following the eighth European Political Community gathering, which drew numerous European leaders to Armenia’s capital. During Monday’s discussions, officials tackled European security concerns and addressed the ongoing conflict between the U.S., Israel, and Iran.

These diplomatic gatherings highlight Armenia’s strategic pivot toward Western partnerships while reducing Russian influence. Relations between Armenia and Moscow, historically strong allies, have deteriorated significantly since 2023 when Azerbaijan successfully recaptured the Karabakh territory, ending decades of control by ethnic Armenian separatists.

Armenian officials blamed Russian peacekeeping forces stationed in the area for their inability to prevent Azerbaijan’s military campaign. Moscow, preoccupied with its Ukrainian conflict, dismissed these claims, maintaining that their forces lacked authority to intervene.

Richard Giragosian, director of the Regional Studies Center in Yerevan, told The Associated Press that the conflict served as “a belated demonstration that Russia is dangerously unreliable as a partner.”

Following these events, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s administration has actively pursued stronger Western relationships, an initiative the EU has embraced.

During Monday’s EPC conference, EU Council President Antonio Costa expressed gratitude to Pashinyan for “the courageous political decisions he has taken to bring Armenia closer to the European Union.”

“The direction of travel is unmistakable,” Costa declared, emphasizing the importance of “strengthen[ing] Armenian democracy and fight[ing] external interference and misinformation.”

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted Armenia’s strategic importance for European supply networks during her EPC address, noting the country’s role “specifically on the connectivity to the South Caucasus and Central Asia.”

In 2023, Armenia became a member of the International Criminal Court, prompting Moscow to denounce the decision as an “unfriendly step.” The court has issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin, charging him with personal accountability for Ukrainian children’s abductions.

Armenia subsequently suspended its involvement in the Moscow-led Collective Security Treaty Organization in 2024.

The Armenian parliament later enacted legislation formally announcing the nation’s goal to pursue EU membership.

According to Giragosian, the EU has filled the role previously occupied by Russia, rather than the United States taking that position.

“EU engagement is much more prudent and much more productive than the U.S. becoming involved, simply because European engagement is less provocative to Russia over the longer term,” he explained.

Nevertheless, Armenia maintains membership in the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union, which facilitates free movement of goods, capital, and workers among member states including Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. Putin has clearly outlined the consequences of dual allegiances.

During earlier discussions with Pashinyan in Moscow this year, Putin cautioned that Armenia cannot maintain simultaneous membership in both the EEU and EU, highlighting that Yerevan currently receives Russian natural gas at significantly reduced rates compared to European market prices. While Pashinyan recognized this incompatibility, he stated Armenia could temporarily balance EEU membership with expanded EU cooperation.

Giragosian characterized Tuesday’s summit as “a focus on deepening the preexisting relationship” rather than advancing toward candidacy status, referencing the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement that has governed EU-Armenia relations since its full implementation in 2021.

“The symbolic significance is much greater as a message to Russia,” he noted.

However, Giragosian anticipates concrete outcomes from the summit. Expected announcements include funding for domestic reforms and military support through the European Peace Facility, a fund established primarily to assist Ukraine. An EU monitoring presence has operated along Armenia’s border with Azerbaijan for several years, and authorities recently approved a new mission addressing hybrid threats.

Pashinyan, who has served since 2018 and faces parliamentary elections in June, is positioned to gain politically from the international attention these European meetings generate. Giragosian observed that Pashinyan’s government will likely retain power largely due to the opposition’s failure to present a viable alternative platform.

However, Giragosian cautioned against viewing Armenia’s foreign policy solely as a transition from Russian to Western alignment.

“Armenia is also pivoting beyond the black and white zero-sum game paradigm,” he stated, referencing substantial diplomatic efforts in Asia, including partnerships with Japan, South Korea, and China. “This is not about replacing Russia with the West. This is much more innovative, much more sophisticated.”

The summit occurs during increased tensions between Azerbaijan and the EU. Last week, Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry called in the EU ambassador to object to a European Parliament resolution calling for Armenian prisoner releases and criticizing Armenian treatment in Karabakh. Azerbaijani lawmakers subsequently voted to halt all European Parliament cooperation.

Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev, who participated in the EPC conference through video connection, criticized the European Parliament and Parliamentary Assembly for the Council of Europe for “double standards” regarding sanctions on Azerbaijan’s PACE delegation.

Protests also occurred outside the heavily secured EPC summit location. Demonstrators displayed photographs of Armenian prisoners detained in Azerbaijan.

Opposition leader Aram Sargsyan, who heads the Democratic Party of Armenia, told the Armenian Press Agency that European officials were expressing pre-election support for Pashinyan while having “forgotten about the Armenians in prison in Azerbaijan.”

Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te defended his nation’s right to conduct international diplomacy Tuesday following his return from a three-day official visit to Eswatini, which Taiwanese officials claim Beijing attempted to prevent.

The president’s original travel plans for last month were scrapped due to Chinese interference, according to Taiwan’s government. Officials stated that Beijing influenced three nations to withdraw flight authorization, blocking Lai’s passage through their territories.

While China has not verified these pressure tactics, Beijing expressed gratitude to the countries for supporting its one-China policy. Despite the obstacles, Lai proceeded with rescheduled plans and arrived in the African kingdom on May 2.

During his visit to one of Taiwan’s dozen remaining diplomatic allies, discussions centered on strengthening ties in economics, farming, culture, and education.

“Just like going out to visit friends, this is every country’s basic right,” Lai stated upon returning to Taiwan Tuesday. “This trip, which was subject to obstruction, actually let the world see the Taiwanese public’s determination and will to be a part of the world.”

Beijing considers Taiwan part of its sovereign territory and threatens military action if necessary to reclaim the island. China forbids nations with which it maintains diplomatic relationships from establishing official connections with Taiwan.

While Taiwan operates independently, it confronts mounting Chinese pressure across multiple areas. Beijing regularly dispatches military aircraft and naval ships toward the island while using economic incentives and coercion to persuade other countries to sever diplomatic ties with Taiwan.

This past weekend demonstrated China’s broader influence when organizers of a human rights gathering in Zambia called off the event after Beijing pressured the host nation to bar Taiwanese participants.

Lai expressed appreciation to Eswatini Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla, who joined the delegation and helped ensure “a smooth round trip” for all participants. Dladla had visited Taiwan in late April.

“Taiwan’s actions shows that the real display of power of a country isn’t in having others submit to you, but to bring prosperity to everyone,” he added.

FENGLIN, Taiwan — In the small Taiwanese community of Fenglin, residents have discovered an unusual solution to boost tourism following a devastating earthquake: racing snails.

This town of approximately 10,000 people has built its reputation around unhurried living, and rather than fighting this characteristic, locals have decided to celebrate it. The community has organized snail racing competitions to showcase its commitment to a leisurely, sustainable way of life that emphasizes wellness, long life spans, and strong community bonds.

The unique events also serve a practical purpose — drawing visitors back to the region after a powerful earthquake in April 2024 significantly reduced tourism. The disaster claimed 19 lives and left over 1,100 people injured, creating lasting concerns among potential travelers.

“The earthquake two years ago had a relatively big impact on tourism because people are worried an earthquake may happen again,” explained Hsu Lu, a 32-year-old local resident. “Many people have left Hualien because of earthquakes,” Hsu noted, referencing the broader county known for frequent seismic activity.

The connection between Fenglin and snails began in 2014 when the town became part of Cittaslow, a global movement of smaller communities dedicated to improving quality of life and promoting locally grown food. The organization’s emblem features a snail with various structures on its shell.

This slow-living philosophy fits naturally with Fenglin’s character. The community’s population has decreased by two-thirds over recent decades, and today it represents Taiwan’s aging demographic challenge, with over 20% of residents being 65 or older.

Following the April 2024 disaster, community members launched their first snail competition the next month as a way to help restore local tourism, according to event coordinator Cheng Jen-shou.

“We thought that our event could attract people, and that would be a small help,” he explained.

The town recently completed its third annual competition during the May Day holiday weekend. Dozens of excited locals and visitors gathered for the festivities, which included six separate races spread across two days. Race winners advanced to a championship round, but not before being ceremoniously transported on wooden boards across green carpeting while supporters applauded.

Among the participants was Li Cheng-wen, a 70-year-old retired resident who brought several competitors he had discovered eating vegetables in his garden. Rather than eliminating them as many farmers might, he chose to care for them as companions, providing daily water and feeding them fruit slices and plant leaves.

“As to the criteria for choosing snails for the race, I usually select those that are very active and pleasing to the eye,” Li shared.

Kelvin Hong and Tiara Lin made an especially long journey for the event, driving approximately five hours from the southern metropolis of Kaohsiung with their 2-year-old daughter Murphy and their giant African snail named Aquaman. The family had originally planned to participate in 2024, but Lin’s unexpected labor prevented their attendance. This year, they finally got their chance to support their unusual athlete.

Despite Aquaman’s size advantage over locally gathered competitors, the imported snail proved disappointingly sluggish during competition.

The racing format involves placing ten snails at the center of a circular table covered with vinyl sheeting. Victory goes to whichever mollusk reaches the table’s edge first.

This year’s overall champion was Guage, nicknamed Brother Snail, owned by 39-year-old Tanya Lin from Hualien. She has cared for the winning snail since 2024, when it also claimed victory in one race.

Brother Snail completed the 33-centimeter course in exactly 3 minutes and 3 seconds, earning placement on a miniature podium and a prize of organic sweet potato greens.

Beyond snail racing, local officials have developed additional tourism attractions including guided electric bicycle tours that visit historical tobacco storage buildings, structures from the Japanese colonial period, and a museum dedicated to Hakka minority culture.

The appeal of unhurried living drew university students Annette Lin and Tanya Liu, who traveled roughly 30 minutes by train from Hualien on Saturday to experience both the snail competition and Fenglin’s relaxed atmosphere.

While the friends appreciated the unusual contest and enjoyed the town’s peaceful environment, they viewed it primarily as a temporary escape from urban pressures.

“I think for travel or a trip, it’s a great choice,” Liu observed. “But maybe living here would not really be my dream choice.”

A devastating blast at a fireworks manufacturing facility in China has claimed the lives of at least 21 people and left 61 others wounded, according to Chinese state media reports released Tuesday.

The deadly explosion took place Monday afternoon at a facility operated by Huasheng Fireworks Manufacturing and Display Co., located in Liuyang, a county-level city under Changsha’s administration in Hunan province. The area is widely recognized as a major center for fireworks production.

Video footage broadcast by state television CCTV on Tuesday revealed white smoke continuing to rise from portions of the facility, with buildings either destroyed or severely damaged in the blast.

Emergency response teams totaling nearly 500 personnel rushed to the location, while officials evacuated nearby residents due to safety concerns related to two black powder storage facilities located close to where the explosion occurred, according to the Xinhua news agency.

Law enforcement has taken the company’s leadership into custody as officials work to determine what caused the deadly incident, Xinhua reported.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping has called for maximum effort in locating any missing individuals and providing care for the wounded. He demanded that officials quickly determine the explosion’s cause and hold responsible parties accountable, while also ordering improved safety measures and hazard identification across critical industries to strengthen public safety oversight.

Rescue teams implemented safety protocols including water spraying and moisture control to reduce additional risks during their operations.

Three robotic units were brought in to assist with search and rescue activities at the damaged site.

The city of Liuyang has deep roots in fireworks manufacturing. According to Guinness World Records, the earliest recorded firework – the Chinese firecracker – was created by Li Tian, a monk living near Liuyang during the Tang dynasty period from approximately 618 to 907 C.E. Li’s innovation of placing gunpowder inside hollow bamboo created explosive sounds, and he connected multiple crackers to form traditional New Year celebrations meant to ward off evil spirits.

Earlier this year in February, China experienced two separate fatal explosions at fireworks retail locations during the Lunar New Year celebration period.