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BEIJING – Chinese government regulators have intervened to stop an overseas company from buying out a domestic artificial intelligence firm called Manus, according to an announcement Monday from the National Development and Reform Commission.

The state planning agency has directed all parties involved in the proposed deal to immediately terminate the acquisition process.

The move represents China’s continued efforts to maintain control over strategic technology companies within its borders, particularly in the rapidly growing artificial intelligence sector.

JAKARTA – Law enforcement officials in Indonesia deployed tear gas and water cannons against demonstrators in Papua province on Monday after approximately 800 people gathered to demand the removal of military forces from their region, according to local police authorities.

The demonstrations were sparked by a military operation conducted earlier this month that reportedly killed 15 individuals, including women and children, according to police spokesperson Cahyo Sukarnito.

The military action targeted armed independence fighters who have been seeking to separate the resource-abundant Papua region from Indonesian control since 1969, when a United Nations-supervised referendum placed the territory under Indonesian authority after more than 60 years of Dutch colonial administration.

Indonesia’s human rights monitoring organization confirmed the fatalities last week and urged government officials to reassess military activities in the area. Military officials have not yet acknowledged the reported deaths.

Protesters assembled at three separate sites in Jayapura, the provincial capital, before converging in the downtown area, Sukarnito explained. The demonstrators demanded government withdrawal of military personnel from Papua’s six provinces and an end to decades of regional violence.

“The deaths during recent military operations had sparked local anger,” Sukarnito told Reuters, acknowledging the connection between the casualties and the protest movement.

Violence erupted when demonstrators hurled rocks at law enforcement officers, prompting authorities to use crowd control measures. Five police officers sustained injuries during the confrontation, though no protester injuries were reported, according to Sukarnito.

Video footage from Tribun Papua, a local news outlet, captured police officers wearing protective equipment and carrying batons as they advanced toward the crowd.

After the initial violence subsided, the demonstrations resumed without further incident. Several regional legislators arrived at the scene to engage with protesters and hear their concerns directly.

The Papua region houses Grasberg, the world’s second-largest gold and copper mining operation, which operates under joint ownership between the Indonesian government and American mining corporation Freeport.

Britain’s monarch King Charles III has arrived in the United States for a significant official state visit during a period of heightened diplomatic challenges between the two longtime allies.

The royal visit takes place as relationships across the Atlantic Ocean face strain due to escalating tensions surrounding the conflict with Iran and continuing repercussions from the Epstein affair that continue to impact diplomatic circles.

This marks a notable diplomatic moment as the British sovereign conducts formal state business in America while both nations navigate complex international issues that have tested their traditionally strong partnership.

Can a royal diplomatic mission help mend frayed ties between two of the world’s closest allies? That’s the question being explored as King Charles prepares for a high-profile meeting with the American president.

The potential for the monarch’s visit to ease diplomatic strains between the United States and Britain is being examined by foreign policy experts. NPR turned to veteran diplomat Philip Reeker for his analysis of whether this royal engagement could help smooth over recent tensions in the special relationship between the two nations.

The timing of the King’s diplomatic outreach comes as both countries navigate complex international challenges that have tested their traditional partnership.

NEW DELHI – Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ruling party has bolstered its strength in India’s parliament after seven opposition legislators switched allegiances on Monday, according to official parliamentary records. The move could help the government advance its legislative agenda more smoothly.

The seven lawmakers who changed parties all belonged to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which is headed by Arvind Kejriwal, one of Modi’s most vocal political opponents. AAP currently controls Punjab state and previously held power in Delhi, the nation’s capital territory.

Following these defections, AAP now holds only three seats in the Rajya Sabha, India’s upper legislative chamber. Meanwhile, Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party has increased its membership to 113, putting it just 10 seats away from controlling a simple majority in the 245-seat body. The broader National Democratic Alliance, led by Modi, now commands approximately 140 seats in what is also called the Council of States.

Members of the Rajya Sabha serve six-year terms and are chosen by elected officials from state and territorial legislatures through a proportional representation voting system. Modi’s coalition currently governs 19 of India’s 28 states plus two of the three federal territories that have their own legislatures.

Among those who switched parties are former cricket star Harbhajan Singh and Raghav Chadha, who effectively led the group of defectors. Chadha had gained public recognition by advocating for middle-class issues, including challenging expensive food prices at airports.

Chadha criticized his former party, claiming it was controlled by “corrupt and compromised” individuals. In response, AAP officials accused the defectors of acting purely out of political opportunism.

Six of the seven former AAP legislators were originally elected from Punjab, where state elections are scheduled for next year and where Modi’s party has never secured an outright majority independently. Multiple AAP leaders, including Kejriwal himself, are currently facing legal proceedings related to corruption charges.

In February, a New Delhi court chose not to move forward with prosecution against Kejriwal and other party members in one corruption case, which AAP maintains is politically driven. The case has since been appealed to a higher court.

Britain’s King Charles and Queen Camilla touched down in America on Monday for a historic four-day royal visit that has been overshadowed by recent violence and growing tensions between the longtime allies.

This state visit represents the most significant and high-stakes trip of Charles’s time as monarch, commemorating 250 years since America declared independence from Britain. It’s the first time a British royal has visited the United States in two decades.

The carefully planned itinerary includes a private audience with President Donald Trump, who has openly expressed his admiration for the royal family, along with a congressional address and an elegant White House state dinner.

However, the visit has been complicated by recent events, including a shooting incident at Saturday’s White House Correspondents’ Association dinner in Washington. According to the acting U.S. attorney general, the president and his administration officials were believed to be the intended targets of the attack.

Additionally, diplomatic relations have been strained over disagreements regarding the U.S.-Israeli military action against Iran, with Trump expressing frustration over Britain’s reluctance to support the campaign.

Despite these challenges, Buckingham Palace confirmed the royal tour would proceed as scheduled after security consultations between British and American officials.

“The king and queen are most grateful to all those who have worked at pace to ensure this remains the case and are looking forward to the visit getting underway tomorrow,” a palace spokesperson said on Sunday.

Upon arrival in Washington, the royal couple will enjoy private tea with Trump, who frequently refers to Charles as a “great man,” and First Lady Melania Trump.

The 77-year-old monarch, who continues receiving cancer treatment, will make history the following day by addressing Congress – only the second British sovereign ever to do so.

The royal tour will then move to New York City, where they’ll pay respects to victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks ahead of the 25th anniversary. Queen Camilla will also participate in celebrations marking 100 years of Winnie the Pooh children’s literature.

The visit concludes in Virginia, where King Charles will meet with environmental conservation groups, reflecting his decades-long commitment to environmental causes.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s administration hopes this royal visit will strengthen the “special relationship” between the nations, which has reached its lowest point since the 1956 Suez Crisis.

Britain’s U.S. Ambassador Christian Turner emphasized that the visit would highlight the shared heritage, sacrifices, and values connecting both countries, noting their approach would follow the traditional British motto: “Keep calm, carry on.”

While Trump has recently softened his criticism of Britain’s Iran policy stance, tensions persist after a leaked Pentagon document suggested America might reconsider its support for Britain’s Falkland Islands claims as retaliation for insufficient cooperation.

The Jeffrey Epstein controversy will not be addressed during this visit. Palace sources confirmed the royals cannot meet with Epstein victims who requested such meetings, citing concerns about interfering with ongoing criminal investigations.

King Charles’s brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, continues facing police scrutiny over his connections to the deceased American sex offender. The former Prince Andrew has consistently denied any misconduct.

NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — Brenda Obare remembers when cooking dinner meant simply turning a knob to ignite the blue flame on her gas stove before evening arrived.

Today, that stove sits unused while she hunkers down beside a charcoal burner outside her metal-roofed dwelling in Kibera, one of Africa’s most expansive informal communities in Kenya’s capital. She works to kindle a smoky blaze for her family’s meals. Cooking gas has become prohibitively costly and frequently unavailable, while charcoal remains accessible.

“We don’t have many options,” she said. “You use what you can afford.”

Her experience reflects a growing trend resulting from energy supply disruptions linked to the Iran war. While governments had encouraged adoption of cleaner fuels like LPG for health and environmental benefits, escalating prices are eroding those achievements.

The consequences extend far beyond fuel stations, reaching into homes, woodlands, and animal habitats. Throughout Africa and South Asia, officials have invested years attempting to transition households from burning charcoal and wood to cleaner alternatives like liquefied petroleum gas.

This initiative stemmed from health concerns regarding air pollution, which claimed 2.9 million lives in 2021 according to World Health Organization data. Environmental protection also motivated the effort, as firewood and charcoal consumption intensifies pressure on forests and wildlife areas. Harvesting trees more rapidly than natural regeneration occurs accelerates forest loss.

As increasing numbers venture into forests seeking fuel, human-wildlife encounters multiply. Simultaneously, economic strain can increase poaching and bushmeat harvesting, raising disease transmission risks from animals to humans. Declining tourism reduces conservation funding, while elevated fuel expenses hamper field team operations and rapid response when wild animals enter populated areas.

“The longer this debacle runs, the harder it is going to hit conservation,” said Mayukh Chatterjee, the International Union Conservation for Nature’s co-chair for its conflict and co-existence specialist group.

Paula Kahumbu, a wildlife conservationist and CEO of Nairobi-based WildlifeDirect, explained that when LPG, kerosene or electricity become unaffordable or unreliable, many households switch to firewood and charcoal due to easier access in cash-strapped communities, despite environmental damage.

“The first conservation risk from an energy shock in Africa is not abstract. It is household fuel switching,” she said.

Growing biomass fuel demand also damages watersheds and wildlife habitats as people venture deeper into previously untouched regions, intensifying ecosystem pressure and threatening dependent species.

Specialists worry that climbing diesel costs and increased fertilizer expenses will also damage agricultural productivity, decreasing harvests and worsening food insecurity.

“The crisis is impacting more than forests,” Kahumbu said.

Charcoal, produced through slow wood burning in kilns, ranks among sub-Saharan Africa’s most common cooking fuels and represents a primary deforestation cause. Demand is increasing among customers in Nairobi’s low-income areas, reports charcoal vendor Munyao Kitheka.

India experiences a comparable transition as the world’s second-largest LNG importer, with approximately 60% of supplies originating from the Gulf region, according to S&P Global data.

Rama, a social worker using only one name, devoted years encouraging waste-collecting families in Bhalswa, an impoverished New Delhi suburb, to embrace LPG. However, with daily incomes under $3, many cannot afford expensive LPG cylinders and are returning to wood-burning stoves or relocating to villages where wood is more accessible.

“Things are very, very bad,” she said.

This transition burdens women and girls more heavily, as they spend hours daily searching for fuel, reducing time available for employment or education, explained Neha Saigal, a consultant with environmental and social justice startup Asar Social Impact Advisors.

“Years of work went into making LPG aspirational. But a global issue like this can reverse some of those gains,” she said.

Chester Zoo’s Chatterjee noted that decreasing habitat pressure through reduced fuelwood consumption has been fundamental to Asian conservation efforts. He referenced an elephant conservation program in India’s northeastern Assam state where restaurants had decreased wood usage, but cautioned these improvements could dissolve as households return from LPG, which derives from oil or natural gas refining.

“That all risks going back to square one,” he said.

Specialists caution that the Iran conflict and subsequent fuel disruptions could strain funding and interrupt field operations, impeding global conservation efforts.

Airlines are eliminating African routes, potentially affecting tourism as rising fuel prices increase travel expenses. Aviation route disruptions through Middle Eastern connections complicate access to certain destinations.

Even minor visitor decreases can significantly impact countries depending on wildlife tourism to finance protected areas.

Tourism generates approximately 14% of GDP in nations like Kenya and Tanzania, where it supports park management, anti-poaching operations, and community conservation programs.

“Less tourism means less income for conservation initiatives, fewer rangers and more opportunistic poaching,” Kahumbu said, noting that rising food and fuel costs could also drive more people toward bushmeat as affordable protein, increasing wildlife population pressure.

Additionally, conservation work in isolated areas requires extensive regular travel, often by motorcycle or other vehicles. Higher fuel prices can disrupt this mobility.

Chatterjee emphasized that during South Asian wildlife-human conflicts, rapid forest staff and conservation team deployment is essential for securing areas, managing crowds, and safely guiding or tranquilizing animals before situations worsen.

Delays heighten injury or death risks for both sides, and fuel shortages can extend response times.

African governments possess options to minimize impact, though action has frequently lagged. Kahumbu advocated protecting households from returning to polluting fuels through targeted subsidies, stronger local supply networks, and supporting local energy sources including biogas, solar, and geothermal power.

“Treat conservation as essential infrastructure during economic shocks,” she said.

OMDURMAN, Sudan — Dr. Jamal Eltaeb faced impossible decisions every day for three years. Which patients had the best chance of survival? Should he perform surgery without proper medication if it could save a life? How could he secure fuel to power the hospital generators?

While Sudan’s civil war erupted around his medical facility, the orthopedic surgeon made one unwavering choice: continue treating patients.

Eltaeb directed Al Nao hospital in Omdurman, located near Sudan’s capital Khartoum, as military forces and paramilitary groups battled for territorial control. When fighting intensified and wounded patients flooded the facility, many of his medical colleagues abandoned their posts out of fear.

The quiet-mannered surgeon remained at his post despite multiple bombing attacks on the hospital and dwindling medical resources.

“I weighed the options of staying here, and taking care of your patients and helping other people that need you as a skilled surgeon, rather than choose your own safety,” he explained during an Associated Press interview.

Eltaeb represents one of many Sudanese citizens who stepped up to assist their communities while international attention focused on conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. He witnessed firsthand the casualties behind estimates showing tens of thousands have perished, experiencing what it means when the United Nations declares the nation’s healthcare system approaching total failure.

Close to 40% of Sudan’s medical facilities have ceased operations. Armed groups have converted many hospitals into military bases or stripped them of equipment. Sudan’s military has regained control of the capital, leaving Al Nao among the few operational healthcare centers in the region.

During a tour of the medical complex, the 54-year-old physician pointed out to AP reporters evidence of the most challenging period of his career.

He indicated a damaged window where shrapnel killed a patient’s family member. In the courtyard stood the final remaining tent from dozens erected during intense fighting to handle mass casualties.

“We were working everywhere, in tents, outside, on the floor, doing everything to save patients’ lives,” Eltaeb recalled.

His dedication earned Eltaeb the $1 million Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity, recognizing people who endanger themselves to rescue others. He donated portions of the award to medical and humanitarian organizations worldwide.

Hospital staff described Al Nao before the conflict as a peaceful facility where nearly 100 beds often remained vacant. When violence erupted in Khartoum and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces seized large portions of the city, injured civilians rushed to the hospital.

Eltaeb’s original hospital closed soon after fighting began in April 2023, prompting his transfer to Al Nao. Most personnel had evacuated by July, leaving him as the facility’s leader.

He worked alongside a small group of employees and volunteers to maintain hospital operations. Power outages lasted weeks while the facility depended on military fuel deliveries for generators. Critical medications including antibiotics and pain relievers became unavailable.

The hospital suffered its first attack in August, one month after Eltaeb assumed leadership.

“From that moment, we knew that we are a target … And from that time, they didn’t stop targeting us,” he stated. The RSF subsequently bombed the hospital three additional times.

Normal life had collapsed. The father of three worked from his office, distributing candy to a continuous flow of patients and staff seeking his guidance.

Medical choices became agonizing. During one devastating day in late 2024, he and his team rushed to treat more than 100 wounded individuals after an explosion struck a local marketplace. Eight patients died.

“You choose … as if you can choose who is going to live and who is going to die,” he said.

The situation deteriorated further when Eltaeb had to determine whether to amputate children’s limbs without complete anesthesia because they were losing blood rapidly and couldn’t be moved to the operating room in time.

Using only local numbing medication, he amputated an arm and leg from a 9-year-old boy and removed his 11-year-old sister’s leg.

He keeps photographs of these procedures on his mobile phone, trying to help others understand horrors that few can comprehend.

The hospital depended on volunteers to maintain supply chains. They posted needs on social media platforms, and pharmacists provided keys to their shuttered stores, allowing volunteers to collect medicines and equipment without charge.

Volunteer Nazar Mohamed spent months traveling throughout Omdurman, frequently on bicycle, transporting supplies while explosions thundered nearby.

Additional donations arrived from international organizations and individuals. Sudanese physicians living overseas offered remote consultation on managing mass casualties and operating with limited antibiotics or anesthesia.

Remaining hospital workers improvised solutions, constructing beds and crutches from wood and using clothing instead of medical gauze for emergency splints.

Combat has moved away from the Khartoum region. Some financially strained organizations that previously supported Eltaeb’s hospital now direct aid to areas with greater needs.

He estimates current funding will cover salaries and generator operations until June, but the hospital requires approximately $40,000 monthly to maintain full functionality.

Although several nations have promised assistance for Sudan’s reconstruction efforts, concerns exist that conflict with Iran might redirect attention and resources, particularly from Gulf states that pledged recovery support.

Medical facilities that sustained heavier damage than Al Nao remain destroyed and require significantly more resources.

Across the city, Dr. Osman Ismail Osman, who directs Al Shaabi hospital, described the several hundred thousand dollars provided by the government as insufficient.

The RSF occupied his hospital during the war. Damaged medical equipment worth millions of dollars lies in dusty piles, surrounded by concrete debris and twisted metal bed frames.

Plans to reopen the severely damaged hospital for emergency referrals within weeks appear ambitious, but medical professionals like Eltaeb have developed skills for tackling seemingly impossible tasks.

“I believe I did my best as a doctor as a Sudanese,” the surgeon concluded.

Tehran has put forward a new diplomatic proposal to lift its restrictions on the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz shipping corridor while requesting Washington end its economic sanctions against the Islamic Republic, according to two regional officials familiar with the negotiations who spoke anonymously Monday.

The Iranian offer, delivered through Pakistani intermediaries, notably sidesteps any commitments regarding Tehran’s nuclear activities – a key sticking point that makes the proposal unlikely to gain traction with President Trump’s administration, which has made dismantling Iran’s atomic capabilities a cornerstone of any comprehensive settlement.

“We have all the cards. If they want to talk, they can come to us, or they can call us,” Trump told Fox News Channel on Sunday.

The Axios news organization was first to report on Iran’s diplomatic overture.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi touched down in St. Petersburg Monday morning for scheduled discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency reported. His recent diplomatic tour included stops in Pakistan and Oman, which controls the southern shore of the disputed waterway alongside Iran.

Araghchi’s Russian visit unfolds amid continued tensions between Tehran and Washington over the critical Strait of Hormuz, despite an existing ceasefire that has failed to resolve underlying disputes or stabilize global energy markets.

“It is a good opportunity for us to consult with our Russian friends about the developments that have occurred in relation to the war during this period and what is happening now,” Araghchi stated in a video interview released by IRNA.

Pakistani officials have been working to restart stalled diplomatic communications between Iran and the United States, with negotiations initially planned for Islamabad over the weekend. However, President Trump indicated the discussions might proceed via telephone rather than in-person meetings.

Araghchi attributed delays in the negotiation process to America’s stance, saying it was Washington’s approach that “caused the negotiations to be delayed.”

“The previous one, despite the progress that had been made, could not achieve its goals,” he stated, criticizing what he characterized as Washington’s “excessive demands.”

Trump has expressed uncertainty about Iran’s current leadership structure and suggested that internal confusion within the country’s theocratic government complicates reaching any meaningful agreement.

The White House announced last week it would send envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Islamabad to build on previous face-to-face discussions held earlier this month. However, after Araghchi departed the Pakistani capital Saturday, Trump canceled the diplomatic mission citing insufficient progress with Iranian officials.

“If they want, we can talk but we’re not sending people,” Trump stated to Fox News on Sunday. He had posted earlier on social media: “All they have to do is call!!!”

Araghchi subsequently returned to Islamabad and also traveled to Oman’s capital Muscat before departing for Russia. He conducted phone conversations with officials from Qatar and Saudi Arabia on Sunday.

The ongoing standoff centers on the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow Persian Gulf passage through which approximately one-fifth of global oil and natural gas typically flows, as Iran has limited vessel movement while the U.S. maintains its embargo of Iranian ports.

Brent crude futures, the international benchmark, traded around $107 per barrel Monday, a significant increase from $72 per barrel before the conflict erupted.

Energy prices have climbed consistently since hostilities began, with numerous oil tankers stranded in the Persian Gulf, unable to safely navigate through the strait to reach international markets.

The economic impact continues expanding two months into the conflict as worldwide shipments of oil, liquefied natural gas, fertilizers and other essential commodities face disruption from the near-total closure of this strategic waterway.

Iran is seeking Oman’s backing for a system to collect transit fees from ships using the strait, according to a regional official who requested anonymity due to lack of authorization to discuss the matter publicly.

Oman’s position on this proposal remains unclear.

The official, who participates in mediation efforts, also indicated Iran demands the lifting of U.S. sanctions before engaging in fresh negotiations, while Pakistani mediators work to narrow substantial differences between both nations.

Trump last week extended indefinitely the ceasefire agreement reached between the U.S. and Iran on April 7, which has largely stopped combat that commenced with combined U.S.-Israeli military strikes on Iran February 28. However, a lasting resolution remains out of reach in the conflict that has claimed thousands of lives and disrupted the global economy.

Prior to Saturday’s developments, Iran’s Foreign Ministry stated any discussions would be conducted indirectly through Pakistani representatives, demonstrating Tehran’s caution following previous rounds of indirect negotiations that concluded with military strikes by the U.S. and Israel.

Both nations continue issuing military warnings. Iran’s joint military command cautioned Saturday that “if the U.S. continues its aggressive military actions, including naval blockades, banditry, and piracy” it will encounter a “strong response.”

Trump ordered military forces last week to “shoot and kill” small vessels potentially deploying mines in the shipping channel.

Trump informed reporters Saturday that within ten minutes of canceling Witkoff and Kushner’s Islamabad trip, Iran submitted a “much better” proposal.

He declined to provide specifics but emphasized that among his conditions is that Iran “will not have a nuclear weapon.” Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile has remained central to ongoing tensions. Tehran currently possesses 440 kilograms (970 pounds) of uranium enriched to 60% purity, requiring only a brief technical process to reach weapons-grade concentration, according to U.N. nuclear monitoring officials.

Since fighting commenced, casualties include at least 3,375 people in Iran and at least 2,509 in Lebanon, where Israel-Hezbollah combat resumed two days after the Iran conflict started. Additional fatalities include 23 in Israel and over a dozen in Gulf Arab nations. Military losses encompass 15 Israeli soldiers in Lebanon, 13 U.S. service members in the region, and six U.N. peacekeepers in southern Lebanon.

A separate ceasefire between Israel and the Iranian-supported Lebanese militant organization Hezbollah has been extended for three weeks. Hezbollah has remained outside the Washington-facilitated diplomatic process.

LONDON – Authorities in Britain announced Monday that they have detained a 37-year-old individual as part of their ongoing investigation into multiple incidents targeting Jewish facilities across northwest London.

The arrest marks the latest development in a month-long investigation that has now resulted in 26 individuals being taken into custody. Counter-terrorism units have been leading the probe into various incidents including arson attacks and other criminal acts directed at Jewish-affiliated locations throughout the area.

“He was arrested on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts and has been taken to a London police station for questioning,” the police said in a statement.

Seasonal thunderstorms sweeping through Bangladesh have claimed the lives of at least 14 people due to lightning strikes, according to government officials who reported the casualties on Monday.

The fatalities occurred across multiple districts as sudden weather systems brought torrential rainfall and dangerous electrical activity to the region.

Agricultural workers laboring in open farmland and construction crews working in exposed locations made up the majority of those killed, according to local government representatives. Emergency responders transported several additional victims to area medical facilities, with some patients listed in serious condition.

The South Asian nation experiences hundreds of lightning-related deaths annually, prompting officials to officially classify these electrical storms as natural disasters in 2016. That designation came after May of that year saw over 200 lightning fatalities, including 82 deaths occurring within a 24-hour period.

Environmental specialists attribute the increasing number of deadly lightning incidents to widespread forest clearing, which has eliminated many towering trees that historically served as natural lightning rods, protecting people below.

These tragic electrical storm deaths typically spike during the pre-monsoon period from April through June, when climbing temperatures and moisture levels create volatile atmospheric conditions throughout the country.

HAVANA (AP) — Cuba’s senior citizens find themselves shouldering a disproportionate share of hardship as the nation’s economic troubles intensify, particularly following an oil embargo enacted by former U.S. President Donald Trump that has accelerated difficulties since early this year.

The island nation already possessed one of Latin America’s most aged demographics even before recent setbacks, the result of extended lifespans combined with declining birth rates.

Statistics from Cuba’s National Bureau reveal that by 2024’s conclusion, approximately 26% of the population had reached 60 years or beyond, nearly double the 14.2% regional average documented by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean.

Numerous seniors are former government employees surviving on inadequate retirement benefits, confronting reductions in historically subsidized necessities while experiencing growing isolation as Cuba’s youth continue departing the country. Migration has reduced the nation’s population by close to 1.5 million people over the last five years.

These elderly Cubans were in their youth when Fidel Castro marched into Havana. Today, during their golden years, they face another era of deprivation that challenges the limits of pension payments, government rations, and individual endurance. The effects appear throughout everyday existence: Senior citizens navigate streets in solitude, queue extensively for bread and rice, and rely more heavily on religious organizations and certain government facilities for basic nutrition.

The Church of the Holy Spirit in Old Havana exemplifies such support, welcoming approximately 50 elderly community members three times weekly for simple hot meals featuring ground meat, rice, red beans, and crackers with mayonnaise. For many attendees, these gatherings provide far more than sustenance, offering structure, comfort, and companionship during extended periods marked by shortages, power failures, and isolation.

Mercedes Lopez Rey, a retired engineer, regularly attended the church meals three times each week until her passing, as deteriorating circumstances made everyday survival increasingly challenging. Lopez also collected food portions for her friend Julia Barcelo, who battled breast cancer and couldn’t leave home.

Carmen Casado represents another frequent participant—an 84-year-old former chemical engineer who relies on these meals because her monthly pension of 2,000 Cuban pesos equals roughly $4 using the unofficial exchange rate many Cubans utilize. Without children or financial support from overseas relatives, she lives by herself in the upper levels of a crumbling 19th-century structure, typical of many Havana buildings showing signs of age and insufficient maintenance. Even facing poverty and isolation, she maintains confidence in her government while attributing the nation’s struggles to the United States.

HAVANA — At the Church of the Holy Spirit in Old Havana’s historic district, approximately 50 senior citizens recently gathered for their regular communal meal, sharing ground beef, rice, red beans and crackers with mayonnaise, followed by traditional Cuban coffee.

Before eating, the group recited together: “May the Lord bless from his height, the meal our belly will take with delight,” a prayer they repeat three times weekly in the church’s dining area.

Carmen Casado, an 84-year-old former chemical engineer, never misses these gatherings. Her government retirement check totals 2,000 Cuban pesos monthly — worth approximately $4 when exchanged at the unofficial rates locals rely on daily. Living by herself without children or family support from overseas, she depends heavily on these church dinners.

The meals provide crucial nutrition beyond the limited government rations of bread, rice and beans available at state-operated stores known as bodegas, according to Casado.

“This is a lifeline for us retirees with small pensions,” Casado explained quickly. “What we get from the bodegas alone is not enough.”

Cuba’s aging population faces particularly harsh consequences from the nation’s devastating economic downturn, which has intensified significantly this year after oil restrictions implemented under former U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration.

The majority of these seniors worked in government positions — educators, medical professionals, nurses, technicians, maintenance workers, attorneys — and now receive monthly pensions typically under $10. They must cope with reduced subsidized goods that sustained them for decades, plus isolation as younger generations leave the country.

These individuals witnessed Fidel Castro’s arrival in Havana during their youth and experienced every major historical moment on the island, from the Bay of Pigs attack to the historic 2016 handshake between U.S. President Barack Obama and Raúl Castro.

Today, their dedication to the revolution faces its greatest challenge yet, compelling them to hawk tobacco products on sidewalks, wait in lengthy bread lines, and depend on free food from religious organizations and government facilities.

Following her meal, Casado made the four-block journey to her residence, where she continues managing daily tasks independently. She occupies the upper two levels of a deteriorating 19th-century structure typical of many crumbling buildings throughout the capital city.

Born in 1942, Casado came of age during Castro’s revolutionary victory. Her lifetime encompasses the island’s most pivotal events, including the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis and the economic hardship known as the Special Period after Soviet support ended. She also experienced the prosperous 1970s and 1980s when Soviet assistance funded the economy and Cuba’s socialist system appeared promising.

“This is our life; we were born and raised here,” she reflected.

Before the current economic collapse intensified and recent emigration waves began five years ago, Cuba already ranked among Latin America’s nations with the most elderly residents, driven by extended lifespans and declining birth rates.

Data from Cuba’s National Bureau of Statistics shows nearly 26% of the population reached age 60 or above by late 2024. This figure represents almost double the regional average of 14.2% for the same period, based on information from the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (CEPAL).

Over the past five years, Cuba’s population has decreased by nearly 1.5 million people, mainly through emigration. The island’s resident population has dropped from 11.1 million to just 9.7 million currently.

The crisis’s effects and youth exodus are immediately apparent throughout the streets. Elderly residents walk alone — some searching through garbage, others queuing extensively for bread and rice distributed through ration books, the basic subsidized food system the government provides to all Cubans.

The elderly population’s situation has become so dire that authorities recently permitted private business owners to establish elder care services and residential homes, representing a major shift from the island’s traditional complete state oversight model.

Casado maintains she remains fortunate compared to others. She stays mentally alert without physical limitations — not even requiring a walking stick — and handles all personal needs independently. Her sole medication consists of half a blood pressure pill, which remains accessible at government pharmacies “so far.”

Despite experiencing poverty and isolation, she maintains confidence in the government and attributes the nation’s problems to the United States.

“We’re doing everything we can here to move the country forward,” she stated. “But the thing is, we have a very powerful enemy, and he’s right there, right on our doorstep.”

NEW DELHI (AP) — Indian Captain Rahul Dhar and his maritime crew have spent roughly two months trapped aboard their oil tanker in the Persian Gulf waters, witnessing drone strikes and missile explosions as the critical Strait of Hormuz shipping passage remains blocked due to the continuing Iran conflict.

While the crew maintains their daily operations, Dhar reports that psychological stress is becoming evident among his team members.

Although a fragile truce between America and Iran has provided “a careful sense of hope” for those aboard, no definitive conclusion to the hostilities appears imminent. “Day to day, we try to keep things normal with open conversations and small team activities that help lift everyone’s spirits,” Dhar explained.

During their maritime watches, the crew witnessed multiple drone flights and missile defense actions both in their immediate vicinity and across the water’s horizon. “Those moments were difficult and created real tension for the crew,” Dhar shared with The Associated Press.

“None of us expected the warlike situation,” he explained, emphasizing how dependable internet access has enabled communication with their families back home. “Those calls and messages really keep us grounded and give us strength.”

Approximately 20,000 maritime workers across hundreds of commercial vessels, including petroleum tankers and freight ships, remain trapped in Gulf waters, prevented from navigating through the Strait of Hormuz. Under normal circumstances, roughly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments pass through this critical waterway.

Maritime tracking data from Lloyd’s List Intelligence shows approximately 80 ships successfully crossed the strait during the April 13-19 period, a dramatic decrease from the typical 130 or more daily crossings before hostilities began. Multiple vessels have suffered attacks since the conflict started, with United Nations reports confirming at least 10 seafarer deaths.

Despite President Donald Trump’s recent decision to extend the ceasefire without time limits, American forces continue blocking Iranian ports. Iran responded by attacking ships in the strait and capturing two vessels.

“Seafarers are the backbone of global trade, yet we are often the most affected by regional geopolitical conflicts,” stated Captain ArunKumar Rajendran, who has also remained stranded with his tanker crew for approximately eight weeks.

Manoj Kumar Yadav from the Forward Seamen’s Union of India reported thousands of Indian sailors aboard the trapped vessels, experiencing prolonged periods of terror and isolation while anchored near Iranian harbors including Bandar Abbas and Khorramshahr. Explosive incidents sometimes occurred within mere hundreds of meters of their positions.

“They were watching blasts from their decks,” he reported, noting his organization receives constant emergency calls from crews and their relatives. “Many of them were on board a ship for the first time, and you can imagine what mental state they have gone through.”

As one of the world’s primary sources of maritime workers, India has over 20,000 citizens employed on international vessels throughout the region, with many beyond the scope of organized rescue operations. India’s shipping ministry announced last week that no fewer than 2,680 sailors had been evacuated since fighting commenced.

Yadav described how numerous sailors faced severe shortages of food and fresh water, with certain ships implementing strict rationing protocols. Family communication from India remained intermittent due to internet interruptions and signal interference. When connections were available, sailors frequently paid expensive roaming fees for brief conversations, he noted.

Families of the stranded sailors express mounting concern, demanding their relatives’ safe evacuation.

Mohamed Arrachedi, the International Transport Workers’ Federation’s Middle East network coordinator, reported receiving hundreds of assistance requests earlier this month, including food supply needs from maritime workers.

Reza Muhammad Saleh, an Indonesian chief officer on a Greek-owned cargo vessel stranded off Oman for over a month, described a drone explosion near the port shortly after their March 3 arrival. At least two additional incidents followed, requiring multiple crew evacuations to protective shelters, though no injuries occurred.

“The biggest problem is the uncertainty. We don’t know when Hormuz will be open again,” Saleh informed the AP.

The ship carrying 24 crew members from Indonesia, Arab nations, India and Ethiopia normally hauls iron ore between Gulf states, crossing Hormuz one or two times monthly. Current operations require written Iranian authorization. “No company wants to take the risk without it,” he explained.

Despite experience in conflict areas, the crew has been shaken by missile attacks and GPS interference that forced manual navigation methods, he said.

“Sometimes we think it’s safe, then suddenly it’s not. Today we’re safe. Tomorrow, nobody knows,” he stated.

Fleet Management Limited maintains regular communication multiple times daily with dozens of stranded ships carrying more than 400 maritime workers, according to CEO Captain Rajalingam Subramaniam.

Regular inventory monitoring ensures food supply management, with pickup arrangements organized to guarantee availability by relocating vessels to accessible points for obtaining fresh and preserved provisions, he explained.

Limited crew rotations continue, though in reduced numbers. “Who wants to go on the ship?” Subramaniam questioned. “The inbound crew has the right to refuse and we respect (that).”

Most trapped mariners have remained in Gulf waters since hostilities began. “(For) mariners who did not sign up to be in warlike area, they also (need) to be respected so that they do not become the unintended collateral,” he stated.

Among vessels attempting Strait of Hormuz crossings during the ceasefire, several faced gunfire while others retreated. Ships under Fleet Management supervision avoided crossing attempts, Subramaniam confirmed.

Hapag-Lloyd, Germany’s largest shipping corporation, has approximately 150 sailors stranded near the strait aboard six vessels. “These are difficult days and weeks,” company spokesman Nils Haupt told the AP earlier this month. He confirmed Hapag-Lloyd maintains daily contact with captains and crews.

“We’ve been able to rotate some of them (crew) in the meantime, but you can easily imagine that after such a long time, monotony naturally sets in on board,” he noted.

The International Maritime Organization, the United Nations’ shipping authority, along with other organizations have requested a protected passage for commercial vessels through the strait. Most ships remain unable to transit, despite Iran’s claims that the strait was accessible to vessels it considered non-threatening and its demands to collect transit fees.

Reports indicate Iran deployed mines throughout the waterway, prompting Trump to announce last week that American forces were removing Iranian mines and would “shoot and kill” boats placing mines in the region. Given increased mine and attack risks, “there is no safe transit anywhere in the Strait of Hormuz,” declared IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez.

Recent years have seen multiple crises leaving many seafarers stranded at sea, including the COVID-19 pandemic, Russia’s Ukraine invasion and Houthi rebel attacks on Red Sea shipping. Subramaniam expressed concern that even after the Iran conflict ends, fewer individuals will accept maritime positions during an existing shortage of experienced seafarers.

WASHINGTON — More than 250 years after American colonists broke away from British rule under King George III, his royal successor King Charles III arrives in the nation’s capital Monday facing diplomatic challenges and heightened security concerns.

A weekend shooting incident at a Washington event where President Donald Trump was present prompted last-minute security adjustments for the monarch’s four-day official visit, designed to commemorate America’s upcoming 250th birthday and strengthen the historic U.S.-UK alliance.

Royal officials at Buckingham Palace expressed that the king “is greatly relieved to hear that the president, first lady and all guests have been unharmed.” Following security assessments, palace representatives confirmed the diplomatic mission “will proceed as planned.”

Political tensions between the British government and the Trump administration over Middle East policy had already complicated the royal visit before the security concerns arose.

Trump has recently criticized Prime Minister Keir Starmer for refusing to support American military operations against Iran, telling reporters the British leader is “not Winston Churchill” — referencing the wartime prime minister who first described the U.S.-UK bond as a “special relationship.”

These disagreements reflect broader friction between Trump and NATO partners, whom he has labeled “cowards” and “useless” for declining to participate in Iranian military action. Leaked Pentagon communications have suggested America might reconsider backing Britain’s claim to the Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic, territories that sparked a 1982 conflict between Britain and Argentina.

Despite political differences, Trump maintains the diplomatic disputes won’t impact the royal visit. Charles “has nothing to do with that,” Trump stated in March, referring to NATO matters.

The president has consistently praised Charles in personal terms, calling the monarch his “friend” and describing him as a “great guy.”

Trump also frequently highlights his “amazing” September visit to Britain with first lady Melania Trump for an unprecedented second state visit. Starmer personally delivered the king’s invitation during an Oval Office meeting just five weeks after the Republican president resumed office, in a clear diplomatic outreach effort.

During the Trumps’ British visit, the royal family organized elaborate ceremonies featuring red-uniformed guards, military bands, and an elegant banquet at Windsor Castle.

“President Trump has always had great respect for King Charles, and their relationship was further strengthened by the president’s historic visit to the United Kingdom last year,” White House spokesperson Anna Kelly told The Associated Press. “The president looks forward to a special visit by Their Majesties, which will include a beautiful state dinner and multiple events throughout the week.”

When asked by the BBC whether the king’s visit could help restore trans-Atlantic relations, Trump responded positively.

“He’s fantastic. He’s a fantastic man. Absolutely the answer is yes,” the president declared.

Kristofer Allerfeldt, a University of Exeter professor who studies American history, believes both governments have distinct goals for this diplomatic encounter.

According to Allerfeldt, Charles aims at “reinforcing long-term ties, showcasing the monarchy’s soft power and reminding the world that Britain still carries diplomatic weight.”

Trump’s focus centers more on “a media event,” emphasizing the visual impact of what resembles a meeting between “two gilded monarchs.”

British politicians express concern about potential embarrassing moments during the visit. Trump’s recent public criticism of Pope Leo XIV has intensified these worries.

Ed Davey, who leads the centrist Liberal Democrats opposition party, described Trump as “a dangerous and corrupt gangster” earlier this month and urged the government to cancel the royal trip.

“I really fear for what Trump might say or do while our king is forced to stand by his side,” Davey told the House of Commons. “We cannot put His Majesty in that position.”

Starmer defended the diplomatic mission, arguing “the monarchy, through the bonds that it builds, is often able to reach through the decades” and strengthen vital relationships.

Adding complexity to the visit is ongoing controversy surrounding the king’s brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, who lost his Prince Andrew title and public duties while facing police investigation regarding his association with Jeffrey Epstein. He maintains his innocence of any wrongdoing.

Epstein survivors have requested meetings with the king and other sexual abuse victims, though such encounters appear unlikely.

While Charles has traveled to America 19 times previously, this marks his inaugural state visit as monarch since ascending the throne in 2022. His late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, completed four official state visits to America.

The 77-year-old king, who received an undisclosed cancer diagnosis in early 2024, will spend four days in America alongside Queen Camilla.

Washington activities include private tea with the Trumps, a garden reception, and a formal White House state dinner. The president and king will also hold private discussions.

The royal couple plans to visit New York’s September 11 memorial and participate in Virginia’s 250th anniversary “block party,” where Charles will meet with Indigenous leaders working on environmental conservation — a cause particularly important to the environmentally-focused monarch.

Three hundred years after British monarchs relinquished actual governing authority, royalty continues serving as diplomatic symbols, used by elected officials to enhance international relationships and communicate national priorities.

A significant moment will occur when the king addresses the U.S. Congress on Tuesday. This represents only the second occasion, following Queen Elizabeth II in 1991, that a British monarch has spoken to both legislative chambers.

Elizabeth promoted democratic values during her congressional address, spoke against the concept that “power grows from the barrel of a gun” and celebrated the “rich ethnic and cultural diversity of both our societies.”

The king’s preferred issues, including environmental protection and interfaith cooperation, contrast with Trump’s positions. While unlikely to emphasize disagreements, Allerfeldt suggested the monarch might subtly convey messages through his congressional remarks.

“He does have an unorthodox way of looking at the world, and I think maybe he can actually have something valid to say when he addresses Congress,” Allerfeldt observed.

Energy markets saw gains Monday as tensions persisted between the United States and Iran in the critical Strait of Hormuz waterway, even with a ceasefire in place. Pakistani officials are attempting to restart diplomatic discussions between the two nations.

Iran’s top diplomat Abbas Araghchi traveled to Russia Monday for discussions with President Vladimir Putin, continuing a diplomatic tour that has included two visits to Pakistan and a stop in Oman, which borders the strait alongside Iran.

According to a regional official familiar with the mediation process, Pakistani-led negotiators are attempting to resolve major disagreements between Washington and Tehran. The official requested anonymity as they lacked authorization to speak publicly about the diplomatic efforts.

President Donald Trump called off plans to send senior officials to Islamabad over the weekend for planned negotiations after Iran demanded the United States lift its naval blockade of Iranian ports as a precondition for renewed discussions.

The U.S. military’s Central Command reported Monday morning that 38 vessels have been redirected during the ongoing blockade operations.

The conflict has resulted in significant casualties, with at least 3,375 fatalities in Iran and a minimum of 2,509 deaths in Lebanon, where Israel-Hezbollah hostilities resumed shortly after the Iran conflict began.

Additional casualties include 23 deaths in Israel and more than a dozen in Gulf Arab nations. Military losses include 15 Israeli soldiers in Lebanon, 13 American service members in the region, and six United Nations peacekeepers in southern Lebanon.

During his Moscow visit, Foreign Minister Araghchi described the trip as a chance to align strategies with Russian leadership following the conflicts with Israel and the United States.

Speaking in a recorded interview released by Iran’s state-operated IRNA news agency, Araghchi commented: “It is a good opportunity for us to consult with our Russian friends about the developments that have occurred in relation to the war during this period and what is happening now.”

The Iranian foreign minister attributed the delay in Islamabad negotiations to America’s stance, stating it was America’s approach that “caused the negotiations to be delayed.”

“The previous one, despite the progress that had been made, could not achieve its goals,” Araghchi said, criticizing what he termed Washington’s “excessive demands.”

Trump has raised questions about Iran’s current leadership structure, suggesting that internal confusion within the country’s religious government system complicates reaching any agreement.

The Iranian diplomat touched down in St. Petersburg Monday for his scheduled meeting with Russian President Putin, as reported by the state-run IRNA news agency.

Araghchi’s current diplomatic mission has included two separate visits to Islamabad and a stop in Muscat, Oman, as negotiations with the United States remain at an impasse over the Iran conflict.

ANKARA, April 27 – Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan reached out to U.S. President Donald Trump by telephone following a shooting incident that occurred at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, according to an announcement from the Turkish presidency late Sunday.

The Turkish presidency released a statement on X saying that “Erdogan said he saw the incident as a heinous act against democracy and press freedom.”

Before the phone conversation took place, Erdogan had already issued a public condemnation of the shooting through a post on X, where he expressed relief that both President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump remained safe and uninjured during the incident.

A volunteer firefighter whose family home was destroyed in Japan’s catastrophic 2011 tsunami now finds himself defending that same community against a raging wildfire that has burned for six consecutive days.

Ryota Haga, currently 31 years old with a wife and young child, was a high school student when Japan’s most powerful earthquake on record generated a devastating tsunami that demolished his family’s residence in the peaceful northeastern community of Otsuchi in March 2011.

The massive wildfire has consumed more than 1,600 hectares of forestland as of Monday morning, prompting deployment of approximately 1,400 firefighters and multiple Self-Defense Force units to combat the flames.

“It’s been 15 years since the (Great East Japan) Earthquake, and our lives were finally beginning to settle down,” Haga said at the end of another draining day battling the blaze on Sunday.

“We can’t let people lose what is precious to them all over again. The fire is spreading and our exhaustion is at a limit, but it’s our hometown. We will protect it at all costs, even if it feels like we’re running on empty.”

The coastal community of Otsuchi suffered among the worst devastation during the 2011 disaster, when tsunami waves reaching approximately 10 meters in height crashed through the small fishing village. The catastrophe claimed nearly 1,300 local residents—roughly one-tenth of the town’s entire population—including the mayor.

According to Haga, the current fire represents the largest blaze he has ever encountered. Despite scattered rainfall predicted for Monday, officials have not yet gained control over the wildfire.

Although Japan experiences fewer major wildfires compared to other global regions, climate change has led to more frequent blazes, particularly during early spring months preceding the humid rainy season when conditions remain hot, dry, and windy. On Sunday, another wildfire ignited in Fukushima, also located in Japan’s northeastern territory.

Beyond the immediate crisis, Haga expresses concern about the severe shortage of firefighters as Japan’s population continues declining and aging. His fire brigade currently operates below official staffing requirements established by authorities.

“If a forest fire breaks out when I’m in my 50s or 60s, and I’m the one gasping for breath while trying to fight it, I don’t think we’ll be able to stop it,” he said.

Despite these challenges, Haga maintains optimism that the firefighters’ unwavering commitment to protecting their community will inspire others.

“The next generation might be inspired to join the volunteer fire brigade.”

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak has abandoned his legal challenge seeking to complete his prison sentence from home, according to Malaysian media outlet The Edge, which cited court documents on Monday.

The former leader was convicted on multiple corruption charges stemming from his involvement in the massive 1MDB financial scandal that cost the country billions.

Najib has been incarcerated since August 2022, serving a six-year term after being found guilty of corruption and money laundering charges. This represents just one of multiple criminal cases tied to allegations that billions were siphoned from 1Malaysia Development Berhad, a government investment fund he created in 2009 during his time as prime minister.

The former prime minister pursued home confinement after Malaysia’s pardons board, led by the country’s previous monarch, reduced his sentence by half in 2024.

Najib maintains that the pardons board’s ruling included a supplementary directive from the king permitting him to complete his sentence under house arrest, which he claims government officials have disregarded.

The Kuala Lumpur High Court rejected Najib’s house arrest request on December 22, prompting him to file an appeal.

Court documents show Najib has now dropped that appeal without the option to submit a new one, with the Court of Appeal confirming the withdrawal, The Edge reported Monday. The withdrawal was documented in correspondence from Najib’s legal team and the court dated April 3 and April 6.

Neither Najib’s attorneys nor the Attorney General’s office responded to requests for comment from Reuters.

This latest legal defeat compounds Najib’s troubles following his December conviction on additional charges that resulted in a 15-year prison term and a $2.8 billion fine for abuse of power and money laundering in the largest 1MDB-related trial to date.

Investigators from Malaysia and the United States determined that criminals stole at least $4.5 billion from the 1MDB government fund, with over $1 billion allegedly flowing into accounts connected to Najib.

Throughout the proceedings, Najib has maintained his innocence while expressing regret for his mismanagement of the scandal.

North Korea has established a memorial museum in Pyongyang dedicated to its soldiers who perished while fighting alongside Russian forces in the Ukraine conflict, as leaders from both nations pledge to deepen their military partnership.

The ceremonial opening took place Sunday in the North Korean capital, commemorating the first anniversary of concluded operations in Russia’s Kursk border area. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un participated in the dedication alongside prominent Russian delegates, including State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin and Defense Minister Andrei Beloussov, according to the Korean Central News Agency’s Monday report.

Back in April 2025, both nations confirmed their forces had collaborated to counter Ukrainian military advances into the Kursk region. While neither country has revealed exact deployment numbers, South Korean intelligence agencies believe approximately 15,000 North Korean soldiers were sent, with roughly 2,000 casualties.

The ceremony featured Kim personally placing soil over one fallen soldier’s remains and presenting floral tributes to others already interred in the facility. All three leaders signed the museum’s guest registry following the memorial service.

In his address, Kim declared that the fallen North Korean troops would forever represent “a symbol of the North Korean people’s heroism” and continue supporting “a victorious march by the Korean and Russian people.” He commended both militaries for defeating what he characterized as Western “hegemonic plot and military adventurism” led by the United States in the Russian-Ukraine theater.

During a private meeting with Beloussov, Kim pledged North Korea’s complete backing of Russian efforts to protect its national sovereignty and security priorities. Russian state media Tass reported that Beloussov informed Kim of Russia’s readiness to finalize a bilateral military cooperation agreement covering 2027-2031.

Russian President Vladimir Putin contributed a letter read aloud by Volodin during the ceremony, stating the museum “will undoubtedly be a clear symbol of the friendship and solidarity” between both nations. Putin expressed confidence that the countries would continue strengthening their comprehensive strategic alliance, KCNA reported.

Following Russia’s Ukraine invasion, Kim has prioritized Moscow relationships by providing military personnel and conventional weaponry. North Korea reportedly received economic and additional support in exchange. South Korean, American, and allied officials express concern that Russia might share advanced technologies that could boost North Korea’s nuclear and missile capabilities.

Military analysts note that North Korean forces initially became vulnerable targets for drone and artillery strikes due to limited combat experience and unfamiliarity with local geography. However, Ukrainian military and intelligence assessments indicate the North Koreans gained valuable battlefield knowledge and played crucial roles in Russia’s strategy of deploying massive troop numbers in the Kursk campaign.

Taiwan’s defense chief dismissed concerns Monday about Beijing’s latest economic penalties targeting European defense contractors, stating the sanctions won’t interfere with the island’s weapons acquisition efforts.

On Friday, China’s Commerce Ministry prohibited exports of dual-use materials to seven European firms that have sold military equipment to Taiwan, adding these companies to Beijing’s export restriction registry. This represents an uncommon instance of China imposing Taiwan-related penalties specifically on European businesses.

The self-governing island, which Beijing claims as part of its territory, primarily obtains its military hardware from the United States. European nations have avoided selling major defense systems like combat aircraft to Taiwan for approximately thirty years, concerned about provoking Beijing’s anger.

During parliamentary questioning, Taiwan Defense Minister Wellington Koo noted that China has implemented similar measures previously.

“However, I think such an action, as I understand it, does not affect our ability to continue sourcing goods through relevant diversified channels,” he stated, declining to provide additional details.

Although numerous nations, particularly in Europe, remain cautious about defense partnerships with Taiwan due to potential Chinese retaliation, Taipei has gained increased support from certain Central and Eastern European regions, especially following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Czech companies comprise four of the seven businesses included on China’s new sanctions roster.

Beijing has consistently imposed penalties on prominent American defense contractors for Taiwan weapons sales, most recently in December after the U.S. announced an $11 billion arms package for the island.

Regarding potential Japanese weapons purchases after Tokyo recently eliminated restrictions on international arms exports, Koo explained that weapon recipients must be nations with signed defense equipment and technology transfer agreements with Japan, which Taiwan lacks.

When questioned about future possibilities, Koo replied: “In the future, no possibility can be ruled out. I think I can only say that at present, no transfer agreement exists.”

While nations like the Philippines praised Japan’s policy change, China expressed significant concerns.

Japanese-Chinese relations have deteriorated since Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated in November that a Chinese assault on Taiwan threatening Japan’s security could prompt military action.

The United States dollar strengthened during Monday morning trading as diplomatic efforts to resolve the ongoing Middle East conflict encountered significant obstacles, dampening investor sentiment and pushing the Japanese yen close to a critical threshold ahead of this week’s Bank of Japan policy announcement.

Over the weekend, President Donald Trump called off a planned diplomatic mission to Islamabad, stating that Iran must initiate contact if it wishes to pursue negotiations to conclude their conflict that has now stretched into its second month. This development has left the strategically important Strait of Hormuz shipping channel effectively blocked.

Energy markets responded immediately to the news, with Brent crude oil futures climbing approximately 2% to reach $107.49 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate rose $1.77 to $96.17 per barrel during early Monday trading.

Currency markets reflected the heightened uncertainty, with the euro declining 0.14% to $1.1706 and the British pound falling 0.12% to $1.35155. The dollar index, which tracks the greenback’s performance against six major currencies, reached 98.623.

During March, the dollar initially surged due to safe-haven demand when hostilities began, but subsequently lost most of those gains as peace negotiations appeared promising earlier this month. The currency has stabilized recently as US-Iran diplomatic efforts have stalled.

Kyle Rodda, a senior financial analyst at Capital.com, expressed skepticism about market optimism. “I have been surprised that the markets are so confident, perhaps even blase, about progress in talks and the prospect of a peace deal,” Rodda observed, emphasizing that markets are currently positioned for peaceful resolution.

“The peace might not hold and if it doesn’t the markets will have to re-price quite violently,” he warned.

While a temporary ceasefire has halted major combat operations in the conflict that commenced with US-Israeli military action against Iran on February 28, negotiators have yet to establish terms for a permanent resolution, maintaining investor anxiety.

The ongoing conflict has driven energy costs higher, intensified inflationary pressures, and created uncertainty around global economic growth projections. The Strait of Hormuz, which typically handles one-fifth of worldwide oil and gas transportation, remains a critical concern, with analysts warning that prolonged closure increases risks to the global economy.

Shane Oliver, chief economist and head of investment strategy at AMP in Sydney, cautioned about broader economic implications. “While a bout of mild stagflation is baked in, the clock is now ticking on whether this turns into a more severe bout like that seen in the 1970s,” Oliver stated.

This week brings multiple central bank policy meetings as investors seek guidance on how the conflict affects inflation expectations and interest rate policies. The Bank of Japan is anticipated to maintain current interest rates during Tuesday’s meeting while potentially indicating readiness to increase rates as early as June.

Sources familiar with BOJ deliberations told Reuters that unlike previous instances when elevated US tariffs prompted a pause in rate increases, the central bank plans to emphasize its commitment to continued rate hikes as energy price shocks threaten to trigger widespread inflation.

The Japanese yen weakened to 159.51 against the US dollar, approaching the significant 160 threshold that market participants believe could trigger currency market intervention by Japanese authorities.

Since early March, the yen has remained within the 159 range as investors evaluate how oil price volatility affects energy-dependent Japan and the Bank of Japan’s monetary tightening plans.

Gregor Hirt, global chief investment officer for multi-asset strategies at Allianz Global Investors, suggested that resuming rate increases depends on geopolitical stability. He noted that if tensions diminish and Strait of Hormuz navigation resumes, rate hikes will likely return by summer.

“However, investors should not expect aggressive signalling at the April meeting. Instead, the BOJ will likely favour a strategy of incremental guidance to preserve optionality under uncertainty,” Hirt explained.

The Federal Reserve, European Central Bank, and Bank of England are all expected to maintain current interest rates this week, with financial markets focused on policymakers’ assessments of the conflict’s economic consequences and future monetary policy direction.

RIO DE JANEIRO – A construction worker lost his life Sunday while preparing the stage for Colombian superstar Shakira’s upcoming free concert in Rio de Janeiro, according to local fire department officials.

The worker became caught in lifting equipment during the stage construction process and sustained fatal crushing injuries to his legs, fire department officials reported based on eyewitness statements.

The pop star is scheduled to take the stage Saturday in what has become one of Rio’s signature entertainment events, drawing millions of visitors to witness world-renowned artists perform complimentary shows on the famous Copacabana beach.

BEIJING – Following President Donald Trump’s October meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, which Trump described as a “12 out of 10” success, the White House announced that China would “effectively eliminate” restrictions on rare earth exports and stop retaliating against American businesses.

However, while Beijing has avoided openly criticizing Trump regarding the Iran conflict and expressed interest in positive diplomatic relations, Chinese officials have quietly developed an expanded arsenal of economic pressure tactics directed at Washington.

Following the October summit, China has implemented legislation targeting foreign companies that relocate their supply chains from China, strengthened rare earth licensing requirements, prohibited foreign artificial intelligence chips in government-funded data centers, blocked American and Israeli cybersecurity software from Chinese businesses, and is considering restrictions on solar manufacturing equipment exports to America.

According to experts, this strategy represents more than simple retaliation, with China leveraging the trade ceasefire to develop economic influence mechanisms that were previously Washington’s exclusive territory, ahead of a planned Xi-Trump summit scheduled for mid-May.

“The hope on the Chinese side is for a longer lasting, more broadly rooted truce, but it’s very much that ‘if you want peace, prepare for war’ logic,” stated Joe Mazur, a geopolitics analyst at Beijing-based consultancy Trivium China.

The current truce, which expires in November 2026, emerged partly from Beijing’s threats to limit rare earth exports to America last year. These restrictions created shortages throughout American automotive supply chains within weeks, analysts noted, helping bring Trump to negotiations with Xi in Busan, South Korea.

Rather than remaining passive since then, China has established multiple potential retaliatory options that could counter efforts to move production offshore or impose restrictions on its raw material imports, measures Beijing considers essential for protecting its interests.

This April, Premier Li Qiang approved two unprecedented regulations providing authorities extensive new authority to investigate foreign companies, governments, and individuals accused of discriminating against China’s industrial and supply chains, while enforcing what Beijing terms “unjustified extraterritorial jurisdiction” against Chinese organizations. Officials may refuse entry, expel, and confiscate assets of violators.

The Iranian conflict intensified China’s emphasis on new economic measures, particularly after U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent threatened sanctions in mid-April against purchasers of Iranian oil exports, with China buying 80% of such exports.

Yuyuan Tantian, a social media platform connected to state broadcaster CCTV, characterized the new regulations explicitly as legal countermeasures, posting two days following Bessent’s warning: “In the past, our countermeasures were largely concentrated in the trade domain. But today’s international friction is comprehensive, and those tools are no longer sufficient.”

The supply chain and extraterritorial interference regulations became effective immediately without opportunity for business input, according to Michael Hart, president of the American Chamber of Commerce in China.

“Companies now face an asymmetry: China can reduce purchases from foreign firms with little consequence, while a foreign company that cuts its dependence on China risks investigation,” Hart explained.

China’s Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not respond immediately to comment requests.

Washington has implemented its own pressure tactics, initiating trade investigations into excessive industrial capacity and forced labor usage in China during March, alongside export restrictions on semiconductors and chipmaking equipment that have hindered China’s advanced chip production capabilities.

“It’s because of export controls that China doesn’t have access to some of the most advanced semiconductor manufacturing equipment in the world,” noted Chim Lee, industrial policy analyst at the Economist Intelligence Unit.

This leverage competition has also affected negotiations for China to purchase tens of billions of dollars in Boeing aircraft. Beijing seeks the planes and spare parts, while Washington requires Chinese shipments of the rare earth yttrium for jet engine manufacturing, according to U.S. government and company officials familiar with the discussions.

Beijing has countered American actions with increasing regulatory measures. Since late 2025, it has mandated chipmakers use minimum 50% domestically produced equipment when expanding capacity, prohibited specific American and Israeli cybersecurity software, and required state-funded data centers to replace foreign AI chips – promoting domestic alternatives while excluding American suppliers from the Chinese market.

China’s implementation of extraterritorial export controls could “disrupt global supply chains on an unprecedented scale, leading to both economic and non-economic damage,” the European Chamber in China stated in an April report on China’s export controls.

As America works to decrease dependence on Chinese critical minerals, China is rapidly identifying new pressure points. Officials have conducted preliminary discussions with solar panel equipment manufacturers regarding limiting exports of advanced technology to America.

“There’s going to be more effort on the Chinese side to identify where those choke points are,” Trivium China’s Mazur said. “They’re going to keep throwing things at the wall to see what sticks.”

During its ongoing trade ceasefire with Washington, Beijing has systematically strengthened its economic defense mechanisms and expanded its ability to impose retaliatory measures, according to a detailed timeline of policy changes.

The temporary trade agreement between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump was established in Busan, South Korea, last October to reduce tensions in the ongoing trade conflict. This delicate arrangement is scheduled to end in November 2026.

Since the ceasefire began, China has implemented numerous strategic policy changes:

On April 15, 2026, Chinese government representatives initiated discussions with solar panel equipment manufacturers about potentially restricting exports of cutting-edge technology to America. Beijing controls production of over 80% of global solar panel components.

April 13 saw China’s State Council introduce fresh regulations that authorize response measures against foreign nations engaging in what it terms “unlawful extraterritorial jurisdiction.”

According to state-controlled Xinhua news agency, these new rules could target nations that impose secondary sanctions or enforce export controls with extraterritorial effects, such as de minimis threshold enforcement.

On April 7, the State Council rolled out additional regulations focused on industrial and supply chain protection, giving authorities power to investigate and respond to foreign governments, corporations, or international bodies that “adopt discriminatory measures” against Chinese industrial and supply networks.

February 24 marked an escalation in Beijing’s dispute with Tokyo, as China’s commerce ministry banned exports of dual-use materials to 20 Japanese organizations accused of supporting Japan’s military operations, including essential rare earth elements used in automotive, electronics, and weapons manufacturing.

Chinese officials instructed domestic businesses on January 14 to discontinue using cybersecurity products from more than twelve American and Israeli companies, citing national security risks.

Beginning January 9, China implemented export limitations on “heavy” rare earth elements and high-strength magnets containing these materials destined for Japanese firms.

On December 30, 2025, Beijing mandated that semiconductor manufacturers utilize a minimum of 50% domestically produced equipment when expanding production capacity, supporting the government’s goal of creating an independent chip manufacturing supply chain.

November 8 saw the implementation of Beijing’s export restrictions on advanced lithium-ion batteries, cathode materials, graphite anode components, and related technical expertise.

China issued requirements on November 5 mandating that new data center developments receiving government funding exclusively use domestically manufactured artificial intelligence processors.

The original trade agreement was finalized on October 30 when Xi and Trump met in Busan, South Korea. Trump committed to reducing Chinese tariffs in return for Beijing’s promise to combat illegal fentanyl trafficking, restart American soybean imports, and maintain rare earth exports.

Prior to the leadership talks on October 9, China significantly broadened its rare earth export controls by including five additional elements: holmium, erbium, thulium, europium, and ytterbium, along with enhanced semiconductor oversight.

As the world’s dominant rare earth producer, China also expanded its control list to include dozens of refining technologies and established compliance requirements for international rare earth companies utilizing Chinese materials.

North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un has pledged his nation’s ongoing backing of Russian policies following conversations with Moscow’s defense minister about global political developments, according to state-controlled media reports released Monday.

Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov led a delegation that participated in a dedication ceremony for a monument commemorating North Korean troops who lost their lives during combat operations in Russia’s Kursk region, the Korean Central News Agency reported.

The meeting underscores the deepening military and political ties between the two nations as both countries face international isolation and sanctions.

Energy markets experienced significant volatility Monday morning as diplomatic efforts between the United States and Iran came to a standstill, creating ripple effects across global financial markets.

Crude oil prices surged more than 2% during early Asian trading, with Brent crude reaching $107.97 per barrel – the highest level seen in three weeks. Meanwhile, U.S. stock futures declined by 0.3%, despite American markets closing at record highs last Friday.

The dollar strengthened against major international currencies, though the gains remained modest. The euro dropped 0.15% to $1.1706, while the Japanese yen weakened slightly to 159.53 against the dollar.

While a temporary ceasefire has halted major combat operations in the conflict that began two months ago following U.S.-Israeli military actions against Iran, negotiators have failed to reach terms for reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The critical waterway remains largely inaccessible, causing energy prices to climb sharply.

President Donald Trump called off a planned weekend diplomatic mission to Islamabad, where two American envoys were scheduled to participate in discussions. Iran’s foreign minister has continued traveling between nations attempting to broker an agreement.

Speaking on Fox News’ “The Sunday Briefing,” Trump outlined his administration’s position on future negotiations. “If they want to talk, they can come to us, or they can call us. You know, there is a telephone. We have nice, secure lines,” the president stated.

Trump emphasized his administration’s non-negotiable stance regarding Iran’s nuclear capabilities. “They know what has to be in the agreement. It’s very simple: They cannot have a nuclear weapon, otherwise there’s no reason to meet,” he declared.

Defense expenditures worldwide increased by 2.9% in 2025, reaching a record $2.89 trillion, according to new research from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute released Monday.

The growth marks the eleventh year in a row that global military budgets have expanded, pushing defense spending to 2.5% of worldwide economic output – the largest percentage since 2009. This occurred even as the United States reduced its military expenditures by 7.5% after President Donald Trump stopped approving new financial assistance for Ukraine’s military efforts.

The research institute projects continued expansion in the coming years, stating: “Given the range of current crises, as well as many states’ long-term military spending targets, this growth will probably continue through 2026 and beyond.”

Three nations – the United States, China, and Russia – dominated global spending, combining for $1.48 trillion, which represents just over half of all military expenditures worldwide.

American defense spending dropped to $954 billion in 2025, primarily due to the absence of new Ukraine military aid approvals. Over the prior three years, the U.S. had provided $127 billion in military support to Ukraine.

However, researchers expect the American spending decline to be temporary. “The decline in U.S. military expenditure in 2025 is likely to be short-lived,” the institute noted. “Spending approved by the U.S. Congress for 2026 has risen to over $1 trillion, a substantial increase from 2025, and could rise further to $1.5 trillion in 2027.”

European nations drove much of the global increase, with their combined military budgets rising 14% to reach $864 billion.

Both Russia and Ukraine maintained their upward spending trajectory in the fourth year of their ongoing conflict. NATO countries in Central and Western Europe posted their largest annual budget increases since the Cold War concluded.

Meanwhile, Israel’s military spending decreased 4.9% to $48.3 billion as fighting in Gaza diminished throughout 2025. Iran also reduced its defense budget for the second consecutive year, cutting expenditures by 5.6% to $7.4 billion.