International relations, geopolitics, wars, major global shifts
The US-China tech rivalry over AI and semiconductors is intensifying ahead of a Trump-Xi summit. Diplomatic progress is unlikely to ease export controls, slow China's chip buildup, or reduce uncertainty for global semiconductor supply chains.
Global markets are under pressure as the US-Iran conflict continues with no resolution in sight. Oil supply risk through the Strait of Hormuz, safe-haven demand, and inflation concerns are the main channels hitting equities, currencies, and emerging economies.
Donald Trump arrives in Beijing seeking trade concessions and China's help on Iran, but analysts say the political and economic costs of the Iran conflict have weakened Washington's leverage ahead of talks with Xi Jinping.
President Trump said Taiwan arms sales and the imprisonment of Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai will be on the agenda at his upcoming summit with Xi Jinping in Beijing. The move broadens the talks beyond trade, raising stakes for Taiwan security commitments, Hong Kong business confidence, and U.S.-China relations.
Donald Trump's visit to China marks one of the most significant US-China summits in years, with trade, technology controls, and Taiwan all on the table. The outcome could calm markets and slow decoupling, or accelerate it if talks break down.
President Trump rejected Iran's latest ceasefire proposal, saying it lacked nuclear concessions, and called the peace process "life support." The White House announced new sanctions and Trump scheduled a meeting with senior military commanders to weigh next steps.
Donald Trump says he will raise US arms sales to Taiwan directly with Xi Jinping at their upcoming meeting. The issue is a long-running flashpoint in US-China relations, with Beijing opposing all US weapons transfers to the island it claims as its own territory.
Trump called Iran's peace proposal "garbage" and declared the ceasefire on "life support" as the Strait of Hormuz stays closed. He proposed suspending the federal gasoline tax to offset rising fuel prices driven by the supply disruption.
President Trump declared the U.S.-Iran ceasefire is "on massive life support" after calling Iran's response to a peace proposal "stupid." The breakdown raises the risk of renewed conflict and could push oil prices higher if the diplomatic track collapses entirely.
President Trump declared U.S.-Iran ceasefire talks are on "life support" and criticized Tehran's response to a U.S. proposal. A collapse in diplomacy would raise conflict risk in the Gulf, threatening oil supply routes and pushing crude prices higher.
A U.S.-brokered 72-hour ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine expires Monday, with at least two people killed during the truce and both sides blaming each other for violations. American and European officials are now considering how to move both countries toward further talks before the window closes.
The UN has warned that a Strait of Hormuz standoff is blocking fertiliser shipments and putting tens of millions at risk of hunger. Countries in Africa and Asia are seen as most vulnerable, with disrupted planting seasons likely to cut food output in the months ahead.
President Trump called Iran's latest ceasefire proposal "totally unacceptable," throwing peace talks into doubt. A return to open conflict could reignite the Middle East war and worsen the ongoing global energy crisis.
Goldman Sachs says the conflict involving Iran has stressed but not broken the global economy, using the phrase "bending, not breaking" to reassure investors. The full analysis underpinning that view was not available in the source material.
Pakistan's National Assembly unanimously passed a resolution praising the armed forces' conduct in the May 2025 conflict with India, officially named "Marka-i-Haq." The resolution lists specific military claims, including downing Rafale jets and destroying an S-400 system, and warns India against future military
Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said the US dismissed Iran's latest response in nuclear talks and accused Washington of making unreasonable demands. A public breakdown in positions raises risks for oil markets and complicates any near-term diplomatic agreement.
President Trump rejected Iran's counter-proposal in nuclear talks, calling it "totally unacceptable" after it was relayed through Pakistan. Iran's demands include lifting the US blockade and releasing frozen Iranian assets, leaving the two sides far apart.
President Trump has rejected Iran's response to a US peace proposal, stalling negotiations and leaving the Middle East conflict without a diplomatic path forward. The breakdown raises the risk of escalation and adds uncertainty to regional oil supply.
Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei called US demands in ongoing negotiations "unreasonable" and described Iran's proposal, including steps to unblock the Strait of Hormuz, as generous. The standoff keeps pressure on global oil markets, with Hormuz handling roughly 20% of daily world oil trade.
Trump's visit to China and a key U.S. inflation report are the two biggest market movers to watch this week. Trade signals from Beijing could affect tariffs and supply chains, while the inflation data will influence the Federal Reserve's rate-cut timeline.