ASEAN Summit exposes anxiety as U.S. deals new critical minerals front
In response to global trade uncertainties, ministers reaffirmed their commitment to rules-based trading with WTO at its core.
China
China is a global power with the world’s second-largest economy and an increasing geopolitical rivalry with the United States. As the U.S. has reduced its engagement with certain multilateral institutions, China has increasingly sought to fill that vacuum by increasing its funding to the U.N. and placing its nationals in leadership roles.
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U.N. in ‘race to bankruptcy’ as its 2026 budget is slashed to $3.2 billion
The U.N. chief stressed the lack of reliable funding now threatens the U.N.'s core mandate and its 'regular functioning.'
U.S. sinks IMO-led plan for world's first global carbon fee on shipping
A vote on a global plan to cut maritime emissions was postponed for a year, in a win for the Trump administration.
U.S.-brokered Gaza ceasefire deal hailed by U.N. and global powers
The U.N. chief commended the diplomatic efforts of the U.S., Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey in brokering the breakthrough.
U.N. peacekeeping faces 25% troop cut over $618M U.S. funding gap
The move is linked to the Trump administration’s "America First" policy and a U.S. cap on peacekeeping payments.
U.S. media crackdown spurs global concern as agencies target critics
The latest escalation came with Committee to Protect Journalists demanding regulators stop targeting broadcasters.
U.N. warns of highest nuclear threat in decades, cites strained treaties
To counter these threats, the U.N. formed an independent scientific panel to report on the effects of a nuclear war.
U.N.'s AI governance push poses geopolitical test for tech industry
The U.N. General Assembly's formal launch of new AI governance bodies is poised to reshape the technology sector.
African nations assert leadership at the U.N. while regional crises persist
As leaders gathered, progress along climate and financial fronts contrasted with grim reports on rights and violence.
U.N. climate summit confronts 'double burden' of action and debt
The meeting served as a global platform for nations to present their updated national climate plans for the next decade.
U.N. AI debate reveals U.S.-China divide over regulatory approach
Top experts increasingly agree voluntary commitments from AI companies are not enough to deal with threats.
Trump sets sanctions conditions for NATO, pressing trade realignment
The demands mark a new phase in the Trump administration’s strategy to use trade as a tool for geopolitical leverage.
U.N. rights chief condemns Israel over Gaza, cites evidence for case
He also warned against a 'glorification of violence' as some nations become an 'extension of their ruler's personal power.'
In final stretch, pandemic treaty talks narrowing on benefit sharing
A $10.5 billion global fund for pandemic preparedness would cost a fraction of the devastation the treaty seeks to prevent.
In Swiss court, Indonesian islanders take on cement giant over climate
The court's preliminary hearing focused on whether the case is admissible under Swiss law, setting a potential precedent.
Afghan quake death toll surpasses 1,400 as global aid bypasses Taliban
An IFRC official says the difficult terrain where the quake struck could turn this into a 'protracted crisis' lasting months.