Foreign Office issues urgent new travel warning for 17 countries: Alert for destinations in the Mediterranean and Middle East in the wake of 'explosions ...
walesonline.co.uk/news/uk-news/foreign-office-issues-urgent-new-29027830
CBS News 5h
China says Trump's crackdown on Harvard "will only damage" U.S.: As Trump moves to ban foreign students from enrolling at Harvard, at least one university in ...
cbsnews.com/news/trump-harvard-international-students-china-says-crackdown-will-damage-us/
Judge Blocks Trump Ban on Harvard International StudentsA federal judge temporarily halted a policy that would have forced nearly 7,000 foreign Harvard students to transfer or lose status.
- A federal judge paused the Trump administration’s revocation of Harvard’s international student enrollment certification.
- Harvard claims the government’s action retaliates against its refusal to comply with politically driven demands.
- The suspension threatens thousands of international students and disrupts numerous academic and research initiatives.
- This legal battle coincides with Harvard’s fight against a $2.65 billion federal funding freeze.
For those international students and scholars affected by today’s action, know that you are vital members of our community.— Alan Garber, President of Harvard, in a statement.
Semafor 6h
This week on Mixed Signals, @semaforben and @maxwelltani talk to @amanpour and @JamesP_Rubin about the role of media in shaping foreign affairs, how the information landscape has ... Show more
China urges Philippines to stop provocation in South China Sea: China's foreign ministry on Friday urged the Philippines to immediately stop "infringement and ...
reuters.com/world/china/china-urges-philippines-stop-provocation-south-china-sea-2025-05-23/
Key FactsRising Tensions in South China Sea Conflict
6h · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: reuters.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: reuters.com
- China urged the Philippines to cease provocations in the South China Sea to avoid a firm retaliatory response.
- A collision occurred between Chinese and Philippine coast guard vessels during a confrontation in contested waters.
- The United States condemned China's actions as aggressive and harmful to regional peace.
- For the first time, US and Philippine maritime forces conducted joint exercises in the disputed area.
"We advise the U.S. side not to use the Philippines to stir up trouble in the South China Sea, and not to undermine peace and stability in the region."— Mao Ning, spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, during a press conference.
China pledges support for overseas students after Trump's Harvard curb: China will safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of its overseas students and ...
reuters.com/world/china/china-pledges-support-overseas-students-after-trumps-harvard-curb-2025-05-23/
Hong Kong university offers unconditional admission to Harvard students: The move appears to reflect the policy of the city to attract talent ...
straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/hong-kong-university-offers-unconditional-admission-to-harvard-students
Beijing has issued a sharp rebuke of Israel after its soldiers opened fire near a group of foreign diplomats during a visit to the occupied West Bank ... Show more
CNA May 22
'Ignorant' to call Taiwan a country, China says, responding to Taipei's foreign minister
channelnewsasia.com/east-asia/ignorant-call-taiwan-country-china-responds-taipei-foreign-minsiter-5146646
China Denounces Taiwan's Statehood Claim as ProvocationBeijing calls Taiwan's independence claims arrogant and insists reunification is an unstoppable historical trend.
Key FactsMay 22 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: channelnewsasia.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: channelnewsasia.com
- China asserts Taiwan is part of its territory and rejects its recognition as a sovereign state.
- The Chinese government condemned Taiwan's statement of nationhood as a provocation toward independence.
- Taiwan's president highlighted the need for strength and vigilance to safeguard freedom and democracy.
- China regards reunification with Taiwan as inevitable and refuses dialogue with the island’s leadership.
"Freedom and democracy are not gifts that fall from the sky; they are the fruits of the perseverance and sacrifice of generations of courageous people."— Taiwan President Lai Ching-te speaking to military officers.
CNA 6h
Singaporeans at Harvard face uncertainty after Trump blocks international students
channelnewsasia.com/singapore/trump-harvard-international-students-singaporean-visa-revoked-5149371
Defence Blog May 22
Europe slams Israel’s war expansion and aid blockade: The European Union announced Tuesday it would review its trade cooperation agreement with Israel ...
defence-blog.com/europe-slams-israels-war-expansion-and-aid-blockade/
China makes Taliban regime, Islamabad agree on ties upgrade: China, Pakistan agree on CPEC extension to Kabul.
dawn.com/news/1912541/china-makes-taliban-regime-islamabad-agree-on-ties-upgrade
Khaleej Times May 22
UAE condemns killing of Israeli embassy staff in Washington: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its sincere condolences and solidarity with the families ...
khaleejtimes.com/uae/condemns-killing-israeli-embassy-staff-washington
Netanyahu says ready for Gaza ‘temporary ceasefire’: JERUSALEM: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday he was open to a “temporary ceasefire” ...
arabnews.com/node/2601662/middle-east
France rejects Israeli minister's accusations of inciting hatred after DC shooting
france24.com/en/france/20250522-france-dismisses-israeli-minister-accusations-inciting-hatred-dc-shooting
Ukraine's Foreign Ministry on Putin's "buffer zone": It can be on Russian territory
pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2025/05/22/7513592/
Pakistan recommits to China bond amid Trump shadow over India ceasefire: After a four-day standoff with India, Pakistan looks to its trusted partner China for ...
aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/22/pakistan-recommits-to-china-bond-amid-trump-shadow-over-india-ceasefire
Anand says she'll summon Israeli ambassador after IDF fired shots near Canadians
cbc.ca/news/politics/israel-canadains-west-bank-shots-1.7540343
Israeli embassy worker killings investigated as hate crime and terrorism: Two Israeli embassy staffers, who were set to be engaged, were shot and killed ...
pbs.org/newshour/show/israeli-embassy-worker-killings-investigated-as-hate-crime-and-terrorism
Sa'ar: Direct line between antisemitic incitement and murder of DC embassy employees
jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-855051
State to prosecute rogue recruitment agents, force them to refund victims: The government has ordered rogue employment recruitment agents to refund money to job ...
standardmedia.co.ke/coast/article/2001519805/state-to-prosecute-rogue-recruitment-agents-force-them-to-refund-victims
No sharp turns in PM Wong’s first post-election Cabinet, but leadership shifts afoot: Analysts
straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/no-sharp-turns-in-pm-wongs-first-post-election-cabinet-but-leadership-shifts-afoot-analysts
Global leaders condemn fatal attack on 2 Israeli Embassy staffers in DC: Global reactions are pouring in after two staff members of the Israeli Embassy in ...
apnews.com/article/israel-embassy-washington-jewish-museum-shooting-0dd228eaea670cd06416b9a777912748
Classifying Taliban as ‘foreign terrorist organization’ under review: US: A ‘comprehensive review’ of the US’s chaotic military withdrawal from Afghanistan in ...
aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/21/classifying-taliban-as-foreign-terrorist-organization-under-review-us
EU will review trade deal with Israel, Kallas says: The European Union's top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, said on Tuesday that there would be a review of the EU's ...
reuters.com/world/middle-east/eu-will-review-trade-deal-with-israel-kallas-says-2025-05-20/
EU outrage grows after Israel fires ‘warning shots’ at diplomatic delegation: France, Germany and Belgium have condemned the incident and demanded an explanation ...
politico.eu/article/israel-army-shots-fired-eu-diplomatic-delegation-jenin-west-bank-palestine-kaja-kallas/
Rubio Defends U.S. Global Role Amid Budget CutsSecretary Rubio supports a $28.5B budget for 2025/26, emphasizing ongoing U.S. engagement despite aid and diplomacy reductions.
- Marco Rubio asserted that the United States is maintaining its global presence despite reductions in aid and diplomatic funding.
- He justified cuts to programs deemed redundant, wasteful, or ideologically driven while aiming to streamline the State Department with a $28.5 billion budget request.
- Rubio highlighted his visits to 18 countries in 18 weeks as evidence of sustained U.S. international engagement.
- Addressing concerns over Russia, Syria, and refugee policies, Rubio confirmed ongoing sanctions on Russia and support for humanitarian aid to Gaza.
That doesn't sound like much of a withdrawal.— Marco Rubio during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing, defending U.S. engagement in global affairs.
PM Lawrence Wong unveils new Cabinet, says it’s the ‘strongest team’ for Singapore
straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/pm-lawrence-wong-unveils-new-cabinet-post-ge2025-says-its-the-strongest-team-for-spore
China 'seriously concerned' over US Golden Dome defence system: China is "seriously concerned" about the U.S. Golden Dome missile defence shield project and ...
reuters.com/world/china/china-urges-us-abandon-development-global-anti-missile-system-2025-05-21/
France and Italy Summon Israeli Ambassadors After Israel Fired ‘Warning Shots’ at Diplomatic Delegation
time.com/7287468/european-leaders-summon-israeli-ambassadors-warning-shots-diplomats/
Israel says it remains open to dialogue with EU and its member states: A majority of the European Union's foreign ministers backed a Dutch proposal to ...
euronews.com/my-europe/2025/05/20/eu-to-review-its-trade-and-cooperation-with-israel-over-gaza-offensive
Starmer poised to sanction top Israeli ministers as pressure grows for tougher action over Gaza crisis
independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/israel-gaza-uk-sanctions-starmer-trade-b2755011.html
CNA May 21
PM Wong unveils first full Cabinet: No second DPM, three coordinating ministers named
channelnewsasia.com/singapore/lawrence-wong-cabinet-reshuffle-gan-kim-yong-chan-chun-sing-ong-ye-kung-5144301
Israel 'completely rejects' EU decision to review cooperation deal: Israeli foreign ministry has denounced the European Union's move to review a pact governing ...
euronews.com/2025/05/21/israel-completely-rejects-eu-decision-to-review-trade-and-cooperation-deal
EU leaders need to ‘exert pressure’ on Israel, says Irish minister: We spoke to Irish Foreign Affairs Minister Neale Richmond, who was at the EU Foreign Affairs ...
channel4.com/news/eu-leaders-need-to-exert-pressure-on-israel-says-irish-minister
Israeli military fires shots near delegation that included Irish diplomats: Tánaiste ‘shocked and appalled’ at reports of incident in West Bank city of Jenin
irishtimes.com/politics/2025/05/21/israeli-military-fires-shots-near-delegation-that-included-irish-diplomats/
Faishal Ibrahim to be Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs: He will take over from Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli ...
straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/faishal-ibrahim-to-be-acting-minister-in-charge-of-muslim-affairs
“Our Minister for Foreign Affairs taking Tanzania’s side on the deportation of Kenyans is wild. Who put these people in power? Bure kabisa ... Show more
EU agrees to lift economic sanctions on Syria, Kallas says: EU foreign ministers on Tuesday agreed to lift economic sanctions on Syria, the bloc's foreign policy ...
reuters.com/world/middle-east/kallas-hopes-eu-ministers-agree-lift-syria-economic-sanctions-2025-05-20/
EU Ends Sanctions to Support Syria’s RecoveryEU lifts economic sanctions to aid Syria’s rebuilding amid warnings of civil war within weeks.
Key FactsMay 22 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: theguardian.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: theguardian.com
- The EU agreed to remove economic sanctions on Syria to assist its recovery after regime changes.
- This move came shortly after the US announced it would lift all sanctions on Syria.
- EU officials stressed the importance of enabling Syria to stabilize to prevent a collapse similar to Afghanistan’s.
- Despite ongoing violence, the EU calls for a peaceful, inclusive transition involving all population groups.
The European Union wants to make a fresh start with Syria … but we also expect an inclusive policy within the country that includes all population groups and religious groups.— Johann Wadephul, German foreign minister, in a written statement.
Euro Weekly News SA May 20
UK freezes Israel trade talks: The British government has suspended trade negotiations with Israel and summoned the Israeli ambassador to the Foreign Office
euroweeklynews.com/2025/05/20/uk-freezes-israel-trade-talks-and-warns-of-further-action-over-gaza-assault/
Pressure is mounting on Israel over its conduct in Gaza, as Israel pushes a new offensive that has killed hundreds of Palestinians in several days and prepares ... Show more
IDF fire shots near EU delegation with Irish diplomats: Israeli troops have fired shots near a European Union delegation that included two Irish diplomats ...
rte.ie/news/middle-east/2025/0521/1514153-jenin-diplomats-israel/
EU-Israel agreement 'important forum' for talks - Germany: Germany has defended a cooperation deal between the European Union and Israel ...
rte.ie/news/middle-east/2025/0521/1514137-eu-israel-germany/
Consequences of nuclear war won’t be limited to India and Pakistan: Bilawal: Former foreign minister cautioned that the “new normal” which India is seeking is ...
dawn.com/news/1912376/consequences-of-nuclear-war-wont-be-limited-to-india-and-pakistan-bilawal
Live updates: US immigration authorities appear to have begun deporting migrants to South Sudan, attorneys say
apnews.com/live/donald-trump-news-updates-5-20-2025
Rubio warns Syria could be weeks away from 'full-scale civil war': The US secretary of state calls for Syria's transitional authorities to be supported to ...
bbc.com/news/articles/c3v553py965o
US is not withdrawing from the world, Rubio says during testy hearings in Congress
straitstimes.com/world/united-states/us-is-not-withdrawing-from-the-world-rubio-says-during-testy-hearings-in-congress
Kenyans deported from Tanzania rattled the Samia Suluhu-led administration, Foreign Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi says; links the incident to the upcoming ... Show more
UK pauses free trade talks with Israel; Foreign Ministry says move ‘will not divert’ Israel in the ‘struggle for its existence’
timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/uk-pauses-free-trade-talks-with-israel-foreign-ministry-says-moves-will-not-divert-israel-from-defensive-war/
14,000 babies could die in next 48 hours without aid - UN: The UN's humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher has said 14,000 babies could die in Gaza in the next 48 ...
rte.ie/news/middle-east/2025/0520/1513625-israel-gaza/
Foreign Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi defends Tanzania President Samia Suluhu's remarks on Kenyan activists meddling with the country's political affairs.
Lithuania files case against Belarus at International Court of Justice: Lithuania's foreign ministry said on Monday it has filed a case against Belarus at the ...
reuters.com/en/lithuania-files-case-against-belarus-international-court-justice-2025-05-19/
Saudi Arabia condemns escalation of Israel’s military operations in Gaza: Saudi Arabia condemned on Monday Israel’s decision to escalate and expand its military ...
english.alarabiya.net/News/saudi-arabia/2025/05/19/saudi-arabia-condemns-escalation-of-israel-s-military-operations-in-gaza-
Suluhu warns foreign activists as Kenyans deported from Tanzania: President said she will not allow foreign activists to mess up her country ...
standardmedia.co.ke/national/article/2001519523/suluhu-warns-foreign-activists-as-kenyans-deported-from-tanzania
Tanzania authorities urged to release former CJ Willy Mutunga and his delegation; Foreign Affairs PS Korir Sing'oei calls for adherence to EAC protocol.
Saudi Gazette/ May 18
Saudi Arabia and Turkiye to enhance bilateral cooperation: The second meeting of the Saudi-Turkish Coordination Council discussed ways to further intensify ...
saudigazette.com.sa/article/651904
Judge deems DOGE takeover of US Institute of Peace ‘null and void’: A federal judge on Monday ruled that the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) ...
thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/5307665-judge-nullifies-doge-takeover-usip/
Defence, Foreign Affairs and Intelligence Committee Chair Nelson Koech reaffirms Kenya-US ties amid global shifts, urges respect for sovereignty ... Show more
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Climate Affairs Envoy Adel Al-Jubeir headed Saudi Arabia’s delegation participating in the inauguration ceremony of ... Show more
UK Parliament urges renewed talks on Kashmir: Criticises erosion of democratic rights in India-held Kashmir since 2019; advises UK to raise rights issues ...
dawn.com/news/1911856/
Germany ‘deeply concerned’ about situation in Gaza: BERLIN: Germany is “deeply concerned” about the situation in Gaza, where it said an intensified Israeli ...
arabnews.com/node/2601146/world
‘Very disturbing’: Trump receipt of overseas gifts unprecedented, experts warn: White House remakes foreign policy under pay-for-access code that critics say ...
theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/17/trump-foreign-gifts-plane-gulf-states
Ukrainian Air Forces: Ukrainian F-16 fighter crashed during combat mission overnight. Pilot has successfully ejected and rescued Ukrainian Air Forces: Ukrainian F-16 fighter crashed during combat mission overnight. Pilot has successfully ejected and rescued . Live Universal Awareness Map Liveuamap is a leading independent global news and information site dedicated to factual r
Swedish diplomat spy suspect has died, his lawyer says: A Swedish diplomat who was recently questioned by police on suspicion of espionage has died ...
reuters.com/world/europe/swedish-diplomat-spy-suspect-has-died-his-lawyer-says-2025-05-16/
Judge in Abrego Garcia case to hear arguments over administration's claim of state secrets privilege
abcnews.go.com/US/judge-abrego-garcia-case-hear-arguments-administrations-claim/story
Key FactsJudge Critiques Secrecy in Wrongful Deportation Case
May 17 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: reuters.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: reuters.com
- A U.S. judge expressed frustration over the Trump administration's lack of details regarding efforts to return Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was wrongfully deported to El Salvador.
- Judge Paula Xinis questioned whether the government intended to comply with her order to facilitate Garcia's return, especially after a statement from DHS chief Kristi Noem.
- The hearing highlighted concerns that the Trump administration has not adequately informed the court and Garcia's attorneys, raising fears of judicial disregard.
- Xinis indicated she would likely allow the administration another chance to provide evidence, as previous information was deemed insufficient.
"That sounds to me like an admission."— U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis expressed frustration over the Trump administration's lack of details regarding the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia.
Cultural aid cuts deal blow to Global South creatives – and Swiss diplomacy: Switzerland is among many countries slashing foreign aid, including funding for the ...
swissinfo.ch/eng/swiss-diplomacy/cultural-aid-cuts-a-blow-to-global-south-creatives-and-swiss-diplomacy/89272179
'It's a mess' — after all the hype, Ukraine-Russia peace talks in Istanbul descend into name-calling shambles
kyivindependent.com/its-a-mess-after-all-the-hype-ukraine-russia-peace-talks-in-istanbul-descend-into-name-calling-shambles/
The Turkish foreign ministry has confirmed that Ukrainian, Russian and US delegations will start peace talks on Friday.
Talks have begun in Istanbul between the Ukrainian delegation, US officials, and representatives from Turkey, according to Ukraine’s foreign ministry.
US to impose sanctions on Sudan after finding government used chemical weapons: The United States will impose sanctions on Sudan after determining its government ...
reuters.com/world/africa/us-imposes-sanctions-sudan-over-chemical-weapons-use-2025-05-22/
Second Oval Office ambush by Trump could make foreign leaders think twice: The Oval Office is historically reserved as a place of honor for foreign dignitaries.
reuters.com/world/us/second-oval-office-ambush-by-trump-could-make-foreign-leaders-think-twice-2025-05-21/
Washington DC shooting live updates: Two Israeli embassy staff killed outside Jewish museum
reuters.com/world/us/washington-dc-shooting-live-updates-two-israeli-embassy-staff-killed-suspect-2025-05-22/
Chagos Islands deal set to go ahead after legal challenge dismissed: An agreement to hand over the islands from the UK to Mauritius was paused after a ...
bbc.com/news/articles/c9914ndy82po
India Applauds UK-Mauritius Chagos Islands TreatyThe UK ends over 50 years of sovereignty rights, transferring the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius in a historic October 2024 agreement.
- The UK is relinquishing sovereignty over the Chagos Islands, including Diego Garcia, after more than five decades.
- Despite the handover, the UK retains full security responsibility for the strategically located Diego Garcia atoll.
- India has consistently backed Mauritius’s legitimate claim, highlighting principles of decolonization and respect for sovereignty.
- This bilateral treaty marks a milestone in resolving the longstanding dispute and enhancing regional maritime security.
"The formal resolution of the longstanding Chagos dispute through this bilateral treaty is a milestone achievement and a positive development for the region."— Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) regarding the return of sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius.
Ukraine's Foreign Ministry on Putin's "buffer zone": It can be on Russian territory
pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2025/05/22/7513592/
Hezbollah seeks boost in Lebanon vote as disarmament calls grow: Amidst the rubble left by Israeli bombardment of south Lebanon, campaign posters urge support ...
reuters.com/world/middle-east/hezbollah-seeks-boost-lebanon-vote-disarmament-calls-grow-2025-05-23/
Politics latest: Net migration to the UK estimated to have halved, latest figures show
news.sky.com/story/politics-latest-labour-reform-starmer-farage-tories-migration-prisons-12593360
