President Biden and China’s leader Xi Jinping have long clashed over global order, with Biden emphasizing democracy and Xi criticizing U.S. influence. As they meet in Peru, Biden’s global influence wanes following Trump’s re-election, while Xi remains powerful, blaming China’s economic issues on U.S. “containment.”

Noah Prescott 16/11/2024 11:30 am

At the APEC summit in Peru, President Biden aimed to strengthen ties with key allies before leaving office. Meeting with South Korean President Yoon and Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba, Biden emphasized the enduring importance of their trilateral cooperation, particularly against North Korea’s actions. He praised the alliance’s role in countering North Korea’s destabilizing activities with Russia. The summit marks one of Biden’s final global engagements, with discussions on climate, infrastructure, and support for Ukraine. Biden will also meet with Chinese President Xi and attend the G20 meeting in Brazil.

Noah Prescott 16/11/2024 8:00 am

China has strengthened its presence in Latin America by inaugurating the Chancay megaport in Peru, bypassing North American trade routes. President Xi Jinping attended the opening, highlighting China’s commitment to the region. This development underscores China’s growing influence in an area traditionally dominated by the US, which has been criticized for neglecting its Latin American neighbors. The $3.5 billion project, led by China’s Cosco Shipping, is expected to boost Peru’s economy and enhance trade with Asia, marking a significant shift in regional dynamics.

Penelope Kingsley 16/11/2024 4:30 am

Israel has intensified its attacks in Syria, targeting areas in Damascus linked to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps and Hezbollah. Recent strikes in the Mezzeh suburb and Qadisiyah neighborhood killed 15 people. The IDF claims these operations aim to disrupt Hezbollah’s weapon transfers from Iran through Syria to Lebanon. Additionally, Israel targeted Syrian regime crossings on the Syria-Lebanon border and Hezbollah’s intelligence infrastructure in Damascus. In Beirut, the IDF conducted airstrikes in the Dahiyeh neighborhood, issuing evacuation warnings beforehand.

Penelope Kingsley 16/11/2024 4:30 am

China may seek to solidify gains made with Biden as Xi faces domestic economic challenges and aims to improve bargaining with the new U.S. administration. This could involve reaffirming principles guiding U.S.-China relations over the past four years, maintaining communication working groups, and supporting AI development agreements. Reestablishing crisis communication channels was a key Biden achievement, which national security adviser Jake Sullivan emphasized as crucial for a smooth transition and maintaining military communication, especially as Trump questions U.S. commitments.

Ava Sinclair 16/11/2024 4:30 am

Protesters in Abkhazia stormed the parliament, demanding the resignation of leader Aslan Bzhania over an unpopular investment deal with Moscow. Despite the unrest, Bzhania refused to step down, stating talks with opposition were ongoing. Russia, which recognized Abkhazia as independent in 2008, expressed concern and advised against travel to the region. Protesters, fearing Russian property dominance, escalated demands to oust Bzhania. They also breached the presidential offices, with nine people hospitalized. Bzhania urged calm, asserting he would remain in office.

Penelope Kingsley 16/11/2024 1:00 am

Māori lawmakers disrupted a New Zealand parliamentary vote with a Haka to protest a bill critics say undermines Indigenous rights. Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke of the Māori party led the Haka, tearing the bill in protest. Many lawmakers and public members joined in, causing the Speaker to suspend the session and clear the gallery. The Treaty Principles Bill aims to reinterpret the Treaty of Waitangi, potentially affecting Māori land, cultural rights, and dedicated programs. Critics argue it favors political and corporate control, while its author claims it addresses unequal rights.

Penelope Kingsley 16/11/2024 1:00 am

Xi and Biden, attending the APEC summit in Peru, warned of potential trade wars and global economic fragmentation as Trump prepares to assume the presidency. Xi expressed concerns about rising protectionism, while Biden highlighted significant political changes and emphasized the durability of US alliances in Asia. Both leaders met with South Korean President Yoon, discussing regional stability amid North Korea’s actions. The APEC summit, focused on trade liberalization, faces uncertainty due to Trump’s confrontational stance towards China, including potential tariffs on Chinese imports.

Noah Prescott 16/11/2024 1:00 am

President Biden, alongside Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol, condemned North Korea-Russia cooperation at the Asia Pacific summit in Peru. They criticized North Korea’s troop deployment to aid Russia in Ukraine and military exchanges, highlighting Russia’s U.N. Security Council role. The leaders emphasized supporting Ukraine’s self-defense rights. A senior U.S. official noted the focus on Russia-North Korea ties during their meeting. Biden stressed the need for regional ally coordination against North Korea’s actions, including missile tests.

Penelope Kingsley 16/11/2024 1:00 am

Protesters in Abkhazia stormed the parliament to oppose a measure allowing Russians to buy property. The session to discuss the measure was postponed as demonstrators clashed with police, using a truck to breach the gates. Protesters took control of the parliament, demanding the president’s resignation. Authorities plan to withdraw the investment agreement with Russia, fearing it would price locals out of the property market. Abkhazia, recognized by Russia as independent, is seen by many as a client state of Moscow.

Penelope Kingsley 15/11/2024 9:30 pm