Latest news with #globalstability
NHK
8 hours ago
- Business
- NHK
Ishiba talks unrest, tariffs after G7 summit
Before leaving the venue of the Group of 7 summit in Canada, Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru held a news conference, saying that the joint statement calling for de-escalation in the Middle East was significant. Prime Minister Ishiba said: "The G7 has contributed to global stability and prosperity over many years, united by shared values such as freedom and democracy. The value of the G7 is evident in how we have worked together across differences in national positions to address the challenges of each era." As for the Middle East, Ishiba said his government is monitoring the impact the unrest will have on gas prices. He said, "In case the confusion in the Middle East drags on and the prices of gasoline and other oil products continue to rise sharply, I have made an instruction to consider necessary measures to prevent it from having a major impact on people's lives." The prime minister went to the G7 hoping to discuss tariffs with the US president. He said the talks will continue. He said: "At the Moment, we have yet to reach an agreement on a package over tariffs. I had a frank discussion with the US President Trump for about 30 minutes on Monday, and agreed to instruct the ministers in charge to proceed with further talks between the two countries. I would like to continue to make arrangements so that an agreement will be beneficial to both Japan and the US, while protecting our interests." Trump was not the only world leader Ishiba met for sit-down talks. He also held his first-ever meeting with the new South Korean president, Lee Jae-myung. They agreed to continue cooperating on issues like North Korea. Ishiba is scheduled to attend another major meeting -- the NATO summit -- in the Netherlands next week.
Fox News
2 days ago
- Politics
- Fox News
Israel's war with Iran is a global flashpoint. America must lead before it spreads
The eruption of hostilities between Israel and Iran is not merely a regional crisis—it is a global inflection point. From intensifying missile exchanges to mounting nuclear fears, the specter of escalation threatens to fracture alliances, destabilize oil markets, and empower rival powers. What began as a surgical Israeli strike on suspected nuclear sites now risks spiraling into a multi-theater conflict—affecting everything from the Strait of Hormuz to Taiwan. The situation has escalated sharply. Israel has launched sustained airstrikes on Iranian territory for three consecutive days, targeting over 250 sites including Natanz, Isfahan, and key defense ministry facilities. Iran reports at least 78 dead and over 320 wounded. In return, missile salvos on Israel killed at least 10 civilians and wounded more than 360. Damage includes oil infrastructure in Iran and residential areas in Tel Aviv. These developments underscore the fragility of regional stability and the rising potential for global spillover. This is no theoretical crisis. Global trade routes, energy corridors, and financial markets are already reacting. As Western diplomats scramble to contain Iran, Russia is strengthening its alliance with Tehran, while China seeks to reshape energy flows and erode U.S. diplomatic influence. The global balance is being redrawn in real-time. ISRAEL SAYS IT HAS AERIAL SUPERIORITY OVER TEHRAN, IRANIAN INTELLIGENCE LEADER KILLEDAt this moment, the United States faces a decisive question: Will it lead the post-strike order—or let Beijing and Moscow shape the future? U.S. Response vs. the China–Russia Axis Washington's posture has been cautious but firm. While affirming Israel's right to self-defense, the U.S. has urged all sides to avoid uncontrolled escalation. It has bolstered Gulf missile defenses, evacuated U.S. personnel from Iraq and Bahrain, and expanded intelligence support—all while avoiding direct military involvement except for the use of our air defense systems. President Donald Trump has reiterated a clear red line: Iran must never obtain a nuclear weapon. Behind the scenes, American envoys are working through Oman and Europe to open diplomatic channels. This conflict is a wake-up call. A regional war can now ripple across the globe—destabilizing economies, shifting alliances, and testing American credibility. If the US retreats, powers like China and Russia will fill the vacuum with destabilizing influence. In contrast, Russia and China are capitalizing on the chaos. Moscow condemned Israel's strike and offered Iran assistance in handling enriched uranium—strengthening both its mediation credentials and Iran's nuclear ambitions. China expressed "grave concern," but has reportedly deepened oil and infrastructure ties with Iran, offering an economic lifeline against Western sanctions. These moves represent more than opportunism; they aim to undermine U.S. leadership in the Middle East. Escalation Risks and Global Consequences The conflict's ripple effects are expanding. Hezbollah may strike from Lebanon. Iraqi Shiite militias could attack U.S. forces. In Yemen, Houthi rebels threaten Gulf infrastructure. Each front carries the potential to widen the conflict and drag in regional and global actors. Equally concerning is maritime disruption. Iran could block the Strait of Hormuz, through which one-fifth of the world's oil flows. Markets have already reacted—oil prices spiked over 10%, the Dow Jones fell nearly 2%, and gold surged. Meanwhile, China may exploit U.S. distraction by asserting more control in the South China Sea or pressuring Taiwan. Iran has also escalated militarily. The use of its new "Haj Qassem" guided ballistic missile signals a new phase of strategic confrontation. This technological advancement represents a deepening threat to Israeli cities and a symbolic escalation of the conflict. A Path Forward: U.S. Leadership Is Essential To prevent further deterioration, the United States must implement a three-pronged strategy: 1. Reclaim the Diplomatic Initiative Lead a high-level, multilateral push—through a new coalition of regional states—to negotiate a ceasefire. Reinstate IAEA access to Iranian sites and establish a phased de-escalation framework with clear enforcement mechanisms. 2. Deter Broader Escalation Without Overcommitting The U.S. must communicate that any attack on American or allied interests will trigger proportional retaliation. Boost missile defense coordination with Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. CENTCOM should publicly reaffirm red lines to signal strength. 3. Stabilize Global Markets Coordinate with G7 partners and major producers to maintain oil supply resilience. To avoid direct US-Iran conflict, perhaps British or French naval assets could ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. Strategic outreach to India and Japan could reduce global reliance on Iranian energy. Responsibility in a Multipolar World This conflict is a wake-up call. A regional war can now ripple across the globe—destabilizing economies, shifting alliances, and testing American credibility. If the United States retreats, powers like China and Russia will fill the vacuum with destabilizing influence. At this strategic crossroads, America must demonstrate that strength and restraint can coexist—that diplomacy is not weakness, and deterrence is not provocation. The United States possesses the tools, alliances, and principles to guide the world through this crisis. What remains essential is the will to lead. The world is watching. Leadership cannot wait.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Opulence and business deals among takeaways from Trump's Middle East tour
US President Donald Trump used the first major foreign trip of his second term to outline a vision for restoring global stability that is grounded in pragmatism and self-interest rather than values, holding out ties to wealthy Gulf countries as a model for America's long-time foes. Mr Trump's four-day swing through Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE, which ends on Friday, put a spotlight on his transactional approach to foreign affairs as he was feted by autocratic rulers with a trio of lavish state visits where there was heavy emphasis on economic and security partnerships. His trip played out against the backdrop of stubborn global conflicts, including Gaza and Ukraine, that showed the limits of his influence. But Mr Trump insisted he was turning the page on American 'interventionalism' in the region as he moved to recognise the new government in Syria for the first time and prodded Iran to engage on nuclear talks before it is too late. Here are some takeaways from Mr Trump's travels. – Trump marvelled at Gulf state opulence but held his tongue on human rights Presidential trips to the Middle East usually feature at least some public calls for authoritarian governments to improve their human rights efforts. Not this one, as Mr Trump celebrated his business deals with Gulf royals and admired their wealth. Mr Trump toured the marble and gilded palaces of Gulf rulers and deemed them 'perfecto' and 'very hard to buy'. He praised the 'gleaming marvels' of the skyline in Saudi Arabia and he groused about the 'much less impressive' Air Force One. In Mr Trump's remarks at a VIP business conference in Riyadh, he went out of his way to distance himself from the actions of past administrations, the days when he said American officials would fly in 'in beautiful planes, giving you lectures on how to live and how to govern your own affairs'. Rights advocates took that as a pledge of non-intervention, swearing off some of the pressure past US presidents have brought to bear on partners to varying degrees to ease up on detentions, suppression of critics and other issues. 'It's absolute support for absolute monarchy,' said Saudi exile Abdullah Alaoudh. His father, a Saudi cleric with a wide following there, is imprisoned in the kingdom. – Thwarted by Putin While Mr Trump was in the Middle East, Vladimir Putin opted to skip direct peace talks with Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky despite the US president's strong calls for them to meet face-to-face. Mr Trump has been pushing Mr Putin and Mr Zelensky to move with greater haste to end Russia's grinding war in Ukraine. But after it became clear Mr Putin would not be attending talks in Turkey this week and would instead be sending underlings to Istanbul, an annoyed Mr Trump insisted he knew all along that it was highly likely Mr Putin would be a no-show. 'I don't believe anything's going to happen whether you like it or not, until he and I get together,' Mr Trump said. 'But we're going to have to get it solved because too many people are dying. Mr Trump was scheduled to fly back to Washington DC on Friday, but tried to keep people guessing until the end. He teased late on Thursday that he would be heading to a 'destination unknown' — 'probably' Washington, he added. His opaque language stoked speculation that he might make a drop-by to Turkey. – On Syria sanctions, Trump takes a leap of faith Just two months ago, the Trump administration was not sold on Syria's interim government led by Ahmad al-Sharaa, the onetime al-Qaida-affiliated insurgent. They worried the Syrian president did not have the legitimacy to govern the country's ethnically diverse population. Clashes broke out in early March, killing hundreds and targeting many more members of the Alawite religious minority to which the ousted Syrian leader Basher Assad belongs. The moment gave the Trump White House pause about easing sanctions on Syria. But Mr Trump signalled on Monday that he was having a change of heart and was moving toward lifting the Syria sanctions and a day later, he announced the move during an address to Gulf leaders. Mr Trump then took it another step by agreeing to meet al-Sharaa. He said he was impressed with Mr al-Sharaa, who not that long ago had a 10 million dollar US bounty on his head. The president called him a 'young, attractive guy' with a 'very strong past'. Mr Trump said it was recommendations from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman that nudged him to take a chance on Mr al-Sharra. – Trump's fuzzy maths on display Throughout the trip, Mr Trump felt more than comfortable dishing out exaggeration and hyperbole. 'This has been an amazing trip,' Mr Trump told reporters on Thursday as Air Force One was about to land in Qatar. 'We've raised trillions of dollars of investment for our country.' A little later he put the figure at four trillion dollars. That figure is about two times the combined gross domestic products of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE, meaning that any announced investments would likely accrue over several years — if at all — in ways that might not show up in overall US economic growth numbers. Boeing confirmed that Qatar's 96 billion dollar purchase of its 787 and 777X jets was the largest order for 787s and wide body jets in the company's history. Mr Trump enthused it was 'the biggest order in the history of, I think, aviation, certainly of that size' of jets. Mr Trump also went overboard in running down the economic record of his predecessor, Democrat Joe Biden, at one point declaring: 'The days of economic misery under the last administration are rapidly giving way to the greatest economy in the history of the world.' The US economy grew at 2.8% last year but it declined at an annualised rate of 0.3% during the first three months of this year. – Intractable conflicts remain just that While Mr Trump's trip initially was conceived as a visit to reward countries that invest in the US, Mr Trump at one point hoped it also would herald significant steps to end the wars in Gaza and Ukraine. Positive news on both fronts proved elusive. Mr Trump barely mentioned either conflict on his trip – and when he did, it was generally in the context of his assertion that they would not have occurred had he won re-election in 2020. As Israel stepped up an offensive in Gaza — a prelude to a promised full takeover of the territory if Hamas does not release the remaining hostages in its captivity — Mr Trump was again musing about the creation of a 'freedom zone' in its territory. It is a notion rejected by Palestinians and the broader Arab world because Mr Trump's plan would relocate civilians from Gaza to allow for rebuilding. Israel conducted significant airstrikes all week in Gaza as Mr Trump was in the region and the fighting on the ground appeared to escalate Friday morning even before Trump left the UAE. – Ethics issues follow along as Trump travels the Middle East Mr Trump was already facing questions about conflicts of interest for travelling to the Middle East to shape US policy at a time when his family's business interests in the region have boomed. He attempted to quiet worries about national security and constitutional questions by insisting he's smart to accept a 400 million dollar luxury plane from Qatar and use it as Air Force One. 'Why should our military, and therefore our taxpayers, be forced to pay hundreds of millions of dollars when they can get it for FREE,' Mr Trump posted on his social media site.
BreakingNews.ie
16-05-2025
- Business
- BreakingNews.ie
Opulence and business deals among takeaways from Trump's Middle East tour
US President Donald Trump used the first major foreign trip of his second term to outline a vision for restoring global stability that is grounded in pragmatism and self-interest rather than values, holding out ties to wealthy Gulf countries as a model for America's long-time foes. Mr Trump's four-day swing through Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE, which ends on Friday, put a spotlight on his transactional approach to foreign affairs as he was feted by autocratic rulers with a trio of lavish state visits where there was heavy emphasis on economic and security partnerships. Advertisement His trip played out against the backdrop of stubborn global conflicts, including Gaza and Ukraine, that showed the limits of his influence. US President Donald Trump arrives with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the group photo with Gulf Cooperation Council leaders during the GCC Summit (Alex Brandon/AP) But Mr Trump insisted he was turning the page on American 'interventionalism' in the region as he moved to recognise the new government in Syria for the first time and prodded Iran to engage on nuclear talks before it is too late. Here are some takeaways from Mr Trump's travels. – Trump marvelled at Gulf state opulence but held his tongue on human rights Presidential trips to the Middle East usually feature at least some public calls for authoritarian governments to improve their human rights efforts. Advertisement Not this one, as Mr Trump celebrated his business deals with Gulf royals and admired their wealth. Mr Trump toured the marble and gilded palaces of Gulf rulers and deemed them 'perfecto' and 'very hard to buy'. He praised the 'gleaming marvels' of the skyline in Saudi Arabia and he groused about the 'much less impressive' Air Force One. In Mr Trump's remarks at a VIP business conference in Riyadh, he went out of his way to distance himself from the actions of past administrations, the days when he said American officials would fly in 'in beautiful planes, giving you lectures on how to live and how to govern your own affairs'. Advertisement Rights advocates took that as a pledge of non-intervention, swearing off some of the pressure past US presidents have brought to bear on partners to varying degrees to ease up on detentions, suppression of critics and other issues. 'It's absolute support for absolute monarchy,' said Saudi exile Abdullah Alaoudh. US President Donald Trump and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan arrive at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi (Alex Brandon/AP) His father, a Saudi cleric with a wide following there, is imprisoned in the kingdom. – Thwarted by Putin While Mr Trump was in the Middle East, Vladimir Putin opted to skip direct peace talks with Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky despite the US president's strong calls for them to meet face-to-face. Advertisement Mr Trump has been pushing Mr Putin and Mr Zelensky to move with greater haste to end Russia's grinding war in Ukraine. But after it became clear Mr Putin would not be attending talks in Turkey this week and would instead be sending underlings to Istanbul, an annoyed Mr Trump insisted he knew all along that it was highly likely Mr Putin would be a no-show. 'I don't believe anything's going to happen whether you like it or not, until he and I get together,' Mr Trump said. 'But we're going to have to get it solved because too many people are dying. Mr Trump was scheduled to fly back to Washington DC on Friday, but tried to keep people guessing until the end. Advertisement He teased late on Thursday that he would be heading to a 'destination unknown' — 'probably' Washington, he added. His opaque language stoked speculation that he might make a drop-by to Turkey. – On Syria sanctions, Trump takes a leap of faith Just two months ago, the Trump administration was not sold on Syria's interim government led by Ahmad al-Sharaa, the onetime al-Qaida-affiliated insurgent. US President Donald Trump attends a business meeting and roundtable at Qasr Al Watan, in Abu Dhabi, UAE (Altaf Qadri/AP) They worried the Syrian president did not have the legitimacy to govern the country's ethnically diverse population. Clashes broke out in early March, killing hundreds and targeting many more members of the Alawite religious minority to which the ousted Syrian leader Basher Assad belongs. The moment gave the Trump White House pause about easing sanctions on Syria. But Mr Trump signalled on Monday that he was having a change of heart and was moving toward lifting the Syria sanctions and a day later, he announced the move during an address to Gulf leaders. Mr Trump then took it another step by agreeing to meet al-Sharaa. He said he was impressed with Mr al-Sharaa, who not that long ago had a 10 million dollar US bounty on his head. The president called him a 'young, attractive guy' with a 'very strong past'. Mr Trump said it was recommendations from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman that nudged him to take a chance on Mr al-Sharra. – Trump's fuzzy maths on display Throughout the trip, Mr Trump felt more than comfortable dishing out exaggeration and hyperbole. Qatar Emiri Air Force F-15s provide an honorary escort for Air Force One, carrying US President Donald Trump, as it arrives in Doha, Qatar (Alex Brandon/AP) 'This has been an amazing trip,' Mr Trump told reporters on Thursday as Air Force One was about to land in Qatar. 'We've raised trillions of dollars of investment for our country.' A little later he put the figure at four trillion dollars. That figure is about two times the combined gross domestic products of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE, meaning that any announced investments would likely accrue over several years — if at all — in ways that might not show up in overall US economic growth numbers. Boeing confirmed that Qatar's 96 billion dollar purchase of its 787 and 777X jets was the largest order for 787s and wide body jets in the company's history. Mr Trump enthused it was 'the biggest order in the history of, I think, aviation, certainly of that size' of jets. Mr Trump also went overboard in running down the economic record of his predecessor, Democrat Joe Biden, at one point declaring: 'The days of economic misery under the last administration are rapidly giving way to the greatest economy in the history of the world.' The US economy grew at 2.8% last year but it declined at an annualised rate of 0.3% during the first three months of this year. – Intractable conflicts remain just that While Mr Trump's trip initially was conceived as a visit to reward countries that invest in the US, Mr Trump at one point hoped it also would herald significant steps to end the wars in Gaza and Ukraine. Positive news on both fronts proved elusive. President Donald Trump attends a business meeting and roundtable at Qasr Al Watan, in Abu Dhabi (Altaf Qadri/AP) Mr Trump barely mentioned either conflict on his trip – and when he did, it was generally in the context of his assertion that they would not have occurred had he won re-election in 2020. As Israel stepped up an offensive in Gaza — a prelude to a promised full takeover of the territory if Hamas does not release the remaining hostages in its captivity — Mr Trump was again musing about the creation of a 'freedom zone' in its territory. It is a notion rejected by Palestinians and the broader Arab world because Mr Trump's plan would relocate civilians from Gaza to allow for rebuilding. Israel conducted significant airstrikes all week in Gaza as Mr Trump was in the region and the fighting on the ground appeared to escalate Friday morning even before Trump left the UAE. – Ethics issues follow along as Trump travels the Middle East Mr Trump was already facing questions about conflicts of interest for travelling to the Middle East to shape US policy at a time when his family's business interests in the region have boomed. He attempted to quiet worries about national security and constitutional questions by insisting he's smart to accept a 400 million dollar luxury plane from Qatar and use it as Air Force One. 'Why should our military, and therefore our taxpayers, be forced to pay hundreds of millions of dollars when they can get it for FREE,' Mr Trump posted on his social media site.
CNA
13-05-2025
- Business
- CNA
China hosts Latin American and Caribbean leaders
China is hosting Latin American and Caribbean leaders and promising new credit of more than US$9 billion, but denominated in yuan. President Xi Jinping is also calling for unity to safeguard global stability amid ongoing trade tensions with the United States. Olivia Siong reports.
