19.05.2025 – WEEKLY BRIEFING

Reymonta
6–9 minutes
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  • China seeks a united front with Latin America in countering Trump’s trade war – 13.05.2025

China is strengthening its ties with Latin America as a response to the ongoing trade tensions with the U.S., emphasizing cooperation and multilateralism in contrast to President Donald Trump’s protectionist policies. After agreeing to a 90-day tariff truce with the U.S., Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Latin American leaders, denouncing trade wars and advocating for deeper political, economic, and technological collaboration. Xi announced plans to increase Chinese imports from the region, expand investments, and provide a $9.2 billion credit line, along with initiatives in clean energy, 5G, AI, and academic exchanges. Beijing’s broader strategy includes boosting regional ties through the Belt and Road Initiative, as Colombia formally joined the program. Meanwhile, the WTO called on Japan to help uphold multilateral trade rules amid ongoing U.S. tariff hikes. Despite the truce, markets remained cautious due to continued uncertainty over Trump’s trade agenda.

  • China launches first of 2,800 satellites for AI space computing constellation – 14.05.2025

China successfully launched 12 satellites early on May 14 as part of a space-based computing initiative led by ADA Space and Zhejiang Lab. The satellites, forming the “Three-Body Computing Constellation,” were sent into orbit aboard a Long March 2D rocket from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. Designed to process data directly in space, the constellation has a combined capacity of 5 peta operations per second and 30 terabytes of onboard storage, featuring AI capabilities, high-speed laser links, and remote sensing payloads. One satellite carries a cosmic X-ray polarimeter for detecting transient astrophysical events. This marks the world’s first dedicated orbital computing constellation and is part of the broader “Star-Compute Program,” aiming to deploy 2,800 satellites to establish a large-scale on-orbit AI infrastructure. The development aligns with China’s ambitions in AI and space technology, potentially positioning the country as a global leader in space-based cloud computing. The mission was China’s 26th orbital launch of the year, with more launches scheduled in the coming days.

  • Dengue and chikungunya may soon be endemic in Europe due to global warming, research shows – 15.05.2025

Due to global warming, tiger mosquitoes that carry dengue and chikungunya are spreading further north, potentially making these diseases endemic in Europe, according to new research in The Lancet Planetary Health. Once confined to tropical regions, the diseases are now appearing more frequently in countries like Italy, France, Spain, and Croatia. The study found that rising temperatures since 2010 have increased outbreak frequency, with over 300 dengue cases recorded in the EU in 2024—more than in the previous 15 years combined. Researchers warn that without climate action, outbreaks could increase fivefold by 2060. Wealthier areas report more cases, likely due to better testing, suggesting underreporting in poorer regions. Tiger mosquitoes also carry viruses like zika and West Nile, though these were not covered in the study.

  • US to start European troop withdrawal discussions later this year, US NATO ambassador says – 16.05.2025

U.S. NATO Ambassador Matthew Whitaker stated that the Trump administration is considering reducing U.S. troops in Europe, with discussions set to begin with European allies after the NATO Summit later this year. Whitaker emphasized that any troop changes will be coordinated with allies to avoid security gaps and noted that this has been a long-standing issue. Comments from U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and President Trump criticizing NATO members’ defense spending have raised concerns in Europe about America’s commitment to the alliance. However, Whitaker assured that the U.S. will not withdraw and will remain a strong and reliable ally. He also warned that the European Union restricting defense purchases from non-EU companies could undermine NATO interoperability, slow Europe’s rearmament, increase costs, and stifle innovation.

  • Iran’s Khamenei launches blistering attack on Trump after Middle East visit – 17.05.2025

After President Donald Trump’s Middle East visit, Iran’s Ayatollah Ali Khamenei strongly criticized Trump and the U.S., calling Trump a liar and condemning Israel as a “cancerous tumor” that must be destroyed. Khamenei also attacked U.S.-allied Sunni Arab states like Saudi Arabia and Qatar, accusing them of dependence on the U.S. and predicting America’s eventual withdrawal from the region. He blamed the U.S. for violence in Gaza and accused it of supporting conflicts through groups like Hamas, which is aligned with Iran. During his visit, Trump labeled Iran’s regime as the main source of instability in the Middle East and expressed a desire to negotiate an end to Iran’s nuclear weapons ambitions. Experts note Iran faces significant internal and external pressures, with Trump asserting his advantage in potential negotiations to curb Iran’s nuclear program.

  • One dead after suspected bomb blast near reproductive health clinic in Palm Springs – 17.05.2025

A suspected explosion outside a fertility clinic in Palm Springs, described by the FBI as “a deliberate act of terrorism,” left one person dead and at least four others injured. The blast was felt several blocks away, and authorities found two rifles and ammunition near the exploded vehicle. The deceased is believed to be the suspect, and officials stated there is no ongoing threat. The investigation later shifted to Twentynine Palms, where the suspect reportedly lived. While the clinic suffered severe damage, the IVF lab and stored embryos remained unharmed. Clinic officials said they were shaken but would continue operations. Concerns were raised in the community that the attack may have targeted the clinic’s services for LGBTQ+ individuals.

  • Two dead as Mexican Navy ship crashes into Brooklyn Bridge – 18.05.2025

The Mexican Navy training ship Cuauhtémoc crashed into New York’s Brooklyn Bridge, resulting in the deaths of two people and injuries to at least 19 others; the accident was reportedly caused by a mechanical failure and power outage while the captain was maneuvering the vessel. The ship’s masts struck the bridge and snapped, with crew members on them at the time, leading to several injuries. While the Brooklyn Bridge did not suffer major damage, the ship was towed from the scene.

  • Israel airstrikes kill at least 100 in Gaza as negotiators seek ceasefire – 18.05.2025

At least 100 Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip on Saturday night, as Israel prepares for a new ground offensive aimed at achieving “operational control” in the area. Since early March, the entry of medical, food, and fuel aid into Gaza has been blocked. Indirect ceasefire talks mediated by Egypt and Qatar have shown no progress. Hamas has stated it will only release Israeli hostages in exchange for a ceasefire, while Israel continues to demand their release without agreeing to end the war. The airstrikes also targeted tent camps, killing women and children, as well as several journalists and the brother of a Hamas leader. With the healthcare system collapsing, 75% of ambulances are out of service due to fuel shortages. Over 53,000 people have been killed in Gaza to date.

  • Trump to speak to Russian, Ukrainian leaders on Monday after talks in Turkey – 18.05.2025

U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he would hold separate talks with the leaders of Russia and Ukraine on Monday, following a meeting between the two sides in Türkiye that resulted only in an agreement to exchange prisoners. Russia presented new conditions for a ceasefire, demanding that Ukraine withdraw its forces from the regions of Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, and Luhansk. Ukraine and its Western allies continue to call for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, while the European Union stated it is working on a new package of sanctions against Moscow. Türkiye expressed its determination to continue its mediating role, while the Kremlin said a summit with Trump could take place but would require careful preparation.

  • Austria wins 69th Eurovision song contest with Wasted Love – 18.05.2025

Austria won the Eurovision Song Contest in Basel with JJ’s song “Wasted Love,” marking the country’s third victory. Israel finished second amid protests against its participation, followed by Estonia and Sweden. The UK’s entry by Remember Monday ended 19th, receiving zero public votes for the second year running. Thirty-seven countries competed, with some unexpected results in the semi-finals, including Australia’s failure to qualify. The event featured memorable performances and visual effects, but demonstrations against Israel led to disturbances and police intervention. Russia remains banned from the contest due to its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

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