China has maintained good relations with Myanmar's ruling military, despite being shunned by Western nations due to human rights violations and the army's takeover in 2021. China provided significant relief and reconstruction assistance after a devastating earthquake that killed over 3,700 people and displaced millions. Beijing was concerned about instability threatening its interests in Myanmar, particularly along the border. A "Three Brotherhood Alliance" comprising ethnic minority groups captured several towns and military bases near the Chinese border, prompting China to broker a ceasefire, which ultimately failed. Under pressure from Beijing, rebel groups such as the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army withdrew from key locations, including the town of Lashio, but later retook it. The Ta'ang National Liberation Army reported daily airstrikes in areas under its control, despite a declared ceasefire that ended on May 31.
https://thestar.com/news/world/asia/myammars-military-government-chief-has-first-meeting-with-chinas-leader-since-taking-power-in-2021/article_660218bc-567c-5a96-8f73-f2796a86ccc0.htmlA high-level Chinese business delegation led by Hu Zhuling, president of the Hunan Chamber of Commerce, held a strategic meeting with FPCCI officials in Lahore. The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) and the Hunan Chamber of Commerce signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance bilateral trade, promote economic cooperation, and strengthen industrial and cultural ties between Pakistan and China. Zain Iftikhar Ch, Regional Chairman and Vice President of FPCCI, and Hu Zhuling signed the MoU on behalf of their respective organizations. The agreement aims to establish a comprehensive platform for bilateral exchange, promote investment, and facilitate joint ventures. It also focuses on empowering young Pakistani women entrepreneurs through short-term training programs and promoting cultural and educational cooperation between universities and industries.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1310070-fpcci-hunan-chamber-ink-mou-to-strengthen-trade-economic-tiesIndia launched a counterstrike, codenamed Operation Sindoor, after an attack in Pahalgam that targeted 9 terror bases in Pakistan and PoK. The US initially stated it would not intervene, but Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance brokered a truce with Indian and Pakistani officials, including Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Shehbaz Sharif, External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir, and National Security Advisors Ajit Doval and Asim Malik. British Foreign Minister David Lammy welcomed the ceasefire, urging both parties to sustain it, as US President announced a breakthrough in talks.
https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/india-pak-have-agreed-to-stop-all-military-action-on-land-sea-and-air-from-5-pm-government-8380452#pfrom=home-ndtv_topscroll_ImagetopscrollThe International Law Commission (ILC) has received nominations from Indonesia for two legal experts, who will join other international law experts selected by the UN General Assembly. The ILC is based in Geneva, Switzerland and provides recommendations to the assembly on developing and codifying international law.
https://en.tempo.co/read/2005782/indonesian-ilc-nominee-speaks-of-reshaping-international-lawFrench President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's successor Christian Lindner's predecessor Armin Laschet's successor Olaf Scholz, UK Labour Party leader Keir Starmer and former EU President Donald Tusk are set to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in a virtual meeting. The gathering aims to update world leaders on progress towards a future coalition force that will support Ukraine's military regeneration and boost confidence in post-war peace efforts.
https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-polytics/3991468-leaders-of-france-germany-poland-uk-urge-russia-to-agree-to-unconditional-30day-ceasefire.htmlMoscow has rejected a proposed 30-day truce by Washington and Kyiv, with Russian President Vladimir Putin declaring two brief pauses in fighting that Ukraine has accused Moscow of violating. French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk visited Kyiv, urging Russia to agree to a ceasefire to create space for talks on peace. The US embassy warned of a "significant air attack" in the coming days, while Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said arms deliveries from Ukraine's allies would have to stop before agreeing to a truce, which he deemed an "advantage for Ukraine".
https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/nation/european-leaders-in-kyiv-for-show-of-solidarity-against-russia/article_df5df2bb-6ca4-57de-885d-a6c923f5238a.htmlUS Senator Marco Rubio urged India and Pakistan to de-escalate tensions after Islamabad fired high-speed missiles at Indian military and civilian infrastructure in Punjab state. Rubio spoke with Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, emphasizing the need for direct communication to avoid miscalculation. US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce offered support to facilitate a productive discussion between the two nations.
https://www.scrippsnews.com/world/asia/trump-says-india-and-pakistan-have-agreed-to-a-ceasefireA 20-year-old Syrian mother, Merhi, and her family of five are struggling in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley after US President Donald Trump froze USAID funding to humanitarian programs. The UNHCR and World Food Program (WFP) have had to limit aid due to the freeze, cutting cash assistance for 660,000 Syrian refugees from 830,000, leaving 76% of those targeted without support. The WFP's safety net program in Lebanon was also reduced, cutting beneficiaries from 162,000 to 40,000 people. Ivo Freijsen, UNHCR's country representative, stated that the agency has been forced to reduce operations and cut funding for Syrian refugees until June, when funds will run out.
https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2025/05/10/no-milk-no-diapers-us-aid-cuts-hit-syrian-refugeesThe UAE has strengthened its economic ties with Japan, signing agreements on smart mobility solutions and reducing food loss and waste. The Emirates Driving Company and Zenmov partnered for smart mobility, while the Emirates Foundation's Nema initiative and Japan International Cooperation Center inked an agreement to reduce food waste by 50% by 2030. Ambassador Shihab Ahmed Alfaheem emphasized the UAE-Japan relationship's strength and focus on future cooperation, citing alignment with Abu Dhabi's economic diversification goals and Japan's global leadership in digital innovation. Bilateral trade between the two countries rose 4.8% to $49.7 billion in 2024, with non-oil trade growing 2.2%.
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/abu-dhabi-and-japan-sign-agreements-to-strengthen-partnerships-boost-bilateral-trade-and-investments-302451664.html