The United States has announced a $50 million cut in annual aid to Zambia due to "systemic theft" of donated medicines and medical supplies, including life-saving treatments for malaria, HIV, and tuberculosis. Ambassador Michael Gonzales stated that nearly half of 2,000 pharmacies investigated between 2021 and 2023 were selling US-aid funded products, despite repeated warnings from the government to address corruption. The US is no longer willing to fund the personal enrichment of fraudsters with taxpayer money, and the cuts are separate from a broader review of foreign aid spending by President Donald Trump's administration.
https://africanews.com/2025/05/09/us-to-cut-50-million-health-aid-to-zambia-because-of-medicine-theft/The US, Germany, and Japan are among the top exporters globally, with significant strengths in high-value commodities such as oils, machinery, and electronics. The US has a diverse economy and key trading partners include Canada, Mexico, China, and Europe's largest economies like Germany and the Netherlands. Germany's $1.68 trillion in exports is driven by its strategic location and strong manufacturing sector, while the Netherlands' $935 billion in goods exported is fueled by high-demand products such as refined petroleum and semiconductor devices. Japan's highly skilled workforce and cutting-edge infrastructure contribute to its $717 billion in exports, with key destinations including the US, China, and South Korea.
https://en.tempo.co/read/2005303/top-5-largest-exporters-in-the-world-china-and-u-s-includedThe US has rejected Malaysia's bid for a regional response to US tariffs, with Washington insisting on bilateral discussions with individual countries. The decision comes after Malaysia sought coordination with Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) partners to address the impact of US tariffs. A senior official from Malaysia's Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry stated that the US has refused to negotiate with ASEAN as a bloc on tariffs, citing Raveendran Nair.
https://news.bloomberglaw.com/mergers-and-acquisitions/us-rejects-asean-bid-for-regional-response-to-tariffs-bernamaThe Council of Europe reaffirmed its commitment to establishing a Special Tribunal to hold accountable those responsible for Russia's international crime against Ukraine. The meeting, attended by Kaja Kallas and Michael McGrath, agreed on the tribunal's establishment within the Council of Europe framework. A Committee of Ministers meeting in Luxembourg in May 2025 is expected to formalize the process. Iryna Mudra, Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, anticipates completion of the legal framework by 2025, with the tribunal set to start operations next year.
https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-polytics/3991174-european-diplomats-in-lviv-express-political-support-for-special-tribunal-for-russia.htmlThe UK and European Union are introducing new measures aimed at halting Russia's financing of its aggression in Ukraine, strengthening the security of critical infrastructure such as power grids and transportation systems, and protecting the environment by increasing energy efficiency standards for industrial facilities. The EU has also agreed to provide additional support to Ukraine, including economic aid and military assistance, while the UK is set to impose new sanctions on Russian individuals and entities involved in the conflict.
https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-polytics/3991016-starmer-announces-largest-sanctions-package-against-russia.htmlHong Kong's business and academic circles should strengthen ties with their overseas counterparts to counter Western bias against the city and Beijing, according to Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee, convenor of the Executive Council. Non-governmental efforts can help build trust, which in turn can influence officials and politicians abroad amid US-China tensions. Ip emphasized "Track II" diplomacy, using non-government level contacts to facilitate communication and resolve conflicts. She cited examples of US congressmen making radical comments about China without visiting the country, suggesting that building relationships with think tanks and opinion leaders who understand China's perspectives could be effective in countering these biases.
https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3309804/hong-kong-firms-should-step-ties-abroad-tackle-western-bias-regina-ip?module=top_story&pgtype=sectionIndonesia and Norway have agreed to support the United Nations' efforts to adapt and remain relevant, particularly through the UN80 Initiative launched by Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. The initiative aims to address financial challenges and enhance the UN's relevance in the 21st century. Deputy Foreign Minister Arrmanatha Nasir met with Norwegian Deputy Foreign Minister Andreas Motzfeldt Kravik to discuss the importance of cross-regional support for a well-functioning multilateral system and reaffirmed their commitment to the UN Charter, international law, and the organization's principles and objectives.
https://en.antaranews.com/news/354673/indonesia-norway-agree-to-support-un-system-reform?utm_source=antaranews&utm_medium=desktop&utm_campaign=popular_rightBritish Prime Minister Keir Starmer was set to attend a meeting of the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) in Oslo, where Ukraine and Arctic security were on the agenda. The UK government announced plans for further support to Ukraine's armed forces, including intensive training exercises and efforts to counter disinformation. Britain and Norway are also expected to agree on a new memorandum of understanding on "space domain awareness", which will include tracking and sharing intelligence on satellites, space debris, and other objects flying above Earth. The JEF alliance consists of Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Netherlands, Sweden, and the UK.
https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/prime-minister-keir-starmer-united-kingdom-hits-russias-shadow-fleet-with-new-sanctions-ahead-of-military-summit-8369935German Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged U.S. President Donald Trump to increase pressure on Russia to engage in genuine peace negotiations following a phone call between the two leaders, citing the human cost of the conflict in Ukraine. The European Union has prepared a draft joint communique supporting a 30-day ceasefire, which mirrors a proposal made by Trump.
https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-polytics/3991070-merz-trump-should-increase-pressure-on-russia-to-push-it-toward-peace-talks.html