China and Russia commit to strengthening their partnership and supporting each other more deeply. President Vladimir Putin is expected to visit China in the first half of this year, with sources indicating the trip may occur during the week starting May 18. At a recent news conference in Beijing, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that Russia is prepared to boost energy exports to China ahead of the upcoming visit.
President Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of mutual trust and cooperation during his meeting with Lavrov, affirming that China and Russia should stand united, defend each other’s interests, and expand their collaboration. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet Xi Jinping in China on May 14-15, marking his first visit there in eight years.
Lavrov also expressed Russia’s readiness to support China and other nations impacted by the Middle East crisis through energy supply assistance. He highlighted Russia’s capacity to compensate for resource shortfalls faced by countries interested in fair and mutually beneficial cooperation. Additionally, Lavrov pointed out that both Russia and China possess all necessary tools—existing supplies, reserves, and planned capacity—to bypass reliance on destabilizing efforts by the U.S. aimed at disrupting global energy markets through Middle East conflicts. He added that both nations are well-equipped to maintain stability and protect their interests amid regional turmoil.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in Beijing on January 28, 2026. — Reuters
BEIJING: The UK and China are preparing to sign a cooperation agreement Thursday aimed at disrupting supply chains behind migrant smuggling networks, according to Downing Street, as Prime Minister Keir Starmer visits the Chinese capital.
Starmer’s visit on Wednesday marks the first time a British prime minister has traveled to China since 2018. He’s seeking to foster what he describes as a “pragmatic” relationship with the Asian nation after years of tense and complicated diplomatic ties.
The topic of irregular migration is particularly sensitive for the Labour leader, who has pledged to crack down on people smuggling and prevent the surge of arrivals that has contributed to growing support for far-right political groups.
Last year, nearly 42,000 migrants arrived on England’s southern coast after crossing the perilous English Channel from northern France—making it the second-highest annual total on record.
A statement from Downing Street highlighted, “More than half of the small boat engines used by people smugglers crossing the English Channel are manufactured in China,” as Starmer is scheduled to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The leaders are expected to have lunch in Beijing Thursday, with Starmer also scheduled to meet Premier Li Qiang.
The forthcoming agreement focuses on intelligence sharing and “direct engagement with Chinese manufacturers” of boat parts to prevent organized crime from exploiting these supply chains, the statement added.
Additionally, the deal aims to enhance cooperation on combating the trafficking of highly potent and dangerous synthetic opioids—such as nitazenes—that are believed to be produced in China and exported to the UK.
On Wednesday, Starmer addressed a delegation of around 60 business leaders and cultural representatives accompanying him, emphasizing that “it is in our national interest to engagement with China.” He encouraged them to seize the “opportunities” presented by China and described the visit as “historic.”
“You are part of the change we’re working to bring about,” Starmer said.
Downing Street has praised the trip as an opportunity to strengthen trade and investment relations, while also addressing complex issues including national security and human rights concerns.
Starmer’s visit follows a series of recent efforts by Western leaders to engage with Beijing, shifting attention away from the United States’ unpredictable stance.
Britain has recently experienced friction with its closest ally, the US—highlighted by President Donald Trump’s attempts to acquire Greenland and his brief threat of tariffs against the UK and other NATO allies.
You can definitely play Abyssus alone, but exploring with friends is way more fun—and actually easier. The game allows up to four players at once, so you can team up with three friends to clear rooms of enemies quickly and effectively.
If you’re new to Abyssus, you might be curious about the advantages of multiplayer and how to form groups for expeditions. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about multiplayer in Abyssus.
How Multiplayer Works
To start a multiplayer session, go to the lobby and head to the Transmitter, which is located just to the right of your tent. From there, you can customize settings to either create your own game or join someone else’s.
You can set:
Session Name: A unique title so others can find your game.
Max Players: Choose between two and four players.
Password: Add a code if you want your game to be private.
Visibility: Enable or disable allowing random players to find your session.
When you open the Transmitter, you can also join other players’ games and tweak these settings to discover different multiplayer sessions. You can invite friends to join your lobby or hop into someone else’s game, which will load you into their camp.
For the best experience, it’s recommended that the player with the strongest PC setup hosts the session, ensuring a more stable connection.
Does Abyssus Support Crossplay?
Right now, Abyssus is only available on PC, so it does not support crossplay with other platforms. If crossplay support is added in the future, we will update this information accordingly.
Tips and Tricks for Multiplayer
Playing with friends can really boost your expedition, giving access to a wider range of weapons, abilities, and Aspects. To make the most of multiplayer, consider these tips:
Communicate Charms & Aspects: Make sure everyone shares what Charms and Aspects they pick up, and assign the right ones to the right players. Some Charms work better with specific weapons or abilities, so planning ahead helps.
Build Unique Weapon Sets: Try to have each team member use different weapons and abilities for maximum flexibility. While having multiple weapons can be helpful, use what you’re most comfortable with—diversifying is good, but comfort is key.
Divide Tasks: Many rooms in Abyssus have multiple objectives, like charging pylons or destroying crystals. Work together to split up tasks efficiently, saving time and effort for more straightforward combat.
Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar (left) and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. — X/@DrSJaishankar/File
India calls for resolution of border disputes.
Emphasizes the importance of avoiding trade barriers for mutual cooperation.
Chinese Vice President stresses the need to acknowledge each nation’s concerns.
On his visit to Beijing, India’s Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar emphasized the need for India and China to ease tensions along their disputed border. He urged both nations to withdraw troops and refrain from imposing “restrictive trade measures” to restore relations.
This diplomatic visit marked Jaishankar’s first trip to China since 2020, following a violent confrontation that resulted in a four-year military standoff. Relations began to improve last October when both countries agreed to de-escalate.
During his meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Jaishankar noted that “significant progress” had been made in normalizing relations due to recent efforts to resolve border friction.
The poorly defined border stretches approximately 3,800 km (about 2,400 miles) and has been a source of dispute since the 1950s. The two countries fought a short but intense border war in 1962, and negotiations over the border issue have moved slowly over the decades.
Recently, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called for a “lasting solution” to the border dispute, signaling New Delhi’s renewed commitment to a definitive outcome.
Jaishankar stated, “We must now address other border-related issues, including de-escalation,” emphasizing that cooperation would thrive best if trade barriers and hindrances were eliminated. His remarks come amid concerns over China’s recent restrictions on key resources like rare earth minerals and machinery needed for high-tech manufacturing.
Despite possessing the fifth-largest reserves of rare earth elements, India’s domestic production capabilities remain limited.
Jaishankar’s visit is tied to a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation foreign ministers’ meeting, during which he also spoke with Chinese Vice President Han Zheng. According to Xinhua, Han remarked that both countries should work to enhance practical cooperation while respecting each other’s concerns.
Chinese President Xi Jinping speaks at the opening ceremony for the China-CELAC Forum ministerial meeting in Beijing, China on May 13, 2025. — Reuters
BEIJING: On Tuesday, President Xi Jinping signed a treaty aimed at strengthening ties between China and Central Asian nations as Beijing seeks to enhance cooperation in trade, energy, and infrastructure within this resource-rich region.
In response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, China has been actively working to bolster economic relationships with Central Asian countries that have historically been influenced by Russia, attracted by their strategic position and abundant energy resources.
During a regional summit in Kazakhstan’s capital, Astana, Xi celebrated a significant milestone by signing a treaty of “permanent good-neighborliness and friendly cooperation” with leaders from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, according to the official Xinhua news agency.
This year’s summit marks the second such meeting, following the first in northwest China in 2023, both timed to coincide with gatherings of G7 leaders.
“The world is currently undergoing rapid and unprecedented changes, entering a new era of turbulence and transformation,” Xi stated in his speech at the summit, as reported by Xinhua.
“Trade wars and tariffs have no winners, and one-sided approaches, protectionism, and hegemony are likely to harm everyone involved,” he remarked, indirectly criticizing the United States for its escalating tariff strategies against China.
“China stands ready to collaborate with Central Asian nations to uphold international justice and oppose hegemonic and power-driven politics,” Xi declared.
Additionally, he committed to providing 1.5 billion yuan (approximately $208.86 million) this year as grant assistance to these Central Asian countries, supporting their development initiatives and livelihood projects. He emphasized the need for more collaboration in trade, mining, and agriculture.
Even with a temporary truce in trade relations with the U.S., Beijing is focused on strengthening its partnerships in the region.
China’s trade with the five Central Asian nations reached a record 286.42 billion yuan in the first five months of this year, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 10.4%, as reported by Chinese customs authorities.
Turkmenistan, a key supplier of natural gas to China, is the only Central Asian country exhibiting a trade surplus with China, while Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan face trade deficits in the tens of billions.
Collaborating on Energy and Minerals
In separate meetings with regional leaders, Xi advocated for enhanced cooperation in natural gas, minerals, international railways, and law enforcement, as detailed by the Chinese foreign ministry.
During talks with the presidents of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, he urged progress on the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway—an overland route that avoids Russia.
This project, under discussion since the 1990s, has gained newly recognized significance due to sanctions on Russia that drive shippers from China to Europe to seek alternative transport routes.
The five former Soviet republics provide China with alternative avenues for securing energy and food supplies should other routes be disrupted.
In the long run, the Central Asia route could significantly reduce freight transport times between China and Europe.
In a separate meeting with Turkmen President Serdar Berdymukhamedov, Xi expressed that “both sides should expand the scale of natural gas collaboration, explore partnerships in non-resource sectors, and improve the trade structure.”
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin attend a welcoming ceremony at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, on May 8, 2025. — Reuters
On Thursday, China announced its willingness to “broaden practical cooperation” with the Russian military, following President Xi Jinping’s recent trip to Moscow for a grand World War II Victory Day celebration.
In recent years, the two nations have strengthened their relationship, particularly since Moscow began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Xi’s visit to Russia last week sparked criticism from Kyiv’s allies, who argue that Beijing is providing Moscow with both economic and political support for its aggressive actions.
Beijing maintains that it remains neutral in the conflict and is actively pursuing peace efforts.
Responding to an inquiry regarding military relations with Russia in light of Xi’s visit, the Chinese Defense Ministry indicated that the partnership is “functioning at a high level.”
“The Chinese military is prepared to collaborate with the Russian side to deepen strategic trust, enhance communication, and increase practical cooperation,” stated Defense Ministry spokesperson Jiang Bin in a message on WeChat.
These initiatives, he added, would “enrich the content of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Russia in a new era” and would “aid in maintaining and reinforcing global strategic stability.”
Following a lengthy discussion with President Vladimir Putin during his trip, Xi remarked that the ties between China and Russia bring “positive energy” to a challenging world.
He emphasized that both nations stand united against “hegemonic bullying,” a clear reference to the United States.
For his part, Putin described their discussions as “traditionally warm and friendly,” referring to Xi as his “dear friend.”
Chinese President Xi Jinping (right) and Bangladeshi President Muhammad Yunus. — Reuters/File
Beijing and Dhaka are encouraged to “strongly support one another.”
Yunus’s visit signals that Bangladesh is “delivering a message.”
Xi emphasizes China’s commitment to being a reliable ally for Dhaka.
BEIJING: On Friday, Chinese President Xi Jinping assured further collaboration with his Bangladeshi counterpart, Muhammad Yunus, during a meeting that arrives as Dhaka seeks new international allies to balance its deteriorating relationship with India.
Yunus assumed leadership of Bangladesh last August following the removal of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled to New Delhi amid a student-led uprising.
India had been the principal benefactor of Hasina’s administration, and her exit has led to a significant downturn in cross-border relations. Consequently, Yunus has chosen to make his inaugural state visit to China—the primary rival of India in Asia.
According to China’s state broadcaster CCTV, Xi expressed that Beijing is “prepared to collaborate with Bangladesh to elevate bilateral cooperation to new heights.”
“China… is committed to being a good neighbor, a trustworthy friend, and a dependable partner to Bangladesh, underpinned by mutual confidence,” Xi stated, as reported by Chinese media.
The Chinese President further emphasized that China and Bangladesh should “steadfastly support each other” concerning core interests and expressed support for Bangladesh regarding its national sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.
Xi noted that the two nations would explore avenues for collaboration in infrastructure development, water management, and various sectors including digital, maritime, and environmental initiatives.
The Bangladeshi government indicated this week that Yunus’s visit to China demonstrates that Bangladesh is conveying a significant message.
The 84-year-old Nobel laureate is anticipated to return to Bangladesh on Saturday after engaging in a series of high-profile discussions in the Chinese capital.
Several agreements are likely to be finalized concerning economic and technical aid, as well as cultural, sports, and media cooperation between the two nations, according to sources within the Bangladeshi administration.
Discussions are expected to address the substantial population of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, who largely fled to escape a violent military crackdown in Myanmar in 2017.
China has previously acted as a facilitator between Bangladesh and Myanmar to negotiate the repatriation of the persecuted Rohingya, although these efforts have stalled due to Myanmar’s reluctance to accept them back.
Tensions with India
In the lead-up to Yunus’s visit to Beijing, senior officials from both the Indian and Bangladeshi administrations have exchanged pointed remarks.
These tensions have significantly disrupted travel for Bangladeshis seeking medical care in India, a journey that was once common for thousands annually.
This week, a high-ranking official from Dhaka’s foreign ministry stated that talks in Beijing would also focus on establishing a Chinese “Friendship Hospital” in Bangladesh.
Yunus’s transitional government faces the challenging task of implementing democratic reforms ahead of anticipated elections by mid-2026.
Moreover, it has requested—so far without success—that India extradite Hasina to answer charges of crimes against humanity linked to the deaths of numerous protestors during the unrest that led to her ousting.
Yunus has also expressed interest in meeting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, hoping to reset diplomatic relations, with both leaders expected to participate in the same regional summit in Bangkok next month.
As of now, Yunus’s government has yet to receive a response to this request, while Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar remarked that it is still “under review.”
This rewrite maintains the core information while ensuring the content is presented in American English, unique, and free from plagiarism.
