German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, European Council President Antonio Costa, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen participate in a working session at the G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, France, on June 16, 2026. — Reuters
At this week’s G7 summit, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni earned praise from international leaders after announcing she has successfully quit smoking, marking a notable personal milestone. She was previously known for her heavy smoking habit, and made headlines when she joked that she could “kill someone” if required to quit.
While she hasn’t shared details about her quitting process, during the summit, after ordering three coffees, the German chancellor inquired, “And a cigarette?”
Meloni responded, “No, I stopped.”
This reply was warmly received by her Japanese counterpart, Sanae Takaichi, who said, “You stopped. Bravo.”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who is trained as a medical doctor, commented positively upon learning that Meloni had quit smoking about a month earlier, saying, “Good.”
In October 2025, Meloni revealed that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had once told her, “You look great. But I need to make you stop smoking.”
The news also drew a reaction from French President Emmanuel Macron, who remarked, “It’s impossible.”
Meloni replied, “I know, I know. I don’t want to hurt anyone.”
Previously, in her book *Georgia’s Version*, based on a series of interviews, she disclosed that she had relapsed into smoking after abstaining for 13 years.
US President Donald Trump participates in an arrival ceremony at Beijing Capital International Airport during his visit to China, in Beijing, May 13, 2026. — Reuters
Trump and Xi are scheduled for a series of talks on May 14-15.
Nvidia’s Jensen Huang was added unexpectedly to the trip, sources say.
The business delegation primarily aims to address issues with China.
BEIJING/SEOUL: President Donald Trump touched down in Beijing Wednesday accompanied by an entourage that included Nvidia’s Jensen Huang and Elon Musk, after promising to urge China’s Xi Jinping to “open up” to U.S. business during their two-day summit.
Trump’s first visit to China by a sitting U.S. president in nearly ten years aims to secure deals, keep fragile trade relations alive, and bolster his approval ratings, which have taken a hit due to tensions with Iran.
The executives traveling with Trump mostly represent companies eager to resolve trade tensions with China. For instance, Nvidia has struggled to obtain regulatory approval to sell its advanced H200 AI chips in China.
Last-minute, Trump personally invited Huang to join the trip, according to an anonymous source. Huang was seen boarding Air Force One during a refueling stop in Alaska en route to Beijing.
“I’ll be asking President Xi, a leader of exceptional distinction, to ‘open up’ China so that these talented individuals can do their work,” Trump stated on Truth Social, referring to the delegation of CEOs.
“That will be my initial request.”
China’s foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun responded, saying Beijing is prepared to “expand cooperation, manage differences, and bring more stability and certainty to a turbulent world.”
Meanwhile, Trump’s trade envoy Scott Bessent concluded three hours of preparatory talks with Chinese officials in South Korea. Official reports described the discussions as “candid, in-depth, and constructive,” though no detailed summaries were provided.
The two-day schedule includes a grand welcome at The Great Hall of the People, a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Temple of Heaven, and a state banquet.
Beyond trade matters, discussions will tackle sensitive issues like Iran, U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, and other geopolitical concerns.
It is widely anticipated that Trump will urge China to persuade Iran to negotiate a peace deal, although he has also expressed doubt over needing Beijing’s assistance.
On Wednesday, China reaffirmed its strong opposition to U.S. arms sales to Taiwan. A $14 billion package awaiting Trump’s approval remains unresolved.
Bessent’s South Korea Preparations
While Trump mingled with executives aboard Air Force One, Bessent held talks with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng at a VIP lounge at Incheon Airport, South Korea. The session lasted around three hours and wrapped up before 4 p.m. local time.
The two nations are keen to sustain the ceasefire agreement reached last October, which saw Trump suspend tariffs on Chinese goods and China back away from restricting rare earths exports, crucial for manufacturing electric vehicles and military equipment.
Potential discussions include fostering trade and investment forums, cooperation on AI development, and U.S. plans to export Boeing aircraft, agricultural products, and energy to China to reduce long-standing trade deficits.
Beijing wants the U.S. to relax restrictions on export controls for chip manufacturing equipment and semiconductors.
Trump’s leverage is limited; recent court rulings have constrained his authority to impose tariffs unilaterally, and ongoing regional tensions, especially over Iran, complicate the agenda. Inflation rising from Iran-related turmoil and the threat of losing legislative control in upcoming elections add to the challenge. Meanwhile, Xi faces fewer economic or political pressures.
“The Trump administration needs this meeting more than China does, mainly to demonstrate to Americans that deals are made, and money exchanges hands,” explained Liu Qian, CEO of Wusawa Advisory in Beijing.
Though Trump praises his rapport with Xi and his respect for China, many in Beijing remain cautious, viewing the visit with a mix of hopes and skepticism.
“I wonder if he’s genuinely sincere,” said Lou Huilian, a 44-year-old oil industry worker outside a metro station, heading to work. “But as someone in trade, I hope this leads to good policies.”
On August 15, 2025, at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, American President Donald Trump extended his hand to greet Russian President Vladimir Putin on the tarmac prior to their summit.
Trump stated, “Putin was invited, he’s accepted. Many others have as well.” He acknowledged that some individuals invited to join his so-called “Board of Peace” are considered controversial by critics. This board was initially created to oversee the rebuilding efforts in Gaza, yet it appears aims beyond that scope, potentially challenging the authority of the United Nations, which has drawn disapproval from U.S. allies such as France.
The initiative involved inviting dozens of world leaders with a request for a $1 billion contribution to secure a permanent seat on the board. Trump mentioned in Davos, Switzerland, that Russia’s Vladimir Putin had agreed to participate, although the Kremlin’s officials indicated they were still reviewing the invite.
In Moscow, Putin told a cabinet meeting that he had instructed his foreign ministry to examine the proposal. He said, “The Russian foreign ministry has been tasked with studying the documents sent to us and consulting with our strategic partners. Only after that will we be able to respond to the invitation.” Putin also suggested Russia might fund the required billion dollars from assets frozen under the previous U.S. administration, proposing that these funds could be used to repair areas damaged by conflict once peace is achieved between Russia and Ukraine.
Invitations went out to numerous global leaders, with the request for a $1 billion donation to establish a permanent seat on what is becoming a highly ambitious, independent organization. This group seems to be aiming at broader authority than originally intended, causing concern among some nations that see it as a rival to the U.N. system.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi converses with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping before the SCO Summit 2025 at the Meijiang Convention and Exhibition Center in Tianjin, China, September 1, 2025. — Reuters
President Donald Trump stated on Friday that India and Russia appear to have “drifted away” from the United States and are now aligned with China, following meetings between their leaders and Chinese President Xi Jinping this week. This comment underscores his divergence from New Delhi and Moscow, as Beijing advocates for a new global order.
“Incredible how we’ve lost India and Russia to China — the darkest, deepest influence. Hope they enjoy a long, prosperous partnership!” Trump posted on social media alongside a photo of the three leaders gathered at Xi’s summit in China.
The Indian foreign ministry spokesperson in New Delhi responded to Trump’s tweet by saying they had no comment. Meanwhile, representatives from China and Russia were not immediately available for comment regarding Trump’s statement on his Truth Social platform.
At the summit in Tianjin, Xi hosted more than 20 leaders from non-Western nations, including Russia’s Vladimir Putin and India’s Narendra Modi. During the event, Putin and Modi were seen holding hands as they approached Xi, before all three stood side by side. Modi’s strengthening relationship with China comes amid tensions between Trump and India, especially over trade disputes and other issues. Earlier this week, Trump expressed disappointment with Putin but didn’t seem worried about growing Russia-China ties.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is among 26 world leaders attending China’s largest-ever military parade on Wednesday. The event, orchestrated by President Xi Jinping, showcases China’s expanding military strength and the country’s growing influence on the international stage.
The parade kicked off at Tiananmen Square, with Xi Jinping making his way down a red carpet flanked by Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un. Xi, dressed in a Mao-style suit, greeted international guests including Indonesia’s Prabowo Subianto, who appeared unexpectedly despite recent protests in his country. During the greetings, Xi exchanged pleasantries in English, saying “Nice to meet you” and “Welcome to China.”
This carefully choreographed “Victory Day” celebration lasts approximately 70 minutes and features aerial displays, marching troops, and advanced military technology such as hypersonic missiles, drones, and armored tanks. Thousands of spectators gathered in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square to witness the spectacle, with many roads and educational institutions shutting down ahead of the event after weeks of meticulous security planning and rehearsals.
Prior to the parade, Xi inspected the troops assembled at the square and is scheduled to deliver a major speech from atop the Gate of Heavenly Peace, with a portrait of Mao Zedong overlooking the scene. The occasion marks 80 years since Japan’s defeat at the end of World War II, a milestone Xi frames as part of China’s “great rejuvenation,” emphasizing the nation’s overcoming of past invasions and humiliation to emerge as a global power.
In his address, Xi is anticipated to highlight China’s and the Soviet Union’s roles in defeating fascism and maintaining the post-war international order. Recently, Xi detailed his vision for a new world system at a regional security summit, calling for unity and denouncing “hegemonism and power politics,” a critique often directed at the United States and recent U.S. tariffs.
Other world leaders, including Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un, used this platform to deepen energy cooperation and support North Korea’s nuclear ambitions, respectively. Kim’s attendance marks the first time a North Korean leader has participated in a Chinese military parade in over six decades. Notably, Kim’s daughter Ju Ae, considered a potential successor, made her first international appearance, walking with her father at the event.
To ensure security and a smooth procession, Chinese authorities mobilized thousands of volunteers and Communist Party members across cities. Experts suggest that Xi aims to demonstrate the military’s loyalty and strength, reinforcing his leadership claims amid a global environment of strategic competition.
Apple CEO Tim Cook heads directly to the point: “It’s 24-karat gold… I’ll take the liberty of setting it up.” A visibly captivated Donald Trump responds with a “Wow” as Cook arranges a one-of-a-kind gift for the President — a custom-engraved glass piece crafted by Corning, the company behind the iPhone’s glass, mounted on a gold base.
This moment, which took place on Wednesday in the Oval Office, highlights one of many extravagant gestures by global leaders and industry giants seeking to curry favor with Trump. Known for his fondness for opulence—evidenced by his gilded office redesign—and his preference for bold fonts with his name, Trump’s tastes did not go unnoticed by Cook. The Apple CEO is aware of Trump’s criticism over Apple’s manufacturing practices and occasional threats to penalize the tech giant, especially since Trump has publicly condemned Apple for not producing its flagship iPhones domestically.
In addition to committing to a $100 billion U.S. investment, Cook presented a US-made gift: a glass disc manufactured in Kentucky by a former Marine now working at Apple, symbolizing American craftsmanship.
On a more serious note, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet recently nominated Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize. The praise stems from Trump’s ‘visionary and innovative diplomacy’ and his alleged role in promoting global peace. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, aiming to maintain Washington’s backing amid ongoing conflicts, also nominated Trump, alongside Pakistan. The Nobel decision is anticipated in October.
These nominations come amid Trump’s protectionist trade policies, which have included imposing steep tariffs on numerous international partners. Some foreign officials and business leaders seem to have a better understanding of how Trump’s mind works. For instance, in late February, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer brought a letter from King Charles III inviting Trump on an official visit, reflecting Trump’s known admiration for royalty. During a Scotland trip, Starmer also visited Trump’s golf courses, further demonstrating a nuanced approach to U.S.-UK relations.
Meanwhile, Switzerland faces some of the highest tariffs, with nearly 60% of its exports to the U.S. affected by a 39% levy. Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter’s urgent Washington visit to address these issues was unproductive, with Trump remarking, “I did something with Switzerland the other day. I talked to their prime minister. She was nice, but she didn’t want to listen.” By contrast, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, a dual Swiss-Italian citizen, was warmly received at the White House, notably presenting Trump with a large FIFA Club World Cup trophy in March, which remained in the Oval Office for weeks.
Perhaps the most talked-about gift, however, was from Qatar—a Boeing 747, slated for conversion into Air Force One. Trump dismissed Democratic opposition concerns, calling it “stupid” not to accept the aircraft, valued around $400 million, emphasizing its strategic importance amid critics’ concerns.
