China releases white paper on national security
China on Monday released a white paper detailing its national security strategy for the new era, aiming to clarify its security approach and foster international understanding.
The white paper presents a comprehensive framework based on a holistic security paradigm, promoting China as a source of stability in the face of global uncertainty. It focuses on preserving national sovereignty, encouraging high-quality growth, and protecting political and public security, according to Xinhua.
Rooted in Xi Jinping Thought, the strategy prioritizes people’s security, national interests, and political stability. It integrates development with security and highlights reform, innovation, and system modernization as key drivers.
The document also introduces the Global Security Initiative, advocating shared global security, true multilateralism, and a more equitable international security governance framework, Xinhua reported.
China presents its security model as a stabilizing force, contributing to global peace and development while advancing national rejuvenation.
Trump seeks Gulf investment to boost US economy
President Donald Trump will go to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates from May 13 to 15 to secure large Gulf investments amidst a slowing US economy. The trip begins in Riyadh, where Trump will meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and attend a summit of Gulf leaders, Reuters reported.
A US-Saudi investment forum on May 13 will feature CEOs from top firms including BlackRock, Alphabet, and Citigroup. Trump aims to attract sovereign wealth funds to support US jobs and manufacturing, reinforcing his “America First” agenda.
The visit follows the first US GDP decline in three years, driven by new tariffs and global trade disruptions, as stated by Reuters.
India-Pakistan top military officials to speak as ceasefire holds
Indian and Pakistani military officials are set to meet Monday to finalize details of a ceasefire agreed on Saturday after four days of intense cross-border fighting, according to BBC.
The US-brokered truce has held overnight, allaying fears of a wider battle between the nuclear-armed foes. President Donald Trump announced the accord, demanding an end to hostilities that could result in significant casualties.
Both nations remain on high alert, warning about cease-fire violations. The clashes, centered on the disputed Kashmir region, left dozens dead and marked the worst escalation in recent years. Despite the truce, both sides have claimed victory, BBC reported.
European leaders pressure Russia over 30-day Ukraine ceasefire
European leaders have urged Russia to support an unconditional 30-day cease-fire in Ukraine starting Monday. The appeal was made at a Kyiv summit of the "coalition of the willing," which was hosted by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and attended by leaders from the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Poland, according to BBC.
The ceasefire plan, first proposed by US President Donald Trump in a phone chat with Zelensky, came with a threat of "massive" consequences if Russia refused. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the coalition aims to show that aggression will not prevail in Europe.
Russia has rejected the proposal until Western military aid to Ukraine is ceased, but Zelensky urged that the ceasefire be unconditional, , BBC reported.
The Kyiv gathering came after a separate summit in Moscow, where more than 20 leaders met with President Vladimir Putin. The coalition pledged support for long-term peace efforts and possible security guarantees, including troop deployments in Ukraine.
