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At a recent business forum in Beijing, global leaders anticipated a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, but many were impressed by Vice Premier He Lifeng. As Xi’s chief economic lieutenant, He has become a central figure in Sino-American trade talks, Reuters reported.

He, who oversees China’s economy and financial sector, is seen as crucial in addressing ongoing trade tensions, particularly after the US imposed 145% tariffs under President Trump.

Once viewed as a rigid Communist Party official, He has gained recognition for his growing confidence and effectiveness in negotiations, holding over 60 meetings with foreign officials since March 2023, as stated by Reuters.

China has exempted several US goods from retaliatory tariffs despite the persistent tensions, but Beijing still demands that Washington stop its "extreme pressure" strategy.

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) condemned the Pahalgam terror attack, which murdered 26 civilians, but sources suggest Pakistan and China colluded to weaken the official statement.

Unlike the UNSC's 2019 Pulwama statement, which called for cooperation with the "Government of India," the most recent version just mentions "all relevant authorities." According to The Times of India, Pakistan, with China's support, pushed for the softer expression to avoid India taking the lead in the inquiry.

Pakistan, a non-permanent UNSC member, also issued a separate statement expressing “concern” but stopped short of condemning the attack. Islamabad is now demanding for a "independent" investigation, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed support for a neutral investigation.

The US initially proposed a stronger draft, but tough negotiations led to a diluted final version. The move has raised fresh concerns in New Delhi as it tries to manage its uneasy ties with Beijing, The Times of India reported.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump met briefly at St. Peter’s Basilica ahead of Pope Francis’s funeral, marking their first meeting since a tense Oval Office encounter in February, BBC reported.

The 15-minute discussion was described by the White House as “very productive,” while Zelensky called it “symbolic” and potentially “historic.”

Following additional attacks on Kyiv, Trump questioned Russian President Vladimir Putin, doubting his commitment to bringing the war to a close, according to BBC.

Trump and Zelensky met in Rome for the first time since their White House meeting at the end of February, when Trump informed Zelensky that "you don't have the cards" and that he would not win against Russia.

US and Iranian negotiators will meet Saturday in Muscat to continue talks on curbing Tehran’s nuclear program.

According to Reuters, expert-level sessions will precede indirect negotiations between Iran's Abbas Araqchi and US ambassador Steve Witkoff via Omani mediators.

In an interview with the Times magazine, President Trump stated that he anticipates a settlement but has warned of possible military action if diplomacy fails.

The sides remain divided: the US demands Iran end uranium enrichment, while Tehran insists enrichment and its missile program are non-negotiable, reports Reuters.

European states have urged including missile limits in any agreement.