China’s Foreign Minister reportedly criticised the United States, accusing it of acting as “world police and judge” after U.S. forces captured Venezuela’s leader and moved him to face charges in New York. Beijing cited the incident as challenging its non-intervention principle and warning that such actions could undermine China’s global security initiatives. The dispute illustrates growing strategic rivalry between China and the U.S., particularly in regions like Latin America where Beijing has significant economic interests. Chinese foreign policy emphasises respect for sovereignty, a stance now being tested by unilateral foreign military actions.
ISRAEL LAUNCHES STRIKES AGAINST HEZBOLLAH AND HAMAS IN LEBANON
Israel launched fresh strikes in Lebanon against Hezbollah and Hamas targets, marking a serious escalation in tensions across the border. The Israeli military said it hit what it called “military infrastructure” linked to armed groups. Civilians were evacuated from some villages ahead of the strikes, and there are concerns that the conflict could widen. This action follows accumulated tensions despite earlier ceasefire agreements. Regional mediators and the United Nations have called for calm, warning that renewed fighting threatens broader instability in the Middle East, where multiple actors are already engaged in complex disputes.
MORE THAN 145 NATIONS UPDATE GLOBAL MINIMUM TAX DEAL
Over 145 countries agreed to update the global minimum corporate tax pact, addressing concerns from the United States about its treatment of multinational firms. The revised framework preserves a global 15% tax floor, with simplifications to ease compliance and reduce conflict with U.S. tax policies. The pact aims to limit tax avoidance by large corporations and stabilize international tax standards. The update also reflects ongoing global diplomatic cooperation aimed at balancing national interests with broader economic fairness and competitiveness.
SOUTH AFRICAN RAND HOLDS AFTER VENEZUELA SHOCK
South Africa’s currency, the rand, remained steady after the dramatic capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces. Investors weighed implications of the geopolitical shock and the possibility that U.S. intervention could change Venezuelan oil flows and risk profiles. Despite the external uncertainty, the rand’s stability indicates measured market response in Africa. South Africa has called for an urgent UN Security Council session on the U.S. action, underscoring global unease about sovereignty and military intervention.
TRUMP SIGNALS SUPPORT FOR POST-CEASEFIRE UKRAINE SECURITY FORCE
President Trump indicated U.S. backing for a European-led defence force for Ukraine after a future ceasefire, supporting intelligence cooperation and logistics. At a recent summit, leaders discussed a multinational security pact to protect Ukraine against renewed Russian aggression. Trump’s statements aim to reassure allies about continued U.S. engagement in European security, even as domestic debates about foreign commitments persist. European partners welcomed the gesture but seek clarity on the scale and duration of U.S. support.
TRUMP ADMINISTRATION PUSHES RARE EARTHS STRATEGY WITH G7 PARTNERS
The U.S. and other G7 finance ministers are set to meet in Washington to discuss rare earths supply chains and price floors, aiming to reduce reliance on China for crucial minerals. The strategy fits into broader U.S. policy of strengthening economic security and technological competitiveness. Trump’s approach combines industrial policy with geopolitical aims, seeking to protect supply chains critical for defence and clean energy. The move shows how trade, technology and geopolitics are increasingly integrated in policy planning.
