Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping: No longer a partnership of equals (www.bbc.com)
Vladimir Putin’s state visit to China this week was a show of strength. It was a chance for the Russian president to prove to the world that he has a powerful ally in his corner....
US confirms first aid trucks arrive via Gaza pier (www.bbc.com)
The first shipment of humanitarian aid has arrived in Gaza via a temporary floating pier, the US military has confirmed....
Gunmen kill 3 Western tourists, translator in central Afghanistan (www.voanews.com)
New Star Wars Plan: Pentagon Rushes to Counter Threats in Orbit (www.nytimes.com)
The Pentagon is rushing to expand its capacity to wage war in space, convinced that rapid advances by China and Russia in space-based operations pose a growing threat to U.S. troops and other military assets on the ground and American satellites in orbit....
Israel Resists Grand Bargain as U.S. and Saudis Work on Security Pact (www.nytimes.com)
Two years into President Biden’s term, his aides began negotiating with Saudi leaders to have the kingdom establish diplomatic relations with Israel. But when the Israel-Hamas war began last October, the talks withered....
Israel recovers bodies of three hostages taken by Hamas, including Shani Louk (www.theguardian.com)
The bodies of three hostages kidnapped by Hamas, including the German-Israeli Shani Louk, have been retrieved from Gaza by the Israeli military, it announced....
Taiwan is selling more to the US than China in major shift away from Beijing (apnews.com)
WASHINGTON (AP) — Whether it’s tapioca balls or computer chips, Taiwan is stretching toward the United States and away from China — the world’s No. 2 economy that threatens to take the democratically ruled island by force if necessary....
Israel troops continue posting abuse footage despite pledge to act (www.bbc.com)
The BBC has analysed 45 photos and videos, which include those of detainees draped in Israeli flags....
The Gaza Death Toll Is Confusing And Unreliable (www.theatlantic.com)
These numbers matter—first, because of the dignity of those killed or still living....
France riles allies by inviting Russia to D-Day commemoration (www.politico.eu)
Vladimir Putin is not on the guest list, but Russian representatives have been invited to take part in WWII anniversary ceremony....
China tries drastic measures to boost ailing property sector (www.dw.com)
China has announced some policies designed to shore up its ailing property sector after the latest data showed housing prices slumped nearly 10% since the start of the year....
EU suspends 4 more Russian propaganda outlets (kyivindependent.com)
Intelligence chief warns Canadians that China can use TikTok to spy on them (www.cbc.ca)
KIA Seizes Myanmar Junta Base in Gold, Amber Mining Hub in Kachin (www.irrawaddy.com)
Report: China’s taste for ’blood timber’ may be fueling Mozambique conflict (www.voanews.com)
Putin and Xi vow to deepen 'no limits' partnership as Russia advances in Ukraine (www.nbcnews.com)
Israel troops continue posting abuse footage despite pledge to act (www.bbc.com)
Mayoral candidate, five others killed in gunfire at a campaign rally in Mexico (abcnews.go.com)
Pro-Israel billionaires urged New York crackdown on Gaza protests: Report (aje.io)
U.S. governors urge Turks and Caicos to release Americans as Florida woman becomes 5th tourist arrested for ammo in luggage (www.cbsnews.com)
17-year-old girl trafficked into U.S. from Mexico rescued after texting 911 and describing landmarks (www.cbsnews.com)
Canada sanctions Israeli settlers as attacks on Palestinians skyrocket (aje.io)
First aid flows into Gaza over massive U.S. pier (www.nbcnews.com)
Hezbollah introduces new weapons and tactics against Israel as war in Gaza drags on (apnews.com)
BEIRUT (AP) — The Lebanese militant group Hezbollah this week struck a military post in northern Israel using a drone that fired two missiles. The attack wounded three soldiers, one of them seriously, according to the Israeli military....