Marco Rubio

How China and the US can coexist peacefully while locked in strategic stalemate

In a new paper, top think tank offers a path to avoiding conflict, warning Washington’s stance on Taiwan remains a catastrophic risk.

22 May 2026 - 10:17PM

Cuba clash, Putin visits Beijing, Xi may go to North Korea

This week: China and the US trade barbs over Cuba, Putin fails to get gas pipeline deal at Xi summit, and retail sales growth hits three-year low. Next week: Xi may travel to North Korea, defence officials gather for Shangri-La Dialogue, new airport terminal and more.

22 May 2026 - 10:45PM

Former Cuban president Raul Castro at a 2025 May Day rally in Havana. Photo: Reuters

Selfies and symbolism: behind the scenes from Xi’s summit with Trump, Putin

From the Beijing Great Hall’s fancy ceiling to Elon Musk’s son’s bag, little details stole the spotlight in Xi’s summit with Trump and Putin.

22 May 2026 - 2:30PM

US, Israel war on Iran

US voices hope for Iran deal as Pakistan mediator seeks breakthrough

With Trump warning of renewed strikes, Pakistan’s army chief is expected in Tehran for ‘talks and consultations’.

22 May 2026 - 2:54PMvideocam

US casts Cuba as China-linked security threat while still pushing for talks

Washington portrays Havana as a national security risk tied to Beijing and Moscow while insisting diplomacy remains possible.

22 May 2026 - 5:28AMvideocam

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks to the media before boarding his plane at Homestead Air Base in Miami on Thursday. Photo: AP

US foreign affairs chairman warns of China role in Argentina contract bid

Brian Mast’s letter to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio concerns an auction for a contract to dredge and operate Argentina’s Parana River.

22 May 2026 - 4:46AM

A dredging boat of the Luxembourg-based company Jan De Nul sprays sand at the shore on the Parana river near Rosario, Argentina. Photo: Reuters

China slams US over Castro charges and ‘unauthorised’ sanctions on Cuba

Beijing says it supports ‘Cuba in safeguarding its national sovereignty and national dignity’ after charges over downed planes.

21 May 2026 - 8:44PMvideocam

US charges Raul Castro as Trump administration ratchets up pressure on Cuba

Historic murder charges against 94-year-old former leader mark the first time Washington has criminally pursued a Castro brother.

21 May 2026 - 12:55PMvideocam

India

Art of the wheel: why Trump’s face is appearing on Indian streets

Washington is seeking to stabilise relations with Delhi after ties soured over Trump’s hefty tariffs on Indian exports.

20 May 2026 - 8:48PM

Pradeep Kumar stands next to his autorickshaw featuring a poster of US President Donald Trump in New Delhi on Wednesday. Photo: AP

US plans to charge Raul Castro increases Trump administration’s pressure on Cuba

US Justice Department preparing to indict ageing Cuban leader on Wednesday over the shooting down of two aircraft three decades ago.

20 May 2026 - 4:03AMvideocam

Former Cuban president Raul Castro attends a May Day rally in Havana, Cuba, on May 1. Photo: Reuters

Opinion | Trump’s China visit hints the ‘2 eyes of the world’ can learn to live together

The twin superpowers may be slowly learning lessons from the ancient rivalry between Rome and Persia.

16 May 2026 - 3:43PMvideocam

Americas and the Caribbean

AI supremacy, ‘secret police station’, Taiwan propaganda: 7 US-China relations reads

From China’s nuclear weapons to Trump’s summit entourage, here are highlights from our overseas correspondents in the first half of May 2026.

16 May 2026 - 4:00AM

CIA chief makes rare Cuba visit as island runs out of oil

Meeting in Havana comes as tensions between the two sides remain high over the US energy blockade.

15 May 2026 - 2:55PMvideocam

CIA Director John Ratcliffe boards a US government plane in Havana on Thursday. Photo: Reuters

Xi and Trump set sights on stability for China and the US – with a note of caution

A day of positive messaging and personal rapport includes an invitation to visit the White House in September.

15 May 2026 - 12:02AMvideocam

As Trump revamps White House, Rubio floored by Beijing hall’s fancy ceiling

Footage of the US secretary of state giving a thumbs-up to a ceiling in Beijing’s Great Hall of the People has gone viral.

14 May 2026 - 8:18PMvideocam

Xi-Trump summit casts optimistic light on lingering tensions

The presidents of China and the United States focused on cooperation and potential trade, rather than tougher issues, as they opened the first day of talks in Beijing.

14 May 2026 - 5:00PM

Chinese President Xi Jinping at US President Donald Trump in Beijing. Photo: Xinhua

The longest day – how the Xi-Trump summit reset China-US ties in 12 hours

The two leaders follow a morning of talks with a tour of the Temple of Heaven and a state banquet.

14 May 2026 - 8:41PMvideocam

Children welcome US President Donald Trump as he arrives with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Thursday. Photo: Reuters

Rubio calls on China to play a more ‘active’ role in ending Iran war

The Middle East crisis will come into sharp focus during the Xi-Trump summit as Marco Rubio says it threatens to ‘destabilise Asia’.

14 May 2026 - 2:43PMvideocam

US Senate warns of China’s nuclear capabilities hours before Xi-Trump summit

Beijing engaged in ‘unprecedented nuclear expansion’ in recent years that includes ‘hundreds of new missile silos’, senator tells hearing.

14 May 2026 - 8:59AMvideocam

US renews US$100 million Cuba aid offer as Trump raises island with Xi

Washington says Havana must decide whether to accept humanitarian assistance as Beijing maintains backing for Cuba.

14 May 2026 - 4:45AMvideocam

Cubans have faced chronic blackouts, food shortages and a worsening economic crisis as migration from the island continues to climb. Photo: AFP

Trump arrives in China with tech titans and top aides for high-stakes Xi summit

The US president is greeted with elaborate ceremony as he arrives in Beijing for his first trip to China since 2017.

13 May 2026 - 11:00PM

US President Donald Trump (centre left) arrives at Beijing Capital International Airport, where he was greeted by Chinese Vice-President Han Zheng (centre right) on May 13, 2026. Photo: TNS

Marco Rubio dons ‘Maduro look’ as he heads to China, sparking internet frenzy

Chinese social media users react to Rubio’s tracksuit photo, calling it a ‘meaningless gimmick’ and raising questions about sanctions.

13 May 2026 - 6:45PM