Chinese President Xi Jinping urged US President Donald Trump to avoid treating relations between Washington and Beijing as a “win-or-lose” contest during their high-level talks in Washington on September 24, 2026. Xi said competition between the world’s two largest economies should remain healthy and within limits, while calling for greater cooperation and a new chapter in bilateral relations. He also warned against the “Thucydides Trap” of conflict between rising and established powers. Taiwan was discussed, with Xi urging Washington to oppose Taiwan independence. The leaders also addressed artificial intelligence, emphasizing responsible development and keeping AI under human control. (PC: AP)

Dozens of diplomats walked out of the United Nations General Assembly hall as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu began his speech on September 24, amid protests and international criticism of Israel’s policies. Netanyahu criticised those leaving, calling them “moral cowards” and accusing them of hypocrisy. Some delegates who remained applauded, while others chanted “Am Yisrael Chai.” Netanyahu also defended Israel’s military strikes against Iran, saying they were necessary to prevent a greater threat from its nuclear programme. His brief New York visit includes meetings with several world leaders, but no scheduled meeting with US President Donald Trump. 

US President Donald Trump welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping to the White House on September 24 for high-level talks covering trade, artificial intelligence, Taiwan and broader security issues. During their meeting, Xi urged Washington to oppose “Taiwan independence,” according to China’s state news agency. Trump and Xi also highlighted the need for stable relations and continued dialogue between their countries. Trade remains a central issue, with both sides considering an extension of their existing truce. The leaders are also expected to discuss Iran, military communication and technology. Xi’s visit is his first to Washington in more than a decade. (PC: X)

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas told the UN General Assembly that the Palestinian delegation was denied US entry visas for the second consecutive year, preventing them from attending in person. Abbas delivered his address through a prerecorded video from Ramallah. He rejected what he described as unlawful punitive measures and disputed US accusations against the Palestinian Authority and Palestine Liberation Organisation. In his speech, Abbas highlighted the humanitarian situation in Gaza and settlement expansion in the West Bank, while calling for progress on a Gaza peace plan and a political path toward a two-state solution. The US cited Palestinian actions at international courts among its reasons. (PC: X)

The US military has deployed high-energy laser weapons in the Strait of Hormuz and is reportedly using them against drones and incoming cruise missiles in the Middle East. According to NDTV, the systems can be operated using reconfigured Xbox-style controllers, allowing operators to track targets and direct the laser beam precisely. The technology converts electrical energy into concentrated photons that heat and disable targets, potentially reducing reliance on costly interceptor missiles. However, the systems are large and heavy, require significant power and perform less effectively in adverse weather. Their effectiveness against multiple simultaneous drone attacks also remains limited. (PC: X)

Researchers have begun core drilling at Turkey’s Durupinar formation, a boat-shaped geological feature near Mount Ararat that some believe could be linked to Noah’s Ark. The international expedition, led by archaeologist Prof. Cenker Atila of Sivas Cumhuriyet University, is collecting underground core samples and plans to deploy a robot named Gopher to investigate possible internal spaces. Recent surveys reportedly identified unusual structures beneath the formation, but these findings have not established that the site contains an ancient vessel. Geologists have historically regarded Durupinar as a natural formation. Laboratory testing of samples is expected to provide further evidence, with fuller findings anticipated in 2027. (PC: X)

As President Donald Trump hosts Chinese President Xi Jinping in Washington, lawmakers from parties are pressing him to address China’s role in Iran, Taiwan, trade and artificial intelligence. Republican Senator Roger Wicker criticised the state visit and urged discussions on China’s military pressure in the Indo-Pacific, Taiwan and AI. Republican senators also pressed for arms sales to Taiwan. Democrats, including Senate leader Chuck Schumer, warned against weakening export controls on advanced semiconductor chips and equipment, citing concerns about China’s AI capabilities. Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen urged Trump to confront Xi over Chinese support for Iran, including satellite imagery, weapons components and oil purchases. Congressional concerns contrast with Trump’s welcome for Xi.

US President Donald Trump praised Chinese President Xi Jinping as “strong” and “vibrant” ahead of their Washington summit in Washington, after personally greeting Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, at Joint Base Andrews. Trump described Xi as “better than ever” in a social media post, highlighting the unusually warm welcome for the Chinese leader. Trump also said “Super Intelligence”, his term for artificial intelligence, would be a major topic during their talks. He said he wanted to leave the issue “exactly where it is”, adding that China held the same position. The summit is expected to cover artificial intelligence, alongside trade, Taiwan, Iran and other bilateral contentious issues in US-China relations.

Chinese President Xi Jinping called on China and the United States to ensure artificial intelligence remains under human control and serves people’s interests during his White House meeting with President Donald Trump. Speaking in the White House Grand Foyer on Thursday, Xi said both countries were leading nations in AI and therefore had a special responsibility for managing its development. He urged the two sides to develop and manage AI “for good” while keeping human control over the technology. AI was a key issue in the summit, alongside trade, security and other bilateral concerns. Trump had earlier said “Super Intelligence” would be discussed, while indicating he wanted arrangements to remain unchanged.

Chinese President Xi Jinping’s arrival in Washington on September 23 for talks with US President Donald Trump has failed to end recent speculation about his health. Xi was seen walking slowly down the aircraft stairs while holding the handrail and his wife Peng Liyuan’s hand. The rumours intensified after he skipped a BRICS gala dinner in New Delhi and returned to China earlier than other leaders. A Chinese dissident has alleged that Xi suffered a stroke, but the claim remains unverified and has not been supported by credible medical or official evidence. Xi’s participation in the US visit provides no confirmation of the health allegations.