Chinese President Xi Jinping hosted US President Donald Trump at a state banquet in Beijing after nearly two hours of high-level talks on Iran, oil supplies, trade tensions and Taiwan. Trump described the discussions as “great”, while the White House called the meeting constructive. However, differences remain over tariffs, export controls and Taiwan, which Beijing warned could become a source of conflict with Washington. China rolled out a grand ceremonial welcome for Trump, including a gun salute, cultural events and a joint visit to Beijing’s historic Temple of Heaven. (PC: BBC)

Donald Trump called talks with Xi Jinping “great” after receiving a grand state welcome in Beijing during a high-stakes visit focused on trade, technology and security tensions. Xi urged China and the United States to be “partners, not rivals” as both leaders held nearly two hours of discussions. Chinese state media also highlighted Xi’s warning against possible conflict over Taiwan. Trump, joined by Tesla chief Elon Musk and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, said he would push China to open its markets further to American businesses. The visit comes as Beijing projects itself as a stronger and more assertive global power. (PC: BBC)

Xi Jinping warned Donald Trump during high-stakes talks in Beijing that mishandling the Taiwan issue could push the United States and China toward direct conflict. According to Chinese state broadcaster CCTV, Xi described Taiwan as “the most important issue in China-US relations” and cautioned that bilateral ties could enter a “highly perilous situation” if Washington failed to approach the matter carefully. Xi further warned that improper handling could cause the two powers to “collide or even come into conflict.” The remarks came during Trump’s first China visit since 2017, amid rising geopolitical tensions, trade disputes, and intensifying military and diplomatic competition between the world’s two largest economies. (PC: X)

Keir Starmer warned Labour MPs that a leadership contest would plunge the party into “chaos” amid growing speculation that Health Secretary Wes Streeting could challenge him for the leadership. Starmer is under mounting pressure after Labour’s heavy local election losses and the resignation of four ministers. During meetings with MPs and ministers, he defended his leadership while promoting a legislative agenda focused on health, housing, immigration and public sector reform. The King’s Speech included proposals to abolish NHS England, nationalise British Steel and fast-track green energy projects. More than 80 Labour MPs have reportedly urged Starmer to resign or announce a departure timeline. (PC: PA Media)

United Arab Emirates has denied claims that Benjamin Netanyahu held a “secret meeting” with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during the ongoing conflict with Iran. In a statement carried by state news agency WAM, the UAE said its ties with Israel are conducted openly under the Abraham Accords and rejected reports of undisclosed arrangements as “baseless”. The denial came after Netanyahu’s office claimed he had secretly visited the UAE amid “Operation Roaring Lion”. The Israeli Prime Minister’s office described the alleged meeting as “a historic breakthrough” in bilateral relations during escalating regional tensions involving Iran and Israel. (PC: X)

Xi Jinping and Donald Trump held high-stakes talks in Beijing on Thursday, signalling efforts to stabilise ties between the world’s two largest economies amid ongoing geopolitical and trade tensions. Welcoming Trump at the Great Hall of the People, Xi said, “A stable China-U.S. relationship is a boon for the world. Cooperation benefits both sides, while confrontation harms both. We should be partners and not rivals.” Trump responded warmly, stating, “It’s an honour to be with you. It’s an honour to be your friend.” The meeting is expected to focus on trade disputes, strategic rivalry, global stability and broader economic cooperation between Washington and Beijing.

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi told NDTV that Tehran no longer has full control over parts of its enriched uranium stockpile amid rising tensions with the United States. The statement comes as Washington increases pressure on Iran’s nuclear programme and demands strict limits on uranium enrichment. Iran maintained that its nuclear activities are for peaceful purposes but rejected calls to completely halt enrichment or transfer uranium abroad. Reports suggest ongoing diplomatic efforts remain fragile, with disagreements over inspections, sanctions relief and nuclear restrictions continuing to block a breakthrough. The issue has intensified fears of renewed conflict and concerns over Iran’s potential proximity to weapons-grade uranium capability. (PC: NDTV)

US President Donald Trump arrived in Beijing for a crucial summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping focused on trade disputes, artificial intelligence, Taiwan, and the ongoing Iran conflict. The visit marks the first US presidential trip to China in nearly nine years and includes meetings with top Chinese officials and business leaders. Trump is reportedly seeking greater market access for American companies and stability in economic ties. China, meanwhile, is expected to push back against US tariffs and arms sales to Taiwan. Analysts say the summit aims more at managing rivalry and avoiding escalation than achieving a major diplomatic breakthrough. (PC: AP)

At least nine people were killed and 28 injured in fresh Russian drone attacks across Ukraine after a three-day US-brokered ceasefire expired. Ukrainian officials said the worst-hit area was the central Dnipropetrovsk region, where eight people died, including residents in Kryvyi Rih and Synelnykove district. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said more than 100 Russian drones were in Ukrainian airspace on Wednesday, warning of continued strikes. Ukraine’s air force said Russia launched 139 drones in 24 hours. Russia, meanwhile, claimed Ukrainian drones damaged industrial facilities and a gas processing plant inside Russian territory. (PC: BBC)

  High-resolution satellite imagery reviewed by India Today’s OSINT team suggests multiple Iran-linked aircraft were present at Pakistan’s Nur Khan airbase in Rawalpindi during recent diplomatic visits. The images reportedly show a camouflaged C130-type aircraft and two planes resembling Iranian Meraj Air aircraft parked at the sensitive military facility.   Analysts said the camouflage pattern closely matches Iranian Air Force aircraft. The airbase is also undergoing major reconstruction nearly a year after India’s Operation Sindoor strikes. Satellite images show newly built hangars and a reconstructed command facility, indicating efforts to shield key military assets from satellite surveillance and aerial monitoring.  (PC: India Today)