World in Brief — May 21, 2026
China Cancels Pentagon Visit Over $14B Taiwan Arms Package
Beijing has refused to approve a planned visit by U.S. Under-Secretary of Defence Elbridge Colby until the Trump administration decides whether to proceed with a $14 billion weapons package for Taiwan, sources familiar with the matter said Wednesday. The proposed sale includes Patriot missiles and Nasams air-defence systems. China’s foreign ministry summoned the U.S. ambassador in Beijing to protest the deal, which officials described as a “grave provocation.” The Pentagon declined to comment. The dispute comes as the two powers are navigating a fragile diplomatic window on trade and security, and threatens to derail months of quiet back-channel talks. (Source: AFP via Livemint)
EU Demands Answers From Israel Over Gaza Activists’ Treatment
The European Union’s foreign policy chief issued a sharp rebuke of Israel on Wednesday, calling “completely unacceptable” the treatment of international activists demonstrating in Gaza, saying EU personnel were subjected to physical force during a border incident last week. The statement came as the bloc considered expanding sanctions on Israeli officials linked to settlement activity. Israel rejected the characterisation, saying its forces acted within standing rules of engagement after activists attempted to breach a barrier. The EU has given Jerusalem 14 days to provide a full accounting of the incident. (Source: AFP via NDTV)
SpaceX Files for IPO in Pivotal Moment for Private Space Industry
Elon Musk’s SpaceX has filed confidential paperwork for a public offering, people familiar with the matter told Reuters on Wednesday, confirming months of speculation about the world’s most valuable private space company. The filing, expected to be among the largest in aerospace history, values SpaceX at roughly $350 billion. The company launches more commercial satellites than any other operator and operates NASA’s Artemis lunar programme. Musk, who faces continued political scrutiny over his advisory role in the Trump administration, confirmed the plan briefly on X, saying “the time is right.” Shares of related space companies rose sharply in after-hours trading. (Source: AFP via NDTV)
Modi and Meloni Plant Trees Together Under “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” Initiative
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni planted trees together at a ceremony in Rome on Wednesday, part of India’s “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” (A Tree for Mother) environmental campaign. The two leaders signed a bilateral备忘录 covering clean energy, defence cooperation, and cultural exchange. Modi invited Meloni to visit India later this year. The ceremony was held at the Villa Doria Pamphili as both countries marked 75 years of diplomatic ties. The campaign, launched by Modi in 2025, encourages citizens globally to plant trees in honour of their mothers. (Source: ANI via NDTV)
Trump Says Iran Nuclear Talks Are in “Final Stages”
President Donald Trump said Wednesday that negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme are in their “final stages,” suggesting a diplomatic breakthrough could be imminent after months of heightened tensions and tightening sanctions. Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump said a provisional agreement was close but warned that military options remained “very much on the table” if talks collapse. U.S. officials said outstanding issues include the pace of sanctions removal and the scope of Tehran’s uranium enrichment activities. Iran has denied seeking nuclear weapons, insisting its programme is purely civilian. A senior State Department envoy is expected in Oman this weekend for a final round of talks. (Source: AFP via NDTV)
