Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Beijing on Wednesday for meetings with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, with the long-stalled Power of Siberia 2 natural gas pipeline high on the agenda. The 2,600-kilometer pipeline would carry 50 billion cubic meters of Russian gas annually to China via Mongolia. Moscow and Beijing signed a legally binding memorandum to advance construction in September 2025, though pricing, financing, and delivery timelines remain unresolved. The talks come as the Iran-US conflict rattles global energy markets, with oil prices climbing amid uncertainty over Hormuz Strait shipments.
U.S. President Donald Trump said Wednesday he is in “no hurry” to end the Iran conflict and threatened “another big hit” if a deal is not reached. His administration has demanded Iran dismantle its nuclear program and halt uranium enrichment, with economic sanctions tightening daily. Vice President Vance stated the administration will “aggressively negotiate” with Tehran, though Iran has rejected all U.S. terms and threatened retaliation. Regional allies in the Gulf are on high alert as shipping insurers avoid the Hormuz corridor amid escalating tensions.
The World Health Organization issued its 65th external situation report on the global mpox outbreak, noting sustained transmission in parts of Southeast Asia and West Africa. The agency continues to coordinate with affected nations on vaccine distribution and testing capacity. Health officials are monitoring several recombinant strains that have shown resistance to certain treatments. WHO Director-General has called for increased international funding to support low-income countries facing supply shortages.
NATO and Finnish military forces carried out joint exercises in the Baltic Sea near Russia’s border this week, according to defence press agencies. The exercises involve naval vessels and amphibious units practicing coastal defence scenarios. Finland, which joined NATO in 2023, has deepened its operational integration with the alliance amid heightened tensions with Russia following the Ukraine invasion. Alliance officials said the drills demonstrate interoperability and commitment to collective defence of the Baltic region.
Chinese President Xi Jinping joined Russian leader Putin in condemning U.S. military strikes in the Middle East, calling them “treacherous” and urging Washington to end hostilities against Iran. China’s foreign ministry issued a formal statement calling for an immediate ceasefire and diplomatic resolution. Beijing has sought to position itself as a neutral party while continuing to purchase Russian energy at discounted rates. Analysts say China is using the conflict to deepen its strategic partnership with Moscow.