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On the 16th, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that within the next two to three weeks, the United States may directly inform its trade partners of new tariff rates, rather than engaging in individual negotiations.

According to CNN, Trump said at a business roundtable in Abu Dhabi on the 16th, "There are 150 countries that want to make deals, but you can’t negotiate with that many countries at once. So in the next two to three weeks, I believe Scott Bessent (U.S. Secretary of the Treasury) and Howard Lutnick (U.S. Secretary of Commerce) will send out letters. We will be very fair, but we will tell people how much it costs to do business in the U.S."

Trump previously shocked the global economy by announcing sweeping “reciprocal tariffs” on various countries. On April 2, Trump announced a 90-day suspension of this policy starting April 9 to allow trade partners to negotiate with the U.S. U.S. officials stated that around 100 countries have requested trade talks, placing immense pressure on American negotiators to conclude these discussions within the 90-day window.

The Trump administration first reached an agreement with the United Kingdom, followed by a deal with China, which included scrapping a proposed 145% tariff on Chinese goods. U.S. officials stated they are currently in discussions with over a dozen countries, including India and Japan, and are close to finalizing frameworks for agreements.

Trump has previously said that his administration is rapidly securing various deals to make trade fairer and bring manufacturing back to the U.S. However, it remains unclear what tariff rates will be imposed on countries unable to reach short-term agreements with the U.S., and whether these tariffs will be permanent or serve as temporary rates during the negotiation period. Although Trump and his administration have touted the conclusion of multiple trade talks, in practice, formal trade agreements often take years to finalize. Trump’s tariff policies remain subject to change and could significantly impact the global political and economic landscape.

Sakurajima, a volcanic island off the coast of Kagoshima, Japan, continues to experience active volcanic activity. On the 15th, the volcano erupted three times with moderate intensity, with plumes reaching as high as 3,000 meters. Due to the impact of volcanic ash, at least 30 flights were canceled on the 15th and 16th.

Volcanic activity was first observed around 8 PM on the night of the 12th. On the 15th, starting at approximately 7:08 AM local time, three eruptions of moderate or greater scale occurred at the Minamidake summit crater. The eruption lasted more than 17 hours, ending at 4 AM on the 16th. Smoke plumes reached up to 3,000 meters. This marks the first time since November 2019 that Sakurajima has produced continuous volcanic plumes for more than 10 hours.

Due to the ashfall from the ongoing eruptions, 25 flights were canceled at Kagoshima Airport on the 15th, with most of the cancellations occurring after 5 PM. On the 16th, at least 7 more flights were canceled. Airline counters were crowded with travelers seeking to change flights or request refunds.

Meteorological authorities reported that volcanic ash was visible across much of Kagoshima Prefecture and parts of neighboring Kumamoto Prefecture. In the coming days, residents are advised to monitor for any increase in eruption activity and to take precautions such as using umbrellas and wearing masks when going outside to protect their health. Drivers are also urged to proceed slowly on ash-covered roads. Those in areas where small volcanic rocks may fall are advised to move indoors or seek shelter under sturdy roofs.

On May 15, Israel bombed Gaza, resulting in the deaths of over a hundred people. Since early March, Israel has cut off aid supplies to the Gaza Strip. Recent airstrikes are aimed at pressuring Hamas to make concessions. However, Hamas insists that the resumption of humanitarian aid to Gaza is the “minimum requirement” for negotiations.

After halting aid to the Gaza Strip in early March, Israel resumed military operations on March 18, ending a de facto ceasefire that had been in place since mid-January. In recent weeks, Gaza has been facing critical shortages of humanitarian supplies, including food, drinking water, medicine, and fuel. The latest Israeli airstrikes have severely damaged the last remaining hospital in Gaza, which has now ceased operations.

This escalation coincides with former U.S. President Donald Trump's visit to the Middle East. Trump has proposed that the U.S. "take over" Gaza and turn it into a “freedom zone,” a suggestion that Hamas has firmly rejected, declaring that the Gaza Strip is “not for sale.” A U.S.-backed humanitarian foundation for Gaza has reached an agreement with Israel to begin distributing aid in Gaza by the end of this month.

British media reports that immigration numbers have increased in recent years, sparking growing anti-immigration sentiment among the UK public. On May 12, Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour government officially released a white paper proposing changes to the country’s immigration rules. Key proposals include extending the minimum residency requirement for applying for UK permanent residency from 5 years to 10 years, introducing a points-based system, and raising the English language proficiency standards for immigrants. The length of stay required for permanent residency will be adjusted based on the applicant's contributions, with shorter periods granted to those who make significant contributions.

The UK currently has different residency requirements for various immigration visa categories. Many follow the “5+1” model—permanent residency after five years of living or working in the UK, followed by citizenship after one more year. It remains unclear whether the new immigration system will impact all visa routes leading to permanent residency, such as the "5+1" British National (Overseas) Visa (BNO Visa). The document only states that a shorter five-year threshold will still apply for non-UK dependants of British citizens. It also confirms that settlement rights will continue to be available for vulnerable groups, including victims of domestic violence and abuse. Further details will be announced by the end of the year.

Starmer stated that the Labour government will truly fulfill the promise of “taking back control of our borders” and “deciding for ourselves who can come to the UK, ensuring immigration policy serves the national interest.” According to British media, some of the proposed measures may require amendments to primary legislation and could be delayed until the next parliamentary session in 2026.

After days of intense clashes, India and its longtime rival Pakistan reached a ceasefire agreement on the 10th, though the international community remains skeptical. On the 12th, India stated that both sides had experienced "the first calm night in recent days," and announced the reopening of 32 airports. Military leaders from both countries are scheduled to meet on the 12th to discuss follow-up actions.

Last week, both sides exchanged missiles, drones, and artillery fire over a four-day period, resulting in at least 60 deaths and forcing thousands to flee their homes. The border town of Poonch, in the Indian-controlled Kashmir region, suffered the heaviest damage, with at least 12 residents killed. It is estimated that the majority of the town's 60,000 residents have fled. Although a ceasefire agreement has been reached, both India and Pakistan accused each other of violations after U.S. President Trump announced the news on social media, further fueling doubts about the truce.

The military leaders of India and Pakistan are set to meet on the 12th to discuss next steps. India’s civil aviation operations are gradually resuming, while Pakistan had already fully reopened its airspace on the 10th—signs that tensions may be easing. However, whether the two sides can maintain peace remains to be seen.

Putin Proposes Direct, Unconditional Talks with Ukraine on May 15; Europe Threatens More Sanctions Without Ceasefire

On May 11, Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed holding direct, "unconditional" talks with Ukraine to end the war that has dragged on for more than three years. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responded cautiously, calling it a "positive signal" and stating that Kyiv is open to dialogue—but only if Russia agrees to a ceasefire first.

On May 10, European leaders issued a joint statement demanding that Russia implement an unconditional 30-day ceasefire starting Monday (May 12), warning that failure to comply would result in broader economic sanctions from Europe and the United States. Putin, however, did not respond to the ceasefire demand. Instead, he said he was willing to hold direct talks with Ukraine on Thursday (May 15) in Turkey. Many observers interpreted this sudden public call as a possible attempt by Russia to delay action and avoid new sanctions.

Europe's response was firm. Leaders made it clear that negotiations cannot resume without a ceasefire. German Chancellor Merz stated, "Negotiations cannot begin while the guns are still firing." Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said the international community is still waiting for Russia to make the right decision on an "immediate and unconditional ceasefire." UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer echoed this sentiment: "Together with the United States, we demand that Putin—if he is serious about peace—must show that commitment immediately."

Putin claimed that it was Kyiv, not Russia, that violated the 2022 agreement. Nevertheless, he said, "We propose to resume direct dialogue with Kyiv without any preconditions. We are willing to restart negotiations on Thursday in Istanbul." Despite the offer, Putin continued to accuse Ukraine of being the party responsible for the collapse of ceasefire talks.

U.S. President Donald Trump also weighed in on May 11, expressing doubt that Ukraine would actually reach an agreement with Putin. He urged Zelensky to accept the meeting, emphasizing that only by participating in talks can it be determined whether an agreement is possible. He added that the U.S. and its allies could then respond accordingly to help end the "bloody massacre" as soon as possible.

Following Trump’s statement, Zelensky quickly posted that he would personally attend the talks on May 15 and would wait for Putin in Turkey. However, he reiterated, “The first step to ending the war is a ceasefire,” and expressed hope that Russia would not find another excuse to back out. If the meeting takes place, it will mark the first direct talks between the leaders of Russia and Ukraine since the war began.

On May 10, 2025, tensions between India and Pakistan escalated sharply, leading to the most serious military standoff since the Kargil War in 1999. The Group of Seven (G7) industrialized nations issued a statement on Friday urging both countries to exercise maximum restraint and engage in direct dialogue to ease the conflict.

The confrontation was triggered by a terrorist attack on April 22 in Indian-administered Kashmir, which killed 26 Hindu pilgrims. India accused the Pakistan-backed militant group "The Resistance Front" of orchestrating the attack. In retaliation, India launched "Operation Sindoor" on May 7, a missile strike targeting terrorist bases inside Pakistan. Pakistan denied involvement and responded on May 10 with a retaliatory military operation named "Operation Bunyan Ul Marsoos," striking Indian military installations.

So far, the crossfire has claimed at least 48 lives and injured dozens more. Multiple cities in India have issued red alerts, while Pakistan has suspended all domestic flights. Both sides have mobilized troops and reinforced their border defenses.

In its statement, the G7 strongly condemned the April 22 terrorist attack and called on both India and Pakistan to exercise maximum restraint and avoid further escalation. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed willingness to assist in facilitating “constructive dialogue” between the two nations. However, U.S. Vice President JD Vance commented that the conflict is “not our concern.” United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres also voiced “deep concern” and reiterated the UN’s willingness to mediate.

The Kashmir region has long been a flashpoint between India and Pakistan, with both countries claiming sovereignty over it. The current escalation poses a serious threat to regional stability. The international community widely fears that continued conflict could lead to a larger-scale war, potentially involving nuclear weapons.

At present, there are no clear signs of de-escalation. The international community continues to monitor developments closely and urges both sides to resolve their disputes through dialogue to prevent further military confrontation.

The Vatican began the papal conclave on the 7th, and after three rounds of voting, white smoke emerged from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel on the afternoon of the 8th. Out of 133 cardinals, 69-year-old American Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected as the 267th pope of the Catholic Church, taking the papal name **Pope Leo XIV**. At that moment, the bells of St. Peter's Basilica rang out, and the crowd in St. Peter's Square erupted in enthusiastic applause.

Pope Leo XIV was born in Chicago and served for many years as a missionary in Peru. From 2015 to 2023, he was the Bishop of Chiclayo, Peru. He holds dual citizenship in the United States and Peru and is a member of the Augustinian Order. He spent one-third of his life in the U.S., with the rest primarily in Europe and Latin America.

Leo XIV is fluent in English, Spanish, Italian, French, and Portuguese, and can also read Latin and German. Despite his linguistic talents, he is known for his reserved personality and conservative style. He is quiet and speaks little, expressing himself with caution and thoughtful consideration. He is a good listener and is regarded as a calm and efficient administrator.

After his election, Pope Leo XIV donned the red mozzetta and, for the first time as pope, addressed the crowd from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica. He began with the words “Peace be with you,” and greeted the crowd with a wave, delivering his entire speech in Italian and Spanish. He paid tribute to his predecessor, Pope Francis, thanked the cardinals for their trust and support, and acknowledged the Peruvian diocese where he had served for many years. Pope Leo XIV also outlined his vision for the future of the Catholic Church, calling for global peace and dialogue, aiming to make the Church a bridge-builder and a voice of compassion and care, working toward peace for all.

Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated on the 7th, with India launching "Operation Sindoor," conducting airstrikes on Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Pakistan, citing posts on social media, claimed it had shot down five Indian fighter jets and one drone, a claim India has denied. Dozens of civilian casualties were reported on both sides.

Initially, Pakistani aviation authorities maintained that the country’s airspace remained open and that “civil aviation activities were being conducted safely.” However, on the morning of the 8th, authorities abruptly closed four major airports—Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, and Sialkot—citing "operational" reasons. The situation in the so-called "powder keg of South Asia" appears to be heating up.

The flare-up in the conflict was triggered by a terrorist attack on February 22 in Indian-controlled Kashmir, where militants from the “Kashmir Resistance” killed 26 Indian tourists. It was the deadliest such attack in nearly 20 years. India blamed Pakistan, accusing it of harboring and supporting militant groups, and subsequently suspended participation in a water-sharing treaty. On the 7th, India launched airstrikes targeting the infrastructure of terrorist organizations.

Satellite imagery showed a mosque in Bahawalpur, a city in Pakistan’s Punjab province, had been destroyed. India considers Bahawalpur a major hub for the Islamist group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JEM), which is active in Kashmir, and the mosque was believed to be one of the group’s training centers.

The international community has called for restraint from both countries. Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif said in an interview that Pakistan does not initiate attacks on India but will respond if attacked. He added that if India takes a step back, Pakistan will also de-escalate. He praised former U.S. President Donald Trump and called on the United States to help resolve the conflict between India and Pakistan.

European Commission Vice President for Trade Maroš Šefčovič stated on May 6 that the European Union will not accept an unfair deal from the United States under pressure. If the two sides fail to reach a consensus through negotiations, the EU will defend its interests and implement balancing measures. This signals that the EU is prepared with contingency plans in response to a potentially uncompromising U.S. stance. According to *Bloomberg*, if negotiations fail, the EU may be ready with a €100 billion retaliation list.

Currently, the U.S. imposes a 25% tariff on EU imports of steel, aluminum, and automobiles. Most other goods are subject to a "reciprocal tariff" of 10%, which is set to increase to 20% after a 90-day grace period. More than 70% of EU exports to the U.S.—worth around €380 billion—are already affected. If additional categories such as pharmaceuticals and semiconductors are included, this could cover over 97% of goods, totaling approximately €549 billion. The total value of tariffs imposed could reach €100 billion. In comparison, U.S. tariffs on EU goods in 2024 were only €7 billion.

Šefčovič asserted that the EU is not backing down, noting that it is actively negotiating free trade agreements with Asian countries including India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Malaysia. "All countries want to accelerate their agreements with the EU," he said. He also mentioned that the EU has established a task force to monitor "trade diversion effects" caused by U.S. tariffs, with a report expected in mid-May.

So far, the EU has not taken retaliatory actions against the U.S., but has publicly threatened to impose tariffs worth \$21 billion on U.S. goods in response to the 25% tariffs on steel, aluminum, and automobiles imposed by the Trump administration. Šefčovič emphasized that the EU continues to show sincerity in resolving the dispute, such as proposing that both sides reduce import tariffs to zero across the board—including for strategic industries like automobiles; work together to address global overcapacity issues in sectors such as steel and aluminum; and jointly enhance the resilience of the transatlantic supply chains for semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, and other industries. He urged the U.S. to pursue a fair and balanced solution, warning that “we are ready with alternatives to restore a fair competitive environment” if not.