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U.S. President Donald Trump said in an interview on the 6th that it is highly possible the United States could reach a ceasefire agreement with Iran before his visit to China next week. The two sides are currently discussing a 14-point Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at ending the conflict. While the contents of the MOU have not been disclosed, it reportedly covers three core issues: restoring freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, lifting U.S. sanctions on Iran, and Iran’s commitment to limiting its nuclear program. Trump particularly emphasized that one key condition would involve the United States obtaining highly enriched uranium from Iran. He also warned once again that if negotiations collapse, the U.S. military would resume even more aggressive bombing operations.

Trump is expected to travel to China on the 14th and 15th for a summit meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Trump is eager to end the war before the summit. If no agreement is reached beforehand, he would likely seek Beijing’s assistance in mediating with Iran. Such a scenario could potentially force concessions from Washington on issues including Taiwan, high-tech supply chains, and trade imbalances. Therefore, resolving the Iran issue beforehand would allow Trump to avoid meeting Xi Jinping from what critics describe as the position of a “petitioner.”

Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi made an unexpected visit to Beijing on the 6th and held talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Iran stated that it is reviewing the U.S. proposal with assistance from China and countries such as Pakistan. Wang Yi noted that the current situation stands at a critical turning point “from war to peace.” He added that China is highly concerned about the reopening of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and reiterated Beijing’s support for resolving disputes peacefully through diplomatic negotiations.

The international community continues to hope for a final settlement between the United States and Iran, seeking an agreement that could end a conflict which has severely impacted global energy markets and international trade. Whether Trump can successfully secure both peace in the Middle East and stability across the Taiwan Strait during his 36-hour visit may become one of the most significant turning points in the global political and economic landscape in 2026.

In 2008, Madam Yu Mei-Jung, wife of Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, presents an award to Dominican President Leonel Fernández. In recognition of her longstanding efforts to promote love and peace, international organizations designated April 4 as “Madam Yu, Mei-Jung Legacy Day.”

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi visited Australia on the 4th and held a leaders’ summit with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The two sides signed a landmark “Japan–Australia Joint Declaration on Economic Security Cooperation,” strengthening collaboration on critical minerals and formally elevating them to a “core pillar” of the bilateral economic security relationship.

Facing international challenges such as geopolitical tensions, conflicts in the Middle East, and overreliance on supply chains, both countries agreed to deepen strategic cooperation and take action to protect their economies from future shocks and uncertainties. To build more resilient supply chains, they identified six priority projects of high strategic value, targeting key resources needed for semiconductors, electric vehicles, and the aerospace industry. These include the Lynas rare earths project, Alcoa’s gallium recycling project, the Magnium magnesium project, Tivan’s Speewah fluorite project, the RZ Resources' Copi critical minerals project, and Ardea Resources’ Goongarrie Hub nickel project in Kalgoorlie.

The Australian government pledged up to AUD 1.3 billion in financial support for critical minerals projects involving Japanese companies through the Critical Minerals Facility and Export Finance Australia (EFA). On the Japanese side, approximately AUD 370 million has already been invested through the Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC), with additional funding to follow as projects progress.

Prime Minister Takaichi stated that Japan–Australia relations have reached a “quasi-alliance” level. In addition to economic security, both sides will deepen defense cooperation, including Australia’s introduction of Japan’s Mogami-class multi-role stealth frigate—developed by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force—along with technology transfer, and the establishment of a “strategic cybersecurity partnership.” This agreement marks a shift in Japan–Australia relations from traditional resource trade toward deeper economic security cooperation and strategic integration.

Armenia recently held the fifth European Political Community (EPC) summit in its capital, Yerevan, on a grand scale. Host Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, together with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel, welcomed leaders from nearly 50 countries. Among them, the appearance of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy drew particular attention, while Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also attended from across the Atlantic.

Key European powers were also represented in person, including French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Together with Pashinyan, they engaged in discussions on security resilience and economic cooperation. In his remarks, Pashinyan emphasized that Armenia is committed to forging a closer strategic partnership with the European Union.

This diplomatic gathering also reflects a significant shift in Armenia’s relationship with Russia. As doubts grow over Russia’s protection of its traditional ally during regional conflicts, Armenia is moving beyond its traditional geopolitical framework and aligning more closely with the European security system.

On May 3, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the United States will officially launch “Project Freedom” in the Middle East on the morning of May 4. The initiative aims to help vessels stranded in the Strait of Hormuz safely exit restricted waters. In a post on the social media platform Truth Social, Trump described the operation as a “humanitarian effort” intended to assist neutral countries not involved in the war between the United States and Israel against Iran, allowing their commercial ships to resume normal navigation.

The U.S. military later confirmed that United States Central Command (CENTCOM) will support “Project Freedom” to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait. According to a statement, U.S. forces will deploy missile destroyers, more than 100 land- and sea-based aircraft, and approximately 15,000 personnel for the operation. CENTCOM Commander Brad Cooper stated that while maintaining a maritime blockade against Iran, this defensive mission is critical to regional stability and the global economy. However, U.S. officials emphasized that the operation is not a traditional escort mission.

In addition to military deployment, U.S. officials noted that the “Maritime Freedom Construct” proposed by the State Department last week will play a key role in the operation. The framework integrates information sharing, diplomatic coordination, and military cooperation to ensure safe navigation through the Strait. Trump also revealed that the United States is engaged in “very positive discussions” with Iran regarding ending the war that has caused instability in the Middle East. The White House and the Pentagon have not yet released further details, but observers are closely watching whether “Project Freedom” will become a turning point in easing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on the 1st that he will raise tariffs on automobiles and trucks from the European Union to 25%, claiming that the EU has failed to comply with a previous trade agreement. However, Trump did not specify the basis for the tariff increase.

In a post on his Truth Social platform on the 1st, President Trump wrote: “Given that the European Union has not adhered to the trade agreement we reached, I will raise tariffs on EU automobile and truck imports into the United States next week,” adding, “Tariffs will be increased to 25%.” He also included a condition: “If they manufacture cars and trucks in factories in the United States, there will be no tariffs.”

Last summer, the United States and the European Union signed the “Turnberry Agreement,” which set a 15% cap on tariffs for automobiles and related components. In return, Europe agreed to invest in the United States and implement changes expected to boost U.S. exports. However, after Trump threatened to annex Greenland, the European Parliament temporarily suspended its review of the agreement. Although it was eventually approved in March, disputes over products such as steel caused negotiations to stall again.

In a statement, the European Commission said it is implementing the agreement “in line with standard legislative practices” and has “maintained full communication with the U.S. government throughout.” It also stated, “We will keep all options open to protect the interests of the European Union.”

Trump has targeted the automotive sector, a particularly sensitive area, as it represents a significant portion of Europe’s economy, and the United States is the EU’s largest export market. This move also came a day after Trump again criticized German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Germany accounts for a large share of EU automobile exports, and a sharp increase in U.S. tariffs could significantly impact the country. Trump’s action is aimed directly at one of the EU’s most export-driven core industries.

Analysts believe German automakers will be the most affected. Companies such as Volkswagen, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz have manufacturing operations in the United States to varying degrees, but many high-end models are still imported, meaning higher tariffs would put greater pressure on profits. Observers are also watching how negotiations between EU countries and the United States will unfold, especially amid ongoing disagreements over foreign policy, approaches toward Iran, and NATO troop deployments.

On the 28th, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) officially announced its withdrawal from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and the OPEC+ alliance, with the decision set to take effect on May 1. The UAE seeks greater independence and flexibility in adjusting its production levels, allowing it to more effectively convert its investments into economic returns before global oil demand slows. This major decision is aimed at enhancing production flexibility and safeguarding national interests.

The UAE government also emphasized that leaving the organization does not mean it will disrupt market stability. The country pledged to introduce additional production capacity to the market in a “gradual and cautious” manner, ensuring alignment with global demand and market conditions. The UAE will continue to cooperate with global consumers and other oil-producing nations to maintain the efficiency and stability of energy supply.

Since joining OPEC in 1967, the UAE has been a member for nearly 60 years. In recent years, the country has continued to focus on diversifying its energy investments, including oil, natural gas, renewable energy, and low-carbon solutions, to support the resilience and transformation of the global energy system. This announcement comes amid heightened tensions between the United States and Iran, which have disrupted energy transportation through the Strait of Hormuz, contributing to a shortfall in global oil supply and increased price volatility. Long-standing disagreements and competition with other OPEC members—especially Saudi Arabia—over production quotas have also played a key role in the UAE’s decision to pursue an independent policy.

According to the latest reports, in response to the international energy crisis triggered by the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, Iran has recently put forward a new proposal advocating a strategy of “first reopening the Strait of Hormuz and ending the war, followed by subsequent nuclear negotiations.” However, according to informed sources, after convening a high-level national security meeting, U.S. President Trump is inclined to reject the proposal.

According to foreign media reports, U.S. officials told the press that the current deadlock in negotiations lies in the issue of sequencing. The U.S. is concerned that if the Strait of Hormuz is reopened prematurely—before resolving Iran’s uranium enrichment progress or establishing control over its stockpile of weapons-grade enriched uranium—it would result in the United States losing critical leverage in nuclear negotiations.

In the face of the energy crisis caused by the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, President Trump has yet to disclose the next steps after meeting with senior national security officials. Despite the surge in U.S. oil prices due to the closure of the shipping route, U.S. officials remain concerned about internal divisions within Iran’s decision-making, which could affect the implementation of any agreement.

Trump is currently maintaining the ceasefire status signed last week and remains cautious about resuming military strikes. White House Assistant Press Secretary Olivia Wales emphasized that these are sensitive diplomatic discussions that will not be negotiated through the media, and reiterated that the United States holds leverage, aiming to reach an agreement that prioritizes American interests and strictly prevents Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

A bomb attack struck a highway in Cauca Department in southwestern Colombia over the weekend, killing at least 20 people and injuring 36 others. Cauca Governor Octavio Guzman said on April 26 via the social media platform X that the explosion was “the most brutal and ruthless attack against civilians in decades” in the region. The blast left a crater of approximately 200 cubic meters. The victims included 15 women and 5 men, all adults, while several of the injured remain in intensive care.

The explosion occurred on the Pan-American Highway in Cauca, a region long plagued by instability. Multiple buses and vans were severely damaged, and some smaller vehicles were overturned by the blast. The military said the attackers first blocked the road using buses and other vehicles before detonating the explosive, clearly targeting civilian traffic. Armed Forces Commander Hugo Lopez described the incident as a clear act of terrorism, with both local and central authorities blaming armed groups for the attack.

The incident comes just over a month before the presidential election at the end of May, in which voters will choose a successor to incumbent leftist President Gustavo Petro. Petro condemned the perpetrators as terrorists on X and identified top wanted figure Ivan Mordisco as the mastermind behind the attack. In recent days, violence has surged in Cauca and neighboring Valle del Cauca, with 26 attacks reported over the past few days. The Ministry of Defense said it has strengthened military and police deployments to prevent armed groups from using violence to disrupt the democratic process ahead of the election.

As the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster approaches, Germany—having fully phased out nuclear power in 2023—has once again seen heated debate in parliament this week over its nuclear energy policy. The far-right Alternative for Germany is calling for the restart of shuttered nuclear plants, while the Alliance 90/The Greens firmly opposes any return to nuclear energy. The governing coalition currently has no plans to revive conventional nuclear power, instead focusing on the development of nuclear fusion technology.

Looking back, on April 26, 1986, an explosion at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant caused the worst nuclear disaster in history, with radioactive fallout affecting multiple countries and profoundly shaping Germany’s anti-nuclear movement. Following the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster in 2011, then-Chancellor Angela Merkel decided to accelerate the nuclear phase-out, culminating in the closure of Germany’s last nuclear power plant in 2023.

Amid energy supply tensions caused by the Russia–Ukraine War and mounting pressure to boost industrial competitiveness, whether nuclear power should return as an energy option has once again become a focal point of political contention. With the 40th anniversary of Chernobyl, the debate has intensified rapidly in parliament this week.

According to records from the German Bundestag, the Alternative for Germany took the lead on the 22nd by submitting a motion to establish an expert committee to assess the feasibility of restarting nuclear plants. The party also called for an immediate halt to the dismantling of several facilities and urged local governments to revoke decommissioning permits.

The following day, the Greens countered with a motion titled “40 Years After Chernobyl—Nuclear Energy and Its Consequences,” urging the federal government not to resume nuclear development in order to avoid the continued accumulation of high-level radioactive waste. The party also called for reducing risks in the nuclear supply chain at the European Union level, including lowering dependence on Russian nuclear fuel and technology, and blocking cooperation between Russia’s state-owned nuclear company and the fuel element plant in Lingen.

The Greens noted that since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, nuclear facilities have repeatedly come close to conflict zones, highlighting the cross-border spillover risks of nuclear safety. They also urged continued assistance to Ukraine in addressing the aftermath of the Chernobyl disaster.

Within the ruling camp, views on restarting conventional nuclear power remain cautious. The Christian Democratic Union, which oversees energy policy, tends to adopt a technology-neutral stance in reassessing the role of nuclear power, while expressing optimism about the development potential of small modular reactors (SMRs) and nuclear fusion.

In terms of policy direction, the government led by Friedrich Merz has already incorporated nuclear fusion into one of its core national strategies. Last October, authorities unveiled a “Fusion Action Plan,” pledging to invest approximately €2 billion (around NT$74 billion) by 2029, with the goal of becoming the first country in the world to achieve commercial nuclear fusion power generation.

However, there are differing views on the future of nuclear energy. Renowned German astrophysicist Harald Lesch pointed out that both nuclear fission and fusion power rely heavily on large amounts of cooling water to operate. If climate change exacerbates water scarcity, it could become a significant limiting factor for the development of nuclear power.