China · Politics
Same event, multiple sources, transparently cited.
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Putin visits China, welcomed by Xi Jinping; no final gas pipeline deal signed
Russian President Vladimir Putin met Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing on May 20, receiving a warm welcome but leaving without a final pipeline agreement.
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Queen Elizabeth pressed for Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor as UK trade envoy in 2000
Documents reveal Queen Elizabeth pushed for her son Andrew to become UK trade envoy in 2000, a role he held for 10 years.
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Laser hair removal device causes bomb scare and evacuation at Avalon Airport
Avalon Airport in Victoria was partially evacuated early May 21 after luggage screening flagged a suspicious item later identified as a laser hair removal device.
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Residential building collapse in Fez, Morocco kills 15, injures five
A multi-storey building collapsed overnight May 21 in Fez, Morocco, killing 15 and injuring five in rescue operations.
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German couple arrested in Munich for spying for China on military tech
German police arrested a couple in Munich on May 20 for allegedly spying for Chinese intelligence to gather military-use technology information.
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Trump says he will speak with Taiwan President Lai, first direct contact since 1979
US President Donald Trump announced plans to talk with Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te, ending decades of no direct presidential contact.
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UN General Assembly adopts resolution backing ICJ advisory opinion on climate obligations
On May 20, 2026, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution by 141-8 with 28 abstentions supporting the ICJ's climate change advisory opinion.
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US pauses $14 billion Taiwan arms sale to conserve munitions for Iran conflict
The US halted a $14 billion arms sale to Taiwan to ensure munitions for its Iran military operations, Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao said on May 21.
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Chinese President Xi Jinping May Visit North Korea Next Week, Officials Say
Chinese President Xi Jinping may visit North Korea as early as next week amid diplomatic activity in the region.
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Russia voices concern over US, EU rare earth efforts in Central Asia
Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin warned of US and EU moves to control rare earth supply near Russian borders.
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China and Russia adopt 47-page declaration advocating multipolar world and new relations
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in Beijing on May 20 to sign a joint declaration promoting a multipolar world and extensive cooperation agreements.
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Israel intercepts Gaza-bound flotilla, detains 430 activists; Minister Ben-Gvir draws global censure
Israeli naval forces on May 18-19 intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla, detaining 430 pro-Palestinian activists from over 40 countries.
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Taiwan President Lai says island’s future must be decided by its people, not foreign forces
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te said May 20 the island’s future cannot be decided by foreign powers, marking his second year in office.
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Thai Singha heir accused by brother of 12-year sexual abuse; both deny allegations
Hiso Psi accused his brother Hiso Pi, Singha beer heir, of sexual abuse over 12 years; both deny claims as investigation unfolds.
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Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin hold talks in Beijing focusing on strategic ties and energy cooperation
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in Beijing on May 20 to discuss strategic ties and energy projects, signing 40 agreements.
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China secretly trained about 200 Russian soldiers in 2025, some fought in Ukraine
In late 2025, China secretly trained around 200 Russian soldiers in advanced military technologies, with some returning to fight in Ukraine.
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Partial human body found in Tokyo mountains amid bear attack concerns
Police found a partial human body near Nippara, Okutama in Tokyo, investigating a possible bear attack after a series of recent incidents.
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Thailand cancels 60-day visa-free stay for 93 countries, reverts mostly to 30 days
Thailand’s cabinet ended the 60-day visa-free stay for tourists from over 90 countries, returning most to 30 days starting mid-June 2026.
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Putin and Xi discuss Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline but reach no final deal
Vladimir Putin met Xi Jinping in Beijing on May 20 to discuss the Power of Siberia 2 pipeline but left without a breakthrough agreement.
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Russian Nuclear Chief Warns Zaporizhzhia Plant Situation Nears Point of No Return
Rosatom head Alexei Likhachev warned May 18 that attacks on Russia-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant have pushed conditions near a critical threshold.
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Heavy rains and flooding kill at least 10 and displace thousands in southern China
Heavy rains and floods across southern and central China have killed at least 10 people and forced large-scale evacuations since May 17.
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Taiwan Legislature Rejects First Ever Presidential Impeachment Motion Against Lai Ching-te
Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan voted 56-50 on May 19, 2026, rejecting the impeachment motion against President Lai Ching-te.
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Former Spanish PM Zapatero investigated for Plus Ultra bailout influence peddling
Spain's High Court placed ex-PM Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero under investigation for alleged influence peddling linked to a 2021 airline bailout.
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Russia launches three-day nuclear drills with over 65,000 troops from May 19-21
Russia began a three-day nuclear weapons exercise involving more than 65,000 troops and extensive military hardware across Russia and Belarus starting May 19, 2026.