- Biden and Xi Jinping Resolve to Resume Military Communications, Easing Tensions: U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping concluded talks in San Francisco, pledging to revive communications between their nations’ militaries. This agreement aims to defuse longstanding concerns of potential conflicts, particularly over Taiwan.
- Xi Jinping Engages U.S. Business Leaders, Vows Cooperation: During a meeting with US corporate heads in San Francisco, Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed China’s willingness to collaborate and extend a hand of partnership to the United States. Amid challenges in attracting foreign investments, China seeks to bolster confidence among global businesses.
- ExxonMobil to Invest Up to $15 Billion in Indonesia: Indonesian President Joko Widodo confirmed plans for ExxonMobil, a major US oil corporation, to inject investments totaling up to $15 billion into Indonesia, signifying a significant economic partnership.
- Security Incident Near Israeli Embassy in Tokyo; Officer Injured: Reports emerged of a car crashing into a fence near the Israeli Embassy in Tokyo, injuring a police officer on security duty in the area. Investigations are underway regarding the circumstances of the incident.
- UNICEF Executive Director’s Trip to Israel Postponed Due to Car Accident: Catherine Russell, Executive Director of UNICEF, postponed her scheduled visit to Israel following injuries sustained in a car accident while en route to the Gaza Strip from Egypt.
- U.S. Senate Passes Interim Budget Bill: The US Senate voted 87-11 to pass an interim budget bill, following approval by the House of Representatives earlier this week. The bill aims to maintain government operations amid ongoing discussions on the federal budget.
- Myanmar Military Government Prepares for Potential Emergency Situations: Spokesperson Zaw Min Tun announced the Myanmar military government’s readiness for possible insurgent attacks, urging officials to prepare for contingencies and calling on individuals with military experience to join the reserve force.
- TikTok Emerges as News Source; Microsoft Develops Custom AI Chips: A Pew Research Center study revealed an increasing number of TikTok users turning to the platform for news consumption. Microsoft announced tailored processor chips as part of efforts to address high costs in providing artificial intelligence services.
- FAA Grants License for SpaceX Starship Launch: The US Federal Aviation Administration approved Elon Musk’s SpaceX to launch its Starship and Super Heavy booster rocket into orbit from a Texas launch pad, marking a significant milestone for the company.
