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Chinese President Xi Jinping and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva held talks in Beijing on Tuesday, reaffirming their countries strategic partnership and agreeing to deepen cooperation in multiple sectors.

Marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations, the leaders emphasized advancing a “China-Brazil community with a shared future.” Xi advocated for coordinated development policies and increased collaboration in infrastructure, agriculture, energy, aerospace, the digital economy, and artificial intelligence. He also emphasized the importance of enhancing exchanges in education, culture, and local government, according to Xinhua.

Xi addressed the need of reciprocal support for fundamental interests and urged greater international cooperation to uphold multilateralism, develop global governance, and resist protectionism and unilateralism.

President Lula assured Brazil's commitment to aligning its development program with China's Belt and Road Initiative. He stood for more collaboration in trade, finance, science, and technology. Lula also supported joint initiatives to elevate the voice of the Global South and promote fairness in global development, Xinhua reported.

The leaders witnessed the signing of 20 cooperation agreements in crucial areas such as agriculture, science, digital economy, and media. They also issued joint statements on bilateral cooperation, multilateralism, and the Ukraine crisis.

President Donald Trump has halved tariffs on small packages from China and Hong Kong, following a temporary trade truce between the two nations.

Tariffs on goods worth up to $800 have been reduced from 120 percent to 54 percent, with a $100 flat fee per item retained for shipments after May 2. A planned $200 charge set for June 1 has been cancelled, according to BBC.

The move impacts Chinese e-commerce platforms like Shein and Temu, which previously benefited from the now-closed “de minimis” duty-free rule. The shift coincides with a 90-day tariff respite and restarted trade negotiations between the United States and China.

China on Monday released a white paper detailing its national security strategy for the new era, aiming to clarify its security approach and foster international understanding.

The white paper presents a comprehensive framework based on a holistic security paradigm, promoting China as a source of stability in the face of global uncertainty. It focuses on preserving national sovereignty, encouraging high-quality growth, and protecting political and public security, according to Xinhua.

Rooted in Xi Jinping Thought, the strategy prioritizes people’s security, national interests, and political stability. It integrates development with security and highlights reform, innovation, and system modernization as key drivers.

The document also introduces the Global Security Initiative, advocating shared global security, true multilateralism, and a more equitable international security governance framework, Xinhua reported.

China presents its security model as a stabilizing force, contributing to global peace and development while advancing national rejuvenation.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Sunday reported "substantial progress" in U.S. talks with China's top economic officials to de-escalate a damaging trade war, but offered no details of an agreement reached as two days of negotiations wrapped up in Geneva, Reuters reported.

Bessent told reporters that details would be announced on Monday and that U.S. President Donald Trump was fully aware of the results of the "productive talks."

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, who participated in the talks with Bessent, Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng and two Chinese vice ministers, described the conclusion as "a deal we struck with our Chinese partners" that will help reduce the $1.2 trillion U.S. global goods trade deficit.

"And this was, as the Secretary pointed out, a very constructive two days. It's important to understand how quickly we were able to come to agreement, which reflects that perhaps the differences were not so large as maybe thought," Greer said, adding that the Chinese officials were "tough negotiators," according to Reuters.

China's factory-gate prices fell 2.7 percent in April, the steepest drop in six months, while consumer prices fell for the third consecutive month, underscoring mounting deflation risks.

The economic downturn is being driven by low domestic demand, a prolonged housing collapse, and escalating trade tensions with the United States, according to Reuters.

In response, Beijing has announced more stimulus measures, like as rate reduction and liquidity increases. Retail giants such as JD.com and Alibaba's Freshippo are assisting exporters in shifting to the domestic market, however low consumer confidence may keep prices under pressure.

As trade talks start in Switzerland, global banks have downgraded China's GDP forecast to below the official 5 percent target, citing the impact of ongoing economic headwinds, Reuters reported.

Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng and US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent began talks in Geneva on Saturday, aiming to ease escalating trade tensions between the two nations.

The discussion, held privately at the Swiss ambassador's residence, came after weeks of hefty tariff increases that disrupted global trade and stoked recession fears, according to Reuters.

The United States wants China to lower its trade deficit and implement economic reforms, but Beijing wants tariff cuts and more equitable treatment.

Though differences remain, the talks mark a tentative step toward resolution, Reuters reported.

Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico on Friday, emphasizing China's commitment to improving relations with Slovakia and advancing China-EU collaboration. The encounter took place during ceremonies commemorating the Soviet Union's victory in the Great Patriotic War, which occurred 80 years ago, Xinhua reported.

Xi underlined that China-Slovakia relations are fast improving, emphasizing the continuous execution of agreements from Fico's 2023 visit to China. He advocated for further collaboration in trade, investment, and Belt and Road initiatives, and he welcomed Slovakia's selection as the guest country of honor at the 2018 China-CEEC Expo.

Fico described the strategic partnership with China as a key foreign policy priority and reaffirmed Slovakia’s support for the one-China policy. He expressed strong backing for China’s global initiatives and praised its constructive role on international issues. Slovakia, he said, is committed to working with China to support multilateralism, free trade, and global supply chain stability, as reported by Xinhua.

President Donald Trump has indicated that tariffs on Chinese goods may soon be reduced, ahead of key trade talks between US and Chinese officials in Switzerland, BBC reported.

“You can’t get any higher. It’s at 145, so we know it’s coming down,” he said, alluding to the current import taxes of up to 145% on Chinese products.The negotiations could be a turning point in the ongoing trade battle.

China's Vice Foreign Minister Hua Chunying voiced confidence in managing trade tensions, although analysts believe both sides are under mounting economic pressure and willing to negotiate a modest de-escalation, as stated by BBC.

Russian President Vladimir Putin led a grand parade in Red Square to commemorate Victory Day, the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's defeat over Nazi Germany.

The event, held under strict security amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, was attended by 27 foreign leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, CNN reported.

Putin addressed troops and international dignitaries, describing Russia's intervention in Ukraine as a continuation of the Soviet fight against fascism. Thousands of soldiers marched alongside new weapons and foreign contingents, including 102 Chinese troops, as Moscow and Beijing's military and political ties strengthened.

Putin and Xi held bilateral discussions ahead of the parade, highlighting their growing partnership. Despite EU reservations, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico was the sole EU leader attending. Venezuelan, Serbian, and Vietnamese leaders were also in attendance, according to CNN.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had previously stated that he could not guarantee the safety of anyone attending the event and encouraged heads of state not to travel to Moscow.

The New York Times reports that President Donald Trump plans on announcing a trade agreement with the United Kingdom on Thursday. It would be the first since his massive tariffs went into force.

Trump teased the agreement on Truth Social on Wednesday, calling it a "MAJOR TRADE DEAL" with a "HIGHLY RESPECTED" country, but did not mention the United Kingdom by name.

The deal's final status is unknown, but it comes amid investor concern about growing trade tensions. The IMF recently lower its global growth prediction for 2025 from 3.3% to 2.8%, citing trade uncertainty, according to The New York Times.

Talks between the United States and China are also scheduled to resume this weekend in Switzerland.

The US Federal Reserve left its benchmark interest rate constant at 4.25%-4.50%, citing inflation and employment risks associated with President Trump's recent tariffs.

The Fed observed a rise in imports ahead of the tariffs, but concluded it had no major impact on overall GDP. Tariffs imposed on China and other countries have caused market volatility, but execution will be delayed until July to allow for trade discussions, Reuters reported.

Despite low unemployment and stable inflation, early indicators suggest a possible economic slowdown. The Federal Reserve reaffirmed its independent role in regulating inflation and employment.

China announced new stimulus measures on Wednesday to support its economy ahead of high-stakes trade talks with the United States this weekend in Switzerland, Reuters reported.

The central bank will lower its benchmark seven-day reverse repo rate by 10 basis points to 1.40 percent on May 8 and drop the reserve requirement ratio by 50 basis points on May 15, pumping 1trn yuan ($138bn) of liquidity.

The move comes as statistics showed China's factory activity dropped at the quickest rate in 16 months, raising concerns about tariffs, job losses, and deflation, according to Reuters.

Regulators also promised targeted assistance, such as increased stock market access for insurers, tariff relief, and new low-cost lending tools for technology, aged care, and small enterprises.

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday exchanged congratulatory messages with European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union, according to Xinhua.

President Xi stressed the worldwide significance of China-EU relations, stating that they had helped to promote mutual development and global stability. He indicated his willingness to improve cooperation, increase mutual openness, and resolve disagreements through communication.

Xi also advocated for collaborative efforts to maintain fairness and justice in international affairs, while rejecting unilateral moves and bullying on the global stage, Xinhua reported.

Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit Russia from May 7 to 10 to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Nazi Germany's defeat, the Kremlin has announced. He will meet with President Vladimir Putin to strengthen strategic ties and sign bilateral agreements, Reuters reported.

Leaders from Brazil, Serbia, and Slovakia are also expected. Putin suggested a three-day ceasefire with Ukraine around May 9 Victory Day, but Ukrainian President Zelensky insisted on a 30-day truce, citing security concerns for visiting dignitaries. Zelensky also accused China of sending weapons to Russia, as stated by Reuters.

In a state media documentary, Putin hailed ties with China as "deep-seated" and "truly strategic".

TikTok was fined €530m ($600m) by Ireland's Data Protection Commission (DPC) for failing to adequately safeguard EU users' personal data, Reuters reported.

The regulator said that the platform, controlled by China's ByteDance, failed to verify that data accessed remotely by Chinese employees followed EU privacy laws. TikTok was also ordered to halt data transfers to China unless it completes full compliance within six months,

The DPC criticized TikTok for not addressing potential access by Chinese authorities under national laws that conflict with EU regulations. Although TikTok claimed it used EU-approved safeguards and has introduced new data protection measures, the DPC said recent disclosures revealed some EU data was stored in China earlier this year, according to Reuters.

This is TikTok’s second major fine by the DPC, following a €345m penalty in 2023 over the mishandling of children’s personal data.

China has lifted sanctions on numerous European Parliament members and its human rights subcommittee, Parliament President Roberta Metsola revealed on Wednesday. The move tries to mend relations with the EU amid rising trade tensions with the United States, Reuters reported.

Beijing implemented the sanctions in 2021 in response to EU criticism of its treatment of Uyghur Muslims. The measures prohibited access into China and restricted economic transactions.
Metsola praised the decision, emphasizing the need of free dialogue. China's foreign ministry advocated for greater legislative connections and increased EU visits, as stated by Reuters.

Reinhard Butikofer, a former German MEP, remains sanctioned. He praised the development but condemned the persistent limitations on six members of civil society and think tanks.