Weekly Brief

Welcome to the tut0ugh Weekly Brief. This past week, China launched a new mediation body, Russia advanced in Ukraine, and tensions rose in the West Bank. Meanwhile, Macron expanded Asia ties and Trump’s tariffs face legal battle.

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China launches new international mediation body in Hong Kong

China has launched the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed) in Hong Kong, with backing from over 30 countries including Pakistan, Indonesia, and Cuba. The initiative aims to promote peaceful dispute resolution through mediation, offering an alternative to litigation and arbitration. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said IOMed seeks to move beyond “zero-sum” approaches and support cooperative international relations. 

Positioned as a complement to existing bodies like the International Court of Justice, IOMed also boosts Hong Kong’s status as a legal hub. Its creation reflects China’s expanding diplomatic influence, particularly among Global South nations, and its bid to shape global governance through consensus rather than Western-led institutions.

US court reinstates Trump tariffs amid legal battle

A US federal appeals court has temporarily reinstated tariffs introduced under Donald Trump, pausing a lower court ruling that found the measures exceeded presidential authority. The Trump administration argued the tariffs were vital for national security under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), though critics say the act was misused.

Meanwhile, Trump accused China of violating a recent tariff agreement made in Geneva, raising fears of renewed trade conflict. No evidence or retaliatory measures were announced, but US officials admit talks have stalled. Further high-level negotiations may follow as economic and diplomatic pressures mount.

Russia seizes more Ukrainian territory amid fears of fresh ground offensive

Russia has made further advances in Ukraine, seizing villages in Sumy and Donetsk and prompting evacuations in 11 northern settlements. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy warned that 50,000 Russian troops are now near the Sumy border, fuelling concerns of a new ground offensive. Peace talks proposed by Moscow are set to begin in Istanbul, but Kyiv refuses to attend without a prior ceasefire proposal. 

Despite recent prisoner exchanges, diplomatic progress remains stalled. The EU accuses Moscow of using talks to buy time, while Trump’s US and Türkiye push for renewed dialogue.

SpaceX’s Starship fails mid-flight in ninth test mission

SpaceX’s latest Starship test flight ended early on Thursday (May. 31) due to a fuel leak and loss of control, leading to the rocket breaking apart during re-entry. Although uncrewed, the flight surpassed previous efforts but did not meet its full mission goals. The incident, described as a “rapid unscheduled disassembly,” marks the ninth test in Elon Musk’s Mars-focused programme and forms part of NASA’s Artemis Moon mission. 

The FAA briefly grounded flights from four Florida airports, and debris was reported across the southern US and Caribbean. Despite safety and environmental concerns, the FAA recently approved increasing SpaceX’s annual launch limit from five to 25. International coordination was required due to the wide debris zone.

Luís Montenegro reappointed as Portugal’s PM, rules out immediate reforms

Portugal’s Prime Minister Luís Montenegro has ruled out immediate constitutional reform, distancing his new minority government from demands by the ‘far-right’ Chega party. Montenegro’s centre-right Democratic Alliance (AD) won 91 of 230 seats in the recent election, falling short of a majority. Chega came second with 60 seats, followed by the Socialist Party (PS) with 58. 

While Chega had pushed for sweeping institutional changes, Montenegro confirmed his government will focus instead on economic growth, public services, and health reform. He did not rule out constitutional discussions later in his term. The new parliament will convene once final results are confirmed, marking Portugal’s 25th constitutional government since the 1974 Carnation Revolution

Israel blocks Arab delegation as it approves major West Bank settlement expansion

Israel has blocked several Arab foreign ministers from entering the West Bank, calling their planned visit to Ramallah a provocation aimed at promoting Palestinian statehood. The delegation included Saudi Arabia’s Prince Faisal bin Farhan and ministers from Jordan, Egypt, and Bahrain. Jordan called the move a violation of international law. The visit aimed to build support for a two-state solution ahead of a New York summit. 

Meanwhile, Israel announced the creation of 22 new settlements in the West Bank—the largest expansion in years—described by Israeli ministers as a strategic move to block Palestinian statehood. On Saturday (May. 31), Palestinian militant group Hamas said it had offered a partial hostage release in exchange for prisoners in response to the latest ceasefire proposal put forward by Steve Witkoff, the US special envoy for the Middle East.

Macron deepens Southeast Asia ties with defence, energy, and culture deals

French President Emmanuel Macron’s Southeast Asia tour has seen major deals signed with Singapore, Vietnam, and Indonesia as France seeks to expand influence in the region. In Singapore, Macron secured a comprehensive strategic partnership—the first of its kind with a European country—covering clean energy, defence, and cybersecurity. 

In Vietnam, France signed €9 billion in agreements across aviation, defence, and healthcare, including 20 Airbus aircraft for VietJet. Macron reaffirmed support for maritime security amid tensions in the South China Sea. In Indonesia, a new cultural partnership was launched, promoting heritage, film, and youth collaboration. The tour aligns with EU efforts to diversify supply chains and reduce reliance on US and Chinese markets.

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