U.S. and China make ‘progress’ toward a deal
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that the U.S. made “substantial progress” in talks with China after a weekend of meetings in Geneva, and that more details would be announced today.
Jamieson Greer, the U.S. trade representative who joined Bessent for the talks, suggested that some form of a “deal” addressed U.S. national security concerns about China’s trade practices. He did not say whether the two nations had agreed to drop any of their punising tariffs.
China’s vice premier for economic policy, He Lifeng, described the talks as “candid, in-depth and constructive” and said that the two countries had reached a deal to establish a “consultation mechanism” to discuss economic and trade issues, according to Chinese state media.
Analysis: “Any reduction in tensions is good news for businesses that depend on trade between the U.S. and China,” said my colleague Ana Swanson, who covers trade for The Times. “But I would be cautious about expecting too much from just two days of meetings.” Other than lower tariffs, a possible outcome tomorrow “may just be more meetings,” she added.
India and Pakistan maintain a cease-fire
The fragile truce between India and Pakistan seemed to be largely holding on its first full day. Both countries claimed victory in a four-day conflict they were engaged in.
After initial fighting on Saturday, President Trump announced that both sides had agreed to a cease-fire with the help of U.S. mediation. He also stated that trade would be increased “substantially” with both nations and that the U.S. would work to settle their dispute over Kashmir.
Pakistan praised America for mediating, but India initially declined to acknowledge the U.S. involvement. Later, New Delhi recognized the discussions with U.S. officials but claimed to have made its own decisions. Below are more details regarding the conflict.
Under the guns: Showkat Nanda, born and raised in Kashmir, grew up hearing gunfire but had never spent a night under military bombardment until this month. He wrote about the experience.
Signs of rift between Trump and Netanyahu
As Trump prepares for a significant foreign visit to the Middle East this week, he and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu exhibit signs of a growing rift.
In February, the two leaders were aligned on issues like the Houthis, Iran, and Gaza. However, Trump has since dismissed Netanyahu’s desire for joint action against Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
Evidence of a divide on Gaza exists as well: Trump’s emissaries are still seeking a deal to stop the war, despite his general endorsement of Netanyahu’s approach to the conflict.
Hamas: The Palestinian armed group announced it would release Edan Alexander, the last living U.S. citizen held captive in Gaza.
More Trump news:
Trump plans to accept a luxury Boeing plane from the Qatari royal family to use as Air Force One, raising significant ethical concerns. This gift would be one of the largest foreign gifts ever accepted by the U.S. government.
The Trump administration plans to allow a first group of white South Africans to enter the U.S. as refugees today, according to officials and documents.
Trump has suggested changing the name of the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Gulf — a suggestion that enraged Iran and its people.
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“I love to see these nerds trying to man up all of a sudden,” remarked a trainer.
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A small nation with ambitious artistic goals
Despite having virtually no art galleries, no art schools, and minimal government funding for the arts, Guinea-Bissau – a small West African nation – recently hosted its first biennale.
The MoAC Biss, running through May 31, features some 150 artists from 17 countries. Curators of the event hope to offer more opportunities for local artists to display their work, highlighting the belief that culture and art “nourish our soul.”
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/12/briefing/china-trade-pakistan-vatican.html
