Weekly Brief

Welcome to the tut0ugh Weekly Brief. This past week, Trump and Xi met in Beijing, the UK prime minister faced increasing pressure, and global protests, elections and strategic partnerships shaped international developments.

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Trump and Xi hold highly anticipated Beijing Summit

US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping opened a two-day summit in Beijing on Thursday (14 May), emphasising the importance of stable US–China relations amid global geopolitical uncertainty. Xi warned of shifting global power dynamics and referenced the “Thucydides Trap”, while stating that cooperation would benefit both countries and global stability.

Trump described Xi as a “great leader” and said bilateral relations would improve, highlighting US business engagement in China. Discussions covered Taiwan, Iran and nuclear policy, with Trump noting limited alignment on Iran and avoiding firm commitments on Taiwan defence policy. Both leaders signalled a preference for continued dialogue despite unresolved strategic and trade disputes.

UK PM Keir Starmer faces mounting Labour pressure after election losses and cabinet resignation

Prime Minister Keir Starmer acknowledged Labour’s local election losses as “tough” and accepted responsibility amid growing pressure over the party’s direction. The results saw gains for Reform UK and further debate over Brexit, immigration and the UK’s future relationship with Europe.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting resigned, saying he had “lost confidence” in Starmer and confirming he would enter any Labour leadership contest. Streeting described Brexit as a “catastrophic mistake” and argued for closer ties with the European Union.

Meanwhile, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham received approval to seek selection for the Makerfield by-election, potentially paving the way for a future leadership challenge as internal Labour divisions deepen.

Trump says senior Islamic State leader killed in joint US–Nigeria operation

US President Donald Trump said a joint US–Nigeria operation killed Abu Bakr al-Mainuki, a senior leader of Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), during a raid in the Lake Chad Basin. Nigerian authorities described al-Mainuki as a key operational figure involved in finances, media and weapons development, while US officials had previously designated him a global terrorist.

The operation reflected expanding military cooperation between Washington and Abuja after renewed intelligence coordination and US deployments earlier this year. 

IS-linked groups remain active across Nigeria, the Lake Chad Basin, and the Sahel region

CIA Director John Ratcliffe holds Havana talks as Cuba energy crisis deepens

CIA Director John Ratcliffe met senior Cuban officials in Havana for talks on intelligence cooperation, economic stability and regional security as Cuba faces worsening fuel shortages and blackouts. Cuban authorities said both sides discussed improving bilateral dialogue and law enforcement cooperation, while the US delegation reportedly delivered a message from President Donald Trump.

A CIA official said Washington was prepared to engage on economic and security issues if Cuba implemented “fundamental changes”. Meanwhile, Energy Minister Vicente de la O Levy said Cuba had exhausted its diesel and fuel oil reserves, contributing to major power outages, disruption to hospitals and schools, and protests in Havana amid continuing US sanctions tensions.

France seeks renewed Africa strategy through investment, infrastructure and diplomatic engagement

French President Emmanuel Macron toured Egypt, Kenya and Ethiopia as France sought to strengthen trade, investment and security partnerships across Africa following setbacks in several Sahel states. In Nairobi, Macron and Kenyan President William Ruto co-hosted the Africa Forward Summit 2026, announcing agreements covering transport, energy, digital infrastructure, health and artificial intelligence cooperation.

Macron also announced €23 billion in French and African investment commitments, with projects targeting energy transition, agriculture and logistics, including upgrades to Mombasa port and Nairobi’s commuter rail network.

In Addis Ababa, Macron joined Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, African Union officials and United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres in supporting reform of the UN Security Council to improve African representation.

London demonstrations prompt major police operation as unrest grows in Bolivia and Belgium

More than 4,000 Metropolitan Police officers were deployed across central London as rival demonstrationsinvolving the Unite the Kingdom rally and a pro-Palestinian Nakba Day march took place under heightened security. Police said 43 arrests were made and four officers assaulted, while Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood stressed the importance of lawful protest and public order.

In Bolivia, demonstrations linked to inflation, fuel shortages and economic instability led to clashes near the presidential palace in La Paz, with miners reportedly using dynamite during protests.

Meanwhile, tens of thousands marched in Brussels against pension and wage reforms under Prime Minister Bart De Wever, disrupting transport and airport operations across Belgium.

Kazakhstan and Türkiye sign expanded strategic partnership; Israel and Lebanon extend ceasefire

Kazakhstan and Türkiye signed a Declaration on Eternal Friendship and Expanded Strategic Partnership during President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s visit to Astana. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said bilateral trade had risen nearly 9% to more than €4.5 billion, with both countries targeting €13 billion in future trade. Agreements covered energy, UAV production, investment, education and transport cooperation linked to the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route.

Meanwhile, Israel and Lebanon agreed to extend their ceasefire by 45 days following talks in Washington DC. Further political negotiations are expected in June as both sides continue efforts to reduce cross-border tensions involving Hezbollah.

Saudi Arabia and Spain sign strategic partnership; India and UAE deepen defence cooperation

Saudi Arabia and Spain signed a strategic partnership agreement in Madrid aimed at expanding cooperation in defence, trade, investment, security and culture. Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud and Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares Bueno also agreed to establish a Saudi-Spanish Strategic Partnership Council and signed a diplomatic visa exemption agreement. Both sides called for de-escalation across the Middle East and stressed maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the United Arab Emirates agreed a strategic defence partnership covering defence manufacturing, cyber security, maritime cooperation and advanced technology. The agreement also included expanded energy cooperation and around $5 billion in UAE-linked investments amid continuing regional energy uncertainty.

Latvian PM Evika Silina resigns after coalition collapse; Yoweri Museveni begins seventh Uganda term

Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina resigned after the collapse of her governing coalition following controversy over Ukraine-linked drones entering Latvian airspace. The crisis intensified after Defence Minister Andris Spruds was dismissed, prompting the Progressives party to withdraw support before Latvia’s October election. President Edgars Rinkevics is expected to begin consultations on forming a new government.

In Uganda, President Yoweri Museveni was sworn in for a seventh term after winning January’s presidential election with 71.65% of the vote, according to the Electoral Commission. Opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, known as Bobi Wine, rejected the result, citing alleged irregularities, intimidation and arrests during the campaign period.

Bahamas PM Philip Davis wins second term; Solomon Islands elects Matthew Wale after no-confidence vote

Prime Minister Philip Davis and the Progressive Liberal Party secured re-election in the Bahamas, becoming the first administration in nearly 30 years to win consecutive terms. The PLP was projected to win more than 30 of 41 parliamentary seats after a campaign dominated by housing shortages, stagnant wages and cost-of-living pressures.

Former Prime Minister Hubert Minnis lost his independent bid, while Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper retained his seat. Former NBA player Rick Fox was defeated in Garden Hills.

In the Solomon Islands, lawmakers elected Solomon Islands Democratic Party leader Matthew Wale as prime minister after former leader Jeremiah Manele lost a no-confidence vote. Wale pledged reforms while balancing relations with China and Australia.

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