International
China special envoy makes unannounced Myanmar visit
AFP
China’s special envoy for Asian affairs has wrapped an unannounced, week-long visit to Myanmar that included discussions with its junta leader on the country’s political future, Beijing said Tuesday.
Myanmar has been in political chaos since the military ousted Aung San Suu Kyi’s government in February, launching a bloody crackdown on dissent.
International efforts to stem the violence have failed to yield results, with the European Union accusing junta allies Russia and China of blocking efforts at the UN Security Council to impose an arms embargo.
Special envoy Sun Guoxiang met junta leader Min Aung Hlaing and “exchanged views… on the political landscape in Myanmar,” according to a statement released by Beijing’s embassy in Myanmar.
China supports “Myanmar’s efforts to restore social stability and resume democratic transformation at an early date,” it said.
The statement on Sun’s August 21-28 visit did not mention any meeting with the shadow government of lawmakers from Suu Kyi’s ousted party, who insist they are Myanmar’s legitimate authority.
Beijing enjoys exceptional leverage over Myanmar, and has so far refused to label the military action a coup.
Sun played a role in previous peace talks between Myanmar’s military and myriad ethnic groups — some of whom Beijing maintains alliances with, analysts say.
Myanmar is also a vital piece of Beijing’s huge Belt and Road infrastructure initiative.
Last year, Chinese President Xi Jinping visited the country and promised to support the Myanmar government on a development path “suited to its own national conditions”.
Chinese state media on Tuesday reported the successful completion of a test journey carrying cargo along a new sea-road-rail passage linking southwest China to the Indian Ocean through Myanmar.
International
Ex-Pemex director linked to Odebrecht scandal detained in Texas, faces trial in Mexico
Carlos Treviño Medina, former director of Mexico’s state-owned oil company Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex) between 2017 and 2018—during the final year of President Enrique Peña Nieto’s administration—has been detained in the United States and will be deported to Mexico to face corruption charges, President Claudia Sheinbaum said Thursday.
“He was detained in the U.S., an ex-director of Pemex who was already on alert lists. He will be deported and will face trial here in Mexico for corruption-related matters,” Sheinbaum told reporters during her morning press conference.
Shortly after, Sheinbaum confirmed that the detainee is Treviño Medina, who is accused of receiving bribes in connection with the Odebrecht scandal, “among other things.” She added: “We should ask the Attorney General’s Office exactly what the charges are. What I can say is that it is related to a complaint filed by Emilio Lozoya,” a former Pemex official also implicated in the Odebrecht corruption case.
Later in the day, Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office (FGR) stated in a press release that Treviño Medina was arrested on August 12 in Dallas, Texas, by agents of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which currently holds him in custody while deportation proceedings move forward.
The FGR noted that Treviño Medina is subject to an active arrest warrant in Mexico on charges of criminal association and money laundering.
Meanwhile, the U.S. government said that ICE detained Treviño Medina for overstaying his visa by nearly three years.
International
Residente to perform free concert at Mexico City’s Zócalo on september 6
Mexico City’s head of government, Clara Brugada, announced on Saturday that Puerto Rican musician Residente will perform a free concert at the capital’s Zócalo on September 6.
“I have great news for you! On Saturday, September 6, at 8:00 p.m., Residente will perform. It’s a song to freedom and Latin American resistance,” Brugada said in a video posted on X.
According to the Mexico City Ministry of Culture, Residente will take the stage “with lyrics loaded with social messages and rhythms that have marked generations.” The singer, who has already held free concerts at the Zócalo, also shared the announcement on his social media, emphasizing the historic significance of the venue.
“I don’t take this for granted, I know where I’m performing—it’s a special place (…) It’s where the flag of a free Mexico was first woven, and that’s what I want for my own country as well. (…) I don’t know how much longer I’ll keep performing, but what I do know is that I want to enjoy this day to the fullest with all of you,” he wrote on Instagram.
With over 20 years of career, René Pérez Joglar—better known as Residente—is recognized as a rapper, songwriter, and music producer, as well as the co-founder and lead vocalist of the group Calle 13. His lyrics have long stood out for their political and social content.
The Zócalo show will open with a performance by the female collective Mujer en Cypher, featuring Arianna Puello, Ximbo, Niña Dios, Prania Esponda, Azuki, and Mena, according to the Ministry of Culture.
International
Trump and Putin end Alaska summit without Ukraine peace agreement
U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin wrapped up their summit in Alaska on Friday with a brief joint press conference, during which they announced no agreement on peace in Ukraine.
Trump described the more than three-hour meeting with Putin and his delegation at Elmendorf-Richardson base as “extremely productive,” but admitted, “we have not reached the goal.”
“Many points were agreed upon. Only a few remain unresolved. Some are not significant. One is probably the most significant, but we have a good chance of resolving them. We haven’t gotten there yet, but we have a good chance of achieving it,” Trump stated cryptically at the no-questions press conference.
According to White House officials, the summit began around 11:30 a.m. local time (7:30 p.m. GMT).
Trump was joined by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy for the Middle East and Kremlin mediator Steve Witkoff. On Putin’s side, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Kremlin foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov were in attendance.
Ex-Pemex director linked to Odebrecht scandal detained in Texas, faces trial in Mexico
Residente to perform free concert at Mexico City’s Zócalo on september 6
Honduran prosecutors charge three with terrorism and assassination plot against Manuel Zelaya
Tec de Monterrey honors one of its students for his contribution to nanotechnology in medicine
Defense Minister commends salvadoran soldier for Central American Cross Country victory
Extension of the state of emergency approved in southern Chile
-
Central America5 days agoGuatemalan gang members riot, take prison guards hostage over leader transfers
-
Central America5 days agoHonduras condemns U.S. reward against Nicolás Maduro as baseless attacks
-
Central America3 days agoInternational tourism brings over $2.2 billion to El Salvador in 2025
-
Central America4 days agoSix officials detained for misusing municipal funds in Honduras, luxury goods found
-
International4 days agoTrump deploys National Guard as Pentagon plans quick-reaction force for civil disturbances
-
International5 days agoU.S. offers $5 million reward for arrest of haitian gang leader Jimmy “Barbeque” Cherizier
-
International5 days agoColombian president Gustavo Petro warns against U.S. military intervention in Venezuela
-
Internacionales3 days agoFlorida governor Ron DeSantis announces new migrant detention center in Northern Florida
-
International3 days agoTabasco ex-officials linked to drug trafficking spark Mexico-U.S. tensions
-
International4 days agoUruguay’s Lower House votes to legalize euthanasia amid broad public support
-
International3 days agoPope Leo XIV marks first 100 days with prudence and diplomacy
-
Central America1 day agoHonduran prosecutors charge three with terrorism and assassination plot against Manuel Zelaya
-
International1 day agoTrump and Putin end Alaska summit without Ukraine peace agreement
-
International16 hours agoResidente to perform free concert at Mexico City’s Zócalo on september 6
-
International16 hours agoEx-Pemex director linked to Odebrecht scandal detained in Texas, faces trial in Mexico