International
Chinese Minister of Defense: “The negotiation is the only way out of wars in Gaza and Ukraine”
The Chinese Minister of Defense, Dong Jun, said in Beijing that “negotiation” and “a peaceful solution” are “the only way out” of the wars in Gaza and Ukraine, reiterating that “the end of any conflict is reconciliation.”
“Each country has the right to safeguard its security as well as its interests and development, but a fair international order is needed to solve problems.
China, ready to achieve peace in Gaza and Ukraine
China is willing to build peace together with the armed forces of other countries,” Dong said when inaugurating the Beijing Xiangshan Forum, China’s largest annual military diplomacy event, with the participation of more than 90 countries and international organizations.
Dong held a meeting last night with Russian Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin, who is in Beijing to attend the forum, in which the Russian said that relations between Beijing and Moscow “are of great importance for security and global and regional stability,” according to the Chinese Defense portfolio.
He also met separately with the defense ministers of Chile, Madagascar, Mauritania, Maldives, Tajikistan, Belarus and Armenia, meetings in which Dong stated that “in the face of the international and regional situation of chaos and unrest, we need to join closely, discuss global security plans and explore strategies for long-term peace and stability.”
In his speech today, Dong emphasized that China seeks to “make new and greater contributions to global security” and stressed that “only countries that make autonomous decisions will be respected by the international community.”
“No one is alien to threats such as climate change and terrorism. Countries, whether large or small, must unite and address them together on equal terms,” he said.
Thus, he called for “consensus” and “mutual respect and trust” to address global challenges since “the deeper the cooperation, the more stable the relations will be and the safer the world will be.”
First appearance of Dong
This is Dong’s first public appearance in a forum of these characteristics since he took office in 2023 replacing former Minister Li Shangfu, who was dismissed without explanation and was later expelled from the Chinese Communist Party after being accused of a crime of corruption.
The forum, which is also marked by the recent tensions between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea and the Taiwane issue, is expected to attend the US Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for China, Taiwan and Mongolia, Michael Chase.
A Ukrainian delegation composed of academics and former officials, including Oleksandr Chalyi, former Deputy Foreign Minister of that country, also participates in the forum.
Central America
El Salvador and Paraguay approve 2026–2028 cooperation program
The governments of El Salvador and Paraguay approved the 2026–2028 Cooperation Program, which includes six joint development projects, according to Salvadoran Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Adriana Mira.
Mira stated that El Salvador will act as the “main provider of cooperation,” contributing five initiatives focused on road infrastructure, tourism, and local development. She also noted that one of the projects will be led by the Paraguayan side, although no further details were disclosed.
The agreement was reached during the Second Meeting of the Joint Commission on Technical and Scientific Cooperation between both countries.
According to Paraguay’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the First Meeting of the Political Consultation and Bilateral Coordination Mechanism was also held, with the participation of Vice Minister Víctor Verdún.
In an official statement, the Paraguayan government reported that both delegations agreed to identify mechanisms to promote competitiveness, economic growth, and market access. They also committed to signing agreements related to air transport cooperation.
International
Macron meets Machado, stresses need for democratic transition in Venezuela
Emmanuel Macron met on Monday at the Élysée Palace with Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, where they discussed the importance of advancing a democratic transition in Venezuela.
In a message shared on social media, Macron highlighted Machado’s commitment to freedom and stressed the need to achieve a transition that is peaceful and respects the will of the Venezuelan people.
“I received María Corina Machado, Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Together, we discussed her commitment to freedom and the importance of achieving a democratic, peaceful transition in Venezuela that respects the will of its people,” he wrote.
For her part, Machado expressed her “deep gratitude” to Macron and to France for their support of democracy and freedom in Venezuela.
“We have gone through a long and painful journey, and we are now very close to freedom. Venezuela will become a nation of free and equal men and women—prosperous, safe, and united,” she said.
International
Trump says Iran seeks new talks after failed negotiations in Pakistan
Donald Trump said on Monday that Iran has reached out to United States to resume negotiations, following the collapse of recent talks held in Islamabad.
“We’ve been contacted by the other side,” Trump told reporters, adding that Iran is eager to reach a deal “at all costs.” Speaking from the Oval Office, he reiterated that his main objective is to prevent the Islamic Republic from acquiring nuclear weapons and warned that he will not allow Iran to “blackmail” the international community.
After negotiations between Washington and Tehran ended without agreement on Sunday, Trump announced that the U.S. would move to block the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil trade.
The waterway had already been disrupted by Iran in response to a U.S. and Israeli offensive launched on February 28, causing significant shocks to the global economy.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump further warned that any Iranian vessel attempting to bypass the U.S. naval blockade in the strait would be “eliminated immediately.”
The renewed tensions have pushed oil prices higher, while global stock markets have reacted negatively to the lack of an agreement in Islamabad.
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