U.S-China talks concludes, new constructive partnerships created | World News Tonight

Ajouté : 2026-05-20

[00:00:05]Good evening [music] on World News Tonight. Summit concludes. US-China talks concludes as new constructive [music] partnerships are reached between the two nations. Five nation visit.

[00:00:16]Prime Minister Narendra Modi began a five nation [music] tour making his first stop at the UAE. Porky Hamlet. A pigmy Hamlet has been returned home after escaping from his home yard.

[00:00:36]>> [music] >> From Colombo, this is World News Tonight with Amarsha Fernando.

[00:00:44]Good evening and thank you for joining us on World News Tonight on another Darana News Channel. Tonight we begin in Beijing. US President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in their latest encounter in Beijing with more talks over tea today and an early invitation by the former to the latter for another summit in September, this time at the White House.

[00:01:05]The summit between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping ended on Friday with a symbolic gesture at the walled off Songnan Hai complex.

[00:01:15]The two had lunch and tea at the special venue and President Xi offered a rare glimpse into the private Imperial Gardens, a gesture typically reserved for China's closest allies.

[00:01:48]Both leaders characterized the three-day visit as a fundamental shift in bilateral ties. President Trump praised the personal rapport he has built with his counterpart over the last decade, suggesting their chemistry has allowed them to bypass traditional diplomatic gridlock.

[00:02:05]And uh we've settled a lot of different problems that other people wouldn't have been able to settle.

[00:02:11]And the relationship is a very strong one. So far, we have established a new bilateral relationship, or rather a constructive relationship of strategic stability.

[00:02:20]This could be described as a milestone visit.

[00:02:24]On the economic front, President Trump indicated that he is returning to Washington with significant progress toward fantastic trade deals.

[00:02:32]The US leader said China has committed to major purchases of American goods, including a large order of Boeing aircraft and a significant increase in imports of US agricultural products, specifically soybeans, while gradually opening parts of its economy to US businesses. To manage these ongoing economic ties, the two sides have agreed to establish a new board of trade to handle disputes without immediately resorting to new tariffs.

[00:03:01]However, no joint statement or declaration was adopted by the two leaders for this trip. The two will meet again this year, as on Thursday Trump invited Xi to the US in September.

[00:03:15]British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer was struggling to hold on to power after his main rival in the government resigned yesterday, accusing him of the political drift while Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham moved closer to a return to Parliament and a challenge for the Labour Party leadership. Britain's health minister resigned on Thursday, calling for a leadership contest to oust unpopular Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

[00:03:39]Since disastrous local election results last week plunged his Labour Party into crisis, Starmer has vowed to stay on despite a growing number of calls for him to step down.

[00:03:50]Streeting was the first senior minister to break cover. He said he was leaving because, quote, "It is now clear you will not lead the Labour Party into the next general election." Earlier on Thursday, Starmer's former deputy, Angela Rayner, announced tax issues that forced her to step down last year had been resolved.

[00:04:09]That paved the way for a potential leadership bid.

[00:04:12]Among other possible candidates, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham is seen as the most popular. He doesn't currently have the necessary seat in Parliament, but that could soon change.

[00:04:24]On Thursday, Labour MP Josh Simmons said he would stand down from Parliament, clearing the way for Burnham to run in a by-election.

[00:04:33]Posting on X, the Manchester mayor said, quote, "Much bigger change is needed at a national level if everyday life is to be made more affordable again. This is why I now seek people's support to return to Parliament."

[00:04:47]He's far from guaranteed to win the by-election, however, which is set to be fiercely contested by Nigel Farage's Reform Party.

[00:04:55]Streeting is viewed as being on the right of the Labour Party, while both Burnham and Rayner hail from its so-called soft left.

[00:05:03]Energy Minister Ed Miliband is also reported to be preparing to run.

[00:05:08]Labour's losses came after a series of political U-turns and a scandal over the appointment of Peter Mandelson, a close associate of Jeffrey Epstein, as ambassador to the United States.

[00:05:20]And after the Reform Party made sweeping gains in the local elections.

[00:05:28]Iraq's new Prime Minister, Ali Alzeydi, has been sworn in alongside a partial cabinet following a parliamentary deadlock. While 14 ministers were confirmed, key leadership roles for the interior and defense portfolios remain vacant.

[00:05:42]Iraq's new Prime Minister, Ali Alzeydi, was sworn in on Thursday with only a partial cabinet after lawmakers failed to reach a consensus on key postings.

[00:05:51]The parliament has approved 14 ministers. However, it failed to reach consensus in several remaining posts, including the interior and defense portfolios. Zaidi, in his 40s, is an Iraqi multimillionaire with interests spanning several sectors, including banking and the supply of Iraq's vast government food basket program. Iraq has faced harsh ordeals, but it emerged from them stronger, more resilient, and more united with its constitution and democracy intact. And open to building balanced relations with the world based on common interests, respect for sovereignty, and safeguarding national decision-making.

[00:06:27]Our vision is based on three major paths that form the foundation of our government programs. The first path is construction and economic reform, through which we are moving toward a strong, diversified economy that is effectively integrated with its regional and international surroundings.

[00:06:47]Earlier this month, US President Donald Trump voiced strong support for Zaidi after the Iraqi alliance of Shiite political blocks named him as its nominee for prime minister. The new premier will face major challenges, such as disarming Iran-backed militias, tackling corruption, and balancing ties between Washington and Tehran.

[00:07:09]CIA Director John Ratcliffe traveled to Havana yesterday for a rare face-to-face meeting with Cuban Interior Ministry officials. This comes as food shortages caused in part by US blockade push the island into rolling blackouts, sparking widespread protests in the capital.

[00:07:26]CIA Director John Ratcliffe traveled to Havana on Thursday to deliver a direct message from Donald Trump. CIA officials said the US is offering to seriously engage on economic and security issues, but only if Cuba makes fundamental changes. The agency did not elaborate on the specific changes Washington desires.

[00:07:43]Cuban state TV says the meeting discussed law enforcement and security cooperation to improve regional security on both sides. Radcliffe's visit appeared to be only the second by a CIA director to Cuba since the nation's communist revolution in 1959. That makes it a rare high-level contact between the two countries. The visit comes as tensions between Washington and Havana are rising. Trump has stepped up pressure on Cuba imposing a fuel blockade and threatening sanctions on countries that supply it with oil. This has led to severe fuel shortages on the island.

[00:08:16]Many parts of Havana have faced blackouts lasting 24 hours or more sparking widespread protests on Wednesday. The outages are also threatening food supplies and making daily life difficult. According to the CIA, Cuba now has a rare chance to fix its struggling economy and improve life for its people. However, the official warned that this opportunity will not last indefinitely.

[00:08:40]Separately Thursday, the US Department of Justice said it plans to indict Cuba's Raul Castro. The timing of the potential indictment is unclear, but it's thought a grand jury approval could come soon. The case against the former president and brother of Fidel Castro is expected to focus on the downing of aircraft.

[00:09:00]Lebanon will demand Israel ceasefire at face-to-face talks that began in Washington as Iran-backed Hezbollah and Israel continue to trade blows despite a US backed truce declared last month.

[00:09:12]This is the aftermath of an Israeli strike on southern Lebanon that health officials said left six people dead.

[00:09:18]And mourners on Thursday bid farewell to their loved ones.

[00:09:23]The funerals come as Lebanese and Israeli diplomats prepare for a third round of face-to-face talks in Washington. And Beirut will demand Israel halt such attacks. With Lebanon's health ministry reporting 22 people killed in Israeli strikes on Wednesday including eight children.

[00:09:38]A senior Lebanese official said the delegation would seek {quote} a ceasefire that Israel implements.

[00:09:44]An Israeli government spokesperson said the talks were taking place with the goal of disarming the Iranian-backed armed group Hezbollah and reaching a peace agreement. Hezbollah has objected to Lebanon's talks with Israel and Israel and Hezbollah continued to trade fire this week. The Israeli military on Thursday said several civilians were injured and evacuated to the hospital for treatment after an explosive drone launched by Hezbollah fell within Israeli territory.

[00:10:10]Fought in parallel to the US-Iran conflict, the Hezbollah-Israel war has rumbled on since US President Donald Trump declared a ceasefire on April 16th. Israel has kept troops in a self-declared security zone in South Lebanon. It says it aims to create a security zone shielding northern Israel from attacks by Hezbollah, which fired hundreds of rockets and drones at Israel during the war. We had a great meeting with the very high officials of Lebanon and very high officials of Israel. The Washington meetings mark the highest-level contact between Lebanon and Israel in decades. Trump said that he saw {quote} a great chance the countries would reach a peace deal this year. The Lebanese Health Ministry says the war has killed 2,896 people in Lebanon since March 2nd, including 589 women, children, and medics.

[00:10:57]Some 1.2 million people have been driven from their homes in Lebanon, many of them fleeing from the south.

[00:11:06]Let's take a short commercial [music] break. More world news on the other side.

[00:11:21]>> [music] >> And welcome back. Prime Minister Narendra Modi began a six-day five-nation diplomatic tour today, starting with a crucial stop in the UAE.

[00:11:32]Focus on energy security and strategic partnerships amidst regional tensions.

[00:11:37]The tour covers the UAE, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy.

[00:11:41]Strengthening bonds and building a future-ready partnership. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the UAE has kicked off a high-stakes five-nation tour with a series of landmark agreements that redefine India's strategic footprint in the Gulf. The headlines are dominated by a massive commitment. $5 billion in new investments directed toward Indian infrastructure and the financial sector, but the collaboration goes far deeper than just capital. In a move to secure India's energy future, both nations have signed a pivotal memorandum of understanding on strategic petroleum reserves and secured long-term supplies of liquefied petroleum gas.

[00:12:20]Security is also taking center stage. A new framework for the strategic defense partnership has been established, signaling a new era of military and security cooperation. On the coast, the maritime sector gets a boost with a dedicated ship repair cluster to be developed at Vadinar. Following a warm reception and a guard of honor in Abu Dhabi, Prime Minister Modi held high-level talks with the UAE president.

[00:12:45]This meeting underscores the shared vision for trade, technology, and green growth. As the Prime Minister leaves the UAE, his journey continues through the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy.

[00:12:56]From semiconductors in Amsterdam to AI in Stockholm and the India Nordic Summit in Oslo, India is cementing its role as a global bridge between the East and the West.

[00:13:08]>> [music] >> A 30-year-old man has been dragged from his bed in his Melbourne home in the middle of the night, abducted and murdered with his body later dumped in a playground. Police are hunting for the group behind the terrifying home invasion as detectives plead for help to solve the shocking killing.

[00:13:26]A man's body lying in the middle of a Tarneit park just meters away from residents' homes, and they were none the wiser until police knocked on their door. It was a bit of a shock to me and my wife. Yeah, waking up to that in our quiet little neighborhood is something different and unusual. The victim, 30-year-old Patrick Longordo, the son of former Mongols bikie Joseph Longordo. He was attacked inside a South Morang home by a group of men armed with machetes.

[00:13:52]They dragged him into a car outside while his brother and his brother's two children were left behind. To be home in your house and to have something like this happen is extremely uh is very, very frightening. The men broke into the house around 3:00 this morning. An hour later, the victim's body was found in Tarneit. A dark SUV was seen speeding away. Police are now investigating whether the same car was dumped and torched in Ainsbury. We speak to Echo, we speak to a number of different work units um in our command, and we speak to local police also just to try and piece it all together. We're always concerned about retaliation, but we work closely with um in this case the deceased family and uh and associates.

[00:14:40]Clashes between gangs in the suburbs of the Haitian capital have left at least 78 dead since Saturday, including 10 bystanders. Haiti, the poorest country in the Caribbean, is ravaged by gang violence. The situation has steadily deteriorated over the past 2 years. Days of violence has armed gangs sweep across several northern neighborhoods in Haiti's capital.

[00:15:02]More than 40 were treated for gunshot wounds in just 12 hours. 500 residents have been forced to flee their homes with little more than the clothes on their backs. This woman has returned to her home despite her experiences. The ongoing crisis in Haiti worsened in 2024 when gangs forced the country's prime minister to resign. There hasn't been a functioning government since. And now the latest violence has forced out humanitarian organizations attempting to provide health services, at least temporarily.

[00:15:39]We found ourselves with more than 800 displaced people inside the hospital compound.

[00:15:45]Way straight bullets were also falling at the same time.

[00:15:49]Given this situation, it became impossible for us to continue and maintain our activities.

[00:15:55]Last year the UN approved beefing up a security mission that is charged with helping the overwhelmed local police respond to the gangs. So far 400 soldiers from Chad have not been able to impact the security situation on the ground.

[00:16:16]The lineup for the final of the Eurovision Song Contest has been decided with five more countries sent home after the second semi-final. However, five countries, Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Iceland are boycotting Eurovision this year because of the Israel's inclusion.

[00:16:32]It was a night to celebrate for Australia, Denmark, [music] and Ukraine.

[00:16:37]But for others, including Latvia and Luxembourg, it was goodnight Vienna.

[00:16:43]Fans flocked to Vienna's Wiener Stadthalle for the Eurovision semi-final on Thursday as 10 countries secured their spots in Saturday's final.

[00:16:53]But the contest is not without controversy.

[00:16:56]National broadcasters from three countries are not airing this year's event over Israel's participation.

[00:17:03]The biggest political boycott in the show's history.

[00:17:07]On Tuesday, Israel's semi-final performance was disrupted by protesters chanting stop the genocide.

[00:17:15]And earlier in the day, pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered in central Vienna to denounce Israel's inclusion.

[00:17:23]It's hypocritical to claim that the Eurovision Song Contest is a celebration of peace whilst Israel has been committing what amounts to genocide in Palestine for nearly 3 years.

[00:17:33]Further protests are planned ahead of Saturday's final.

[00:17:37]It is a terrible disgrace that the Austrian government has done everything in its power to ensure that Israel is allowed to perform. On May 16th, we will take to the streets together with thousands of people to protest the final.

[00:17:49]Eurovision is the world's largest live televised music event, reaching more than 150 million viewers.

[00:17:57]Saturday's final will be the 70th in the show's history.

[00:18:02]>> [music] >> Let's take a short commercial break.

[00:18:06]More world news on the other side.

[00:18:09]>> [music] >> And welcome back. Police were called to the scene at 3:00 a.m. after the small animal was spotted wandering with its head firmly stuck inside a discarded cup. While the situation had the potential for a very stinky outcome, officers had to think fast to free the animal without getting sprayed.

[00:18:40]You're free!

[00:18:42]Police in Parker, Colorado came to a rescue [music] when a skunk had a mishap with a frightening object, someone's litter.

[00:18:49]The call came in at 3:00 a.m. and Parker police arrived with a catch pole in hand.

[00:18:54]But after assessing the situation, [music] they decided to take a different approach.

[00:19:00]Which looks easy until you consider that skunks are known to have a foul-smelling [music] oily spray that can hit a target up to 10 to 15 ft away.

[00:19:10]But luckily for this officer, this skunk was pleasant.

[00:19:17]Once it was loose, he [music] waddled off, thankful that the human helped and left him unharmed.

[00:19:23]Parker [music] Police hopes that this serves as a reminder that not only does littering stink, but it can also interrupt and harm wildlife.

[00:19:35]Some unusual police work in Dayton, Ohio, as officers found themselves responding to a report of a neighborhood wanderer who just happened to be a pig named Hamlet.

[00:19:46]From here?

[00:19:46]>> This way. No. Come on.

[00:19:49]The pig [music] doth protest, but so did the neighbors who called 911 after seeing the animal [music] wandering around their neighborhood. This is Hamlet, and something was rotten in the state of Ohio.

[00:20:02]Aw, he's a cute little piggy. As long as he was away from home. While he charmed the responding officers, they were still committed to reuniting him with his family.

[00:20:13]A neighbor who believed he knew which [music] house was the pig's helped get him back there, where his owner was both happy and annoyed to see him.

[00:20:22]Are you missing a pig?

[00:20:23]>> Yes.

[00:20:24]That's my pig. Sorry, man. The whole call took about 20 minutes, and even though they were dealing with an actual pig, it was probably one of the more pleasant [music] jobs these officers had to deal with.

[00:20:39]And with that, we come to the end of today's edition [music] of World News Tonight. With the hopes of seeing you again, I'm Amasha Fernandez, and we leave you tonight with the visuals [music] of the recently restored ancient Egyptian tombs and King Tutankhamun's tomb in Luxor. Thank you for watching World News [music] Tonight on another Lunar News Channel. Please tune in next week for the latest updates, and have a wonderful weekend ahead.

[00:21:38]>> [music]