# diplomacy
Latest news and articles about diplomacy
Total: 93 articles found
EU Says Middle East Fighting ‘Not Our War,’ Rules Out Escort Missions in Strait of Hormuz
The EU’s foreign policy chief said Europe will not treat the Middle Eastern fighting as its war and that member states will not extend their maritime escort operation into the Strait of Hormuz. Brussels prefers diplomatic measures and limited naval reinforcement in existing areas rather than taking on new, riskier missions in a strategic chokepoint.
Drone Crashes and Ignites Inside U.S. Embassy Compound in Iraq, Chinese Reporter On Scene
A Chinese journalist reported that a drone crashed into the U.S. embassy compound in Iraq and ignited, triggering emergency response. With no confirmed casualty or claim of responsibility, the incident underlines growing security challenges posed by small drones and the political difficulty of attribution and response in Iraq’s fragmented security landscape.
China Steps into Afghanistan–Pakistan Border Clash, Urges Restraint and Talks
China says it has been mediating recent military clashes between Afghanistan and Pakistan through phone diplomacy, a shuttle envoy and embassy contacts, urging restraint and a return to negotiations. Beijing frames its role as pragmatic and stabilizing, seeking to prevent escalation that could affect regional security and its own interests.
China and North Korea Restart Passenger Flights — A Modest but Meaningful Rapprochement
China announced the resumption of passenger flights with North Korea on March 16, 2026, framing the move as a way to promote friendly exchanges. While operational details remain scarce, the restart is a symbolic step toward normalization with modest immediate economic impact but wider diplomatic and strategic implications for the region.
Trump Signals US Will Tackle Iran First, Then Pursue Rapid Talks With Cuba
President Trump said the U.S. would address Iran before pursuing a rapid agreement with Cuba, while Havana confirmed recent talks and insisted any dialogue respect sovereignty and avoid internal affairs. The exchange points to a possible limited, transactional rapprochement but faces significant constraints from U.S. domestic politics and Cuba's red lines on interference.
Israel Says No Immediate Plan for Direct Talks with Lebanon Amid Conflicting Reports
Israel’s foreign minister Gideon Sa’ar said on March 15 there are no plans for direct talks with Lebanon in the coming days, contradicting earlier reports that meetings might be held in Paris or Cyprus. The denial highlights the sensitivity of any bilateral engagement amid ongoing border tensions and the involvement of non-state armed groups.
China Holds High-Level Talks with GCC Envoys, Urges Restraint as Regional Tensions Flare
China’s vice foreign minister met GCC envoys in Beijing on March 11, 2026, as Gulf states seek international support amid escalating regional tensions. Beijing reiterated opposition to unauthorized military strikes, condemned attacks on civilians, and offered to deepen communication to promote ceasefires and prevent further escalation.
Beijing Urges Restraint as Gulf Drone Attacks Threaten Asian Oil Shipments
China expressed deep concern over rising Middle East tensions, condemning indiscriminate attacks on civilians and non-military targets and urging an immediate halt to military actions and a return to dialogue. The statement follows Saudi claims that dozens of Iranian drones targeted tankers bound for Asian markets, highlighting risks to energy supplies and global trade.
China–North Korea Passenger Train Reaches Pyongyang, Ending Six-Year Halt in Cross‑Border Service
A China–North Korea international passenger train arrived in Pyongyang on March 13, restoring cross‑border passenger rail service after a six‑year suspension. The resumption signals a cautious easing of pandemic‑era isolation and carries practical economic and diplomatic implications for Beijing, Pyongyang and their regional partners.
China’s Shuttle Diplomacy Intensifies as Four Variables Threaten to Deepen Middle East Crisis
As US-Israel strikes on Iran continue and Tehran expands retaliatory operations, China has intensified shuttle diplomacy to press for de-escalation. Four variables — oil-market shock, Iranian internal cohesion, the success of external mediation, and control of the Strait of Hormuz — will largely determine whether the conflict widens into a global crisis.
Trump Signals Swift End to US-Iran Fighting, Claims Tehran's Forces Crippled
President Trump told a phone interviewer that U.S. operations against Iran may be nearly over, claiming severe damage to Iran’s military and communications. He also suggested he has a candidate in mind for Iran’s leadership, remarks that risk inflaming regional tensions and complicating verification of battlefield claims.
US Receives $100m of Venezuelan Gold as Caracas Reopens — Washington Frames Move as a Wedge Against China
The US has taken delivery of about $100 million in Venezuelan gold as diplomatic ties with Caracas are restored and sanctions on gold transactions are conditionally relaxed. Washington is framing access to Venezuelan minerals as part of a broader strategy to bolster domestic supply chains and compete with China in high-tech and defence sectors.