Australia, EU sign trade, defense pact to deal with global turmoil

Good news! Half a way around the world! What took so long?

"The leaders of the European Union and Australia signed a long-awaited trade deal and a security pact on Tuesday that will deepen cooperation as both sides seek ways to cope with the U.S.'s unpredictable trade policies and escalating global tensions. ..."

Australia, EU sign trade, defense pact to deal with global turmoil - Nikkei Asia "Partners highlight 'rules-based trade' at time of rising uncertainty"

What a nice couple!

India at Davos: EU–India Pact Signals Strategic Reset with Palki Sharma

Good news!

Trump confirms Kazakhstan has become first country to join Abraham Accords in second term

Good news! President Trump, peacemaker and bridge builder!

Trump confirms Kazakhstan has become first country to join Abraham Accords in second term | Just The News ""This is a major step forward in building bridges across the World," Trump posted on Truth Social. "Today, more Nations are lining up to embrace Peace and Prosperity through my Abraham Accords.""

Next pope inherits Vatican deal giving Communist Party of China control over bishops amidst Catholic persecution

Concerning!

I don't know or don't remember what the deals were like between the catholic church and the former Soviet Union. If I remember correctly, the Polish Pope John Paul II (1978-2005) fiercely retained/defended some independence for the catholic church in then communist Poland.

"Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin — a close ally of Francis, the Vatican’s secretary of state, and the architect of the controversial deal with China — is considered among the top frontrunners by many Vatican watchers. But even if Parolin is not the next pope, the successor to Francis will have to decide what to do with the deal as the Chinese Communist Party continues to strengthen its grip over Catholics in China.

The Chinese government said the number of Catholics in China numbered roughly 6 million in 2018, according to the Pew Research Center. The Holy Spirit Study Centre in Hong Kong estimated there were 10 million Catholics in China in 2020. Asia Harvest, a non-denominational Christian ministry, estimated that in 2020 there were 8.2 million Catholics in the Chinese government-run Catholic church in China and 11.7 million Catholics in underground churches in the country.

The existence of the Sino-Vatican deal — referred to as a "provisional agreement" whose specific text remains secret at the behest of both the CCP and the Vatican — was first announced in 2018 and has been renewed multiple times, most recently in October 2024 when the deal was extended all the way to 2028. What is publicly known about the "Provisional Agreement regarding the Appointment of Bishops" is that it has given the CCP unprecedented sway over the selection of Catholic prelates in China. ..."

Next pope inherits Vatican deal giving CCP control over bishops amidst Catholic persecution | Just The News "Stalin reportedly once asked "How many Divisions does the pope have?" Pope Francis' Vatican struck a controversial deal with the Chinese Communist Party. The next pope — who might be the cardinal who made the deal — will have to manage the effects of Xi Jinping's continued crackdown on Catholics."

US And Ukraine Sign Minerals Deal That Solidifies Kyiv’s Defense Against Russia

Good news! Seems to be good deal for both sides! It stops Putin the Terrible from further invading the Ukraine!

World Pandemic Agreement Reached at WHO in Geneva

Call me very skeptic! 

Bravo President Trump! The Us did not to participate in this agreement!

From the beginning, China did not cooperate very well when the Covid-19 pandemic broke out in 2019! Was it a lab lead or not? Was it just a zoonosis or a human accident or intention?

"Around 2 a.m. today at the WHO’s Geneva headquarters—after 3+ years of back-and-forth between 190 countries—the 32-page working draft of a global pandemic treaty was finally highlighted in one color: green. ...

Notably absent: The U.S., which was barred from participating following President Trump’s January decision to withdraw from the WHO, and which is not expected to sign the treaty. ..."

Global Health NOW: Pandemic Agreement Reached; A Brain Bank Hangs in the Balance; and Spore-Driven Threats

Seeking reset, US Defense Secretary Hegseth affirms Panama’s sovereignty over canal

Good news! Let there be no misunderstanding regarding this critical issue! Pacta sunt servanda!

"Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth sought to reassure Panama that the United States recognizes its sovereignty over the national canal, amid President Donald Trump’s repeated pledge that America would reclaim it.

“We certainly respect the sovereignty of the Panamanians,” Hegseth said before departing the country back to Washington.

Earlier Wednesday, Hegseth faced questions in a press conference about the two countries’ joint statement following their meetings Tuesday. Panama’s version included a line about its sovereignty over the canal; America’s didn’t, though it discussed working through Panama’s constitution, which affirms authority over the canal itself.

The impasse brought back concern that the U.S. was reneging on its agreement ceding the canal to Panamanian control, finalized in 1999 after a 20-year handover. ..."

Seeking reset, Hegseth affirms Panama’s sovereignty over canal

"Panama’s President Jose Raul Mulino looks on as US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth signs a bilateral agreement, in Panama City April 9, 2025. Hegseth arrived in Panama for the regional security summit and to reinforce the Trump administration’s continued interest over the canal. — AFP pic" (Source)

UK signs trade pact with Thailand to boost exports

Good news!

UK signs trade pact with Thailand to boost exports - GOV.UK "UK Trade Minister signs trade pact designed to boost trade and investment with Thailand and open the country up to British businesses."

Credits: U.K. signs trade partnership with Thailand, first in Southeast Asia "Labour minister sees region as 'key growth engine'"

China’s Beneficial Status as Developing Nation in UN Treaties Disadvantages US and other developed nations, Must End. Really!

This seems to be a peculiar situation! I believe, this is not the first time this or similar criticisms have been raised about China. 

How significant is the advantage or how much is hot air? Is it or why is it difficult to correct it? Fact is that once such international agreements are signed it is very difficult/complex to change the agreement with respect to one country unless the agreement contains specific language to do so.

Well in 1987, China could still be considered a developing nation!

Going forward this treatment of China as a developing nation as far as international agreements are concerned should definitely be corrected!

"China is now the world’s second largest economy and the largest exporter, yet it is designated as a developing nation in United Nations (UN) treaties. This has created unfair and unjustified advantages for China over the United States and other developed nations.

According to a new Competitive Enterprise Institute (CEI) study, China is granted ten more years than the US and other developed nations to comply with the terms of one UN treaty. Under that same treaty, China could receive millions of dollars in financial assistance from the US and other developed nations to help them comply.

China’s status as a developing nation in UN treaties dates back to 1987, with the signing of the Montreal Protocol on Substances That Deplete the Ozone Layer. ...

Kigali Amendment banning hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) was passed in 2016, China was extended the same preferences as a developing nation, including the extra 10 years for compliance and access to an assistance fund"

China’s Beneficial Status as Developing Nation in UN Treaties Disadvantages US, Must End - Competitive Enterprise Institute