Leaders from Britain, Canada, and France have issued joint threats of sanctions against Israel unless it halts its military operations in Gaza and lifts aid restrictions, putting pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40363723/israels-easing-of-humanitarian-aid-access-to-gaza-insufficient-french-foreign-ministerBritain has negotiated a limited trade deal with the US that leaves it facing 10% tariffs on most goods, while Canada is still struggling with 25% duties on many exports. The US is pushing for G7 countries to exert economic pressure on China, but Canada and other allies are hesitant due to their own struggles with US coercion. Treasury Secretary Janet Bessent will push for the group to address imbalances and counteract China's state-driven model. Despite disagreements over tariffs, G7 officials aim to agree on a joint statement supporting Ukraine in its struggle against Russia, which may delay new sanctions. The group is also expected to discuss support for the International Monetary Fund and World Bank, as well as cooperation to fight money laundering and promote private sector growth. However, language on climate change is likely to be contentious due to Trump's opposition to previous green energy initiatives.
https://www.malaymail.com/news/money/2025/05/20/g7-finance-leaders-seek-unity-on-non-tariff-issues-in-canada-face-us-resistance-on-trade-policy/177393Top finance leaders from G7 nations, including US President Donald Trump, Ukrainian Finance Minister Sergii Marchenko, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, will gather in Alberta, Canada, to discuss global economic conditions and the impact of Trump's tariffs on allies and competitors. The talks come amid uncertainty over the war in Ukraine, with the US seeking a unified position among G7 democracies. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is expected to focus on addressing imbalances and non-market practices, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will attend the summit. Analysts warn of unpredictability as leaders deal with internal tensions, with trade, security, and climate change on the agenda.
https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/nation/g7-finance-leaders-gather-with-ukraine-tariff-concerns-at-fore/article_8f826db5-4255-52d4-8701-cbcc32df4b88.htmlFinance leaders from Canada, Japan, the U.K., Germany, France, Italy, and other G7 nations will meet in Canada to discuss unity on non-tariff issues, but may struggle with Washington's push for alignment with President Donald Trump's priorities. The six countries aim to maintain a united front against U.S. tariffs and reversals on climate change, global tax cooperation, and Ukraine.
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/05/20/world/g7-tariff-consensus-canada-us/Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar discussed a bilateral defense partnership with experts in the Netherlands, emphasizing the importance of India-EU cooperation in a multi-polar world. During his visit to the Hague, he will meet Dutch leaders and discuss regional and global issues with counterparts from India, the Netherlands, and the EU. He plans to brief them on India's decision to launch Operation Sindoor after the Pahalgam terror attack, which led to a four-day conflict with Pakistan.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/jaishankar-holds-wide-ranging-discussions-with-dutch-counterpart-on-deepening-bilateral-partnership/article69595375.eceFrench President Emmanuel Macron's ally, French Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne, has urged Israel to ensure unhindered access to humanitarian supplies in Gaza amid a large-scale military offensive. The leaders of Britain, Canada and France have warned Israel that it could face sanctions if it does not end the military operation and lift restrictions on aid deliveries. This warning increases pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
https://www.fakti.bg/en/world/972345-france-criticizes-israel-for-insufficient-humanitarian-aid-in-gazaRussian President Vladimir Putin stated that drafts for a potential peace agreement will be formulated by both Russia and Ukraine, which will then be exchanged before complex negotiations to develop a single text. US President Donald Trump held calls with Putin, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, and leaders of the European Union, France, Italy, Germany, and Finland in an effort to push forward peace in the three-year-old war in Ukraine.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1313398-no-fixed-deadline-for-ukraine-peace-talks-says-kremlinTaiwan's defense minister, Lai Chao-yuan, faces criticism from China's defense ministry for increasing antagonism and confrontation in the Taiwan Strait. Lai has denied these claims, stating that talks with the US are "smoothly" continuing despite possible tariffs. He also announced plans to establish a sovereign wealth fund to boost Taiwan's tech-focused economy, collaborating with private enterprises like Foxconn and Mediatek. Meanwhile, China has held war games around Taiwan, including "Strait Thunder-2025A" and "Joint Sword-2024B", which have been detected by Taiwanese defense ministry radar, with six Chinese planes and 11 vessels spotted in the area recently.
https://www.malaymail.com/news/world/2025/05/20/taiwans-lai-calls-for-peace-with-china-but-insists-on-islands-military-preparedness/177445Taiwan's defense minister, Lai Chao-yuan, faces criticism from China's defense ministry for increasing antagonism and confrontation in the Taiwan Strait. He is also under pressure due to possible US tariffs, which are currently paused, and is working with Washington to resolve the issue. Lai plans to establish a sovereign wealth fund to boost Taiwan's tech-focused economy, collaborating with private enterprises like Foxconn and Mediatek. China has held war games around Taiwan, including "Strait Thunder-2025A" and "Joint Sword-2024B", which have raised tensions between the two sides.
https://www.firstpost.com/world/taiwan-president-offers-peace-with-china-but-says-island-must-strengthen-defences-13889949.html