标签： North America

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban finds himself at a crossroads as he prepares for a pivotal meeting with US President Donald Trump in Washington. The central issue? Hungary’s heavy reliance on Russian oil, a dependency that has become a focal point of US pressure amid the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Orban, who has long been a controversial figure in European politics, is now facing a delicate balancing act between maintaining his domestic political agenda and appeasing US demands to reduce reliance on Russian energy.

A high-profile delegation from Oregon, led by State Senate President Rob Wagner, recently concluded a 15-day visit to China, marking a significant step in fostering subnational diplomacy between the two nations. The delegation, which included state senators, bipartisan representatives, and business leaders, visited 10 Chinese cities, including Shenzhen, Fuzhou, and Chengdu, culminating in their participation in the seventh China-US Sister Cities Conference in Hangzhou. This visit, the largest from Oregon since the pandemic, aimed to deepen mutual understanding and explore new avenues for cooperation. Deb Patterson, a member of the Oregon State Senate, described the trip as both intense and impressive, highlighting the diverse climates, cuisines, and cultures experienced across China. The delegation also focused on strengthening Oregon’s sister-province relationship with Fujian, which celebrated its 41st anniversary this year. Wagner emphasized the importance of subnational diplomacy in addressing global challenges, such as climate change and economic uncertainty, and underscored the need for dialogue and cooperation at all levels. The conference brought together over 300 representatives from both countries, including participants from 28 US states, making it the largest local exchange event in recent years. Chinese Ambassador to the US Xie Feng urged both nations to leverage local partnerships to improve the broader bilateral relationship, calling for deeper mutual understanding and people-to-people connections. Yang Wanming, president of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, highlighted the resilience and vibrancy of sister-city cooperation, noting that such partnerships have created over 400,000 jobs in the US heartland and provided over 70,000 employment opportunities through Chinese enterprises. Victoria Woodards, mayor of Tacoma, Washington, emphasized that sister-city partnerships are built on people, not politics, and expressed hope for continued collaboration and mutual learning.

Three years after the tragic killing of Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh by the Israeli army, new allegations have surfaced suggesting a US cover-up. Tony Abu Akleh, the brother of the slain Al Jazeera correspondent, claims that a retired US military officer, Colonel Steve Gabavics, has revealed that his superiors and the Biden administration softened findings to protect US-Israel relations. Colonel Gabavics, who investigated the incident, concluded in 2022 that Ms. Abu Akleh was intentionally shot, despite wearing a press vest clearly identifying her as a journalist. The Israeli army initially blamed Palestinian gunmen for her death but later admitted she was likely killed by its soldiers by mistake. The Biden administration supported this narrative, stating it found no evidence of intentional targeting. However, Colonel Gabavics now asserts that the evidence pointed to a deliberate act, and the findings were altered for political reasons. Tony Abu Akleh criticized the US government for downplaying the truth, accusing it of prioritizing political interests over justice. He called for accountability and a thorough investigation into his sister’s death. The BBC has reached out to the US Department of State and the Israeli embassy in Washington for comment. The case has reignited debates about US-Israel relations and the safety of journalists in conflict zones.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has firmly dismissed the possibility of running as vice president in the 2028 election, labeling the idea as ‘too cute’ and suggesting it would not resonate with the public. However, he left the door open to the prospect of seeking a third term, reigniting debates about the constitutional limits of presidential tenure. Trump’s remarks, made aboard Air Force One during a flight from Malaysia to Tokyo, have fueled speculation about his political ambitions and the potential legal challenges they might face. The 22nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution explicitly bars individuals from being elected president more than twice, but some of Trump’s allies have hinted at exploring ways to circumvent this restriction. Trump, who would be 82 in 2028, expressed enthusiasm for another term, citing his ‘best numbers ever’ and maintaining an active public schedule despite his age. He also praised Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio as a potentially ‘unstoppable’ team in future elections. Meanwhile, figures like Steve Bannon have suggested that plans are being developed to challenge the 22nd Amendment, further complicating the Republican Party’s future leadership landscape.