diplomacy

Former Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti attends the 90th Anniversary of the Hollywood Christmas Parade on Nov. 27, 2022 in Hollywood, California.

World News

The U.S. is sending an ambassador to India after leaving the job vacant for 26 months

7:55am March 16, 2023

by Lauren Frayer

It was the longest diplomatic gap in the history of U.S.- Indian relations, at a time when the two countries say they're closer than ever before

Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Shamkhani (right) shakes hands with senior Chinese diplomat Wang Yi, as Saudi national security adviser Musaad bin Mohammed al-Aiban looks on during an agreement signing ceremony between Iran and Saudi Arabia to reestablish diplomatic relations and reopen embassies in Beijing, Friday.

World News

Rivals Saudi Arabia and Iran restore ties, with China's help. Here's why it matters

4:40pm March 10, 2023

by Aya Batrawy

Saudi Arabia and Iran are restoring full diplomatic relations in a deal brokered by China, a move that could reduce tensions in the region and that asserts China's growing influence in the Gulf.

Signs promoting 5G wireless technology from Chinese technology firm Huawei are displayed at the PT Expo in Beijing in 2018. Germany is reviewing the presence of Huawei and ZTE components in its telecommunications.

Germany moves toward restrictions on Huawei, as Europe sours on China

10:24am March 08, 2023

by Rob Schmitz

Germany said Tuesday it is reviewing tech suppliers such as China's Huawei and ZTE, whose equipment is used in Germany's 5G networks. Europeans are starting to favor a tougher stance on China.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken walks to a meeting on the sidelines of the G-20 foreign ministers' meeting in New Delhi on Thursday.

World News

U.S. and Russia's top diplomats meet for the first time since the Ukraine war began

2:13pm March 02, 2023

Relations between the two countries have collapsed over the Ukraine war, with the U.S. slapping thousands of sanctions on Russia, and militarily, economically and diplomatically supporting Ukraine.

Belarus' President Alexander Lukashenko meets with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing on Wednesday.

World News

China's Xi heralds 'unbreakable' friendship with Belarus, an ally of Russia

10:04am March 01, 2023

by John Ruwitch

The two leaders met in Beijing and discussed the war in Ukraine, a week after China released a position paper, calling for a cease-fire and peace talks between Russia and Ukraine.

In this photo made available by Saudi Press Agency, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, center, talks with Gulf Arab leaders during the Gulf Cooperation Council Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in December. Gulf Arab leaders and others in the Mideast met as part of a state visit by Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

Oil, human rights, security: Here's what's in store for U.S.-Gulf relations in 2023

11:19am January 12, 2023

by Aya Batrawy

Visiting Saudi Arabia last summer, President Biden tried to reassure Arab leaders of U.S. commitment to the region's security. But Gulf nations aren't necessarily rushing to side with Washington.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian speaks at the daily media briefing in Beijing on April 8, 2020. This week, Zhao was assigned a new job: deputy director of the ministry's Department of Boundary and Ocean Affairs — a lateral move to an obscure post that takes Zhao out of the spotlight.

World News

A 'wolf warrior' is sidelined, as China softens its approach on the world stage

8:02am January 12, 2023

by John Ruwitch

Zhao Lijian, a foreign ministry spokesman known for his combative approach, was reassigned. The change is mostly tactical, but analysts see a window of opportunity to improve China-U.S. relations.

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Chinese Ambassador to the US Qin Gang visits the headquarters of Sany America, a Chinese excavator and construction-equipment manufacturer, in Peachtree City, GA on on May 12.

World News

China's new foreign minister will be Qin Gang, the current ambassador to Washington

2:13pm December 30, 2022

by Vincent Ni

China's diplomacy will offer "Chinese wisdom, Chinese initiatives and Chinese strength," Qin said in his first statement as foreign minister. He is seen as one of Xi Jinping's trusted aides.

An honor guard watches the airplane carrying Senegalese President Macky Sall land at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland ahead of the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit on Monday. The summit is taking place this week in Washington, D.C.

World News

The U.S. welcomes leaders from Africa, where China and Russia are making inroads

3:29pm December 13, 2022

by Emmanuel Akinwotu

African leaders are converging in Washington for a summit that's the centerpiece of President Biden's effort to reset and improve U.S. ties with African countries.

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World News

Latest on Ukraine: A weekly recap and look ahead at Russia's war (Dec. 12)

11:46am December 12, 2022

by NPR Staff

Catch up on key developments and the latest in-depth coverage of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.