**Summary:** The Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council of China has criticized the Taiwanese government for its recent economic concessions to the U.S. and its response to maritime boundary negotiations between Japan and the Philippines.

**Key points:**
- China's Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhu Fenglian labeled the U.S.-Taiwan investment memorandum, which includes tariff reductions, as a betrayal of Taiwan's core industries.
- Beijing condemned the Japan-Philippines maritime boundary negotiations as an infringement on Chinese sovereignty, claiming the area involves waters east of Taiwan.
- The Chinese Coast Guard has conducted patrols in the waters east of Taiwan, which officials described as a normal exercise of jurisdiction.
- Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs initially welcomed the Japan-Philippines dialogue but later requested that the parties consider Taiwan's overlapping exclusive economic zone claims.

**Why it matters:** The statements reflect escalating tensions regarding Taiwan's international economic agreements and maritime sovereignty, highlighting the ongoing geopolitical friction between Beijing, Taipei, and regional powers.

香港中通社 - 國台辦 ： 民進黨當局跪美輸誠只會自食惡果

中時新聞網 - 日菲劃海域涉台以東 國台辦批非法無效 ： 侵犯陸海洋權益

China Criticizes Taiwan's Economic and Maritime Policies

**Summary:** A metal pedestrian bridge structure collapsed at Terminal 1 of the Mexico City International Airport (AICM), resulting in injuries to one woman and causing damage to a vehicle.

**Key points:**
- The incident occurred at the Terminal 1 facility of the Mexico City International Airport.
- Emergency services responded to the scene to assist the injured individual.
- The collapse involved a metal roof or structural component of the pedestrian walkway.

**Why it matters:** The collapse of infrastructure at a major international transit hub raises concerns regarding public safety and the maintenance of airport facilities.

horacero.com.mx - Estructura de metal cae en Terminal 1 del AICM

yucatan.com.mx - Cae puente peatonal de la Terminal 1 del AICM : una mujer herida , este es su estado de salud

tabascohoy.com - Colapsa techumbre de puente peatonal en el AICM ; deja daños a una automovilista

Pedestrian Bridge Structure Collapses at Mexico City International Airport

**Summary:** The U.S. military announced it repelled Iranian missile and drone attacks targeting regional bases and allies, responding with strikes on an Iranian island. This escalation occurs amid stalled negotiations following a previous ceasefire.

**Key points:**
- U.S. forces intercepted missiles aimed at Bahrain and drones targeting civilian vessels.
- The U.S. Central Command (Centcom) conducted defensive strikes on Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz.
- Tensions remain high as both nations accuse each other of violating an April 8 ceasefire agreement.
- Japan has approved a $19 billion budget to mitigate economic impacts caused by the ongoing conflict.

**Why it matters:** The direct military engagement between the U.S. and Iran in the Gulf threatens regional stability and global energy prices, complicating ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the conflict.

lalibre.be - DIRECT - Guerre au Moyen-Orient : l'armée américaine affirme avoir repoussé des attaques de missiles iraniens dans le Golfe

sudouest.fr - DIRECT. Guerre au Moyen-Orient : les États-Unis affirment avoir repoussé des attaques de missiles et drones iraniens dans le Golfe... Suivez le fil de la journée

US Military Reports Intercepting Iranian Attacks in the Gulf

**Summary:** Safina Party leader Jimi Wanjigi has criticized President William Ruto's administration for relying on political slogans, while the President accused the opposition of lacking a clear development agenda.

**Key points:**
- Jimi Wanjigi proposed replacing the 16% Value Added Tax with a 5% sales tax and providing free secondary and vocational education.
- President William Ruto stated that his administration remains focused on economic reforms and development projects.
- Jimi Wanjigi expressed support for the opposition's goal of making President William Ruto a one-term president but questioned their long-term policy plans.

**Why it matters:** The exchange highlights the intensifying political discourse in Kenya as leaders debate the effectiveness of current economic policies ahead of future electoral cycles.

nairobiwire.com - Jimi Wanjigi Backs One-Term Push But Warns Kenyans: Replacing Ruto With a Copy Solves Nothing

standardmedia.co.ke - Ruto tells opposition it lacks vision , development agenda

Jimi Wanjigi and President William Ruto Clash Over Political Vision and Development Agenda

**Summary:** The Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) of China announced that the 18th Straits Forum will convene in Xiamen on June 13, featuring 58 distinct activities aimed at fostering cross-strait exchanges.

**Key points:**
- The forum will invite representatives from various Taiwanese political parties, as well as figures from youth, women, agricultural, and business sectors.
- TAO spokesperson Zhu Fenglein stated that the event will continue to focus on grassroots and civilian-level integration.
- Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) has historically labeled the forum a platform for United Front work and prohibits government officials from participating.

**Why it matters:** The Straits Forum serves as a significant annual platform for Beijing to engage with Taiwanese political and social groups, reflecting the ongoing tensions and differing approaches to cross-strait relations.

cna.com.tw:443 - 國台辦宣布 ： 海峽論壇大會6 / 13召開

ettoday.net - 鄭麗文開啟訪美行程　國台辦：按一中原則處理台灣對外交往

China Announces 18th Straits Forum to be Held in Xiamen on June 13

**Summary:** Bolivian Minister of Defense Marcelo Salinas and Minister of Education Beatriz García have resigned from President Rodrigo Paz's cabinet. Their departures occur during a month-long period of intense social unrest and nationwide blockades.

**Key points:**
- Marcelo Salinas and Beatriz García were appointed to their positions on November 9, 2025, with a commitment to full-time service.
- The resignations follow the May 21 departure of the Minister of Labor, Edgar Morales, amid pressure from the Central Obrera Boliviana (COB) labor union.
- Protesters are demanding the resignation of President Rodrigo Paz as blockades continue to disrupt the country, causing shortages of essential goods and medical supplies.

**Why it matters:** The resignation of two key cabinet members signals a deepening political crisis in Bolivia, as the government struggles to manage widespread civil unrest and labor-led protests demanding the president's departure.

La Razón - Renuncia la ministra García; es la segunda en dejar el gabinete de Paz

opinion.com.bo - Dos ministros renunciaron al gabinete de Paz, Marcelo Salinas y Beatriz García

Bolivian Ministers of Defense and Education Resign Amid Social Crisis

**Summary:** Mexico and Canada are seeking to secure a 16-year extension for the T-MEC, the North American trade agreement, amid ongoing political tensions involving former U.S. President Donald Trump.

**Key points:**
- The proposal aims to provide long-term stability for the trade pact, known in English as the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
- The initiative reflects efforts by both nations to insulate the agreement from potential shifts in U.S. trade policy.

**Why it matters:** Securing the trade agreement for an extended period is critical for maintaining economic stability and supply chain integration across North America.

mexicostar.com - Canada proposes 16 - year extension of North America free trade agreement

24-horas.mx - México y Canadá buscan blindar el T-MEC por 16 años en medio de tensiones con Trump

Mexico and Canada Propose 16-Year Extension for T-MEC

**Summary:** The Crédit Rural de Guinée (CRG) has formally rejected social media allegations of fund embezzlement, currency speculation, and the financing of fictitious companies.

**Key points:**
- The CRG stated that it has facilitated 153.7 billion GNF in credits for over 7,600 entrepreneurs and producers.
- The institution clarified that repayments from the Fonds de Garantie des Prêts aux Entreprises total approximately 1 billion GNF.
- The partnership with the guarantee fund was established with technical support from the World Bank.

**Why it matters:** The denial addresses public concerns regarding the integrity of a major financial institution involved in inclusive finance and its partnership with state-backed guarantee mechanisms.

Quarte Bot