Presidents of America and China hold first talks in seven months

Published

4 years ago

September 10, 2021

Chinese President Xi Jinping has held talks with his US counterpart, President Joe Biden – the two leaders first call in seven months.

A White House Statement confirmed that the two leaders held a conversation, which was described as a “broad, strategic discussion in which they discussed areas where our interests converge”.

This phone call is just the second phone call held between the two leaders, since President Biden took office.

Relations between the two countries have been tense in recent times, with clashes over issues like trade, espionage and the pandemic.

“This discussion, as President Biden made clear, was part of the United States’ ongoing effort to responsibly manage the competition between the United States and the PRC,”
the White House Statement added.

“The two leaders discussed the responsibility of both nations to ensure competition does not veer into conflict.”

In early 2021, high-level talks between the Biden administration and China were fraught with tension – with officials on both side exchanging sharp rebukes.

During that initial meeting, Chinese officials claimed the US was inciting countries “to attack China”, while the US said China had “arrived intent on grandstanding”.

Ukraine Russia peace talks stall with no breakthrough

Zelenskiy blames Moscow for stalling Geneva peace talks; negotiations to resume amid unresolved eastern territory and nuclear power plant disputes.

Published

4 hours ago

February 19, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Zelenskiy blames Moscow for stalling Geneva peace talks; negotiations to resume amid unresolved eastern territory and nuclear power plant disputes.

Two days of high-stakes negotiations in Geneva have ended without a breakthrough, as Ukraine and Russia failed to reach an agreement on key issues in the ongoing war. Despite international pressure, both sides walked away without a deal.

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy accused Moscow of deliberately stalling United States-mediated peace efforts, while Russia signalled it would not accept terms it sees as unfavourable. The White House says further talks are expected.

Major sticking points remain over territory in eastern Ukraine and control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, with both sides rejecting proposals that would involve significant territorial concessions.

Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@weareticker

News

Iran on edge as military build up meets domestic unrest

Iran strengthens military and nuclear sites amid US carrier presence, escalating fears of confrontation and internal dissent pressure.

Published

4 hours ago

February 19, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Iran strengthens military and nuclear sites amid US carrier presence, escalating fears of confrontation and internal dissent pressure.

Iran is ramping up military readiness as tensions with the United States intensify, with Tehran fortifying key nuclear sites and reviewing defence strategies amid the deployment of U.S. aircraft carriers in the region. Leaders in the Islamic Republic say they are prepared to respond to any imposed conflict, signalling a high-stakes standoff that could reshape regional security dynamics.

At the same time, the regime faces mounting domestic discontent, with security forces cracking down on dissent and carrying out widespread arrests following recent protests. While Iran insists it has made concessions toward a nuclear deal, Washington says key demands remain unmet, leaving negotiations in limbo and the country’s political future under strain.

Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@weareticker

News

Jesse Jackson dies at 84 civil rights leader and presidential candidate

Civil rights leader Jesse Jackson, 84, dies, leaving a legacy in equality advocacy and global diplomacy.

Published

1 day ago

February 18, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Civil rights leader Jesse Jackson, 84, dies, leaving a legacy in equality advocacy and global diplomacy.

Civil rights icon Jesse Jackson has passed away at the age of 84. Known as a servant leader, he dedicated his life to giving a voice to the oppressed and advocating for equality worldwide.

Jackson founded Operation PUSH and the National Rainbow Coalition, and served as a special envoy to Africa under President Bill Clinton, leaving a lasting impact on global diplomacy and social justice.

He also ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1984 and 1988, played a key role in US politics, and helped secure the release of hostages abroad, remaining a tireless advocate until his passing.

Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@weareticker