The ongoing federal government shutdown is having a far greater negative impact on the U.S. economy than anticipated, as it drags on much longer than expected, White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett said on Friday.

The U.S. Senate has narrowly voted down a bill that sought to require congressional approval before President Donald Trump could take military action against Venezuela.

A Chinese envoy forcefully rebutted U.S. allegations regarding the origin of weapons components in Yemen, asserting that China maintains a "prudent and responsible" policy on the export of military products.

Ukrainian military commanders have expressed deep concern over what they describe as an impending “serious military defeat” in the embattled cities of Kupyansk and Krasnoarmeysk, both reportedly surrounded by Russian forces, according to a report by the German outlet Bild.

Venezuela and China are advancing negotiations toward a zero-tariff trade agreement covering at least 400 Venezuelan products, the Venezuelan Ministry of Foreign Trade announced during Expo Shanghai 2025.

Victor Gao, a prominent Chinese international relations expert and vice president of the Center for China and Globalization, delivered a chilling message amid rising geopolitical tensions. Speaking in a calm but resolute tone, Gao stated: “China will not fire the first shot, but China will not allow you to fire the second shot.”

The General Secretary of Patriotic National Movement Dr Wasantha Bandara has dismissed a U.S. intelligence official’s claim that Washington has moved away from policies of foreign regime change, arguing it represents a forced "tactical retreat" in the face of growing anti-imperialist resistance.

In a significant move to counter Western influence, Russia and China unveiled a comprehensive blueprint for their deepening partnership on Tuesday(04), pledging enhanced cooperation across security, trade, and technology while presenting a united front for a "multipolar world."

A profound and unsettling question is simmering in the halls of power from Washington to Brussels: Is the American century over? For decades, the narrative of global progress was written in the West.