Ambassador

U.S. Ambassador to China David Perdue told Fox News that Donald Trump asked Xi Jinping whether China would be interested in buying American weapons. The State Department moved quickly to clarify that Washington has no plans to sell arms to Beijing, distancing itself from the remark as questions mount over the exchange.

US President Donald Trump directly warned Chinese President Xi Jinping that any Chinese assistance to Iran, direct or indirect, including intelligence, parts or equipment, is "totally unacceptable," according to US Ambassador to China David Perdue. The message signals mounting US pressure on Beijing as tensions over Iran escalate.

China's practice of lending giant pandas abroad, long a tool of soft power, is in the spotlight with a rundown of the countries currently hosting the animals. Panda loans have historically signalled warmer ties with Beijing, and recent returns and new loans have renewed interest in where the 'ambassadors' live and what their presence says about China's diplomatic relationships.

Israeli ambassador Reuven Azar has spoken publicly about an alleged attack aboard a Flydubai flight, crediting Captain Smit with heroic conduct and calling for an investigation into a possible security breach. He also drew a link to the broader tensions following October 7. Details of the incident and official findings remain limited as authorities examine what happened.

Iran has summoned the British ambassador in Tehran following accusations linked to an alleged plot targeting RAF Fairford, a Royal Air Force base in the UK. The base is reportedly used by US forces, giving the affair wider geopolitical weight amid already strained Iran-Britain relations. Details of the alleged plot and London's response remain limited.

The Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for Community and Corporate Affairs received a courtesy call from the Ambassador of the European Union to ASEAN at the ASEAN Secretariat. The meeting reflects the ongoing diplomatic engagement between the two blocs, which maintain a strategic partnership covering trade, connectivity and sustainable development. Details of the discussion were not disclosed.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with ambassadors of the European Union to discuss Ukraine's air defense needs, economic support, and further sanctions against Russia. The talks come as Ukraine continues to press Western partners for stronger air protection and sustained financial backing amid the ongoing Russian invasion.

South Africa has reportedly issued a demarche to US Ambassador Brent Bozell, a formal diplomatic protest step that commentators are characterising as a serious deterioration in relations between Pretoria and Washington. The news, flagged as breaking by analysts including Colonel Chris Wyatt, is prompting debate over whether South Africa is deliberately escalating tensions with the United States into what some describe as a diplomatic confrontation.

Kevin Rudd, Australia's ambassador to the United States, has publicly criticised OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman, telling him to 'lift his game' following a data breach at the artificial intelligence company. The comment puts direct pressure on one of the world's most prominent tech leaders at a moment when concerns over data security and AI governance are already running high.

The U.S. ambassador to NATO said Russia is attempting to 'lash out' following setbacks on the battlefield in Ukraine. The comments suggest Moscow may escalate strikes or aggressive actions as its military position weakens. Officials and observers are watching for how Russia responds to mounting losses in the war.