China's President Xi Jinping extended his congratulations to Donald Trump following his victory in the U.S. presidential election, emphasizing the need for both nations to discover a constructive path for coexistence amid the threat of renewed U.S. tariffs that could reignite past trade conflicts. Xi articulated that stable and sustainable relations between China and the U.S. are beneficial for both countries, while also highlighting the expectation from the international community for these powers to respect one another and maintain peaceful coexistence. He advocated for enhanced dialogue to effectively address and manage their differences. Relations between the two nations had deteriorated significantly due to disputes over trade, security, and regional issues, but began to show signs of improvement after a four-hour meeting between Xi and President Joe Biden in California in November 2023. Trump's election could potentially bring back challenges reminiscent of his first term, during which he initiated a significant trade war with China in 2018, although a temporary truce was established just before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in January 2020.

  On Thursday, following Donald Trump's election as U.S. president, Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu asserted that the West must acknowledge Russia's success in the Ukraine conflict and engage in negotiations to conclude it. He noted that Russian forces have been making significant advances, marking the fastest progress since the early stages of the ongoing war, which has lasted for two and a half years. While Trump claimed during his campaign that he could achieve peace in Ukraine within a day, he has provided limited information on his proposed approach.

  A senior official from Hamas has urged for an immediate halt to Israel's military actions in the Gaza Strip and emphasized the need for a strategy to attain Palestinian statehood, as reported following Donald Trump's election victory. Basem Naim, a member and spokesperson of Hamas's Political Bureau, stated that while Trump's presidency is a matter for Americans, Palestinians are eager for an end to the violence against them, particularly in Gaza, and seek support in realizing their rights to freedom, independence, and the establishment of a sovereign state with Jerusalem as its capital. He further criticized the unwavering support for Israel and its government, asserting that it jeopardizes the future of the Palestinian people and the overall security and stability of the region. During his previous term, Trump developed a strong alliance with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is currently involved in a multifaceted conflict against the Iran-aligned Axis of Resistance, initiated by a significant Hamas-led assault on Israel in October 2023. Nonetheless, Trump has also voiced discontent with Netanyahu's leadership during the war and has advocated for a prompt resolution to the ongoing conflict.

   The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has recently faced significant controversy. Detractors view it as a clear cover for terrorist activities, while supporters argue that its services are essential for Palestinians requiring assistance amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. In response to this debate, the Israeli parliament has made a decisive move, voting on Monday to prohibit UNRWA's operations within Israeli territory.

The United States, along with its Western allies, is advancing a $50 billion loan initiative for Ukraine, which will be financed through the profits generated from frozen Russian assets. This package includes a significant contribution of $20 billion from the United States, as announced by the White House on Wednesday.

   Hezbollah militants launched rockets at the Tel Aviv metropolitan area on Wednesday morning for the second consecutive day, prompting millions of Israelis to seek refuge in bomb shelters. The Iranian-backed group also targeted northern border towns and the Galilee region, including the city of Nazareth.

Taipei, Taiwan Reuters — Defense Minister Wellington Koo stated on Wednesday that a genuine Chinese blockade of Taiwan would constitute an act of war, significantly impacting international trade. His remarks followed recent military exercises conducted by China that simulated such a scenario.