Trump still has confidence in Kim Jong-un; Norway pushes to resolve political crisis in Venezuela

US President continues to believe in North Korea's commitment

President Donald Trump. Photo: THX/TTXVN

In a tweet during his visit to Japan on May 26, the US leader acknowledged that North Korea's recent launches of "small weapons" have caused concern to many people, including the American people, but he affirmed that he was not concerned about these moves by Pyongyang. The White House boss expressed his confidence that leader Kim Jong-un would keep his commitment.

President Trump's statements came after US National Security Adviser John Bolton said a day earlier that North Korea's recent missile launches violated UN Security Council resolutions. However, Mr. Bolton affirmed that Washington is ready to resume negotiations with Pyongyang.

Zelensky promises to turn Ukraine into a base for geniuses to conquer the world

New Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky. Photo: Sputnik

The new President of Ukraine, Vladimir Zelensky, has just written on Facebook that he will do everything in his power to pave the way for his compatriots to freely implement all their initiatives in their homeland. "So that Ukraine itself will become a base for geniuses who will continue to conquer the world," Vladimir Zelensky wrote.

The statement was made by the Ukrainian leader on the anniversary of Russian aircraft designer Igor Sikorsky, whom Zelensky called a "famous Ukrainian", expressing confidence that Sikorsky's example will inspire other inventors across the country.

China drafts law to ban US tech companies, retaliating against Huawei

Beijing will also use the law to retaliate against US companies after the Huawei case - Photo: Reuters

The Cyberspace Administration of China has proposed a set of cybersecurity policies that are believed to target US technology companies in retaliation for Huawei, the South China Morning Post reported. Critical infrastructures mentioned include telecommunications carriers and financial service providers… The draft Cybersecurity Assessment Measures has been made public for public comment until the end of June 2019.

Last week, Trump's executive order banned US technology companies from using telecommunications equipment made by companies that pose a threat to US national security amid escalating trade tensions between the two countries. The move targeted Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei. The US Treasury Department later added the Chinese corporation to a list of restrictions on purchasing technology from US companies. Google and a series of other US technology giants simultaneously "broke up" with Huawei after the above ban, while the US government continuously persuaded South Korea to join the "war against Huawei" through many diplomatic channels.

Norway strives to promote resolution of political crisis in Venezuela

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro (right) and opposition leader Juan Guaido. Photo: AFP/TTXVN

Representatives of the Venezuelan government and the opposition will return to Oslo next week after a first round of preliminary talks to discuss ways to resolve the current political crisis in the South American country, the Norwegian Foreign Ministry announced. Oslo, as an intermediary, is committed to continuing its support in finding a mutually agreeable solution for Venezuela, the Norwegian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Venezuela's Information Ministry has yet to respond to requests for comment. Meanwhile, Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido has called for "first direct talks" between his group and the government in Oslo next week. Guaido said his delegation will meet separately with Norwegian government representatives.

Philippines bans all government officials and employees from traveling to Canada

A landfill in Manila, Philippines. Photo: AFP/TTXVN

The Philippine government confirmed on May 26 that it has banned all government officials and employees from making official trips to Canada, a move that shows Manila is serious about downgrading diplomatic relations with Ottawa over the garbage dispute.

In a statement on May 26, Philippine presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said Executive Secretary (Office of the President) Salvador Medialdea released a memorandum dated May 20, "directing all ministers and heads of agencies, government-owned companies and government financial institutions to refrain from granting official travel to Canada."

Magnitude 8 earthquake shakes northern Peru

The US Geological Survey (USGS) said a magnitude 8 earthquake struck at 2:41 a.m. about 180 kilometers east of Moyobamba, northern Peru. The quake was centered in Loreto in the Amazon jungle, at a depth of about 105 kilometers, and shook northern Peru. There were no immediate reports of casualties or property damage.

The USGC initially reported the quake as a magnitude 7.0, but later revised its magnitude. It is considered one of the world's strongest earthquakes this year. Peru sits on the Ring of Fire, an area of ​​the Pacific Ocean where earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are common. In 2007, a magnitude 7.9 earthquake struck the country's west coast, killing at least 337 people.