Politics

Latest Politics News

📅February 5, 2026 at 1:00 PM
Global politics today features Trump-Xi diplomacy on trade and Taiwan, New START treaty expiry sparking arms race fears, EU Ukraine aid package, Myanmar junta power grab, and Thailand election developments.
1

Trump and Xi Discuss Taiwan, Soybeans in Call to Ease U.S.-China Tensions

U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks focused on stabilizing bilateral relations, discussing Taiwan, trade, and security issues. Trump noted China is considering buying more U.S. soybeans, boosting market sentiment.Source 1 The call is part of Xi's diplomatic blitz, including a discussion with Putin.Source 7

2

Russia Declares No Longer Bound by New START Nuclear Treaty Limits

Russia stated it is no longer bound by nuclear warhead limits under the New START treaty, which expires today after failed U.S. negotiations under Trump. Moscow vows responsible action amid fears of a new arms race.Source 3 This escalates tensions as the last major U.S.-Russia nuclear pact ends.Source 3

3

EU Countries Agree 90 Billion Euro Loan for Ukraine's 2026-2027 Needs

European Union nations reached a deal for a 90 billion euro loan to cover Ukraine's financial and military requirements for 2026 and 2027, with first payments aimed for early April.Source 5 France, Italy, Austria, Luxembourg, and Czech Republic back direct talks with Russia, while Germany opposes due to recent bombardments.Source 5

4

Myanmar Junta Plans 'Super-Body' to Control Military and Government

Myanmar's junta announced a powerful new council to oversee military and civilian administration, potentially allowing Min Aung Hlaing to become president without losing army control.Source 1 The body would supersede executive, legislative, and judicial branches with no accountability.Source 1 Analysts view it as tightening the junta's grip.Source 1

5

North Korea May Reinstate 'President' Title for Kim Jong-un

North Korea could restore the 'president' title for leader Kim Jong-un ahead of a party congress, per 38 North analysis citing recent head-of-state references.Source 1 This may signal structural changes with broader political implications beyond ceremony.Source 1

6

Thailand's Ex-PM Abhisit Vejjajiva Returns Boosting Democrat Party Ahead of Feb. 8 Election

Former Thai PM Abhisit Vejjajiva rejoined frontline politics, reviving support for the Democrat Party among conservatives before the February 8 vote.Source 1 He ruled out early coalition talks, prioritizing voter choices.Source 1 Polls indicate a key role in post-election coalitions.Source 1

7

Venezuelan Opposition Leader Machado Eyes Elections in 9-10 Months

Venezuela's María Corina Machado estimated new democratic elections could occur in under a year with manual voting processes.Source 3 She has not yet discussed starting with President Trump.Source 3 This follows prior geopolitical shifts in Venezuela.Source 2

8

Russia Attacks Ukraine Power Grid Amid Record Cold Before Peace Talks

Russia struck Ukraine's power grid during extreme cold, raising doubts about Moscow's negotiation intentions ahead of talks, per NATO's secretary-general.Source 4 Strikes seen as a bad signal on ceasefire violations.Source 4

9

Iran Protests Death Toll Rises as Regime Crackdown Continues

The death toll from Iran protests mounts, with families learning of loved ones killed by regime forces; Iranian-Canadians report injuries and deaths.Source 4 Protests worsen amid geopolitical tensions.Source 2

10

Paul Weiss Law Firm Chair Resigns Over Epstein Ties

Brad Karp resigned as chair of Paul Weiss law firm following revelations of his Jeffrey Epstein associations.Source 3 The move comes amid U.S. political scrutiny.Source 3

11

U.S. Tariff Threats and Deals Reshape Global Relations

New U.S. tariff threats target Canada, while a US-Taiwan deal emerges amid Trump-Xi talks.Source 2 Trump's policies make Canada indispensable in shifting geopolitics.Source 2

12

Spain to Ban Social Media for Children Under 16

Spain will prohibit social media use for under-16s, requiring platforms to implement age verification.Source 5 This EU-level policy shift aims at child protection.Source 5