Daily flyovers
Latest news for 2 May 2025
Quick hits of consequential news from all corners of the world.
- 01
CHINA
Beijing says it’s “evaluating” US talks.
China’s commerce ministry has issued a statement suggesting the US has been reaching out hoping to start talks, and that “China is currently evaluating this”. Markets rose on hopes this might herald a possible off-ramp. (Bloomberg $)
- 02
UNITED STATES
Trump side-lines national security advisor.
Trump has moved Mike Waltz to the role of US ambassador to the UN, a month after Waltz set up the infamous Houthi attack group chat and included a journalist. (Politico)
Comment: The interesting thing about giving Waltz the UN job is that it requires senate confirmation — you can bet it’ll now be a gruelling process. Oh, and we’ve crunched the numbers and can confirm Waltz lasted 9.18 Scaramuccis (using the 11-day Scaramucci scale).
- 03
SOUTH KOREA
Shock resignations stun Koreans.
South Korea’s acting president just resigned to launch his own presidential bid, only for Korea’s next in line, the finance minister, to resign amid a new impeachment. That means the education minister is now Korea’s acting president. (Yonhap)
Comment: Designated Survivor vibes, anyone? Anyway, it’s tricky timing for the Koreans, who are reportedly among the closest to minting the first post-Liberation Day trade deal with the US. A few more resignations back in Seoul, and Korea’s trade team in DC might end up president by the time they fly home.
- 04
SERBIA
Unions join students in mass protests.
Trade unionists have now joined Serbia’s long-running student-led protests against the government, which erupted after a deadly train station collapse last year. But Serbia’s strongman president is still digging in, and has reiterated his plans to visit Moscow for WWII events on 9 May, despite European outrage. (France24)
- 05
THAILAND
Prosecutor to drop charges against US academic.
The highly-regarded Bangkok-based professor was facing up to 15 years in jail for allegedly insulting Thailand’s royal family. (CNA)
- 06
VENEZUELA
ICJ warns Caracas against land-grab election.
The International Court of Justice has warned Venezuela against holding elections in disputed turf controlled by neighbouring Guyana. Caracas is yet to respond. (Stabroek News)
- 07
KENYA
Kenyan politician shot dead.
Someone has gunned down a Kenyan member of parliament on the streets of the capital Nairobi, just weeks after he publicly warned that “hired goons” were plotting to assassinate him. The motive remains unclear. (BBC)