Iran hits desalination plant in Kuwait

The governments of Latin America are accelerating their emergency plans in the face of the strengthening of the El Niño phenomenon in the Pacific. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) confirmed that the event is already underway and warned that countries must act early to reduce impacts.

Governments take action

Brazil reinforced its brigades against forest fires. Colombia activated water monitoring systems. Other Central American nations are working on plans to protect vulnerable communities and guarantee basic services. Experts point out that, although the phenomenon develops gradually, authorities usually delay preventive actions until emergencies are already underway.

Expected impact

Droughts, extreme heat, fires, floods and impacts on water, energy and transportation systems are expected. Agricultural production and access to drinking water could be seriously damaged, especially in the most vulnerable communities. The WMO insists that early preparation is key to mitigating the adverse effects anticipated in the coming months.

China bets on global governance of AI

Chinese President Xi Jinping urged the promotion of global governance of artificial intelligence (AI) and stated that its development should not belong to a single country. During the opening of the World Conference on Artificial Intelligence in Shanghai, he questioned what he called an “overreach” of the concept of national security in this area, in clear reference to the technological restrictions imposed by the United States.

“Artificial intelligence must become a symphony of global cooperation, not an isolated competition between nations,” Xi said.

As part of its strategy, China will strengthen AI collaboration with organizations such as ASEAN, the Arab League, the African Union, CELAC and the BRICS countries. In addition, it will offer five thousand training opportunities for developing countries in the next five years.

Multilateral agreement in Shanghai

Before the event, 29 countries—including Russia, Pakistan and Kazakhstan—signed an agreement with Beijing to create a World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization, based in Shanghai. Analysts interpret this initiative as China’s response to the US Pax Silica framework, which seeks to strengthen AI supply chains with its allies.

Donald Trump’s administration implemented a drastic change to the visa system for international correspondents. From now on, visas for foreign journalists will have a maximum validity of 240 days, compared to the several years allowed by the previous scheme. In the case of Chinese journalists, the stay permit is reduced to only 90 days.

Reactions and justifications

The Department of Homeland Security explained that the “duration of status” system, which allowed correspondents to remain in US territory as long as they met their visa requirements, is eliminated. Instead, renewable fixed periods are established, with the aim of facilitating the supervision and review of each case.

Organizations such as Reporters Without Borders and the Committee to Protect Journalists pointed out that the measure restricts press freedom and hinders information coverage by international media in the United States. From Beijing, the Chinese government described the decision as discriminatory and warned that it will take response measures.

The new regulations also impact students and other visitors under similar schemes. At a time when Washington and Beijing seek to stabilize their bilateral relations, this immigration hardening could fuel tensions between both powers.