China/Taiwan
(Xinhua/Global Times) Authorities on the Chinese mainland have put forward a package of 10 policies and measures to boost exchanges and cooperation across the Taiwan Strait. The Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee unveiled the package on Sunday, saying it aims to advance the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations and enhance the kinship and well-being of compatriots across the Strait. The announcement came as a delegation from the Chinese Kuomintang (KMT) party, led by its chairwoman Cheng Li-wun, is wrapping up a mainland visit from Tuesday to Sunday. – Mainland unveils package of policies, measures to boost ties with Taiwan – Global Times
Hungary and beyond
(Chris Powers – The Kyiv Independent) As Hungarians are heading to the polls on April 12, the prospect that the 16-year rule of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and his Fidesz party might come to an end will have far-reaching consequences for Ukraine, Europe, and maybe the world. A lot is at stake for Ukraine in this election. Orban has blocked a €90 billion EU loan for Kyiv, and used its veto power to prevent the EU from opening accession negotiations with Ukraine — and Moldova — for almost a year. Facing down Fidesz, and mostly outperforming them in the polls, is the center-right Tisza party of Peter Magyar, around whom the opposition in Hungary has united. Magyar has promised to combat government corruption and reestablish working relations with the EU and NATO. – All you need to know about Hungary’s election
(Lucy Pakhnyuk – The Kyiv Independent) With Hungary’s closely watched parliamentary elections just a day away, U.S. lawmakers have accused the European Commission of attempting to influence the vote through its regulation of online platforms. In a letter dated April 10, U.S. Representatives Jim Jordan and Chris Smith alleged that the Commission has pressured major online platforms to alter globally applied content moderation policies in ways they say amount to political censorship. “Public reporting indicates that the European Commission may be engaged in similar activities ahead of this month’s general election in Hungary—once again, with potential negative effects for U.S. speech,” the lawmakers wrote. – US lawmakers allege European Commission interference, censorship ahead of Hungary election
Russia/Ukraine
(Volodymyr Ivanyshyn – The Kyiv Independent) A Russian drone struck an ambulance in Sumy Oblast, injuring three paramedics overnight on April 12 despite an Easter ceasefire being in place, local authorities reported. “Three medics were injured. They were promptly provided with assistance,” the Sumy Oblast Military Administration reported. “The enemy cynically continues to attack civilian infrastructure. Be as cautious as possible,” the statement read. . Russian drone strikes ambulance in northeastern Ukraine, injuring 3 paramedics despite Easter ceasefire
US
(Erin Doherty and Alec Hernandez – Politico) A fear of losing again is already shaping how Democrats think about 2028. Chants of “run again!” reverberated through the packed room as Kamala Harris spoke Friday at the National Action Network convention, a gathering of Black voters, lawmakers and power brokers that saw drop-ins from a steady stream of potential presidential candidates. But several Black attendees openly questioned whether anyone other than a straight, white man can win the White House. – Fears over who can win in 2028 are already surfacing among Democrats – POLITICO
War in Iran/Middle East/Gulf and beyond
(Xinhua/Global Times) No agreement was reached between the United States and Iran in the latest round of talks held in Islamabad, US Vice President JD Vance said here on Sunday, as negotiations concluded without a breakthrough despite intensive engagement. Vance said the US side had presented its “final and best offer” after nearly a day of continuous communication, adding that a number of substantive discussions were conducted in “good faith,” but the proposal had yet to secure acceptance. He said Iran’s nuclear enrichment facilities have been “destroyed,” shifting the focus of negotiations to securing a long-term commitment from Tehran not to develop nuclear weapons. – No deal reached after hours of rare high-level US-Iran talks in decades – Global Times
(Reuters/Al Arabiya) US Vice President JD Vance said on Sunday that his negotiating team was leaving Pakistan after not reaching a deal with Iran following 21 hours of negotiations, jeopardizing a fragile two-week ceasefire. “The bad news is that we have not reached an agreement, and I think that’s bad news for Iran much more than it’s bad news for the United States of America,” Vance told reporters after the talks ended. “So we go back to the United States having not come to an agreement. We’ve made very clear what our red lines are.” – US leaves Iran peace talks without a deal
(Agencies/Al Arabiya) Pakistan’s foreign minister insisted on Sunday Washington and Tehran must uphold a ceasefire agreement, after marathon talks between the two sides to end the war in the Middle East ended without an agreement. – Pakistan foreign minister says ‘imperative’ for US, Iran to uphold ceasefire
(AFP/Al Arabiya) US President Donald Trump said Saturday he was not bothered about the outcome of US-Iran talks in Pakistan, insisting the United States had come out ahead from the war. “Whether we make a deal or not makes no difference to me. The reason is because we’ve won,” Trump told reporters. “We’re in very deep negotiations with Iran. We win regardless. We’ve defeated them militarily,” Trump said. – Trump says makes ‘no difference’ to him if Iran, US reach deal
