Colombia formally joining China’s Belt and Road Initiative took centerstage on Wednesday, 14 May 2025 among all major events across the globe, and remains the highlight of this week's list of center stage events.
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Centerstage events of week 2
Markets surge as the US and China...
Markets surge as the US and China agree to slash tariffs after talks in Switzerland. The US lowers its tariffs from 145% to 30%, and China reduces its retaliatory duties from 125% to 10%. President Trump calls the deal a "total reset" but warns suspended tariffs may return in three months. Investors cheer the truce, with the Nasdaq jumping 4.3% and the S&P 500 up 3.2%, reversing earlier losses.
Monday, 12 May, 2025
Microsoft has begun laying off nearly...
Microsoft has begun laying off nearly 6,000 employees—just under 3% of its global workforce of 228,000—as part of a broader effort to increase efficiency and agility across teams. The cuts, announced Tuesday, affect various departments, levels, and regions, including LinkedIn. This move follows CFO Amy Hood’s remarks about reducing management layers and boosting team performance. The layoffs reflect a continuing trend in the tech industry, which has seen over 53,000 job losses in 2025 and in USA alone.
Tuesday, 13 May, 2025
Colombia formally joins China’s...
Colombia formally joins China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), marking a significant shift in Latin American geopolitics as Beijing deepens its regional influence. The agreement, signed during a major summit in Beijing, positions Colombia alongside two-thirds of Latin American nations now aligned with the BRI. Colombia’s foreign ministry calls it a “historic step,” promising enhanced investment, technology transfer, and sustainable development.
Wednesday, 14 May, 2025
China announces visa-free entry for citizens...
China announces visa-free entry for citizens of Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay starting June 1, 2025, for stays up to 30 days. The one-year trial aims to strengthen ties with Latin America amid Beijing’s push to counter U.S. influence. The move follows this week’s China-CELAC Forum and expands China’s post-pandemic visa-free list, which now includes many European nations, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, and Uzbekistan.
Thursday, 15 May, 2025
The U.S. FDA approves the Lumipulse G blood...
The U.S. FDA approves the Lumipulse G blood test, the first of its kind to detect Alzheimer’s disease by identifying amyloid plaques in people aged 55+ with memory issues. Previously, diagnosis required PET scans. With over 55 million people worldwide currently living with Alzheimer’s, this approval marks a significant advance in early detection. FDA Commissioner Makary expresses hope as global cases are expected to double by 2050.
Friday, 16 May, 2025
In the past few hours, Israeli...
In the past few hours, Israeli airstrikes kill over 150 Palestinians in Gaza. In Afghanistan, a bombing at a Panjshir military base kills 13 Taliban fighters. A Russian drone strike on a civilian bus in Ukraine's Sumy region leaves nine dead. In the U.S., a car bomb at a Palm Springs fertility clinic kills one in a confirmed terror attack. Syria reports killing an ISIS member in Aleppo. Tensions rise between Guyana and Venezuela.
Saturday, 17 May, 2025
Bucharest Mayor Nicușor Dan wins ...
Bucharest Mayor Nicușor Dan wins Romania’s presidential runoff, defeating hard-right candidate George Simion in a closely watched election. The runoff followed last year’s annulled vote over claims of Russian interference. Simion has refused to concede, despite official confirmation of Dan’s victory. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy congratulates Dan, calling Romania a vital partner. Dan, a staunch EU and NATO supporter, pledges continued backing for Ukraine, in contrast to Simion’s anti-aid stance.
Sunday, 18 May, 2025
