Chairman

• The chairman of the Doha International Center for Interdialogue (DICID) emphasized that dialogue is a strategic necessity for enhancing social cohesion and reducing divisions rooted in religion, identity, and culture. • Speaking in Nicosia, the chairman highlighted how these initiatives promote shared citizenship and peaceful coexistence by framing diversity as a source of human development and cultural enrichment. • This diplomatic push underscores Qatar's broader commitment to international mediation and the reduction of global social tensions.

• Kuomintang (KMT) vice-chairman Chang Rong-kung met Wang Huning, China's top Taiwan affairs official, in Beijing on May 11, 2026, affirming that cross-strait relations are not state-to-state. • Chang emphasized shared beliefs that territory must not be divided and the nation must not be dispersed, as quoted by Wang during the summit reported by United Daily News. • The meeting underscores KMT's opposition stance toward Taiwan independence while engaging Beijing, amid ongoing tensions over Taiwan's status.

• The Federal Reserve voted to leave the benchmark federal funds rate unchanged at 3.5% to 3.75% on Wednesday, citing concerns about inflation rising amid the war in Iran. • This marks the continuation of the Fed's pause in rate adjustments following three successive 25-basis-point cuts in September, October, and December 2025. • Fed Chairman Jerome Powell is scheduled to hold a press conference at 2:30 p.m. ET to discuss the decision, marking what could be his final interest-rate announcement as Federal Reserve chair.