Daily News

Berlin conference raises over £1bn in aid for Sudan humanitarian crisis

Published

4 weeks ago

April 17, 2026

As Sudan’s humanitarian crisis continues to worsen, international donors at a recent aid conference in Berlin pledged more than £1 billion in funding, exceeding the target set by organisers in an effort to ease what the United Nations has described as one of the world’s largest humanitarian disasters.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said the outcome was a rare positive development at a time of shrinking global humanitarian resources, and expressed gratitude to donor countries. However, he also stressed that financial assistance cannot replace peace itself.

Sudan is currently engulfed in a civil war between the national army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a conflict that has lasted nearly three years. The fighting has caused massive civilian casualties and widespread displacement, with around two-thirds of the population—approximately 34 million people—requiring humanitarian assistance. Yet only around 16% of this year’s humanitarian funding needs have been met, leaving a significant shortfall. The UN has also warned of ongoing allegations of serious crimes, including sexual violence against women and girls and widespread destruction of communities.

Despite increased funding pledges, prospects for peace remain distant. Neither the Sudanese army nor the RSF sent representatives to the Berlin conference, and ceasefire negotiations have seen no meaningful progress. Sudan’s foreign ministry also criticised Western countries for failing to consult it, accusing the meeting of reflecting a “colonial approach to governance.”

Commentary:

Although the Berlin conference successfully secured over £1 billion in aid, offering a temporary reprieve to Sudan’s worsening humanitarian crisis, funding alone cannot resolve the underlying conflict. The absence of both warring parties from the talks highlights a lack of political will to negotiate or find a solution at this stage.

As long as fighting continues, weapons keep flowing, and external actors persist in supporting rival sides, international aid will merely prolong the crisis rather than end it. Humanitarian assistance is essential, but without political commitment and a functioning ceasefire mechanism, the situation is likely to deteriorate further in cycles of repeated conflict.

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Daily News

Trump Begins China Visit as U.S.

Published

21 hours ago

May 13, 2026

Blessing CALD Editorial

U.S. President Donald Trump today begins a three-day visit to China, where he is expected to hold talks in Beijing with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The trip marks Trump’s first visit to China since 2017 and the first face-to-face meeting between the two leaders since their meeting in South Korea in October last year. Both Washington and Beijing said discussions will cover bilateral relations and major international issues.

Trump wrote on social media that he is looking forward to the trip and described China as “an amazing country.” China’s Foreign Ministry said the two sides would conduct in-depth exchanges on China-U.S. relations, world peace, and global development.

According to U.S. officials, the summit will focus not only on trade cooperation but also on sensitive issues including Taiwan, Iran, artificial intelligence, nuclear weapons, and the Russia–Ukraine war. The Taiwan issue is widely viewed as one of the core areas of strategic competition between the two countries. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio previously said Taiwan would likely become a key topic of discussion. China has long opposed continued U.S. arms sales and political support for Taiwan, while the United States maintains its role as one of Taiwan’s principal international backers.

On trade, both sides are expected to discuss extending the current truce in the China-U.S. trade war, including issues surrounding China’s continued exports of rare earth minerals to the United States. Sources indicated the two countries may formally announce the establishment of a “Trade Committee” and an “Investment Committee” as new mechanisms to promote bilateral trade and investment.

In addition, Beijing is reportedly preparing to announce new purchasing plans involving Boeing aircraft, U.S. agricultural goods, and energy products in an effort to stabilize economic relations. Ahead of Trump’s visit, Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng is also set to travel to South Korea for a new round of economic and trade talks with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

The case of Jimmy Lai, founder of Next Digital, is also expected to be raised during the visit. Trump recently said he would discuss Lai’s case during his meeting with Xi. More than 100 members of the U.S. Congress have also signed a joint letter calling on China to release Lai, highlighting continued attention to the issue within American politics.

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Daily News

Australia to Deploy Military Aircraft to Middle East for Strait of Hormuz Escort Operations

Published

21 hours ago

May 13, 2026

Blessing CALD Editorial

The Australian government has announced it will deploy an E-7A “Wedgetail” airborne early warning aircraft back to the Middle East to participate in a multinational military operation led by the United Kingdom and France aimed at safeguarding shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles confirmed the deployment on Tuesday following a virtual meeting with defense ministers from several countries. He stressed that the mission is “strictly defensive in nature,” aimed at ensuring freedom of navigation rather than escalating regional conflict.

The E-7A Wedgetail is an advanced airborne early warning and command-and-control aircraft operated by the Royal Australian Air Force, equipped with long-range radar surveillance and airborne coordination capabilities. In March this year, Australia deployed the same aircraft type to the Middle East to help defend the United Arab Emirates against Iranian attacks.

Regional tensions have remained high since the United States and Israel launched airstrikes against Iran in late February, with shipping through the Strait of Hormuz heavily affected. Iran has repeatedly asserted control over the waterway and warned foreign powers against interfering in regional affairs.

Although a ceasefire between the United States and Iran has been in place since April, prospects for lasting peace remain uncertain. U.S. President Donald Trump recently described the ceasefire agreement as being in a “fragile” state, while Iran has rejected a U.S.-backed peace proposal. Multiple attacks on vessels and military standoffs have recently occurred near the strait, continuing to unsettle global energy markets.

Marles said Australia supports the restoration of freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and hopes the waterway can fully reopen. He added that the military deployment is intended to complement diplomatic de-escalation efforts rather than replace political solutions.

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Daily News

Permanent Migration Intake Maintained at 185,000

Published

22 hours ago

May 13, 2026

Blessing CALD Editorial

The federal government has outlined its latest migration policy settings in the 2026–27 federal budget, confirming that Australia’s permanent migration intake will remain at 185,000 places per year, with more than 70% allocated to skilled migrants.

The government said the future migration system will place greater emphasis on attracting applicants with higher education levels, stronger technical skills, and younger age profiles, in response to Australia’s long-term labour shortages, particularly in critical industries such as construction and electrical trades. Authorities stressed that skilled migrants play an important role in supporting infrastructure projects, housing supply, and the energy transition.

According to the budget, the government will prioritise permanent residency applications from people already residing in Australia, rather than offshore applicants. The arrangement will apply to both skilled migration and family migration streams. The remaining approximately 55,110 offshore permanent migration places will mainly be allocated to highly skilled workers able to meet Australia’s long-term workforce needs.

The government also announced an investment of A$85.2 million to accelerate skills assessments and professional qualification recognition processes, including improvements to occupational licensing and skills accreditation systems. The reforms are expected to reduce the time required for overseas skilled workers to enter the Australian labour market by up to six months.

Authorities estimate the measures could bring an additional 4,000 skilled workers into Australia’s labour force each year, mainly in sectors such as construction and electrical work. In addition, the government will allocate a further A$27 million over the next two years to provide migrant workers with education on workplace protections, labour rights, and migration regulations, helping new arrivals better understand workplace rights and compliance requirements.

The working holiday visa program will also undergo reforms. Proposed changes include tighter management of visa numbers, reduced employment restrictions, and improvements to fairness in visa allocation.

The government said the overall objective of the migration reforms is to better align the migration system with Australia’s economic needs while easing pressure on infrastructure, housing, and public services.

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