World A 'wolf warrior' is sidelined, as China softens its approach on the world stage Zhao Lijian, a foreign ministry spokesman known for his combative approach, was reassigned. The change is mostly tactical, but analysts see a window of opportunity to improve China-U.S. relations. John Ruwitch
Politics Putin turns down Biden talks and defends Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy grid The Kremlin dismissed the idea of talks with President Biden to end the war in Ukraine and said its assault on Ukrainian infrastructure was an "inevitable" response to Kyiv's attacks. Charles Maynes
Latin America The U.S. is trying to mend ties with Venezuela. One big reason? Oil The Biden administration has extended an olive branch to Venezuela. It might sway Caracas to resume talks with the opposition for elections, and eventually let Venezuelan oil back on the world market. John Otis
Latin America An intense global scramble is on to keep Ukraine grain deal alive, as Russia pulls out Countries are scrambling to salvage a deal allowing Ukraine to export grain, after Russia said it pulled out indefinitely, a decision that risks worsening global hunger. Fatma Tanis
World With U.S. focused on defense, China's trade and infrastructure sweep Southeast Asia The Biden administration hopes to make deeper inroads in Southeast Asia but lags far behind China, which has already built up major trade ties, as well as roads and a high-speed rail. Julie McCarthy
World State Department Orders Departure Of Nonessential Personnel From Kabul Embassy The order came Tuesday, amid concerns about heightened violence as U.S. and NATO troops depart Afghanistan. U.S. officials would not confirm the number of those leaving but insisted it would be small. Michele Kelemen Nishant Dahiya
Politics China To Loom Large At Biden's Summit With Japan's Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga As the U.S. tries to enlist allies to help meet the challenges posed by China, perhaps no nation is more central than Japan. Suga is the first foreign leader to meet face-to-face with President Biden. Anthony Kuhn
Politics 50 Years Later, The Legacy Of U.S.-China 'Pingpong Diplomacy' Faces Challenges April 10 marks the 50th anniversary of when U.S. table tennis players first visited China in a diplomatic breakthrough. But today, the political winds have shifted — in both countries. John Ruwitch
World Senate Confirms Antony Blinken As Secretary Of State The Senate confirmed Antony Blinken as President Biden's secretary of state on Tuesday. The vote was 78-22. As the top U.S. diplomat, Blinken will face an array of national security challenges. Michele Kelemen
World Opinion: Iran Is Escalating Its Nuclear Program. Biden Should Not Rush To Respond Iran has announced new nuclear steps aimed at the incoming Biden administration, but the U.S. has leverage to push back, argues analyst Henry Rome. Henry Rome
