News in Brief
China declines U.S. request for a defense meeting
REUTERS – China declined a request from the United States for a meeting between their defense chiefs at an annual security forum in Singapore this weekend, media reported on Monday, a new sign of strain between the powers.
“Overnight, the PRC informed the U.S. that they have declined our early May invitation for Secretary (Lloyd) Austin to meet with PRC Minister of National Defense Li Shangfu in Singapore,” the Pentagon said.
Germany questions Hungary’s EU rotating presidency
POLITICO – Germany cast doubt Tuesday on Hungary’s ability to lead the EU’s policy-making process next year, adding fuel to nascent chatter about whether the EU would ever delay Budapest’s turn helming its rotating presidency.
Hungary is slated to hold the position for the second half of 2024, giving it a key role in coordinating policy work at the Council of the EU. The prospect has unnerved some Budapest critics, who note Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s government is facing pervasive allegations of democratic backsliding.
Sudan Army, rival force agree to extend truce
AP – Sudan’s warring sides on Monday agreed to extend a shaky cease-fire in their battle for control of the country, after two key international mediators signaled impatience with persistent truce violations. The five-day extension of the cease-fire between Sudan’s military and its rival, the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, was announced in a joint statement late Monday by Saudi Arabia and the United States.