A recent Pew Research Center poll shows that more people in many countries now view China and its leader Xi Jinping more positively than the United States and President Donald Trump. This marks the first time in about 20 years that China’s global image has surpassed that of the US, partly due to US foreign policies and international events.
Key Facts
The poll surveyed 36 countries and territories from February to May 2026.
In 25 of those places, more people had a positive view of China than the US.
In 22 countries, Chinese leader Xi Jinping was seen more favorably than President Trump.
Only six countries still had more favorable opinions of the US over China.
Countries like Canada, Mexico, France, Germany, and the UK showed a shift toward more favorable views of China.
Canada's positive views of the US dropped from 57% in 2023 to 33% in 2026, while views of China rose from 14% to 44%.
US actions such as tariffs on Canadian goods and military raids have contributed to negative opinions abroad.
Israel remains a strong supporter of the US, with about 80% viewing it positively.
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It has been 10 years since a failed coup attempt tried to remove President Erdogan in Turkiye. The country is still split in how people remember and feel about the event.
Key Facts
The coup attempt in Turkiye happened on July 15, 10 years ago.
The goal was to overthrow President Erdogan.
The coup attempt did not succeed.
Since then, Turkiye remains divided about the event’s impact.
Different groups in the country have different views on the coup’s legacy.
The article was explained by Al Jazeera’s Mohammad Saleh.
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Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that Iran will protect all its land and that efforts to divide the country have not succeeded. He made these remarks at an event honoring the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, which was attended by important Iranian leaders and foreign diplomats.
Key Facts
President Masoud Pezeshkian spoke about defending Iran's territory.
He said attempts to split Iran have failed.
The statement was made during a ceremony for the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Senior Iranian officials attended the event.
Foreign ambassadors also took part in the ceremony.
The focus was on national unity and territorial defense.
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Comedian Josh Thomas commented on a controversy involving the Divine Playhouse, a queer-friendly theatre pop-up in Sydney that was removed by its landlord. Separately, a man died after a house fire in Sydney, and a new survey showed an increase in methamphetamine use in workplaces, especially in Western Australia.
Key Facts
Josh Thomas spoke out about the Divine Playhouse situation in Sydney.
Divine Playhouse is a theatre pop-up that supports queer communities.
The theatre was forced to leave by its landlord.
A man died after a fire at a house in Sydney.
A survey found more people using methamphetamines at work.
The rise in meth use is particularly notable in Western Australia.
The report highlights concerns about drug use affecting Australian workplaces.
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Kenya's highest court has ruled against a religious group called the Rastafarians, denying them the legal right to use marijuana for their religious practices. The decision stops the group from legally smoking cannabis as part of their faith.
Key Facts
The court case involved the Rastafarians in Kenya seeking permission to use marijuana for religious reasons.
The court ruled that the Rastafarians cannot legally use cannabis for their religious practices.
This ruling ends a long legal battle for the Rastafarian community in Kenya.
Marijuana remains illegal for religious use in Kenya under this decision.
The case highlights conflicts between religious freedom and drug laws in Kenya.
The article also mentions other African news such as cocoa producers working together and environmental activism, but the main focus is on the court ruling for Rastafarians.
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The United States carried out two sets of military strikes against Iran on Wednesday. These attacks are part of a series of actions over five days as tensions and conflict between the countries increase.
Key Facts
The U.S. launched two waves of strikes against Iran on the same day.
These strikes are the fifth day of continuous attacks on Iran.
The military actions indicate a rise in tension and conflict between the U.S. and Iran.
CBS News reported on the strikes, providing updates and details.
No information was given about the reasons behind the strikes or their targets.
The situation suggests an escalation in the ongoing conflict involving the U.S. and Iran.
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The U.S. military carried out a second round of attacks against Iran to limit its ability to threaten ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. These strikes happened as President Donald Trump considers attacking bridges in Iran.
Key Facts
The strikes targeted Iran’s military systems that could harm ships near the Strait of Hormuz.
The military operations began around 3 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on Wednesday.
This was the second series of attacks within a short period.
Earlier attacks focused on Iranian coastal defense systems and missile capabilities.
President Donald Trump is thinking about extending attacks to bridges inside Iran.
The Strait of Hormuz is a key waterway for international shipping.
The strikes aim to reduce threats to marine traffic in this important region.
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Russia launched missile and drone attacks on Ukraine’s southern port city of Odesa early Wednesday. The attacks caused a large fire, killed at least six people, and injured 20 others in different parts of Ukraine.
Key Facts
Russia used both missiles and drones in its attacks.
The main target was the port city of Odesa in southern Ukraine.
The strikes happened early Wednesday morning.
A large fire broke out that required firefighters to put it out.
At least six people died as a result of the attacks.
Twenty people were wounded in various locations across Ukraine.
Officials confirmed the number of casualties.
The attacks were part of ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
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France’s parliament approved a law allowing adults with incurable illnesses to end their own lives with medical help under strict conditions. The law applies to French citizens or residents who suffer greatly and can make clear decisions about their choice.
Key Facts
The law gives a legal right to assisted dying for adults with incurable, advanced, or terminal illnesses.
Patients can receive a lethal substance to self-administer or have a doctor or nurse give it if they cannot do it themselves.
To qualify, patients must suffer constant physical or mental pain and be able to make informed, free decisions.
The National Assembly passed the law with 291 votes in favor and 241 against.
President Emmanuel Macron supported the law and said it respects democracy and public debate.
If approved by France’s Constitutional Council, the country will join others like the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, and Canada in allowing assisted dying.
Some groups, including the far-right party and the Catholic Church, oppose the law, fearing potential abuse and moral issues.
France’s Senate rejected the bill, but the lower house’s decision is final, with possible review by the Constitutional Council.
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Two former high-ranking Maltese officials have been accused in court of being involved in a plan to kill journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia. The accusations came during the trial of businessman Yorgen Fenech, who is accused of ordering her assassination in 2017.
Key Facts
Former economy minister Chris Cardona and former chief of staff Keith Schembri were named as involved in the plot.
Brothers George and Alfred Degiorgio, imprisoned for planting the bomb that killed Caruana Galizia, made the accusations.
Alfred Degiorgio verbally accused the three men in court but refused to answer further questions and was arrested for contempt of court.
George Degiorgio detailed an alleged earlier murder plot from 2015 involving the same officials.
The plot included instructions, payment negotiations, and surveillance of the journalist’s home.
The plan was supposedly halted because of upcoming elections, according to George Degiorgio.
The journalists’ investigations had targeted the Labour party government led by then-Prime Minister Joseph Muscat.
Both Cardona and Schembri were top officials in Muscat’s administration at the time of the alleged plots.
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Ukraine conducted a drone attack on 20 Russian ships in the Black Sea, hitting mostly oil and gas tankers and a tugboat. Over the past 10 days, Ukraine says it has targeted 136 ships linked to Russia’s hidden fleet in the Black and Azov seas.
Key Facts
Ukraine attacked 20 Russian vessels using drones.
The ships included 17 oil tankers, two gas tankers, and one tugboat.
The attack took place in the Black Sea.
Ukraine calls this a large-scale drone operation.
Ukraine claims it has targeted 136 ships connected to Russia’s shadow fleet in the last 10 days.
The shadow fleet refers to ships operating secretly or unofficially for Russia.
The area involved includes both the Black Sea and the Azov Sea.
Kyiv (the capital of Ukraine) released videos showing the strikes.
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Wildfires in Canada and Minnesota caused heavy smoke to spread across much of the U.S. The smoky air is expected to stay for a few more days and might get worse before it improves.
Key Facts
Wildfires are burning in Canada and Minnesota.
Smoke from these fires has spread across a large part of the United States.
The sky looks hazy and smoky in many areas.
Air quality is poor because of the wildfire smoke.
The smoke is expected to remain for the next couple of days.
Conditions may get worse before the smoke clears.
There is some chance that the air quality will improve after a few days.
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Iraq’s prime minister is visiting Washington to ask for stronger economic cooperation between the two countries. The relationship between the United States and Iraq has been affected by almost 100 years of wars, changing partnerships, and outside influences.
Key Facts
Iraq’s prime minister is currently visiting Washington, D.C.
The main goal of the visit is to improve economic ties between Iraq and the U.S.
The U.S. and Iraq have a long history of conflict and cooperation that spans nearly 100 years.
This relationship has changed many times due to wars and shifting alliances.
Foreign countries have influenced the relationship between the two nations over the years.
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People protested in Paris and Gaza to ask for the release of Hussam Abu Safia, a Palestinian doctor held by Israel since December 2024. The protesters also want other Palestinian healthcare workers detained by Israel to be freed.
Key Facts
Hussam Abu Safia is a Palestinian doctor.
He has been in Israeli custody since December 2024.
Protests took place in both Paris and Gaza.
Demonstrators are calling for the release of Abu Safia.
Protesters also want other Palestinian healthcare workers held by Israel to be released.
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France's parliament has passed a law allowing assisted dying, moving the country closer to legalizing the practice. If approved by its highest constitutional court, France will become one of the few nations with laws permitting assisted dying.
Key Facts
France's parliament adopted a law legalizing assisted dying on July 15, 2026.
President Emmanuel Macron supported this law and promised it during his 2022 re-election campaign.
The law represents one of France’s major social reforms since legalizing same-sex marriage in 2012.
The new law requires approval from France’s highest constitutional authority before it can take effect.
Countries like the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, and Canada already allow assisted dying.
Assisted dying means a person can choose help to end their own life under certain conditions.
The law is part of ongoing discussions about patient rights and end-of-life care in France.
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European countries are trying to reduce their dependence on the United States for military equipment and support. This effort has increased after President Trump’s plans to reduce U.S. troops in Europe and his threats to pull back from NATO. Europe is working to improve its own defense production and cooperation among countries to strengthen its military independence.
Key Facts
France held a large military parade on Bastille Day, showcasing 7,600 troops from across Europe and aircraft from 10 NATO countries.
Despite the show of strength, Europe still relies heavily on U.S. equipment, data, and funding for its military.
President Trump has threatened to reduce U.S. troop presence in Europe and limit NATO support.
The EU has created a Defense Industrial Strategy to increase defense production and simplify buying military equipment.
EU countries are encouraged to spend at least half of their defense budgets on products made in Europe.
The EU offers grants and tax breaks to help manufacturers increase military production and encourage countries to buy weapons together.
The U.S. can restrict European access to American defense technology under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), limiting Europe’s independence.
Europe’s air defense remains weak and less prepared against missile threats, as seen in the conflict in Ukraine.
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The European Union and Ukraine have agreed on a deal to work together on making drones, a key technology used in warfare. This partnership will increase drone production and create joint business projects to help both sides.
Key Facts
The EU and Ukraine signed an agreement to boost drone production.
Drones are important technology used on battlefields.
Ukraine already has similar agreements with some EU countries and Gulf states.
The deal aims to create joint ventures, meaning businesses owned by both the EU and Ukraine.
The cooperation comes as Ukraine continues its conflict with Russia.
The announcement was made by EU chief Ursula von der Leyen.
Ukraine has developed strong drone expertise during over four years of war with Russia.
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A 14-year-old boy from south London has been charged with planning terrorist acts targeting two mosques in the Sutton area. Police found concerning documents during a search after arresting him on unrelated charges, and investigations are ongoing with support provided to the affected mosques.
Key Facts
The boy was arrested on July 9 for suspected vehicle damage but was later charged with planning terrorist acts.
The charge involves a plot to attack two mosques in south London’s Sutton area.
Police say no other suspects are being sought in connection to this case.
The affected mosques have been contacted and are receiving advice and support.
The boy also faces a charge for damaging a car window in June, related to racial motivation.
Authorities have increased patrols in the area to keep the community safe.
There are rising concerns about attacks on Muslim communities across the UK, including vandalism and violence at mosques.
The Muslim Council of Britain has advised mosques to improve security measures like lockdown drills and better CCTV after recent threats.
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Firefighters have contained two wildfires in the Fontainebleau forest near Paris. Authorities are investigating the cause, with five people arrested for suspected arson, including a volunteer firefighter who admitted to starting a fire.
Key Facts
Two wildfires burned southeast of Paris in the Fontainebleau forest.
Firefighters have contained the fires, meaning the flames are under control but not fully out.
Five people have been arrested on suspicion of starting the fires on purpose.
One suspect, a volunteer firefighter, admitted to starting a fire.
Another suspect said he accidentally started a fire by throwing away a cigarette.
Investigators are focusing on how the wildfires began.
The forest of Fontainebleau is a historic area near Paris.
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France’s parliament has passed a new law allowing assisted dying, marking an important change in how the country deals with end-of-life care. Experts say that good palliative care, which helps relieve pain for seriously ill patients, is very important alongside this law to provide compassionate support.
Key Facts
France adopted a new right-to-die law in its lower house of parliament.
The law changes France’s approach to end-of-life care.
Anne Reynaud from the Association for the Right to Die with Dignity spoke about the law’s impact.
The law is more limited than what France’s Citizens’ Convention had recommended.
It balances personal choice, medical safety, and legal rules.
Assisted dying is seen as part of a wider care system, not a replacement for other healthcare.
Some legal and medical questions about the law will be decided in future cases.
Good palliative care is considered essential to make assisted dying laws work well.
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