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Cheng Li-wun, chairwoman of Taiwan’s main opposition party the Kuomintang (KMT), used a high‑profile trip to mainland China to advocate for renewed dialogue with Beijing. On Wednesday she laid a wreath at Sun Yat‑sen’s mausoleum in Nanjing, invoking the revolutionary’s legacy of “equality, inclusiveness and unity” as a moral foundation for cross‑strait reconciliation. Her visit marks the first time a KMT leader has set foot in China in ten years. Cheng said the core values of Sun’s ideal—"all under heaven are equal"—should guide efforts to promote reconciliation and regional prosperity across the Taiwan Strait. During the trip Cheng also expressed hopes to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping, framing the potential encounter as a diplomatic test that could demonstrate the effectiveness of dialogue over deterrence. The timing of the trip is notable. It comes amid heightened friction between Taipei and Beijing, with China continuing to assert sovereignty over Taiwan while refusing to engage with President William Lai Ching‑te, whom it labels a “separatist”. Amid concerns that a distracted United States may be less able to guarantee Taiwan’s security, some Taiwanese voters view a thaw in relations as attractive. Wen‑ti Sung, a non‑resident fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Global China Hub, told Al Jazeera that a cordial photo‑op between Cheng and Xi could bolster the KMT’s argument that dialogue is more effective than military deterrence. Domestically, Cheng’s outreach occurs as Taiwan’s opposition‑controlled parliament has stalled a proposed $40 billion increase in defence spending. She acknowledged Taiwan’s democratic evolution, referencing the legacy of the “White Terror” period, while also praising China’s recent development achievements. The governing Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) sharply criticized the trip, accusing the KMT of undermining national security. Party spokesperson Wu Cheng argued that if the opposition truly seeks stability, it should stop blocking the defence budget increase. Neither Beijing nor Taipei formally recognises the other’s government, leaving any dialogue fragile and heavily politicised. Cheng’s visit therefore represents both a symbolic gesture toward historic ties and a contested move within Taiwan’s polarized political landscape.

Mircea Lucescu, a Romanian football great and serial trophy winner as a player and coach, has passed away at the age of 80. Lucescu's death was confirmed by the Bucharest University Emergency Hospital, where he was admitted after reportedly suffering a heart attack on Friday morning.Lucescu was one of the most successful Romanian football coaches and players, known for being the first to qualify the Romanian national team for a European Championship in 1984. He had a lengthy coaching career spanning almost half a century, from the late 1970s to World Cup 2026 qualifying.As a player, Lucescu captained his country at the 1970 World Cup. His coaching career included stints with Shakhtar Donetsk, where he won the UEFA Cup in 2009 and accumulated 22 trophies, making him the most successful manager in the club's history.Lucescu also coached Turkish and Romanian national teams and had spells with Italian clubs such as Pisa, Brescia, Reggiana, and Inter Milan. His contributions to Romanian football have been widely praised, with Romanian President Nicusor Dan paying tribute to him as "one of the most respected figures in the history of Romanian and European football".UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin remembered Lucescu as "one of the game's true originals – a man of rare football intellect, remarkable dignity and passion". Lucescu's legacy continues to inspire generations of football players and fans.

The mockumentary, a once-thriving film genre, seems to be losing its luster. Charli XCX's 'The Moment' and 'Spinal Tap II: The End Continues' are recent examples of films that have failed to recapture the magic of their predecessors.Historically, mockumentaries were a staple of comedy, with directors like Christopher Guest and Rob Reiner pushing the boundaries of the genre. Films like 'This Is Spinal Tap' and 'The Rutles: All You Need Is Cash' remain classics, celebrated for their improvisational style and satirical humor.However, the current crop of mockumentaries seems stale, relying on celebrity cameos rather than genuine comedic innovation. Even 'Spinal Tap II,' starring Guest, feels like a nostalgia exercise, struggling to recreate the original's charm.In contrast, smaller, independent projects like 'Rap World' and 'Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie' are breathing new life into the genre. These films, made on shoestring budgets, use mockumentary techniques to create authentic, humorous stories that resonate with audiences.The decline of the mockumentary genre raises questions about its future. Can it be revitalized, or has it become a relic of the past? Only time will tell, but for now, it seems that the mockumentary needs a fresh perspective to regain its former glory.

Cornish film-maker Mark Jenkin has brought his latest film, Rose of Nevada, to his hometown of Newlyn in Cornwall. The film, a ghostly time travel tale, has received excellent early reviews and features Jenkin's signature authentic storytelling.Jenkin, who is from Newlyn, expressed his pride in Cornwall, stating, “This is the greatest town in the world. I see Cornwall as being at the centre of the world.” He emphasized the importance of showcasing Cornwall's culture and community in his films.The film was shot entirely in Cornwall, using a clockwork Bolex camera and featuring a working fishing boat. Jenkin's vision for his homeland is central to the film, rather than using it as a backdrop.Jenkin's success has put a spotlight on Cornwall, with other filmmakers, such as Brett Harvey and Dan Simpkins, highlighting the growing recognition of regional film-making. Laura Giles of Screen Cornwall noted that Jenkin is a “talisman for Cornish film-making” and that there are other emerging filmmakers in the region.The film's producer, Denzil Monk, emphasized the importance of sustainability and inclusivity in the production, stating, “We try to step very lightly” in terms of impact on the environment and community.

Israel's conflict with Iran has ended in a strategic failure for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with the war achieving none of its main goals and damaging Israel's global standing.Despite years of threats and diplomatic pressure, Israel's war with Iran has resulted in a fragile and vague ceasefire, with Iran's regime still intact and its military assets significant.The US intelligence community had deemed Israeli predictions of regime change and revolution in Iran as 'farcical', and Netanyahu's assessment that the war would be short-lived proved woefully wide of the mark.Netanyahu's insistence on continuing attacks in southern Lebanon appears hubristic, and Israel's actions have been criticized by opposition leaders, including Yair Lapid and Yair Golan, who have called the ceasefire a 'strategic failure'.The reality is that Netanyahu gambled everything on his war and failed to secure the fall of the Iranian regime, the seizure of Tehran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium, or meaningful state degradation.Instead, Israel's global standing has been damaged, and its role in pushing the US to war in Iran has been assailed by both progressives and the far right in America.The domestic fallout for Netanyahu in an election year in Israel will be significant, with many Israelis likely to question his ability to deliver on his promises of security and victory.

Donald Trump's decision to accept a two-week ceasefire in Iran has created a stir within his Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement, with some supporters expressing mixed reactions to the development. While some have defended the president's decision, others have accused him of betrayal and capitulation.The ceasefire, which was agreed upon after more than a month of war, has been hailed as a victory by both the US and Iran. However, critics argue that the agreement has failed to achieve its objectives, with Iran's regime still intact and its nuclear facilities persisting. The strait of Hormuz remains closed, and fighting continues in Lebanon.Dinesh D'Souza, a right-wing commentator, defended Trump on social media, stating that the president had outsmarted his critics and proved himself to be the adult in the room. Similarly, Matt Schlapp, chairman of the American Conservative Union, expressed confidence in Trump's decision-making, citing his real, actionable intelligence.However, not all supporters are convinced. Matthew Feinberg, a self-described 'MAGA Jew', expressed disappointment, stating that the ceasefire allows the IRGC to regroup and rearm. Laura Loomer, an activist and Islamophobe, also criticized the outcome, saying that the negotiation didn't yield any significant benefits for the US.The Pew Research survey found that, among Republicans, there had been an 18-point decline in confidence in Trump's policymaking about Iran since 2024. Despite this, Republicans aged 65 and older remain overwhelmingly confident in Trump's ability to make good decisions on Iran.

Pakistan's diplomatic efforts have yielded a significant breakthrough, securing a temporary ceasefire between the US and Iran. The development comes after intense negotiations led by Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir.The crisis had escalated to a point where Pakistan's government and military were deeply concerned about the potential consequences for the country's economy, defense, national security, and sectarian harmony. A defense pact with Saudi Arabia meant that if Riyadh entered the war, Pakistan would be drawn into it as well.Behind the scenes, Munir and Asim Malik, the country's head of army intelligence and national security adviser, played a crucial role in mediating the ceasefire. Munir's strong personal rapport with US President Donald Trump and his longstanding relationship with Iran's Revolutionary Guards were instrumental in brokering the deal.China emerged as a key player in the negotiations, with Pakistani officials claiming that Beijing directly encouraged Iran to accept a ceasefire, promising to act as a guarantor of Iran's safety in any talks. This included assurances that Iranian leaders would not be assassinated if they traveled for negotiations.The ceasefire deal was secured by 4am in Islamabad, with both the US and Iran agreeing to a temporary and fragile truce. Michael Kugelman, south Asia fellow at the Atlantic council, described it as Pakistan's 'biggest diplomatic win in years'.Pakistani officials have expressed concerns that Israel and the United Arab Emirates could still try to sabotage the peace process. However, the successful brokering of the ceasefire has been hailed as a 'shining moment' in Pakistan's history and a 'first step' towards peace.

The Masters gnome drama has taken another twist, with Augusta National chair Fred Ridley admitting he is in the dark about the future of the must-have items. Despite repeatedly asking about the gnomes' status, Ridley revealed that there is internal secrecy even towards him.At the annual Masters media address, Ridley responded to a question about the gnomes' future, saying, "I've been asking that question for several years and they won't tell me the answer. So I can't help you." This has sparked intrigue about who is behind the decision-making process and why Ridley is being excluded.The Masters gnomes, which typically sell out within one hour, have become a highly sought-after item, with a resale value significantly higher than their $49.50 price tag. This has raised concerns among officials about the spectator experience in merchandise outlets.On a more serious note, Ridley maintained Augusta's position on a potential rollback of the ball, which has met resistance from equipment manufacturers and several leading players. He emphasized that Augusta's stance is "grounded on much more than protecting the Augusta National golf course" and that the club will continue to make modifications to react to increasing driving distances.

Evelyn Araluen has been named among the six finalists for the 2026 Stella Prize with her second poetry collection, The Rot. This marks her second appearance on the shortlist, four years after becoming the first poet to win the award as an Australian woman and non‑binary writer. The $60,000 prize will be contested alongside five diverse titles: Geraldine Brooks’ memoir Memorial Days, Miranda Darling’s novel Fireweather, Lee Lai’s graphic novel Cannon, Marika Sosnowski’s hybrid nonfiction 58 Facets: On Violence and the Law, and Tasma Walton’s novel I Am Nannertgarrook. Each shortlisted author receives a $5,000 advance. Earlier this year, Araluen’s The Rot captured the top prize and a $125,000 award at the Victorian Premier’s Literary Awards, praised for its exploration of grief and collective anxiety amid the global coverage of the Gaza conflict. The collection was sparked by an incident at Adelaide Writers’ Week in 2024, where Araluen was heckled for describing the Israeli bombardment of Gaza as genocide. She told Guardian Australia that the poems aim to document a "panicked, distressed window of time" that future readers might view with horror and regret. "I wanted the book to clearly record what we knew and did not stop," Araluen said. "If it reads as naive, let it still serve as a record of an uncomfortable truth we all must face." Araluen, a Goorie and Koori poet, first won the Stella Prize in 2022 for her debut collection Dropbear. This year’s shortlist was selected from 212 submissions, underscoring the depth of contemporary Australian women’s and non‑binary writing. Chair of judges Sophie Gee praised the list, noting that the books “move us to the core through language, the truth of their emotion, and the honesty of what it means to be human, across time and space.” The winner will be announced on 13 May 2026. Last year’s prize went to Michelle de Kretser for her novel Theory and Practice.