NPR News: 05-14-2026 5AM EDT

President Trump met with China's President Xi Jinping in Beijing for about two hours, marking what Trump described as the longest presidential relationship between the two countries. According to China's Xinhua News Agency, Xi emphasized that bilateral relations would remain stable depending on U.S. handling of the Taiwan issue, warning that mishandling it could lead to clashes and conflicts. Trump expressed hopes of securing deals for more U.S. agricultural products and commercial airliners amid these discussions.

Panama Canal Handles Surge from Iran Conflict

With the U.S.-Iran war leaving the Strait of Hormuz closed, commercial shipping has shifted routes, boosting Panama Canal usage. The Panama Canal Authority reports daily transits up more than 10% over the past two months, though the mix of vessels has changed: container ships dipped slightly, while oil and liquefied natural gas tankers jumped 29% as alternatives to the Hormuz route. Demand has driven up costs, with last-minute reservations requiring an auction system; April fees averaged $380,000—nearly six times pre-war levels—and some vessels paid over $1 million to cross. The authority stressed in a press release that, despite geopolitical complexities, the canal remains an open and reliable option.