US

The US is currently involved in various international events and controversies. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit is taking place in Kuala Lumpur, where regional economic integration, environmental issues, and digital developments will be discussed. Additionally, Liberia has expressed willingness to accept Salvadoran national Kilmar Abrego Garcia if the US deports him. China's President Xi Jinping has warned about strategic challenges and unforeseen factors rising, while a reclusive billionaire has donated $130m to pay for US troops during the federal shutdown. The US military is also building up in the Caribbean, with an aircraft carrier strike group deployed to counter drug-trafficking organizations. Furthermore, the New York City mayor's race is underway, with early voting beginning and Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani leading in polls. Finally, academic departments at US universities are planning to cut graduate-student cohorts due to uncertainty over federal science funding.