International Issues Update 2026/20

By May 22, 2026No Comments

ON OUR DESKS

  • Briefing on U.S. midterm elections outlook
  • Assessing U.S.-Venezuela relations in the energy sector
  • Reporting on the EPA’s PFAS regulatory developments

These are just examples of our client service. How can we help you? Email any member of the team for assistance or consult our issues list to find the expert you’re looking for.

WIBC DISCUSSIONS

In case you missed it:

  • May 19: Chinese Minister for Economic and Commercial Affairs Jiang Lyu, China-U.S. economic relations and APEC priorities
  • May 20: Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary Europe and Eurasia Cameron Werker, U.S.-Europe commercial relations and European trade barriers

Upcoming WIBC discussions:

  • June 10: House Ways and Means Democratic Chief Trade Counsel and Trade Subcommittee Staff Director Alexandra Whittaker, Democratic House Ways and Means trade policy agenda
  • June 16: Chief of Staff to Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) Joseph Knowles, Congressional priorities regarding international business, tax, and trade

REMINDER: The WIBC calendar and other resources are available on our password-protected client portal redflag.global/washington. If you do not have password access, please contact Robin Boyd.

WIBC discussions are open to WIBC clients only. Not a WIBC client? Contact Robin Boyd for information.

YOU NEED TO KNOW

Artificial Intelligence / Technology

President Trump paused a planned executive order regulating artificial intelligence (AI) following input from the technology industry. The executive order would have established an “AI cybersecurity clearinghouse,” “a classified benchmarking process to assess the advanced cyber capabilities of AI models,” and a voluntary framework with AI developers to engage the U.S. government on “covered frontier models.” In recent weeks leading up to the planned announcement, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent expressed alarm about the slow pace of progress on AI policy.

The Board of the U.S. Export Import Bank approved on May 21 the “ExportAI” initiative, which would “provide financing for foreign purchases of American artificial ​intelligence tools.” Financial support may include insurance, loan guarantees, and direct loans. 

Secretary of State Marco Rubio signed on May 22 a memorandum of understanding on technology cooperation called the ‘Technology Prosperity Deal’ with Sweden. The deal covers a wide-range of sectors, including “AI, connectivity, biomedicine, energy, space, quantum technology, advanced manufacturing, and defense innovation,” and is a political declaration of intent to strengthen ties in these strategic areas.

Contact: Chris Benscher, Evan Matthews

Asia-Pacific

On May 20, Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg launched the inaugural U.S.-ASEAN AI Ministerial in Singapore. During the ministerial, ASEAN digital ministers and industry leaders discussed securing AI technology supply chains through Pax Silica and the U.S. AI Exports Program, as well as strengthening cooperation on AI development and governance.

Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker hosted on May 19 the Korean First Vice Foreign Minister to discuss the bilateral economic relationship, including trade and the “prompt resolution of market access barriers.” Under Secretary Hooker also said that she will travel to Seoul in the coming weeks to launch new bilateral working groups.

Possibly impacting broader U.S.-Taiwan relations, Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao testified on May 21 that a $14 billion arms package is on “pause” due to the war in Iran. President Trump had suggested last week that Taiwan arms sales could be a “a very good negotiating chip” with China. However, President Trump had earlier told reporters that he would speak with Taiwanese President William Lai even though no U.S. president has spoken directly to their Taiwanese counterpart since Washington ended formal relations in 1979.

Contact: Ethan Knecht, Alix Hess

Quick takes

  • The European Parliament and the Council of the EU reached on May 19 a political agreement on the implementation of the U.S.-EU trade deal. Formal adoption of the final texts is expected in the “coming weeks.” 
  • The Trump administration charged former Cuban President Raúl Castro with murder and imposed new sanctions on Cuban officials. On May 21, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the likelihood of a negotiated agreement with Cuba was “not high.” 
  • The White House officially announced the remaining G20 ministerials, including the trade ministerial which will be held September 30 to October 1 in Milwaukee. 
  • The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed on May 18 a new rule on PFAS that would give eligible drinking water systems up to two additional years to comply with enforceable limits for PFOA and PFOS. 
  • Congress started an early Memorial Day recess after rejecting planned action on reconciliation legislation relating to immigration. Senate opposition to the bill focused on funding for White House renovations and the President’s deal with the U.S. Justice Department to create a $1.77 billion legal fund. Congress returns the week of June 1.
  • Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto announced on May 20 new regulations controlling palm oil, coal, and iron alloys exports. The government may add more commodities, including critical minerals like nickel, at three-month intervals.

NOTICES, BILLS & HEARINGS OF NOTE

Federal Register notices

Newly introduced legislation

House

  • H.R.8974 (Issa, R-CA) – Would authorize the Development Finance Corporation to invest in Venezuela.

Senate

  • S.4601 (Scott, R-FL) – Would prohibit money services businesses from engaging in any transaction that involves a central bank digital currency issued by the People’s Republic of China.
  • S.4581 (Scott, R-FL) – Would amend the NDAA for FY2026 to require inclusion of certain foreign persons in the Non-SDN Chinese Military-Industrial Complex Companies List.
  • S.4577 (Shaheen, D-NH) – Would reassess the United States-Tanzania bilateral relationship.
  • S.4570 (Shaheen, D-NH) – Would incentivize, streamline, and sustain United States foreign government partner procurement of United States-origin cyber and digital technologies.
  • S.4563 (Peters, D-MI) – Would amend the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 to require a deadline for publication of information contained in reports on findings of investigations relating to imports that impair national security.
  • S.4560 (Ricketts, R-NE) – Would require USDA to produce an assessment of U.S. dependency on the exportation of agricultural commodities to adversarial countries.
  • S.2 (Graham, R-SC) – Would provide funding for the Department of Homeland Security.

Upcoming congressional hearings

House

  • The House is in recess and will reconvene on June 2.

Senate

  • The Senate is in recess and will reconvene on June 1.

WHO’S WHO

Arrivals

  • Arvind Raman, Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology (NIST)
  • Frank Garcia, Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs
  • Kevin Warsh, Chair of the Federal Reserve
  • Steven Haines, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Industry & Analysis
  • Wesley Brooks, Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs

Departures

  • James Roscoe, British Deputy Ambassador to the United States
  • Robert Gabriel, Deputy National Security Advisor

Want more scoops on personnel moves? Find the most recent Who’s Who here.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Looking farther ahead? Find the most recent full international events calendar here.

Any issue areas you would like highlighted? Have a specific monitoring request? Reach out to us.