How Americans see China now | NPR News (May 13, 2026)

Introduction

Catching up on global affairs? Here are the top 10 world news stories from NPR News as of May 13, 2026. NPR (National Public Radio) is a leading American non-profit media organization known for in-depth, independent reporting on international and domestic affairs.

📌 Previously: 12 Employees in Quarantine After Incorrect Handling of a... — catch up on yesterday's world news.

Today's Top 10 Stories on NPR News

#1 — How Americans see China now

As President Trump heads to China this week, a new NPR-Chicago Council-Ipsos poll finds most Americans think U.S. tariffs have hurt both economies, and that the Iran war is bad for America.

Read full article: https://www.npr.org/2026/05/12/nx-s1-5761387/how-americans-see-china-now

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#2 — Israel's government is expected to collapse over ultra-Orthodox military draft

An ultra-Orthodox Jewish party in Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition has called for parliament to be dissolved, threatening to bring down the government.

Read full article: https://www.npr.org/2026/05/12/g-s1-121631/israel-military-ultra-orthodox-netanyahu-coalition

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#3 — Trump heads to China for state visit. And, how the war in Iran has affected inflation

Trump leaves for Beijing today for a state visit with Chinese President Xi Jinping. And, a new inflation report is expected to show the war in Iran's impact on the U.S.

Read full article: https://www.npr.org/2026/05/12/g-s1-121602/up-first-newsletter-trump-china-xi-jinping-inflation-mifepristone-cameron-hamilton

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#4 — Kuwait says Iran attacked an island where China is helping to build a port

Kuwait accused Iran of launching a failed attack earlier this month on an island where China is helping build a port. And a U.S. ambassador revealed Israel sent its Iron Dome air-defense to the United Arab Emirates.

Read full article: https://www.npr.org/2026/05/12/nx-s1-5819174/israel-sent-iron-dome-uae

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#5 — As Trump goes to China, what do Americans say about tariffs, Iran and world standing?

Most Americans see China as one of the United States' biggest rivals or adversaries, but largely as an economic threat, according to a new Chicago Council/NPR/Ipsos poll.

Read full article: https://www.npr.org/2026/05/12/nx-s1-5817601/trump-xi-china-tariffs-poll

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#6 — Israel to hold military tribunal for Palestinians accused in 2023 Hamas-led attacks

Israel is planning a military tribunal to prosecute several hundred Palestinians accused of perpetrating the Hamas-led attacks of Oct. 7, 2023.

Read full article: https://www.npr.org/2026/05/12/nx-s1-5818455/israel-to-hold-military-tribunal-for-palestinians-accused-in-2023-hamas-led-attacks

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#7 — Military drills in the Philippines affect the country's most vulnerable communities

Military drills disrupted fishing livelihoods in the Philippines, sparking protests as locals are caught between a great power rivalry and rising economic pressures linked to the Iran war.

Read full article: https://www.npr.org/2026/05/12/nx-s1-5816021/military-drills-in-the-philippines-affect-the-countrys-most-vulnerable-communities

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#8 — Israeli lawmakers set up tribunal, allow for death penalty for October 2023 attackers

The measure passed 93-0 in the 120-seat Knesset, or parliament, reflecting widespread support for punishing those found responsible for what was the deadliest attack in Israel's history.

Read full article: https://www.npr.org/2026/05/12/g-s1-121583/israeli-lawmakers-set-up-a-special-tribunal

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#9 — EU diplomats agree to sanction Hamas leaders and Israeli settlers

The unanimous decision by the European Union, agreed to on Monday, was sparked by growing outrage over the devastation in Gaza during the Israel-Hamas war.

Read full article: https://www.npr.org/2026/05/12/g-s1-121581/eu-sanction-hamas-leaders-israeli-settlers

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#10 — Trump rejects Iran's ceasefire proposal response. And, Congress to tackle ICE funding

Trump rejected Iran's response to a U.S. peace proposal, calling it "totally unacceptable." And, Congressional Republicans are trying to push for three years of funding for immigration enforcement.

Read full article: https://www.npr.org/2026/05/11/g-s1-121375/up-first-newsletter-trump-iran-congress-ice-cbp-hantavirus

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Why These World News Stories Matter

NPR's reporting offers an American perspective on global events, with a focus on context, analysis, and underrepresented voices. Today's stories span politics, conflict, climate, and culture across continents.

About NPR News

NPR News (npr.org) is the news division of National Public Radio, a privately and publicly funded American media organization. Founded in 1970, NPR produces and distributes award-winning news, analysis, and cultural programming.

Source: https://www.npr.org/sections/world/
Updated: May 13, 2026