At the recent APEC summit in Lima, US President Joe Biden found himself overshadowed by China's President Xi Jinping, whose announcement of a $1.3 billion megaport in Peru highlighted China's growing economic influence in Latin America—a signal of diminished US influence amid trends of American isolationism.

Meanwhile, in Paris, protests erupted over a far-right gala supporting Israel, drawing criticism as it coincided with heightened Middle East tensions and a major soccer match between France and Israel, despite French authorities defending the event's legality.

In another development, US Catholic bishops gathered in Baltimore to urge a stronger promotion of Vatican teachings on divisive issues such as abortion and gender-affirming surgery, underlining a commitment to align with the Vatican's stances despite cultural backlash.

Shifting focus to Mexico, US Ambassador Ken Salazar criticized former President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s security policies, noting the need for improved safety measures under new President Claudia Sheinbaum as violence escalates.

Back in the US, prosecutors have requested a delay in the criminal case against President-elect Donald Trump, citing the need to address the implications of his election victory concerning alleged mishandling of classified documents.

Lastly, concerning news from Brazil where explosions outside the Supreme Court in Brasilia claimed a life and triggered evacuations, as authorities investigate the incident amidst growing threats from far-right groups.