Global News Roundup: Greenland Diplomacy, Controversial Coin, Bitcoin's Fall, Mineral Strategy, and Resignation
Several significant global developments unfolded recently, spanning international relations, finance, technology, and politics.
Canada and France are set to establish diplomatic consulates in Greenland, a move seen as a show of support for the territory following previous interest from the United States. According to BBC World, a Canadian delegation, including Governor General Mary Simon and Foreign Minister Anita Anand, traveled to Nuuk on Friday to formally open Canada's consulate. Simon stated that Canada "stands firmly in support of the people of Greenland." Prior to this, only Iceland and the United States maintained a full diplomatic presence in Greenland.
In Australia, the Royal Australian Mint released two commemorative coins, a 5 and 50 cent silver coin, to mark the centenary of Queen Elizabeth II's birth. However, the coin portrait of the late monarch has faced criticism for its perceived lack of resemblance. "That's got to be the most unpleasant portrait on a coin," one person commented online. The Royal Australian Mint defended the portrait, stating, "Our coin images don't always capture the full beauty of [the subject]."
The cryptocurrency market experienced a downturn as the price of Bitcoin fell to its lowest level in 16 months. BBC Technology reported that a single Bitcoin reached a low of $60,000 (£44,000), a level not seen since September 2024, before experiencing a slight rally. This decline occurred despite previous support for cryptocurrency from former US President Donald Trump. Bitcoin had previously reached an all-time high of $122,200 in October 2025. Joshua Chu, co-chair of the Hong Kong Web3 Association, told Reuters, "Those who bet too big, borrowed too much or assumed prices only go up are now finding out the hard way what real market volatility and risk management look like."
The United States is attempting to counter China's dominance in the supply of critical minerals. The US State Department hosted the first Critical Minerals Ministerial event on Wednesday, attended by countries and organizations including the UK, European Union, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Delegates discussed the availability of and access to minerals crucial to the manufacture of various technologies, from smartphones to weapons. The goal is to form a trade zone for these essential minerals.
Finally, Benjamin Wegg-Prosser, the chief executive of Global Counsel, a lobbying firm he co-founded with Peter Mandelson, announced his resignation. This decision followed the release of information in the Jeffrey Epstein files that detailed apparent links between the company and the convicted sex offender. Global Counsel has advised clients including Shell and TikTok. Wegg-Prosser's resignation was first reported in the Financial Times.
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