Zambian Finance Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane said his ministry is preparing for the first round of talks with creditors on how to restructure the country’s $14.87 billion debt.  During a public meeting on Monday, Musokotwane refused to provide any details on when and where those negotiations would take place but added that he remains confident a debt deal can be signed before the end of the year. China is the co-chair of Zambian creditor committee but has not commented on the status of any upcoming talks. (REUTERS)

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will embark on a three-nation South American tour on Monday that will take him to Colombia, Chile, and Peru. Many analysts see the trip as Washington’s latest effort to re-engage the region as part of a broader effort to counter China’s growing influence in the Americas. Chile and Peru, in particular, have become vital trading partners with China, especially in strategic resources like lithium. (REUTERS)