Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister of Pakistan Senator Ishaq Dar held informal meetings with Foreign Minister of China Wang Yi and Acting Foreign Minister of Afghanistan Amir Khan Muttaqi in Beijing. The three foreign ministers reaffirmed trilateral cooperation to promote regional security and economic connectivity, focusing on trade, infrastructure, and development. They agreed to deepen diplomatic engagement, strengthen communications, and boost trade between Pakistan and China. China expressed support for Pakistan and Afghanistan's territorial integrity and sovereignty. The two sides also discussed countering terrorism and fostering stability in the region. A 6th Trilateral Foreign Ministers' Meeting is planned for Kabul at a mutually convenient date.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40364095/trilateral-cooperation-cpec-to-be-extended-to-afghanistanSingapore's economy may face a bumpy road ahead due to ongoing global trade friction and uncertainties over US tariff negotiations. Despite recent optimism, economists predict a possible slowdown in the second half of the year, with some forecasting economic growth ranging from -1 to 1 percent. DBS senior economist Chua Han Teng believes that exporters will capitalize on temporarily lowered US tariffs by front-loading export orders, potentially avoiding a technical recession in the second quarter. However, significant uncertainties linger over sectoral tariffs, which could lead to "much weaker" economic growth in the latter half of the year.
https://channelnewsasia.com/singapore/singapore-maintains-2025-growth-forecast-0-2-q1-economy-grew-39-q1-5145691The European Union has signed off on a new flagship arms-buying fund called Security Action for Europe (SAFE), which aims to provide €150 billion in loans for defense projects amid fears of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and doubts about future US protection. The EU initiative seeks to boost the continent's defense industry by financing joint projects between EU countries, with 65% of project value coming from EU-based companies. Britain has signed a Security and Defense Partnership agreement with the EU, allowing British companies like BAE Systems to participate in SAFE projects.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40364024/eu-envoys-reach-deal-on-150-billion-euro-arms-fundThe humanitarian crisis in Gaza has escalated as a two-month Israeli aid blockade is partially eased amid mounting anger and pressure from international leaders. The EU has ordered a review of its cooperation accord with Israel, while Sweden threatens sanctions on Israeli ministers and Britain suspends free-trade negotiations. Pope Leo XIV has called for sufficient humanitarian aid to address the "worrying and painful" situation in Gaza, where at least 3,509 people have been killed since March 18, including 1,218 civilians who died in an October 7 attack by Hamas that also took 251 hostages, with 57 still being held.
https://www.malaymail.com/news/world/2025/05/22/diplomats-scramble-for-cover-as-israeli-troops-fire-warning-shots-in-west-bank-triggering-international-outrage/177669Finance leaders from the Group of Seven industrialized democracies met in Banff, Alberta, Canada, to downplay disputes over US President Donald Trump's tariffs and find common ground. They aimed to issue a joint communique on non-tariff issues such as supporting Ukraine, combating financial crimes and drug trafficking, and opposing non-market economic policies like China's. The goal is to avoid a G7 fracturing similar to the 2018 meeting in Canada when Trump's initial tariffs made a joint statement impossible.
https://www.asiaone.com/world/g7-finance-leaders-try-downplay-tariff-disputes-find-consensusIndia's conventional Cold Start doctrine was becoming obsolete as the nature of war evolved. In response to Pakistan's limited strike in 2017, General Rawat reaffirmed the importance of this doctrine upon becoming Indian army chief. However, India had already moved towards a new approach by 2006, when its air chief declared that it would need to "forget geographical boundaries" to protect its interests outside its borders. This was aligned with the US preemptive doctrine and Nuclear Posture Review. Pakistan shifted from credible minimum deterrence to full-spectrum deterrence in 2013, while India's Defence Minister Parrikar stated in 2016 that India did not have a 'no first use' nuclear doctrine, signaling a significant shift in its strategic message.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1313914-nfu-to-cold-start-to-preemptionIndia declared a Pakistani diplomat "persona non grata" and ordered them to leave within 24 hours after an attack in Kashmir killed 26 men. In response, Pakistan expelled Indian diplomats and cancelled visas for Indians, except for Sikh pilgrims. India then launched attacks on mosques and residential areas, killing over 50 Pakistanis. Pakistan retaliated with a large-scale military operation called "Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos", targeting multiple Indian military sites. The war ended after 87 hours with a ceasefire agreement brokered by the US.
https://www.geo.tv/latest/605628-pakistan-declares-indian-official-persona-non-grata-for-inconsistent-activitiesThe Treaty has allocated waters from three Eastern Rivers (Ravi, Suutlaj, Beas) exclusively to India and three Western Rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) to Pakistan. However, India is allowed to use water for domestic purposes, non-consumptive uses, limited agriculture, hydroelectric power generation, and storage works within specific limits. Pakistan has increased monitoring of Indian rivers, warning that tampering with its water would be considered an act of war. A sudden rise in the Chenab River's water level on May 2nd and 3rd was noticed, prompting an investigation into potential diversion from the Baghliahar dam. India cannot divert water outside its basin, and if it violates the treaty, Pakistan plans to take it to international arbitration or court.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40364109/indias-iwt-abeyance-action-a-move-aimed-at-destroying-pakistans-agriculture-senate-body-toldIndian state-sponsored terrorism in Pakistan has come under scrutiny again, with credible security sources revealing that New Delhi is using the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) to orchestrate terror attacks within Pakistani territory. The recent school bus bombing in Khuzdar on May 21, which killed three children and two adults, is part of a broader Indian-sponsored campaign aimed at destabilizing Balochistan. Security sources claim that India is using the BLA to spread chaos through social media threats and coordinated attacks, with evidence suggesting that Indian intelligence has maintained training camps in Rajasthan to prepare militants for infiltration into Pakistan. This is not the first time India's involvement in Pakistan's internal destabilization has been exposed, as captured spy Kulbhushan Jadhav had previously confessed to facilitating terror networks on Indian government directives.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40364030/new-delhi-actively-using-bla-to-orchestrate-terror-attacks