A senior official has expressed concern over the US's use of military force against a sovereign nation, warning that it may escalate conflict and increase global hatred. The US's decision to bomb nuclear facilities in this country sets a concerning precedent, as the official fears that such actions could trigger a nuclear disaster with far-reaching consequences for the entire world.
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202507/1337669.shtmlThe US government's plan to use an 18th-century law to deport a group of immigrants from Laos, Mexico, Myanmar, and Vietnam is facing a crucial test in court. The Supreme Court had previously ruled that no immigrant could be sent to a new country without a chance for a court hearing, but the decision was later vacated. A Massachusetts court's ruling had prohibited the government from moving the immigrants further than Djibouti, where they were initially flown. However, after a new order from Judge Moss, the immigrants can now be moved to South Sudan. Lawyers for the immigrants have filed an emergency request to halt their removal, and a hearing is scheduled for Friday afternoon.
https://www.firstpost.com/world/us-federal-court-pauses-deportations-to-south-sudan-seeks-review-of-due-process-concerns-13903261.htmlThe US imposed a 29% tariff on Pakistani exports in April due to a $3 billion trade surplus, but agreed to a 90-day pause for negotiations. Pakistan responded by forming high-level groups and proposing incentives for US investment in mining and tariff reductions on select imports. Formal talks began on May 30 between the Ministry of Finance and the US Trade Representative, with an agreement to fast-track a roadmap and reach a deal "as soon as possible". The deadline for the 90-day pause expires on July 9, or else tariffs could be reinstated, jeopardizing $5 billion in Pakistani exports. Meanwhile, India is also negotiating a trade deal with the US, aiming to boost bilateral trade from $190bn to $500bn by 2030, after Trump branded it a "tariff king" and accused it of being a "big abuser" of trade ties.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1326552-ahead-of-july-9-deadline-pakistan-bd-india-finalising-trade-deals-with-usXi Jinping is championing the cause of the Global South through the BRICS mechanism, a platform for promoting cooperation among countries in this region. The Global South encompasses emerging markets and developing countries, including those in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Xi's efforts aim to strengthen ties with nations such as Brazil, Russia, India, and South Africa, which are part of the BRICS grouping.
https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/world/2025-07-05-xi-jinping-champions-the-cause-of-global-southChinese Ambassador Xiao Qian has criticized countries for "hyped up" the China threat narrative, urging Australia not to be swayed by NATO's support for sharply increasing defense spending. He warned that such a move would place a heavy fiscal burden on nations and strain the global economy. The comments come ahead of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's visit to China, as the country faces pressure from the US to raise its defense spending to 3.5% of GDP, currently at around 2%.
https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3317004/chinese-ambassadors-grandstanding-advice-australia-raises-eyebrows?module=top_story&pgtype=section#commentsUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy discussed air defences with US President Donald Trump, agreeing to increase Ukraine's capability to "defend the sky" amid escalating Russian strikes in Kyiv. The conversation also covered joint defence production and purchases. Ukraine has been seeking more Patriot missiles and systems from the US to defend its cities against intensifying Russian air strikes.
https://www.asiaone.com/world/trump-zelenskiy-discuss-weapons-and-escalating-russian-strikesUS President Biden has expressed concern over the US' low stockpiles of critical weapons for Ukraine, citing a pause in shipments due to depleted supplies. This comes as Russia launches a summer offensive and intensifies attacks on civilian targets. Ukrainian leaders have urged the US to increase military aid, warning that the current pause would weaken their ability to defend against Russian air strikes. Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov stated that Moscow is open to speaking with the US, but any peace negotiations must occur between Moscow and Kyiv, suggesting a reluctance for trilateral talks.
https://www.firstpost.com/world/didnt-make-any-progress-says-trump-after-phone-call-with-putin-13902944.htmlChina's embassy in Fiji has denied plans for a military base in the South Pacific, stating that aid to developing island nations is unconditional. Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has expressed caution against any Chinese efforts to establish a military presence in the region, amid concerns over strategic control.
https://www.eurasiantimes.com/super-power-rivalry-in-the-pacific-chin/Japanese Emperor awarded Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun on July 3, recognizing his efforts to enhance relations between Laos and Japan. The award was presented by Japanese Ambassador Koizumi Tsutomu at the Ambassador's Residence in Vientiane Capital, attended by PM Sonexay's family, cabinet officials, and other high-level guests.
https://laotiantimes.com/2025/07/04/lao-prime-minister-receives-japans-grand-cordon-of-the-order-of-the-rising-sun/