US Senator Ted Cruz has introduced a bill to protect US military installations and energy projects from adversaries like China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia. This comes after Texas passed the Lone Star Infrastructure Protection Act in 2021, which banned government entities and businesses from contracting with companies owned or controlled by hostile foreign nations. The move follows concerns over Chinese espionage, including reports of CCP-secret police stations operating in Houston and a Chinese billionaire buying land near Laughlin Air Force base in Val Verde County.
https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/state/new-law-banning-foreign-ownership-of-texas-land-goes-into-effect-sept-1/article_c23ebe13-6d47-5e4a-a358-b234890ffba6.htmlDenmark has agreed to be the first country for Ukraine to export its defense technologies for production and delivery to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. This international cooperation is a unique case for Ukraine's defense industry, with Denmark being a true friend and steadfast ally in the fight against Russia. The agreement was made between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen in June, and includes a EUR 1.26 billion allocation to support the manufacturing of long-range drones in Ukraine.
https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-defense/4011488-ukrainian-defense-companies-to-launch-production-in-denmark.htmlThe Dutch intelligence chief, Reesink, has warned that Russia is involved in a large-scale program to produce chemical weapons, citing thousands of instances of use, including 9,000 in Ukraine. He claims Russian officials have given instructions on the use of poisonous warfare agents, describing it as "almost standing operating procedure." The Dutch military and intelligence agencies have uncovered evidence of heightened research capabilities and recruitment of scientists for chemical weapons development, with specific examples including chloropicrin being used in improvised munitions such as light bulbs and empty bottles hung from drones.
https://www.firstpost.com/world/russia-normalising-chemical-attacks-in-ukraine-posing-new-threat-to-europe-dutch-minister-13903119.htmlIndonesia and Saudi Arabia strengthened their economic ties by emphasizing the need for increased trade volumes and regular business forums. The two countries welcomed progress in free trade agreement negotiations with the Gulf Cooperation Council, aiming to enhance regional trade flows. Leaders also agreed on enhanced defense and security cooperation, including joint efforts against terrorism, extremism, and cybersecurity. They committed to working together in multilateral platforms such as the G20 and IMF to address global challenges.
https://en.tempo.co/read/2024630/saudi-arabia-indonesia-sign-rp437-trillion-deal-during-prabowos-visitIndonesia plans to reduce its liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) imports from the Middle East and increase procurement from the US, according to Deputy Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Yuliot Tanjung. The country currently imports 1.2 million tons of LPG from Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, worth $714.73 million, compared to 1.97 million tons from the US valued at around $1 billion last year. This shift is part of Indonesia's plan to procure $15.5 billion worth of energy products from the US, aiming to rebalance bilateral trade and avoid a proposed 32% tariff on Indonesian exports to the US.
https://en.antaranews.com/news/364133/indonesia-to-shift-lpg-imports-from-middle-east-to-usIndia's Foreign Minister, S Jaishankar, has called for collective action by the Global South to address current challenges such as climate change and economic inequality. He made this statement during a meeting with his counterparts from countries like Brazil, Indonesia, and South Africa. The meeting aimed to strengthen cooperation among nations in the face of global issues.
https://www.livemint.com/news/india/india-for-collective-action-by-global-south-to-deal-with-current-challenges-fm-11751643105061.htmlThe Latin American Community (LAC) has expressed concerns over China's growing economic influence in the region, with some countries viewing Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative as a threat to their sovereignty. In response, LAC nations have sought to diversify their trade relationships and strengthen ties with other major economies, such as the United States and the European Union. For instance, Mexico has signed a free trade agreement with the US, while Argentina has strengthened its relations with Brazil. However, some LAC countries, like Venezuela, remain heavily reliant on Chinese investment and aid, making them vulnerable to Beijing's diplomatic pressure.
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202507/1337663.shtmlPrime Minister Modi's participation in the expanded BRICS bloc signals New Delhi's commitment to shaping the group's priorities towards development, equity, and a multipolar world order. The bloc, now with 11 member nations including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Iran, represents nearly half of the world's population and around 37% of global GDP. India views BRICS as a platform to promote global leadership and strategic autonomy, while its membership offers significant dividends through increased trade, energy security, and geopolitical engagement. However, internal divisions and coordination frictions pose challenges, particularly with China's push for dominance and differing membership criteria.
https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/brics-expansion-what-it-means-for-india-and-the-global-south-8824876Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Trinidad and Tobago, promising continued trade and investment in the country. During his address to parliament, he emphasized the need for the "global south" to have a greater role in international affairs. Modi's visit comes as India seeks to strengthen its ties with Caribbean nations like Trinidad and Tobago.
https://www.boston25news.com/news/indias-leader/ZS7GGZ4JMBB2HMMOPLCYATCHWY/