US and China trade talks continue through Wednesday, with two key issues on the agenda: President Trump's threat of steep tariffs on Chinese imports and Washington's demand that TikTok be sold to a non-Chinese owner or face a US ban by September 17. Trump has threatened new tariffs on countries that "attack" American tech companies, citing digital taxes as a threat to US interests. This comes after China's anti-monopoly laws were cited by Trump as an example of the country's unfair trade practices.
Albania has opened four new chapters in its EU accession negotiations, specifically Cluster 4: "Green Agenda and Sustainable Connectivity". The new chapters include Transport Policy (Chapter 14), Energy (Chapter 15), Trans-European Networks (Chapter 21), and Environment and Climate Change (Chapter 27). This move follows the EU's first intergovernmental conference with Albania in July 2022, and comes as Prime Minister Edi Rama aims to conclude EU accession negotiations by the end of 2027.
The US and UK have agreed to develop the world's first micro modular nuclear power plant, with Amazon and Google signing deals to build small modular reactors in the US. The partnership aims to make nuclear energy more accessible and affordable, with President Trump's leadership playing a key role in the "nuclear renaissance". US Secretary of Energy Chris Wright sees this as an opportunity to meet rising energy demand and fuel the AI revolution.
The Australian government has unveiled a two-year plan, the Accessing New Markets Initiative, to boost exports to China. The initiative will provide A$50 million in funding and builds on the removal of Chinese trade barriers affecting A$20 billion worth of Australian goods. The plan aims to improve domestic exporters' access to the Chinese market, following Beijing's recent scrapping of several trade restrictions affecting Australian products. The initiative will focus on industries such as red meat, lobsters, and wine, which have seen increased access to the Chinese market due to improved relations between the two countries.
Poland's President Andrzej Duda is set to visit Berlin and Germany, amid tensions over reparations for Poland's victims of Nazi Germany. Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski has suggested a "visible sign" from the German government, such as a documentation center or memorial, to acknowledge Poland's suffering. However, PiS politicians demand reparations, with 54% of Polish voters backing the idea in a recent survey. Critics warn that Nawrocki's demands may raise tensions between NATO allies at a time of war, and could play into the hands of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Britain's submarine fleet is for sale, and former Chief Defence Admiral Sir Tony has admitted that the country's nuclear deterrent is no longer effective due to global threats. He cited thousands of North Koreans fighting in Europe, Iran and Israel attacking each other, and the Houthi targeting international shipping. However, he also highlighted positives such as Ukraine's defiance, NATO's expansion and strengthening, and Europe's Coalition of the Willing led by the UK and France. As a result, Britain is considered "safe for now" thanks to its nuclear deterrent, NATO membership, and close alliance with the US.
China's mega dam project in the Yarlung Zangbo river, which feeds into the Brahmaputra River, has raised concerns among India and Bangladesh over potential water flow reductions. The project, which will generate up to 60,000 megawatts of electricity, is near the disputed border between China and India. In response, New Delhi has begun building a dam on its side of the border to mitigate potential risks. The situation is further complicated by India's unilateral suspension of the 65-year-old Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, which regulates water division between the two nations. This move comes after a terrorist attack in Kashmir in April, which India blamed on Pakistan. The treaty's future and water supplies into Pakistan are now hanging in the balance due to growing water scarcity concerns in South Asia, exacerbated by climate change and increasing populations.
A new report highlights the devastating impact of fossil fuels on human health, stating that they are a "cradle to grave" threat. The report emphasizes the urgent need for governments and corporations to transition away from fossil fuels and towards cleaner energy sources.
The European Union is set to propose a 19th package of sanctions on Russia, with diplomats suggesting that Chinese businesses should be targeted. However, officials are skeptical about genuine coordination with the US, citing Trump's demands as a factor in the EU's decision-making process. One diplomat stated that even if Trump's requests are excessive, the EU will still need to address them in order to avoid him shifting blame onto the bloc. This could be seen as a dangerous spin, as the US administration hinted that if the EU doesn't follow through with Trump's demands, it will be perceived as not serious enough in wanting to end the war.