International Relations NewsFeed

June 30, 2025

Trump Optimistic on Trade Deals Despite Ongoing Tensions

US President Donald Trump has expressed optimism about his administration's goal of reaching 90 trade deals in 90 days, despite recent tensions with China. A new trade deal with Beijing over rare earth exports from China may have eased some tensions, but significant tariffs and unresolved issues remain a major concern. The US president believes that China will pay tariffs as part of the agreement, acknowledging the country's large trade deficit with the US.

https://apnews.com/article/china-economy-factory-pmi-japan-tariffs-dc63eac22dc66c608abf0ad14f87c83f

June 30, 2025

Trump Reverses US-Canada Trade Deal Termination

US President Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney have agreed to resume negotiations on a trade deal by July 21, 2025, following Trump's surprise announcement that the US is terminating discussions with Canada due to the Digital Services Tax imposed on American tech companies. The tax, which applies to companies like Amazon, Google, and Meta, has been in effect since last year and will be halted after June 30, 2025. This deal marks a significant victory for Trump, who has been pushing an "America First" trade policy, and provides him with much-needed momentum ahead of a July 9 deadline to finalize new trade deals with nations around the world or face reciprocal tariffs.

https://gizmodo.com/trump-bullies-canada-into-killing-its-big-tech-tax-2000621923

June 30, 2025

Trump Threatens 24% Tariffs on Japan Imports

US President Trump has expressed dissatisfaction with trade relations with Japan, suggesting that the US will maintain its initial negotiating position on tariffs, which would increase rates to 24% for most Japanese goods starting July 9, up from current levels of 10%.

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2025/06/30/economy/us-japan-impasse/

June 30, 2025

UK, Türkiye Strengthen Defense Ties Through Partnership

The British foreign secretary emphasized the significance of a potential deal with Türkiye, highlighting its strategic importance in strengthening friendships among key NATO allies. The proposed partnership would leverage existing defense industry ties between the UK and Türkiye, particularly through their cooperation on Typhoon aircraft.

https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/british-foreign-secretary-says-uk-backs-turkiyes-eurofighter-deal-signals-deeper-nato-ties-210902

June 30, 2025

US and Spain Clash at UN Over NATO Spending

The UN General Assembly meeting saw disagreement between the US and Spain over issues like gender equality, international trade, debt management, and technology transfer. The US expressed dissatisfaction with Spain's NATO defense spending allocation of only 2.1% of GDP, below the target of 5%. This comes as the Trump administration has reduced humanitarian aid programs by 42%, a significant decrease from its previous share. Germany has also cut its aid budget to focus on military spending, raising concerns among development advocates.

https://www.fakti.bg/en/world/982327-dozens-of-world-leaders-gather-for-un-international-conference-in-seville-video

June 30, 2025

US Announces Aid Package for Ukraine Defense

Ukraine's defense will be supported with modern air defense systems, weapons, humanitarian aid, and economic assistance.

https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-polytics/4009728-germanys-foreign-minister-arrives-in-kyiv.html

June 30, 2025

US Envoy Seeks Gulf Investment for Iran's Nuclear Revamp

US envoy Steve Witkoff met with Gulf state officials at the White House on Friday, one day before US military strikes against Iran. The meeting discussed a $20-30 billion investment from US-aligned Gulf partners to revamp Iran's nuclear program, including funding a new non-enrichment energy site to replace the recently bombed Fordow facility. In exchange, sanctions relief and access to $6 billion in frozen Iranian assets are being offered. However, these proposals are preliminary and subject to change, with the US not offering unilateral benefits but rather facilitating peace and stability.

https://www.firstpost.com/world/iran-us-nuclear-deal-talks-khamenei-decision-trump-new-nuclear-deal-13901676.html

June 30, 2025

Wong Meets US Counterparts Over Tariff Pressure

US President Trump's press secretary Karoline Leavitt suggests that NATO allies in Europe can increase defense spending, implying a similar expectation for Australia under Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Foreign Minister Penny Wong is set to discuss this with US counterparts in Washington as part of the 'Quad' talks, amid pressure to secure a tariff carve-out from the 50% steel and aluminium levy imposed by the US.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14859189/China-issues-urgent-warning-Anthony-Albanese-never-question.html

June 30, 2025

Xu Warns of Aid Cuts Fueling Global Instability

Xu, a Chinese diplomat, emphasizes the importance of international development cooperation to build peace foundations, particularly for countries affected by conflict. He notes that wealthy nations like the US and European countries are increasing defense spending while cutting aid budgets, which is counterproductive. Xu argues that supporting developing nations is in their interest as it reduces migration burdens and global instability. The World Bank predicts 435 million people will live on less than $3 a day in conflict-ridden countries by 2030.

https://www.geo.tv/latest/611633-invest-in-aid-to-build-peace-in-troubled-world-un