US President Trump urges NATO nations to impose tariffs of 50-100% on Chinese goods, targeting China as one of Moscow's biggest buyers, in an effort to weaken Beijing's economic grip on Russia. The move comes after weeks of acrimony in India-US ties and follows the US imposition of 50% tariffs on Indian imports for buying Russian energy products. Trump believes this would strengthen NATO's negotiating position and help end the Ukrainian crisis, but it is unclear how the alliance can act as a bloc on matters of trade.
The UAE President's adviser, Dr Anwar Gargash, described a joint statement on Sudan as historic, outlining a roadmap to resolve the crisis. The statement calls for a three-month humanitarian truce in Sudan, followed by a nine-month transitional process to establish civilian-led governance. Dr Gargash stated that the statement provides an accurate diagnosis of the crisis, implying a clear narrative on how to address it.
The Arab states are considering a revival of a plan to create a NATO-style military force, similar to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) security pact. The proposal aims to enhance regional defense and counterbalance growing tensions with neighboring countries, particularly Iran. This move follows a recent meeting between UAE leaders and representatives from Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Oman to discuss the security pact. The plan's development is seen as a response to the UAE's growing concerns about regional stability and its desire to strengthen ties with other Gulf states.
The US Department of Commerce has published a list of 23 Chinese companies, three Turkish companies, two UAE-based companies and one each from India, Singapore and Taiwan that have helped Russia circumvent sanctions. These 23 companies will face an almost complete ban on exporting goods to the US starting September 16. The US Department of Commerce stated that these companies supplied goods to Russia's military-industrial sector and exported products without proper authorization. Andrii Yermak, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, thanked the US for imposing these new export restrictions, calling it an "important step in dismantling the Kremlin's ability to sustain its war machine".
Former Daegu mayor Hong Joon-pyo has described the recent arrests and detentions of South Korean workers in Georgia as an "intentional provocation" by the US. He urged Seoul to consider its own nuclear weapons programme, calling it a "firm response" to the incident. Hong criticized the US administration for treating South Korea with humiliation and disgrace, regardless of its stance on China or North Korea. He advised the government to handle the situation "intelligently" and not act out of stubbornness, while also questioning the value of continuing summits with the US after a change in administration.
US Representative Dar Rubio and Pakistani officials reaffirmed their resolve to boost ties between the two countries, discussing a range of issues including trade, economy, investment and counter-terrorism. A new trade agreement aims to reduce tariffs on Pakistani exports to the US, improve market access and attract investment. This follows a $500 million investment deal signed earlier this month with US-based company United States Strategic Metals. The agreement covers cooperation in critical minerals, including rare earth elements, and logistics services.
Iraq signed $1 billion investment deals with the World Bank's private sector arm, IFC, in energy, agriculture and finance sectors. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani announced the new contracts at a ceremony marking two decades of IFC's presence in Iraq. The deals include a $500 million contract to develop gas facilities in Basra, and aim to support Iraq's economic stability. The country seeks to build on its economic recovery following years of unrest, with authorities hoping to attract investments across sectors.
US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen is set to meet with Chinese Vice Premier Liu He in Madrid to discuss trade irritants, including US tariffs on Chinese goods and the deadline for TikTok's sale of its US assets. The talks aim to resolve national security concerns over TikTok and lift restrictions on Chinese purchases of American soybeans. A potential meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping may be laid groundwork for in Spain, amid concerns over national security risks and economic complaints. The discussions will also cover joint efforts to combat money laundering and curb Russian oil purchases, aimed at bringing Moscow into Ukraine peace negotiations.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed held talks with Indonesian President in Abu Dhabi, discussing potential cooperation and strengthening bilateral ties. The meeting aimed to explore opportunities for mutual growth and development in various sectors, including trade and investment.