ASEAN aims for nuclear powers, including China, US, Britain, Russia, and France, to sign a treaty committing to non-use or movement of nuclear weapons in the region, including exclusive economic zones and continental shelves. Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan stated that China will sign the treaty without reservation.
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/07/10/asia-pacific/politics/malaysia-china-southeast-asia-nuclear-treaty/The European Union has reached a deal with Israel to increase aid access to Gaza, allowing more food trucks to enter and opening additional crossing points. EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas announced the agreement, which includes a substantial increase in daily truck deliveries of food and non-food items, as well as the reopening of routes from Jordan and Egypt. The move aims to address dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza, where two million residents are facing severe shortages due to Israel's limited aid during its war with Hamas.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40372054/eu-says-israel-has-agreed-to-expand-gaza-aid-accessThe Indian negotiating team may soon return to Washington to resume in-person discussions on an interim trade pact with the US. The deal, expected to be announced soon, aims to finalize the contours of both the Interim arrangement and the broader Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA).
https://www.news18.com/india/india-us-finalising-interim-trade-deal-delhi-team-may-return-to-washington-soon-sources-9432032.htmlIndonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono emphasized the importance of completing the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea by 2026, urging all parties to adhere strictly to international legal instruments like the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. He stressed that this approach is crucial for achieving mutually beneficial cooperation and a peaceful region.
https://en.antaranews.com/news/365445/indonesia-seeks-more-tangible-results-in-asean-china-cooperationJapan is seeking free and fair trade with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) amid rising tensions between the two parties. Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba emphasized this during a press conference in Tokyo on October 1, 2024.
https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20250710/p2g/00m/0na/052000cRussian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will meet with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, during the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) events.
https://www.fakti.bg/en/world/984843-lavrov-and-rubio-to-hold-talks-in-malaysiaBrazilian President Lula expressed his desire to strengthen relations with Indonesia, citing Brazil's experience in the National School Feeding Program as a global reference. In a bilateral meeting, Indonesia and Brazil agreed on various global issues, including efforts to resolve conflicts and reform international governance. Indonesian President Prabowo reaffirmed support for Brazil's approach to promoting peaceful resolutions in conflict areas, such as Ukraine, where he expressed backing for Brazil's idea involving the Friends Group. He also praised Brazil's stance on a two-state solution in the Middle East and supported reforms within the United Nations system, suggesting collaboration with countries like India, South Africa, Egypt, Nigeria, Germany, Japan, and Mexico to increase representation of new major countries.
https://en.tempo.co/read/2026583/brazilian-president-applauds-indonesias-global-role-since-the-bandung-asia-africa-conferencePhilippine President Rivera is urging the government to take decisive action in response to tariffs imposed by the US, suggesting high-level diplomatic discussions with the US to clarify the scope of the tariffs and seek exemptions or adjustments. He also recommends diversifying trade ties beyond the American market by expanding relationships with other economies through regional trade agreements such as Asean, Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, and the European Union's trade preference programs.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/07/11/business/top-business/us-tariff-increase-a-major-headwind/2147198US Senator Rubio is visiting Southeast Asia to counterbalance China's influence in the region. During his trip to Kuala Lumpur, he will meet with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, a seasoned diplomat familiar with ASEAN principles. The visit comes as tensions between the US and China remain high over issues like trade, human rights, and military expansion in the South China Sea. Rubio has signed a memorandum on civilian nuclear energy with Malaysia's foreign minister, paving the way for potential negotiations on a 123 agreement that would allow US companies to invest in nuclear programs in other countries under strict supervision.
https://apnews.com/article/us-russia-ukraine-rubio-lavrov-tariffs-trump-asean-ca7569c363260b1a63bae12153fa7dd3