Bulgaria's government prioritizes the development of its army, NATO involvement, and modernization of weapons systems to maintain a strong defense sector, aiming to join ranks with democratic nations capable of protecting peace, freedom, and independence.
https://www.fakti.bg/en/bulgaria/960405-acad-denkov-on-this-day-21-years-ago-bulgaria-took-a-historic-step-to-guarantee-its-national-securityThe US and its allies are likely to increase pressure on China if it makes public statements or signals support for North Korea's nuclear status, similar to Russia's recent actions with North Korea. China risks facing complete isolation and harsher economic retaliation if it ignores sanctions, smuggles arms, or cooperates militarily with North Korea. As a UN Security Council member, China has a legal obligation to condemn and prevent North Korea's military involvement in the Russia-Ukraine war and potential transfers of advanced weaponry to North Korea.
https://www.thedailystar.net/news/asia/news/limits-china-north-korea-cooperation-and-the-consequences-chinas-national-interest-3859881The Trump administration's efforts to cut costs led to the dismantling of the US Agency for International Development (USAID). Former military leaders, including retired Lt. Gen. John Bednarek, are now warning that China is filling the void left by USAID in countries like Cambodia, where funding was severed. China has launched new initiatives, providing loans and support to nations that previously received USAID funding, raising concerns about US foreign policy implications.
https://nypost.com/2025/03/28/us-news/ex-generals-warn-lawmakers-about-usaid-cuts-emboldening-china/Bangladesh is attracting more interest from China due to rising US tariffs on Chinese goods, according to Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, executive chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority and the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority. This increased interest comes as China remains Bangladesh's largest foreign investor, particularly in renewable energy and advanced textile manufacturing. Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has also been urging Chinese business leaders to invest in Bangladesh, highlighting its potential as a hub for regional and global trade.
https://www.tbsnews.net/economy/chinese-investment-booms-bepza-ez-24-deals-signed-34-more-pipeline-1104386The US is shifting its global development leadership away from multilateral commitments, including the Paris Agreement, due to aid cuts and disengagement. China's Belt and Road Initiative has positioned Beijing as the world's largest bilateral development partner, a shift that could be driven by Washington's divestment from stewardship of multilateralism. The writer, chair of the Climate Committee in the Senate and former federal minister for climate change, warns that this shift may create a vacuum that China is well-positioned to fill.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1296218-defunding-the-worldSarah Charles, a former assistant USAID administrator for humanitarian affairs, predicts that Chinese, Turkish, and Russian teams may soon arrive in Thailand and Burma to support those suffering due to the crisis, unlike the US which is not expected to participate.
https://www.thedailystar.net/news/world/usa/news/remaining-usaid-staff-fired-trump-says-myanmar-will-still-get-earthquake-aid-3859951The Dutch threat assessment on Russia's intentions has intensified, with warnings that the country is rapidly transitioning from drills to actual attacks, raising concerns about the nature of their military movements. The European Commission's previous warnings have been surpassed by Brekelmans' assessment, which highlights Russia's efforts to boost its defense industry and recruit soldiers for future conflicts. With the war in Ukraine nearing an end, the Kremlin is expected to redirect resources towards new acts of aggression once the conflict subsides.
https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-polytics/3976336-russia-to-be-ready-for-new-aggression-year-after-end-of-ukraine-war-dutch-dm.htmlThe Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies, Hanns Seidel Foundation India, and two Indian universities are partnering to foster dialogue on non-traditional security challenges with the European Union. The EU's President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized cooperation in areas like trade, technology, innovation, and defence during her visit to India. Experts discussed critical raw materials (CRM) and potential collaboration opportunities, highlighting the need for supply chain resilience and cautioning against politicization of CRM. India joined the Mineral Security Partnership (MSP), a global initiative to bolster critical minerals supply chains, in June 2023, alongside the EU and other countries.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-eu-resilience-forum-seeks-to-foster-dialogue-on-non-traditional-security-challenges/article69390944.eceIgnacio Sánchez Recarte, secretary general of the Comité Européen des Entreprises Vins, has expressed mixed views on a recent trade agreement between the EU and US. He considers it a "good legal package," but warns that a potential wine-related trade war could significantly impact EU wine companies, citing Donald Trump's threat to impose 200% tariffs as already costing them €100 million per week.
https://www.politico.eu/article/5-takeaways-in-the-eus-frothy-wine-package/