Pakistan's revival requires competence, meritocracy, and courage. The country must abandon apathy, cynicism, and mediocrity to respond effectively to challenges. This moment presents a rare opportunity for Pakistan to rise to global relevance, but it must choose purpose over survival.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40370844/yet-another-chance-to-reset-the-futureThe Philippines is adopting a "one-theatre" strategy to counter China's growing influence in the East and South China seas, as part of a Japan-led approach that aims to promote operational synergy among regional allies. Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro supports this concept, which treats these waters as a unified theatre of operations due to shared maritime threats. This shift reflects growing alignment among countries such as Japan, the US, South Korea, and Australia, including the Philippines, in response to China's expanding maritime presence.
https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3316668/philippines-joins-japans-one-theatre-plan-against-china-sea-threat?module=asia_latest&pgtype=sectionSouth Asian leaders must prioritize regional cooperation over narrow rivalries to revive the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), a regional body that has historically played a pivotal role in easing tensions among member states. SAARC's foundations are solid, but its tools remain inactive due to a lack of political courage. The organization was meant to promote dialogue and cooperation, not just resolve political disputes directly. It has contributed to people's well-being through initiatives like the SAARC Development Fund and student exchanges, but these efforts are limited by restrictive visa systems. To flourish, trade, tourism, and trust require stronger political support, including a common tourist visa, simplified travel rules, and business-friendly border policies. Despite pauses in its functioning, SAARC remains a homegrown initiative with a unique foundation built on shared history, culture, and aspirations among South Asian countries.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40370845/why-saarc-still-mattersSaudi Arabia and Indonesia have signed deals worth around US$27 billion with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto visiting the country to meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The agreements focus on clean energy and petrochemicals, as well as cooperation in oil supply, sustainability, and mineral resources.
https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3316810/indonesia-saudi-arabia-ink-deals-worth-us27-billion-eye-clean-energy?module=asia_latest&pgtype=sectionChina's aircraft carrier Shandong has arrived in Hong Kong for a five-day visit, marking the second time a Chinese carrier has visited the city. The Shandong, China's first domestically built aircraft carrier, is part of a rapidly upgraded naval force that seeks to expand its reach in the Pacific and challenge US-led alliances. The ship's presence in Hong Kong comes amid heightened tensions with Japan and the Philippines, where it was spotted during a joint US-Philippines military exercise in April. China has been conducting dual-carrier exercises in the Pacific, including a recent drill testing its ability to blockade Taiwan, which Beijing insists is part of its territory.
https://channelnewsasia.com/east-asia/china-aircraft-carried-shandong-arrives-hong-kong-5217616South Korea has taken over the chairmanship of the MIKTA forum, which aims to strengthen inclusive international cooperation and bridge the interests of developed and developing countries. Under South Korea's leadership, three main agendas have been set: building global peace, promoting youth engagement, and accelerating the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This reflects South Korea's policy direction and represents its position as a middle-power country. The forum is seen as a bridge between developed and developing countries, with previous chairmanship by Mexico highlighting democratic values, international law, and inclusive development.
https://en.tempo.co/read/2023969/3-mikta-agendas-amidst-global-chaos-indonesia-involvedUkraine is moving forward with plans for joint weapons production with international allies amid concerns over US arms shipments to Kyiv. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry warned that halting support would encourage Russia's aggression and hinder peace efforts. Ukraine's Defense Ministry has not received official notification from the US about a suspension of arms deliveries, but officials are seeking clarification on specific items in the pipeline.
https://www.ocregister.com/2025/07/02/russia-ukraine-war-weapon-production/The US Department of Defence welcomed the upcoming INDUS-X Summit and the launch of the Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance (ASIA), praising the partnership between Trump and Modi as "productive, pragmatic and realistic". The US is pleased with the integration of its defence equipment into India's military and hopes to finalise major defence sales, boost industrial cooperation, enhance co-production efforts, and strengthen interoperability. Indian Foreign Minister Jaishankar values the strong relationship with the US but sees room for deeper cooperation.
https://www.firstpost.com/world/india-us-to-sign-10-yr-defence-pact-says-pentagon-rajnath-hegseth-meeting-on-the-cards-13902589.htmlChinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi warned his EU counterpart Kaja Kallas against "confrontation" during their meeting in Brussels, urging China to not be seen as an opponent due to differences. Wang stressed that none of Europe's current challenges are caused by China, and instead portrayed Beijing as a counterweight to the US. The two sides discussed Ukraine, Israel-Palestines conflict, and Iran nuclear issue, with Wang emphasizing respect and multilateralism.
https://www.malaymail.com/news/world/2025/07/03/china-warns-eu-dont-turn-differences-into-confrontation-says-wang-yi-in-brussels/182656