Brazil's left-wing President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva will host a BRICS summit without Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian leader Vladimir Putin, who will participate via video link due to an ICC arrest warrant. Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian and Egyptian counterpart Abdel Fattah al-Sissi will also be absent. The summit is expected to have a cautious tone, with China adopting a restrained position on the Middle East and avoiding mention of the US by name in the final declaration. Brazil hopes for unity among member states on sensitive issues like climate change and global governance reform, but talks on alternative currencies are likely dead due to Trump's threat of 100% tariffs.
https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/nation/rio-to-host-brics-summit-wary-of-trump/article_ff68d98d-26a8-5f01-944c-a3f8db4ec350.htmlChina's Foreign Minister Wang Yi warned senior Euro officials that a Russian defeat would embolden Washington to redirect pressure towards China, sparking anxiety in Beijing. During a tense meeting with European Commission Vice President Kaja Kallas, Wang delivered "history lessons and lectures" on realpolitik, highlighting the West's growing focus on the Indo-Pacific region. This comes as US President Donald Trump and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth have emphasized countering China as a top strategic priority. Despite officially denying support for Russia, Western intelligence suggests otherwise, including reports of advanced laser defence systems being supplied to Moscow by China. Wang's comments underscore China's concern that the outcome of the Ukraine war is crucial to its national interests, while Chinese state media later softened the message, advocating for peace talks and a comprehensive agreement.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14875299/Russia-lose-war-Ukraine-Beijing-US-turn-China.htmlThe Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) is losing control as its food distribution model is criticized for being impartial and neutral. The United Nations has reported over 400 Palestinian deaths since Israel lifted an 11-week aid blockade in May, with most victims trying to reach GHF aid distribution sites. Israel's military acknowledged harm to civilians near the centers and issued new instructions after "lessons learned". Over 170 international humanitarian groups called for governments to end the GHF's use of aid delivery and return to UN-run channels, citing widespread looting by other organizations. The GHF has delivered over 52 million meals in five weeks, while others have seen nearly all their aid stolen.
https://www.asiaone.com/world/hamas-warns-palestinians-against-cooperating-us-backed-gaza-humanitarian-foundationThe BRICS summit is expected to have a cautious tone due to deep-seated differences among its members, particularly with the US. China's participation has raised concerns about provoking further friction between the world's two leading economies. The grouping, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, and South Africa, as well as newer members like Saudi Arabia and Indonesia, represents nearly half of the world's population and 40% of its GDP. However, these differences have made it challenging to build a strong consensus on issues such as the Iran-Israel conflict and global governance reform. Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira hopes that countries can take a united stance on sensitive issues like the Middle East, citing the bloc's history of speaking with one voice on major international issues.
https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/nation/brics-nations-to-gather-without-xi-putin/article_ff68d98d-26a8-5f01-944c-a3f8db4ec350.htmlChinese Director Wang Yiwei stated that China's main concern in the Russia-Ukraine conflict is preventing nuclear weapons use, warning against both their actual and threatened deployment. In contrast, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed doubt about China wanting Russia to maintain occupied Ukrainian territories, as Beijing supports Ukraine's territorial integrity and does not recognize Crimea or Russian-controlled regions as part of Russia.
https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-polytics/4011614-beijing-fears-russias-defeat-due-to-nuclear-arsenal-risks-chinese-expert.htmlIndian Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his first official visit to Trinidad and Tobago with a ceremonial Guard of Honour at Piarco International Airport, where he was received by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. This historic visit marks the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Caribbean nation since 1999. The country has a significant population of Indian origin, with 45% of its citizens hailing from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, particularly from Bhojpuri-speaking districts like Chhapra and Azamgarh.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/holy-water-from-mahakumbh-and-replica-of-ram-mandir-a-pm-modis-gift-to-pm-of-trinidad-tobago/article69771345.eceUS President Donald Trump announced that the US will start sending letters to around 10-12 countries on Friday, informing them of blanket tariff rates ranging between 60-70% and 10-20%. The tariffs will take effect from August 1, with countries required to start paying them immediately.
https://www.deccanchronicle.com/world/trump-leaves-trade-talks-in-limbo-by-fixing-blanket-tariffs-1889460US President Donald Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the NATO summit in The Hague, where they discussed potential military aid for Ukraine. Following their meeting, Trump indicated interest in sending Patriot missile interceptors to Ukraine. A call between Trump and Zelensky took place on Friday before a round of golf at Trump's private course in northern Virginia.
https://nypost.com/2025/07/04/us-news/president-trump-very-disappointed-with-putin-after-call-i-dont-think-hes-looking-to-stop/A UAE delegation led by Minister of State for Foreign Trade Th bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi attended the SelectUSA Investment Summit in Maryland, USA. The delegation met with US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and Assistant Secretary of Commerce Arun Venkatarman to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral trade and investment ties, particularly in clean energy initiatives, food and water security, and advanced technology.
https://www.lokmattimes.com/international/uae-delegation-explores-bilateral-opportunities-at-selectusa-investment-summit/