US President Trump announced that a "very big" US-India trade deal is imminent, and a truce with China may be reached. He also terminated discussions with Canada, stating he would reveal the tariff Canada must pay to do business with the US within seven days. The US Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, expressed optimism about reaching agreements with 10-12 key trading partners by Labor Day (September 1), and hinted at extending the deadline if necessary.
https://www.firstpost.com/world/we-can-do-whatever-we-want-trump-signals-flexibility-on-july-9-deadline-for-reciprocal-tariffs-13901199.htmlIndonesian Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto emphasized the importance of strengthening intra-ASEAN investment and trade cooperation between Indonesia and Malaysia to bolster regional economic resilience. He highlighted the significance of domestic economic resilience and regional supply chain integration as key strengths of ASEAN, with a focus on prioritizing strategic partnerships like those between Indonesia and Malaysia. Discussions around ASEAN's position in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) are also gaining strategic importance, particularly when considering cooperation with GCC countries.
https://en.antaranews.com/news/362513/minister-highlights-intra-asean-investment-trade-importance?utm_source=antaranews&utm_medium=desktop&utm_campaign=popular_rightChina and Russia exercised strategic restraint during recent military standoffs with Pakistan and Iran, prioritizing stability over tactical intervention. This approach reflects a long-term vision of a multi-polar world, where global influence is shaped by economic entrenchment and ideological appeal rather than just military might. China's risk calculus avoids involvement in wars that could endanger its global interests, while Russia seeks to avoid worsening diplomatic isolation under Western sanctions. Despite the growing influence of China's Belt and Road Initiative and the BRICS bloc, the US remains the primary authority in moments of crisis, with China and Russia not yet ready to overtly exercise their authority in other countries' internal affairs or conflicts.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40369972/new-realities-of-power-in-global-politicsThe Israeli Military Advocate General has ordered an investigation into allegations of war crimes committed by Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip. At least 410 people have been killed while attempting to obtain humanitarian aid at distribution centers since May 27, according to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. Israel has refused to cooperate with UNRWA and passed a law banning its activities in Israel and controlled territories, despite lack of evidence supporting the accusations. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, supported by the US, has opened food distribution points, but these are often marred by deadly attacks on Palestinian residents.
https://en.tempo.co/read/2022262/israeli-troops-told-to-fire-on-gaza-aid-seekers-haaretz-reportsA new report from State Armor alleges that Energy Foundation China, funded by the Chinese Communist Party, is undermining American energy security by promoting green energy initiatives that rely on technology with known vulnerabilities, including "undisclosed back doors" in solar inverters and batteries. Michael Lucci, founder of State Armor, claims this is a textbook example of Chinese influence operations in America, exploiting American divisions on energy policy to insert these technologies into the power grid. He warns that using foreign technology poses a direct threat to the power grid and urges lawmakers to respond quickly, potentially classifying Energy Foundation China as an unregistered foreign agent and investigating consumer fraud.
https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/nation/china-undermining-american-energy-independence-report-says/article_2a3e3ba2-6082-5fc6-983b-d5099d216d99.htmlIndonesia's Anwar met with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Myanmar's Senior General Min Aung Hlaing in Bangkok to discuss conflict resolution efforts in Myanmar. The meeting aimed to deliver humanitarian aid, establish a field hospital, and restore normalcy in the country. Anwar welcomed the release of 4,800 detainees as a positive step towards easing tensions.
https://en.tempo.co/read/2022119/malaysias-anwar-ibrahim-seeks-indonesias-help-in-myanmar-peace-mediationSouth Africa's Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola warned that growing global fragmentation is fueling unprecedented turmoil, particularly affecting poorer nations, and urged a united G20 response. The remarks come as international cooperation is under strain due to multiple devastating conflicts and humanitarian crises. A meeting of G20 diplomats in South Africa discussed state rivalries, economic decoupling, and proxy conflicts undermining global stability. The talks are expected to set the tone for the November summit, where South Africa aims to champion Global South priorities such as climate resilience and debt relief.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40369831/g20-president-warns-global-turmoil-hurts-poorer-nationsUnited Nations Secretary-General António Guterres criticized the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, calling it "inherently unsafe" and stating that it is "killing people." The foundation, which relies on private US security and logistics firms, has been accused of militarizing humanitarian assistance and contributing to civilian displacement. Over 400 Palestinians have been killed attempting to access aid from UN and GHF operations since Israel eased its blockade in May. Guterres emphasized the need for a ceasefire in Gaza, saying "people are being killed simply trying to feed themselves and their families."
https://www.firstpost.com/world/it-is-killing-people-un-chief-slams-us-backed-gaza-aid-operation-as-unsafe-13901155.htmlIndonesia and Malaysia have reached an agreement to resolve their long-standing border dispute over the Ambalat Block in the Sulawesi Sea. The deal was announced after a bilateral meeting between Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta. Both countries agreed to cooperate on economic development through a joint framework, with a commitment to share natural resources found in the disputed area.
https://en.tempo.co/read/2022081/indonesia-malaysia-reach-deal-on-joint-management-of-ambalat-block