Malaysia's Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim spoke with US President Donald Trump ahead of a deadline for new tariffs on Malaysian goods. A deal is expected to be announced, potentially lowering tariff rates to 15% or lower, with concessions on halal certification and rare earths exports. Malaysia will recognize US halal certification for pharmaceuticals, removing the need for validation, while supplying the US with rare earth elements worth an estimated RM1 trillion. The call came after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan on a ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia.
Canada has condemned Israel's actions in Gaza, citing accelerated illegal settlement building as a major contributor to deteriorating prospects for a two-state solution. Canadian Foreign Minister Carney plans to introduce a law making it a crime to obstruct access to places of worship or community centers, emphasizing the importance of basic security as a human right. Canada is set to join France and other countries in recognizing Palestine as a state next September, with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Egypt involved in peace talks.
Canada will officially recognize the State of Palestine by September 2025, with conditions including democratic reforms and demilitarization of a future Palestinian state. The move aligns with international pressure to support Palestinian statehood amid the Gaza crisis, following similar commitments from France and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Canada's recognition is tied to reforms by the Palestinian Authority, including general elections in 2026 without Hamas, as part of a coordinated international strategy on Gaza involving Western and Arab nations.
Chinese scientists have developed strategies to counter the perceived threat posed by Elon Musk's Starlink communications satellites. They believe Starlink poses a high risk to the Chinese government and its strategic interests due to its close ties with the US intelligence and defense establishment, as well as its growing global footprint. Researchers from China's National University of Defense Technology have published papers exploring ways to hunt and destroy Starlink satellites, citing concerns about their potential use by adversaries in military confrontations and for spying.
Chinese Delegation Explores Pakistan Business Opportunities
7.31.25
A Chinese delegation led by representatives from ACFIC has arrived in Pakistan to explore business opportunities and form partnerships. The team includes over a dozen Chinese companies, focusing on energy-related industries such as electric vehicles, solar products, and lithium storage. They praised the Matiari transmission line project as a successful model for investment in Pakistan, which can meet both local and regional needs. The delegation expressed interest in crypto mining as a means to introduce flexibility in the national grid. Pakistani Federal Minister Sardar Awais Leghari welcomed the delegation, stating that the government is prepared to facilitate industrial cooperation and technology exchange, but emphasized that subsidies cannot be provided due to financial constraints.
The Israeli military claims to have only used non-lethal measures against protesters, while the GHF says its contractors have resorted to pepper spray or warning shots. International aid deliveries have resumed, but many parcels have landed in areas that were supposed to be evacuated, causing people to swim out to retrieve them. The war has resulted in 89 child deaths from malnutrition and 65 adult deaths since June. Israel denies reports of starvation in Gaza, contradicting witnesses, UN agencies, and aid groups. Hamas launched the conflict on October 7, 2023, with an attack on southern Israel that killed around 1,200 people and abducted 251 others.
Indonesia, Malaysia Collaborate on Ambalat Border Area
7.31.25
Indonesia and Malaysia are exploring cooperation in managing their shared border area in Ambalat, with Petronas from Malaysia and Pertamina from Indonesia set to collaborate. Foreign Minister Sugiono stated that both countries recognize the potential of the area and need cooperation to optimize it, particularly in maritime and fisheries sectors. The plan is still in its early stages, with PT Pertamina Hulu Energi expressing readiness to develop the East Ambalat oil and gas block pending government approval.
IOM's Amy Pope Warns of Southeast Asia Scam Epidemic
7.31.25
Amy Pope, head of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), has sounded the alarm about the rapid expansion of online scamming operations in South-east Asia, particularly in Myanmar's borderlands. These operations, which bring in an estimated $40 billion annually, often target vulnerable individuals such as migrants, young jobseekers, children, and people with disabilities. The IOM has helped nearly 3,000 victims since 2022, but Pope warns that many more remain stranded and are instead arrested, prosecuted, and punished for their exploitation.
Malaysia Seeks Lower Tariffs with Trump Administration
7.31.25
Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar has discussed free trade principles with US President Trump, and negotiations are ongoing between Malaysia's Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry and the US' trade representative and commerce secretary. The country is seeking to lower its tariff rate on exports to the US from 25% to a maximum of 20% or as low as 15%.