China's reaction to India engaging the US is perceived as aggressive because it may be a strategic move to counterbalance India's growing influence in the region, rather than a direct response to Pakistan's ties with the US. China has historically maintained strong relationships with Pakistan, and its support for Pakistan during Operation Sindoor suggests an effort to build a regional partner that can challenge India on multiple fronts, potentially threatening China's own interests in the region.
China Urges Cooperation Amid US Trade Tensions Escalate
8.7.25
The Chinese Embassy in the US is urging cooperation between the two nations to maintain the understanding reached during phone calls between heads of state. This comes after US President Donald Trump announced plans to impose additional import tariffs on China for trade with Russia, which has sparked uncertainty about the future of US-China economic relations.
Japan's Nohara Seeks Tariff Reduction in Washington Talks
8.7.25
Japan and the US are at odds over a tariff deal as Japan's chief negotiator visits Washington to press for a reduction in a levy on car imports from 10% to 15%, which is set to take effect on August 7, 2025. Yoshiaki Nohara of Bloomberg News reports that Washington has refused to exempt Tokyo from the new tariffs, sparking a fresh discrepancy in interpretations of the US-Japan trade deal.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in Shanghai, marking the first time they will have met on Chinese soil in seven years. The meeting signals a growing detente between Asia's two nuclear powers after a period of escalating tensions and border conflict.
India is considering alternative partnerships amid a deteriorating relationship with the US, following President Trump's tariffs. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit China for the first time in seven years, while Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva plans to discuss the issue with fellow BRICS nations, including Russia and South Africa. The group aims to explore mutually beneficial cooperation and economic engagement among like-minded countries.
NATO's energy and ethics are being called into question due to its selective approach towards countries such as India, China, and Brazil. Europe's vehicle mix, with a high proportion of diesel-powered trucks and vans, contributes to its significant fuel consumption. In contrast, India's predominantly two-wheeler fleet consumes less fuel per kilometre. NATO's current stance on energy and ethics is seen as hypocritical, given its past silence on energy trade with Russia after Crimea. The alliance's rhetoric may ring hollow if it does not hold itself and its members to the same standards as it demands of others.
Pakistan Threatens India with Unconventional Strike
8.7.25
Pakistan's Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) warned that if India launches military aggression, Pakistan will respond with a robust and potentially unconventional strike from the east, targeting deep inside Indian territory. The already strained relations between Pakistan and India worsened after the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam incident, which India blamed on Pakistan without evidence. In response to India's actions, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty and expelling patients in India, Pakistan declared the treaty's suspension an act of war and retaliated with missile attacks on multiple Pakistani cities, resulting in civilian deaths and injuries. The conflict escalated further when India launched strikes on airbases and Pakistan responded with Operation Banyan Marsus (Iron Wall), targeting Indian military infrastructure. A ceasefire was eventually brokered by the Trump administration, although its role has not been officially acknowledged by the Indian government.
Ukraine-Russia Conflict Escalates: A recent escalation in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia has led to a significant increase in tensions along the border. The situation was further complicated when Russian President Vladimir Putin announced plans to annex the Ukrainian region of Kherson, which was captured by Russian forces in 2014. In response, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg expressed concern over the potential consequences of such an action. Meanwhile, in the United States, a bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced legislation aimed at providing additional support to Ukraine in its fight against Russia.
In Business News, Amazon's acquisition of The Washington Post was finalized, with Jeff Bezos' company agreeing to pay $250 million for the iconic newspaper. In Entertainment, the 2025 Academy Awards nominations were announced, with "The Revenant" and "Dune" leading the pack. In Culture, the Louvre Museum in Paris unveiled a new exhibit featuring works by French artist Claude Monet.
In Travel News, the European Union introduced new regulations to reduce carbon emissions from air travel, which will come into effect next year. The new rules aim to make flying more sustainable and environmentally friendly.
Chinese President has urged Pakistan and India to resolve their disputes in line with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) spirit for regional stability's sake. The QUAD summit, featuring US President Donald Trump, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and Indian Prime Minister Modi, is now uncertain due to Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to New Delhi around the same time. Meanwhile, Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. Shankar will meet with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow later this month to discuss regional developments.