China is urging the US to ease restrictions on exporting artificial intelligence (AI) chips as part of a potential trade deal. The request comes amid growing tensions between the two countries over technology and intellectual property. China's manufacturers, which rely heavily on US-made AI chips, are seeking relief from current export controls that limit their access to these critical components.
China is urging the US to ease export controls on high-bandwidth memory chips (HBM) critical for artificial intelligence, as part of a potential trade deal before a summit between Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping. Chinese officials are concerned that current restrictions on HBM exports hinder Huawei's ability to develop its own AI chips, which could impact China's AI and defense development. The US has previously curbed exports of advanced chips to China, affecting both American chipmakers' revenue from the country's large semiconductor market.
European Union leaders have agreed that Ukraine's involvement is crucial for a peaceful resolution in Ukraine, with French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, UK PM Keir Starmer and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasizing the need for active diplomacy, support to Ukraine, and pressure on Russia to end its illegal war. The EU welcomes US President Donald Trump's efforts to stop the killing in Ukraine and achieve peace and security for the country, but their proposed terms differ from Russian President Vladimir Putin's plan, which seeks significant territorial concessions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is urged to be involved in any discussions about ending the war, with a ceasefire necessary before other steps are taken. A meeting between Trump and Putin is planned to discuss a peace deal in Alaska, and the EU will convene an emergency meeting to discuss next steps.
The US's imposition of a 15% tariff on EU products in exchange for $750 billion worth of energy is raising concerns about EU countries' dependence on US energy. In response, the EU may turn to Russia as its traditional energy supplier to maintain balance. Meanwhile, Turkey under Erdogan poses a challenge to regional security through its actions in Greece and Cyprus, while China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) aims to expand its influence in the region.
Field Marshal Munir Praises Trump's Conflict Prevention Efforts
8.10.25
Field Marshal Munir, Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff (COAS), has expressed gratitude to US President Donald Trump for his strategic leadership in preventing a Pakistan-India war and several global conflicts. He highlighted the importance of Pakistan-US relations, citing a new dimension in their cooperation, including potential trade agreements and economic investments. Munir emphasized the significance of overseas Pakistanis as a source of national pride and dignity, urging them to contribute to attracting investments and supporting the country's prosperity. He also stressed the need for understanding the new generation's mindset and priorities, particularly regarding Kashmir, which he views as an unfinished item on the international agenda.
Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir Meets US Military Leaders
8.10.25
Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff, engaged in high-level interactions with senior US military leaders during his visit to Tampa, including General Michael E. Kurilla, who is retiring as Commander United States Central Command, and Admiral Brad Cooper, who assumed command. Munir also met Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine, discussing mutual professional interests, and invited him to visit Pakistan. The COAS interacted with chiefs of defence from friendly nations and addressed the Pakistani diaspora, urging them to support Pakistan's progress and development, which they reaffirmed their commitment to do.
Former diplomat Shivshankar Menon argues that India's support during the 1962 war with China was not due to its non-alignment policy, but rather because of China's aggressive actions. He states that India received backing from countries like the US, regardless of their ideological affiliations. Menon emphasizes that a policy's success or failure should be judged by its outcomes, not by what others say about it. The book "The Nehru Year" explores India's non-alignment policy and its relevance in foreign policy since Jawaharlal Nehru's concept. Former ambassador Shyam Saran notes that Nehru's system emphasized India standing for something greater than itself, highlighting the importance of international solidarity.
India Defies US on Russian Oil Imports Despite Tensions
8.10.25
India's refusal to stop importing Russian oil has led to a drop in the price of Ural, but experts believe it won't completely halt Russian imports. This shift is a departure from 2018 when US President Trump demanded India "zero out" oil from Iran and Venezuela. India stopped direct purchases from both countries in May 2019 due to heavy losses. The move may damage the India-US relationship, which has been strengthened through civil nuclear cooperation, military ties, and technology partnerships since 1999. National Security Adviser Ajit Doval recently visited Moscow to prepare for Russian President Putin's visit, while External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is set to follow suit. Indian Prime Minister Modi will travel to Japan and China for the SCO summit and a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, amidst efforts to restore ties with the US before the November Quad summit.
India Expands Defence Attaché Posts in Armenia & Philippines
8.10.25
India has established new defence attaché posts in Armenia and the Philippines, with Poland being another location for increased outreach. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh directed defence attachés to promote Indian defence production capabilities and mutual defence cooperation with friendly foreign countries. Australian defence firms are linked to US companies as Original Equipment Manufacturers, but also have opportunities for innovation partnerships with India.