Netanyahu's Gaza Move Sparks Global Recognition Push
8.11.25
Australia, France, the UK, and Canada will recognize a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly in New York next month, following growing international support for Palestinian statehood. The move comes after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decision to reoccupy Gaza, which has provided momentum for the recognition of a Palestinian state.
Rutte Sees Ukraine Talks Focusing on Occupied Territories
8.11.25
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that future peace talks on the war in Ukraine will likely focus on Ukrainian territories under Russian control, emphasizing Ukraine's sovereignty and security guarantees. He drew a parallel with the West's position during the Soviet occupation of the Baltic states, suggesting a possible agreement could recognize Russia's de facto control without legal recognition. US President Donald Trump is set to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska to discuss a potential diplomatic solution to the conflict.
Singapore Promotes Mediation Across Southeast Asia Region
8.11.25
The Singapore government is working with law firms and societies across South-east Asia to promote mediation as an effective legal tool, aiming for collaboration and knowledge sharing to raise awareness of mediation in the region.
Singapore's C-130 transport craft will conduct airdrop operations alongside foreign air forces at the invitation of the Jordanian government, delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza. This is the second time the aircraft has been used for such operations since the Israel-Hamas conflict began in October 2023. Singapore has sent nine tranches of assistance worth over $22 million to Gaza, with 58 military personnel deployed for this operation.
US President Donald Trump has extended a 90-day tariff truce with China, avoiding triple-digit duties on each other's goods ahead of the holiday season. The truce was set to expire on Tuesday but will continue until further talks can be held after Trump signed an executive order suspending higher tariffs until November 10.
Trump's Meeting with Putin Raises Concerns Over Ukraine Territory
8.11.25
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has received diplomatic backing from Europe and NATO ahead of a Russia-US summit, where he fears President Vladimir Putin and President Donald Trump may try to dictate terms for ending the ongoing war. The planned meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on August 15 has sparked Ukrainian concerns that they may face pressure to surrender land as part of a potential deal. European leaders have warned that any settlement must involve Ukraine's democratically elected leadership and its people, while Russia seeks to weaken Western support for Ukraine by portraying it as an obstacle to peace. Ukrainian President Zelenskiy has rejected the idea of conceding land to Russia, citing Ukraine's constitution, and US President Trump has suggested a potential framework for a ceasefire involving 'some swapping of territories'. The European Parliament has urged EU support for Ukraine in defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity, with a comprehensive and just peace secured through international law and the Ukrainian people's will.
US Pushes for China to Address Trade Deficit Concerns
8.11.25
The US is seeking limited agreements with China to address its massive $262 billion trade deficit, citing lax intellectual property protection and unfair industrial policies that give Chinese firms an advantage in world markets. The proposed deals include increased purchases of American soybeans and efforts to curb fentanyl production and rare-earth magnet exports. However, a former US diplomat predicts the trade war will continue for years due to lingering issues. US President Trump has proposed that China increase soybean orders to balance trade with the US, but his
The US has made last-minute changes to tariffs on imports from Bangladesh and India, reducing Bangladesh's tariff to 20% but increasing it to 25% for India, with an additional 25% scheduled for August 27 over India's purchase of Russian oil.
US Tariffs Boost Trade with Eurozone, Japan, Korea
8.11.25
The wholesale trade and transportation sectors experienced a boost from front-loading activities ahead of US tariff measures. The US' 90-day tariff truce with several trading partners, including the eurozone, Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asian economies, led to reduced reciprocal tariffs. As a result, the growth of Singapore's major trading partners in 2H 2025 is expected to moderate from 1H 2025. However, significant uncertainties remain due to US trade policies, particularly sectoral tariffs on pharmaceutical products and semiconductors.