South Korea reports that North Korea has dismantled propaganda speakers at the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) border, a move seen as an attempt to ease tensions with Seoul. The development comes after South Korea began dismantling similar equipment that had blared propaganda across the border. The move is part of a series of efforts by President Lee Jae Myung's administration to reduce hostility between the two countries. North Korea has been developing nuclear attack capabilities and strengthening military ties with Russia, but has also shown signs of reciprocating some South Korean actions to ease tensions.
North Korea Threatens Counterattack Against US Drills
8.11.25
North Korea's defense chief No Kwang Chol has stated that the country will respond to joint US-South Korean war drills with a "thoroughgoing and resolute counteraction posture" as its right to self-defense, amid the presence of around 28,500 US troops in South Korea.
Pakistan Army Chief Defended on Indus Water Treaty
8.11.25
Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir's statement on the Indus Water Treaty was defended by former ambassador Rajiv Dogra, who agreed that the term "family property" is correct in describing the Indus River Waters as a shared resource between India and Pakistan. According to Dogra, even major nations like China and America consider their rivers as part of their family properties. Munir's comments against India were criticized by Dogra, who advised him to consult with an intelligent person before making statements.
Pakistan has threatened nuclear war with India, sparking criticism from New Delhi after Field Marshal Asim Munir made anti-India remarks during a speech to the Pakistani diaspora in Florida. Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and military leaders have used nuclear sabre-rattling as a tool of diplomacy, with the country's Army Chief stating that if faced with an existential threat from India, it would take half the world down with it. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has condemned the comments, citing Pakistan's links to terrorist groups and questioning its nuclear command and control.
Philippines Learns from Poland's Self-Reliant Defence Posture
8.11.25
The Philippines and Poland may find common ground in deterring China and Russia by learning from each other's military build-ups and defence strategies. Analysts suggest that Manila can benefit from Warsaw's experience with its "self-reliant defence posture" as it modernizes its forces to counter Chinese pressure in the South China Sea. Chester Cabalza, founder of the International Development and Security Cooperation think tank, believes there are valuable lessons for Manila to learn from Poland's approach despite their geographic distance.
Philippines Tensions with China Escalate Over South China Sea
8.11.25
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos sparked a diplomatic row with China after making remarks that prompted Beijing to lodge a protest, accusing him of
Russian House Backs Global Press Freedom Initiatives
8.11.25
International solidarity is crucial for protecting journalists, particularly those in life-threatening situations. A roundtable discussion emphasized the need for legal and diplomatic support, as well as cooperation between civil society and journalistic organizations worldwide. The Russian House pledged to continue supporting projects that protect freedom of speech and honor the memories of fallen journalists.
South Korean customs officials met with their Chinese counterparts to strengthen cooperation on trade regulations. In a separate incident, South Korea's customs agency fined two companies for evading tariffs on steel exports to Europe, seizing hundreds of bottles of Rush at Incheon Airport. The agency plans to recover the evaded taxes and may launch criminal investigations if serious violations are found. Antidumping duties were imposed on imported goods priced below fair market value, aimed at protecting local businesses from unfair competition.
Taiwan is seeking a more reasonable tariff rate from the US, with negotiations ongoing under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. The country aims to continue its talks concurrently with a national security probe. Taiwan has a significant trade deficit with the US, mainly due to semiconductors and tech products, which are also key components in the exports of companies like Nvidia, for which Taiwanese chip maker TSMC is a major supplier.