Singaporean leader Lawrence Wong and Indonesian President Prabowo described their first joint Leaders' Retreat as "very productive and successful", resulting in 19 deliverables across multiple sectors. The meeting focused on international issues, including a ceasefire in Gaza and resolving the Israel-Iran conflict. Bilateral defence ties between Singapore and Indonesia are expanding, with new military cooperation areas being explored. Singapore is handling its first extradition case under a new treaty involving Indonesian businessman Paulus Tannos.
https://www.malaymail.com/news/singapore/2025/06/17/if-youre-imitated-you-must-be-doing-something-good-pm-wong-says-after-prabowo-eyes-singapores-housing-sovereign-wealth-fund-model/180695The foreign ministers of several countries, including France's Jean-Noel Barrot, Britain's David Lammy, and Germany's Johann Wadephul, met with EU diplomat Kaja Kallas to urge Iran to return to nuclear talks without preconditions. They also warned against any regional expansion or nuclear escalation, such as non-cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The warning came after US President Donald Trump abruptly left a G7 summit in Canada and made a social media post backing Israel and threatening Tehran, calling for its evacuation.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/06/17/world/americas-emea/european-powers-call-on-iran-to-return-to-nuclear-talks-french-diplomatic-source/2134672Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for de-escalation in the Israel-Iran conflict, urging all parties to work towards reducing tensions. During talks with Uzbek counterpart, Xi emphasized China's readiness to play a constructive role in restoring peace. Beijing is also evacuating its nationals from both Iran and Israel amid the escalating conflict.
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3314808/chinas-xi-calls-israel-iran-de-escalate-says-beijing-ready-play-peacemaker?module=top_story&pgtype=section#commentsChinese President Xi Jinping urged de-escalation of tensions during a summit with Central Asian countries, stating China opposes actions violating sovereignty and territorial integrity. Beijing is ready to play a constructive role in restoring peace in the region. The Chinese government has evacuated citizens from Israel and Iran, with Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun calling on influential countries to take action to de-escalate tensions.
https://www.fakti.bg/en/world/979204-china-calls-for-de-escalation-in-the-middle-east-evacuates-its-citizensCanada has extended an invitation for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend a G7 meeting, signaling a renewed effort to strengthen ties with India. The move comes after Ottawa and New Delhi's relationship hit an all-time low last year following the killing of pro-Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in 2023. The incident led to allegations from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau against Indian agents' involvement, which New Delhi denied and accused Canada of allowing pro-Khalistan groups to operate on its soil.
https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/india-canada-ties-on-revival-mode-pm-meets-mark-carney-10-points-8694152?pfrom=home-ndtv_topscroll_ImagetopscrollChina's growing influence in Central Asia is seen as a strategic move to expand its Belt and Road initiative. President Xi Jinping called for cooperation on infrastructure projects such as the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, while also investing in clean energy and artificial intelligence. Russia views China as a privileged strategic partner, but acknowledges its growing influence in the region. Central Asian nations are balancing their relationships with both China and Russia to avoid excessive dependence on one partner. China's investments have led to it becoming the region's leading trading partner, surpassing the EU and Russia. The region's natural resources, such as oil and minerals, are seen as crucial for China's rapidly developing economy.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/chinas-xi-in-kazakhstan-to-cement-eternal-central-asia-ties/article69705940.eceBeijing's stability of Central Asian states is seen as crucial for its western border security. However, China's detention of over a million Uyghurs and other Muslims has been accused of constituting "crimes against humanity" by the UN. The region of Central Asia, with 80 million inhabitants, is geographically large but sparsely populated, contrasting with China's vast population of 1.4 billion, which enjoys visa-free access in some Central Asian countries, sparking concerns about sovereignty loss among some in the region.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/06/17/world/americas-emea/chinas-xi-in-kazakhstan-to-cement-central-asia-ties/2134537China has established itself as Central Asia's leading trading partner, surpassing Russia and the EU. The country is investing heavily in infrastructure projects such as the Uzbekistan-Kyrgyzstan-China railway and highway through the Pamir Mountains to Afghanistan. China has also built new border crossings and "dry ports" like Khorgos in Kazakhstan, a major logistics hub. Beijing sees Central Asia's stability as crucial for its western security, but critics argue that China is supporting authoritarian regimes and has been accused of human rights abuses in its Xinjiang region, where over a million Uyghurs have been detained.
https://www.firstpost.com/world/chinas-xi-gives-his-central-asia-outreach-a-fresh-push-with-kazakhstan-visit-13898076.htmlPakistani passport holders face travel restrictions to Israel due to ongoing hostilities. China has activated emergency consular protection mechanisms for its nationals in Iran and Israel, while Cyprus is assisting with repatriation efforts for citizens from Portugal and Slovakia. Other countries like Turkmenistan, Albania, and Thailand are providing temporary shelter and assistance to their citizens stranded in the region. The French Foreign Ministry advises citizens in Israel to register and be prepared to reach a shelter quickly, while the U.K. government has withdrawn staff family members as a precautionary measure and advises against travel to Israel and Iran.
https://apnews.com/article/iran-israel-evacuations-foreign-nationals-846ee06a70f855b02a2d66818fd2d93e