The US government is seeking to recoup billions of dollars in unpaid tariffs from China, with a report suggesting that Beijing has been evading payments. The investigation, led by the US Trade Representative's office, found that Chinese companies had paid only $1 billion out of $50 billion in tariffs imposed on Chinese goods.
China's Wing Loong-2, a multi-role UAV, has proven combat capabilities and is being exported to various countries due to its cost-effective modular platform. The drone has been used in conflicts such as Nigerian raids on Boko Haram hideouts and Saudi strikes against Houthi positions along the Red Sea. A variant of the WL-2, known as the GJ-2 or "Attack 2", is conducting live-fire exercises around Taiwan and patrolling the South China Sea, serving as a key component of the People's Liberation Army's (PLA) reconnaissance and combat capabilities.
China is expanding its presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) through infrastructure projects, research vessels, and naval capabilities. The country has surpassed the US Navy as the world's largest naval force with over 15 new ships annually. China's strategic interest in consolidating its position in the IOR is evident in its military and commercial infrastructure development, particularly under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the "String of Pearls" strategy. This has raised concerns about India's national security and broader strategic interests. To counter this, India must bolster its deterrence capabilities, conduct joint exercises with partner countries, and enhance maritime domain awareness through advanced technologies like satellite-based surveillance systems and artificial intelligence.
The EU's Kaia Kalas announced plans for the 19th package of sanctions against Russia, urging no further concessions to Moscow. She stated that European foreign ministers support US-led efforts towards a just peace in Ukraine, citing Russia's refusal to agree to a full and unconditional ceasefire as reason not to discuss additional concessions.
Global leaders are reacting to rising tensions in Asia and the Middle East as the rules-based international order faces its toughest test during the Trump presidency. The UN and media groups have condemned Israel's deadly strike on Al Jazeera's team in Gaza, while India has been urged to counter a combined naval threat from China and Pakistan. Meanwhile, other news includes Ravichandran Ashwin's uncertainty over his future with the Chennai Super Kings franchise, and India's defence cooperation discussions with Kazakhstan.
The Indian government has announced a 50-country export plan to offset the impact of US tariffs on its economy. The plan aims to boost exports and counter the effects of the trade tensions with China. As part of this initiative, India plans to focus on exporting goods such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, and IT services. The move is seen as an effort to diversify its export markets and reduce dependence on a few key countries.
Iran and Pakistan are working towards a renewed push for trade expansion, but both countries face challenges in shielding their trade from punitive action, protecting banks and customs authorities, and incentivizing businesses to participate despite the risk. The diplomatic layer is also crucial, as both nations must balance strategic relations with Iran and the West without jeopardizing existing partnerships. A successful trade expansion requires a quiet understanding with Washington, or at least the ability to convincingly demonstrate that the arrangement does not violate international obligations. However, there is a lack of transparency from both governments on how these goals will be achieved, which may lead to scepticism and policy fatigue among stakeholders. Despite this, the alignment in political vision and economic intent between Iran and Pakistan holds promise for transformative results if they can align on execution and navigate the complexities of trade in today's world.
An Israeli airstrike in Gaza City killed five Al Jazeera journalists, including prominent correspondent Anas al-Sharif, 28, who was accused by Israel of being a Hamas militant and advancing rocket attacks against Israelis. The European Union condemned the killing as a 'grave breach of international humanitarian law' and called for clear evidence to avoid targeting journalists. EU foreign minister Kaja Kallas urged Israel to allow more aid into Gaza despite recent agreements to increase access, citing growing needs in the territory.
The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and former defence minister Yoav Gallant, charging them with war crimes and crimes against humanity. Many international law experts, scholars, and human rights groups have accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. Even traditional supporters like former prime ministers Ehud Olmert and Ehud Barak, literary giant David Grossman, and rabbis Jonathan Wittenberg and Delphine Horvilleur, have harshly criticized Netanyahu's actions. The US is the only major global supporter of Israel, but many Americans are questioning the depth of Netanyahu's influence in Washington and the value of US aid to Israel, with a Gallup poll showing fewer than half of Americans sympathetic towards Israel.