International Relations NewsFeed

August 14, 2025

US Secretly Tracks Chip Shipments to China

US authorities have reportedly secretly placed trackers in some high-risk AI chip shipments to catch illegal diversions to China as part of the escalating battle over semiconductor exports. The move is aimed at detecting and preventing the diversion of sensitive technology to Chinese companies, with Dell and Nvidia denying any involvement in the practice. According to a Reuters report, the US has embedded location tracking devices in selected shipments of advanced chips and AI servers, revealing a covert tactic in the ongoing struggle to control the flow of semiconductor exports.


August 14, 2025

US Warships Deploy to South China Sea After Collision

The US has deployed warships to the South China Sea following a collision between Chinese and US naval vessels. The incident occurred on August 13, 2025, when the Philippine Coast Guard reported that a Chinese ship had collided with a US Navy destroyer, the USS Higgins, during freedom-of-navigation operations.


August 13, 2025

China Asserts Sovereignty Over South China Sea

China's territorial claims in the South China Sea have sparked tensions with neighboring countries, including Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam, over exclusive economic zones (EEZs) in the region. The dispute centers on China's assertion of sovereignty over nearly 90% of the South China Sea, despite competing claims from these nations.


August 13, 2025

China Deploys Bombers Near Alaska Border

The US and China have been conducting joint air patrols with nuclear-capable bombers, including Chinese H-6K long-range bombers escorted by Russian Su-30 fighter jets, near Alaska in 2024. This deployment is seen as a strong political signal, with the most potent being the placement of nuclear weapons or launch platforms near a potential adversary. The move has raised concerns among Western observers, who interpret it as a message from China to assert its military presence in the region.


August 13, 2025

China Strengthens Rule of Law for Global Influence

China's foreign-related rule of law has evolved significantly since its introduction in 2006, with key milestones including the establishment of the Shanghai International Centre for Emergency Response to Natural Disasters and the Beijing International Law Center. Professor Huang Huikang notes that China's approach prioritizes state sovereignty while incorporating international norms, as seen in the country's participation in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. The rule of law has had a positive impact on China's global influence, with notable examples including its role in mediating disputes between countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia. Looking ahead, Huang Huikang anticipates increased cooperation with international organizations like the UN to further develop China's foreign-related rule of law capabilities.


August 13, 2025

Chinese Destroyer Rams Philippine Coast Guard Vessel

The Philippines has criticized China for "reckless" behavior after two Chinese ships collided in the South China Sea, following a high-speed chase targeting a Philippine coastguard vessel. The incident occurred on Monday and involved a Chinese navy destroyer that hit a coastguard vessel while chasing another PCG ship, BRP Suluan. Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesman for the West Philippine Sea, urged Beijing to respect international maritime rules, specifically the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea.


August 13, 2025

E3 Ministers Threaten Iran with Snapback Sanctions

The European ministers, representing the E3 (France, Germany, and the UK), have written a letter to Iran stating that it has breached several key commitments under the 2015 nuclear deal. The letter warns of potential snapback sanctions if no satisfactory solution is reached by August 2025. This comes after the US had initiated contacts with Iran over its nuclear activities, which were halted following Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in June. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has denied seeking a weapon and claimed that European countries do not have the legal right to restore sanctions, but the E3 ministers disagree, citing their JCPOA membership as justification for triggering UN snapback measures.


August 13, 2025

EU Considers Sanctions Against Israel Over Alleged Abuses

The European Union is considering unprecedented policy actions against Israel, including targeted sanctions, suspension of diplomatic relations, and forensic audits of EU-funded research involving Israeli institutions. The move comes after a petition signed by over 1,000 EU staff members, who claim to have faced intimidation and reprisals for expressing concern over Israel's military actions. The EU Staff for Peace initiative, which has gained momentum, urges the European Commission to take action on suspending the EU-Israel Association Agreement and emphasizes the "moral and legal imperative" to uphold human rights. The group references a report by former EU Special Representative for Human Rights Olof Skoog, detailing alleged Israeli violations of international law in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon.


August 13, 2025

Germany Hosts Virtual Meeting on Ukraine Crisis

The German government is hosting a virtual meeting with Zelensky, EU and NATO officials, as well as leaders from Germany, Finland, France, Britain, Italy, and Poland, to discuss strategies to increase pressure on Russia, potential peace process steps, and security guarantees for Ukraine. The meeting will be followed by a videoconference with President Trump and Vice President Pence, and is part of the "coalition of the willing" that includes Germany, France, and Britain, which plans to support Ukraine in case of a ceasefire.