US allies in Asia are considering previously unthinkable options to counter China's growing military presence, including deploying nuclear-capable missiles and conducting cyberattacks on Chinese targets. The US is weighing the risks of such actions against the need to protect its interests in the region. Japan and South Korea have already begun developing their own missile defense systems, while India has expressed interest in acquiring advanced fighter jets from the US.
US Ambassador Vinay Mohan Kwatra discussed oil trade ties with Rep. Josh Gottheimer and held conversations with Senator John Cornyn and Congressman Andy Barr to strengthen bilateral hydrocarbons trade between Texas and India, amid economic concerns over US President Donald Trump's tariffs on India due to its Russian oil purchase. White House Trade Adviser Peter Navarro accused India of "perpetuating" the Ukraine War by buying discounted Russian crude oil, calling it a "laundromat for the Kremlin."
The US and Britain have sanctioned Iranian oil magnate Shamkhani and four companies. Shamkhani is accused of aiding Iran's overseas operations through a network of intermediaries selling Iranian and Russian oil globally. The sanctions come after British lawmakers warned of an increasing threat from Iran, citing physical attacks, espionage, and nuclear weapon development.
The US government has banned its intelligence agencies from sharing information about Ukraine peace negotiations with allies in the "Five Eyes" group, including Australia, Britain, Canada, and New Zealand. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has issued a directive to prevent the disclosure of sensitive information related to talks between Moscow and Kiev.
Chinese President Xi Jinping will host Russian leader Vladimir Putin, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, and heads of state from over 20 countries at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Tianjin on August 31 and September 1. Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi are among those invited. The meeting aims to deepen relations between member states amid global geopolitical tensions, with a joint declaration expected to be signed and published at the conclusion of the forum.
Chinese President Xi Jinping is unlikely to attend the upcoming October Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders' summit in Kuala Lumpur, contradicting earlier expectations that he would meet US President Donald Trump at the event. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had stated both leaders were expected to attend, but Chinese Premier Li Qiang is likely to represent China instead. This decision comes as a rare instance of a Chinese president attending an ASEAN summit, with Xi only having participated in a 2021 virtual special summit since gaining power in 2012. The move comes amid rising tensions between China and several Southeast Asian countries over territorial disputes and trade issues. This would be a significant snub for ASEAN, which has been trying to strengthen its ties with China.
South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol's plans for peace with North Korea may hinge on reviving military exchanges and diplomacy, which could be aided by the US or require significant action from Seoul to capture Pyongyang's attention. One potential option is transferring military operations control (Opcon) back to South Korea, a move that would demonstrate a commitment to cooperation and potentially bring Kim Jong-un back to the negotiating table.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed willingness to meet with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin for talks on security guarantees after the war ends, but only if his allies agree on a framework that meets Moscow's demands. US President Donald Trump has made little progress in achieving a peace deal despite years of isolation efforts, and has ruled out US participation in a European-led security mission. Russia claims Ukraine is not interested in long-term peace and accuses Kyiv of seeking guarantees incompatible with Moscow's demands. Vladimir Putin is demanding Ukraine give up the eastern Donbas region, renounce NATO ambitions, remain neutral, and keep Western troops out of the country. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has warned that both sides are preparing for further fighting, citing Russia's troop buildup on the southern frontline and Ukraine's test-launching of a new cruise missile. US officials have told visiting UK and European leaders they must provide all security in Ukraine if a settlement is reached.
Canada's small businesses are struggling with uncertainty as a result of ongoing trade tensions. Nearly one in five (19%) say they won't survive beyond six months if tariffs remain unchanged, while nearly four in 10 (38%) predict they'll last less than a year. The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) cites the US President Donald Trump's imposition of tariff policies on Canada as a major contributor to this uncertainty.