ASEAN foreign ministers have convened a joint ministerial meeting amid rising global trade tensions, with US tariffs set to impact economies across the region. The meeting aims to signal ASEAN's determination to preserve its individual and regional agency while reaffirming its inclusiveness and openness for business. Analysts warn that the convergence of economic and political discussions poses significant challenges, including ASEAN's consensus-based decision-making model, divergent national interests, and a lack of robust institutional mechanisms for enforcement and monitoring outcomes. The meeting seeks to promote cross-political-security and economic pillar coordination, with experts cautioning that achieving consensus on priorities and means may require sustained political commitment and institutional reform.
https://channelnewsasia.com/asia/why-asean-planning-rare-joint-meeting-foreign-and-economic-ministers-5240576Ukrainian President Zelensky's adviser stated that US Secretary of State Antony Blinken received full briefings from Ukrainian officials during his visit and saw the country's air defense systems and drone programs firsthand. The Kremlin has continued its airstrikes in civilian areas, prompting a request for increased pressure on Moscow. US President Donald Trump announced a deal with NATO to supply Ukraine with Patriot missile systems and other firepower, including long-range missiles that could be used to strike Russian targets.
https://nypost.com/2025/07/15/us-news/top-zelensky-adviser-calls-for-trump-to-apply-real-pressure-on-putin-warns-russia-has-no-intention-of-stopping-deadly-airstrikes-targeting-civilians/China imposed sanctions on German politician Hans-Georg Bütikofer four years ago due to the EU's response to alleged human rights violations in Xinjiang. The sanctions included a ban on entering China and doing business there, but Bütikofer has since been removed from the list, allowing him to visit China again. However, Chinese sanctions against several EU-based organizations remain in place, with Bütikofer criticizing Beijing's approach as arbitrary and politically inconsistent.
https://www.fakti.bg/en/world/986327-china-lifts-sanctions-against-german-politicianChinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian stated that there are no winners in a tariff war and coercion will not solve problems. Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov met with Chinese counterpart Wang Yi to discuss Ukraine and relations with the US, following a visit to North Korea where he received support for Russia's conflict. China claims neutrality in the war but has not denounced Russia's military campaign, while accusing Western countries of prolonging the conflict by arming Ukraine.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/chinese-president-xi-jinping-vows-greater-support-for-russia/article69815241.eceThe European Union has agreed to a new humanitarian arrangement with Israel, allowing for additional border crossings and increased assistance vehicles into Gaza. The move was made possible by public pressure on Israel's actions in Gaza, with EU member states such as Ireland, the Netherlands, and Spain advocating for a rethinking of their relationship with Israel. However, human rights groups have criticized the EU's actions as insufficient, with Amnesty International describing it as "political cowardice". European officials, including Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp and Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares Bueno, are calling for more aggressive action to stop Israel's military campaign in Gaza.
https://www.firstpost.com/world/eu-ministers-urge-israel-for-action-on-implementation-of-gaza-humanitarian-accord-13907303.htmlThe European Union has agreed to provide additional support to regions bordering Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine, with a focus on civil preparedness, defence industry development, and decarbonisation. EU countries will receive up to 9.5% pre-financing for these areas, while micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises will have priority access to funds. The new rules also include language on rule of law conditionality, ensuring that funds frozen due to breaches of EU values cannot be reallocated until conditions are met.
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20250714IPR29621/deal-on-more-funding-to-boost-skills-development-and-address-new-challengesDenmark's Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen expressed relief that the US has maintained its commitment to providing weapons, particularly Patriot systems, to Europe. This comes as some European countries, such as Hungary and Slovakia, heavily rely on Russia for energy supplies and could be severely impacted by potential sanctions. Lithuania's Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys views Trump's 50-day delay as a warning for Europe to prepare, while German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius sees the changed tone as significant progress in addressing the issue.
https://thestar.com/news/world/europe/ukrainians-welcome-us-aid-but-see-trump-s-50-day-ultimatum-to-putin-as-too/article_eade288a-1f18-5cfd-845d-c743dc6e07a7.htmlFrance's decision to partner with other European countries on defense projects, such as the Eurofighter Typhoon, limited its ability to meet export orders due to Germany's stringent human rights oversight policy. This policy requires Berlin's consent for every single export order, which hindered France from exporting the aircraft to Saudi Arabia, forcing the UK, Italy, and Spain to face similar challenges in meeting their own export demands.
https://www.eurasiantimes.com/france-eurofighter-typhoon-will-fcas-go-down/A recent survey by Pew found that a median 41% of adults in 25 countries believe China's economy is the world's greatest, while 39% attribute it to the United States. This marks a significant shift from historic lows in recorded data over nearly two decades, with a notable increase in confidence in Chinese President Xi Jinping's ability to handle diplomatic affairs.
https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2025/07/15/China-Pew-survey-economy-poll-Xi-Xinping-Trump/7891752610708/