International Relations NewsFeed

82 Faith Leaders Urge Biden on Climate Action

A letter signed by 82 faith leaders from various Christian denominations has been sent to US President Joe Biden, urging him to take action on climate change and social justice issues. The letter, which includes signatures from prominent Catholic leaders such as Pope Francis and Cardinal Timothy Dolan, calls for the administration to prioritize these issues in its policy decisions.

https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2025/07/02/faith-leaders-ask-florida-to-pause-executions/3161751494947/

Australia Boosts Defense Spending Under New Strategy

Australia is adopting a capability-based approach to its defense strategy, as revealed by Wong's meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington. This approach involves increasing defense spending to the largest extent seen in peacetime, indicating a significant shift in the country's military priorities.

https://www.fakti.bg/en/world/983197-australia-invests-in-its-security-with-purchase-of-hypersonic-missiles-from-the-us

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari Seeks India Partnership Against Terrorism

Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, has called for a historic partnership between Pakistan and India to combat terrorism, urging India's leadership to put aside their differences and work together as neighbours with a shared moral duty. He emphasized that this collaboration is not about adversarial competition but about protecting over a billion souls from extremism.

https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1326091-pakistan-ready-to-forge-partnership-with-india-to-combat-terror-bilawal

Britain Accepts 10% Tariffs in Trade Deal

More than a dozen countries are negotiating with the Trump administration to avoid steep tariffs on their exports. Britain agreed to a 10% US tariff on many goods, including autos and beef, in exchange for special access for aircraft engines and British beef. Vietnam reached a truce with the US after initially fearing it would be disadvantaged by higher tariffs, which could have damaged its security cooperation with Washington.

https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1326071-trump-announces-lower-tariffs-on-vietnamese-goods-in-last-minute-trade-deal

China Backs Peaceful Resolution in Ukraine Crisis

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has reaffirmed China's support for a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine crisis, stating that Beijing will promote negotiations and a political settlement with European Council President Antonio Costa in Brussels.

https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-polytics/4010874-kallas-once-again-calls-on-china-to-stop-supporting-russias-war-which-threatens-european-security.html

China's Xi Calls for EU Cooperation Amid Global Turmoil

Chinese President Wang emphasized the importance of cooperation between China and the European Union in a rapidly changing international environment. He stressed that dialogue should be used to manage differences within a framework of mutual understanding and trust, as both countries are major economic powers with significant influence on global stability.

https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202507/1337534.shtml

China Urges EU to Foster Rational Understanding

China has presented itself as a "peaceful, inclusive and cooperative" partner for the European Union, with top diplomat Wang Yi urging EU representatives to foster a rational understanding of China and avoid confrontation despite their differences. In contrast, EU diplomat Kaja Kallas called for concrete solutions to rebalance economic ties with China, citing restrictions on rare earth exports as an issue that needs to be addressed.

https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3316767/china-not-us-europe-has-challenges-none-come-beijing-wang-yi-tells-eu?module=top_story&pgtype=section

Costa Meets Wang in Tense Brussels Talks

European Council President Antonio Costa met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Brussels, Belgium on July 2, 2025, to discuss bilateral relations and global issues. The meeting comes as tensions between the EU and China continue to rise, with concerns over trade, security, and human rights.

https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202507/1337509.shtml

India Demands Level Playing Field in Trade Talks

India is prioritizing its national interests during bilateral talks with the US on a trade deal, according to a report. The Indian government is focusing on protecting domestic industries and ensuring fair competition in the market. India's trade envoy has emphasized the need for a level playing field and equal access to markets. The US has proposed significant concessions, including increased market access and reduced tariffs, but India wants to ensure that its national interests are safeguarded.

https://www.livemint.com/economy/indiaus-trade-deal-national-interests-supreme-during-bilateral-talks-ministry-report-donald-trump-tariffs-economy-news-11751516168556.html