At the Association of Southeast Asian Nations' (ASEAN) East Asian Summit (EAS) in Kuala Lumpur, top diplomats failed to discuss US tariffs or trade during meetings on Friday. Instead, they emphasized deeper engagement and results-driven cooperation across all EAS pillars, as stated by Malaysia's summary of the talks.
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/07/12/asia-pacific/politics/asean-us-trump-tariffs-trade/Singapore's Foreign Minister Balakrishnan emphasized the importance of deepening ASEAN integration and strengthening external relations to increase resilience amid uncertainty and economic challenges. He praised the high attendance at senior levels from external partners as a reflection of ASEAN's convening ability. The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) and RTS Link are seen as models for future bilateral or multilateral integration within ASEAN, offering lessons on cross-border collaboration that provides competitive advantage by pooling complementary strengths. Balakrishnan stressed the need for quiet, discreet diplomacy to resolve sensitive issues like the Thailand-Cambodia border dispute, which has led to loss of life following a brief exchange of gunfire in May.
https://www.malaymail.com/news/singapore/2025/07/12/asean-must-deepen-integration-amid-us-tariffs-and-global-uncertainty-singapore-foreign-minister-tells-regional-colleagues/183673The BRICS nations face challenges in challenging the dollar-centric trade system, including administrative hurdles and resistance from some Global South factions. Despite this, promoting local currency usage, strengthening the New Development Bank, and establishing a unified payment system could help BRICs gradually shift the economic order. With 53.5% of global GDP growth between 2014 and 2024, BRICS countries are economically significant, but incremental transitions are expected due to systemic logistics and entrenched financial dynamics. The 2025 BRICS summit highlighted the emergence of a major geopolitical entity that could transform global trade and governance frameworks.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1327853-what-does-brics-promiseCanada is facing increased pressure from US President Donald Trump as it tries to finalize a new trade accord by July 21. The country is bracing for potential tariffs of up to 35% on imports starting August 1, following a recent threat from Trump. Canada is racing against time to reach an agreement, amid a complex and often volatile relationship with the US.
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2025/07/12/economy/canada-trump-trade-focus/The EU has imposed sanctions on Chinese companies and individuals for allegedly undermining Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty. The bloc is targeting a Chinese businessman for transferring goods made in the EU to Russia despite export restrictions, as well as two Chinese companies selling military equipment to the Russian armed forces. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte warned that China and Russia are coordinating attacks on Taiwan and Europe, with President Xi Jinping allegedly calling Russian President Vladimir Putin to coordinate efforts before attacking Taiwan.
https://www.rferl.org/a/beijing-growing-boldness-china-ukraine-eu-russia/33471891.htmlEuropean Commission officials have agreed to continue engaging with Libya, including resending a Team Europe delegation to the country. The move aims to engage with both sides of the conflict, potentially including the Haftar-led east. However, Russia is seen as a major risk, having provided support to Haftar's army and meeting with Russian ministers. This could lead to further destabilization in Libya and migration routes across the Mediterranean, benefiting Putin's interests.
https://www.politico.eu/article/libya-europe-ministers-russia-political-ambush-beghazi-magnus-brunner/The head of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Amy Pope, warns that Western nations' efforts to tighten borders and reduce development aid to countries experiencing mass migration may inadvertently fuel instability. Pope suggests that governments should focus on addressing the root causes of migration by investing in long-term solutions rather than relying on short-term deterrents. She emphasizes the importance of supporting neighboring countries where migrants first seek safety, jobs, and a future, as most migrants do not initially aim for Europe.
https://africanews.com/2025/07/12/un-migration-chief-warns-against-ignoring-root-causes-of-migration/US Attorney Sean Skedzielewski stated that federal immigration agents do not consider race in their arrests, but rather the "totality of the circumstances" including prior surveillance and interactions with people in the field. However, lawyers from Immigrant Defenders Law Center claim that they have been denied access to a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in downtown LA (B-18) on several occasions since June, despite having policy and training to ensure compliance with the Fourth Amendment. Lawyers, including Mark Rosenbaum, reported being drowned out by government drivers and subjected to chemical munitions during attempts to inform detainees of their rights. Attorneys general from 18 Democratic states have filed briefs in support of orders restricting warrantless arrests in eastern California, which was already barred after a federal judge issued a preliminary injunction in April.
https://www.cbs8.com/article/news/local/california/judge-trump-administration-halt-indiscriminate-immigration-stops-arrests-california/509-31049b93-f2db-443d-9eb4-3bc3a3ed9643Negotiators are seeking Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decisive word to clinch a landmark US trade deal. The Indian government is engaged in talks with the US over trade agreements, with negotiations led by Commerce Secretary Anurag Srivastava and US Trade Representative Katherine Tai. The talks aim to resolve outstanding issues and finalize a comprehensive trade agreement between the two countries.
https://www.livemint.com/news/pmo-trade-offs-dairy-farm-poultry-us-trade-deal-digital-trade-services-textiles-and-industrial-goods-agriculture-tariff-11752235350410.html