Asean must adopt bold, principled leadership to address the Myanmar crisis, which has left over 20,000 political prisoners behind bars, millions displaced, and communities threatened by air strikes and forced conscription. Ahead of the 58th Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, officials must move beyond consensus and seize the moment to prioritize justice, dignity, and freedom for the people of Myanmar.
https://www.scmp.com/opinion/asia-opinion/article/3316365/myanmar-crisis-demands-asean-rethink-regional-diplomacy?module=top_story&pgtype=sectionUS Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin discussed major pending defence sales to India and a new 10-year Framework for the US-India Major Defense Partnership with Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar during their meeting in New Delhi. The two nations aim to strengthen interoperability between their forces, expand defence industrial cooperation, and produce new innovations in technology and manufacturing. India has already integrated US-made weapons into its military, including aircraft like the C 130J Super Hercules and P 8I Poseidon. Jaishankar welcomed Austin with an enhanced military honour cordon and a Navy band, praising the US for its unwavering support against terrorism.
https://www.lokmattimes.com/international/india-us-mutually-aware-of-regional-security-concerns-can-counter-threats-together-hegseth/China is increasing its science and technology outreach to countries in the Global South while reducing collaboration with the US. Analyst Caroline Wagner notes that China has signed agreements with "dozens and dozens of countries", a significant shift from previous years when Beijing focused primarily on the US. The US is missing out on opportunities, as the country's Office of Science and Technology Cooperation, responsible for negotiating bilateral agreements, is reportedly being shut down.
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3316563/china-boosts-science-tech-outreach-global-south-its-us-collaboration-dips-analysts?module=top_story&pgtype=sectionOver 150 international charities and humanitarian groups have called for the disbanding of a aid distribution system in Gaza due to chaos and deadly violence against Palestinians seeking food, following the killings of at least 10 people. Israeli airstrikes in southern Gaza's Khan Younis killed at least 37, including Nasser Hospital witnesses. Um Seif Abu Leda mourned her son, whose body was among those struck by missiles.
https://www.ocregister.com/2025/07/01/mideast-wars-gaza-aid-group/More than 170 NGOs have called for the dismantling of a US-Israeli backed food aid distribution scheme in Gaza due to concerns it puts civilians at risk. Since its operation began in May, over 500 people have been killed in mass shootings near aid centres or transport routes guarded by Israeli forces.
https://www.asiaone.com/world/over-170-charities-call-end-deadly-new-gaza-aid-distribution-systemFormer US presidents Barack Obama and George W Bush criticized the current administration in a video farewell for USAID staffers, urging major powers to take up their international responsibilities and avoid creating difficulties for developing countries. China's Li Ming emphasized that foreign aid should be used for global cooperation, not great-power rivalry, warning that some developed countries are ignoring pressing development challenges and failing to meet their aid commitments.
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202507/1337444.shtmlInternational charities and humanitarian groups, including Oxfam, Save the Children, and Amnesty International, have called for the disbanding of a aid distribution system in Gaza due to chaos and deadly violence against Palestinians seeking food. The joint statement comes after at least 10 Palestinians were killed while waiting for aid, with Israeli airstrikes also killing 37 people in southern Gaza's Khan Younis, as witnessed by Nasser Hospital.
https://www.cbs8.com/article/news/nation-world/gaza-ceasefire-deal-israel-hamas/507-b4709dca-759a-4471-b136-a5cba5a888c1Ambassador Asim Iftikhar, representing Pakistan at the UN, emphasized the need for addressing the Kashmir dispute during his press conference in New York. He stated that it's a responsibility of the Security Council and its permanent members to implement their resolutions on the issue. The Pakistani envoy announced two signature events during Pakistan's presidency, including a high-level debate on promoting international peace and security through multilateralism and peaceful settlement of disputes. DPM/FM Senator Ishaq Dar will chair these debates, which aim to reflect on dispute settlement mechanisms, discuss obstacles to implementation, and enhance diplomacy and mediation. The Kashmir dispute has been on the agenda since several UN Security Council resolutions, including those granting the Kashmiri people their right to self-determination, according to Ambassador Iftikhar.
https://www.geo.tv/latest/611978-pakistan-calls-for-kashmir-resolution-at-un-security-councilThe Philippines and Canada have initiated free trade talks in 2025 to enhance trade, investment, technology, agriculture, energy, and infrastructure cooperation. The goal is to boost economic cooperation and improve market access while providing investor protections.
https://www.thailand-business-news.com/asean/philippines/228848-philippines-canada-fta-trade-and-investment-outlook