Chinese exports are expanding in Southeast Asia as a response to US tariffs, with significant increases seen in Vietnam and other countries. Shipments to Vietnam rose by 18.8% from January to May compared to the same period last year, driven by growing consumer markets and offshore factory investments. This diversification is helping offset losses caused by high US tariffs on Chinese goods.
https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3313819/pressured-us-tariffs-chinese-exports-expand-vietnam-thailand-indonesia?module=top_story&pgtype=sectionA high-level Pakistani parliamentary delegation, led by former Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, briefed the UK parliamentarian on the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), citing recent military aggression, escalating regional instability, and worsening human rights abuses. The delegation expressed concern over India's actions, including unprovoked strikes on civilian areas in IIOJK and the illegal suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, which pose a threat to regional peace and violate international law. They urged the UK to support the implementation of UN Security Council resolutions on IIOJK, highlighting systemic suppression, arbitrary detentions, demographic changes, and restrictions on freedom of expression.
https://www.geo.tv/latest/608556-bilawal-led-delegation-briefs-uk-mps-on-pakistan-india-war-regional-tensionThe European Union is working to strengthen its economic ties ahead of a July summit, with a focus on reducing dependency on China for critical raw materials. Industry Commissioner Stéphane Séjourné mentioned that export bans may encourage further diversification, but the EU's reliance on China for rare earth minerals remains significant, with Beijing controlling 90% of the market.
https://www.politico.eu/article/europe-car-makers-sideswiped-us-china-trump-trade-war/Israeli soldiers have killed a Palestinian man who was holding his hands up in the air, sparking widespread outrage. The incident occurred as a convoy of aid vessels approached Gaza, with activists claiming that Israel is jamming signals to prevent them from reaching the territory. One of the aid vessels, carrying climate activist Greta Thunberg, has been seized by Israeli forces. The move has added to the already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where a scarcity of currency and food has exacerbated poverty and hunger.
https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/2025/06/10/hamas-must-hand-over-its-weapons-mahmoud-abbas-tells-emmanuel-macron-in-a-letter/Israel has begun deporting crew members of the Gaza-bound aid boat "Madleen", one day after it was seized by Israeli forces. Four of the 12 passengers, including Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, agreed to immediate repatriation and were put on a flight to France before continuing on to Sweden.
https://channelnewsasia.com/watch/israel-hamas-war-israel-begins-deporting-crew-members-gaza-bound-aid-boat-5172851Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced sharp questions and criticism from lawmakers in Washington, who questioned his decision to deploy troops to Los Angeles and expressed frustration over the lack of a full defense budget from the Trump administration.
https://www.boston25news.com/news/politics/hegseth-faces-sharp/IWQEC7KVN5GTXI6QKYZG2PGSTU/Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is facing sharp questions from Congress about his tumultuous start as Pentagon chief, including sharing sensitive military details over a Signal chat. Lawmakers are unhappy with the administration's first proposed defense budget of $1 trillion and want to know more about plans to spend hundreds of millions on security upgrades for Air Force One and a parade for the Army's 250th birthday. Hegseth has been criticized for his use of the unclassified Signal messaging app, which included sharing details about military strikes in Yemen with his wife and brother. The Defense Department is under investigation into his use of the app, and lawmakers will also question him about deploying 700 active-duty Marines to assist National Guard troops protecting federal buildings and personnel.
https://thestar.com/news/world/united-states/hegseth-faces-congress-for-first-time-since-signal-leaks-and-marine-deployment-to-los-angeles/article_14b5b2af-78f2-5a89-ad7d-4c588f47e559.htmlIran's potential resumption of oil sales could significantly impact the global market if US sanctions are lifted, as it would increase supply and put downward pressure on prices. As the third-largest OPEC oil-producing country, Iran's participation in the market is crucial. The oil market remains highly sensitive to diplomatic developments and supply decisions, making any changes a major concern for investors and analysts alike.
https://www.ibtimes.sg/oil-prices-rise-us-china-talks-saudi-supply-cuts-iran-threatens-future-stability-80311Iran and the US are set to hold their next round of indirect talks in Muscat on Sunday, with Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei announcing that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will attend the Norway's Oslo Forum this week. The two countries have held five rounds of talks since April to negotiate a new nuclear deal, with Iran receiving "elements" of a US proposal after the fifth round but expressing concerns over its ambiguities. The US has proposed a counter-proposal, which Iran claims lacks key elements from previous negotiations and will present a balanced response through mediator Oman.
https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/iran-says-new-round-of-us-talks-planned-for-sunday-210118