China's Shandong and Liaoning aircraft carriers were spotted operating in the Pacific for the first time, according to Japan. Defence Minister Gen Nakatani stated that the move indicates an expansion of Beijing's military activities. The Chinese ships sailed inside Japanese economic waters surrounding Okinotori atoll and conducted take-offs and landings. This is part of China's strategy to dominate areas west of the "second island chain" in the Pacific, which includes Japan's remote Ogasawara Islands and the US territory of Guam. Defence officials say this represents a highly significant strategic escalation, with the anticipated commissioning of Beijing's third aircraft carrier, Fujian, set for later this year, expected to increase China's maritime operational tempo and geographic scope of influence.
https://www.malaymail.com/news/world/2025/06/10/japan-flags-first-ever-dual-chinese-carrier-ops-in-pacific/179857China's Liaoning sailed near Taiwan and Japan in September, prompting Tokyo to express "serious concerns" to Beijing. The move was seen as a challenge to Japan's territorial claims, as the Liaoning entered Japan's contiguous waters within 24 NM of its coast. China is expected to increase its maritime presence with the anticipated commissioning of its third aircraft carrier, Fujian, later this year, which will expand its operational tempo and geographic scope of influence.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/06/11/world/asia-oceania/chinese-aircraft-carriers-seen-in-pacific-for-first-time/2130279China is using its bases in the South China Sea to intimidate regional neighbors over trade issues, but they also pose a significant military advantage in case of conflict with Taiwan, the Philippines, or the US. The Philippines secured international support for its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in 2016, winning a legal victory against Chinese territorial claims at the Permanent Court on Arbitration. However, China has refused to accept the ruling and continues to claim most of the South China Sea, despite being a party to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
https://cfr.org/blog/presidents-inbox-recap-china-philippines-standoffFrench President Macron announced that a global treaty governing the high seas has received enough ratifications to enter into force, making it a "done deal". The agreement requires ratifications from 60 signatory countries and is expected to be implemented soon. Meanwhile, the UK plans to announce a partial ban on bottom trawling in half its marine protected areas, welcomed by Greenpeace as "long overdue". France has also announced restrictions on trawling in some of its protected areas, but critics say it's not enough. The UN Ocean Conference in Nice will see around 60 heads of state and government, business leaders, scientists, and civil society activists make commitments on ocean conservation, with a focus on protecting marine life and addressing the lack of funding for ocean protection.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1319673-don-t-let-deep-sea-become-wild-west-guterres-tells-world-leadersFrench President Emmanuel Macron's address at the United Nations Oceans Conference (UNOC) in Nice was notable for its absence of fossil fuels as a topic, despite their significant impact on marine ecosystems. A new report from Earth Insight highlights the dangers of offshore and coastal oil and gas development, which poses threats to coral reefs, seagrass meadows, and mangroves. The report found that 100,000 km2 of oil and gas blocks overlap with protected areas, leaving 19% of coastal and Marine Protected Areas at risk. Macron's speech was seen as an opportunity for France to take leadership on ocean protection, similar to its role in the Paris Agreement in 2015.
https://www.euronews.com/green/2025/06/10/campaigners-lament-glaring-omission-of-fossil-fuels-in-macrons-opening-remarks-at-un-oceanUruguayan President Orsi recognized the country's political parties and previous leaders for their commitment to coexistence and respect for democratic institutions. He cited examples such as joint appearances during presidential transitions and the retirement of former presidents Sanguinetti and José Mujica together in 2020. The Anne Frank Center of Argentina presented an award, highlighting Uruguay's rarity in Latin America for respecting democratic institutions. Director Héctor Shalom emphasized the importance of democratic continuity and respect for laws in institutions, a concept deeply rooted in Uruguay.
https://en.mercopress.com/2025/06/10/uruguay-s-political-coexistence-highlighted-in-buenos-aires#commentsVenezuelans face significant challenges in obtaining US visas due to severed diplomatic relations since 2019. José Luis Vegas, a tech worker from Caracas, shares his uncle's experience of giving up on renewing an expired visa due to the lengthy and expensive process, which includes waiting for appointments that can take up to a year.
https://globalnews.ca/news/11229397/donald-trump-travel-ban-countries-airports-visas/Pakistan's Bilawal Bhutto Zardari met with British lawmakers at the Parliament, calling for regional peace through dialogue and diplomacy. He criticized India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi for insisting on war, while expressing hope that British MPs will support peace efforts in South Asia. The former foreign minister highlighted Pakistan's desire for peace, citing historical ties between Britain and Pakistan as a potential catalyst for easing tensions over the Kashmir dispute.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1319705-pakistans-peace-stance-to-prevail-over-modis-war-talk-bilawalDefense Secretary Patrick Hegseth is facing scrutiny from lawmakers over his handling of sensitive information, including a secret Signal chat where details of a Yemen strike were shared. The chat, set up by former national security adviser Mike Waltz, included Hegseth and other senior administration leaders, but inadvertently added Atlantic editor Jeffrey Goldberg to the conversation. This led to criticism of Hegseth's use of the unsecured messaging app. Lawmakers are also unhappy with Hegseth's lack of transparency on the administration's first proposed defense budget, which totals $1 trillion, and his handling of controversial spending, including plans to spend hundreds of millions on security upgrades for a Qatari jet and a military parade.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/us-defence-secretary-hegseth-faces-congress-for-first-time-since-signal-leaks-marine-deployment-to-los-angeles/article69677726.ece