Malaysia is leading efforts to finalize the digital economy framework agreement (Defa), a region-wide accord aimed at harmonizing digital trade rules and unlocking Asean's potential, set to double to $2 trillion by 2030. The country has also participated in the World Economic Forum's Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) network, with Vietnam following suit. Vietnam has unveiled ambitious initiatives, including Resolution 57 to support science and technology innovation, and Resolution 68 to promote a globally competitive private sector. Thailand is transitioning away from being a primary rice producer to become an agro-processing leader, while Asean aims to position itself as a global manufacturing hub, particularly in the semiconductor industry, where it can move up the value chain with incentives for higher-value investment.
https://www.thestar.com.my/business/insight/2025/07/02/how-asean-can-thrive-through-innovation-and-collaborationIsraeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is set to visit the White House as pressure mounts for a Gaza truce. The recent violence has resulted in over 500 Palestinian deaths, with 11 people killed while seeking food in southern Gaza. Witnesses describe Israeli forces firing on crowds returning from aid sites, including artillery attacks and detaining civilians, including children. The Israeli military claims it targets militants but blames Hamas for civilian casualties. The US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Fund has been at the center of controversy over aid distribution, with Israel pushing to replace the UN-coordinated system. Netanyahu's visit comes as strikes intensify in Gaza City and the Jabaliya refugee camp, leaving many areas inaccessible and ambulances unable to respond to distress calls.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/gaza-many-killed-in-israel-airstrike-on-cafe-gunfire-at-aid-site-june-30-2025/article69758210.ecePakistan has assumed the presidency of the United Nations Security Council for July 2025, its first since 2013. The country's Foreign Ministry stated that the Presidency will convene two high-level signature events in July - an open debate on promoting international peace and security through multilateralism and the peaceful settlement of disputes, and a briefing on cooperation between the UN and regional and sub-regional organisations. These meetings will be chaired by Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. The decision comes after India urged Pakistan to resume the normal functioning of the Indus Waters Treaty, which New Delhi has held in abeyance since May.
https://www.news18.com/world/pakistan-assumes-united-nations-security-council-presidency-9414125.htmlPakistan is set to assume the presidency of the United Nations Security Council next month, bringing a balanced perspective shaped by its foreign policy and past experience at the council. The country has pursued a transparent approach to international peace and security, acknowledging the complexity of crises in various regions including the Middle East, South Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America, and others. Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will chair meetings, including a high-level debate on promoting multilateralism and the peaceful settlement of disputes, as well as a briefing on cooperation between the UN and regional organizations like the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40370477/fo-says-looks-forward-to-working-with-members-as-pakistan-assumes-unsc-presidency-for-julyThe Philippines is considering acquiring more advanced fighter jets, such as F-16s or Gripen, to build a credible air force capable of deterring Chinese intrusions. Air Force Chief Lieutenant General Arthur Cordura has stated that the current fleet of upgraded FA-50 light combat aircraft, recently acquired from South Korea for $700 million, is insufficient. The Philippines aims to expand its air force to 24 aircraft by the end of the decade, but more advanced multirole fighters are needed to meet defence goals.
https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3316547/philippines-eyes-multirole-fighter-jets-credible-deterrence-against-china?module=top_story&pgtype=section#commentsUS President Donald Trump has a strong personal relationship with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which is seen as strategic in the Asia Pacific region. The US views India as a crucial ally in the Indo-Pacific area, with a trade deal between the two countries nearing completion. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is currently in the US to attend the QUAD Foreign Ministers' Meeting, while President Trump has accepted Modi's invitation to attend the upcoming QUAD Summit in New Delhi later this year.
https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/india-remains-very-strategic-ally-in-asia-pacific-us-8804017A new study published in The Lancet warns that drastic funding cuts to the US Agency for International Development (USAID) could lead to over 14 million deaths across all age groups by 2030, including 4.5 million child deaths under the age of five. The study found that USAID funding is associated with a significant decrease in mortality rates due to HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other tropical diseases. The US is the largest humanitarian aid donor in the world, but President Donald Trump's funding cuts could reverse two decades of progress in health among vulnerable populations, comparable to the scale of a global pandemic or major armed conflict.
https://en.tempo.co/read/2023209/lancet-study-usaid-cuts-risk-causing-over-14-million-deaths-by-2030The Trump administration's dismantling of US foreign aid could lead to over 14 million avoidable deaths by 2030, according to a study published in the Lancet journal. The US Agency for International Development (USAID) had provided over 40% of global humanitarian funding until its funding was cut by 83%. This reduction is projected to have a devastating impact on vulnerable populations, particularly children under five, with up to 4.5 million child deaths anticipated annually. The study found that USAID funding had prevented 91 million deaths in developing countries between 2001 and 2021, and its cuts could lead to more deaths than were lost during World War I.
https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/nation/over-14-million-people-could-die-from-us-foreign-aid-cuts-study/article_980beb94-e690-5360-a361-a3efde727401.htmlA new study published in The Lancet warns that deep cuts to the US Agency for International Development (USAID) under President Donald Trump could lead to an additional 14 million deaths by 2030, including 4.5 million children under five, if aid cuts continue beyond 2025.
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/07/01/world/politics/study-us-aid-cuts-deaths/