South Korea's President Lee Jae-myung has made a gesture of peace by urging restraint and dialogue with North Korea, as tensions on the Korean peninsula remain high. In a social media post commemorating the 75th anniversary of the start of the Korean War, Lee emphasized the importance of building strong peace to ensure safety, marking a shift from relying solely on military strength for defense.
https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3316137/south-korea-tries-different-tack-sway-its-nuclear-armed-neighbour-olive-branch?module=asia_latest&pgtype=sectionThe UK government and human rights groups are calling for a clear strategy to support arbitrarily detained Britons, including those like Abdel Fattah, who was sentenced to five years in prison on charges of "spreading false news" after sharing a Facebook post about police brutality. Amnesty International wants the government to publicly demand immediate release of detainees, citing examples such as Jagtar Singh Johal, who was cleared of terrorism charges but remains detained in India. The organization believes an envoy would help coordinate efforts and provide transparency.
https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/nation/uk-considers-envoy-for-britons-held-abroad/article_db6bf27a-7607-5f3f-b2c3-bbc9651d8bad.htmlUS permanent representative Whitaker emphasized that increased European defense investment supports US jobs, manufacturing, and NATO's collective defense. In 2024, $21 billion worth of military equipment was purchased from the US by NATO allies. The alliance aims to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, with a focus on protecting critical infrastructure and networks, ensuring civil preparedness and resilience, and stimulating innovation through American technologies, including artificial intelligence.
https://www.fakti.bg/en/world/982163-nato-allies-bought-weapons-from-the-united-states-for-21-billion-in-2024The US State Department imposed sanctions on Sudan's government due to allegations of using chemical weapons in its war against rival paramilitaries, specifically the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The US claims that chlorine was used as a chemical agent with the direct approval of army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. The Sudanese government denies these allegations, calling them "baseless" and "political blackmail". The sanctions restrict US exports and financing to Sudan, but humanitarian aid will be exempted due to the country's dire food insecurity crisis, affecting nearly 25 million people.
https://www.malaymail.com/news/world/2025/06/29/us-slaps-sudan-with-sanctions-over-chemical-attacks-heres-what-we-know/182094The term "like-minded countries" refers to states sharing similar values such as democracy, human rights, and a rules-based international order. This concept has been used by the US during the Joe Biden administration to describe preferred partners for international collaboration, including Canada, the UK, Australia, Japan, South Korea, NATO states like Germany, and Asia-Pacific partners like India, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Singapore.
https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/opinion/article/3315918/are-minded-countries-now-more-diverse-ever?module=top_story&pgtype=section#commentsThe Bank for International Settlements (BIS) has released its annual report, highlighting concerns over rising protectionism and trade fragmentation, which are exacerbating economic decline. BIS President Agustín Carstens warns that high public debt levels increase the financial system's vulnerability to interest rates and reduce governments' ability to spend their way out of crises. The dollar has fallen 10% since the start of the year, with Hyun Song Shin attributing this to "hedging" by non-US investors holding Treasuries and other US assets. The BIS reported a net profit of $1.2 billion and record-high comprehensive income of $5.3 billion. US business activity slowed in June, with prices increasing further due to President Donald Trump's tariffs on imported goods, suggesting an acceleration in inflation for the second half of the year.
https://www.gulftoday.ae/business/2025/06/29/world-economy-faces-pivotal-moment-as-uncertainty-loomsThe Bank for International Settlements has warned that US President Donald Trump's tariffs are a significant risk of higher inflation, citing economic fragmentation and protectionism as exacerbating factors. The BIS notes that the global economy is interconnected, and trade disruptions can lead to price pressures similar to those experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. With new tariffs set to rise on July 9, the BIS suggests interest rates may need to be increased if inflation surges.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/trump-tariffs-as-big-an-inflation-threat-as-covid-19-20250626-p5mam7.htmlThe Philippines accused China of dangerous and unprovoked action on June 20 when six Chinese vessels, including two warships from the People's Liberation Army Navy, approached a supply run to local fishermen near the shoal. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported that four BFAR vessels were confronted by the Chinese ships, which included CCG-4203, before one of them fired a water cannon at the BRP Datu Taradapit 15.6 nautical miles southwest of Bajo de Masinloc, bringing it within 600 yards.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/06/30/news/china-tightens-grip-on-panatag-shoal/2140099Chinese diplomats have faced threats from government officials worldwide after visiting Taiwanese politicians. In response, China urged nations to avoid being manipulated by separatist forces seeking Taiwan independence, warning against malicious speculation and interference in bilateral relations with China.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/06/30/world/asia-oceania/taiwan-official-undaunted-by-alleged-china-plot/2140133