The 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/2140133Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met with US President Donald Trump at the NATO summit in The Hague, where they discussed increasing defence industry cooperation between the two countries. Erdogan expressed his desire to finalize a deal for Turkey to buy F-16 fighter planes and be re-admitted to the F-35 warplane development program. He also hinted that sanctions on Turkey may be eased under Trump's presidency.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1325481-us-envoy-hints-at-resolution-of-turkiye-us-defence-row-by-year-endEurope's efforts to assert its independence as a global player have been undermined by its inability to effectively address international crises, such as the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. The European Union's foreign ministers' meeting exposed the bloc's weakness on the issue, highlighting its reliance on other powers like the US and China. This comes ahead of a high-stakes summit with China, where Europe is seeking to strengthen ties despite being seen as "irrelevant" by some observers, who point to the EU's muddled plans and pandering to Trump during his presidency.
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3316259/after-nato-chaos-irrelevant-europe-shambles-towards-china-summit?module=top_story&pgtype=section#commentsTehran has accused International Atomic Energy Agency head Rafael Grossi of "betrayal of his duties" for not condemning Israeli and US strikes on Iran's nuclear sites. Iranian lawmakers voted to suspend cooperation with the agency, prompting German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul to condemn threats against Grossi and call on Iran to fully cooperate with the IAEA. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has disputed Grossi's intentions, saying his visit to bombed sites is "meaningless and possibly even malign in intent".
https://channelnewsasia.com/world/iran-threats-against-un-nuclear-watchdog-deeply-troubling-germany-5210386