Russian officials, including President Vladimir Putin, have been attempting to mislead NATO member states into increasing their defense spending by framing Russia's military modernization efforts as a defensive measure in response to NATO's actions, according to Ukrinform reports. This tactic is part of a broader strategy to undermine the alliance and create divisions among its members.
https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-polytics/4009614-fm-spox-calls-putin-pathological-liar-trying-to-rewrite-history-and-justify-war.htmlSweden's EU Affairs Minister Jessica Rosencrantz emphasized the importance of a unified European stance on Middle Eastern issues, stating that when all 27 countries agree, their voices carry more weight. However, she acknowledged the need to consider other regional actors, such as those in the US and other countries.
https://www.politico.eu/article/we-arent-worthless-europe-irrelevance-middle-east-israel-iran/Southeast Asian countries, including fence-sitters, are increasingly viewing China as more reliable and predictable than their Western allies, despite pressure from Washington and NATO. This shift is attributed to China's perception as a rational, peaceful, and stabilizing force in the global order, contrasting with the erratic actions of the Trump administration. Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong received this message during Xi Jinping's visit, echoing his earlier tour of Southeast Asia, where he emphasized the need for an equitable multipolar world against "unilateral bullying" and "tariff abuse".
https://www.scmp.com/opinion/article/3316284/southeast-asia-increasingly-finds-china-more-reliable-and-predictable?module=top_story&pgtype=sectionUS President Donald Trump suggests a bill would allow him to impose tariffs on China, India and other countries if they buy 70% of Russian oil, as he mentioned in an interview with ABC News. He also believes Congress should pass a bill on new restrictions against Russia.
https://www.fakti.bg/en/world/982317-us-preparing-500-tariffs-on-countries-that-are-trading-partners-of-russia-and-do-not-support-ukraineThe Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) data shows a significant increase in US arms imports to European NATO members from 2020 to 2024, with over two-thirds coming from the US, up from 52% between 2015 and 2019. This shift is driven by a desire for greater self-sufficiency in defense and recognition of potential vulnerabilities associated with relying on a single supplier like the US. European nations such as Norway, Sweden, Italy, and the Netherlands rely heavily on US arms imports, with over 90% coming from the US, while Germany's reliance increased to 70% during the same period.
https://www.eurasiantimes.com/can-europe-do-an-airbus-to-u-s-again/Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of pursuing a war despite international calls for peace. Zelenskyy emphasized the need to strengthen Ukraine's aerial defense, citing it as the best way to protect lives. He reiterated his country's interest in purchasing US-made Patriot anti-missile systems.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/06/30/world/americas-emea/new-russian-airstrikes-injure-7-in-ukraine/2140130Tehran has accused IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi of betrayal for not condemning Israeli and US strikes on Iran's nuclear sites, prompting Iranian lawmakers to suspend cooperation with the agency he leads. Argentina's Foreign Ministry has come to Grossi's defense, strongly supporting him and condemning threats against him from Iran.
https://www.batimes.com.ar/news/world/argentinas-foreign-ministry-condemns-irans-threats-against-iaea-chief-grossi.phtmlAgustín Carstens, outgoing head of the BIS, warns that the US-driven trade war and policy shifts are eroding trust in institutions like central banks. He describes the global economy as entering a "new era of heightened uncertainty" just before US President Donald Trump's July 9 trade tariff deadline. Carstens acknowledges that friction between governments and central banks is almost inevitable, stating it's "to be expected at certain points in time."
https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/06/30/business/foreign-business/bis-world-economy-faces-pivotal-moment/2140180The US House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee condemned China's actions towards Taiwanese Vice President Hsiao, calling it "coercion". The Mainland Affairs Council in Taiwan protested the incident, which they claimed threatened Hsiao's personal safety. China denied any wrongdoing, with foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun stating that Chinese diplomats abide by local laws and regulations. The incident is part of a broader pattern of transnational repression by China, affecting government officials worldwide.
https://www.malaymail.com/news/world/2025/06/29/taiwan-vp-hsiao-bi-khim-says-she-wont-be-silenced-after-china-allegedly-planned-car-crash-during-2024-prague-visit/182122