The Global South is increasingly driving reform and improvement in the international order, with China and Latin American countries strengthening unity and cooperation. Representatives from both regions agree that cultural exchange promotes heartfelt connections and breaking stereotypes is essential for mutual understanding. The Belt and Road Initiative has fostered diverse cooperation among Global South countries, while platforms like the China-CELAC Forum emphasize civilizational exchange and shared learning between civilizations. China and Latin America have much to learn from each other, with Brazil's Elizabete Souza praising the forum as a valuable learning experience. Cultural exchange is seen as key to building trust and emotional connection between people, with Lucélia Santos highlighting the importance of digital platforms in promoting bilateral relations. Green development and technological cooperation are becoming crucial pillars of strategic alignment between China and Latin American countries, with Daniel Filmus emphasizing scientific cooperation's role in uniting nations and peoples. The two sides have complementary natural resources and expertise, but also need to incorporate collaboration in social sciences and humanities to adapt achievements to local conditions. South-South Cooperation is essential for the Global South, with Francis Bogossian stressing solidarity and cooperation as necessary for global development. China and Latin America share broad common interests in advancing multipolarity, reforming global governance, and addressing development imbalances. Media and think tank exchanges between China and Latin America are playing an increasingly irreplaceable role in facilitating deeper integration, with Leonardo Attuch emphasizing the need for convergence in ideas, values, and worldviews. The GTI released a mutual perception survey between China and Latin America, which notably fills a gap in understanding how Chinese people view Latin America. China's public communication aims at social stability and shared progress, while Elias Jabbour highlights discourse power as a key instrument of governance. Evandro Menezes de Carvalho called on media and think tanks to dispel misunderstandings and promote international understanding and cooperation.
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-times-a-roundtable-across-18-000-kilometers-sparks-broad-attention-through-its-exchange-of-thoughts-and-global-perspectives-302493900.htmlThe head of the UN nuclear watchdog, Rafael Grossi, warns that Iran could start producing enriched uranium in a matter of months due to damage from US and Israeli attacks on its nuclear facilities. The attacks, which occurred on June 13, targeted Iran's nuclear and military sites, with the US also hitting three key atomic program facilities. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described the damage as "serious," while US President Donald Trump claimed the attack had caused a decades-long setback to Iran's nuclear program.
https://en.tempo.co/read/2022547/iaea-chief-says-iran-likely-to-resume-nuclear-program-within-months-following-airstrikesEU member state leaders expressed support for opening EU accession negotiations with Ukraine after a recent European Council meeting. Ukrainian President Zelensky discussed ceasefire and real peace with former US President Trump, while Russian Deputy Secretary of the Security Council Sergei Yermak stated that existing sanctions prevent Russia from launching a war against NATO member states.
https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-polytics/4009204-yermak-advisors-to-european-leaders-discuss-next-steps-in-negotiation-process.htmlThe Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs praised the Foreign Office for its outstanding performance during a recent regional crisis. Chairperson Senator Irfan Siddiqui commended the office's role in representing Pakistan's position globally, particularly after the Pakistan-India war and attacks on Iran. The committee received a briefing from Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch, who emphasized Pakistan's commitment to regional peace and credited the country's principled stance for shifting global perceptions.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40370026/recent-regional-crisis-senate-body-praises-fo-for-outstanding-performanceUS Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, a vocal opponent of US military intervention in the Middle East, is being marginalized by President Trump's administration, according to sources close to the White House. CIA Director John Ratcliffe has taken on a more prominent role, and Gabbard was excluded from key national security meetings, including one at Camp David where Trump discussed plans for Iran with top officials like Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. In response, Gabbard released a video warning about the dangers of nuclear war, seen as a criticism of Trump's planned strike on Iran's nuclear program.
https://nypost.com/2025/06/28/us-news/wheres-tulsi-gabbard-intelligence-director-missing-from-key-moments-as-insiders-say-shes-been-wrong-on-the-big-stuff/Russian President Putin's statements aim to portray his government as committed to social spending while downplaying the economic consequences of the war in Ukraine. However, open-source data suggests that Russia is increasing investment in its defense industry, including unmanned aerial vehicles, infantry fighting vehicles, and aircraft production. This expansion will likely impact future conflicts with NATO, particularly on the front lines in Ukraine. The Russian military continues to introduce tactical innovations, but also uses chemical weapons against civilians, violating international conventions.
https://www.fakti.bg/en/world/982039-isw-vladimir-putin-reveals-russia-s-military-budget-is-172-billionUS President Trump met with Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame in the Oval Office, where he presented them with a "Washington Accord" package of agreements. The agreement aims to address past deals that were not implemented, with severe penalties for non-compliance. Rwanda has deployed 7,000 soldiers to eastern Congo in support of M23 rebels, but under the deal, Rwandan troops are set to withdraw within 90 days. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio attended a ceremony where the agreement was signed by Congolese and Rwandan foreign ministers.
https://nypost.com/2025/06/28/world-news/rwanda-congo-sign-us-brokered-peace-deal-in-washington/India is facing a strategic challenge due to China's growing presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). China has established infrastructure projects and deployed research vessels to augment maritime domain awareness and collect data. The country has expanded its naval power by increasing vessel numbers and deployment duration, facilitated by a military base in Djibouti and dual-use infrastructure at critical choke points. India is working with regional countries to sensitize them on China's activities and their implications for security. Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has reiterated his country's stance of not allowing its territory to be used against India's security or regional stability. The Indian government has taken a principled position on China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), citing concerns over the inclusion of the illegal China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which passes through disputed territories in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/chinas-expanding-strategic-presence-in-indian-ocean-region-is-a-challenge-for-india-parliament-committee-report/article69748570.eceIndian national interests must be protected while upholding and strengthening the WTO regime. Sharma emphasized the importance of engaging with partner countries like EU, ASEAN, African Union, GCC, and LAC to deepen market access and trade. This comes after Jairam Ramesh criticized the government for relying on US decisions, stating that India "gets to know decisions of great importance" from the White House in Washington D.C.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/government-should-take-opposition-leaders-into-confidence-on-trumps-claims-of-opening-up-india-congress-leader-anand-sharma/article69748848.ece