NewsFeed

June 15, 2025

Tariffs Threaten Global Economy at G7 Summit

The Club of the world's richest industrial nations is set to discuss tariffs imposed by one country, which could severely impact the global economy. The UK has already signed a bilateral trade deal with the US, but other countries like India and Japan will also be discussing similar issues. Senior director Josh Lipsky from the Atlantic Council's GeoEconomics Centre expressed concerns about how advanced-economy democracies can form alliances while creating economic hardship on their own countries due to tariffs imposed by another member.

https://www.firstpost.com/world/g7-summit-3-wars-to-dominate-economic-blocs-meeting-israel-iran-ukraine-and-trumps-tariffs-13897291.html

June 15, 2025

Trump Tariffs Test ASEAN Unity and Stability

US President Donald Trump's tariff policies pose a challenge to Asean's unity and economic stability, threatening the bloc's solidarity as member states respond divergently to the protectionist measures. As a result, Asean should focus on regional trade to maintain stability and prevent division in the face of varying import taxes imposed by Trump's administration.

https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/opinion/article/3314355/trump-tariffs-challenge-aseans-unity-and-economic-stability?module=opinion&pgtype=section

June 15, 2025

UK Deploys Jets Amid Iran-Israel Tensions Escalate

The UK is deploying fighter jets and other assets to the Middle East in response to escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer saying the situation is "fast moving" and "intense". The deployment comes after Israel launched attacks on Iranian military and nuclear sites, killing dozens of people, including top army and Revolutionary Guards commanders. Starmer has spoken with US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss de-escalation efforts, while Foreign Secretary David Lammy has urged calm and spoken with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi.

https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1321417-uk-moves-warplanes-to-middle-east-amid-iran-crisis

June 15, 2025

UN Boosts South Punjab's Economic Development Plans

The United Nations is increasing support for economic and social development in south Punjab, a crucial region for Pakistan's agricultural economy. Mohammad Yahya, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, announced plans to bolster infrastructure, climate resilience, agriculture, and technology in the area. The visit was led by Misbah Khar and Ghulam M. Yahya Khar, and includes initiatives such as poverty alleviation programs, including livestock provision for 400,000 poor women and housing for 7,300 landless women. Despite progress, challenges persist, with MCCI President Bakhtawar Tanvir Sheikh highlighting the need to address structural issues in agriculture, climate adaptation, and girls' education.

https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1321292-un-backs-development-push-in-south-punjab-to-tap-economic-potential

June 15, 2025

Andrew Forrest Demands UN Ocean Protection Overhaul

Australian mining billionaire Andrew Forrest has called for the United Nations to support a major overhaul of global fishing regulations and marine life protections. He stated that his Minderoo Foundation will commit an additional $25 million towards implementing new marine protected areas and real-time vessel monitoring, citing "the ocean is in freefall" due to plastic pollution and overfishing. Forrest advocates for 30% no-take marine protected areas by 2030 in international waters and Antarctica, emphasizing the need for enforcement rather than just declarations.

https://www.smh.com.au/environment/conservation/forrest-calls-for-global-fishing-overhaul-as-australia-backs-major-treaties-at-un-summit-20250615-p5m7ic.html

June 15, 2025

Beijing, Moscow Vie for Influence in Central Asia

Beijing and Moscow are vying for influence in Central Asia, where a summit is expected to focus on the quality of projects rather than quantity. The gathering comes as Washington's global tariff war creates an opportunity for Beijing and Central Asian nations to align their development needs. Experts say both sides seek stronger strategic coordination to mitigate risks caused by US policy fluctuations.

https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3314519/xi-jinping-meet-central-asian-leaders-both-sides-seek-stronger-coordination?module=top_story&pgtype=section

June 15, 2025

Denmark Shifts Focus from US to Nuclear-Powered France

Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen is seeking to strengthen ties with France as a counterbalance to the US. She has visited Paris multiple times since Trump's threats and ordered French-made missiles, shifting Copenhagen's focus away from Washington. Florian Vidal of the IFRI think tank believes Denmark can project hard power by leveraging France's nuclear capabilities, which would make its vision for a more autonomous Europe seem reasonable in light of the Trump administration's aggressive posture.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/macron-visits-greenland-to-signal-european-resolve-after-trump-annexation-threats/article69697846.ece

June 15, 2025

Freeland Warns of Canadian Retaliation Against US Tariffs

Canadian Minister of Trade Diversification Chrystia Freeland expressed concerns that the economic damage caused by US tariffs may lead to a policy change. She acknowledged the frustration of Canadian businesses and workers, while also warning that if no deal is reached soon, Canada may retaliate with further measures against US goods. The country has already imposed tariffs on $60 billion worth of US products, which has had an impact on its economy, and is seeking a resolution to resolve the dispute as quickly as possible.

https://globalnews.ca/news/11241445/donald-trump-tariffs-canada-talks-leblanc-west-block/

June 15, 2025

G7, NATO Urge Sanctions on Russia in The Hague

A European official stated that the upcoming G7 summit and NATO meeting in The Hague in June will be used to emphasize the importance of pushing forward with sanctions legislation proposed by US senators alongside a new European package aimed at pressuring Russia into a ceasefire and broader negotiations.

https://www.tbsnews.net/world/g7-leaders-meet-canada-hoping-avoid-trump-clash-1165896