NewsFeed

June 25, 2025

Shaheen Reassures NATO Allies on US Commitment

US Senator Jeanne Shaheen, a key Democrat on the Foreign Relations Committee, expressed reassurance about the US commitment to NATO and Article 5 during a meeting with foreign leaders at The Hague summit. This comes after President Donald Trump's past statements raised concerns among other countries. Trump had previously claimed Iran's nuclear program was "completely and fully obliterated," but a US intelligence report suggested otherwise. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth launched an investigation into who disclosed the findings to reporters, which Trump described as the end of the war.

https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2025/06/25/trump-arrives-at-a-nato-summit-facing-an-alliance-shaped-to-his-liking/

June 25, 2025

Singapore Official Calls for Global Cooperation Reform

Singaporean official Wong highlighted the need for global cooperation to address common challenges such as pandemics, climate change, and financial instability. He cited the World Trade Organisation as a system in need of reform, particularly with regards to digital trade. Wong emphasized that Singapore's role in co-convening the Joint Statement Initiative on E-Commerce led to over 70 countries agreeing on new digital trade rules after five years of negotiations. In managing ties with both the US and China, Wong prioritizes advancing Singapore's national interests, stating it's not about balancing between the two superpowers but being consistent and principled in promoting its own interests.

https://www.malaymail.com/news/singapore/2025/06/25/at-wef-in-tianjin-singapore-pm-wong-calls-for-flexible-multilateralism-amid-weakening-global-rules-us-tariffs-and-rising-tensions/181671

June 25, 2025

Trump Praises Pakistan's General Asim Munir Highly

Field Marshal Asim Munir's meeting with US President Donald Trump marks a historic shift in regional and global calculus, as Pakistan is recognized as a dependable stabilizing force in South Asia. The meeting challenges long-held narratives and exposes contrasts in leadership and diplomatic credibility between Pakistan and India. Trump's vocal admiration for Pakistan's COAS Gen Asim Munir, calling it a "privilege," deals a diplomatic blow to India's efforts to isolate Islamabad globally. This endorsement highlights Pakistan's foreign policy finesse, as it builds trust with conflicting regional players like Iran and the US.

https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1324634-the-regional-stabiliser

June 25, 2025

Trump Questions Iran Strike's Lasting Impact at NATO Summit

US President Donald Trump expressed skepticism about the intelligence on Iran's nuclear programme, citing a Reuters report that said the strikes had only set it back by a few months, contrary to administration officials' claims of obliteration. Trump was joined by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth during a NATO summit in The Hague, where they questioned the reliability of the assessment made by the US Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA).

https://channelnewsasia.com/world/trump-us-iran-strikes-damage-severe-intelligence-report-5202861

June 25, 2025

Trump Sparks NATO Security Spending Fears

US President Donald Trump has raised doubts about America's commitment to NATO, suggesting that Europe should be responsible for its own security, particularly in light of Russia's war in Ukraine. This stance is a direct violation of Article 5 of the NATO treaty, which states that an attack on one country is considered an attack on all. In contrast, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte emphasized the importance of equalizing defense spending with the US. The upcoming NATO Summit in the Netherlands aims to announce a goal for member countries to spend at least 5% of their economic output on defense, more than doubling the current 2% target.

https://www.koat.com/article/nato-5-percent-defense-spending-summit/65183343

June 25, 2025

UK Boosts Intelligence to Counter Chinese Spying Threat

The UK government has reported an increase in Chinese spying attempts to undermine Britain's democracy and economy. Foreign Minister David Lammy announced a £600 million investment in intelligence services following Prime Minister Keir Starmer's commission of an audit on relations with Beijing, which was prompted by his landslide general election win last July.

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/06/25/world/politics/uk-chinese-spying/

June 25, 2025

Ukraine's Sybiha Warns of Russian Existential Threat

Ukraine's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sybiha, has emphasized that Russia poses an existential threat to the Euro-Atlantic community, warning allies about the alliance's commitment to supporting Ukraine and increasing defense spending to 5% per year. The minister also highlighted the cooperation between Russia, Iran, and North Korea in destabilizing international peace and security, calling for urgent steps to counter their aggression.

https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-polytics/4008104-at-ukrainenato-council-sybiha-urges-swift-adoption-of-strong-sanctions-against-russia.html

June 25, 2025

Xi Jinping Boosts Global Cooperation Through BRI

China's rapid development is seen as a positive force by many nations, with countries like India and Brazil viewing China's growth as an opportunity for mutual cooperation and economic benefits. Chinese President Xi Jinping has emphasized the importance of global governance and multilateralism, highlighting China's role in promoting international development through initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). This effort aims to connect China with other parts of Asia, Europe, and Africa, fostering trade, investment, and cultural exchange.

https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202506/1336962.shtml

June 25, 2025

Erdogan Seeks $100 Billion Trade Deal with Strategic Partner

Turkish President Erdogan expressed interest in strengthening ties with a country, citing potential in energy and investment fields. He aims to boost bilateral trade to $100 billion, with defense industry cooperation being a key area of focus.

https://www.fakti.bg/en/world/981131-erdogan-praises-trump-for-ceasefire-between-israel-and-iran