Keir Starmer has defended US President Donald Trump's commitment to NATO, saying he is "absolutely committed" to its importance, despite Trump expressing doubts about the collective defense principle. The two leaders are meeting in The Hague for a tense gathering of NATO leaders, who are set to sign off on a new target for defence spending that aims to hit 3.5% of GDP by 2035. However, some nations have questioned whether this is a hard commitment, and Trump has suggested the US does not need to meet it. The summit comes amid concerns about America's distance from the alliance that has underpinned world peace since World War II.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14845161/Starmer-says-Trump-absolutely-committed-importance-Nato-president-raises-doubts-Article-5-collective-defence-principle-tense-summit.htmlBrazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's efforts to strengthen ties with China have been met with resistance from Brazilian officials. Despite Lula's visit to Beijing in May as a gesture of goodwill, Brazil is now shifting its attention to other countries, including India, after the US withdrew from several international agreements. Lula's special adviser for international affairs, Celso Amorim, had previously urged China to attend the BRICS Summit, emphasizing that "Brics without China is not Brics." The 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, hosted by Brazil and chaired by President Lula, aims to discuss global cooperation among major emerging economies.
https://www.firstpost.com/world/a-state-dinner-for-pm-modi-might-see-ignored-xi-jinping-skip-brics-summit-in-brazil-13900254.htmlNato leaders are set to back US President Donald Trump's goal for increased defence spending at a summit in The Hague, Netherlands, as European allies seek to reassure him about their commitment to the alliance amid rising tensions with Russia and concerns over Iran. The gathering, hosted by Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte, aims to endorse a 5% GDP defence spending target, following Trump's threat to withdraw protection from Nato members who fail to meet the goal.
https://www.asiaone.com/world/nato-leaders-set-back-trump-defence-spending-goal-hague-summitNATO leaders have downplayed concerns over US President Donald Trump's defense commitment, following a series of strikes on Iranian nuclear sites by the US and Israel. The NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg stated that the alliance is committed to its collective defense treaty with Turkey, which includes Iran. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has also expressed his country's support for the US position, while Iranian officials have condemned the attacks as a violation of international law.
https://www.livemint.com/politics/news/nato-leaders-play-down-concern-over-trump-s-defense-commitment-11750840819898.htmlPakistan's ambassador reiterated support for a peaceful resolution to the Iran nuclear issue through diplomatic engagement and dialogue. The country has maintained contact with key players behind the scenes since the conflict began. Pakistan advocates for the preservation and renewal of the JCPOA, or an equally sound agreement acceptable to all sides, before it expires in October 2025.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1324516-pakistan-calls-for-peaceful-resolution-of-iran-nuclear-issueSingapore is poised to deepen its economic ties with China by expanding trade and investment, enhancing cooperation in digital economy, artificial intelligence, new energy, and other fields. Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong expressed his willingness to foster collaboration with Beijing in advancing robot technology development during a visit to the Beijing humanoid robot innovation center. The two nations aim to accelerate breakthroughs in core technologies such as humanoid robot motion control, shorten research and development cycles, and reduce innovation costs through cooperation in the AI field. China's vast market and technological prowess offer Singaporean enterprises unparalleled growth opportunities, while Singapore's strategic position enables pivotal contributions to the Belt and Road Initiative projects' sustainability and regional connectivity.
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-times-xi-meets-singaporean-pm-calling-for-boosting-china-singapore-cooperation-302490434.htmlSingapore's Prime Minister, Mr. Wong, emphasized the need for collective action to promote integration, break down barriers, and strengthen multilateralism. He cited the World Trade Organization (WTO) as an example of a system that needs improvement, particularly in addressing digital trade. Noting its limitations, Singapore collaborated with Australia and Japan to develop the Joint Statement Initiative on E-Commerce, which has resulted in over 70 countries agreeing on the first set of rules for digital trading after five years of negotiations.
https://channelnewsasia.com/singapore/singapore-pm-lawrence-wong-wef-dialogue-multilateralism-5199611Singapore's Prime Minister, Lee Hsien Loong is not mentioned in this context. Singapore is willing to collaborate with China on emerging technologies, aiming to capitalize on their development and enhance cooperation across multiple sectors including economy, trade, investment, and connectivity.
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202506/1336908.shtmlUS President Donald Trump has made a surprise announcement that China is free to buy Iranian oil again, undermining years of US sanctions aimed at cutting off the regime's main source of revenue. The move could significantly impact Washington's Iran policy, which has sought to limit the country's top export.
https://news.bloomberglaw.com/esg/trump-eases-pressure-on-iran-by-saying-china-can-buy-its-oil