US, China gear up for mid-September AI safety talks
The US and China are planning mid-September talks to discuss AI safety risks, focusing on preventing AI-directed cyberattacks and managing advanced AI capabilities.
International
US urges G20 to cut trade imbalances, focus on China
The US urged G20 nations to protect their industries from Chinese imports to address trade imbalances, though divisions over subsidies and tariffs cloud a joint communique.
Oil extends gains, stocks drop as Trump issues fresh Iran warning
Oil prices rose and stocks fell after Donald Trump warned he would hit Iran hard following recent military clashes, raising fears of escalation and inflation.
Japan seeks record US$55.6 billion defence budget, with AI focus
Japan requested a record US$55.6 billion defense budget, prioritizing AI, drones, and advanced missiles to counter rising regional security threats from China, North Korea, and Russia.
Key European leaders demand Israel halt West Bank settlement project
European leaders from France, Germany, Italy, and Britain condemned Israel’s new West Bank settlement tenders, warning the project threatens a two-state solution and violates international law. Israel rejected the criticism.
Trump’s war on tariff evasion could turn into a battle over global manufacturing
The Trump administration’s crackdown on tariff evasion through transshipment risks escalating global trade tensions, potentially forcing a major confrontation over manufacturing origins and international supply chain rules.
South Korea minister says Trump appears to be pressuring Seoul over Iran, investment
South Korea’s Foreign Minister believes President Trump is scaling back joint military drills to pressure Seoul regarding Iran war support and pending investment commitments.
North Korea may increase western Russia deployment to 50,000 troops
Russia and North Korea plan to increase North Korean troop deployments to 50,000 by November to support Russia’s offensive in Ukraine’s Donbas region.
Russia’s Putin visits Japan-claimed islands for first time; Tokyo protests
Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the Japan-claimed Kuril Islands for the first time, prompting a formal protest from Tokyo over the long-standing territorial dispute.
In the AI Race, Export Controls Are Dividing the Global Compute Ecosystem
Global export controls on AI chips are fragmenting the tech ecosystem into rival compute blocs. This geopolitical divide threatens to slow innovation, increase costs, and destabilize international relations over semiconductor supply chains.
Proposed Strait of Hormuz deal would give Iran control of inbound traffic, sources say
A proposed deal between Iran and Oman could grant Tehran control over Strait of Hormuz shipping traffic, marking a major shift in regional power despite ongoing negotiations and unresolved disputes over transit fees.
Trapped after war breaks out in Iran, Bangladesh seafarer recounts Gulf ordeal
A Bangladeshi captain and his crew were stranded for 115 days in the Gulf after war broke out between Iran, the US, and Israel, forcing them to ration supplies amid missile attacks.