The US has proposed a $101 million aid package for Pakistan aimed at stabilizing its economy and strengthening democracy while reducing its dependence on China. Pakistan, while welcoming the aid, has firmly rejected any notion of sacrificing its relationship with Beijing to improve ties with Washington. Islamabad maintains its commitment to both relationships, describing China as a steadfast strategic partner and emphasizing the importance of constructive engagement with the US.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed concerns about China’s actions towards Taiwan and its support for Russia’s war in Ukraine during a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Laos. While both sides agreed to continue efforts to improve military-to-military ties, Blinken also criticized China’s recent actions in the South China Sea and its support of Russia’s defense sector. Blinken reiterated the U.S.’s commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific and its support for Taiwan and the Philippines.
CIA Director William Burns will meet with his Israeli and Egyptian counterparts, as well as Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in Rome this weekend to discuss the ongoing Gaza ceasefire negotiations. The meeting comes amid growing international pressure on Israel to reach a deal and as Israel seeks changes to the truce plan and the release of hostages held by Hamas.
French rail company SNCF has announced that train services will resume normal operations from Monday following emergency repairs to tracks sabotaged ahead of the Paris Olympics. While service disruptions impacted around 160,000 travelers this weekend, the SNCF anticipates full restoration of operations by Monday. The coordinated arson attacks on Friday targeted cabling boxes at strategic junctions, impacting high-speed lines connecting Paris to Lille, Brittany, and Strasbourg. While some routes are expected to experience delays into Sunday, the SNCF is working diligently to restore services to normalcy.
Pakistan’s Finance and Energy Ministers are in Beijing to negotiate a rescheduling of the country’s outstanding debts to China, primarily linked to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The talks are critical for Pakistan’s financial stability, with concerns mounting over the potential impact on foreign investment and the exchange rate if the negotiations are unsuccessful.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni arrived in Beijing for a five-day visit, aiming to strengthen trade ties with China and discuss the Ukraine war. Her trip comes after Italy withdrew from China’s Belt and Road Initiative last year.
An Israeli airstrike has targeted a school in central Gaza, resulting in the deaths of at least 30 people, according to Palestinian health officials. The situation is still developing, and further updates are expected.
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has condemned violence against civilians in Myanmar and called for an end to hostilities. The group also expressed concern over tensions in the South China Sea and urged peaceful resolutions to conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.
Japan’s Sado gold mine, a site linked to the wartime abuse of Korean laborers, has been registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site after Japan agreed to include its dark history in an exhibit. The decision signals an improvement in relations between Tokyo and Seoul, though historical disputes remain.
Pakistan’s right-wing Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) has launched a protest in Islamabad and Rawalpindi against the government’s decision to increase electricity prices and taxes, particularly burdening the salaried class. The protest coincides with the country’s agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a bailout package. The JI demands renegotiation with power companies and relief for the middle class.
