The Kremlin has warned of a response if the US allows Ukraine to use long-range ATACMS missiles to strike deep inside Russia. Moscow believes Washington has already made a decision to allow this and views it as a justification for its ongoing military operations in Ukraine.
The US House of Representatives is holding a ‘China Week’ dedicated to passing legislation aimed at countering China’s economic and military influence. This week-long effort includes over 28 bills addressing a range of issues from trade and electric vehicles to farm ownership and genetic data protection. The legislation aims to strengthen the US’s position against China, while the Chinese government has expressed concerns about its potential negative impact on bilateral relations.
The United States has issued a Level 3 travel advisory for Pakistan, urging American citizens to reconsider travel due to heightened terrorism risks. The advisory specifically highlights concerns in areas bordering India, unstable provinces, and the Line of Control, advising Americans to be vigilant and aware of potential threats.
In a significant development, the US and China have participated in a joint military exercise, Operation Formosa, in Brazil. This marks the first time both nations have sent troops to the exercise, which is one of Latin America’s largest. The move comes amidst geopolitical tensions between the US and China, with recent developments suggesting a potential shift in relations.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will visit London next week to discuss the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, with the visit coming ahead of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s trip to Washington. The talks will focus on strengthening the US-UK relationship and addressing key global issues like the Ukraine war and the conflict in the Middle East. The visit is also significant due to the UK’s new Labour government’s approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which differs from the previous Conservative government.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will meet with US President Joe Biden at the White House on Friday, marking their first meeting since Biden announced he wouldn’t seek re-election. The visit will focus on global issues, including efforts to secure hostage release and a ceasefire in Gaza, as well as international shipping security and climate resilience.
The United States has issued a warning to businesses operating in Hong Kong, citing heightened risks associated with the city’s new national security regulations. The advisory highlights concerns over the vague nature of the laws and the potential for routine activities like research or connections with local officials to be deemed criminal. This comes as Beijing continues its crackdown on dissent in the former British colony.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Dominican President Luis Abinader to discuss Haiti’s ongoing crisis, regional security, and economic prosperity. While acknowledging some progress in tackling gang violence in Haiti, both leaders expressed concern about the lack of resources for the UN-backed mission and the influx of Haitian migrants into the Dominican Republic. Blinken announced a $3 million investment in the Dominican Republic’s economy, while reiterating US support for a UN peacekeeping operation in Haiti.
The United States and Iraq have reached an agreement to withdraw all US-led coalition forces from Iraq by the end of 2026. The withdrawal will be phased, with hundreds of troops leaving by September 2025. The agreement marks a significant shift in Washington’s military posture in the region and follows months of negotiations between Baghdad and Washington. The drawdown is expected to be completed in two phases, with the first phase seeing the departure of troops from Ain al-Asad airbase and a significant reduction in Baghdad by September 2025. The final phase will see the remaining troops depart by the end of 2026.
Fiji’s new Open Skies agreement with the United States is poised to significantly enhance tourism and business opportunities, creating a stronger connection between the two nations and opening doors for increased travel, exports, and economic growth.
