Bangladesh and Pakistan have pledged to elevate economic, trade and investment relations to a “new strategic level” in a further sign of warming ties between the former foes https://t.co/jWIlZFu5t7 ...

>> THIS IS INSIGHT WITH PAUL ALLEN, WHERE WE DIVE DEEPER INTO THE STORIES. THE CHINESE ECONOMY GREW FASTER THAN EXPECTED BUT REMAINED AT ITS WEAKEST PACE IN A YEAR. EXPORTS WERE OFFSET BY CONSUMERS AND COMPANIES.AND WE ARE JOINED WITH HER OUTLOOK AS CHINA'S LEADERSHIP GATHERS FOR A MEETING. IN JAPAN'S RULING PARTY REACHED A COALITION DEAL WITH THE PARTY, PAVING THE WAY FOR THEM TO BECOME THE COUNTRY'S FIRST FEMALE PRIME MINISTER. A UNIVERSITY PROFESSOR JOINS US TO DISCUSS WHETHER THIS ALLIANCE CAN LAST.AND ...

Trade Relations & Tariffs - The EU raised tariffs on steel imports, aiming to protect its market from global overcapacity, primarily stemming from China [1][2] - The EU emphasizes that the steel import restrictions are a horizontal measure, not specifically targeting any single country, but impacting all importers [2] - The US shares similar concerns with the EU regarding global steel overcapacity and protecting local markets, leading to engagement between the two [3] - EU-US trade relations are the largest in the world, with both being each other's largest trading partner, indicating significant economic stakes [4] Economic Growth & Uncertainty - Global trade uncertainty and tensions negatively affect growth, as the EU's economic model relies on open international trade [6] - The EU is committed to defending a functioning multilateral rules-based trading system and diversifying trade engagement through new trade agreements [6][7] - The EU has concluded trade agreements with Merkasur, Mexico, Switzerland, and Indonesia, and is negotiating with India, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates [7] Investment Opportunities in Europe - The EU offers investors a single market of 450 million consumers and 26 million companies, characterized by predictability, rule of law, and strong institutions [9] - There is elevated investor interest in Euro-dominated assets due to the stability and predictability they offer in turbulent times [9] - Strengthening the competitiveness of the European economy and enhancing productivity growth is a priority for the current political cycle [9]

♦️ Republicans get nervous about the shutdown.♦️ Federal prosecutors reportedly prepare to file criminal charges against John Bolton.♦️ Stock futures rise after Donald Trump says trade relations between America and China “will all be fine”.Keep up with US politics https://t.co/YVMRrdQm9w ...

Trade and Geopolitical Landscape - The Australian government views U S tariffs as self-defeating and economically harmful [2][3] - Australia aims to maintain strong relationships with all key partners, avoiding a zero-sum approach [9][10] - Australia needs to pragmatically separate politics from economics in its trade relationships, which is increasingly difficult due to the weaponization of trade and investment [14] Defense Spending - There is discussion around increasing Australia's defense budget, with a previous goal of 2% of GDP [5] - The broader geopolitical environment necessitates a national conversation in Australia about the need for increased defense spending, considering public preferences for spending on health, education, and social services [6][7] - President Trump has been talking about a desire to see Australia increases defense budget to 35% [4] Australia-China Relations - Prime Minister Albanese's six-day visit to China was viewed positively, signaling resilience in the relationship with Australia's most important trading partner [1][8][9] - Australia must avoid complacency and recognize that the relationship with China is more complex than in previous decades [13] Domestic Policy - The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme is not up for reform and will be defended by both sides of Australian politics [3][4]

Sino-European Relations - A European business group in China has criticized Beijing's retaliatory measures [1] - The group states the measures worsen ties between China and the EU [1] Industry Impact - The retaliatory measures target medical device makers from the European Union [1]

Defense Spending & NATO - NATO aims to reach 5% defense spending target, requiring difficult decisions from member states [5] - The challenge lies in justifying defense spending during peacetime [5] - NATO Secretary General is working to keep European countries united on defense spending [6] - Discussions include opening financial possibilities for member states to spend more and promoting joint procurement [7] - The 2% of GDP spending pledge by 2024 was not met by all countries [9] - The summit's primary goal is to secure agreement on moving to 5% of defense spending [10] - Article 5 of NATO is clear: an attack on one is an attack on all [13] Geopolitical Issues & Ukraine - Every new war diverts attention from ongoing conflicts, such as the one in Ukraine [17] - The EU has supported Ukraine's military with €24 billion in 2024, exceeding last year's support [18] - The EU is pursuing an 18th package of sanctions against Russia [18] - Discussions are planned regarding the use of Russian frozen assets to aid Ukraine [19][20] International Relations & Trade - The EU is working towards a trade deal with the United States by July 9th [20] - Canada's potential relationship with the EU is being considered, despite geographical challenges [21][22]