Geopolitical Landscape & US-China Rivalry - The Philippines is strategically important due to its location near Taiwan and the South China Sea, making it a key US ally in Asia [2][7] - The Philippines is caught in the middle of the US-China power struggle, with its foreign policy direction having global consequences [4][6] - China's territorial claims in the South China Sea, represented by the "10-dash line," are disputed by the Philippines and an UN court ruling [21] - The US has access to nine locations in the Philippines to rotate troops, some near Taiwan and the South China Sea, indicating a long-term presence [18] Political Dynamics & Internal Conflicts - The political feud between President Marcos Jr and Vice President Sara Duterte is impacting the country's foreign policy [1][5][8] - Sara Duterte has expressed a desire for closer ties with China and a more neutral stance between the US and China [3][6][18][19] - Tensions escalated when Marcos' government acted on an ICC arrest warrant against Duterte's father, former President Rodrigo Duterte [15] - The alliance between the Marcos and Duterte families, known as the "Uniteam," has fractured due to disagreements over policy and positions [11][12] Economic & Trade Implications - The Philippines' post-pandemic economy has grown steadily, outpacing many regional peers [7] - The Philippines is a target of US trade anger and tariff wars, with exports to the US facing a 19% tariff [24] - The Trump administration's economic pressure on allies could push the Philippines towards China [28] - Marcos Sr and his wife are accused of stealing $10 billion USD from the state during his term [9]

Australia said Iran directed two antisemitic attacks against the local Jewish community, including the firebombing of a synagogue, and that it would expel the country’s ambassador https://t.co/YvpjCEqajg ...

US-Russia Relations - The meeting between Trump and Putin fell short of expectations, with a shorter duration of approximately 4 and a half hours compared to the anticipated 6-7 hours [1] - A planned press conference with questions was replaced by a 12-minute remark with no questions taken [1] - Trump's initial promise of "severe consequences" for Russia if a ceasefire wasn't reached was not reflected in the public remarks, where the word "ceasefire" was not mentioned [1] - The US president invited an indicted war criminal to the United States, rolling out the red carpet, which is highly unusual [1] International Perception - The meeting's optics, such as the ride in "the beast" and Putin speaking first, were perceived as bizarre and abnormal, potentially damaging US leverage on the international stage [5][6][11] - Allies may view the US president as weak due to his admiration for Putin and failure to secure tangible outcomes [12][13] - The lack of pressure on Putin and his unchanged position on Ukraine, without facing consequences, is seen as a success for Russia [19] Ukrainian Perspective - Ukrainians were deeply disappointed by the meeting's lack of results, particularly the failure to achieve a ceasefire [8] - Zalinsky faces the challenge of reframing the narrative after Trump seemingly accepted Putin's perspective [9]

Geopolitical Impact - Iran expelled 1.5 million Afghans [1] - Some Afghans were labeled as spies for Israel [1]

Geopolitical Implications - UK condemns Hong Kong's cash offer for assistance in arresting activists [1] International Relations - The situation highlights tensions between the UK and Hong Kong regarding human rights and political freedom [1]

Geopolitics & International Relations - US and Israel condemn French plan to recognise Palestinian state [1]

Geopolitical Landscape - Russia becomes the first state to recognize Afghanistan's Taliban government [1]