Australia anticipates Chinese surveillance as it begins massive Talisman Sabre military drills with the US and 17 other allies across Australia and Papua New Guinea. More than 30,000 troops are participating in the exercises. Defence Minister Pat Conroy confirmed China has been observing since 2017 and is expected to do so again, gathering intelligence on procedures and communications. Australia has also reiterated concerns about China’s attempts to build a military base in the South Pacific, a claim China denies as a “false narrative.” The drills unfold amid Prime Minister Albanese’s diplomatic visit to China.
NORTH KOREA BACKS PUTIN’S WAR
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un pledged unconditional support for Vladimir Putin’s “sacred cause” in Ukraine during a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Wonsan. Pyongyang has deployed troops, artillery shells, and missiles to aid Moscow’s war efforts. Lavrov expressed gratitude for North Korea’s role in the Kursk region and reaffirmed military cooperation. Both nations condemned Western influence and reiterated their alliance against “hegemonic powers.” Lavrov and Kim also discussed following up on agreements made during the 2024 DPRK-Russia summit. The deepening military alliance continues to raise alarm across Asia-Pacific and beyond.
REPORT: ISRAEL TRIES TO KILL PEZESHKIAN
An explosive report by Iran’s Fars News claims that Israel attempted to assassinate Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian during a 12-day war. On June 16, six missiles allegedly targeted a Supreme National Security Council meeting in Tehran, injuring Pezeshkian in the leg. Other top officials, including the Parliament Speaker and the Judiciary Chief, were also present. The attack, modelled after a plan to kill Hezbollah’s Nasrallah, aimed to seal exits and trap officials inside. However, they escaped through a secret hatch. Pezeshkian later confirmed an attempt on his life, saying, “They acted accordingly, but they failed.”
EU, MEXICO SLAM TRUMP TARIFFS
The European Union and Mexico have strongly criticised U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan to impose 30% tariffs on their exports from August 1. The EU warned of “proportionate countermeasures,” while Mexico called the move an “unfair deal” and reaffirmed its sovereignty. Trump threatened even steeper duties if retaliation occurs. Additional tariffs are also targeting Japan, South Korea, Canada, and Brazil. French President Macron and other EU leaders voiced disapproval, though some hope for a deal. Mexico’s President, Claudia Sheinbaum, expressed optimism but stressed non-negotiable national sovereignty. Trump cited persistent trade deficits and promised to intensify measures if pushed.
PKK BEGINS DISARMAMENT IN IRAQ
In a historic move, Kurdish militant group PKK has begun laying down arms in northern Iraq as part of a peace deal with Turkey. About 30 fighters participated in a symbolic ceremony near Sulaymaniyah, following PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan’s call for disbandment. The group declared it would now pursue its goals through democratic means. Turkish officials welcomed the development but stressed the process is far from over. A Turkish parliamentary commission will oversee progress. The conflict has killed over 15,000 people since the 1980s. Full disarmament is expected by September, potentially ending four decades of violence.
