Russia's trade with Asia-Pacific countries, totaling about $500 billion and comprising over 74% of its total foreign trade, has largely transitioned to settlements in rubles and 'friendly currencies,' according to Ambassador Marat Berdyev.
Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific Airways expects its first-half net profit to surge by up to 75% to HK$6.5 billion (US$829 million), driven by increased passenger and cargo traffic, alongside a HK$1.4 billion gain from its Air China interest dilution.
China's navy launched a strategic missile with a dummy warhead into the Pacific Ocean on July 6, stating it was routine training. Despite advance notification, the test raised concerns among Pacific governments and partners due to the short warning period and historical context of nuclear tests in the region.
Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale announced a deal allowing the US Coast Guard to patrol its waters with local police, aiming to strengthen maritime cooperation with the US. This comes despite deepening ties with China, and Wale also signed a Letter of Intent for the Peace Corps' return.
EU foreign ministers approved a position paper labeling China a "critical long-term strategic challenge," accusing Beijing of amplifying security threats and enabling Russia's invasion of Ukraine, despite a prior "de-risking" policy and ongoing trade partnership. This new stance will shape future EU policy on investment and trade.
South Korean JCS Chairman Gen. Jin Yong-sung and Australian Adm. Mark Hammond held phone talks to discuss Indo-Pacific security, including North Korea's threats, and agreed to expand military cooperation through joint exercises and personnel exchanges.
Tropical Storm Bertha is churning towards the northern Gulf Coast, threatening Florida to Louisiana with heavy rain, flash flooding, dangerous storm surge, and damaging winds. Meanwhile, Hurricane Fausto has strengthened in the eastern Pacific but poses no immediate threat to land.
Japan's defence ministry reported a Chinese People's Liberation Army vessel conducted a live-fire drill within Japan's claimed Exclusive Economic Zone near Okinotori Island, alongside a Russian navy ship. China's foreign ministry firmly refuted these claims as "groundless."
A Chinese missile destroyer fired live rounds in Japan's EEZ for the first time during a drill on Sunday, prompting Tokyo's concern. This preceded a clash between Chinese and Philippine sailors in the South China Sea, escalating regional tensions.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will attend ASEAN meetings in Manila, discussing Asia-Pacific militarization risks due to Western policies and promoting Eurasian cooperation. A potential meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is being arranged.
Japan's defence ministry detected two Chinese missile destroyers and a supply ship with a Russian frigate near Okinotori Island. One Chinese destroyer later conducted an exercise within Japan’s claimed EEZ, notifying surrounding ships, raising concerns over maritime claims.
Papua New Guinea has closed Taiwan's economic office, a move swiftly welcomed by China as adherence to the one-China principle. Taiwan criticized the decision, stating it was not consulted and is reviewing bilateral economic ties, including LNG imports, while negotiating to keep its office open.
台灣上月偵測到中國海警和研究船活動顯著增加，共55艘次，較5月增長83%。台北計劃舉行演習，模擬中國在其太平洋沿岸的升級行動，以應對可能切斷台灣盟友供應線的戰時風險。
Refugees and asylum seekers on Nauru face severe food and water insecurity, with many skipping meals despite Australia spending over $9m per person last financial year. A new ASRC survey reveals the $260 fortnightly payment is insufficient for basic needs amid high import costs and poor conditions.
巴布亚新几内亚突然关闭台北代表处，台外交部长林佳龙表示将评估与PNG的经济关系，包括年度12万吨LNG采购。美方对此表示深切关心，指此举是北京的恐吓行动。
Russian and Chinese naval forces conducted live-fire exercises in the Yellow Sea as part of the Joint Sea 2026 drills. Warships practiced repelling simulated attacks by unmanned aerial drones and surface vessels, utilizing artillery, machine guns, and electronic warfare systems.
New climate evidence suggests a severe drought in the southwest Pacific between 850 and 1200 AD may have prompted Polynesian ancestors to migrate eastward, settling islands like Hawaii, New Zealand, and Easter Island.
A senior U.S. Pacific Fleet commander expressed high satisfaction with the South Korean Navy's performance and expanded leadership role in the Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC). South Korea is the first Asian nation to hold a command position in the drills.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the Indian Navy's crucial role in safeguarding national interests, citing its recent operations in West Asia and its strategic importance in the Indo-Pacific region. He also highlighted India's growing defense manufacturing capabilities.
Australia is strengthening its alliances in the Pacific and with India to counter China's growing influence. Recent diplomatic efforts include new security pacts with Fiji and Solomon Islands, and enhanced ties with Papua New Guinea, Tonga, and Samoa. Prime Minister Albanese's foreign policy week also saw a meeting with India's PM Modi, focusing on shared concerns about China.
Environmental groups warn climate change is causing a "catastrophic mortality event" for Pacific gray whales due to food depletion from melting sea ice. Other factors like ship strikes and pollution also contribute, leading to a near halving of the population since 2019. A petition to relist them under the Endangered Species Act is pending.
PM Modi's tour of Indonesia, Australia, and New Zealand signifies India's expanding strategic horizon and its intent to shape the Asia Pacific's balance of power, moving from past sanctions to a strong partnership with Australia.
Le borse asiatiche e del Pacifico chiudono la settimana in rialzo, con il settore dei semiconduttori in testa grazie al successo dell'IPO di Sk Hynix negli USA. Tokyo sale dell'1,2%, Seul del 2,52%, Sydney dello 0,5%. Calano greggio e gas, tiene l'oro, mentre il dollaro scende sull'euro e sulla sterlina.
India will supply BrahMos and Astra missiles to Indonesia, marking its third defense agreement in the Indo-Pacific. This move highlights India's growing role as a defense supplier amid regional concerns over China's assertiveness.
