New U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Michelle Steel emphasized the expansion of the US-South Korea alliance into shipbuilding cooperation, citing Seoul's $150 billion investment and specific Korean company projects. She stated strengthening the alliance is her top priority.
US Ambassador Warren Stephens warned the UK could face tariffs if Prime Minister Andy Burnham raises taxes on American tech giants, also criticizing the government's social media ban for under 16s.
Tan has been indicted without detention by the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office on multiple defamation charges against President Lee, despite police initially closing the case due to jurisdiction concerns over Tan's foreign nationality and statements made in the US.
Ukraine's Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko resigned Sunday, with reports suggesting she will become Kyiv's ambassador to the US. President Zelenskyy announced broader changes in law enforcement and a "political strategy" shift. Meanwhile, a Ukrainian drone attack hit Russia's Syzran oil refinery, killing one, and Russia suspended shipping in the Sea of Azov due to drone activity.
US Ambassador to Belgium Bill White became embroiled in a media incident after two reporters from The European Correspondent accused him of sending threatening emails. The journalists, who questioned White about the alleged emails, were subsequently "roughly" ejected from a party by Belgian police, who described them as an "active threat."
US Ambassador Matthew Whitaker described NATO tensions over defense spending as "growing pains" ahead of the Ankara summit, stating the US expects Europe to take over conventional defense while the US does "less." Allies agreed to a 5% GDP defense spending target by 2035.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to attend the annual Nato summit in Ankara amid pressure from the US to increase defence spending. Despite a recent £15bn boost, the UK's commitment as a proportion of GDP is projected to rise slowly, falling short of Nato's targets. US Ambassador to Nato, Matt Whitaker, has urged members lagging behind to step up, implying the UK is among them. New Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis is pushing for a dramatic increase post-2030.
US diplomat Raymond Greene urged Taiwan to develop a 'hornet's nest' of drones to deter conflict, citing their effectiveness in Ukraine. Taiwan seeks to bolster defenses against China, with proposed drone packages facing legislative hurdles and differing approaches from the ruling party and opposition.
US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor highlighted the personal friendship between President Trump and PM Modi, recalling Trump's eagerness to call Modi at 6 am India time. Gor emphasized that this rapport is a key driver of the strong US-India relationship, which both leaders are committed to strengthening across trade, defense, and technology.
US Ambassador Sergio Gor announced the initial US-India trade deal is in its "final steps." India recorded its fifth driest June in over a century, impacting agriculture. Delhi authorities began a month-long voter list revision, while Pakistan discussed Indus Water Treaty rights amid discord. Congress leader Ajay Rai claimed detention in Ayodhya.
Venice activists plan to protest the upcoming visit of US Ambassador Tilman Fertitta and his $450m superyacht, "Boardwalk," fearing it will disrupt the Festa del Redentore and highlighting concerns about wealthy individuals "using" the city.
Keir Starmer has stepped down as UK Prime Minister after two years, citing the need to quit in good grace. His tenure saw a record fall in immigration, progress on NHS waiting times, a mixed picture on crime, a surge in renewable energy, and efforts to boost home ownership, though political turmoil persisted.
India and the US have finalized the framework of a trade agreement, but its implementation is stalled by New Delhi's need to secure a competitive tariff advantage over rival nations, according to Union Minister Piyush Goyal. The key hurdle is ensuring Indian exports face lower duties than those from competing countries.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah met with US Ambassador Sergio Gor in New Delhi to enhance bilateral security cooperation, focusing on counterterrorism and counternarcotics. The discussions aim to combat threats and bring criminals to justice, reinforcing the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.
Seoul's KOSPI hits record high above 9,000 driven by chipmakers and AI, Michelle Steel confirmed as US Ambassador to South Korea, and South Korea's global competitiveness rises 6 notches in 2026.
The US Senate confirmed Michelle Steel, a Korean American former congresswoman, as the next ambassador to South Korea. The vote paves the way for her to take up the post, vacant since January 2023, and focus on alliance modernization and bilateral agreements.
US ambassadors' tradition of intimate dinners in Brussels, used for building consensus among European allies, has largely disappeared under Donald Trump. These 'like-minded' gatherings facilitated off-the-record discussions on key policy issues, fostering candid exchanges that are now seen as diminished.
Former US Ambassadors to South Korea, Philip Goldberg and Kathleen Stephens, refuted a recent WSJ op-ed that characterized the Lee Jae-myung government as 'hard-left' and leaning towards China. They described Lee as a "very good politician" and stated that 'anti-Americanism' is an anachronism in Korean politics today.
Former US ambassadors to South Korea, Philip Goldberg and Kathleen Stephens, have refuted a recent WSJ op-ed that characterized President Lee Jae-myung's government as 'hard left' and leaning towards China. They described Lee as a "very good politician" who understands the value of the US alliance and noted that anti-Americanism is an "anachronism" in South Korean politics.
Former US ambassador Carla Sands claimed Indian immigrants succeed through fraud, sparking backlash from experts who cited their hard work and education. Sands' comments on Steve Bannon's show suggested a cultural difference in adherence to the Ten Commandments.
M&M Group Chairman Anand Mahindra met with US Ambassador Sergio Gor to discuss the automaker's investments in the US, which are boosting manufacturing, creating jobs, and strengthening supply chains. The meeting also touched upon ongoing US-India trade deal negotiations.
Undisclosed messages from Darren Jones to Peter Mandelson show Jones seeking advice on a reshuffle, criticizing colleagues, and expressing career ambitions. Mandelson, sacked as US ambassador due to Epstein links, refused to disclose his messages, leading to parliamentary demands for transparency.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum publicly rebuked US Ambassador Ron Johnson for interfering in domestic politics, escalating tensions over drug trafficking and US operations within Mexico.
A second batch of papers on Lord Mandelson's UK ambassador appointment to the US has been released, but key questions remain unanswered. These include the content of undisclosed messages, why vetting officials recommended against clearance, Mandelson's response to due diligence, details of his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, and his concerns about the Chagos Islands.
