The FCC's potential ban on Chinese optical transceivers highlights the slow and costly nature of US-China tech decoupling, impacting AI hardware and data centers despite security concerns over data theft and service disruption.
The People’s Liberation Army and Indonesian forces have conducted joint naval exercises east of Taiwan, demonstrating deeper military cooperation between Beijing and Jakarta.
A power cut at a Manchester signalling centre has caused a second day of rail disruptions in north-west England, affecting multiple train operators and thousands of passengers, with delays expected until noon.
Trains across north-west England and Greater Manchester face major cancellations and hour-long delays following a power failure at the Manchester Rail Operating Centre.
Ukrainian President Zelensky claims Putin's aides signal his isolation due to war losses and a "toxic atmosphere." Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov met in Manila to discuss the Ukraine conflict, while Russia banned night-time shipping at Novorossiysk port due to drone attacks, and a German plant received approval to work with Russia's Rosatom.
China's Ministry of Science and Technology and the European Commission have signed a two-year joint research funding agreement, supporting scientific cooperation until 2027 in areas like food, agriculture, biosolutions, climate change, and biodiversity.
Khalil al-Hayya has been elected as the new head of Hamas, ending a nearly two-year leadership vacuum after Yahya Sinwar's assassination. Al-Hayya, seen as a pragmatist, won by a single vote against Khaled Meshaal and may facilitate US-led negotiations on Gaza's future.
Ant Digital Technologies, Alibaba's fintech affiliate, launched "Agentar 2.0," an upgraded AI agent platform featuring 200 digital expert templates. CEO Cyril Han Xinyi stated the platform aims to restructure enterprise workflows for collective productivity, moving beyond individual task acceleration.
Iran launched simultaneous missile and drone attacks across the Gulf targeting Qatar, UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, and Oman. This follows US airstrikes in Iran and an Iranian attack on a ship in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran declared the Strait closed, while the US stated it remains open.
The High Pay Centre (HPC), known for its analysis of executive pay and the pay gap, is set to close due to the termination of its funding by the Financial Fairness Trust, now renamed Aberdeen Group Charitable Trust. This closure highlights a broader trend of reduced funding for social justice research, influenced by a shift away from DEI/ESG initiatives.
US President Donald Trump announced new arms sales to NATO allies and Ukraine, including advanced air defence systems, during a summit in Ankara. He highlighted a planned Patriot missile maintenance facility and a license for Ukraine to manufacture Patriot interceptor missiles, signaling a strengthened military partnership.
US President Donald Trump announced new arms sales to Europe, including advanced air defence systems for Ukraine, during the Nato summit in Ankara. He highlighted a planned Patriot missile maintenance facility and stated that American equipment would be a major beneficiary of European military rebuilding.
The EU's current trade disputes with China share similarities with the 1970s-80s trade conflict between Europe and Japan, particularly concerning fears of import competition undermining domestic production in sectors like autos and electronics. However, China's geopolitical status as a "systemic rival" distinguishes it from Japan, which was a political ally.
Jailed Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong will plead guilty to conspiring with a fugitive former lawmaker to collude with foreign forces. A plea and sentencing hearing is scheduled for September 2. The charge carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment under the national security law.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte called for clear, concrete spending plans from allies at the Ankara summit. Nations agreed to invest 5% of GDP on defense, with the US pressing for increased contributions as it scales back its European security role. The Netherlands announced multi-billion euro defense deals.
A city is experiencing an active flu season dominated by the H3 subtype of influenza A, similar to the previous year. The season is defying typical patterns, having extended from the previous year, and is expected to remain active through August and September, with vaccines noted as effective.
Indonesian President Widodo began a tour in Lampung, appearing with PSI officials and accepting a royal title. Analysts suggest this signals his intent to remain politically relevant and support PSI, chaired by his son, despite leaving office with a high approval rating.
Former Indonesian President Jokowi is actively engaging in politics post-presidency, appearing with the Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI) and accepting a royal title in Lampung. Analysts suggest this signals his intent to bolster PSI's relevance and maintain his own political influence.
The NBA is launching a 'Future of Basketball in Asia' track under its NBA Launchpad innovation program to connect startups with the league. Head of NBA Investments, David Lee, stated the move reflects Asia's growing role as an innovation creator, not just a market. The program aims to foster global innovation in basketball through technology.
SCMP presents a selection of seven recent news stories. The first highlight details US and Iran talks in Switzerland, which reportedly cooled tensions and led to assets being returned to Iran, though key issues remain unresolved. Other mentioned highlights include a deadly school shooting in the Philippines and a Chinese man jailed for breeding snakes.
Donald Trump called Andy Burnham "extremely liberal" and criticized the UK, suggesting a difficult relationship if Burnham becomes PM. His remarks came during a meeting with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, where Trump also expressed disappointment with European allies over the Iran conflict.
Gold prices are seeing limited gains despite falling oil prices, as central banks signal potential rate hikes to combat inflation. Geopolitical developments, including US-Iran talks and Israeli-Lebanese deconfliction, are also influencing the market, alongside a strengthening US Dollar.
Iran announced progress in talks, citing the lifting of a blockade, release of frozen assets, and a reconstruction plan. However, Iran's Foreign Minister stated the "real test" is deconfliction in Lebanon. The US stated unfrozen assets should be spent on American goods and not fund terrorism.
Three fully laden India-linked supertankers, Desh Vibhor, Desh Vaibhav, and Sanmar Herald, were observed in the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea. Carrying nearly 6 million barrels of oil, their reappearance follows conflicting reports from Iran and the US regarding traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
