SCMP Overseas Correspondents Highlights: July 2026
From US arms promises to EU sanctions and USMCA troubles, here are highlights from the SCMP’s overseas correspondents in July 2026
Quick Look
SCMP highlights key global relations stories from July 2026, including Nato defence projects targeting Russia and China, China's openness to reducing its EU trade surplus, and a US-Saudi nuclear deal tied to Israel recognition.
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Why It Matters
The article summarizes selected international reporting by SCMP correspondents covering global political and trade developments.
From US arms promises to EU sanctions and USMCA troubles, here are highlights from the SCMP’s overseas correspondents in July 2026
We have selected seven of the most interesting and important news stories covering global relations from the past few weeks. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing.
1. Nato launches defence projects to counter Russia and China
Nato member states unveiled a series of defence initiatives in June aimed at strengthening weapons development, production and supply chains in response to security challenges posed by Russia and China.
2. Exclusive: China signals openness to cut gaping EU trade gap as Brussels toughens stance
China told the European Union that it is open to exploring ways to cut its massive trade surplus with the bloc during talks in Brussels, according to multiple people briefed on the discussion.
3. Trump throws Saudi nuclear deal into doubt with Israel recognition demand
The White House threw a US-Saudi Arabia nuclear deal into question just a day after it was signed, emphasising that it depended on the oil-rich Gulf country recognising Israel under a 2020 diplomatic initiative.
Open Questions
- What specific defence projects did Nato launch?
- How will China address the EU trade gap?
