MCC Brussels, a right-wing think tank with ties to Viktor Orbán, has been suspended from the EU's Transparency Register for failing to disclose financial information and funding sources. The suspension could limit its access to EU institutions and policy discussions.
A Lowy Institute report indicates China's capacity to strike Australia will increase substantially over the next decade, posing a strategic challenge. This includes interdicting trade, severing communications, cyber operations, and naval power projection.
A Lowy Institute report indicates China's missile capabilities pose a growing threat to Australia, with new long-range and hypersonic weapons increasing Beijing's capacity for direct strikes. The report assesses China's military build-up, not its intentions, highlighting the need for informed public discussion.
China has arrested a U.S. citizen, Min Zin, who heads a Myanmar-focused think tank, on suspicion of espionage and endangering national security. The detention occurred on June 3 at Kunming airport, with sources citing the sensitivity of the case. The U.S. State Department confirmed awareness and is providing consular assistance.
China has detained a Myanmar citizen, Min Zin, on suspicion of espionage and endangering national security. The US consulate in Guangzhou has been notified. This comes as Myanmar's President Min Aung Hlaing is set to visit China next week.
China's foreign ministry confirmed ongoing "communications on the relevant dialogue" with the EU. EU sources indicated meetings were postponed, not as retaliation by Beijing, amid Chinese academic Guo Mingxu's criticism of Brussels blaming China for its own failures.
US strikes Iran on Trump's orders amid escalating Middle East tensions. Iran retaliates by targeting bases in Kuwait and Bahrain, closing the Strait of Hormuz to all vessels.
China's nuclear warhead stockpile grew to 620 by January 2026, up from 600, with potential increases in operational deployment, according to SIPRI, amidst concerns over disarmament commitments.
A CREA report states China's inflexible grid management, reliant on coal, is wasting wind and solar energy. This hinders clean energy expansion and increases reliance on fossil fuels, despite efforts towards energy security.
A CREA report states China's grid management, favoring coal, is wasting wind and solar energy. This inflexibility hinders clean energy expansion, leaving China more exposed to energy security issues like the Strait of Hormuz crisis.
Nato Secretary-General Mark Rutte warned young Russians they face a high chance of death or injury if they join the war in Ukraine, citing "staggering" Russian losses. Meanwhile, EU members agreed to open accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova.
MEP Alexandr Vondra is under scrutiny for failing to disclose his honorary chair role at the Prague Center of Transatlantic Relations (PCTR), an influential Czech think tank. Transparency International argues this may violate the EU Parliament's code of conduct, as PCTR is funded by major defense companies Vondra negotiates legislation for.
Ukrainian drones targeted a warship and an oil terminal near St Petersburg on Wednesday, hours before a major economic forum. The Boikiy corvette was reportedly hit in dry dock, causing a large fire, while infrastructure objects were struck in three districts.
Smoke rose over St. Petersburg after a Ukrainian drone attack on Wednesday, hitting infrastructure objects and an oil terminal ahead of Russia's annual economic forum. President Zelensky claimed military targets were hit, while Russia reported downing hundreds of drones.
Reports indicate Putin receives false battlefield info, Zelensky requests more Patriot missiles from the US, and Russia hosts an economic forum amid drone and missile attacks.
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reports that Russian President Vladimir Putin is receiving inaccurate battlefield information, leading him to believe his forces can achieve near- to medium-term goals despite declining performance. This perception persists despite warnings from senior Russian officials about the unaffordability of the war's spending.
US law enforcement is warning of 'anti-tech extremism' amid growing hatred towards AI, while a bipartisan amendment seeks to end nationwide police license plate tracking. Other reports cover ballot seizures, ICE firearms trainer involvement in shootings, hackable robot lawn mowers, cybercrime claims against MyPillow, a controversial State Department office, DHS data demands, AI safety bills, and election officials preparing for ICE presence.
Polish FM Radosław Sikorski stated in Spain that Poland will never again be a Russian colony. He emphasized the need for European defense autonomy, cooperation with the US, and increased defense spending, noting Russia's threats extend even to distant Spain.
An analysis suggests China's economic influence and the spillover effects of its fluctuations are underestimated due to low investment goods costs. This could support the yuan's emergence as a strong currency.
Taiwan's main opposition leader, Cheng, is visiting the US for a politically sensitive two-week trip. The visit, her first to the US in two years, follows a meeting with Xi Jinping in China.
Taiwanese lawmakers and US think tank chairman discussed geopolitical changes post-Xi-Trump summit. US policy on Taiwan remains unchanged, focusing on peace and defense support. Experts urged strategic resolve against Beijing's tactics and emphasized cross-strait security cooperation.
China was the second-largest financial contributor to UN peacekeeping missions in 2025, after the US, according to a report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). The report noted a substantial rise in China's share as geopolitical tensions increasingly paralyzed multilateral peace operations.
US think tanks believe President Trump will not abandon Taiwan, viewing it as a crucial "pivot" in US-China competition. While Trump may use arms sales as a negotiation chip, cancellation is unlikely. Taiwan's significant trade surplus with the US and its vital semiconductor supply chain are also key concerns.
O bloqueio naval dos EUA ao Estreito de Ormuz, próximo de completar quatro meses, é marcado por cobranças de pedágio pelo Irã e retaliações americanas. Negociações frágeis e a pressão econômica sobre ambos os países aumentam o risco de escalada regional.
