Ukraine has imposed sanctions against over 90 Russian companies that extract rare earth metals for the Russian military-industrial complex. Additionally, 18 packages of European sanctions have been synchronized, targeting the shadow tanker fleet and 53 individuals and legal entities.
Northern China, including Beijing and Hebei province, has been hit by heavy rains, resulting in the death of two people and the evacuation of thousands of residents. Record rainfall, floods, and landslides have been recorded, as well as power and communication outages in some areas.
President Zelenskyy signed a decree on new personal sanctions against dozens of individuals and legal entities from Russia, China, Iran, and the UAE. The restrictions apply to companies involved in the extraction and processing of rare earth metals for drone production and the supply of military-purpose technologies to the Russian military-industrial complex.
Chinese company Huawei Technologies has unveiled the Atlas 900 A3 Superpod AI-based computing system, which is almost twice as fast as Nvidia GB200. This cluster, costing $8 million, consumes four times more power and uses five times more chips than Nvidia's solution.
US President Donald Trump called the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia, urging them to cease hostilities that erupted at the beginning of the week, and warned about the absence of trade agreements. Both countries face economic challenges, including the threat of high US tariffs, and Thailand, which depends on exports, has not yet concluded agreements with the US.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that NATO and the US estimate Russia and China's readiness for open confrontation with the West by 2027. He received this information from the Commander of NATO's Allied Forces in Europe, General Alexus Grynkewich.
The Beijing Meteorological Agency has issued a warning for landslides and mudslides for 10 districts of the city after heavy rains. Over 46,000 people have been affected, 4,655 evacuated, and 13 rivers have exceeded flood warning levels.
The Australian government has signed a treaty with the United Kingdom to strengthen cooperation on AUKUS nuclear submarines for the next 50 years. This treaty will allow for comprehensive cooperation on the design, construction, operation, maintenance, and disposal of SSN-AUKUS submarines.
Global electric vehicle sales grew by 37% in the first half of 2024, reaching 5. 9 million units. China remains the dominant market with 3.7 million new EVs, while Europe recorded a record 1.2 million sales.
At the UN, the US called on China to stop exporting dual-use goods to Russia that are used in the war against Ukraine. China responded that it is not a party to the conflict and accused the US of trying to shift blame.
At the UN, the US reminded Russia of Trump's 50-day ultimatum regarding peace in Ukraine and accused China of supplying dual-use goods used in the war. Russia continues to attack civilians despite the UN resolution.
Chinese automaker Zeekr, part of the Geely group, plans to expand its operations in the EU despite the imposed tariffs. The company is preparing to enter the markets of Germany, Great Britain, France, Italy, and Spain within the next 12-24 months.
Vietnam's Ministry of Public Security has agreed to purchase two Lockheed Martin helicopters, a key security deal with the US following the lifting of the arms embargo. This deal, worth over $100 million, comes amid trade talks between the countries.
Tropical storm Wipha caused severe floods in the central Vietnamese province of Nghe An, killing at least three people and leaving one missing. Over 3,700 homes were submerged, and 1,600 hectares of rice paddies were damaged.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated that cooperation between China and Russia is not directed against other states and should not be influenced by third parties. This was a response to EU calls for China to limit trade and industrial cooperation with Russia amid the war in Ukraine.
The European Automobile Manufacturers' Association called for additional incentives for electric vehicles after the largest drop in new car sales in 10 months in June. New EV registrations fell by 5.1% to 1.24 million, indicating a slowdown in demand growth.
Chinese engines are secretly supplied to the Russian drone manufacturer IEMZ Kupol through shell companies, which has allowed for an increase in the production of Harpy-A1 attack drones despite Western sanctions. The new Chinese firm Beijing Xichao International Technology and Trade began supplying L550E engines to Kupol after sanctions were imposed on Xiamen Limbach Aviation Engine Co.
Indian company Ideal Detonators Private Limited supplied military-grade explosive octogen to Russia in December for $1. 4 million. This happened despite US warnings of possible sanctions against organizations supporting Russia's war efforts.
The number of companies and organizations compromised by the security vulnerability on Microsoft SharePoint servers has grown to 400. Most of the victims are in the US, including the National Nuclear Security Administration.
Brent and WTI crude futures edged lower after three sessions of declines. This happened amid a US-Japan agreement and discussions of sanctions against Russian oil, which affects global trade sentiment.
US President Donald Trump announced new trade agreements, setting tariffs on imports from Japan at 15% and from the Philippines at 19%. These steps are shaping a new trade landscape where 10% is considered the new norm, and American companies still profitably import goods.
According to Martin Wolf, the outcome of the war in Ukraine will affect the future of European liberal democracy. He emphasized that Ukraine is fighting for the right to choose its own destiny, against Russia's autocracy and its desire to dominate Europe.
BYD's luxury brand Yangwang plans to enter the European market in 2026, competing with Bentley and Ferrari. Currently, its most popular model is the U8 SUV, capable of floating.
The 2025 Venice Film Festival will take place from August 27 to September 9, presenting new works by famous directors and actors. Among the premieres are Guillermo del Toro's "Frankenstein", Yorgos Lanthimos' "Bugonia" and Paolo Sorrentino's "Grace", as well as Netflix films.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa will meet with the leaders of Japan and China. In Tokyo, agreements on cooperation in the defense industry and economic security are planned to be signed, while no significant agreements are expected from the summit in Beijing.
Donald Trump has decided to withdraw the US from UNESCO due to its anti-American and anti-Israeli sentiments, as well as an "unjustified" agenda. This decision was made after a 90-day review of America's presence in the organization.
Heavy rains in China's Shandong province have led to the death of two people and the disappearance of ten. Half a year's worth of precipitation fell in five hours, causing floods and destruction of homes.
In China, dozens of provincial officials and medical personnel attempted to conceal a lead poisoning incident that caused illness in hundreds of children. The investigation uncovered bribery and the use of inedible paint in a kindergarten, which led to lead levels in food exceeding the norm by 2000 times.
Iran does not plan to abandon uranium enrichment, despite serious damage to facilities from US strikes, which is a matter of national pride. Negotiations with European states, China, and Russia on the nuclear issue and possible sanctions are resuming, as the 2015 agreement expires in October.
China has banned a US citizen working for the Department of Commerce from leaving the country for several months, coinciding with Beijing and Washington's attempts to organize a leaders' summit to resolve trade disputes. The exit ban was imposed due to the failure to indicate employment with the US government in the visa application.
