US President Donald Trump stated that Xi Jinping assured him there were no plans for forceful pressure on Taiwan. This happened during a personal conversation between the leaders.
Russian troops attacked a training base of the Ukrainian Armed Forces near Kropyvnytskyi, hitting the dining hall. At least ten foreign volunteers were killed, and over a hundred servicemen were wounded.
China is deliberately prolonging the war in Ukraine, strengthening military and economic cooperation with Russia. Beijing considers the conflict beneficial for weakening the United States. This position nullifies Western peace initiatives.
Citi raised its gold price forecast to $3500 per ounce, anticipating a worsening US economy and inflation. This is due to new tariffs, a weakening dollar, and expectations of a Fed rate cut.
The US Department of Defense announced on July 31, 2025, the signing of large-scale contracts worth tens of billions of dollars. The agreements cover aviation, navy, army, scientific developments, and international cooperation, including arms supplies to allies.
Oil prices barely changed as fears of tariffs' impact on demand balanced the threat of supply disruption from Russia. Brent and WTI futures rose slightly, but are expected to increase by 4.9% and 6.4% respectively by the end of the week.
US President Donald Trump has maintained a basic tariff rate of 10% for countries with a positive trade balance. For 40 countries with a trade deficit with the US, a minimum tariff of 15% has been set, and for Canada, the tariff has increased to 35%.
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te canceled his trip to Latin America after the US opposed his stopover in New York. The Trump administration denied permission for the stopover after objections from China, intensifying concerns about the US position.
The Trump administration did not allow Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te to stop over in New York on his way to Central America after protests from China. This decision raised concerns about a softening of the US position towards China.
Mykhailo Kokhan won a gold medal in hammer throw with a result of 77. 10 m at the World Universiade, which became the 11th medal for Ukraine. Overall, Ukraine ranks 7th in the overall standings.
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.
Kyrylo Hurnov, a student of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, won a bronze medal in taekwondo at the 2025 Universiade in the under 80 kg weight category. This is Ukraine's sixth medal at these competitions.
Typhoon Wipha caused the cancellation and delay of all daytime flights in Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, and Macau. Wind speeds reached 140 km/h, leading to the closure of amusement parks and the evacuation of over 200 people to shelters.
More than 5,000 Tuvalu citizens have applied for Australian visas due to rising ocean levels. The Australian government has stopped accepting applications for 2026, as the number of applicants exceeded the quota.
The Commander-in-Chief of NATO's European forces, Alexus Hrynkevych, stated that the US and the EU have 18 months to prepare for a possible large-scale military conflict with China and Russia. There is a risk of coordinated aggression, which could lead to a simultaneous attack on Taiwan and NATO countries.
Japan recognized China's military cooperation with Russia as a serious security threat that could change the Indo-Pacific region. Beijing criticized the report, calling it an "incorrect perception of China."
The Pentagon is demanding that Japan and Australia clearly define their actions in the event of a US-China war over Taiwan, causing frustration among allies. This is part of US efforts to strengthen deterrence and prepare for a potential conflict.
South Korea, the US, and Japan conducted joint air exercises over international waters near Jeju Island, involving a B-52H bomber. This is part of efforts to strengthen the response to nuclear and missile threats from North Korea.
Nvidia became the first company whose market value exceeded $4 trillion, underscoring Wall Street's confidence in the potential of artificial intelligence. The company's shares rose to $164.42, although they later fell slightly.
Tropical storm "Danas" approached the eastern regions of China, causing heavy rains and flood warnings. The storm is moving through the country's industrial heartland, where up to 300 mm of precipitation is expected.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz plans his first visit to China to ease relations after prolonged tension. The trip, expected in October, has symbolic significance for maintaining bilateral relations and restoring contacts.
Tropical Storm Danas is heading towards China's eastern coast, with Zhejiang province preparing for its landfall. The storm has already swept through Taiwan, causing two deaths and injuring over 600.
The spiritual leader of Tibet, the Dalai Lama, celebrated his 90th birthday with a prayer for peace while in exile in India. He stated that his successor would be born in the free world, and the responsibility for his appointment would rest solely with the Ganden Phodrang Trust.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that China could ask Russia to start hostilities in Europe to distract the West in the event of an attack on Taiwan. He emphasized the need to deter Russia and China by strengthening NATO and cooperating with the Indo-Pacific region.
The US Department of Defense continues to provide Donald Trump with recommendations on military aid to Ukraine, analyzing and adjusting the approach to achieve the goal of ending the war. The review of arms supplies is aimed at aligning with US defense priorities, but details regarding the types of weapons and timelines are not disclosed.
President Zelenskyy stated that last year, deliveries of machine tools for Russia's military-industrial complex were recorded from at least 12 countries, including China, the US, and Germany.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof in The Hague. A new aid package for Ukraine worth 175 million euros, including 100 drone detection radars, and an additional 80 million euros for drones, was discussed.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on international partners to stop supplying components for Russian missiles and equipment. He emphasized that these components, found in Russian weapons, come from various countries, including European ones, the USA, China, and Taiwan.
SIPRI report shows growing global tensions and regional conflicts. The nuclear stockpile has increased, and disarmament is becoming less attainable.
Japanese ispace reported a failed attempt to land the Resilience module on the Moon. Due to a sensor failure, the module crashed in the Sea of Cold area.
