Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for June 18th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
1. G7 concludes with no Japan-U.S. trade breakthrough
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced on Tuesday that Japan and the United States have not reached a comprehensive tariff agreement, with key disagreements persisting between the two economic powers.
Speaking to reporters in Calgary, Ishiba emphasized Japan's commitment to securing a trade deal that is mutually beneficial while staunchly safeguarding its national interests. A central point of contention remains the 25% tariff imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump on Japanese auto imports, a measure Ishiba stated is significantly impacting Japanese companies, particularly in the automotive sector, and has broader implications for the global economy.
2. Trump speaks with Netanyahu after crucial meeting on Israel-Iran conflict
President Trump spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday evening after meeting with his national security team about the escalating war between Israel and Iran, an Israeli official told Axios.
3. China's Xi signs treaty to elevate ties with Central Asia
China President Xi Jinping signed a treaty to elevate ties with Central Asian nations on Tuesday, as Beijing looks to further deepen cooperation on trade, energy and infrastructure with the resource-rich region.
Since Russia-Ukraine war, Beijing has been stepping up efforts to boost economic links with Central Asian nations traditionally within Russia's sphere of influence, drawn by their strategic location and energy resources.
4. In Bonn, parties fail to reach agreement on Global Stocktake’s call to transition away from fossil fuels
The climate community met in Bonn for the June Climate Meetings, preparing for COP30. On the first day, civil society protests highlighted urgent climate action. Disagreements over agenda items, including trade restrictions and climate finance, delayed the meeting. The EU advocated for broader finance discussions. The meeting resumed on June 17.
A workshop on the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA) featured 490 indicators, focusing on vulnerable groups and avoiding increased reporting burdens. Delegates discussed a new gender action plan, economic diversification, workforce transition, and a pilot project converting a disused mine into a hydroponic farm. Fossil fuel transitions elicited mixed intentions.
5. Ukraine war latest: Massive Russian attack kills 22, injures 134 in Kyiv
At least 22 people have been killed and at least 134 others injured after a mass Russian missile and drone attack on Kyiv overnight on June 17.
Ukraine's National Police initially reported 15 dead and 124 injured in the attack, but Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko later revised the death toll to 10. The State Emergency Service subsequently updated the figure to 16 as of 11 p.m. on July 17.
U.S. President Donald Trump called Iran’s response to Washington’s latest peace proposal “totally unacceptable” a...
Australia confirmed it will repatriate citizens from the MV Hondius cruise ship hit by a deadly hantavirus outbreak, with quarantine on arrival. Sp...
Afghanistan has signed a five-year gold mining contract with Afghan and Azerbaijani companies in a deal worth more...
Health authorities are grappling with a complex logistical and public health challenge following the emergence of a rare strain of hantavirus linke...
French President Emmanuel Macron opened France’s first-ever business summit in...
U.S. President Donald Trump called Iran’s response to Washington’s latest peace proposal “totally unacceptable” amid talks over ending the war and securing shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. A cargo vessel near Qatar was hit by a projectile as Kuwait reported hostile drones in its airspace.
Australia confirmed it will repatriate citizens from the MV Hondius cruise ship hit by a deadly hantavirus outbreak, with quarantine on arrival. Spain, France are evacuating nationals as three deaths are confirmed. In the U.S., two passengers have been isolated after testing positive for the virus.
Afghanistan has signed a five-year gold mining contract with Afghan and Azerbaijani companies in a deal worth more than $20m, the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum has said.
French President Emmanuel Macron opened France’s first-ever business summit in an English-speaking African nation on Monday (11 May), as Paris seeks to strengthen ties across the continent following a decline in influence in several former French colonies.
Australia confirmed it will repatriate citizens from the MV Hondius cruise ship hit by a deadly hantavirus outbreak, with quarantine on arrival. Spain, France are evacuating nationals as three deaths are confirmed. In the U.S., two passengers have been isolated after testing positive for the virus.
U.S. President Donald Trump called Iran’s response to Washington’s latest peace proposal “totally unacceptable” amid talks over ending the war and securing shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. A cargo vessel near Qatar was hit by a projectile as Kuwait reported hostile drones in its airspace.
China’s leading chipmakers are funnelling unprecedented sums into research and development as Beijing accelerates efforts to reduce reliance on foreign technology amid intensifying U.S. export restrictions.
SOCAR has completed the acquisition of a 99.82% stake in Italiana Petroli (IP) from API Holding after receiving all required regulatory approvals.
The United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) has warned that France risks undermining the self-determination rights of the Kanak Indigenous People in New Caledonia amid proposed political and constitutional reforms.
French President Emmanuel Macron opened France’s first-ever business summit in an English-speaking African nation on Monday (11 May), as Paris seeks to strengthen ties across the continent following a decline in influence in several former French colonies.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will attempt a political fightback on Monday (11 May) with a speech promising closer ties with the European Union after Labour suffered heavy local election losses and growing calls for his resignation.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday that three Polish nationals and two Moldovan citizens had been released from detention in Belarus and Russia, highlighting what he described as growing diplomatic cooperation with Minsk.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel aims to eventually end its reliance on U.S. financial military support within the next decade. The decision signals a long-term shift in the country’s defence policy as it seeks to deepen ties with Gulf states.
Thaksin Shinawatra, Thailand’s billionaire former prime minister, has been released on parole from prison on Monday (11 May). Shinawatra served part of an eight-month sentence that capped years of legal battles, political turmoil and controversy surrounding his return from exile.
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