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On the evening of July 29, the foreign ministers of France and Saudi Arabia attended a special United Nations meeting in New York, where 15 countries issued a joint statement urging the international community to take steps toward recognizing Palestine as a sovereign state. This aligns with French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent announcement that France will officially recognize Palestinian statehood in September.

The countries endorsing the joint statement include Andorra, Australia, Canada, Finland, France, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Slovenia, and Spain.

France aims to create momentum for broader recognition of Palestine. On the same day, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called on Israel to take “concrete steps” toward a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, warning that the UK would also officially recognize a Palestinian state in September if progress is not made. With both the UK and France—two G7 nations—leading the initiative and joined by 14 other countries, the coalition seeks to reinforce a shared commitment to a two-state solution.

During the meeting, 17 countries, along with the European Union and the Arab League, also urged Hamas to disarm and end its rule in Gaza to bring the war to a close. On July 30, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated that if the Palestinian Authority commits to holding elections in 2026 excluding Hamas and promises democratic reforms, Canada will also recognize Palestine at the UN General Assembly in September.

U.S. President Donald Trump recently announced a decision to shorten the original 50-day deadline for Russia and Ukraine to negotiate a ceasefire, expressing strong dissatisfaction with Russian President Vladimir Putin. According to a CNN report, Trump declared that starting from July 28, Russia would have only 12 days left to reach a ceasefire agreement with Ukraine, or the United States would impose secondary tariffs as punishment.

According to foreign media reports, during a July 14 meeting at the White House with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump stated that the U.S. would provide Ukraine with a new round of military aid, including the urgently needed Patriot air defense systems. He emphasized that if Russia fails to reach an agreement within the 50-day period, the U.S. would impose harsher economic sanctions, including a 100% secondary tariff.

Despite the U.S. ultimatum, Russia has continued launching missile and drone attacks on multiple Ukrainian cities, including the capital Kyiv. During a visit to Scotland on July 28, Trump reiterated his disappointment with Putin and announced his decision to move the deadline forward.

Trump had previously issued a public warning in July, stating that if President Putin did not halt military actions, the U.S. would implement "secondary sanctions" and impose a 100% tariff on Russian goods. U.S. officials explained that the new "secondary tariff" mechanism is designed to penalize countries and companies that bypass existing sanctions and indirectly support the Russian economy.

After five days of border conflict that resulted in at least 35 casualties, leaders from Thailand and Cambodia convened an emergency high-level meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on July 28, 2025, and announced that a ceasefire agreement had been reached. The meeting was mediated by U.S. President Donald Trump and hosted by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim at his official residence in Putrajaya, Malaysia’s administrative capital. Ambassadors from both the United States and China in Malaysia were also present at the talks, underscoring the high level of international concern.

In a statement issued in the evening, Prime Minister Anwar announced: “Thailand and Cambodia have reached the following consensus: First, to immediately implement an unconditional ceasefire, effective at 12:00 midnight local time on July 28, 2025.” Following President Trump’s intervention, both sides agreed to swiftly end nearly five days of military conflict and to launch follow-up negotiations aimed at stabilizing the border situation and preventing future clashes.

President Trump posted on his social media platform “Truth Social,” stating: “I just had a meeting with Thailand’s Acting Prime Minister Puttan and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet. Both parties have successfully reached a ceasefire and peace agreement. Congratulations to all!” He also announced that he had instructed the U.S. trade delegation to resume negotiations on trade agreements with both Thailand and Cambodia, aiming to avert tariff threats and promote regional stability.

A massive protest broke out in Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, on the 26th, with police estimating around 18,000 people taking to the streets demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Many demonstrators wore black clothing and black headbands, holding signs such as “Anwar Step Down” to protest against what they see as poor governance, worsening livelihoods, and broken reform promises.

According to a Reuters report, the main drivers of public anger include skyrocketing living costs and the government’s failure to deliver on reform pledges. Anwar came to power in 2022 as a reformist but has since implemented several controversial policies, such as raising the sales and service tax (SST) and cutting subsidies to increase government revenue. These measures have been criticized for pushing up prices and placing a heavier burden on ordinary citizens.

A 23-year-old protester, Nur Shahirah Leman, expressed concern over tax hikes and high electricity charges imposed on large corporations, believing the cost will ultimately be passed down to consumers.

In addition to economic and livelihood issues, the Anwar administration is also facing accusations of judicial interference and weak anti-corruption efforts. Recent decisions by prosecutors to drop corruption charges against ruling coalition allies, along with delays in appointing the Chief Justice of the Federal Court, have drawn criticism that Anwar is trying to manipulate the judiciary — allegations he has repeatedly denied.

Notably, former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, who recently turned 100 years old, also made an appearance at the protest. Addressing the crowd, he accused Anwar of abusing his power to suppress dissent, saying, “Innocent people are prosecuted, while the guilty walk free.”

Mahathir and Anwar, once mentor and protégé, have had a long and tumultuous relationship that has defined Malaysian politics for nearly three decades. They briefly reunited in 2018 to defeat the long-ruling Barisan Nasional coalition, but their political alliance collapsed in less than two years due to internal strife, turning them back into rivals.

This protest highlights that Anwar is facing not only economic and governance challenges but also fierce resistance from veteran political opponents, suggesting that Malaysia’s political landscape may become even more volatile in the future.

Peru has suffered yet another tragic traffic accident. In the early morning of July 26 (local time), a long-distance passenger bus plunged into a ravine while traveling through the Andes Mountains, leaving at least 18 people dead and 48 injured. The crash site was devastating, with the bus heavily mangled and shattered. Many passengers were thrown from the vehicle, and graphic images of the wreckage have shocked the public.

According to Peruvian police and local media, the accident occurred on a winding mountain road in the Huánuco region. The bus, operated by Empresa de Transportes Maldonado, was en route from the capital, Lima, to Pucallpa, a city in the Amazon region. Preliminary reports suggest that rainy weather, slippery roads, speeding, and poor road conditions may have contributed to the driver losing control. The bus then plummeted over 200 meters down into a gorge.

Rescue teams and local residents rushed to the scene to assist, transporting survivors to nearby hospitals for treatment. Police stated that most of the deceased were adults, including two children. Several of the injured are in critical condition, and the death toll may rise further. Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the accident and have not ruled out the possibility of driver fatigue or mechanical failure.

Mountain roads in Peru are notoriously dangerous, with treacherous terrain and lax vehicle regulations. According to the country's traffic safety agency, around 3,000 people die each year in road accidents, with the Andes region being a frequent hotspot for such tragedies.

The accident site has since been sealed off, and authorities have urged the public to stay away to allow for rescue and investigation efforts. Peru’s Ministry of Transport has also pledged to strengthen oversight of long-distance bus companies in hopes of preventing similar tragedies in the future.

On July 24, the Australian government announced that it will ease restrictions on the import of fresh and frozen beef from the United States, a move widely seen as a significant bargaining chip in Australia–U.S. trade negotiations. The new policy will take effect on July 28, allowing Australian businesses to apply for permits to import American beef.

Since 2003, Australia had restricted imports of U.S. beef due to concerns over mad cow disease. It wasn't until 2024 that some restrictions were lifted, leading to a gradual reopening of the market. Now, Australia has stated that, in recognition of advances in U.S. safety measures, it will allow the legal import of beef from cattle sourced in Canada and Mexico but slaughtered in the United States.

Australia’s Minister for Agriculture, Julie Collins, said the country is satisfied with the U.S. approach to managing biosecurity risks. Over the past decade, the U.S. has strengthened its controls over cattle movement, scientific evaluations, and risk assessments, which Australia believes can effectively manage biosecurity threats. Collins emphasized that the Australian government will not compromise on biosecurity standards.

Since 1990, Australia has exported around 400,000 tons of beef annually to the United States, making it the largest beef exporter to the U.S. market. Due to its lower fat content and competitive pricing, Australian beef has been favored by American fast food chains. However, analysts suggest that U.S. beef may struggle to compete in the Australian market, where local beef remains popular due to its affordability.

Thailand and Cambodia have recently reignited military conflict over a disputed border area. According to Thailand’s Ministry of Defense, intense fighting broke out early on the 24th in the Phra Viharn mountainous region near the Preah Vihear Temple, resulting in 12 Thai soldiers killed and 14 wounded. Casualties on the Cambodian side have yet to be officially confirmed.

Reports indicate that the clash was triggered when Cambodian troops entered a buffer zone claimed by Thailand as its sovereign territory. The standoff quickly escalated into an exchange of gunfire and artillery. Eyewitnesses reported multiple explosions, prompting the evacuation of local residents; hundreds have since sought temporary shelter.

Thai Prime Minister Payung Chan-o-cha convened an emergency national security meeting, condemning Cambodia for "violating sovereignty" and vowing to "defend territorial integrity through diplomatic and military means." Meanwhile, Cambodia’s Ministry of Defense accused Thailand of firing first and insisted its troops were operating within its own territory, calling for international mediation.

Between 2008 and 2011, both countries clashed several times over sovereignty claims surrounding the Preah Vihear Temple area, leading to dozens of casualties. Although the International Court of Justice ruled in 1962 that the temple belongs to Cambodia, disputes over the surrounding land persist.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has called for restraint from both sides and recommended launching a multilateral negotiation mechanism to prevent further escalation.

Citing a conflict between continued participation in the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and its “America First” national interests, the United States announced on July 22 its decision to withdraw from the organization. The withdrawal will take effect on December 31, 2026, marking the third time the U.S. has exited UNESCO.

According to a statement by U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce, UNESCO has shown a consistent bias favoring Palestine and mainland China, while spreading anti-Israel rhetoric. The organization is also seen as promoting divisive and "woke" cultural and social agendas, and heavily focuses on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals—views the U.S. considers part of a globalist and ideological development agenda. Bruce also noted that several top UNESCO officials are Chinese nationals, further highlighting the organization’s misalignment with American priorities. The U.S. formally notified UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay of its decision on July 22.

In response, Director-General Azoulay stated that UNESCO has undergone structural reforms in recent years. She emphasized that U.S. contributions now account for only 8% of the organization’s total budget, and its diversified funding sources have offset the financial impact. Headquartered in Paris, UNESCO’s mission is to promote world peace through international cooperation in education, science, and culture. The U.S. previously withdrew in 1984, rejoined in 2003, left again in 2018 under President Trump, and re-entered during the Biden administration. This marks the third U.S. withdrawal from the organization.

Japan held its House of Councillors election on July 20, where the ruling coalition—comprising the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and Komeito—lost its majority, triggering political turbulence. Despite the unfavorable outcome, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced at a press conference the following day that he would remain in office, stressing that he bears the responsibility to lead the nation through what he called “a time of national crisis,” referencing ongoing Japan-U.S. tariff negotiations and rising domestic prices.

According to foreign media reports, Ishiba’s decision sparked intense dissatisfaction within the LDP. Party insiders pointed out that the LDP has now suffered three consecutive defeats—in the 2024 House of Representatives election, the 2025 Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly election, and the latest Upper House election. Several lawmakers criticized Ishiba for failing to take political responsibility and called for his resignation.

Acting LDP Secretary-General Tatsuo Fukuda revealed that he received about 20 calls from party members on election night, with many young lawmakers expressing deep frustration over the results. Former Minister for Economic Security Takayuki Kobayashi also publicly stated that, as party leader, Ishiba must confront his responsibilities.

On July 21, senior party advisor Taro Aso and former Secretary-General Toshimitsu Motegi held talks and reached a consensus that failing to hold anyone accountable would invite further criticism. However, not only did Ishiba declare his intention to stay on, the entire party executive team also retained their positions—including Secretary-General Hiroshi Moriyama—prompting further backlash. On social media platform X, Acting Election Strategy Committee Chair Taro Kono criticized the move, saying that while the Prime Minister may have a reason to remain in office due to the tariff negotiations, Moriyama’s decision not to resign as the official in charge of elections was simply “wrong.”