Amid trade tensions, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met in Kuala Lumpur, agreeing to explore cooperation areas. Discussions included communication improvement and potential Trump-Xi meeting. While trade disputes persist, the focus shifted to broader cooperation. Rubio also addressed Southeast Asian concerns about US policies and China's growing influence, emphasizing security issues alongside trade.
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Air Arabia is expanding its European network by nearly 20% this winter, launching daily flights from Sharjah to Munich, Prague, and Warsaw-Modlin. This strategic move targets leisure and diaspora travel, leveraging a low-cost model and secondary airports. The expansion signals rising competition on Gulf-Europe routes and a push into new markets, enhancing connectivity and passenger experience.
At the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz pledged to procure US-made Patriot missile systems for Ukraine, amidst ongoing Russian aerial attacks. He urged the US to increase Patriot deliveries, emphasizing unwavering support for Ukraine. Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced over €10 billion in pledges for Ukraine's economic recovery.
Gaza's civil defence agency said Israeli air strikes on Sunday killed at least 29 Palestinians, including six children near a water distribution point. In central Gaza, six children were among eight people killed when a drone "hit a potable water distribution point in an area for displaced people" in the Nuseirat camp, he added.
Linda Yaccarino has stepped down as CEO of X, formerly Twitter, after two years. She reaffirmed her commitment to free speech, resharing a supportive post. Hired by Elon Musk in May 2023, Yaccarino was tasked with business operations amid Musk's continued influence. Her tenure faced challenges, including advertising revenue decline and concerns over content moderation, particularly hate speech.
Legendary German rock band Scorpions return to Abu Dhabi after eight years with a one-night show at Etihad Arena on October 21, 2025. Part of their “Coming Home” tour celebrating 60 years of music, the concert promises iconic hits and high energy. Tickets go on presale July 11 via Live Nation Middle East.
Amidst Trump administration pressure and speculation, Congresswoman Luna claims Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's dismissal is imminent. Treasury Secretary Bessent confirms the search for a replacement has begun, suggesting Powell should step down entirely after his term. However, JPMorgan Chase CEO Dimon stresses the importance of the Fed's independence, as the White House criticizes Powell's performance and renovation project.
Othman El Ballouti, a top Belgian-Moroccan drug trafficker dubbed the “Cocaine King,” was extradited from Dubai to Belgium in July 2025 after his arrest in December 2024. His handover, part of a wider international crackdown, was enabled by a 2021 UAE-Belgium extradition treaty, highlighting the UAE’s expanding role in global efforts to combat organized crime.
House Republicans are urging seven US universities to sever ties with the China Scholarship Council, citing concerns that the program facilitates technology theft for the Chinese government. Lawmakers view the CSC as a national security threat, alleging it supports China's military and scientific advancement through academic partnerships. Some universities have already begun to disengage from the program amid growing scrutiny.
Democrat Rep. Ro Khanna plans to introduce an amendment to the GENIUS Act, compelling Attorney General Pam Bondi to release Jeffrey Epstein's client list. This move comes amid growing pressure on the Trump administration regarding the Epstein case. Rep. Mark Veasey is also introducing a resolution demanding the files' release, hinting at a potential cover-up.
The top military chiefs of South Korea, the United States and Japan met in Seoul Friday, as US President Donald Trump piles pressure on Washington's allies over defence spending and trade. Trump, who has also threatened Seoul with 25 percent tariffs unless they can negotiate a trade deal, said South Korea "should be paying for their military".