🇺🇸 USAID Will Destroy Food for 30,000 Kids

Nearly 500 tonnes of high-energy biscuits intended to feed 27,000 starving children in Afghanistan and Pakistan will be incinerated after expiring in a Dubai warehouse following Trump's closure of USAID. Deputy Secretary of State Michael Rigas called the waste "a casualty of the shutdown of USAID," which closed July 1, leaving over 60,000 tonnes of food aid stuck worldwide. The $793,000 worth of expired fortified wheat biscuits will cost an additional $100,000 to destroy, despite lawmakers warning officials in March about the potential waste as 319 million people face limited food access globally. More - Al Jazeera

🇸🇾 US Announces Syria De-escalation

The US said "specific steps" were agreed to end Syria violence after Israeli strikes hit Damascus, including the defense ministry in central Umayyad Square, as Israel warned of "painful blows" against forces attacking the Druze in Suweida. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said warnings to Damascus had ended and the military would "continue to operate vigorously" until attacking forces withdraw completely from Suweida. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported over 300 people killed since Sunday's clashes began, including 69 Druze fighters, 40 civilians, and 165 government forces, while Syria's health ministry said government forces found "dozens of bodies" at Suweida's national hospital. More - BBC

Asia Stability Ratings and News Summary

More Unstable

🇦🇫 Afghanistan, 🇦🇲 Armenia, 🇧🇩 Bangladesh, 🇰🇭 Cambodia, 🇨🇳 China, 🇬🇪 Georgia, 🇮🇳 India, 🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇰🇬 Kyrgyzstan, 🇱🇦 Laos, 🇲🇲 Myanmar, 🇳🇵 Nepal, 🇰🇵 North Korea, 🇵🇰 Pakistan, 🇵🇭 Philippines, 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka, 🇹🇼 Taiwan, 🇹🇯 Tajikistan, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇹🇲 Turkmenistan, 🇺🇿 Uzbekistan

More Stable

No countries were more stable over this period

Unchanged

🇦🇿 Azerbaijan, 🇧🇹 Bhutan, 🇧🇳 Brunei, 🇹🇱 East Timor, 🇰🇿 Kazakhstan, 🇲🇾 Malaysia, 🇲🇻 Maldives, 🇲🇳 Mongolia, 🇸🇬 Singapore, 🇰🇷 South Korea, 🇻🇳 Vietnam

Regional News Summary

In recent developments across Asia, Singapore's economy has shown resilience, growing by 4.3% in the second quarter, driven by robust performances in manufacturing and finance, thus averting a recession. This positive economic outlook is complemented by Tata Steel's acquisition of shares worth Rs 1,074 crore in its Singapore unit, and the eSIM platform Airalo achieving unicorn status after raising US$220 million in funding [SOURCE - CNBC].

On the diplomatic front, Singapore's Minister for Home Affairs, K Shanmugam, emphasized the need for deeper relationships with China, the US, and Europe, while Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar highlighted Singapore's pivotal role in India's Act East Policy [SOURCE - AsiaOne]. Additionally, Singapore has introduced an upgraded Stars package to expedite Timor-Leste's ASEAN membership [SOURCE - Malay Mail].

China, meanwhile, is navigating a complex economic landscape. The recent upgrade of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement is expected to enhance trade and investment ties with ASEAN nations [SOURCE - The Sun]. However, challenges persist as major companies like Uniqlo's owner, Fast Retailing, reported profit misses due to weak sales in China, and Alibaba's shares have fallen amid intensifying competition [SOURCE - Livemint].

In the realm of international relations, India and China are making diplomatic overtures to normalize ties, with Jaishankar's recent visit to China underscoring this effort. However, issues surrounding Tibet remain a contentious point [SOURCE - Livemint]. Concurrently, Australia is seeking to bolster trade ties with China, as Prime Minister Albanese embarks on a visit aimed at enhancing economic cooperation [SOURCE - Manila Times].

In Southeast Asia, Vietnam is facing challenges due to the US's tariff hikes, prompting the country to engage in discussions with US business groups to mitigate the impact [SOURCE - NDTV Profit]. As part of its economic strategy, Vietnam is also inviting Russian and Chinese forces to participate in its National Day parade, signaling a desire to strengthen ties with its eastern neighbors [SOURCE - VNExpress].

In the context of humanitarian issues, Afghanistan's crisis continues to deepen, with the UN warning of a critical funding gap in humanitarian responses. The situation is exacerbated by the return of 1.6 million Afghans, necessitating urgent international action [SOURCE - Khaama News Agency].

Lastly, the Philippines is set to negotiate lower tariffs with the US, as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. prepares for discussions aimed at strengthening trade relations amidst ongoing concerns over tariffs [SOURCE - AsiaOne]. This comes as the country reaffirms its commitment to defend its territorial waters in the West Philippine Sea, marking nine years since its arbitral victory against China [SOURCE - Manila Times].

Oceania Stability Ratings and News Summary

More Unstable

🇦🇺 Australia, 🇰🇮 Kiribati, 🇲🇭 Marshall Islands, 🇳🇷 Nauru, 🇳🇿 New Zealand, 🇵🇬 Papua New Guinea, 🇹🇴 Tonga, 🇹🇻 Tuvalu, 🇻🇺 Vanuatu

More Stable

No countries were more stable over this period

Unchanged

🇫🇲 Federated States of Micronesia, 🇫🇯 Fiji, 🇵🇼 Palau, 🇼🇸 Samoa, 🇸🇧 Solomon Islands

Regional News Summary

Australia's medicines approval process has come under scrutiny, particularly from the United States, which claims it is excessively slow. However, an analysis by The Conversation counters this assertion, revealing that the Therapeutic Goods Administration in Australia is comparable in efficiency to its counterparts in other developed nations [SOURCE - The Conversation].

In the realm of disability rights, Disability Representative Organisations are demanding accountability from the National Disability Insurance Agency after it targeted an individual with a disability, raising serious concerns about the treatment of disabled individuals in Australia [SOURCE - Scoop]. Concurrently, the Australian government is being urged to prioritize human rights discussions in its upcoming meetings with China, particularly given China's controversial human rights record [SOURCE - Human Rights Watch].

Trade relations are also a focal point, as Australia and India engage in negotiations that have hit a snag over dairy and wine tariffs. India's rejection of Australia's request for tariff cuts has delayed the second phase of their bilateral trade agreement [SOURCE - The Hindu BusinessLine]. Meanwhile, China has expressed its commitment to strengthening its strategic partnership with Australia, with leaders from both nations advocating for increased dialogue and cooperation [SOURCE - Pakistan Today].

On the military front, Australia is hosting its largest-ever military exercise, involving 19 nations and 35,000 troops, which is perceived as a demonstration of strength in response to China's expanding military presence in the region [SOURCE - Times of India]. However, the Pentagon's push for Australia and Japan to take a more active role in a potential Taiwan conflict has been met with resistance from Australia, which has declined to commit troops in advance [SOURCE - Fox News].

In New Zealand, the political landscape is shifting as New Zealand First has surged to become the third most popular party, capitalizing on cultural narratives to gain significant support [SOURCE - The Daily Blog]. The government is also facing pressure to remain in the European Convention on Human Rights, which could have profound implications for the country's human rights framework [SOURCE - Order-Order].

In economic developments, New Zealand has formed a new alliance to combat online scams, a move welcomed by the Banking Ombudsman Scheme, aimed at enhancing consumer protection [SOURCE - RNZ]. Additionally, the government is seeking significant funding to enable the importation of conventional liquefied natural gas, which could bolster the nation's energy security [SOURCE - Rigzone].

In Fiji, the police force has reaffirmed its commitment to human rights as part of a reform of its use of force policy, aiming to align with international standards [SOURCE - Scoop]. Economically, Fiji is targeting a $2 billion trade goal to diversify its economy and reduce reliance on traditional industries [SOURCE - Scoop].

Carpe tomorrow!