US-China talks end with push to extend tariff truce
US and Chinese officials ended two days of talks in Stockholm agreeing to work toward extending their 90-day tariff truce, due to expire August 12, according to Firstpost.
China’s Li Chenggang called the discussions constructive, while US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said any extension depends on President Donald Trump.
Talks focused on trade terms, rare earths, and strategic industries. The US also raised concerns over China’s ties with Russia and Iran.
Both sides stressed the importance of stable economic ties, with Bessent saying the goal isn’t to “de-couple,” but to reduce risks in key sectors, Firstpost reported.
YouTube added to Australia’s social media ban for under-16s
Australia will now include YouTube in its upcoming social media ban for under-16s, set to begin in December. The move means minors can still watch videos but won’t be allowed to hold accounts, according to BBC.
Originally exempt, YouTube was added after the eSafety Commissioner found it was the platform most linked to harmful content seen by children aged 10 to 15.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the ban is about protecting kids online, while Communications Minister Anika Wells warned tech companies not to challenge the policy, saying it’s a fight for children’s wellbeing.
Platforms that fail to comply face fines of up to A$50 m, BBC reported.
UK to recognise Palestinian state unless Israel meets conditions
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has warned the UK will recognise a Palestinian state at the UN in September unless Israel takes meaningful steps to end the crisis in Gaza, BBC reported.
He called for a ceasefire, renewed aid access, a halt to West Bank annexations, and commitment to a two-state solution. Starmer said the situation in Gaza is “intolerable” and the chance of peace is fading.
Israel’s PM Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the move, calling it a reward for terrorism. Trump also voiced concern, warning it could be seen as benefiting Hamas.
The UK faces growing domestic pressure, with over 250 MPs urging immediate recognition. Critics say recognition should not be conditional, while others warn it could backfire, as reported by BBC.
France plans a similar move, but Germany has ruled it out for now. Most countries already recognise Palestine, but sceptics say recognition alone won’t bring peace.
Japan and US issue tsunami warnings after magnitude 8.7 quake
Japan and the United States have issued tsunami warnings after a powerful 8.7-magnitude earthquake struck off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula on Wednesday.
The US Pacific Tsunami Warning Center warned of potential waves between one and three meters high threatening Hawaii, Alaska, and the US territory of Guam. Honolulu’s emergency officials ordered evacuations in some coastal areas, citing risk of destructive waves, according to BBC.
Japan’s weather agency also warned of tsunami waves up to three meters expected to hit large coastal regions from around 0100 GMT. Authorities have urged immediate evacuation to higher ground, warning that multiple waves could strike.
In Russia’s Far East, wave heights of 3 to 4 meters were recorded along parts of Kamchatka’s coast, BBC reported.
Trump warns India could face new tariffs amid trade talks
US President Trump said India may face tariffs of 20 to 25 percent, though no final decision has been made as trade talks continue ahead of the August 1 deadline, Firstpost reported.
Calling India a “good friend,” Trump criticised its high tariffs and trade barriers, saying, “You just can’t do that.” He previously imposed a 26 percent tariff in April, later pausing it during negotiations.
US officials say more talks are needed, citing concerns over India’s digital taxes and strict import rules. With a $129bn trade relationship at stake, both sides are pushing for a deal, according to Firstpost.
8.7 quake hits off Russia’s Kamchatka, Tsunami alerts issued
A powerful 8.7-magnitude earthquake struck off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula on Tuesday, triggering tsunami warnings in Japan, Alaska, and Hawaii.
The shallow quake, centered 136 km east of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, raises the risk of strong tremors and tsunami waves. Japan warned of waves up to 1 meter, urging people to avoid the coast. US officials also issued advisories for parts of Alaska and Hawaii, according to Firstpost.
No injuries have been reported so far, though a kindergarten was damaged. Authorities are urging caution as tsunami threats remain active.
Trump denies seeking Xi summit, open to visit China
US President Trump has dismissed reports claiming he is seeking a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, stating he’s “not seeking anything”, Al Jazeera reported.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said he may visit China only at Xi’s invitation, which he noted has already been extended.
His remarks come amid ongoing US-China trade talks in Sweden, ahead of an August 12 tariff truce deadline, according to Al Jazeera.
UN welcomes Cambodia-Thailand ceasefire
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has welcomed the ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand, calling it a step toward easing tensions and ending violence. He urged both sides to fully uphold the agreement and work towards lasting peace, according to Xinhua.
Guterres also praised Malaysia, the US, and China for helping mediate the deal. The UN said it stands ready to support efforts for regional stability.
