China responds to WTO patent ruling
China’s Ministry of Commerce welcomed a World Trade Organization (WTO) ruling that found it had not violated intellectual property rules in a dispute with the European Union. However, it criticized the panel’s view that WTO members must avoid affecting patent rights in other countries, calling it an overreach, Xinhua reported.
The ministry reaffirmed support for the Multi-Party Interim Appeal Arbitration Arrangement (MPIA), a temporary appeals system under the WTO, and pledged to uphold a fair, rules-based multilateral trading system.
Macron to meet Germany’s Merz in Berlin
French President Emmanuel Macron is visiting Berlin on Wednesday for talks with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The leaders are expected to discuss US President Donald Trump’s threat to impose 30 percent tariffs on EU goods if a trade deal is not reached.
They will also address nuclear energy policy, a long-standing point of tension between the two countries. France, which relies heavily on nuclear power, hopes for greater EU support as Merz, a known advocate of nuclear energy, takes office. The meeting aims to set the stage for the upcoming Franco-German Council of Ministers in August, according to Firstpost.
Russia Ukraine to resume talks in Istanbul amid tensions
A third round of ceasefire negotiations between Russia and Ukraine is set to take place on Wednesday in Istanbul, Turkey. The talks follow earlier rounds in May and June, which ended without any breakthroughs, Firstpost reported.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that the discussions would be held today. However, the Kremlin has tempered expectations, stating there is little hope for a breakthrough and declining to provide a timeline for any potential agreement.
Modi begins two-nation tour to UK and Maldives
India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embarked on a two-nation visit to the United Kingdom and the Maldives from July 23 to 26. His UK visit, at the invitation of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, marks his fourth trip to the country since taking office in 2014, according to Firstpost.
During his stay, Modi will meet Prime Minister Starmer for talks on strengthening bilateral ties, with a focus on finalising the India-UK Free Trade Agreement. He is also scheduled to call on King Charles III and engage with leading business figures from both nations.
Discussions will cover a broad range of issues, including concerns over Khalistani activities in the UK, Firstpost reported.
