Chinese-Russian arms collaboration, US tariffs on trucks and drugs, Sarkozy jailed, and Italy-Spain naval protection for Gaza flotilla heighten global tensions.

Good Morning,

In recent geopolitical developments, Chinese drone experts have reportedly collaborated with a sanctioned Russian arms manufacturer, raising concerns over international arms control. Ex-FBI Director Comey says he is ‘innocent’ after US court indictment. Trump says he ‘will not allow’ Israel to annex the occupied West Bank. The United States announced new tariffs on heavy trucks, pharmaceutical drugs, and kitchen cabinets, signaling a shift in trade policy. Meanwhile, former French President Nicolas Sarkozy received a five-year jail sentence related to illegal campaign financing from Libya. In response to recent drone attacks, Italy and Spain have deployed naval ships to protect a Gaza-bound flotilla. Additionally, the European Union has launched an antitrust investigation into SAP's software practices, while Poland's Prime Minister cautioned against overestimating former U.S. President Trump's stance on Ukraine. Lastly, China has initiated a campaign to regulate online content deemed detrimental to social harmony.

Top Stories

● Exclusive: Chinese drone experts worked with sanctioned Russian arms maker, sources say (Reuters)

● Ex-FBI Director Comey says he is ‘innocent’ after US court indictment (AJ)

● Trump says he ‘will not allow’ Israel to annex occupied West Bank (AJ)

● Trump says US will impose new tariffs on heavy trucks, drugs and kitchen cabinets (The Guardian)

● French ex-president Sarkozy gets 5-year jail term in Libya campaign case (Al Jazeera)

● U.S. to impose tariffs on pharmaceutical drugs, kitchen cabinets, furniture and heavy trucks - CBS News (Cbs News)

● Italy, Spain send navy ships to protect Gaza flotilla after drone attacks (Al Jazeera)

United States

● Trump Wades Into Bailout Politics in Offering a Lifeline to Argentina (The New York Times)

● US defence secretary summons military leaders to Virginia mystery meeting (Al Jazeera)

● White House threatens sharp cuts in US workforce in shutdown standoff (Reuters)

● Live Updates: Trump Threatens Mass Firings, Hegseth Summons Military Leaders and More (The New York Times)

● Trump urges Turkey to stop buying Russian oil as Erdogan chases deal on F-35s (BBC)

● Trump is accusing the U.N. of 'sabotage.' The U.N. says Trump's team is to blame - NPR (Npr)

Africa

● Nigeria approves Shell, Agip buyout of TotalEnergies' stake in Bonga oilfield (Reuters)

● Nuclear energy: Reactor pressure vessels headed to Egypt - ESI-Africa.com (Esi Africa)

● IOM facilitates return of 151 Nigerians from Sudan (Punch Newspapers)

● Nigeria's Supreme Court allows late appeal in Kano blasphemy case - channelafrica.co.za (Channelafrica Co Za)

● FBI places $10,000 bounty on Nigerian wanted for bank fraud (Punch Newspapers)

● INTERVIEW: Why arrest, trial of Simon Ekpa delayed — Finnish Ambassador (Premium Times Nigeria)

● South Africa launches centre to drive industrial innovation (Research Professional News)

● FBI places ₦14m reward for information leading to arrest of Nigerian man (Vanguard News)

● Madlanga Commission | New witness expected at inquiry - eNCA (Enca)

● Kenya eyes US trade deal by end of year, seeks 5-year extension to Agoa - TimesLIVE (Timeslive)

Middle East

● Microsoft Disables Some Services to Israel’s Defense Ministry (The New York Times)

● Microsoft blocks Israel’s use of its technology in mass surveillance of Palestinians (The Guardian)

● A question of intent: Is what's happening in Gaza genocide? - NPR (Npr)

● Iran has likely carried out an undeclared missile test, satellite photos analyzed by the AP show - AP News (Ap News)

● Fifa banned Russia from international football. Now it must do the same for Israel (The Guardian)

● Israeli strike on Yemen's Houthis reportedly kills eight (BBC)

● Trump says he will not allow Israel to annex the West Bank - AP News (Ap News)

● Updates: 1 million in harm’s way in Gaza City as Israel escalates attacks (Al Jazeera)

Indo-Pacific

● South Korea plans to open around-the-clock FX trade, president says (Reuters)

● Taiwan convicts four former ruling party officials of spying for China (The Guardian)

● China launches campaign to keep killjoys off the internet (BBC)

● Japanese court rejects an appeal by Australian who says she was tricked into smuggling drugs - AP News (Ap News)

● North Korea building nuclear weapon stockpile, says Seoul (Al Jazeera)

● EU advancing in trade agreement talks with Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, trade chief says (Reuters)

● Inspector Zende: The man who caught Charles Sobhraj twice and is now Netflix hero (BBC)

● ‘An eye for an eye’: some Duterte death squad members unrepentant as he awaits ICC trial (The Guardian)

● China gives up developing-country benefits to boost WTO in face of Trump tariffs - AP News (Ap News)

● ‘Bloodiest day’: How Gen-Z protest wave hit India’s Ladakh, killing four (Al Jazeera)

● South Korea legalises tattooing by non-medical professionals (BBC)

Europe

● SAP's software practices targeted in EU antitrust investigation (Reuters)

● From former president to future prisoner: Sarkozy's conviction divides France (BBC)

● Spain's PM says he will send warship to protect Gaza aid flotilla (Reuters)

● Letter: EU’s rediscovery of its competitive zeal takes time (Financial Times)

● Polish PM warns against 'illusions' over Trump's Ukraine rhetoric (Reuters)

● Russian foreign minister says Moscow is in a ‘real war’ with NATO, Europe (Politico)

● Drone attacks leave Denmark exposed - and searching for response (BBC)

● UK leader Starmer to announce digital ID card plans, media reports say (Reuters)

● Greece’s expansive refugee deportation law tests limits of rights in EU (Al Jazeera)

● An Italian City Is Considering a Dog Tax for Tourists and Locals (The New York Times)

Latin America

• Protesters in Mexico ram gates of military base to protest 43 students who disappeared (AP)

• Billionaire says $2.3 billion Banamex stake signals confidence in Mexico’s economy (AP)

• Shooting at school in northeast Brazil leaves 2 teenagers dead, 3 others injured (AP)

• Trump's change of heart on Lula may be thanks to Brazilian beef tycoon (Reuters)

• Greenpeace accuses Brazil's JBS of buying cattle illegally raised in indigenous lands (Reuters)

• Argentina resumes export taxes on grains and by-products (Reuters)

• Prison riot in Ecuador kills at least 17 people (AJ)

• Dominica warns US strikes threaten Caribbean ‘zone of peace’ at UNGA (AJ)

• Four powerful earthquakes rock Venezuela, tremors felt in Colombia (AJ)

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