US Criticizes Israel's Syria Intervention; UK Reduces Voting Age; Argentina Relaxes Visa Rules for Chinese Citizens

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The State Department confirmed China has prevented a US citizen from leaving the country, adding to growing bilateral tensions, while uncertainty surrounds efforts to establish a war crimes court in Liberia. US diplomatic efforts intensified in Syria with renewed government support amid criticism of Israeli intervention, as South Korea and the United States prepare crucial trade discussions between finance and trade officials. Meanwhile, domestic political landscapes are shifting with the UK lowering its voting age, and Argentina's decision to ease visa requirements for Chinese citizens reflects the continuing expansion of China-Latin America cooperation initiatives.

Top Stories

• State Department Confirms China Barred US Citizen From Leaving - Bloomberg

• Uncertainty Hangs Over Formation of War Crimes Court in Liberia - All Africa

• US envoy doubles down on support for Syria’s government and criticizes Israel’s intervention - Associated Press

• South Korea finance minister, trade envoy to hold 2+2 trade talks with U.S. counterparts - CNBC

• Cut to UK voting age puts new group in political spotlight - Reuters

• Argentina relaxes visa requirements for Chinese citizens as China-LatAm cooperation continues to advance - Global News

United States

• Can the US and EU avoid a trade war? - Politico 

• State Department Confirms China Barred US Citizen From Leaving - Bloomberg

• Bessent: Imposing Aug. 1 tariffs 'will put more pressure' on trade partners for deals - CNBC

• US Warns Over Another Middle East War - Newsweek

• U.S.-Based Orange Juice Importer Sues Over Trump’s 50% Tariff on Brazilian Goods - New York Times

Africa

• South African president removes minister criticised by key coalition partner - Reuters

• Kenya’s flagship refugee integration plan runs into local opposition - The New Humanitarian

• Eritrea's President warns Ethiopia against renewed conflict amid rising regional tensions - Africa News

• Uncertainty Hangs Over Formation of War Crimes Court in Liberia - All Africa

• Once a beacon of hope, Tunisia’s civil society struggles to survive - Arab News

Middle East

• US Warns Over Another Middle East War - Newsweek

• Foreign Ministry confirms 2 Israelis briefly detained in Belgium amid reported war crimes probe - Times of Israel

• Iranian Security Forces Arrest Azeri Civil Rights Lawyer - Iran Wire

• Iran Prioritizes Strengthening Defense Capabilities And Post-war Recovery - Iran Front Page

• US envoy doubles down on support for Syria’s government and criticizes Israel’s intervention - Associated Press

Indo-Pacific

• State Department Confirms China Barred US Citizen From Leaving - Bloomberg

• A Bangladesh air force jet crashes into a school in Dhaka, killing at least 27 people - Associated Press

• Australia Commits Funds to Tackle Southern Algal Crisis - Bloomberg

• South Korea finance minister, trade envoy to hold 2+2 trade talks with U.S. counterparts - CNBC

• Chinese kindergarten lead poisoning scandal raises fresh questions over local governance - SCMP

Europe

• Can the US and EU avoid a trade war? - Politico 

• Foreign Ministry confirms 2 Israelis briefly detained in Belgium amid reported war crimes probe - Times of Israel

• Cut to UK voting age puts new group in political spotlight - Reuters

• New round of Russia-Ukraine peace talks taking place on Wednesday, Zelensky says - Euro News

• French court jails three for treating champagne workers 'like slaves' - France24

Latin America

• U.S.-Based Orange Juice Importer Sues Over Trump’s 50% Tariff on Brazilian Goods - New York Times

• Argentina relaxes visa requirements for Chinese citizens as China-LatAm cooperation continues to advance - Global News

• Colombia marks Independence Day with renewed call to strengthen Korea ties - Korea Herald

• As anti-gentrification sentiment grows, a second Mexico City march targets World Cup speculation - Mexico News Daily

• US set to deport permanent residents over alleged support to Haitian gang leaders - Reuters

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