Taiwan says Chinese coast guard and research vessel activity around the island surged sharply in June, raising concerns that Beijing is practicing how to disrupt Taiwan's Pacific supply routes in a future conflict.

Taiwan plans joint coast guard–navy drills to protect these sea lanes.

Officials also say China is using coast guard ships and radio calls to merchant vessels to gradually expand its control without direct military action.

Source: Reuters

The Pentagon withheld information about several recent Iranian attacks on U.S. bases in Jordan that injured dozens of American troops and damaged helicopters.

Officials say they kept the attacks secret for operational security, arguing that releasing details could help Iran target U.S. forces.

Since the war began on Feb. 28, 16 U.S. service members have been killed and more than 400 have been injured.

Source: NYT

The Trump administration is considering measures to restrict or effectively block U.S. use of advanced Chinese AI models, citing national security and cybersecurity concerns.

The debate has intensified as Chinese open-source models like Kimi become cheaper and more competitive with U.S.

AI. Critics warn that such policies could mainly benefit dominant U.S. companies like OpenAI and Anthropic by reducing competition.

Source: Axios

Keir Starmer:

My work is done.

Keir Starmer:

Britain is now stronger and fairer than it was 2 years ago.

Keir Starmer:

I wish Andy Burnham every success.

He has my full support.

Keir Starmer:

I go with good grace, I go with a smile, and I go proud of everything that we have achieved.

China's Foreign Ministry on Japan's nuclear policy:

Since Takaichi took office, Japanese right-wing forces have laid bare their intention to revive militarism, break free from the Three Non-Nuclear Principles, seek nuclear weapons, and continue down the wrong path.

If Japan pushes to revise the Three Non-Nuclear Principles and introduces allied nuclear weapons, it will undermine the post-war international order, violate its commitment to peace, and ultimately pay a heavy price.

China's Foreign Ministry:

Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory. This is the prevailing consensus in the international community.

Our message to the DPP authorities is clear: the historical trend is unstoppable and Taiwan independence is a dead end.

The Chinese people's just cause to oppose Taiwan independence separatism and seek national reunification will win more and more understanding and support.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog:

We are descendants of King David.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog:

There's a huge amount of brainwashing against Jews and against Israel.

There is also an inherent lack of education in America and elsewhere.

Keir Starmer officially resigns as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

Iran's Ghalibaf:

Americans keep bringing new military equipment to the region and claim they're after stopping the war. They've bet on our intelligence being as brief as their own IQ.

We've reached the stage of mastery in recognizing these American games, and on that basis, we've prepared ourselves. Actions must confirm claims, not contradict them.

The Department of Defense identified two U.S. Soldiers killed following an Iranian attack on Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan on July 17.

Pvt. Isabella Gonzales, 19, of Carrollton, Texas, was killed on July 17.

1st Lt. Tyler James Feehan, 25, of Ewa Beach, Hawaii, died on July 18 from injuries sustained in the attack.

Andy Burnham becomes the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

Hamas has named Khalil al-Hayya, its former chief wartime negotiator, as the new head of its political bureau.

He is the first person to hold the position since Yahya Sinwar was killed in October 2024.

A senior Iranian source says mediators have proposed a 10-day pause in strikes to create an opportunity to revive the interim nuclear deal between Iran and the U.S.

Source: Reuters

Bulgaria will ask parliament to approve the deployment of up to eight U.S. tanker aircraft at the Bezmer military base to support U.S. operations in the Middle East.

The move follows controversy over previously stationing the aircraft at a civilian airport near Sofia without parliamentary approval.

The request comes as U.S.-Iran tensions continue to escalate.

Source: Reuters

Andy Burnham:

We have not been good enough. We need to be better.

We will be.

Andy Burnham enters 10 Downing Street as the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

BREAKING: Yemen's Houthis announce 'sea navigation ban' on Saudi Arabia.