Lee Jae-myung visits Tokyo to shore up ties with Ishiba ahead of US summit

The Japan Times,

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung arrived in Tokyo for talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, signaling a push to stabilize ties before Lee meets US President Donald Trump in Washington. Lee, the first South Korean leader to prioritize Japan before visiting the US, reiterated that prior agreements on historical disputes “cannot be overturned,” framing the summit as both symbolic and strategic on the 80th anniversary of the end of Japan’s colonial rule and the 60th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations. The meeting is expected to focus on security coordination, economic cooperation, and managing China-related risks as the two neighbors seek to lock in a recent thaw.

UN-backed analysis confirms famine in Gaza as casualties mount

Al Jazeera,

A UN-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) analysis confirmed famine in Gaza Governorate, with UNICEF warning of a “real child survival crisis.” Gaza’s Health Ministry reported at least 71 Palestinians killed in the past 24 hours amid intensified Israeli strikes. The live updates detail mounting fears that famine conditions could spread south within weeks without a major aid surge and sustained ceasefire. The deteriorating humanitarian situation underscores the wider regional and diplomatic stakes as ceasefire efforts stall and aid access remains constrained. The UN’s emergency leadership appealed for an immediate end to hostilities and unimpeded relief operations to avert further mass mortality.

Trump threatens new Russia measures as Lavrov rules out Putin-Zelenskyy summit

AP,

US President Donald Trump said he would decide “in two weeks” whether to impose new sanctions or tariffs on Russia if no progress is made toward direct talks between Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The remarks followed Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stating that no Putin-Zelenskyy meeting is planned until an agenda is ready, casting doubt on Trump’s claim of momentum. The episode illustrates the fragile state of shuttle diplomacy after Trump’s recent Alaska summit with Putin, while Kyiv pushes for security guarantees and warns Moscow is stalling. NATO’s secretary-general voiced support for backing Ukraine’s defenses as discussions over any postwar framework continue.

UK delays decision on China’s London embassy amid ‘greyed-out’ plan concerns

Financial Times,

The British government delayed a ruling on China’s proposed embassy move to London’s Royal Mint Court after Beijing declined to explain “greyed-out” sections of its plans. The pause reflects security and transparency concerns surrounding the high-profile project and comes as UK-China ties remain strained over technology, rights, and influence questions. Officials have pushed for fuller disclosures before proceeding, while community groups near the site have raised local-impact issues. The episode highlights heightened scrutiny of Chinese government-linked facilities in Western capitals and the balancing act between diplomatic engagement and national-security vetting.

Nigeria LNG signs 20-year gas deals to secure feedstock and support Train-7

Reuters,

Nigeria LNG Ltd sealed 20-year gas supply contracts with NNPC Ltd and partners including Shell, Oando, Aradel, and First E&P, totaling about 1.29 bcf/day to stabilize feedgas for its liquefaction complex and the $10 billion Train-7 project, now 80% complete. Executives said the agreements diversify sources after pipeline disruptions and vandalism hindered flows, aiming to mitigate upstream shortfalls and bolster exports. The JV—owned by NNPC (49%), Shell (25.6%), TotalEnergies (15%), and Eni (10.4%)—expects volumes to scale up over time, underpinning Nigeria’s LNG output and foreign-exchange earnings amid persistent infrastructure and security challenges.

Texas approves new congressional map seen as entrenching GOP control

France 24,

Texas lawmakers advanced a redrawn US congressional map designed to lock in Republican dominance, prompting denunciations from Democrats and civil-rights groups who warn of reduced minority representation and likely court challenges. The plan follows a fast-tracked process and comes as national debates over redistricting and voting rights intensify ahead of 2026 races. Supporters argue the map better reflects population shifts and legal criteria, while critics call it a partisan gerrymander that dilutes urban and Latino voting power. The controversy is expected to move swiftly into litigation, with potential implications for House control.

US defense intelligence chief reportedly ousted after Iran strike assessment dispute

Anadolu Agency,

The head of the US Defense Intelligence Agency, Jeffrey Kruse, was removed following an assessment of US strikes on Iran that reportedly contradicted the administration’s public claims, according to US media cited by Anadolu. The shake-up highlights internal tensions over intelligence analysis and messaging on Iran policy after a period of heightened confrontation. While the Pentagon has not publicly detailed the reasoning, the move is likely to draw congressional scrutiny over politicization risks and procedures for validating battle-damage assessments that inform escalation decisions and public narratives.

Malaysia’s South China Sea oil wealth faces mounting security risks

South China Morning Post,

Malaysia’s oil-and-gas lifeline—estimated at 3.6 billion barrels of oil and over 40 tcf of gas—sits in contested South China Sea waters increasingly dominated by China’s naval presence. Kuala Lumpur has warned it must strengthen maritime defenses as Beijing’s incremental control tactics intensify pressures seen in run-ins with Vietnam and the Philippines. With US tariffs biting trade, Malaysia is balancing its top trading partner’s economic pull against sovereignty concerns. Analysts say underinvestment in defense capability complicates deterrence, raising stakes for energy security and fiscal planning tied to future offshore development.