China Voices Support for Taiwan’s KMT Ahead of Major Recall Vote

Reuters,

As Taiwan braces for a major recall vote on July 26 targeting 24 lawmakers from the Kuomintang (KMT), China has publicly expressed support for the opposition, drawing criticism from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). Chinese officials and media have condemned the recall efforts as political persecution, branding them “green terror” in reference to the DPP’s color. The DPP accuses Beijing of interfering with Taiwan’s democratic processes and supporting efforts to destabilize parliament. The KMT maintains it is not aligned with Beijing but argues that engagement with China is essential, contrasting with the DPP’s more hardline stance. The upcoming recalls could reshape the parliamentary landscape and test Taiwan’s political stability amid ongoing cross-strait tensions.

Iran Warns Against UN ‘Snapback’ Sanctions Amid Nuclear Talks

Reuters,

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi warned on Tuesday that any move by Western powers to reimpose UN sanctions under the “snapback” mechanism would severely worsen the current nuclear standoff. His statement comes as the UK, France, and Germany (the E3) consider triggering the mechanism following Iran’s expanded uranium enrichment activities. Gharibabadi rejected the legality of the move, arguing the E3 had failed to uphold their commitments under the 2015 nuclear deal, especially after the U.S. unilaterally exited in 2018. The warning comes ahead of talks in Istanbul aimed at restarting diplomatic engagement. Iran reiterated that its nuclear program is peaceful and urged restraint to avoid further escalation.

Global Markets Mixed on Corporate Earnings, Japan Election Fallout

AP News / Reuters,

World financial markets showed mixed trends on July 22, as corporate earnings reports and political uncertainty in Japan influenced investor sentiment. In Europe, Germany’s DAX dropped 0.9% and France’s CAC 40 fell by 0.6%, while the UK’s FTSE 100 remained steady. Asian markets saw Japan’s Nikkei dip 0.1% following the ruling coalition’s loss of its upper house majority, although Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba vowed to stay in office. U.S. markets, in contrast, hit record highs fueled by strong quarterly earnings from major companies like Verizon. Meanwhile, gold prices edged lower after a multi-week rally. Analysts say concerns over global tariffs and political shifts continue to weigh on investor outlooks.

Russia Launches 42 Drone Strikes on Ukraine Ahead of Istanbul Peace Talks

The Guardian,

Russia launched a wave of 42 drone strikes on Ukrainian cities—including Kramatorsk, Sloviansk, Sumy, and Odesa—in the early hours of July 22, just ahead of scheduled peace negotiations in Istanbul. At least a dozen civilians were reported injured, adding to mounting international pressure for de-escalation. Ukraine’s foreign ministry condemned the attacks and called for stronger sanctions and global condemnation. While Russia signaled that no significant breakthroughs should be expected in the upcoming talks, it reaffirmed its commitment to its strategic goals. Observers warn that the spike in attacks may undermine trust in the diplomatic process and further complicate any ceasefire discussions.

United States to Withdraw from UNESCO Again Under Trump Administration

Reuters,

The U.S. government, under President Donald Trump, has announced plans to withdraw from UNESCO, marking the second such exit in four decades. The decision revives long-standing grievances over alleged anti-U.S. bias and inefficiency within the organization. The U.S. had previously left UNESCO in 1984 under President Reagan and rejoined in 2003 during President George W. Bush’s tenure. Critics argue that the move signals a broader disengagement from global institutions and could weaken international cooperation in education, science, and cultural preservation. UNESCO officials expressed regret, noting the timing could hamper collaborative efforts in areas such as heritage protection and global education.

Students Protest in Bangladesh After Jet Crash Kills 31, Mostly Children

Reuters,

Thousands of students and citizens protested across Dhaka on July 22 after a Bangladesh Air Force jet crashed into the Milestone School and College compound, killing 31 people—25 of them children. The crash occurred during school dismissal time, amplifying the tragedy. Witnesses reported scenes of panic and grief, with angry demonstrators demanding accountability and safety reforms. Many chanted slogans such as “Why did our brothers die?” as authorities arrived to assess the damage. The aircraft, a Chinese-made F-7 BGI, is part of the military’s aging fleet, raising concerns about maintenance and pilot training. The government has promised a full investigation, but public outrage continues to grow.

Tropical Storm Wipha Brings Heavy Rain to Northern Vietnam

AP News,

Tropical Storm Wipha made landfall in northern Vietnam on July 22, bringing torrential rain and winds reaching 102 km/h. The storm caused widespread disruption in Hanoi and surrounding provinces, including road blockages, power outages, and flooding in low-lying areas. Authorities issued weather alerts and began evacuating vulnerable communities, especially in regions at risk of landslides. The storm continued moving southwest after landfall, with forecasters warning of continued heavy rainfall over the next 48 hours. Local officials urged residents to remain indoors and avoid travel. The government is coordinating with disaster response teams to monitor water levels and minimize damage.