Cambodia Triggers Full-Blown Border Conflict as Clashes Escalate

The Guardian / Reuters / AP,

Hostilities between Thailand and Cambodia have escalated into the deadliest border conflict in over a decade. On July 25, Cambodian forces launched a series of heavy artillery and BM‑21 rocket strikes across at least 12 contested areas along the border. Thailand has reported at least 16 deaths, most of them civilians—including children—and dozens more injured. Over 120,000 residents from the border provinces of Surin, Si Sa Ket, and Ubon Ratchathani have been evacuated to temporary shelters.

On the Cambodian side, authorities confirmed one civilian death and the displacement of more than 4,000 people in Oddar Meanchey province. The conflict, centered on long-disputed territory near the Ta Muen Thom and Preah Vihear temples, has reignited after months of tension and landmine disputes.

Cambodia has accused Thailand of using cluster bombs in retaliatory airstrikes. Thailand denies the claim and asserts that the conflict was provoked by Cambodia’s unprovoked shelling of Thai civilian areas. An emergency meeting of the UN Security Council is underway. Meanwhile, the U.S., China, the EU, and ASEAN chair Malaysia have jointly called for an immediate ceasefire. Thailand has rejected third-party mediation, stating it prefers a bilateral resolution.

UN’s Top Court Orders Countries to Regulate Fossil Fuel Emissions

Eco-Business,

In a landmark ruling on July 25, the International Court of Justice declared that all nations are legally bound to regulate and reduce emissions from fossil fuel production. The court emphasized that states failing to meet their environmental obligations may be held internationally liable for the adverse effects of climate change.

This decision is expected to bolster climate litigation globally and could empower vulnerable countries to seek reparations from high-emission nations. Environmental advocates have hailed the ruling as a turning point in climate justice, reinforcing the legal duty of governments to take concrete climate action under international law.

EU and China Pledge Joint Climate Action Following High-Level Summit

European Union Press Release,

The 25th EU-China Summit concluded in Beijing with both sides committing to enhanced climate cooperation. Top EU officials, including Council President António Costa and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, met with Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss joint efforts on green technology, renewable energy investments, and low-carbon infrastructure development.

The leaders issued a joint statement reaffirming their commitment to the Paris Agreement and calling for renewed multilateralism in tackling the climate crisis. The agreement includes plans for cross-border climate finance initiatives and expanded trade in clean energy goods, aiming to set a global standard for sustainable development partnerships.

Sri Lanka’s Economic Reforms Show Results, Says IMF

International Monetary Fund,

The International Monetary Fund praised Sri Lanka’s economic progress following a recent staff mission. The country’s real GDP grew by 4.8% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2025, while inflation dropped to -1.1% in the second quarter—a sign of strong deflationary control.

Sri Lanka’s gross international reserves reached USD 6.0 billion as of June 2025. Fiscal performance has improved due to better VAT collection, vehicle tax restructuring, and targeted subsidy reforms. The IMF noted that the island nation’s efforts are building a more stable macroeconomic foundation and recommended continued structural reforms to sustain the recovery momentum.