Diplomacy
Wang Yi meets Kissinger – message to Washington

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with former U.S. Secretary of State and Beijing-Washington diplomatic talks architect Henry Kissinger in New York. About the meeting, the Chinese press underlined that handling the Taiwan question was an ‘urgent task’ in bilateral relations.
Celebrating Kissinger’s upcoming 100th birthday, Wang Yi called him “an old and good friend of the Chinese people”, stressed that Kissinger has always been friendly.
Discussing China-U.S. relations and complaining about Washington’s failure to keep his promises, Wang Yi recalled Kissinger’s warning that China-U.S. relations were “on the brink of the Cold War” and stressed that such a war would be a disaster not only for China and the U.S., but also for the whole world.
Pointing out that the U.S. side should return to a “rational and practical Chinese policy”, Wang Yi noted that the most important priority at the moment is the proper management of the Taiwan question, otherwise it will have a subversive impact on China-U.S. relations.
The Taiwan question is at the center of relations
Kissinger recalled how he and Chinese leaders prepared Shanghai Communique in 1972 and emphasized that the Taiwan question is at the center of China-US relations.
Stressing that it is necessary to fully understand how important the Taiwan question is for China, Kissinger noted that “the U.S. and China should engage in dialogue rather than conflict and establish bilateral relations to live peacefully together”.
“One-China” principle is a prerequisite for normalization
Zhang Tengjun, deputy director of the Asia-Pacific Studies Department of the China Institute for International Studies, told the Global Times that Wang Yi’s meeting with Kissinger, a key figure behind the normalization of U.S.-China relations 50 years ago, was a clear message: “One-China principle is the basis for the normalization of bilateral relations.”
U.S. President Biden told CBS’s 60 Minutes program on Sunday that US troops would defend Taiwan in the event of a “Chinese invasion.”
The goal is to prevent the development of China
“US keeps hollowing out its one-China principle and its commitment over the Taiwan question so it can strangle China in the chip and semiconductor sector and amplify its democracy vs authoritarian narrative” Wang Yiwei, director of the Institute of International Affairs at the Renmin University of China, told the Global Times on Tuesday.
The Biden administration banned U.S. ‘advanced tech’ firms that receive federal funding from building facilities in China for 10 years. It was announced that the decision was made to reduce the dependence of the US on China in the production of semiconductors.
Wang Yi listed five conditions
This year marks the 50th anniversary of former U.S. President Richard Nixon’s visit to China and signing of the Shanghai Communique.
“An important year to take stock of the past and move on from a new starting point,” told Wang Yi at a meeting in New York with representatives of the U.S.-China National Relations Committee, the U.S.-China Business Council, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Wang Yi said there is a lot of uncertainty in current China-U.S. relations and listed China’s five “certainties”:
*China’s development prospects are certain, and this development will provide larger markets and opportunities for the U.S. and other countries.
*China’s resolve to further advance reform and opening-up is certain and will continue to advance economic globalization.
*China’s policy toward the U.S. is certain and what is most critical for the U.S. right now is to reinstate a reasonable and pragmatic policy towards China as soon as possible.
*China’s commitment to strengthen economic and trade cooperation is certain.
*China’s readiness to engage in multilateral coordination with the U.S. is certain. For this to happen, it is vital to maintain the political basis of China-U.S. relations and to support the one-China principle specially.
Shanghai Communique
In 1972, Richard Nixon became the first U.S. President to visit China. Nixon’s visit to China and the publication of the Shanghai Communique are considered a turning point in China-U.S. relations.
The communique acknowledged that the two countries have different forms of governance. China and the U.S. agreed on the normalization of bilateral relations based on peaceful coexistence, the expansion of contacts covering all areas, and the development of bilateral trade.
Most importantly, in the joint communique signed, the U.S. acknowledged that it had adopted one-China principle and that Taiwan was an integral part of China.
Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan
U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan ramped up tensions in relations between the two countries.
Pelosi insisted on visiting Taiwan despite China’s concerns and opposition.
Beijing described the visit as an intervention in its internal affairs, a violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity and stressed that the visit was a violation of the one-China principle, undermining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.
Diplomacy
BlackRock halts work on Ukraine reconstruction fund amid Trump uncertainty

US-based BlackRock, the world’s largest investment company, has reportedly halted its efforts to find investors for a planned reconstruction fund for Ukraine.
According to a report by Bloomberg that cited sources familiar with the matter, the decision is driven by uncertainties surrounding US President Donald Trump’s position on Ukraine.
The fund was scheduled to be unveiled at a conference on Ukraine’s reconstruction on July 10-11, an event attended by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Sources indicated that the initiative was close to securing initial support from entities linked to the governments of Germany, Italy, and Poland.
However, with the possibility of Trump returning to the White House in January, BlackRock has decided to temporarily suspend its discussions with institutional investors, citing uncertainty about future support for Ukraine.
Alternative plan from France
Bloomberg has also learned that France is now developing an alternative plan, which includes creating a new fund to replace the initiative that BlackRock has suspended. The effectiveness of this new plan without US participation, however, remains a significant question.
A BlackRock representative stated that the company completed its pro bono advisory work for the Ukraine project in 2024 and currently has “no active commitments” to the Ukrainian government.
“The only discussions that influence BlackRock’s decisions are those the firm has with its clients,” the representative emphasized.
The fund’s $15 billion target
BlackRock Vice Chairman Philipp Hildebrand, who was previously involved in the negotiations, had announced plans to attract at least $500 million from governments, international development banks, and other public donors, along with approximately $2 billion from private investors.
According to Hildebrand, uniting investors under a single consortium would have enabled the direction of at least $15 billion in equity and debt investments toward Ukraine’s reconstruction.
The World Bank estimates that the total cost for Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction exceeds €500 billion. Rebuilding the country’s port infrastructure alone is projected to require at least €1 billion.
Diplomacy
BRICS summit condemns attack on Iran, demands Gaza ceasefire

At the 17th BRICS Summit, which began Sunday in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, military attacks against Iran were condemned, and a call was made for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
As the summit continued, US President Donald Trump threatened new tariffs on countries supporting BRICS policies.
A joint statement released by the group declared that the military attacks on Iran were a “violation of international law and the Charter of the United Nations (UN).”
Trump threatens tariffs on countries supporting BRICS
While the BRICS summit was underway, US President Donald Trump announced on the social media platform Truth Social that a 10% additional tariff would be imposed on countries that decide to support the group’s “anti-American policy.” Trump stated, “There will be no exceptions.”
Previously, Trump had threatened to impose a 100% tariff on the products of BRICS countries if they created an alternative currency to the dollar.
The US President had said, “BRICS has zero chance of replacing the American dollar in international trade. Any country that tries to do so can wave goodbye to America.” After this threat, Trump claimed that BRICS was “dead.”
Attack on Iran a ‘violation of international law’
The BRICS communiqué expressed “deep concern” over the escalating security situation in the Middle East and the deliberate attacks on civilian infrastructure and peaceful nuclear facilities.
The group emphasized its support for diplomatic initiatives aimed at resolving regional challenges and called on the UN Security Council (UNSC) to address the issue.
Call for immediate ceasefire in Gaza, compliance in Lebanon
The statement also reiterated concern over the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories as Israel’s attacks on the Gaza Strip continue.
The text condemned all violations of international law, particularly international humanitarian law and human rights law, drawing special attention to the use of starvation as a method of warfare.
The parties were urged to engage in further negotiations in good faith to achieve an immediate, permanent, and unconditional ceasefire. Additionally, “unwavering” support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) was affirmed.
The communiqué expressed satisfaction with the ceasefire in Lebanon and called on all parties to “strictly adhere to its terms.”
Ongoing violations of the ceasefire and of Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity were condemned.
The statement called on Israel to “respect the terms agreed upon with the Lebanese government and withdraw its occupying forces from all Lebanese territory.”
‘We are committed to Syria’s territorial integrity’
BRICS also affirmed its commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity of Syria. It called for a Syrian-led, peaceful, and inclusive political process based on the principles of UNSC Resolution 2254.
The partial occupation of some parts of Syria was strongly condemned, with a call for Israel to withdraw its forces without delay. The threat posed by the presence of foreign terrorist fighters in Syria was also condemned.
BRICS has a responsibility to defend international law, Araghchi declared
Speaking at the summit, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized that BRICS has a responsibility to defend international law and multilateralism, and to support the fundamental principles of the UN, from the equality of states to the rejection of the use of force and the peaceful resolution of disputes.
Araghchi stated that the attack on Iran was “a result of the absolute impunity granted by the US and some European countries for the Israeli regime to commit crimes without accountability.”
Stating that both Israel and the US must be held accountable for their violations of international law, Araghchi warned that the consequences of this attack would not be limited to his country but would spread throughout the entire region and even beyond.
The Iranian minister expressed that “the security dilemma in the region will not be resolved as long as Israel’s illegal tendencies are encouraged by its supporters.”
Noting that residential areas and military bases were targeted in the attacks, and that military leaders, soldiers, academics, and scientists were killed, Araghchi stressed Tehran’s determination to document the war crimes committed.
Araghchi added that “Iran will not abandon its demand for justice and compensation” and that his country “will continue to defend itself with all its might against any future attacks.”
The unipolar world is a thing of the past, says Putin
Participating in the summit via video conference, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the world is witnessing profound changes and that the unipolar system of international relations “is a thing of the past.”
Calling for the strengthening of cooperation among BRICS countries, Putin expressed his hope for expanding the use of national currencies.
Putin stated that all member countries “stand for the principles of equality, good neighborliness, and traditional values,” adding, “The influence and position of BRICS are growing every year, and it has rightfully become one of the main centers of the global system.”
The Russian leader noted that the group “significantly surpasses” other blocs like the G7 in terms of purchasing power parity.
The UNSC must be reformed, says Lula da Silva
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva warned that the UN is in danger of “losing credibility and becoming paralyzed.”
Lula da Silva called for the UNSC to be reformed by “adding new permanent members from the Global South.” He stated that this is not just a matter of justice but also “a guarantee for the survival of the UN.”
The Brazilian leader also warned of a potential nuclear catastrophe and urged world leaders not to ignore the “genocide” committed by Israel in the Gaza Strip.
He emphasized that a solution is only possible “with the end of the occupation and the establishment of a Palestinian state.”
Lavrov supports Araghchi
On the sidelines of the summit, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held a meeting with his Iranian counterpart, Araghchi. Lavrov reiterated his country’s position condemning the illegal attacks against Iran, including those on peaceful nuclear facilities.
Emphasizing the importance of taking effective steps to prevent the escalation of tensions in the region, Lavrov stated that Russia is ready to assist, including at the UNSC level.
The global rise of BRICS
BRICS was initially coined as the acronym BRIC by Goldman Sachs chief economist Jim O’Neill to describe the emerging economies of Brazil, Russia, India, and China.
These countries formed an informal club in 2009. With the inclusion of South Africa in 2010, the group became known as BRICS. The group expanded in 2023 with the addition of Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE, and Indonesia joined at the beginning of 2025.
Kirill Dmitriev, CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), stated during the summit in Brazil that the era of the Global South has begun.
Dmitriev noted that BRICS countries account for half of global economic growth, about 45% of the world’s population, and approximately 40% of global GDP, while the G7’s share remains at 29%.
Diplomacy
Juan Carrero condemns global indifference to tragedies in Gaza and Congo

In a speech at the International Peace Coalition meeting organized by the Schiller Institute, Juan Carrero, President of the s’Olivar Foundation in Spain, stated that the world has become “morally dead” by ignoring major tragedies in Gaza, Syria, and Africa. He argued that this moral decay fuels the madness of war.
Carrero noted that resisting countries like Iran possess something far more powerful than nuclear weapons, saying, “This is honor.”
Describing the analyses at the meeting as “sensible, courageous, and enlightening,” Carrero highlighted the Schiller Institute’s consistent emphasis on the importance of morality alongside its geostrategic analyses.
‘Moral death is worse’
Carrero stated that moral corruption has always been at the root of the destructive collapse of empires and all war frenzies in history. “Those pursuing a delusional expansionist project aim to bring about regime change in Iran. This is the last of the seven regime changes they have planned. They claim to be very concerned about Iran obtaining a nuclear bomb,” he said.
Carrero emphasized that Iran and many other countries resisting the latest follies of the collapsing Anglo-Western empire possess something far more powerful than nuclear weapons, reiterating, “This is honor.” He added that Iran does not see the assassination of its generals or nuclear scientists in their homes with their families as a failure. He continued:
“Each of them is a martyr whose blood will give life to their people. On this matter, both heroic military leaders and political activists agree with the advocates of the non-violence movement. There is something much worse than physical death, and that is moral death.”
‘The world is morally dead’
Carrero asserted that a world that ignores the tragedies in Gaza, Syria, or Africa because they are not thought to directly trigger a nuclear catastrophe is a “worthless and morally dead” world.
“The same applies to a world that does not care about Africa because the conflicts there are not waged with weapons of mass destruction or weapons that could destroy our Anglo-Western way of life,” Carrero assessed.
In his speech, Carrero pointed to a series of “follies” that should not be tolerated, including the “Greater Israel project,” the “desire for Russia’s collapse,” and the quest by “the genocidal Paul Kagame to annex the vast eastern territories of the Democratic Republic of Congo.”
Specifically addressing the situation in Congo, Carrero noted that the country has 7 million refugees, millions of victims, and hundreds of thousands of cases of rape. He stated that heroic leaders like Victor Ingabir, who could end this madness, are systematically killed or imprisoned.
“Despite the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights ruling in his favor, Paul Kagame has abducted him once again, and no one can reach him,” Carrero said.
Carrero concluded his speech by presenting a video message from the 1980 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Adolfo Perez Esquivel, which included a call to “disarm the armed consciences and stop the wars and lies.”
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