US-Saudi nuclear doubt, Boko Haram’s AI terrorism: 7 global relations reads

We have selected seven of the most interesting and important news stories covering global relations from the past few weeks. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing.1. Nato launches defence projects to counter Russia and ChinaPhoto: EPANato member states unveiled a series of defence initiatives in June aimed at strengthening weapons development, production and supply chains in response to security challenges posed by Russia and China.Read the full story here.2. Exclusive: China signals openness to cut gaping EU trade gap as Brussels toughens stancePhoto: AFPChina told the European Union that it is open to exploring ways to cut its massive trade surplus with the bloc during talks in Brussels, according to multiple people briefed on the discussion.Read the full story here.3. Trump throws Saudi nuclear deal into doubt with Israel recognition demandPhoto: AFPThe White House threw a US-Saudi Arabia nuclear deal into question just a day after it was signed, emphasising that it depended on the oil-rich Gulf country recognising Israel under a 2020 diplomatic initiative.Read the full story here.4. EU waters down Russia sanctions over fears China could seize key LNG assetsPhoto: APThe EU watered down its latest round of sanctions on Moscow after concluding that banning Greek companies from transporting Russian gas to third countries could hand strategically important shipping assets to China.Read the full story here.5. Trump surprises Nato allies with arms deals and praise as summit ends positivelyPhoto: Getty Images/TNSUS President Donald Trump promised new arms sales in Europe, including advanced air defence systems to Nato allies and Ukraine, as the transatlantic alliance ramped up its military partnership, signalling a potential thaw after Trump repeatedly railed against the coalition.Further ReadingRead the full story here.6. Boko Haram exploited US and Chinese AI chatbots for attacks: Cambridge studyPhoto: AFPBoko Haram is using US chatbots, including OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Anthropic’s Claude, as well as Chinese company DeepSeek’s chatbot, as key operational tools in its terrorism campaign, according to a new research paper released by Cambridge University. “AI models are becoming much more capable, so the stakes are also much higher now,” researcher Antonia Juelich told the South China Morning Post.Read the full story here.7. US backs away from USMCA trade deal, upset over Canada’s China tiesPhoto: The Detroit News/TNSThe United States confirmed it would not renew its North American trade pact, its trade chief blaming Canada’s pursuit of Chinese investment. “One day they’ll say, ‘We want to help America reindustrialise, we want to help make America great again,’” Greer said. “Then the next day they’ll talk about bringing in Chinese investment.”Read the full story here.