China’s AI ‘shock’, EU ‘kill switch’, Ukraine hope, Mbappe fiasco: 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. China warns EU not to ‘fantasise’ on trade approach after ‘kill switch’ threat

Beijing warned Brussels not to “fantasise” that taking a hard line will force it into concessions, as the bloc confirmed plans for a gung-ho new “kill switch” that would allow Brussels to “immediately” kick China out of the single market.

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2. US troops in South Korea must be ready for missions beyond peninsula: commander

The commander of the US Eighth Army in South Korea said his troops must be ready for deployment outside the Korean peninsula if ordered, arguing that it would be “irresponsible” to focus “myopically” on threats there.

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3. ‘China shock 3.0’ to be driven by AI, biotech and robot exports, economist says

The world is on the cusp of a “China shock 3.0” driven by exports of artificial intelligence, biotechnology and robots, which could hit harder than the current wave, a leading economist on China said.

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4. Zelensky hopes Beijing can use ‘influence’ over Moscow to help stop Ukraine war

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Beijing has “influence” over Moscow it should use to stop the war in Ukraine, and that a proposed summit meeting of the US, Chinese and Russian leaders must not lead to the division of his war-torn country.

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5. Public comments flood US government websites over proposed H-1B, OPT fee hikes

Thousands weighed in on two contentious proposals that could sharply raise fees for international students and employers of skilled foreign workers in the US, fuelling debate and adding uncertainty for those hoping to study, work or remain in the country.

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6. Hegseth pledges stronger military framework with Philippines, but lacks details

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth announced additional military cooperation funding for the Philippines and agreed with Manila on efforts for enhanced interoperability between their forces as Washington sought to strengthen its defence posture along the first island chain.

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7. Real Madrid issues apology to China over Mbappe’s Mao remarks

Real Madrid issued an apology to China over Kylian Mbappe’s controversial remarks about the former Chinese leader Mao Zedong, after the Spanish football club’s initial response failed to quell anger in China.