Trump hails meetings with Netanyahu and Zelenskiy

Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed support for Brazil’s efforts to protect its sovereignty and resist foreign interference during a phone conversation with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, according to Chinese state media. The discussion took place just months before Brazil’s closely watched presidential election and against the backdrop of growing trade and diplomatic tensions with the United States. According to China’s Xinhua news agency, Xi praised Brazil’s role on the international stage and said Beijing values the country’s influence in global affairs. He stated that China supports Brazil in defending its independence, rejecting outside interference, and contributing to regional and international peace and stability. The phone call comes less than three months before Brazilians head to the polls in an election expected to be highly competitive. President Lula is seeking another term and faces a challenge from right wing candidate Flavio Bolsonaro, the son of former president Jair Bolsonaro. The Brazilian presidency said the two leaders also discussed strengthening economic cooperation. Both sides agreed on the importance of accelerating negotiations for a trade agreement between China and Mercosur, the South American trade bloc that includes Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Such an agreement could expand trade opportunities between the region and the world’s second largest economy. During the conversation, which lasted more than an hour, Lula reaffirmed his commitment to expanding Brazil’s international trade network. He said his government is working to diversify export markets and reduce dependence on a limited number of trading partners, particularly as Brazil faces increased tariff pressure from the United States. Relations between Brasilia and Washington have become more strained in recent months. The United States introduced two additional rounds of tariffs on a range of Brazilian products this month, following a significant tariff increase imposed last year. The measures were linked to political tensions surrounding the legal case that resulted in former president Jair Bolsonaro being sentenced to prison over an alleged coup plot. Lula has strongly criticized the tariffs, arguing that they amount to political pressure during an election year. He has accused Washington of attempting to influence Brazil’s domestic affairs through economic measures, an allegation the United States has rejected. Diplomatic tensions have also surfaced over election related issues. According to diplomatic sources, Brazil recently refused entry visas for two American officials who planned to visit the country’s election authorities ahead of the October vote. The move reflected growing sensitivity within the Brazilian government over foreign involvement in electoral matters. Meanwhile, Flavio Bolsonaro has continued to question the reliability of Brazil’s electronic voting system despite repeated assurances from election officials that it is secure. His claims have echoed similar allegations made by US President Donald Trump regarding American elections, although no credible evidence has supported those accusations. While the Chinese government highlighted Xi’s support for Brazil in resisting external interference, the official statement released by the Brazilian presidency did not specifically mention that part of the discussion. Instead, it focused on economic cooperation and the importance of strengthening trade ties between Brazil, China, and the Mercosur bloc. The conversation underscores the increasingly close relationship between Beijing and Brasilia at a time when Brazil is balancing political challenges at home with shifting economic and diplomatic dynamics on the global stage.

Indian authorities have released Kashmiri human rights activist Khurram Parvez and journalist Irfan Mehraj on bail after they spent years in custody under terrorism related charges. Their families confirmed that both men were released from a prison in New Delhi late on Wednesday following a court order, although strict bail conditions will keep them in the capital while their trial continues. Parvez, a well known human rights defender and programme coordinator of the Jammu Kashmir Coalition of Civil Society, was arrested by India’s National Investigation Agency in November 2021 from his home in Srinagar. Mehraj, a freelance journalist who also worked with the same rights organisation, was arrested in 2023. Both men have been charged under India’s anti terrorism laws with allegedly financing terrorism and promoting separatist activities. The legislation allows authorities to detain suspects for long periods without trial and has frequently been criticised by rights organisations for its broad powers. Although they have now been granted bail, their freedom remains limited. Court conditions require both Parvez and Mehraj to stay in New Delhi during the legal proceedings. They are not permitted to return to Kashmir and must arrange their own accommodation in the capital while attending court hearings. Indian investigators had challenged the decision to grant bail, but a higher court upheld the order. The Jammu Kashmir Coalition of Civil Society has spent many years documenting alleged human rights violations in the region. The organisation has published reports on cases involving torture, unlawful killings, enforced disappearances, and unmarked graves in areas affected by the long running conflict. Its work has often drawn international attention and placed it at the centre of debates over human rights in Kashmir. Parvez has received support from several international human rights organisations that have repeatedly called for his release. In 2023, the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention described his arrest as retaliation for his human rights activities. The UN experts said the detention appeared intended to silence both Parvez and wider civil society efforts in Kashmir. The case has also renewed attention on press freedom in the region. Journalists working in Indian administered Kashmir have reported increasing restrictions, surveillance, and legal action since the Indian government revoked the region’s special constitutional status in 2019. Several media workers and activists say they have faced questioning, arrests, or pressure while reporting on political and security issues. The Indian government maintains that its actions are necessary to combat terrorism and protect national security. Officials argue that the anti terrorism laws are an essential tool in dealing with militant groups operating in the region. However, critics say the legislation has increasingly been used against journalists, activists, and civil society members who peacefully document human rights concerns. Government figures show that more than 3,600 people were arrested under anti terrorism laws in Kashmir between 2019 and 2023. More than half of those detained remain in prison while awaiting legal proceedings, highlighting concerns over lengthy pre trial detention. The release of Parvez and Mehraj has been welcomed by rights advocates, but legal proceedings against both men continue. They will remain in New Delhi under the conditions set by the court until their trial reaches its conclusion. Their cases are expected to remain closely watched by international human rights organisations and press freedom groups as they continue to raise concerns about civil liberties and legal protections in Indian administered Kashmir.

The United Front of Afghanistan has announced the launch of an armed campaign against the Afghan Taliban, marking what it describes as a new phase in its efforts to challenge the Taliban-led administration. The group’s leader, General Sami Sadat, also appealed to the United States, NATO and other members of the international community for political support. In a video message, General Sadat said the resistance movement had formally begun military operations in Kandahar. He described the campaign as an effort to free Afghanistan from Taliban rule and restore stability to the country. Sadat said the group’s military activities are not limited to targeting the Taliban. He claimed that United Front fighters are also operating against Al-Qaeda, Daesh (ISIS) and the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), saying these organisations pose a serious threat to Afghanistan and the wider region. He stressed that the resistance movement does not seek conflict with neighbouring countries. According to Sadat, the group’s objective is to establish peaceful relations with Afghanistan’s neighbours and promote regional cooperation. He argued that the Taliban’s policies have created security concerns for neighbouring states, while the United Front aims to contribute to long-term regional stability. General Sadat also pledged that his forces would conduct all military operations in accordance with international law. He said the movement would respect humanitarian principles during its campaign and insisted that it would not seek permission from any foreign country before carrying out its operations. Calling for international engagement, Sadat urged the global community to provide political backing to the resistance movement. He appealed to the United States, NATO and other governments to support what he described as the Afghan people’s struggle for freedom, saying the international community should stand on the “right side of history.” The announcement comes amid continuing political and security tensions in Afghanistan, where anti-Taliban resistance groups have periodically claimed attacks against Taliban positions, particularly in northern and central parts of the country. Despite these claims, the Taliban remain in control of most of Afghanistan and continue to reject the legitimacy of armed opposition groups.