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

From US arms promises to EU sanctions and USMCA troubles, here are highlights from the SCMP’s overseas correspondents in July 2026

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

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1. Nato launches defence projects to counter Russia and China

Nato 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.

2. Exclusive: China signals openness to cut gaping EU trade gap as Brussels toughens stance

China 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.

3. Trump throws Saudi nuclear deal into doubt with Israel recognition demand

The 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.