Australia and Fiji Sign New Defense Pact to Counter China's Influence in the Pacific
¬ Slovak Prime Minister Accuses European Elites of Anti-Russian Sentiment
¬ Media: Israeli PM Plans Meeting with Trump on July 13 to Discuss Iran and Saudi Arabia Issues
¬ Media: U.S. Intelligence Agencies Assisting Kyiv in Establishing Drone Routes to Target Russia
¬ Media: Trump Plans to Speak with Putin After Meeting Zelenskyy in Turkey
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Australia and Fiji have recently formally established a new defense alliance, with both sides pledging to initiate emergency consultations in case of security threats and take coordinated actions if subjected to armed attacks. According to Australian news outlet reports, this treaty, named the "Maritime Peace Alliance," was signed by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka during Albanese’s visit to Suva, the capital of Fiji.
According to the treaty text, if either party faces threats to its sovereignty, peace, or stability, the two countries will immediately begin consultations and explore joint response measures. The treaty also explicitly includes a mutual defense clause stating: "An armed attack against any one party within the Pacific region shall be regarded as a threat to the peace and security of all nations in the region; both parties shall take action to eliminate the common threat in accordance with their respective domestic procedures."
Notably, the agreement leaves room for expansion—other Pacific island nations that share the treaty’s objectives and are capable of contributing to regional security may be invited to join upon mutual agreement.
Australian media analysis points out that this marks Australia’s fourth such bilateral defense arrangement. Canberra views this move as “a substantive step in strengthening its strategic presence in the Pacific,” especially amid China’s steadily increasing influence in the region. Public opinion suggests that the upgrading of the Australia-Fiji alliance reflects the intensifying geopolitical competition in the South Pacific.
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Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico accused European elites of harboring anti-Russian sentiment, asserting that Europe can only survive through unity between East and West.
Fico stated during Sunday’s national celebration marking the feast day of Saints Cyril and Methodius: "We see European elites placing our shared European home on the same card—confrontation and fear of Russia. I ask: Do we truly need confrontation to confirm that Europe’s survival is only possible through East-West unity?"
The Slovak prime minister also criticized European leaders for forgetting the famous words of France’s former president Charles de Gaulle (1959–1969), who once said Europe should stretch from the Atlantic to the Ural Mountains.
Fico argued that he sees the confrontational narrative as a psychological defense mechanism employed by disoriented European elites lost in a labyrinth of prejudice and fear, seeking self-protection.
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According to a report by CNN citing an Israeli source, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plans to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington on July 13 to discuss issues related to Iran and relations with Saudi Arabia.
Previously, the Israeli Prime Minister’s office stated that Netanyahu and Trump had agreed during a phone call to arrange a meeting in the United States as soon as possible.
CNN reported: "Netanyahu is scheduled to visit Washington as early as next Monday, July 13, to meet with Trump."
The source added that both sides will discuss the issue of Iran and a new security agreement between Israel and the United States. CNN reminded readers that the current agreement between the two countries is set to expire in 2028.
The source further noted: "Normalization of relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia will also be a topic of discussion."
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According to a report by the Financial Times, U.S. intelligence agencies are assisting Kyiv in establishing drone routes for strikes targeting Russian territory.
The report cited statements from senior Ukrainian officials saying: "U.S. intelligence assistance has played a role in helping Kyiv plan optimal drone flight paths while bypassing air defense systems."
These officials believe it is unlikely that the trilateral talks on Ukraine will resume before summer ends.
Russian presidential spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that the special military operation continues as if in a real war, given that Kyiv is being supported by Berlin, Paris, The Hague, Oslo, and Washington.
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Reuters quoted a senior U.S. official reporting that President Donald Trump plans to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin after meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Turkey during the NATO summit.
Previously, CNN reported that Trump would meet Zelenskyy during the NATO summit.
Reuters wrote: "Trump is likely to speak with Putin after his conversation with Zelenskyy."
The NATO summit is scheduled to take place in Ankara, Turkey, from July 7 to 8.
Source: sputniknews
Original: toutiao.com/article/1869939684924427/
Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author