Throughout the third week of August, political tensions, diplomatic maneuvering, and climate-related crises again dominated global developments. From rising frictions in the South China Sea and cross-continental trade agreements to growing international recognition of Palestine, the week highlighted a wide spectrum of issues shaping regional and global stability.
On Monday (11/8), a collision occurred between a Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessel and a China Coast Guard (CCG) ship as they pursued a Philippine Coast Guard vessel in the South China Sea. Manila stated that its ship had been escorting a humanitarian mission for local fishermen near disputed waters, while Beijing accused the Philippines of conducting dangerous maneuvers. Both sides traded blame, further undermining peace and stability in the region.
On the same day, Indonesia and Peru signed the Indonesia–Peru Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IP-CEPA) during the state visit of Peruvian President Dina Ercilia Boluarte Zegarra. The agreement is expected to expand market access and strengthen bilateral economic ties.
In the Korean Peninsula, domestic political turmoil gained international attention after Kim Keon-hee, wife of imprisoned former South Korean president Yoon Suk-yeol, was arrested on charges ranging from bribery and stock manipulation to political interference. During a hearing on Tuesday (12/8), Kim denied all allegations, but the Seoul Central District Court issued a detention warrant citing concerns over potential evidence tampering.
Meanwhile, Myanmar’s ongoing civil war again claimed civilian lives. A military airstrike on Mogok, a major gemstone-mining town, killed 21 people on Thursday (14/8) as the military sought to reclaim territory from resistance forces.
From the Arctic region, Russian President Vladimir Putin met U.S. President Donald Trump at the Alaska Summit on Friday (15/8). Trump declared that the two countries had made “major progress” in bilateral ties, though no concrete agreements were reached on the war in Ukraine. He stated that ceasefire negotiations involving Russia, Ukraine, and the United States would be convened soon.
In Europe, the climate crisis intensified as extreme heatwaves sparked wildfires across France, Spain, Albania, Portugal, and Greece. Nearly 2.4 million hectares of forest were destroyed, with temperatures surpassing 37 degrees Celsius—underscoring the urgency of global climate action.
On the diplomatic stage, Australia and New Zealand followed France in formally recognizing the State of Palestine. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that the formal submission would be delivered at the UN meeting in New York this September, reaffirming support for a two-state solution to resolve the Israel–Palestine conflict.
Source:
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“Detik-Detik Kapal Perang China Tabrakan Saat Mengejar Patroli Filipina.” CNBC Indonesia. 12 August 2025. https://www.cnbcindonesia.com/news/20250811191114-7-657087/detik-detik-kapal-perang-china-tabrakan-saat-mengejar-patroli-filipina/5.
“Indonesia-Peru Tandatangani IP CEPA yang Rampung Hanya dalam 14 bulan.” Kementerian Sekretariat Negara Republik Indonesia. 11 August 2025. https://www.setneg.go.id/baca/index/indonesia_peru_tandatangani_ip_cepa_yang_rampung_hanya_dalam_14_bulan.
“Kian Panas, China & Filipina Saling Salahkan Tabrakan di LCS.” Bloomberg Technoz. 15 August 2025. https://www.bloombergtechnoz.com/detail-news/80820/kian-panas-china-filipina-saling-salahkan-tabrakan-di-lcs.
Dehghanpisheh, Babak. “Putin gets warm welcome from Trump at Alaska summit, including a ride in ‘The Beast.’” NBC News. 16 August 2025. https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/trump-administration/putin-gets-warm-welcome-trump-ride-beast-alaska-summit-ukraine-rcna225310.
Ng, Kelly. “Wife of South Korea’s jailed ex-president arrested.” BBC. 13 August 2025. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cz71rp7yn05o.
Paddison, Laura. “‘We’re being cooked alive:’ Europe burns as temperatures soar above 100 degrees.” CNN. 13 August 2025. https://edition.cnn.com/2025/08/12/climate/europe-wildfires-heatwave-drought.
Peck, Grant. “Military airstrike on gem mining town kills at least 21 in Myanmar.” ABC News. 16 August 2025. https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/military-airstrike-gem-mining-town-kills-21-myanmar-124705540.
Sangal, Aditi. et.,al. “August 15, 2025: Trump-Putin summit ends without concrete deal.” CNN. 16 August 2025. https://edition.cnn.com/politics/live-news/trump-putin-meeting-news-08-15-25.
The Associated Press. “Wife of South Korea’s jailed ex-President Yoon arrested over corruption allegations.” NPR. 13 August 2025. https://www.npr.org/2025/08/13/nx-s1-5501036/south-korea-yoon-corruption-first-lady.