The international community continues to move rapidly, with various developments unfolding across the globe, ranging from conflict and diplomacy to migration and the global economy. Throughout this week, these events once again demonstrated how closely security issues and international relations are interconnected in maintaining—or, conversely, challenging—regional stability.
In global markets, copper prices surged after the Democratic Republic of the Congo suspended exports of copper and cobalt concentrates. Copper prices on the London Metal Exchange (LME) briefly climbed to US$14,369.5 per ton, while prices on the COMEX reached a record US$6.72 per pound. The increase was driven by concerns over tightening supplies amid declining global inventories and strong demand for electrification and AI.
Meanwhile, in the Middle East, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected a 15-point peace plan for Gaza backed by the United States. He stated that Israeli forces would not withdraw until Hamas is fully disarmed. Hamas said it remained supportive of the plan on the condition that Israel halt its attacks and withdraw its forces. Netanyahu also reiterated that there would be no Palestinian state as long as he remains in office.
In Southeast Asia, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul called for a “calibrated re-engagement” approach toward Myanmar at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta. He reaffirmed that the Five-Point Consensus remains ASEAN’s guiding framework. Anutin is scheduled to meet with Myanmar leader Min Aung Hlaing from August 6 to 7. Indonesia and Thailand also agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
Meanwhile, the Russia-Ukraine conflict escalated again after Russia launched glide bomb attacks on Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, killing one person and injuring dozens more. Ukraine retaliated with drone strikes on Russia and Crimea. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also stated that Ukraine was strengthening defense cooperation with several countries and renewed his call for additional Patriot air defense systems.
In Europe, Spain imposed border checks on travelers arriving from Italy for one month. The policy was introduced following the arrival of tens of thousands of migrants in Ceuta. The dispute has further highlighted differences between Spain and Italy over migration policy. Nearly 1,400 migrant children remain in Ceuta.
In South Asia, Nepalese Prime Minister Balendra Shah is scheduled to meet with the Indian and Chinese ambassadors on Monday (August 10) to discuss bilateral relations. The meeting marks his first direct diplomatic engagement since taking office more than 100 days ago. Shah is then scheduled to meet with representatives of the US Embassy on Tuesday (August 11). The meeting had previously been postponed due to communal violence in the Terai and Madhesh regions.
In the global economy, Nintendo, the Japanese video game company, reported a 53.5 percent increase in profit to ¥147.4 billion for the quarter ending in June 2026. The increase was partly driven by a refund of US tariffs, despite a 10 percent decline in revenue. Sales of the Switch 2 console remained strong during the period.
Source:
Makortoff, Kalyeena. “‘Mamma mia!’: Trump tariffs refund ignites 53% profit spike at Nintendo”. The Guardian. 6 Agustus 2026. https://www.theguardian.com/games/2026/aug/06/trump-tariffs-refund-fuels-profit-spike-nintendo.
Moore, Henry. “Spain imposes border controls against Italy as row over Ceuta migrant influx intensifies”. BBC. 9 Agustus 2026. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5yv5l6yr5ko.
PTI. “Nepal PM Balendra Shah to meet Indian, Chinese envoys on August 10”. 9 Agustus 2026. https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/nepal-pm-balendra-shah-to-meet-indian-chinese-envoys-on-august-10/article71324555.ece.
“Russia blasts southern Ukrainian city with glide bombs while Ukrainian drones kill 9”. NBC News. 4 Agustus 2026. https://www.nbcnews.com/world/ukraine/russia-blasts-southern-ukrainian-city-glide-bombs-ukrainian-drones-kil-rcna590676.
“Thai PM urges ‘calibrated re-engagement’ with Myanmar ahead of meeting with Min Aung Hlaing”. CNA. 4 Agustus 2026. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/thailand-anutin-calibrated-re-engagement-myanmar-6297141.
Tirta, Emanuella Bungasmara Ega. “Kongo tutup Keran Ekspor, Harga Tembaga Terbang ke Zona Berbahaya”. CNBC Indonesia. 7 Agustus 2026. https://www.cnbcindonesia.com/research/20260807120357-128-757393/kongo-tutup-keran-ekspor-harga-tembaga-terbang-ke-zona-berbahaya.
Yosef, Eugenia. “Israel rejects Trump’s Gaza peace plan, saying no withdrawal until Hamas disarms”. 9 Agustus 2026. https://edition.cnn.com/2026/08/09/middleeast/israel-gaza-trump-netanyahu-plan-intl.