Weekly Brief

Welcome to the tut0ugh Weekly Brief. This past week, Russian jets tested Estonia’s airspace, Washington and Beijing met on trade, Arctic routes expanded, protests hit France, the UK and US signed a tech deal, and major defence and maritime developments unfolded worldwide.

First time reading? Stay ahead of current events. Sign up here.

Feel free to send us feedback at [email protected]

Russian jets enter Estonia’s airspace in latest test for NATO

On 19 September, three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets briefly entered Estonian airspace for 12 minutes, prompting Tallinn to summon Russia’s top diplomat and request NATO consultations under Article 4. Estonia’s Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna called the breach “unprecedentedly brazen,” noting Russia had violated Estonian airspace four times this year. The jets flew without flight plans, with transponders off and no contact with air traffic control. Italian F-35s stationed in Estonia escorted the aircraft out. 

The incursion followed Russian drone activity over Poland and the Zapad-2025 exercises with Belarus. NATO, Ukraine, and Baltic states view it as a test of alliance deterrence, while Russia questioned Estonia’s account.

Washington and Beijing meet in Madrid for latest trade negotiations

The United States and China held a fourth round of trade talks in Madrid on 15 September, focusing on tariffs, rare earths, and the future of TikTok. China’s negotiator Li Chenggang criticised U.S. restrictions as “unilateral bullying” but said both sides had a “basic framework consensus” on TikTok. 

U.S. Trade Representative deputy chief Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng led the discussions, which coincided with Washington urging allies to raise tariffs over China’s Russian oil imports and Beijing launching an antitrust probe into U.S. chipmaker Nvidia. Presidents Trump and Xi also spoke by phone, with Trump claiming TikTok’s sale was progressing. Talks will continue at APEC in South Korea on 31 October.

Arctic trade routes gain traction with Chinese shipping lines

Chinese shipping firms are increasingly using Arctic routes to cut transit times to Europe and bypass chokepoints like the Suez Canal. SeaLegend Line, founded in 2022, has dispatched its first Arctic express vessel from Qingdao, due in Poland on 16 October via Felixstowe, Rotterdam, and Hamburg, reducing the journey from 40 to 18 days. New New Shipping began Arctic operations in 2023, citing shorter distances and closer ties with Russia, which is developing Arctic ports. 

Analysts note strategic benefits for China and Russia, though environmental groups warn of ecological risks. Meanwhile, China’s annual Beijing Xiangshan Forum opened on 18 September, with defence officials discussing Taiwan, the South China Sea, AI, and global governance.

Protests and strikes hit France over budget cuts

Protests and strikes disrupted transport and public services across France on 18 September as unions opposed government plans to cut welfare and state spending. The Paris Metro, regional rail, schools, and local transport were affected, though high-speed rail and air travel faced fewer delays. Authorities deployed 80,000 police nationwide, reporting 94 arrests by midday. 

President Emmanuel Macron’s government, lacking a parliamentary majority, is seeking to reduce public debt through cuts, with new Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu tasked with building support. Unions argue the measures target low- and middle-income households, demanding higher contributions from businesses and the wealthy, while frustration over recent pension reforms persists.

Starmer and Trump sign UK–US Tech Prosperity Deal

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and US President Donald Trump signed the UK–US Tech Prosperity Deal during Trump’s State Visit, marking the largest investment package in British history. The agreement focuses on technology and energy, with companies including Nvidia, OpenAI, Google, Microsoft, and Salesforce pledging major investments. 

Starmer said it could create up to 15,000 UK jobs in AI, quantum computing, and data infrastructure, including a new supercomputer with Nscale and expanded research labs. Energy commitments include 12 advanced nuclear reactors in northeast England to enhance supply and security. Contributors such as Blackstone and GSK will provide investment over the next decade, strengthening UK–US economic ties.

Saudi Arabia and Pakistan sign mutual defence agreement

Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have signed a strategic mutual defence pact in Riyadh, formalising deeper military cooperation. Signed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the agreement commits both countries to treat aggression against one as aggression against both, allowing the use of “all defensive and military means deemed necessary” depending on the threat. 

The move follows regional tensions after Israel’s strike in Doha last week targeting Hamas leaders. Riyadh notified Washington of the deal, while Crown Prince Mohammed reiterated that Saudi normalisation with Israel depends on progress toward a Palestinian state. The pact builds on decades of joint military training, counterterrorism, and economic ties.

Venezuela conducts military drills amid US tensions

Venezuela has launched a three-day military exercise, “Sovereign Caribbean,” on La Orchila island, involving ships, aircraft, drones, and electronic warfare systems. Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino López said the drills demonstrated national defence amid US operations in the region, which Caracas criticised as aggressive. 

The exercises coincided with the National Assembly’s initial approval of a strategic cooperation pact with Russia covering energy, defence, technology, and trade. Lawmakers framed the agreement as opposition to US “imperialist” policies. President Nicolás Maduro reiterated Venezuela’s anti-narcotics efforts, while US President Donald Trump denied planning regime change.

Cyber-attack disrupts flights at major European airports

A cyber-attack on software provided by Collins Aerospace disrupted check-in and baggage systems at several European airports on 21 September, causing delays and cancellations. Heathrow reported widespread disruption, with Brussels and Berlin also affected, while Dublin and Cork experienced minor impacts. Hundreds of flights were delayed, with airlines switching to manual check-in. 

Authorities deployed extra staff at airports, and the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre said it was working with operators to assess the impact. The European Commission said the incident was not “widespread or severe” but was closely monitored. The attack follows a July IT crash that highlighted aviation’s reliance on vulnerable digital systems.

High Seas Treaty set to become international law, protecting two thirds of the ocean

The High Seas Treaty will take effect in January 2026 after Morocco became the 60th country to ratify it, meeting the threshold for adoption. Two decades in the making, the treaty introduces legally binding rules to conserve and sustainably manage biodiversity in international waters, covering over two-thirds of the ocean. 

UN Secretary-General António Guterres said it aims to address overfishing, pollution, and climate damage, with countries pledging to protect 30% of global waters by 2030. Environmental groups hailed the agreement as a milestone for ocean conservation, though critics caution that progress will depend on national assessments and effective international monitoring.

Brenner Base Tunnel breakthrough marks major EU rail milestone 

Construction has completed a breakthrough on the Brenner Base Tunnel, linking Austria and Italy underground. The 55 km tunnel, extending to 64 km with connections to Innsbruck, will form part of a high-speed rail corridor connecting northern and southern Europe and is set to become the world’s longest underground rail link. 

The project aims to shift freight from road to rail, reducing emissions and strengthening cross-border trade. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called it “a historic day” for Italy, Austria, and Europe. Scheduled to open in 2032, the tunnel will cut travel times between Fortezza and Innsbruck from 80 minutes to under 25, with costs now €8.5 billion.

Thanks for reading the tut0ugh Weekly Brief.

Stay informed—follow us on social media for daily updates on global events.

See you next week!