Weekly Brief

Welcome to the tut0ugh Weekly Brief. This past week, UN declares famine in Gaza, US and South Korea conduct drills , postal suspensions hit US shipments, and Germany, Japan, and China deepen strategic ties.

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

Feel free to send us feedback at [email protected]

UN declares famine in Gaza City amid rising humanitarian crisis

A UN-backed assessment has formally declared famine in Gaza City and surrounding areas, warning of rapidly rising deaths without urgent intervention. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) confirmed all famine thresholds have been met—the fifth such declaration since 2004. The report described the crisis as “entirely man-made” and reversible if humanitarian access and essential services are restored, noting that towns including Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis could enter famine within weeks. 

Northern Gaza has not been fully assessed due to limited data but is believed to be severely affected. Israel rejected the findings, claiming no famine and suggesting the report is influenced by Hamas, while Prime Minister Netanyahu announced further military operations, raising alarm among aid agencies.

South Korea and US launch drills amid North Korean criticism

South Korea and the United States launched the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise on 18 August, involving 21,000 troops over 11 days. The drills, combining simulations and field training, are described by both governments as defensive. North Korea condemned the exercise as a “provocation,” with leader Kim Jong Un calling it an attempt to provoke war and pledging rapid expansion of the North’s nuclear arsenal.

The exercises precede South Korean President Lee Jae-myung’s summit with US President Donald Trump on 25 August, where Washington is pressing Seoul for greater contributions to the 28,500 US troops stationed in the country. The drills also include civil defence exercises to test emergency readiness, while Lee advocates “step-by-step” engagement with Pyongyang despite North Korean rejection.

Postal services in India and Europe to suspend shipment of packages to US over import tariffs

Postal services across Europe and India are suspending most shipments to the United States due to uncertainty over new U.S. import tariffs set to take effect on 29 August 2025. Germany, Denmark, Sweden, and Italy halted deliveries from 23 August, with France, Austria, and the UK following later in the week. India will pause all consignments except letters, documents, and gifts under $100.

The measures respond to an executive order by U.S. President Donald Trump removing exemptions on goods under $800, meaning items over $100 now face duties. European operators cite unclear collection procedures and say suspensions are temporary but necessary. PostEurop warned all members could halt shipments if clarity is not provided.

Germany deepens Japan defence ties; Japan and South Korea resume shuttle diplomacy

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul visited Japan’s Yokosuka naval base, emphasising closer defence cooperation and warning against changing borders by force, in remarks widely interpreted as referencing Taiwan. Beijing criticised the comments, though Germany maintains a “one China policy” while engaging Taiwan economically and culturally. German troops in Yokosuka support UN sanctions on North Korea, and Berlin has increased regional deployments. Germany and Japan also share intelligence and are exploring defence industry cooperation, linking European and Indo-Pacific security.

Separately, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung met in Tokyo on 23 August, agreeing to deepen security, economic, and AI cooperation, resume shuttle diplomacy, and coordinate on North Korea ahead of Lee’s upcoming US talks

China expands Afghanistan ties; India and Russia target $100bn trade

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited Kabul to discuss expanding ties with the Taliban administration, meeting Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi and Prime Minister Mullah Muhammad Hassan Akhund. Talks focused on trade, agriculture, security, and mining, with China planning “practical mining activities” in Afghanistan this year, targeting lithium, copper, and iron for its supply chains. Wang also held trilateral meetings with Pakistan, reaffirming support for Afghanistan’s stability and urging stronger security cooperation.

Separately, India and Russia aim to raise annual trade to $100 billion within five years. Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar stressed reducing tariffs, expanding joint ventures, and strengthening payment systems. The move follows higher US tariffs on Indian goods, while Modi prepares to meet China’s President Xi Jinping later this month.

Taiwan nuclear plant re-opening vote fails as approval threshold missed 

A referendum to restart Taiwan’s last nuclear plant, Maanshan, has failed after turnout fell below the legal 25% threshold, despite a majority of votes in favour. The proposal, backed by the Taiwan People’s Party and opposition Kuomintang, sought to reverse the plant’s May closure as Taiwan shifts to renewables and liquefied natural gas. President Lai Ching-te cited safety concerns in earthquake-prone areas and challenges managing nuclear waste, but left open the possibility of “advanced nuclear energy” if technology improves.

Separate votes rejected the recall of seven Kuomintang legislators. President Lai confirmed Premier Cho Jung-tai will stay in office, with a cabinet reshuffle anticipated. The result highlights both nuclear caution and political divisions in Taiwan.

Britain’s prison overcrowding drives shift towards alternative sentencing 

The UK government plans to tighten sentencing in England and Wales, giving courts powers to impose bans on pubs, concerts, sports events, driving, travel, or restrict offenders to specific areas, even for unrelated offences. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the reforms aim to ensure community sentences “punish criminals and restrict their freedoms,” following a review recommending fewer short prison terms to reduce overcrowding.

Currently, bans are limited, for example to football-related violence, but new rules would extend restrictions to any offence, with breaches returning offenders to court. The proposals also cover post-prison restrictions and expanded drug testing. The Ministry of Justice has pledged 1,300 new probation trainees and £700m funding by 2028 to support the measures.

Thanks for reading the tut0ugh Weekly Brief.

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

See you next week!