Pakistan Brokers US-Iran Ceasefire; China & Russia Veto UNSC Resolution 2817 on Strait of Hormuz; Xi Meets Taiwan's KMT Leader

Pakistan's Defence Forces Act 2026 Creates CDF, Giving Army Chief Command Over All Three Services

Pakistan's Parliament has passed the Defence Forces of Pakistan Act, 2026, creating the post of Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) with statutory operational command over the army, navy and air force — a first in the country's history. Field Marshal Asim Munir will hold the post while remaining army chief, making this the most significant restructuring of Pakistan's military command since 1976 and a key development for regional security and civil-military balance.

25th India-China SR Talks: 'Early Harvest' Resurfaces, Expert Group on Boundary Delimitation Set Up

The 25th round of India-China Special Representatives talks (August 25, 2026, Beijing) produced an 'Eight Points of Outcomes and Consensus' that revives the 'Early and Substantial Harvest' proposal for boundary settlement. However, the op-ed cautions that this may be a limited agreement avoiding hard issues in the Eastern and Western sectors, potentially carrying strategic costs for India, including impact on Bhutan and the Siliguri Corridor.

BRICS Summit: Xi Jinping Visit Highlights India-China Border Standoff Impact on Grouping

Chinese President Xi Jinping visits India for the BRICS summit after a seven-year gap, against the backdrop of the ongoing eastern Ladakh border standoff (since 2020). The article analyzes how divergent India-China ties, China's assertiveness, and the US tariff war under Trump shape BRICS' future, with India viewing it as a 'non-Western' bloc and China as an 'anti-West' grouping.

US Sanctions ICC President Tomoko Akane Over Israel Probe; Court Calls It Threat to Rule of Law

The US has imposed sanctions on ICC President Tomoko Akane and a senior prosecutor, barring them from US entry and financial transactions, in retaliation for ICC investigations targeting US ally Israel. This escalates the Trump administration's campaign against the court, which it calls 'politicized', and raises key questions about international law, state sovereignty, and the ICC's jurisdiction.

US Envoy Gor Affirms J&K as Integral Part of India in First Standalone Visit Since 2019

US Ambassador Sergio Gor's declaration from Srinagar that Jammu & Kashmir is an 'important part of India' marks a significant diplomatic reaffirmation of India's position post-Article 370 and Operation Sindoor. This is the first standalone visit by a US ambassador to the Valley since 2019, signaling deepening strategic ties and a clear message to Pakistan and China.

Pakistan Army Chief Visits Iran: Talks on Reopening Strait of Hormuz, De-escalation of US-Iran Conflict

Pakistan's Army Chief visited Iran to discuss reopening the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz and de-escalating the US-Iran conflict. The strait, through which a fifth of global oil passed before the conflict began, remains choked. This visit is part of Pakistan's broader mediation efforts, having previously acted as a guarantor for an interim peace agreement that has since derailed.

UNSC: Russia, China Veto US Resolution on Iran Sanctions Monitoring; Snapback Triggered Sept 2025

Russia and China vetoed a US-led UN Security Council resolution that would have extended the mandate of UN experts monitoring sanctions on Iran, which were reimposed via the 'snapback' mechanism in September 2025. The veto creates a monitoring gap; Iran currently holds 440.9 kg of uranium enriched to 60% purity, a technical step away from weapons-grade. The US had sought to extend the expert panel for a year as part of its broader isolation campaign against Tehran.

Gulf States Seek China's Help to Reopen Strait of Hormuz Amid US-Iran War; Oil Imports Down 40%

Gulf Arab states, frustrated by the US-led war with Iran blocking the Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea, are turning to China to use its economic leverage over Tehran. This shift highlights America's declining influence and China's strategic role as the world's largest oil buyer.