Xi Jinping Calls for People-Centered AI Development at WAIC, Expands Global Cooperation 
US Stock Futures Hold Steady as Soft Inflation Data Eases Fed Rate Hike Fears 
DOJ Refuses to Release Unredacted Jeffrey Epstein Files to New Mexico Investigation 
China Home Prices Fall Again in June Despite Slower Pace of Decline 
U.S. Imposes 25% Tariff on Select Brazilian Imports After Section 301 Trade Investigation 
Port of Los Angeles Posts Record June Cargo Volume as Importers Rush Ahead of U.S. Tariffs 
Oil Prices Rise as U.S. Strikes on Iran Raise Strait of Hormuz Supply Fears 
Trump Administration Launches AI Cybersecurity Partnership to Protect Critical Infrastructure 
Hegseth Defends Blue Angels After Low Flyover Sparks Safety Review 
Senate Weighs Permanent Daylight Saving Time Bill as Support Remains Uncertain 
Japan Core Inflation Seen Rising in June, Strengthening BOJ Rate Hike Outlook 
AI Chip Stocks Face Valuation Pressure as Investors Shift Toward Big Tech and Software 
North Korea Calls South Korea ‘Puppet’ After U.S.-Led RIMPAC Naval Exercise 
US Military Launches New Strikes on Iran, Targets Threats to Strait of Hormuz Shipping 
Asian Stocks Rise as Softer U.S. Inflation Boosts Sentiment Despite Middle East Tensions 
Oil Prices Set for Weekly Surge as U.S.-Iran Conflict Fuels Supply Fears 
NY Times Challenges Trump Administration Subpoenas Over Air Force One Report 
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that all NATO members are expected to agree on a defense spending goal of 5% of GDP by the 2025 NATO Summit in June. Speaking on Fox News’ Hannity, Rubio emphasized the growing commitment among allies to bolster defense budgets amid rising global tensions.
Rubio noted that nearly every NATO country will meet or exceed the current 2% defense spending benchmark, with many already approaching or surpassing 4%. He stressed that the collective goal is for all members to reach 5% of GDP over the next decade.
The move comes in response to long-standing pressure from the United States, particularly from President Donald Trump, who during his 2017–2021 term criticized NATO allies for not sharing the defense burden. Trump has repeatedly argued that the U.S. contributes disproportionately to the alliance.
In a show of support, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul recently said Berlin backs Trump’s push for increased defense investment. Germany confirmed in January that it met the 2% spending target in 2024, marking a significant shift in its defense policy.
The 2025 NATO Summit is scheduled to take place in the Netherlands from June 24 to 25. The summit is expected to be a pivotal moment for the alliance, highlighting a unified front in response to growing geopolitical threats, including from Russia and China.
As NATO recalibrates its strategic priorities, the 5% defense spending goal signals a significant evolution in alliance policy, underscoring a renewed emphasis on collective security and preparedness. The upcoming summit will likely cement this historic shift in defense commitment among NATO members.
