Latest news for 3 June 2025

NETHERLANDS

Government collapses amid migration talks.

Geert Wilders announced Tuesday morning that his party, the anti-immigration populist Party for Freedom (PVV) would withdraw from the governing coalition after failing to convince his coalition partners to back stricter asylum measures. His move will trigger a snap election. (Politico)Comment: Back in 2023, migration proved to be the downfall of the previous coalition government too.

ISRAEL

Dozens dead amid reports of military shooting near aid centres.

Gaza health officials have accused the Israeli military of shooting into crowds gathered at a new aid distribution centre overnight, in the third such incident in days. The Israeli military denied the accusations and said it fired shots after identifying “several suspects”. The UN has heavily criticised the new US and Israel-backed aid distribution system. (BBC)

CHINA

Beijing accuses US of “severely” violating trade truce.

China has said the US had “severely violated” the trade agreement reached last month by placing further export controls on chips and cancelling the visas of Chinese students, warning it would take measures to safeguard its interests. The comments come just days after US President Donald Trump said Beijing had “totally violated its agreement with us". (CBS)

Comment: For now, the trade truce holds, and both countries have clear economic incentives to stick with it, but the rhetoric out of Beijing isn’t a good sign.

UNITED KINGDOM

PM unveils new defence strategy.

The UK government has unveiled its latest defence strategy aimed at creating “a British Army that is 10 times more lethal”. The plan also includes investment in AI, drones, and defence missile systems. (Independent)Comment: London’s new strategy comes just days before a NATO defence ministers’ meeting.

MALAYSIA

Local authorities tell farmers to register for durian tracking system.

Authorities in the Malaysian state of Penang have reportedly told durian farmers to register for a fruit tracking system in an effort to combat counterfeit produce. The move is aimed at boosting the Penang durian’s reputation in foreign markets, especially China. (Bernama)

Comment: Durian is reasonably tasty, but in the opinion of at least one of the Intrigue editors, not worth the smell. IYKYK.

CUBA

Havana issues warning to US Chief of Mission.

The Cuban Foreign Ministry has issued a verbal warning to the top US diplomat on the island, Mike Hammer, accusing him of inciting citizens to “attack the constitutional order”. Hammer has been travelling across Cuba to meet with dissidents. (Reuters)