Latest news for 13 August 2025

RUSSIA

It was you?

US investigators say they’ve uncovered evidence Russia is at least partly responsible for hacking sensitive case data held by US courts. It’s unclear exactly who’s run the hack or why, though it’s targeted cases with offshore ties. The stolen data could help foreign adversaries identify witnesses or impending probes. (Politico)

NAURU

You call that an announcement?

The remote Pacific Island nation of Nauru (pop: 12,000) says it’s signed a massive AU$1 billion investment deal (USD650M) with a little-known outfit called the China Rural Revitalisation and Development Corporation. To put that in perspective, it’s ~four times Nauru’s entire GDP. (Government of Nauru)

Comment: These kinds of *announcements* emerge periodically, especially ahead of big summits like tomorrow’s gathering of Pacific foreign ministers — the US just announced its own $60M pledge to the region as the two rivals race for influence.

PAKISTAN

Let’s sync, touch base, circle back.

The US and Pakistan have held counterterrorism talks in Islamabad, just after DC declared the separatist Balochistan Liberation Army a foreign terrorist organisation. (TRT)

Comment: This dialogue has been running for years, but the timing (amid worsening US-India ties) will fuel theories the US is trying to peel Pakistan ever-so-slightly away from its backers in Beijing.

SWITZERLAND

Still neutral?

Famously neutral Switzerland has sanctioned 14 new Russia-linked individuals and 41 entities linked to Russian oil sales financing Putin’s war. (SWI)

Comment: The Swiss often mirror EU sanctions — it’s about managing friction with EU neighbours and avoiding losing banking credibility as a sanctions loophole.

SOUTH KOREA

First lady no more.

Authorities have arrested former first lady Kim Keon Hee on charges of stock manipulation, election meddling, and bribery. This makes Kim and her husband (Yoon) Korea’s first presidential pair to be detained simultaneously. (Yonhap)

PARAGUAY

Made in Paraguay?

Paraguayan lawmakers are debating reforms that could grant ‘Made in Paraguay’ status to things like microwaves and fridges if they’re assembled locally (using imported parts). (SCMP)

Comment: It’s usually up to the end destination (whether Brazil or USA here) to determine whether these goods are still made in China or elsewhere for tariff purposes. But it’s an example of smaller economies positioning themselves for advantage as cracks in the trading system widen.

SOUTH SUDAN

Still friends.

Israel hasn’t yet commented on Associated Press reports that it’s in talks with South Sudan over controversial plans to resettle Gazans in the East African country. (AP)

Comment: Israel covertly supported South Sudanese independence for decades via a ‘periphery doctrine’ of backing minorities to counter hostile Arab states. But even with that history, it’s hard to see South Sudan — still grappling with its own instability — subjecting itself to this blowtorch of international scrutiny. Egypt is already lobbying against the idea.