Russia–ASEAN Summit Took Place in Kazan
On June 17–18, the Russia–ASEAN summit was held in person in Kazan for the first time since 2018, drawing representatives from all 11 member states of the association. The plenary session was opened by Vladimir Putin and President of the Philippines Ferdinand Marcos — the country chairing ASEAN in 2026. One of the key topics was energy: following the conflict in the Middle East and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a number of countries in the region turned to Russia to purchase oil. The summit concluded with the adoption of the Kazan Declaration, a comprehensive plan of action for 2026–2030, and joint statements on cooperation in culture and energy, while Putin held six bilateral meetings with heads of delegations.
UAE: AI as Investment Magnet No. 1
UAE Minister of Investment Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi stated that artificial intelligence is attracting more investment than any other sector in the country’s history. According to forecasts, AI could generate around $96 billion (≈14% of GDP) by 2030–2031.
China Revises Its Approach to Foreign Investors
On June 22, China’s Ministry of Commerce, together with other agencies, unveiled an action plan to stabilize and optimize the attraction of foreign investment. The document includes 15 measures across five areas: expanding market access, simplifying investment procedures, promoting investment, strengthening services and guarantees, and improving the management of foreign capital. Priority is given to the services sector, finance, and pharmaceuticals, while restrictions on access to the manufacturing sector have already been completely lifted.
Caribbean and African Nations Demand Apologies for Years of Slavery
Following a three-day conference in Ghana, African and Caribbean states demanded official apologies from countries that profited from the transatlantic slave trade, along with debt cancellation and financial compensation. The 19-point plan, approved by the African Union and the CARICOM Commission, calls for the creation of a Global Reparations Fund, the reform of international financial institutions, and the return of looted cultural artifacts and ancestral remains. The document builds on a March UN resolution that recognized transatlantic slavery as «the most serious crime against humanity.» It was supported by 123 countries, including Russia and China.
28th Shanghai International Film Festival Concludes in China
The Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF) showcased the future of cinema, where AI blends with the work of living artists: in China, the line between a film festival and a tech expo continues to blur. The centerpiece was the AI Backlot program (in collaboration with Hailuo AI / MiniMax), which paired a traditional director with a creator from the AI industry to produce a short film in one month, right in the format of a live «open studio.» A separate section, SIFF Immersive, was dedicated to virtual reality — from a VR concert to an interactive investigation of famous criminal cases.
