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CWA # 1713
The World This Week
The World This Week #315
The UN Ocean Conference in France and the US-China Meeting in London
The World This Week #315 Vol 7, No 24, 15 June 2025

  GP Team
15 June 2025

The UN Ocean Conference in France:
Repositioning the oceans from margins to global priority
Lekshmi MK

What happened?
On 09 June, the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC 3) commenced in Nice, France, which was co-hosted with Costa Rica. Over 19 countries joined the High Seas Treaty during the event. Over 30 nations formally supported a moratorium on deep-sea mining.  French President Emmanuel Macron called deep-sea mining “madness” and pushed for a global moratorium. UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged a shift from "plunder to protection” while Prince William stressed the need to act now. The conference ended with the Nice Ocean Action Plan, which focuses on stronger marine protection, more funding, and faster ratification of global ocean agreements.

What is the background?
First, a brief note on ocean conferences and High Seas Treaty. The first UN Ocean Conference (2017, New York) focused on advancing SDG 14 and marine pollution control, while the second (2022, Lisbon) emphasized sustainable ocean economies and plastic pollution. However, both lacked binding commitments. 

The High Seas Treaty, adopted in 2023 under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, addresses marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ). It introduces provisions for marine protected areas, environmental impact assessments, and fair access to marine resources. The treaty represents a step toward formalizing governance mechanisms for ocean spaces beyond national control.

Second, the soaring focus on deep sea-mining. Deep-sea mining has come under increased global scrutiny due to concerns over irreversible ecological impacts and the absence of comprehensive regulation. With increasing demand for rare earth minerals, the interest of mining firms has also grown. However, many countries and environmental groups stress the need for caution. This reflected mounting international debate over balancing resource extraction with long-term ocean conservation and legal safeguards.

Third, France’s role in ocean governance. France holds a key position in ocean governance, with overseas territories across all major oceans and the world’s second-largest Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). It has been active in promoting marine biodiversity protection, sustainable ocean use, and global climate commitments. France supports the High Seas Treaty and has called for a moratorium on deep-sea mining. 

What does it mean?
First, the implications of the conference on deep-sea mining and ocean governance. Deep-sea mining raises serious risks for ocean ecosystems, yet interest is growing due to demand for rare minerals. There is a chance now to rethink ocean governance by focusing on global cooperation, stronger science-based rules, and long-term environmental monitoring. Indigenous knowledge and ocean data sharing is expected toplay a bigger role. Nevertheless, current laws are unclear, and the International Seabed Authority lacks strict rules. Many countries still prioritize profit over protection. If these gaps aren’t addressed, deep-sea mining could go ahead without proper safeguards, causing damage we may not be able to reverse.

Second, France’s maritime ambitions and climate leadership.  France is actively using ocean governance as a tool of foreign diplomacy to expand its global influence. It positions itself as a natural leader on marine issues. Hosting UNOC 3, leading support for the High Seas Treaty, and calling for a deep-sea mining moratorium are part of its effort to gain soft power in global environmental negotiations. By championing ocean protection, France strengthens its ties with coastal and island nations, enhances its climate credentials, and builds moral leadership that supports its broader geopolitical and diplomatic interests on the international stage.

Third, US’s reluctance in joining multilateral treaties on oceans. The US not joining major ocean treaties like UNCLOS and the High Seas Treaty creates a big gap in global ocean efforts. As a powerful country with strong science and navy, its full support is important. When the US stays out, it becomes harder for the world to act together. Many countries still look to the US for leadership. US should be more active, not just show up at meetings, but also sign and follow global rules. This would build trust and make ocean protection efforts stronger worldwide.

The US-China:
On Tariffs, Rare Earths and Visas
Femy Francis 

What happened? 
On 09 June, high-level delegations from the US and China met in London and established a framework to resolve trade tensions. The US delegation was headed by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. While China’s delegation consisted of Vice Premier He Lifeng, and Commerce Minister Wang Wentao. After the two-day talks, both countries agreed on a framework to resolve trade tensions, lifting mineral export controls, and to follow through with the Geneva truce on de-escalating tariff tensions. Trump noted that they will work to “open up China to American trade,” as he claimed that a consensus was reached to impose 55 per cent tariffs on China for 10 per cent. China’s Ministry of Commerce informed that they have also approved export licenses for rare earths to the US after the meeting. He Lifeng said: “China approaches these consultations with both sincerity and principle.” The details of the framework are not made public as they await approval by President Donald Trump and Xi Jinping.

What is the background? 
First, the road to the London meeting. In March, the Trump administration imposed 20 per cent tariffs on all Chinese imports. An additional 34 per cent under US “reciprocal tariffs” was imposed; China curbed the exports of rare earths to the US while imposing a 10 per cent tariff. In April, Trump imposed fresh 50 per cent tariffs, bringing the total to 104 per cent in total. China retaliated with 84 per cent tariffs, to which the US responded with 145 per cent tariffs. China imposed its final tariff of 125 per cent, urging the US to stop its “unilateral bullying.” A 90-day halt was announced by the Trump administration, after which they agreed to meet in Geneva. In a joint statement US agreed to modify the ad valorem duty for Chinese products, bringing the suggested tariffs imposed by the US to 30 per cent, and China agreed to reduce its tariffs to 10 per cent. They also agreed to establish trade and economic consultations. The Geneva truce talks did not bring any concrete de-escalation between China and the US. 

Second, China-US trade relations. Trade between China and the US has increased steadily from USD 2.5 billion in 1979 to USD 688.3 billion in 2024. The US deficit to China is the largest compared to its other trading partners, coming to USD 295 billion in 2024. Since 2018, the US has been working to reduce this gap.. For China, the US is its largest trading partner, while China comes third for the US. Major Chinese exports to the US include transmission equipment, computers, machine parts, batteries, and motor vehicle parts. US exports to China consist of soya beans, vaccines, crude oil, and petroleum. 

Third, China’s monopoly of rare earth and the US. China mines 70 per cent of the world’s rare earths and is responsible for 90 per cent of the processing. They are fundamental to producing EVs, electronics, and critical tech production. In April, China announced its rare earth export control measures, aimed at safeguarding national security. Since then, firms are required to submit applications to buy rare earth from China, which, after review, the licensed exporters are allowed by the government to sell. This directly affected the production of several American and European firms, where many had to halt production due to a lack of materials. 

Fourth, Trump’s crackdown on Chinese students. Trump administration announced that it will “aggressively” revoke Chinese students' visa applications, citing a national security threat. China accounts for the second-largest number of international students in the US. The peak was in 2020, when 372,532 students were enrolled, but the number has since declined to 277,000 as of 2024. Most of them are self-financed, and are hefty contributor to universities in the US for their higher education, enrolled mostly in STEM fields. 

What does it mean? 
First, the willingness to negotiate. The meeting opened an avenue for negotiation that was previously sealed shut, due to escalatory retaliation by both countries. The meeting is the second step towards policy-based de-escalation after the Geneva meeting. 

Second, the implications of China’s chokehold on rare earths. China’s capacity for mining, refining, and sale of rare earth has proved advantageous for China. For China, its monopoly has awarded it leverage due to the critical nature of the resources. For the US, dependence on China for rare earths marked its limitation. This dominance can be extrapolated to other countries, as China holds the monopoly over the sale of rare earths. 

TWTW Regional Roundups

News from around the world
Padmashree Anandhan, Fleur Elizabeth Philip, Naomi Miriam Mathew, Rohini Reenum, Femy Francis, Anu Maria Joseph, R Preetha, Brighty Ann Sarah, Ananya Dinesh, Gauri Gupta, Yamini Jagadish, Merin Treesa Alex, Lekshmi M.K, Kejia Reddy, Santhiya. M, and Rizwana S Banu

CHINA THIS WEEK
China: Exports of rare earth minerals surges by 23 per cent in May
On 09 June, Reuters reported that in May 2025, China’s rare-earth exports jumped 23 per cent. This, compared to April, reached 5,864.6 tons, the highest monthly volume in a year, even after Beijing introduced curbs on certain minerals the previous month. These restrictions in April led to a 50 percent drop in rare-earth magnet shipments and caused disruptions in European auto parts factories, with some halting production and semiconductor firms warning of potential closures. Overall, exports of the 17 key rare-earth minerals totaled around 24,827 tons in the first five months of 2025, slightly higher than the same period in 2024. The spike highlights China’s dominant global position in rare-earth supply and adds tension to international trade dynamics.

China: President Xi and Junta chief exchange pleasantries on the 75th anniversary of diplomatic cooperation
On 08 May, China’s President Xi Jinping and Myanmar's Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing congratulated each other on 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries. Xi commented that China and Myanmar's “Paukphaw” (fraternal friendship) withstood the test of time and has grown even stronger. He added that they jointly uphold the five principles of peaceful coexistence and the Bandung Spirit. He expressed his willingness to work with Myanmar to accelerate high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, jointly implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilisation Initiative, and push for solid progress in building the China-Myanmar community with a shared future. Min Aung Hlaing recalled the Chona’s humanitarian assistance to Myanmar and expressed gratitude to China for its firm support of Myanmar's efforts towards peace, stability, national reconciliation, and economic development.

China: Implements trial visa-free entry for GCC passport holders
On 09 June, China introduced a trial visa-free access for ordinary passport holders from Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain for a period of up to 30 days for business, tourism, family visits, exchanges, or transit from 09 June 2025 to 08 June 2026. This invitation is an addition to the unilateral visa-free "circle of friends" of China and completes access to visa-free status for all GCC countries. The UAE and Qatar have had reciprocal visa-free policies with China since 2018. China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, remarked on the new policy, stating, “We welcome more friends from GCC countries to visit China at any time.”

China: Vatican appoints China’s first bishop
On 12 June, SCMP reported that China expressed its willingness to enhance relations with the Vatican after the appointment of China’s first bishop under the new pope. On 05 June, the Vatican informed that Pope Leo named Joseph Lin Yuntuan, 73, as an auxiliary bishop in Fuzhou, Fujian. Beijing recognized the appointment on the same day. According to Vatican News, the Vatican views it as “a further fruit of the dialogue between the Holy See and the Chinese authorities” and “a significant step in the diocese’s communal journey”. According to the Catholic Church in China, Lin pledged to “love the country and the church” and uphold the principle of independence and self-management of the church, as well as the path of Catholicism’s Sinicization.

SOUTHEAST AND SOUTH ASIA
Singapore: Signs three new energy deals with Indonesia, deepening partnership
On 13 June, Singapore and Indonesia signed three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to strengthen cooperation in clean energy and sustainable development, marking a significant milestone in their partnership. Singapore’s Minister in charge of Energy and Science and Technology, Dr. Tan See Leng, met with Indonesia’s Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Dr. Bahlil Lahadalia, in Jakarta, Indonesia. Tan said that "the agreements are mutually beneficial and a step towards a joint vision for a low-carbon and sustainable future." 

Indonesia: Calls for foreign investors for the development of a sea wall to avoid floods
On 12 June, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto invited foreign investors to the project of building a seawall to prevent floods at the northern coast of Java. The project is worth USD 80 billion. The government started working on the plan in 2014, which will protect the region from the rising sea levels. Subianto said that "the sea wall will stretch from Banten to East Java, which will take 20 years to complete."

Bangladesh: 51 per cent of Bangladeshi girls were married before turning 18 between 2006 and 2024, reveals UNFPA
On 12 June, The  Daily Star reported on the State of World Population report titled ‘The Real Fertility Crisis’ published by the United Nations Population Fund. The report revealed that  51 per cent of Bangladeshi girls were married before turning 18 between 2006 and 2024. 

Bangladesh: Muhammad Yunus receives the Harmony Award from King Charles III
On 13 June, The Dhaka Tribune reported that Chief Adviser of Bangladesh's interim government, Muhammad Yunus received the Harmony Award from King Charles III on 12 June. The award is for individuals with achievements in sustainable development and humanitarian causes.

Bangladesh: BNP acting chairman proposes elections before next Ramadan
On 14 June, The Dhaka Tribune reported on the meeting between BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman and Chief Adviser of interim government, Muhammad Yunus in London. As per the joint statement, Tarique Rahman proposed that elections should be held before next Ramadan. In response, Dr Yunus emphasized that the elections would be held only when sufficient reforms are made. 

Pakistan Budget 2025: Investment in agriculture and relief for armed forces
On 13 June, Dawn reported that The Government is oriented towards self-reliant development with a focus on 4.5 percent growth in the agricultural sector. This will be sustained by an investment of PKR 4.2 billion in crop productivity, livestock development and agricultural modernisation and mechanisation. The major programs are the Punjab Kissan Card which will benefit the farmers by providing them with financial and technological help. Through provincial initiative, these measures are aimed at decreasing the dependence on external funding and encouraging sustainable development in agriculture. The wider ambition is to finance its development in the near future independently by boosting the agricultural sector as a pillar of the economy with specific and innovative interventions. Also, the federal government has endorsed special relief allowance to the armed forces which is 50 per cent of the basic pay of the officers and 20 per cent to the junior ranks.

Pakistan Economic Survey 2024-25: Government fails to achieve growth in key areas, highlights Dawn
On 9 June, finance minister Muhammad Aurangzeb released Pakistan Economic Survey 2024-25 in Islamabad. According to him, Pakistan should register a growth rate of 2.7 per cent in the financial year 2024-25. This still stays short of the desired 3.56 per cent growth. In the previous financial year, this number stood at 2.5 per cent. The current projected number for the annual GDP growth is around two per cent less than the “long-term average.” The National Accounts Committee revealed that the GDP of the country surged by 1.37 per cent during July 2024 to September 2024. From October 2024 to December 2024, the GDP grew at 1.53 per cent.  From January 2025 to March 2025, this number stood at 2.4 per cent. The April 2025 to June 2025 has to stand at 5.5 per cent if the finance minister’s prediction for annual GDP growth is to be matched.  The finance minister claimed that the following year would be “a turnaround story.” He also pointed out that the economic performance must not be critiqued without taking account of “global economic growth.” The finance minister also hinted of India’s alleged mal intentions to disrupt Pakistan’s economic growth. He alleged that the executive director of the International Monetary Fund, who happens to be of Indian origin, tried to cause obstacles in Pakistan receiving the second tranche of Extended Fund Facility.

Pakistan: India hindering Trump’s mediation efforts, claims Bilawal Bhutto
On 11 June, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto termed New Delhi’s statements regarding the India-Pakistan military confrontation and terrorist attack in Pahalgam as “lies and propaganda.” He claimed that US President Donald Trump’s “mediation” efforts were being hindered by the government of India. Further, putting allegations against India, he claimed that the intelligence agencies had a hand in eliminating “Sikh activists” in other countries.

On the same day, Foreign Office criticized India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar for calling Pakistan as “Terroristan” in Brussels. The Foreign Office termed Jaishankar’s statements as “irresponsible” and suggested that New Delhi should avoid promulgating “misleading narrative.”

Pakistan: Aseefa Bhutto Zardari voices distress over Tik Tok influencer Sana Yousaf’s murder
On 11 June, The Express Tribune reported on the condemnation expressed by Member of National Assembly and daughter of President Asif Ali Zardari, Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, against the murder of Tik Tok influencer Sana Yousaf. Aseefa Zardari claimed “what happened to her wasn’t just an act of violence- it was a punishment for saying no.” Aseefa emphasized how the incident highlighted “male entitlement” and asserted that the same must not be seen as a part of “cultural or traditional values.” She pointed out how in Pakistani society, people see dismissal by a woman as a big humiliation. She expressed concerns regarding the spread of the narrative that Sana herself is responsible for her death, owing to her presence on social media. She urged the woman community to not bog down and fight back instead against repression.    

AFRICA THIS WEEK
Africa: China removes tariffs on African exports to increase trade
On 12 June, in the China-Africa cooperation meeting, China announced to remove tariffs on African imports from all 53 African countries except Eswatini, which recognises Taiwan. China has been Africa’s largest trading partner for the last 15 years. Amid the US tariffs, the African continent sees this as an opportunity to boost its economy. The bilateral trade between China and Africa is around USD 282 billion.

Djibouti: Eight dead, 22 missing as smugglers dump migrants at sea, UN begins rescue operation
On 11 June, eight refugees and migrants died, and 22 others were missing near the Djibouti coast, according to the United Nations agency, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM). The IOM stated that they were part of a group of 150 people who were forced off the boat last week. The IOM and Djibouti authorities have started their search and rescue operations. Thousands of migrants and refugees from Africa, South Asia and the Middle East attempt dangerous crossings every year to have a better life in Europe. Smugglers take advantage of them and put many people in a small boat and send them off. Yemen is a key route for those from Africa to reach Gulf countries to work.

South Africa: Death toll due to floods rise to 49
On 11 June, 49 people died in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province due to heavy flooding. Easter Cape officials said at least 58 schools and 20 hospitals were damaged, and nearly 500 people’s homes were washed away and damaged. They reported that six school students were swept away when their school bus was caught in floodwaters near a river, and other students were missing. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa offered condolences to the affected families. 

Mauritius: UN panel urges UK to negotiate Chagos Islands deal
On 11 June, the BBC reported that the UN panel has urged the UK to renegotiate the Chagos Islands deal with Mauritius. The UN panel consisted of four experts appointed by the UN Human Rights Council who are not staff of the UN and are independent from the UN. They highlighted that the deal does not guarantee the rights of the Chagossian people as the deal leases the military base on Diego Garcia. The UN experts wrote that the agreement is not in accordance with the aspirations and the right of return of the Chagossians. The lease of Diego Garcia restricts Chagossian people from accessing and exercising cultural rights in ancestral lands where they were forced to move. The panel called for the suspension of the deal that let the UK operate in the military base on Diego Garcia for 101 million Euros per year for 99 years, in agreement with the US. 

EUROPE THIS WEEK
Poland: Prime Minister Donald Tusk to seek confidence vote 
Poland: Prime Minister Tusk wins the confidence votes in the parliament
On 11 June, Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk withstood a vote of confidence in the parliament with 243 MPs voting in support. The decision for the vote came after the close ally of Tusk, Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski, lost the presidential runoff to conservative Karol Nawrocki. The elected candidate would replace President Andrzej Duda, a fellow Law and Justice Party conservative. Tusk counted on Trzaskowski’s victory, which would help break the institutional deadlock that was caused by Duda’s veto. He urged the MPs to support moving forward to build a better Poland. Tusk faces criticism from his coalition partners, especially over Trzaskowski’s defeat, and has difficulties in fulfilling the key campaign pledges like abortion law reform and legalising same sex marriage.

The EU: UK and EU agree to remove all physical border barriers between Gibraltar and Spain 
On 11 June, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Spain, and Gibraltar finalised a political agreement in Brussels. The agreement focused on the future management of Gibraltar’s land border and its integration with EU systems. They agreed to remove all physical border barriers between Gibraltar and Spain, enabling the free movement of people and goods at the land. A dual border control system was established, mirroring the Eurostar St Pancras model, with Spanish Schengen checks and Gibraltar-UK checks. The checks would be conducted at the port and airport. The involved parties committed to a future customs union and agreed on indirect tax principles, including tobacco, to prevent distortions and illicit trade.

France: UN Secretary General emphasizes the protection of the oceans
On 10 June, Deutsche Welle reported on the UN Ocean Conference that took place in Nice, France. The conference aims to ratify a treaty that enables countries to establish protected marine ecosystems in international waters. The UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, called the oceans the ultimate shared resource and urged the global leaders to protect them. Guterres also listed the major threats to oceans, such as rising sea levels, ocean acidification, plastic pollution, destructive fishing practices, and deep-sea mining. He warned that the ocean floor would be the “wild west” if deep-sea mining is not controlled. The treaty has been ratified by 50 countries, and 15 more have agreed to support the same. French President Emmanuel Macron announced that the treaty is a “done deal” and called for a moratorium on sea mining, and said that it is an international necessity. Moreover, the US did not attend the conference, following President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw from international climate commitments. Furthermore, the UN needs an investment of USD 175 billion annually to meet its conservation goals.

About the Authors
Lekshmi MK is a postgraduate student in the Department of Political Science at Madras Christian College. She is a Research Intern at National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS). Femy Francis is Project Associates at NIAS. Padmashree Anandhan is a Project Associate at NIAS. Rohini Reenum is a Doctoral Student at NIAS. Anu Maria Joseph is Project Associates at NIAS. Fleur Elizabeth Philip is a Research Assistant at NIAS. Gauri Gupta, Aashish Ganeshan, Ananya Dinesh, Naomi Miriam Mathew, R Preetha, Brighty Ann Sarah, Merin Treesa, Aparna A Nair Alex, Santhiya. M, Rizwana S Banu, Yamini Jagadish and Kejia Reddy are Research interns at NIAS. 
 

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