Dalian vital engine of innovation and sustainable growth

A group of international journalists kicked off a five-day tour of northeast China’s Liaoning Province on Tuesday, with their journey beginning in the dynamic port city of Dalian—a coastal metropolis that has become a powerful symbol of China’s high-quality development, global engagement, and forward-looking innovation.

Upon arrival, the delegation visited the Dalian International Conference Center, a striking architectural landmark and recurring host of the Annual Meeting of the New Champions, also known as Summer Davos. Since 2013, Dalian has welcomed this globally significant forum five times, most recently in 2024, and is slated to host it again in next year. 

The event serves as a global platform for innovation, dialogue, and collaboration among emerging economies and forward-thinking enterprises. Dalian’s repeated selection as host reflects its growing influence in shaping global economic conversations and fostering international cooperation.

Strategically located between the Yellow Sea and the Bohai Sea, Dalian is one of China’s key sub-provincial cities, known for its strategic openness, robust infrastructure, and strong economic foundations. As a hub of advanced manufacturing, international trade, and technological innovation, the city plays a critical role in the revitalization of northeast China. But beyond its economic strength, Dalian impresses visitors with its seamless blend of modern urban design, green spaces, and coastal beauty. The delegation marveled at how the city has preserved its natural charm while building a vibrant, sustainable urban landscape that reflects China's broader goals of ecological civilization.

From its tree-lined boulevards and expansive public parks to its cutting-edge tech zones and innovation clusters, Dalian tells a compelling story of transformation—where heritage and high-tech coexist harmoniously. Its maritime economy, software and service outsourcing industries, and eco-friendly urban planning have all positioned the city as a model for smart, sustainable development in China and beyond.

The media tour is part of a broader initiative organized by the Good Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation Commission (GNFCC) of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). The GNFCC extended invitations to the journalists with the goal of deepening international understanding and showcasing the progress of Liaoning in the new era. This effort reflects the vision outlined by Chinese President Xi Jinping at the 2013 SCO Bishkek Summit, where he proposed the establishment of institutions dedicated to promoting friendship and mutual understanding among SCO member states and observers.

Following their time in Dalian, the delegation will travel to Shenyang, the provincial capital, where they are scheduled to attend two major SCO forums. These events will further highlight Liaoning’s role in regional cooperation, economic integration, and cultural exchange under the SCO framework.

As the world faces complex challenges and seeks new paths toward recovery and cooperation, cities like Dalian are proving that innovation, openness, and sustainable development can go hand-in-hand. For the visiting journalists, Dalian offers not just a window into China’s transformation, but a glimpse into a future shaped by connectivity, shared prosperity, and enduring friendship among nations.

 

Pakistan to sell excess LNG amid supply glut

Pakistan is exploring ways to sell excess liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargoes amid a gas supply glut that could cost domestic producers US$378 million in annual losses, reports Reuters.

The country has at least three LNG cargoes in excess that it imported from top supplier Qatar and has no immediate use for, and is currently selling natural gas at steep discounts to local users.

Power generation from gas-fired power plants, which has historically accounted for a lion's share of LNG use in the country, has declined for three straight years ended 2024, with cheaper solar power use dramatically gaining at the expense of gas-fired generation, data from energy think-tank Ember showed.

Pakistan is currently exploring the possibility of transferring LNG cargoes to rented tankers for "offshore storage and onward sale," state-owned oil and gas producer OGDCL said in a presentation to industry and government.

"Excess LNG in the gas network has resulted in significant production operations impact for local exploration and production companies over last 18 months," OGDCL said, adding that it had forced curtailment of domestic supply.

The domestic industry could suffer US$378 million in losses over the next 12 months at the current rate of curtailment, according to the presentation dated May 29 reviewed by Reuters.

It is not immediately clear if Pakistan's long-term LNG import contracts with QatarEnergy allows for a resale of cargoes. One of the government officials said the country was still exploring ways to do it.

Qatar typically has a destination clause in long-term supply contracts with buyers that restrict where the cargoes can be sold.

Pakistan has already deferred five contracted LNG cargoes from Qatar without financial penalty, shifting delivery from 2025 to 2026, as the country grapples with surplus capacity.

Pakistan's petroleum minister Ali Pervaiz Malik declined to comment on the presentation, but said renegotiating contracts with Qatar was a "complex" process that could take at least a year, and a final decision on initiating it had yet to be made.

"While the existing contract with Qatar allows Pakistan to decline vessels, doing so incurs penalties and other complications," Malik told Reuters.

The glut has stemmed from several gas-fired power plants, previously operating under must-run contracts, now being sidelined, Malik said.

"It was expected that summer season will create extraordinary demand but the trend indicates the opposite," OGDCL said in the presentation.

 

Israel considers Lebanon a strategic threat

Amidst the complex political landscape, Washington is gradually revealing the extent of its blatant interference in Lebanon’s internal affairs through statements that ignore reality and disregard the will of the people.

On its X account, the US embassy in Beirut posted a photo of President Donald Trump, along with a quote from his recent statement in which he expressed his great appreciation for Lebanon and its people.

“Lebanon is a great place with brilliant people. You know it was known for their professors and doctors and it had an incredible history, hopefully we can bring it back again…We’re with Lebanon all the way,” Trump said.

These statements reveal nothing but the true face of American policy in West Asia, which seeks to impose its hegemony and influence by force, without the slightest regard for the rights and sovereignty of the people.

Despite its claims of commitment to Lebanon’s stability, Washington is in fact seeking to fragment Lebanon and weaken its resistance force, serving the interests of the Israeli occupation.

Hezbollah MP Ali Fayyad revealed during an interview with Al-Mayadeen TV that America is exerting pressure on the Lebanese government regarding the issue of the resistance's weapons, noting that “the US is seeking to impose a timetable for the withdrawal of these weapons in a bid to blackmail Lebanon.”

“The Americans say they are awaiting an answer from the Lebanese government next week, applying the principle of step-by-step,” Fayyad said, stressing that the issue of the resistance’s weapons will be addressed with the Lebanese state “after the full Israeli withdrawal from the occupied Lebanese territories is completed.”

Meanwhile, UNIFIL Sector West Commander, Nicola Mandolesi, revealed that the UN force’s freedom of movement is “a prerequisite for implementing its mandate, including the ability to operate independently and impartially,” noting that “supporting the Lebanese Army is a fundamental pillar of UNIFIL’s work, through contributing to deployments and joint missions.”

Throughout the history of conflict, Lebanon, without exaggeration, may be the next Arab country after Palestine to be harmed by Israel, a real threat to Israel’s entire existence.

Undoubtedly, the enemy is aware of this reality and even deals with Lebanon accordingly. This is the reason it firmly believes that Lebanon, as a strategic competitor, must not be stable or prosper!

The enemy, with the help of Washington, is working in various ways to prevent the building of a capable state of institutions in Lebanon.

It is no coincidence that sell-out voices calling for normalization, federalism, and the resettlement of Palestinian and Syrian refugees are rising.

These local anti-resistance tools of the US forces and individuals have recently been coherently and synchronously renewing the false claim that the Shebaa Farms are not Lebanese.

They are carrying out instructions aimed at dividing the country and carving out areas of it to serve Israel’s expansionist colonialist vision, whenever possible.

Undoubtedly, and like most peoples of West Asia, the state of hostility between the vast majority of Lebanese and “Israel” is greater, more distant, and deeper whether the war is renewed or continues as a cold war.

 

Pakistan assumes UN Security Council presidency

As the world grapples with escalating conflicts, deepening geopolitical rifts, and growing doubts over the efficacy of multilateral institutions, Pakistan assumes the presidency of the United Nations Security Council on Tuesday, taking on a symbolic but strategic role at a particularly fraught moment.

This marks Pakistan’s eighth term on the 15-member body and its first presidency since 2013. Islamabad began its current two-year term as a non-permanent member in January 2025 and will serve through the end of 2026.

Talking to Dawn, Pakistan’s Permanent Rep­resentative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, noted the challenges that define the current international landscape.

“Pakistan is going to assume the presidency of the United Nations Security Council at a time of global tumult marked by growing instability, escalating conflicts, complex geopolitical and geostrategic landscape, and serious threats to international peace and security,” he said.

While the presidency rotates monthly and does not carry executive authority, it allows the presiding country to influence the Council’s agenda and tone — a platform that matters at a time when the UNSC is increasingly seen as deadlocked, especially on issues like Gaza and Ukra­i­­ne. With global trust in multilateral mechanisms under strain, Pakistan’s leadership — even if brief — will be closely watched.

The ambassador underscored Pakis­tan’s commitment to its long-held positions on peaceful conflict resolution. “Pakistan has been a staunch and consistent advocate of dialogue and diplomacy… We will bring a principled and balanced perspective to the work of the Security Council,” he said, pledging to strengthen multilateralism and deepen cooperation with other UNSC members.

“We seek to promote transparency, incl­u­sivity and responsiveness during Pakis­tan’s presidency,” said Ambassador Ahmad. “We will closely work with other Cou­ncil members in a spirit of cooperation for collective and timely action… in line with the UN Charter and corresponding to the exp­ectations of the international community.”

 

 

Barham Salih joins MEI as Distinguished Leadership Fellow

The Middle East Institute (MEI) is honored to welcome Dr. Barham A. Salih, former President of the Republic of Iraq, as its inaugural Distinguished Leadership Fellow. A veteran Iraqi Kurdish statesman and founder of the American University of Iraq, Sulaimani, Dr. Salih brings decades of high-level public service and thought leadership to MEI’s growing network of distinguished experts.

“Dr. Salih has played a defining role in shaping Iraq’s post-2003 political landscape and has long been a voice for moderation, reform, and inclusion in the region,” said Ambassador (ret.) Stu Jones, President of MEI. “We are privileged to welcome him to MEI, and we look forward to the insights and perspectives he will bring to our work.”

From 2018 to 2022, Dr. Salih served as the eighth President of Iraq. Over the course of his career, he held a range of senior positions in both the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and the federal Iraqi government, including two terms as Prime Minister of the KRG (2001-2004 and 2009-2012), Deputy Prime Minister of Iraq (2004-2009), and Minister of Planning in the transitional government (2005). He is currently a Senior Fellow at the Middle East Initiative at the Harvard Kennedy School’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs.

Dr. Salih joins MEI as the first member of its newly launched Distinguished Leadership Fellows expert cohort, which is planned to include prominent former public officials — primarily from the Middle East — whose careers reflect exceptional leadership outside of the diplomatic service or armed forces. The Distinguished Leadership Fellows complement MEI’s existing Distinguished Diplomatic Fellows and Distinguished Military Fellows, offering unique expertise and real-world experience to MEI’s convenings, publications, and strategic dialogues.

“Barham Salih embodies the very purpose of this new fellowship,” said Dr. Kenneth M. Pollack, MEI’s Vice President for Policy. “He is a statesman of the highest caliber, whose voice is deeply informed by both democratic ideals and the practical challenges of governance. We are proud to have him affiliated with MEI.”

Dr. Salih earned his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Cardiff and his PhD in statistics and computer applications in engineering from the University of Liverpool. He is married to Dr. Sarbagh Salih, a botanist and women’s rights advocate. He is fluent in Kurdish, Arabic, and English.

Trump lifts sanctions on Syria

According to media reports, President Donald Trump signed on Monday an executive order terminating a US sanctions program on Syria, allowing an end to the country's isolation from the international financial system and building on Washington's pledge to help it rebuild after a devastating civil war.

The White House said the administration would continue to monitor Syria's progress on key priorities including "taking concrete steps toward normalizing ties with Israel, addressing foreign terrorists, deporting Palestinian terrorists and banning Palestinian terrorist groups."

The move will allow the US to maintain sanctions on Syria's ousted former president Bashar al-Assad, his associates, human rights abusers, drug traffickers, people linked to chemical weapons activities, the Islamic State and ISIS affiliates and proxies for Iran, White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt told reporters in a briefing.

Assad was toppled in December 2024 in a lightning offensive by Islamist-led rebels and Syria has since taken steps to re-establish international ties.

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani said Trump's termination of the Syria sanctions program would "open door of long-awaited reconstruction and development."

He said the move would "lift the obstacle" against economic recovery and open the country to the international community.

Syria's President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Trump met in Riyadh in May where, in a major policy shift, Trump unexpectedly announced he would lift US sanctions on Syria, prompting Washington to significantly ease its measures.

Some in Congress are pushing for the measures to be totally repealed, while Europe has announced the end of its economic sanctions regime.

"Syria needs to be given a chance, and that's what's happened," US Special Envoy for Syria Thomas Barrack told reporters in a briefing call. He described Monday's move as "the culmination of a very tedious, detailed, excruciating process of, how do you unwrap these sanctions."

The White House in a fact sheet said the order directs the Secretary of State to review the terrorism designations of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a rebel group that Sharaa led that has roots in al Qaeda, as well as Syria's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism.

 

Hundreds of families displaced by Israeli air strikes on Gaza

According to media reports, Israel has carried out a wave of air strikes across the Gaza Strip, triggering displacement of hundreds of Palestinian families. The bombardment follows one of the largest evacuation orders issued since the war resumed in March. It comes amid increasing pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to refocus efforts to reach a ceasefire agreement.

Residents in Gaza City said dozens of Israeli air raids targeted densely populated eastern neighborhoods, including Shujaiya, Tuffah, and Zeitoun. Videos posted by activists on social media captured scenes of chaos and explosions illuminating the night sky, followed by flames and thick plumes of smoke rising above the skyline.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) had earlier ordered residents to leave large parts of northern Gaza, in anticipation of the attacks. Most of those displaced overnight moved westwards within Gaza City rather than to the southern region as instructed by the IDF.

"We had no choice but to leave everything behind," said Abeer Talba, a mother of seven who fled Zeitoun with her family.

"We got phone calls recordings in Arabic telling us we were in a combat zone and must evacuate immediately.

"This is the seventh time we've been forced to flee," she added. "We're in the streets again, no food, no water. My children are starving. Death feels kinder than this."

Amid the growing humanitarian crisis, fears are mounting that the evacuation orders and sustained air strikes are part of a broader Israeli plan to expand its ground offensive deeper into Gaza.

But there is also speculation in Israeli media that some generals are close to concluding that military operations in Gaza are near to being achieved.

That is also the view of many former army leaders who fear that the descent of the Gaza campaign into more attritional, guerilla-style warfare would lead to more deaths – of hostages, civilians and soldiers.

The Israeli prime minister's next moves are being closely watched. While Benjamin Netanyahu's instincts have always been to continue the war and defeat Hamas, he is coming under increasing pressure at home and abroad to pursue a new ceasefire agreement.