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S. Jaishankar, the Indian External Affairs Minister, met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Monday ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Foreign Ministers meeting. He conveyed greetings from Indian President Murmu and Prime Minister Modi, underlining India's commitment to improving relations while trying to settle lingering border concerns resulting from the 2020 Ladakh standoff, Firstpost reported.

In discussions with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Jaishankar acknowledged the “good progress” made in easing tensions over the past nine months but emphasized the need for continued efforts to avoid disputes. He also called for removing trade barriers to enhance economic ties and urged a firm, shared stance on “zero tolerance” towards terrorism.

This visit marks Jaishankar’s first to China since the military clashes began, signaling a cautious but positive step toward better cooperation, according to Firstpost.

UK has resumed processing Syrian asylum claims, seven months after halting them following the fall of President Bashar al-Assad, who ruled Syria for over two decades, according to BBC.

Asylum Minister Dame Angela Eagle said decisions can now move forward as clearer information is available, allowing some cases to proceed and possible returns to Syria to begin. Over 7,000 Syrians had been left in limbo, many in temporary accommodation.

More than 20 have already returned voluntarily, and enforced returns could start later this year. New guidance states that general unrest in Syria isn’t enough to claim asylum—each case must show personal risk, BBC reported.

Certain groups, like Alawites and Kurds in Turkish-backed areas, may still face danger. Refugee organisations welcomed the move but warned Syria remains unsafe for many and urged fair, case-by-case reviews.

Minister of External Affairs of India Dr. S. Jaishankar met Chinese Vice President Han Zheng in Beijing on Monday, reaffirming India’s support for China’s presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) — a key regional bloc focused on security, economic, and political cooperation, Firstpost reported.

He noted steady progress in India-China ties since the 2024 Modi-Xi meeting and welcomed the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, calling it widely appreciated in India.

Amid global uncertainties, Jaishankar emphasized the need for open, honest dialogue between neighbours. He is also set to hold bilateral talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, according to Firstpost.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is on a weeklong visit to China from July 12 to 18, choosing to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping before holding talks with US President Donald Trump following his re-election.

This marks Albanese’s second visit to China as prime minister, reflecting improving ties after years of strain. He will also meet Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Zhao Leji, Chairman of China’s National People’s Congress, with talks focusing on trade, tourism, and artificial intelligence, according to Firstpost.

The decision to prioritize Beijing over Washington has drawn criticism from Australian opposition leader Angus Taylor, who questioned the government’s diplomatic focus. Albanese is not expected to meet Trump until later this year at the Quad summit or UN General Assembly.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, speaking at the ASEAN summit in Malaysia, warned of China’s growing military buildup while affirming Australia’s close alignment with the US on Indo-Pacific security.

The visit comes amid a US review of the Aukus submarine deal and growing global uncertainty over Trump’s tariff policies. Despite tensions, China remains Australia’s top trading partner, Firstpost reported.