Foreign

• South Korea's foreign tourist arrivals are projected to surpass 10 million in 2026, marking a historic surge in international travel to the country. • The growth is primarily driven by global demand for "K-Wave" culture and high visitor activity in Seoul's Myeongdong, Hongdae, and Gangnam districts, as well as Jeju Island. • This trend solidifies Seoul's status as a top global destination by leveraging its unique blend of modern entertainment, shopping, and historic landmarks.

• Foreign investors withdrew capital from India-focused funds during the March quarter, redirecting investments toward AI-driven markets. • Capital flows shifted primarily toward technology hubs in Korea and Taiwan to capitalize on the global artificial intelligence boom. • This trend highlights a strategic pivot by global investors prioritizing high-growth AI sectors over traditional emerging market opportunities.

• South Korea achieved a historic milestone in 2026 by surpassing ten million foreign arrivals earlier than ever before. • The surge is primarily driven by strong demand from China, Japan, and Taiwan, as well as growing middle-class travel from the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia. • This growth is attributed to improved air connectivity, the global popularity of Korean entertainment, and a significant increase in visitor spending.

Civil service high-flyer caught up in Mandelson vetting row thought to be discussing comeback with Burnham’s teamThe Foreign Office chief who lost his job over the Peter Mandelson vetting scandal is in discussions with Andy Burnham’s team about taking on a security-related role under the likely new prime minister, the Guardian understands.Olly Robbins has had “early exploratory talks” with senior advisers to the newly elected Makerfield MP over a post in his putative Downing Street operation, and insiders suggested he could be appointed national security adviser. Continue reading...

• Three major entertainment bodies—the United Producers Association (UPA), Actors Collective Pakistan (ACT), and the Directors Guild Pakistan (DGP)—are opposing a proposal in the Finance Bill 2026–27 to scrap taxes on foreign content. • Industry leaders and celebrities warn that removing this tax would create unfair competition, potentially triggering mass unemployment within the local showbiz sector. • The opposition argues that the move could undo a decade of progress made in rehabilitating and growing the local drama industry.

• The US Supreme Court has limited the scope of foreign human rights claims, narrowing the ability to file overseas abuse lawsuits against corporations in US courts. • The ruling stems from a case involving Cisco, which faced allegations of providing technology to the Chinese government to monitor and suppress Falun Gong followers. • This decision provides corporations with greater protection from litigation regarding actions associated with foreign governments or violations occurring outside US boundaries.

• As the tenth anniversary of the Brexit referendum approaches, new polling indicates a significant shift in European sentiment toward the United Kingdom. • Majorities in every polled EU country, from Poland to Portugal, now express a desire for Britain to rejoin the European Union. • Many respondents suggest the European Commission should soften its "red lines" to improve bilateral relations, particularly regarding shared security concerns.

• South Korean leader Lee Jae-myung has adjusted the foreign policy approach of his predecessor to correct previous excesses without shifting toward a pro-China or anti-US stance. • Lee warns that a potential conflict over Taiwan could escalate military threats from both North Korea and China, potentially leading to joint military operations against South Korea. • This strategic vulnerability is viewed as a major existential threat to the nation's security and stability.

Guardian investigation also finds same areas experienced relative decline over same periodLeave-voting areas have seen faster relative growth in foreign workers since the Brexit referendum, a Guardian investigation has found.Data analysis suggests that the decade since the Brexit vote may not have matched the expectations of many Leave supporters, showing their local areas have also become relatively more deprived over the same period. Continue reading...

• Europe has published a new strategic plan aimed at achieving "tech sovereignty" to reduce its heavy reliance on foreign technology providers. • The initiative faces significant practical hurdles, including high costs for switching systems, a lack of competitive local alternatives, and critical shortages in cybersecurity and technical skills. • National discrepancies are hindering a unified approach, as seen in Sweden's cautious cloud computing strategy which balances dependency reduction with practical limitations.

Reform leader claims ‘anti-whiteness is institutionalised’ in UK as polls suggest Labour have lead in MakerfieldUK politics live – latest updatesNigel Farage said he would ban foreign nationals from social housing and then deport them if they could not find private sector homes, in a hardening of anti-immigration rhetoric before the Makerfield byelection.It comes as two new polls in Makerfield suggests Farage’s Reform UK continues to leak potentially crucial support to its far-right rival Restore Britain, which is led by the former Reform MP Rupert Lowe. Continue reading...

Company said US government believes safeguards can be bypassed and product used to identify software vulnerabilitiesAnthropic said it will “abruptly disable” its most advanced AI models for all users after the US government ordered it to suspend access to the models for foreign nationals, citing national security concerns.The company received the export control directive to suspend access to Fable 5 and Mythos 5 for all foreign nationals, without being given specific details of the national security concern, Anthropic said in a statement. Continue reading...

• French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu convened a cross-party meeting of political leaders on June 11 to address the growing threat of foreign digital interference. • The discussions focused on safeguarding electoral integrity, with officials noting that France is currently among the top three most targeted countries in Europe. • This initiative is critical as France prepares for the 2027 presidential election, which experts warn will be a primary target for cyber threats and disinformation.

• France and Germany are seeking a radical reorganization of the EU's foreign policy service to better address current geopolitical challenges. • Proposed changes include limiting the powers of EU diplomacy chief Kaja Kallas and her department, potentially returning those authorities to the European Commission. • Simultaneously, a financial dispute has emerged as Poland demands the return of approximately 450 million euros spent on military aid for Ukraine.

Former Labor foreign affairs minister says belief US would defend Australia in event of an existential attack is a ‘ludicrous delusion’Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastAukus will prove to be one of the worst defence and foreign policy decisions ever made by an Australian government and is only being permitted by Donald Trump in order to destroy Chinese nuclear threats to the US mainland, former foreign affairs minister Gareth Evans says.Giving evidence to an independent public inquiry into the $368bn nuclear agreement with the US and UK on Thursday, Evans, a cabinet minister in the Hawke and Keating governments, will warn the transfer and construction of submarines to Australia from the early 2030s is effectively only an extension of the American military fleet. Continue reading...

• India is shifting its technological focus from a long-standing dominance in software exports and IT services toward the hardware and electronics manufacturing sector. • While the country previously built its global identity on code and back-office operations, there is now a significant surge in foreign investment targeting components and fabrication. • This transition matters as India seeks to diversify its industrial capabilities and reduce reliance on imported hardware to become a global manufacturing hub.

• Foreign news outlets are framing South Korea's upcoming local elections as a critical litmus test for President Lee Jae Myung's first year in office. • The vote is viewed as a primary measure of public support for Lee's administration and a gauge of the conservative opposition's ability to recover. • This political contest follows significant turmoil triggered by former President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of martial law.

• Major foreign media outlets from the United States and Japan are closely monitoring South Korea's nationwide local and National Assembly elections held on June 3. • Most international reports predict a victory for the ruling Democratic Party, citing current polling and political momentum. • Nikkei highlighted a potential risk for the ruling party, noting that South Korean elections often experience sharp shifts in balance due to last-minute variables or opposition supporter consolidation.

• Foreign investors' net equity holdings in India have plummeted to their lowest levels since 2016. • This decline is driven by global capital shifting toward AI, semiconductors, and tech-led growth in markets such as Taiwan and South Korea. • The trend is further exacerbated by slowing corporate earnings and macroeconomic pressures linked to oil prices, leading to muted Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI) flows.

• South Korea experienced a significant tourism boom in April, with Seoul alone welcoming over 1.5 million foreign visitors. • China emerged as the primary driver of this surge, leading other major contributing markets including the United States, Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines. • The influx of tourists resulted in a massive economic boost, with total visitor spending soaring to 1.15 trillion won.

Revelations appear in second tranche of released files about Mandelson’s appointment as US ambassadorPeter Mandelson was receiving sensitive security briefings about the Foreign Office’s work, and was in discussions with the head of MI6, before he had completed the developed vetting process, newly released documents reveal.Declassified emails show the ambassador designate and Richard Moore, the former chief of MI6 – a role known as “C” – had agreed to meet in early January 2025 before Mandelson went to Washington. Continue reading...

• Kenyan Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua (Mudavadi) has arrived in Seoul to participate in a summit featuring foreign ministers from 54 African states and four regional organizations. • The meeting focuses on strengthening ties, highlighting South Korea's significant Official Development Assistance (ODA) and increasing investments in Kenya's manufacturing, industry, and infrastructure sectors. • Economic cooperation is expected to accelerate following the recent establishment of Korea Exim Bank offices in Nairobi to facilitate financing.

Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir accuses opponents of fearmongering amid warnings over misinformation and AIIceland’s foreign minister has said she fears her country faces a “Brexit moment” in its looming EU referendum amid warnings over misinformation, foreign interference and AI.With just over three months to go until Iceland votes on whether or not to continue accession talks with the EU, developments are being closely watched by Washington, Moscow and Brussels. Continue reading...

• Indian companies increased their outbound acquisitions in 2025, completing 162 deals worth over $18 billion, representing a 34% year-on-year rise. • The BBC reported on this trend with a headline suggesting these purchases are driven by slowing economic growth within India rather than financial strength. • OpIndia criticizes the BBC's framing, arguing that the broadcaster is pushing a narrative of "domestic failure" to overshadow the success of Indian balance sheets.

The military alliance’s chief tried to manage expectations after Donald Trump said he would deploy 5,000 troops to PolandPoland’s Radosław Sikorski showed up beaming after last night’s US announcement on the deployment of 5,000 US troops to Poland.He thanks Trump for the decision, saying it means the presence of US troops in Poland “will be maintained more or less at previous levels,” after the Pentagon halted a planned rotation of 4,000 troops. Continue reading...

• Foreign ministers from the Council of Europe have adopted a political declaration concerning the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and migration. • The consensus text integrates diverse national perspectives with established Strasbourg case-law to address the complexities of migration within the legal framework. • This move reinforces the ECHR's central role in protecting human rights, upholding the rule of law, and ensuring democratic security and peace across Europe.

Move brings an end to a 60 day visa-free stay that was agreed with 93 countries, including the UK, US and much of EuropeThailand is drastically cutting the length of visa-free stays for tourists from more than 90 countries in an effort to curb crime involving foreign nationals, officials said on Tuesday.Tourism is vital to the south-east Asian nation’s economy, but foreign arrivals are yet to return to their pre-Covid levels. Continue reading...

Sergei Lavrov comments before leaders of the ‘Bucharest Nine’ meet later today with Nato’s secretary general Mark Rutte Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said that despite some early positive signs about the US-Russia relations under Donald Trump, “nothing is happening” in reality as the peace process to end the war in Ukraine appears to be stuck.Speaking to Russian media, Lavrov said that “good words” on potential cooperations with the US had brought no results so far as “nothing is happening in real life.” Continue reading...