[International] Weekly International News (June 14-20)
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◎US and Iran Sign Memorandum of Understanding, Iran's Frozen Funds Linked to Nuclear Program
US Vice President JD Vance and Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf signed an electronic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the 14th, US Eastern Time. Vance stated that if Iran wishes to have its frozen funds unfrozen, it must first destroy its stockpile of highly enriched uranium to demonstrate its sincerity in abandoning nuclear weapons development.
◎Bank of Japan Raises Interest Rates to 1%, Highest in 31 Years
After its Monetary Policy Decision Meeting on the 16th, the Bank of Japan (BoJ) announced that it would raise its benchmark interest rate from approximately 0.75% to 1.0%, the highest level since 1995 and the first rate hike since December of last year. The market believes this move reflects the continued improvement in Japan's economy and inflation situation.
◎US and Iran Resume Negotiations, Sign 14-Point Memorandum
During the G7 summit in France on the 17th, US President Trump signed a 14-point MOU on behalf of the United States with Iran. Both sides agreed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and begin follow-up negotiations in 60 days, paving the way for resolving the Iranian nuclear issue and reaching a final agreement. The Iranian President completed the signing digitally.
◎G7 Summit Issues Joint Statement Opposing Unilateral Changes to Taiwan Strait Status Quo
On the second day of the summit, the G7 issued a leaders' statement covering the situations in the Middle East, Ukraine, and the Indo-Pacific region. It reiterated its opposition to any unilateral changes to the status quo in the East China Sea, South China Sea, and Taiwan Strait, emphasizing the importance of maintaining regional peace and stability.
◎Federal Reserve Holds Rates Steady for Fourth Consecutive Time, Launches Five Major Reform Reviews
Following its policy meeting on the 18th, the US Federal Reserve (Fed) decided to maintain the target range for the federal funds rate at 3.5% to 3.75%, marking the fourth consecutive time it has held rates steady. Fed Chairman Kevin Warsh also announced the establishment of five working groups to comprehensively review the Fed's operations and simplify its policy statements.
◎IMD World Competitiveness Ranking Released, Taiwan Rises to Fourth Globally
The Swiss International Institute for Management Development (IMD) released its 2026 World Competitiveness Ranking on the 18th, with Singapore ranking first, Hong Kong second, and Switzerland third. Taiwan, with its strong GDP and export growth, along with a decade of institutional stability, has risen to fourth globally, its best performance since participating in the rankings.
◎QS World University Rankings Announced, Four Taiwanese Universities in Top 200
British higher education survey organization QS announced its 2027 World University Rankings on the 18th, with four Taiwanese universities entering the global top 200, a new record high. Among them, National Taiwan University ranked 54th globally and 17th in Asia, its best performance to date.
◎US-Iran Talks in Switzerland Postponed, Both Sides Cite Reasons
The US-Iran talks originally scheduled to be held in Burgenstock, Switzerland, were announced to be postponed on the 19th. The White House cited logistical difficulties as the main reason, while Iran pointed to Israel's ongoing military operations in Lebanon as a cause for the delay in negotiations.
◎Israel and Hezbollah Reach Ceasefire Agreement
Israel and Hezbollah announced a ceasefire agreement on the 19th. Prior to this, escalating conflicts between the two sides had threatened a temporary agreement aimed at ending the war in Iran and affected the Middle East peace process. This ceasefire is seen as an important step in de-escalating the regional situation.
◎Knicks Win Championship After 53 Years, Brunson Named Finals MVP
In Game 5 of the NBA Finals on the evening of the 13th, the New York Knicks, led by Jalen Brunson's 45 points, defeated the San Antonio Spurs 94-90, successfully winning their first championship in 53 years. Brunson scored 13 points in the fourth quarter, demonstrating his clutch star value, and was named the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP).
Source Link: https://www.rti.org.tw/news?uid=3&pid=215818
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