World
Global Developments: China's New Canal, Yemen Conflict, US Sanctions Bill, and International Diplomacy
China has inaugurated the $10.75 billion Pinglu Canal, establishing a new maritime route for its southwestern provinces and enhancing trade with ASEAN. This canal is part of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor, linking inland China with Southeast Asia and other global markets. It marks the first nationally planned river-to-sea canal project since the People’s Republic of China's founding in 1949. The waterway is designed to facilitate the direct transport of coal, ore, grain, new-energy materials, and automobile parts to international markets. Last year, China's trade with ASEAN exceeded $1 trillion.
In Yemen, Yahya Saree, spokesman for the Yemeni Armed Forces, stated that an F-15 jet was shot down over Marib using a locally manufactured air-to-air missile. The Yemeni Armed Forces reported that Saudi warplanes conducted over 450 airstrikes across seven provinces this week, resulting in civilian casualties. These strikes reportedly involved F-15 and Typhoon aircraft operating from Khamis Mushait and Taif airbases. Yemen claimed to have shot down a Saudi F-15 over Marib during operations supporting Saudi military deployments. Saree denied Saudi allegations that Yemen targeted Mecca in a drone attack, asserting that Yemeni operations focused on oil facilities and military bases, avoiding holy sites.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi in Cairo on Tuesday. This meeting occurred as Houthi attacks on Saudi shipping and infrastructure have intensified, threatening Saudi oil exports via the Red Sea. The two leaders affirmed their commitment to the security and freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Egypt expressed its support for Saudi Arabia. Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attempted drone attack on Makkah Al-Mukarramah, praising the Royal Saudi Armed Forces and urging restraint and diplomacy.
In the United States, at least three individuals died in a helicopter crash in Chatsworth, Los Angeles, while news crews were covering a separate bus crash. The helicopter crash occurred around 7 PM near a commercial building. NBC4 Los Angeles confirmed its helicopter was involved. The Los Angeles Fire Department is investigating the number of occupants in the helicopter.
The US House of Representatives on Tuesday advanced the Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. This bill, which passed a procedural vote of 214-211, would authorize President Donald Trump to impose 100% tariffs on India and other nations purchasing Russian oil and gas. A final House vote is anticipated on Wednesday. Democratic Congressman Gregory Meeks opposed the measure, citing concerns about unchecked tariff powers.
US authorities announced they foiled a plot to assassinate a prominent Russian dissident believed to reside in Washington. Five individuals, reportedly living abroad, have been charged. An indictment unsealed in Manhattan federal court alleges a Russian intelligence-linked network has, since at least 2024, attempted to pay individuals in the US and other countries to surveil and kill Russian dissidents. Among those charged are former Russian intelligence colonel Yuri Khrameev, his son and Russian Federal Security Service officer Kirill Khrameev, and Cuban national Oemis Romagoza Durruthy.
Other global developments include the US House voting 220-204 for the third time to end the Iran war and limit presidential military action, requiring congressional approval for continued military engagement. Air Force Secretary Troy Meink confirmed the US has deployed on-orbit space-control weapons. South Korea is seeking to postpone a parliamentary briefing on a $350 billion US investment plan. Saudi Arabia is offering more crude oil to Asian refiners via ship-to-ship transfers off Oman’s Sohar port following drone damage to its East-West pipeline. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is scheduled to visit Bhutan on September 16-17. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang is expected to attend President Trump’s state dinner for Chinese President Xi Jinping. Thailand has proposed a meeting between Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and President Trump on September 17 or 18 to finalize trade negotiations.