Situation Reports

The Philippines has halted plans to terminate a longstanding military pact with the United States, citing "political and other developments" in the region, The New York Times reported June 2.

Hong Kong officials have extended citywide social distancing measures until June 18, citing a cluster of COVID-19 infections in the city after over two weeks without new cases, the South China Morning Post reported June 2.

The Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA)’s latest monthly report showed consumer spending was down 33 percent and that cash withdrawals were down by 35 percent compared with a year ago, Reuters reported June 1. 

China has ordered its major state-owned agricultural importers to freeze purchases of U.S. soybeans and pork amid the recent escalation in U.S. tensions over Hong Kong, Bloomberg reported June 1.

Mohammad Baqher Qalibaf, the former mayor of Tehran, has been elected for a one-year term as the parliamentary speaker in the Iranian Majles, Reuters reported May 28. 

China's legislature has approved a measure to formulate the controversial national security laws that would levy penalties for secessionism, subversive activity, terrorism and foreign meddling in Hong Kong, Xinhua reported May 28.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced the United States was ending its remaining sanctions waiver for Iran’s nuclear program that has allowed European, Russian and Chinese firms to work with Tehran on certain civilian projects, according to a May 27 release.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo certified before Congress that Hong Kong no longer enjoys the “high degree of autonomy” it once had from mainland China, and thus no longer warrants special treatment under U.S. law, Reuters reported May 27.

The Central Bank of Iran (CBI) published an inflation target of 22 percent for the fiscal year between March 21, 2020, and March 20, 2021, Radio Farda reported May 27. 

The European Commission has proposed creating a 750 billion euro ($824 billion) aid package for EU members affected by the COVID-19 crisis, according to a May 27 release.