Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Monday, June 9, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):

Israel intercepts Freedom Flotilla Coalition’s ship Madleen before it reaches Gaza

The updates and reactions after the Israeli Navy intercepted the Madleen, a Freedom Flotilla Coalition vessel carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza, before it reached the besieged enclave to challenge the Israeli blockade.

More actions by Israel, such as the deportation of 12 activists aboard the aid vessel and statements from the coalition or activists on board regarding their response to the interception or any distress calls, will be taken.

International and regional reactions are expected to condemn Israel for blocking aid to the people of Gaza, who are facing famine.

Gazans celebrating Eid al-Adha on 4th day after 3 days of heavy bombing by Israeli forces

Gazans are celebrating Eid al-Adha on the fourth day after three days of heavy bombing by Israeli forces, which violated all international humanitarian laws, killed nearly 150 Palestinians, forced mass displacement and exacerbated famine.

The status of humanitarian aid delivery will be monitored, particularly since the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) halted operations following the deaths of over 126 Palestinians near its sites as a result of Israeli fires.

Updates from the UN, particularly UNRWA and OCHA, on efforts to reopen aid distribution corridors in response to the famine risk will be highlighted.

NATO chief visits UK; scheduled to meet with premier

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte visits London ahead of the NATO summit later this month. Rutte's schedule includes talks with Prime Minister Keir Starmer and a speech at Chatham House.

As part of the visit, Rutte also visits Sheffield Forgemasters with Defence Secretary John Healey.

UN Ocean Conference begins; Macron attends

French President Emmanuel Macron, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, and several other ministers are set to attend the UN Ocean Conference in Nice on June 9–13.

The conference will discuss the protection of marine biodiversity, the fight against ocean pollution, and the impact of climate change on maritime ecosystems.

The agenda also includes strengthening international maritime governance, expanding marine protected areas, and fostering sustainable blue economy initiatives.

China’s trade negotiator in UK for talks with US

Vice Premier He Lifeng, China's top trade negotiator, is in the UK for talks with the US on tariffs and trade restrictions. His visit will continue until June 13.

He is leading the Chinese delegation to the first meeting of the China-US economic and trade consultation mechanism with the US on Monday.

The meeting is expected to be attended by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.

Trump participates in Invest America Roundtable

US President Donald Trump to participate in an Invest America Roundtable at the White House after returning from Camp David.

The event is open to the press pool, and the president may take questions as he faces continued fallout from his feud with former ally Elon Musk and continues to carry out mass deportation efforts that have repeatedly led to civil unrest.

US travel ban on 12 countries takes effect

US President Donald Trump’s travel ban on 12 nations and restrictions on an additional seven countries are slated to take effect.

Lavrov to meet with Belarusian foreign minister

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will meet with his Belarusian counterpart, Maxim Ryzhenkov. The top diplomats will discuss a broad range of bilateral and international priorities and discuss cooperation between Russia and Belarus.

The parties will also review issues of security in Eurasia, including preparations for the 3rd Minsk Conference on Eurasian Security.

Russia-Ukraine conflict

Russia and Ukraine continue fighting. Moscow accused Kyiv of disrupting the exchange of war prisoners and bodies of fallen soldiers agreed upon in Istanbul last week, claiming the first round had to take place on June 7.

Ukraine says it decided to postpone the swap to next week. Media reports claim Ukraine does not want to take back fallen soldiers because it will have to pay huge compensation to their relatives.

South Korea’s president to hold emergency economic meeting

South Korea’s newly elected President Lee Jae-myung chairs an emergency economic meeting amid tariffs by the US. The session is expected to focus on economic stimulus measures, including discussions on a possible second supplementary budget aimed at bolstering the domestic economy. Lee is also expected to nominate two justices to the top court.

Chinese vice president addresses UN Ocean Conference in France

Chinese Vice President Han Zheng addresses the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France.

Japanese government spokesman holds news conference

The Japanese government spokesman holds regular press conference in Tokyo. The spokesman is expected to deliver statements on elections in South Korea and national and other international issues, including US tariffs.

Foreign Ministry holds briefing in Beijing

China’s Foreign Ministry holds a news conference in Beijing. The ministry is expected to deliver statements on US tariffs, security, and stability on the Korean Peninsula, besides the war in Gaza, among other issues.

THE ECONOMY

Chinese inflation

China will release consumer inflation figures for May. Annual inflation fell 0.1% in April. The country will also share producer inflation figures for May.

China's foreign trade

China to share export and import figures for May. The country posted a trade surplus of $96.2 billion in April.

SPECIAL REPORTS

Ocean emergency ‘no exaggeration’: UN conference to spotlight urgent threats and push for action

Preview report for the 2025 UN Ocean Conference opening in Nice amid growing alarm over the deteriorating health of the world’s oceans.

The story details the key agenda items for the event, including efforts to address mounting threats such as warming seas, biodiversity loss, and overfishing. It has insights from experts on the scale of the global “ocean emergency,” its implications for humanity, and suggestions for mitigation plans.

The report includes interviews with Karina Barquet, a senior research fellow and team leader at the Stockholm Environment Institute, and Callum Roberts, a professor of marine conservation at the University of Exeter.