Japan plans $500 million commitment to U.S.-led initiative, becoming first country to join project - Nikkei

Taiwan condemns China over expulsion of NYT reporter after presidential interview. The journalist was forced to leave China following an interview with Lai Ching-te.

Taiwan condemned China after a New York Times reporter was expelled from China following an interview with TaiwaneseLai Ching-te.

Germany urges ceasefire return, warns Israeli advance into southern Lebanon is grave concern.

The German Foreign Minister urged all sides to halt fighting and return to the agreed ceasefire, warning that the Israeli military's continued advance into southern Lebanon is a matter of grave concern.

UN faces 'financial collapse' threat as US, China withhold dues over disagreements, WSJ reports. Organization could run out of funds by mid-August.

The United Nations faces a threat of 'financial collapse' and bankruptcy as the US and China refuse to pay their contributions due to disagreements with the organization's work, according to The Wall Street Journal. At the current budget trajectory, the organization will exhaust its funds by mid-August.

Iran FM: Talks and message exchanges with US ongoing, state media reports.

Iran's foreign minister told state media that talks and message exchanges with the US are ongoing.