外媒每日新闻 Evening Edition

Iran held a state funeral in Tehran on July 3 for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who died in late June at the age of 85 after months of declining health. President Masoud Pezeshkian, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi were among the senior officials attending the farewell ceremony. Dozens of nations sent delegations, with China dispatching Vice Chairman of the NPC Standing Committee He Wei to represent Beijing. The funeral marks a pivotal moment for the Islamic Republic, as the Assembly of Experts must now select a successor to lead the country's theocratic system. Analysts warn the transition could reshape Iran's domestic politics, its regional proxy strategy, and the future of its nuclear program amid ongoing negotiations with the United States. [3] [4]^[2]

In a 6-3 ideological ruling on July 1, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down coordinated spending limits between political parties and candidates, a decision that critics say could unleash a torrent of unregulated money into American elections. The ruling, initiated by Vice President JD Vance, effectively dismantles a cornerstone of post-Watergate campaign finance reform. Justice Clarence Thomas wrote for the conservative majority, arguing that the limits violated First Amendment protections of free speech and association. The dissenting liberal justices warned the decision mirrors the controversial 2010 Citizens United ruling and could deepen the influence of dark money in politics. Campaign finance reform advocates decried the ruling, while Republican supporters praised it as "leveling the playing field." [5]^[3]

The death toll from Venezuela's devastating June 24 twin earthquakes—a 7.2-magnitude shock followed 39 seconds later by a 7.5-magnitude temblor at just 10km depth—has now surpassed 2,200, with over 10,500 injured and 15,800 displaced into temporary shelters. UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher described the situation as "chilling," with an estimated 50,000 people still unaccounted for nine days after the disaster. The earthquakes destroyed an estimated $6.7 billion in infrastructure, compounding the country's existing economic crisis of $150 billion in foreign debt and 600% inflation. Former President Nicolás Maduro, who was removed from power by a U.S. military operation in January and is currently facing trial in New York, issued a statement from detention calling for national unity. International rescue teams, including those from China, continue to operate in affected areas. [6] [7]^[4]

China's Ministry of Commerce said on July 2 that Beijing is "ready to work with the United States to create favorable conditions for two-way agricultural trade," responding to questions about potentially reducing or removing tariffs on U.S. agricultural products. Spokesperson He Yadong told a regular press briefing that agricultural trade is "an important component of China-U.S. economic and trade cooperation." The conciliatory signal comes amid broader trade tensions between the world's two largest economies and follows the U.S. Supreme Court's landmark February ruling that struck down key tariff measures, potentially making over $175 billion in U.S. revenue subject to refunds. Chinese customs data released separately showed exports grew 6.6% in December, exceeding expectations, though analysts cautioned that growth would likely slow in 2026 amid softer global demand. [9] [10]^[6]

Approximately 2.8 million Australians on award and minimum wages received a 4.75% pay increase starting July 1, the beginning of Australia's new financial year. The Fair Work Commission's decision, which translates to roughly an extra AUD $52 per week for a full-time minimum wage worker, aims to help low-income earners keep pace with the cost of living amid elevated inflation. The increase was welcomed by labor unions but drew criticism from business groups who warned it could pressure small and medium enterprises already struggling with rising operational costs. Australia's minimum wage now stands among the highest in the developed world. [13]^[8]

China's National Development and Reform Commission announced a fuel price reduction of 720 yuan ($98) per tonne effective July 3, the latest adjustment in the country's biweekly pricing mechanism linked to international oil markets. The cut is expected to bring the retail price of 95-octane gasoline back below 8 yuan per liter in most regions, with some areas seeing it drop to around 7 yuan per liter. The reduction comes as global oil prices have softened amid easing geopolitical tensions following the Iran-U.S. nuclear framework agreement reached in June. Meanwhile, China's railway operator implemented its Q3 schedule with 106 new train services added, including expanded pet transport services on select routes. [14]^[9]

China will host the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance in Shanghai this July, as policymakers worldwide struggle to keep pace with rapid AI development. The EU's AI Act, which entered into force this year under Regulation 2024/1689, remains the most comprehensive regulatory framework, but implementation challenges persist. UN independent experts have warned that AI development is outpacing both scientific understanding and policy responses. The Shanghai conference will feature discussions on embodied intelligence, with Chinese state-owned enterprises having recently formed an embodied intelligence industry consortium in Beijing. The 9th International Conference on Big Data and AI (BDAI 2026) is also being held concurrently in Chongqing from July 3-5. [16] [17]^[11]

SpaceX (SPCX), which made history on June 12 with the largest IPO ever at $85.7 billion, continues to generate intense debate on Wall Street about its long-term valuation. The company listed on Nasdaq at $135 per share, closing its first day at $160.95 (up 19.22%). However, analysts have raised questions about whether SpaceX's revenue trajectory can justify its initial $1.77 trillion valuation, with MarketWatch warning that "SpaceX revenue has to soar or the stock has to drop for a bullish case." The IPO raised $75 billion through 555.6 million Class A shares. The listing is seen as a landmark event not just for the space industry but for U.S. capital markets, with observers calling it a bet on "America's national destiny for the next 20 years." [18] [19]^[12]