Noontime News Recap: NATO opens Ankara summit as Zelenskyy seeks more air defences

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to press NATO leaders in Ankara for more air defence systems after renewed Russian strikes, as Kyiv says the attacks have stepped up pressure on its cities and infrastructure.  🔗

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NATO opened its summit in Ankara with a string of defence spending and procurement announcements, in a show of allied resolve under pressure to lift military outlays and speed up weapons purchases.  🔗

In Asia, China faced a worsening disaster picture as the death toll from storms and flooding in parts of the country rose to 15, with hundreds more injured and tens of thousands evacuated, according to state media.  🔗

Separate severe weather in central China killed at least 11 people in Hubei province, where rare tornadoes and thunderstorms hit homes and other buildings, adding to the toll from the wider spell of extreme weather.  🔗

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Also in East Asia, Japan and China coast guard vessels confronted each other near the disputed Senkaku islands in the East China Sea after both sides moved in close to the area, underlining continuing maritime tensions.  🔗

In South and Southeast Asia, India and Indonesia signed a defence package that includes the supply of two BrahMos supersonic cruise missile batteries, as missile export talks between the two countries advance.  🔗

Hong Kong democracy activist Joshua Wong is scheduled to face a plea and sentencing hearing on 2 September in a second national security case, keeping the city's political crackdown in focus.  🔗

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