SBS News

Russian Foreign Minister Says 'Secret Communication' Between Putin and Kim Jong-un Is Important ▲ North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Russian President Vladimir Putin Russian F… SBS Jul 20, 2026 11:29 PM

Clash in Disputed Waters: Philippines Alleges Assault by China, Beijing Claims Distortion A Philippine soldier was allegedly assaulted by Chinese Coast Guard personnel in disputed waters of the South China Sea, just ahead of a scheduled meeting between the two countries' foreign ministers on July 21. SBS Jul 20, 2026 11:20 PM

Pro-Iran Houthi Rebels in Yemen Declare Maritime Blockade Against Saudi Arabia Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree stated, "In accordance with the 'eye for an eye' principle, we declare a maritime blockade against the criminal Saudi enemy, effective immediately." He emphasized, "This measure is a response to the Saudi blockade of Houthi-controlled ports and airports, as well as the strike on Sanaa Airport last week," adding, "We will meet the blockade with a blockade." However, the group did not clarify the specific methods by which this maritime blockade would be enforced. SBS Jul 20, 2026 10:28 PM

The World Cup That Ended the 'Messi-Ronaldo Era'… Is FIFA Too Focused on Profits? When quoting this interview, please accurately cite the program name, SBS <News Hunters>. SBS Jul 20, 2026 7:29 PM

Iranian Military Claims Two Oil Tankers Exploded While Attempting to Pass Through Strait of Hormuz In a statement released on July 20, the Revolutionary Guard announced, "Late at night, two oil tankers violated regulations by attempting to enter and exit through dangerous, high-risk shipping lanes in the southern part of the Strait of Hormuz under the instigation and coercion of the U.S. SBS Jul 20, 2026 7:28 PM

Russian Foreign Minister Says 'Secret Communication' Between Putin and Kim Jong-un Is Important According to TASS news agency, Minister Lavrov met with North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui, who is visiting Moscow, and said, "I would like to note that these two leaders attended the 80th anniversary ceremony of the Victory Day held in Beijing on September 3 last year." Minister Lavrov noted that two years have passed since President Putin held a summit with Chairman Kim in Pyongyang in June 2024, adding that "the decisions adopted by the leaders of the two countries are being consistently implemented." He also referred to the North Korean troops deployed to the Kursk front since October 2024, emphasizing that "they sacrificed their lives while contributing to liberating Russian land from Ukrainian Nazis," and that "the Russian people will never forget their courage and dedication." Foreign Minister Choe arrived in Russia on July 18 and paid a courtesy call to President Putin on July 19. SBS Jul 20, 2026 7:26 PM

Black Sea Becomes Flashpoint as Russia-Ukraine Conflict Disrupts Maritime Logistics and Sends Wheat Prices Soaring According to foreign media reports, including Reuters and AFP, on July 20 , 28 civilians have been killed in the Odesa region of Ukraine due to Russian attacks this month. SBS Jul 20, 2026 6:54 PM

Tesla Expanding Production in Europe Amid Strong Performance electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla plans to significantly increase production at its European manufacturing hub in Germany. SBS Jul 20, 2026 6:10 PM

U.S. Secretary of State Mentions 'Protection Fee' for Hormuz: "Beneficiary Nations Should Pay Eventually" Secretary of State Marco Rubio has reiterated that nations benefiting from safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz will eventually have to pay the United States. SBS Jul 20, 2026 5:57 PM

Iranian Foreign Ministry: "Diplomatic Channels Active Through Mediators... Proposals for De-escalation Received" During a briefing, Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesperson for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was asked about recent moves to resume negotiations, including a reported "10-day Iran-U.S. SBS Jul 20, 2026 5:42 PM