This week, the trade war between the United States and China escalates; President Trump orders National Guard troops to the U.S.-Mexico border; Cape Town’s Day Zero gets pushed back to 2019; and more.

For a country that has traditionally preferred low-key diplomacy to avoid antagonizing its larger neighbor to the north, Vietnam last month publicly engaged in a string of activities to strengthen deterrence against China in the South China Sea, writes Derek Grossman.

Los Angeles’ leadership in global affairs is growing stronger at a time when the federal government’s role is diminishing, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti told Pacific Council members in his 2nd annual State of the Global City address in downtown LA.

This week, Syrian rebels evacuate Ghouta; the Trump administration imposes more tariffs; Finland hosts talks between the United States, South Korea, and North Korea; and more.