Global Beat is your weekly stop for news from around the world. Join us every Friday morning for important stories you should know about.

This week, Russia announces largest war games since the Cold War; NAFTA talks reportedly near completion; Korean families reunite; and more.

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Americas

A potential NAFTA deal is getting closer to becoming reality as the United States and Mexico continue talks on auto rules of origin. Previous reports suggested the deal was all but finalized and would be announced on Thursday, but Mexican Economy Minister Ildefonso Guajardo said while they are hoping to reach an agreement soon, "it’s better to have a good agreement than a fast [agreement]," and the U.S. Trade Representative Office says there are still issues to address. U.S. and Mexican officials have said once they come to an agreement, Canada could re-enter the negotiations. "What we are doing here is trying to get, and solve, the issues that are most important between the United States and Mexico," said Guajardo. "That will lead to a trilateral meeting with Canada."

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• Russian hackers targeted U.S. conservative think tanks, says Microsoft – Reuters

Central & South Asia

Turkey will start receiving the advanced Russian S-400 missile defense system in 2019, according to Russian arms exporter Rosoboronexport. The move comes amidst tense relations between the United States and Turkey as a result of sanctions and tariffs imposed by the United States. India, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar are all considering buying the defense system, and China received its system from Russia in May. The move concerns U.S. officials, who say the new system could create challenges with the "interoperability" with other NATO weapons systems. NATO officials have threatened consequences for countries who purchase the Russian missile defense system.

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• Why India is not keen on taking foreign assistance for Kerala floods – Money Control

China & East Asia

Korean families were reunited briefly this week after being separated for over 60 years since the start of the Korean War. Among thousands of applications, 93 families were selected to participate in the Red Cross-organized reunion, allowing family members from both South Korea and North Korea to meet for three days. While the reunions were joyous, the stark reality of the family separation remains a concern. Most participants hadn’t seen or heard from their relatives in almost a lifetime. "Imagine 73 long years without knowing whether their family members are still alive or passed away—no news at all. The agony and anger, that’s an unthinkable human tragedy," said Park Kyung-seo, president of the South Korean Red Cross.

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• Taiwan loses another diplomatic ally as El Salvador switches to Beijing – CNN

Europe & Russia

Russia will host its "largest war games since the fall of the Soviet Union" next month, in what is being called Vostok-2018, according to the Russian defense minister. Mongolia and China will also participate in the exercises, but China’s Defense Ministry stressed the exercise isn’t directed at a third party, and that it will be comprised of "maneuver defense, firepower strikes, and counterattack." The games continue a pattern of increased military drills with China, a collaboration China’s Defense Ministry describes as a "strategic partnership."

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• Germany’s foreign minister: When the United States "crosses the line," Europe must act – TIME

Middle East & North Africa

Israel and Hamas leaders are negotiating a possible truce to end Israel’s blockade of Gaza. The blockade has been in effect since Hamas took the territory in 2007, preventing the import or export of goods. After months of violent protests and border violence, there has been some calm at the border as negotiations have taken place. "Hamas wants relief from the economic pressures they’re facing. Israel wants an end to the border conflicts—and that creates the incentives for an agreement," said Daniel Shapiro, former U.S. Ambassador to Israel.

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• Two arrested for allegedly spying for Iran in the United States – Reuters

Southeast Asia & Oceania

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull was ousted on Friday after a week of uncertainty and tension about the future of Australia’s government. The new prime minister, Scott Morrison, is the former minister of immigration and border protection and is known for his hardline stance toward asylum seekers. Turnbull’s political career ended after a turbulent battle within his own party, most recently the result of a failed attempt to appease conservatives by abandoning a plan to cut carbon emissions in alignment with the Paris Climate Agreement. New Prime Minister Morrison called Australia’s drought the most "urgent and pressing need right now." Morrison is Australia’s sixth prime minister in 11 years.

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• "We cannot afford this": Malaysia pushes back against China’s vision – The New York Times

Sub-Saharan Africa

More than 100 African migrants stormed a border fence and forced their way into Ceuta, a Spanish territory on Africa’s north coast. Migrants celebrated their entry by waving Spanish and European flags and shouting, "I love Spain!" Seven police officers were hurt when migrants threw battery acid and quicklime while crossing the border. "All my support to those security forces who are facing the migratory challenge in an exemplary way, especially the agents who were injured today," Pedro Sanchez, the prime minister of Spain, tweeted after the incident. The UN Refugee Agency said the majority of the migrants entering Spain are from Cameroon, Guinea, and The Gambia.

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• Mozambique poised to impose controversial media fee – Voice of America

Stay informed. We’ll see you here again next week.