The global tally of coronavirus infections has exceeded twenty-five million despite attempts to control the virus’s spread. Almost 843,000 people have died (Al-Monitor) of COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus.

The United States continues to lead the world in cases, recording six million infections (NYT) so far. But the pandemic is also raging in India, which last week set a global daily record (Business Insider) for new cases. France and South Korea are also experiencing rising caseloads (NPR). Efforts to control the pandemic continue to trigger opposition, including a mass protest in Berlin (CNN) over the weekend.

Japan’s​ Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) will elect a new leader September 14, according to Japanese media. The new LDP leader is expected to become (Bloomberg, Reuters) Japan’s next prime minister, replacing Shinzo Abe, who resigned Friday due to health issues.  

Australia: A parliamentary committee has been tasked with examining alleged foreign interference (SMH) at Australian universities and other institutions amid growing concerns (AFP) about Chinese influence.

India preempted the Chinese military’s “provocative” attempts (Hindustan Times) to change the status quo of the countries’ disputed border, the Indian army said today. China’s foreign ministry said its troops “never cross” (Reuters) the demarcation line. The two sides are communicating, it added.

CFR’s Alyssa Ayres explains what to know about the China-India border dispute.

Afghanistan: President Ashraf Ghani announced the members (TOLO) of the High Council for National Reconciliation, which will lead peace talks (RFE/RL) with the Taliban. The announcement drew a mixed response, and some members rebuffed their inclusion, most notably former President Hamid Karzai.

Lebanon’s parliament named Mustapha Adib, its ambassador to Germany, as its new prime minister–designate today. Adib earned the support (Al Jazeera) of four former prime ministers. If he successfully forms a government, he will assume control of a country racked by a political and economic crisis as well as a devastating explosion.

Israel/United Arab Emirates: A plane carrying Israeli and U.S. officials departed Tel Aviv for Abu Dhabi, marking the first direct, commercial flight between Israel and the United Arab Emirates and the first time an Israeli plane publicly entered Saudi air space. The officials will meet (Haaretz) with Emirati leadership to finalize the Israel-UAE normalization agreement.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa survived an attempt to oust him made at a meeting of his party’s leadership, unnamed sources told Bloomberg. He is now reportedly weighing a government shake-up to improve the economy and investor confidence.

Kenya: Swarms of locusts have begun maturing (Daily Nation) in the counties of Samburu and Turkana, where residents fear the swarms will deplete vegetation needed to feed livestock. The insects could start breeding in October.

After two days of contentious debate, North Macedonian lawmakers approved (RFE/RL) a new governing coalition. The move, which concludes a monthslong leadership void, will reinstall Zoran Zaev as prime minister. 

Italy: At least three migrants died and five others were injured after a boat they were in caught fire (Al Jazeera) off the Italian coast. Separately, the mayor of Lampedusa announced a strike to protest the arrival of a fishing boat carrying roughly 450 migrants. 

This CFR InfoGuide looks at the shrinking options for the world’s refugees.

The government will find out today (FT) whether enough of Argentina’s lenders accepted its $65 billion debt-restructuring deal, which could wrap up the country’s monthslong default process. Economic problems, including defaults and devaluations, have haunted Argentina for decades.

Brazil: The Brazilian archipelago of Fernando de Noronha will reopen to tourists (Guardian) who can prove they have had the coronavirus. The popular destination has been closed to outsiders since March.

Following a fatal shooting during protests in Portland, Oregon, President Donald J. Trump said the national guard would intervene if asked (NYT) by the governor, and Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Chad Wolf said all options remain open (NYT) for deploying more federal agents to the city. Portland has seen months of protests over police brutality and killings of Black people.