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July 26, 2023, and this is your DSR Daily Brief. I'm Chris Cotnor.

And I'm Riley Fessler.

Our top stories from international outlets this morning. A Russian delegation led by Defense Minister Sergei Shogu arrived in North Korea to participate in the celebrations of the 70th anniversary of the end of the Korean War.

This visit is significant as it is the first of its kind since North Korea closed its borders due to the pandemic.

The inclusion of Chinese and Russian envoys in the celebrations has led some analysts to speculate that this might indicate a possible loosening of COVID-19 restrictions in the country.

Both China and Russia have been longtime allies of North Korea and their presence at the parade reflects their historical support.

The visit also occurs amidst rising geopolitical tensions between the United States and Russia over the Ukraine War and strained relations between Beijing and Washington due to Taiwan.

Recently, a US soldier who fled to North Korea has become a subject of dialogue between the United States and North Korea.

China has reappointed Wang Yi as its foreign minister, signaling a familiar face in its dealings with the United States amid efforts to stabilize relations.

However, his return is not expected to significantly change the troubled bilateral relationship or address concerns about the opaque workings of President Xi Jinping's government.

Wang's reappointment comes after the disappearance of Chen Gong, a sheet protégé, who served as foreign minister for only half a year before vanishing from the public eye.

Wang's seniority within the Communist Party and his concurrent position to top the Foreign Affairs Commission may provide continuity for China and its international meetings.

Nonetheless, the move also highlights the unpredictability and opacity of China's foreign policy establishment.

After a dramatic vote by the Israeli government to limit judicial oversight, questions arise about the country's future.

Protests, military reservists, actions, and the Supreme Court's role are all in focus.

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