US Lawmakers Urge Trump to Confront China on Detainees Ahead of APEC Summit
A bipartisan group of US Republican lawmakers has called on President Donald Trump to press Chinese President Xi Jinping regarding American citizens unjustly detained or subject to exit bans in China. The appeal comes ahead of an anticipated meeting between the two leaders at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in South Korea on October 30, 2025.
US and China Officials Meet in Kuala Lumpur to De-escalate Trade Tensions Ahead of Trump-Xi Summit
Top economic officials from the United States and China convened in Kuala Lumpur on October 25, 2025, for crucial trade talks. The discussions aim to prevent an escalation of the ongoing trade war and pave the way for a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping next week at the APEC summit in South Korea.
Cameroon Opposition Leader Claims Presidential Victory, Alleges Widespread Fraud
Cameroon's opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary declared himself the winner of the October 12 presidential election, rejecting provisional results and alleging widespread fraud. His claim, made ahead of the Constitutional Council's final announcement, has intensified political tensions, leading to protests and arrests across the nation.
Deadly Protests Erupt in Cameroon Following Disputed Presidential Election Results
At least two people have been killed and dozens arrested in Cameroon as protests erupted across several cities following the disputed presidential election held on October 12, 2025. Opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary claimed victory, while the incumbent, 92-year-old Paul Biya, is widely expected to secure an eighth term amidst allegations of fraud.
Palestinian Factions Agree to Technocrat Governance for Post-War Gaza
Major Palestinian factions, including Hamas, have reached an agreement in Cairo to establish an independent committee of technocrats to administer post-war Gaza. This temporary body will manage daily life and essential services, aiming to unify Palestinian efforts and revitalize the PLO, following claims of 'clear guarantees' that the conflict has effectively ended.
Pakistan and Afghanistan Hold Second Round of Border Talks in Istanbul Amid Tensions
Officials from Pakistan and Afghanistan are convening in Istanbul, Turkiye, for a second round of talks aimed at de-escalating border tensions and addressing cross-border terrorist activities. The discussions follow a recent ceasefire brokered in Doha, Qatar, and seek to establish a verifiable monitoring mechanism to ensure regional peace and stability.
Japan Scrambles Jets as Russian Bombers Fly Near Airspace, Heightening Regional Tensions
Japan's Air Self-Defense Force scrambled fighter jets on October 24, 2025, in response to Russian nuclear-capable Tu-95 bombers and Su-35 fighters flying near its airspace over the Sea of Japan. The incident, confirmed by Japan's Ministry of Defense, underscores rising regional tensions and prompted strong statements from Japanese officials regarding national security.
China Reclaims Top Spot as Germany's Largest Trading Partner Amid US Tariff Impact
China has surpassed the United States to become Germany's leading trading partner in the first eight months of 2025, driven by a significant decline in German exports to the US due to renewed tariffs. This shift reverses the trend from 2024, with total trade between Germany and China reaching €163.4 billion.
Greeks Protest US Military Presence in Crete, Citing Gaza Conflict Involvement
Thousands of Greek citizens gathered in Chania, Crete, on December 28, 2023, to protest the docking of the USS Gerald Ford aircraft carrier at Souda Port. Demonstrators linked the US military presence to alleged support for Israel's actions in Gaza and called for the closure of foreign military bases in Greece.
China Prioritizes Tech Self-Reliance in New Five-Year Plan Amid US Semiconductor Controls
China's Communist Party has announced a strategic focus on technological self-reliance in its upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030). This initiative, particularly targeting semiconductors and artificial intelligence, is a direct response to escalating US export controls, aiming to build a modern industrial system and reduce dependence on foreign technology.
Mexican President Sheinbaum Rejects U.S. Drug Boat Strikes, Citing International Law
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has voiced strong opposition to recent U.S. strikes on alleged drug boats off the coast of South America. Sheinbaum emphasized the importance of international law and national sovereignty in addressing drug trafficking, stating that such actions are not a solution to the complex issue of organized crime.
China Expresses Concern as Sanae Takaichi Becomes Japan's First Female Prime Minister
China has voiced significant concern following the election of Sanae Takaichi as Japan's first female Prime Minister. Beijing's apprehension stems from Takaichi's hawkish stance on China, her friendly approach to Taiwan, and her ultraconservative views on historical issues, including visits to the controversial Yasukuni Shrine.
China Purges Top Military Generals Amid Sweeping Anti-Corruption Drive
China has expelled General He Weidong, the PLA's second-highest-ranking officer and Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission, along with eight other senior military officials, on corruption charges. This marks a significant escalation in President Xi Jinping's anti-graft campaign, raising questions about the stability and loyalty within the People's Liberation Army.
France and Germany Advocate for EU-China Trade Discussion at Upcoming Summit
France and Germany are spearheading efforts to place China's restrictive trade practices on the agenda of an upcoming European Union leaders' summit in Brussels. Concerns include China's export controls on critical raw materials and alleged market distortions, with discussions potentially involving the EU's anti-coercion instrument.
EU Parliament Debates Malta Rule of Law Amidst Divergent Views
The European Parliament recently debated Malta's rule of law, with Labour MEPs dismissing concerns as politically motivated. The European Commission, however, highlighted insufficient progress in areas like corruption and judicial efficiency, eight years after Daphne Caruana Galizia's assassination.
China Pursues Currency Swap Deals with Japan and South Korea Amid Trade Tensions
China is reportedly seeking currency swap agreements with Japan and South Korea to enhance regional financial stability, deepen economic cooperation, and promote the international use of the yuan. These discussions occur amidst ongoing trade tensions and follow recent meetings between central bank governors from the three nations.
China Issues Yellow Alert as Typhoon Fengshen Approaches Southern Coasts
China's national observatory has issued a yellow alert for Typhoon Fengshen, the 24th typhoon of the year, as it approaches southern coastal regions. The typhoon is expected to bring strong winds and heavy rain to areas including Hainan Island and Taiwan, with authorities implementing emergency response measures.
China Renews Criticism of AUKUS Pact Following Reaffirmation, Citing Proliferation Risks
China has reiterated its strong opposition to the AUKUS security pact, particularly its nuclear-powered submarine component, following its recent reaffirmation. Beijing's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun warned that the trilateral agreement amplifies nuclear proliferation risks and fuels bloc confrontation in the Indo-Pacific region.
Chinese Coastguard Patrols Disputed Reefs Controlled by Vietnam in South China Sea
Three Chinese coastguard ships patrolled around disputed reefs controlled by Vietnam in the South China Sea last week, according to maritime tracking data. The vessels, identified by hull numbers 4301, 5009, and 21559, departed from Mischief Reef and circled several features in the Spratly Islands, including those where Vietnam has undertaken significant land reclamation.
Turkish Nationalist Leader Bahçeli Calls for Turkish Cyprus Annexation Following Election Results
MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli urged the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) to reject recent election results and annex to Turkey. This call followed Tufan Erhürman's victory over Ankara-backed incumbent Ersin Tatar, sparking debate over the island's future and international law.