Diplomacy
Brazil and US delegations start tariff negotiations in Kuala Lumpur
João Silva Larawang ginawa ng AI
Delegations from Brazil and the United States met in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Monday, October 27, 2025, to begin negotiations on the 50% tariffs imposed by the US on Brazilian products. The meeting follows the encounter between Presidents Lula and Donald Trump the previous day on the sidelines of the Asean summit. The parties agreed on a meeting schedule and plan a Brazilian visit to Washington in early November.
Japan emphasizes financial and food security ties at ASEAN summits
At ASEAN-related summits in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi reaffirmed her commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific in her diplomatic debut. Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, attending Monday's meetings, stressed cooperation on financial sectors and food security with ASEAN, China, and South Korea. Takaichi left late Sunday to prepare for U.S. President Donald Trump's visit to Japan.
Timor-Leste officially becomes 11th ASEAN member at 47th summit
Timor-Leste has been officially admitted as the 11th member of ASEAN during the 47th Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao appeared emotional as leaders, including President Prabowo Subianto, signed the admission declaration. This membership marks a new chapter for Southeast Asia.
Trump arrives in South Korea for summits with Lee and Xi
U.S. President Donald Trump is set to arrive in South Korea on Wednesday from Japan for high-stakes summits with President Lee Jae Myung and Chinese President Xi Jinping during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) gathering in Gyeongju. This marks Trump's first Asia trip in his second term, focused on securing trade and investment deals amid market turmoil and tariff threats. The Korea-U.S. summit will center on finalizing a July framework trade agreement.
Kuwaiti prime minister arrives in Cairo for economic talks
October 29, 2025 19:59Assault case reinstated against ex-ambassador's wife
October 29, 2025 06:59Japanese and Chinese foreign ministers hold first phone talks since new cabinet launch
October 28, 2025 22:52North Korea tests nuclear-capable missiles despite Trump overtures
October 28, 2025 08:13Al-Sisi reaffirms Egypt’s commitment to religious freedom in WCC meeting
October 28, 2025 00:28France quietly resumes Gazan evacuations
Takaichi and Trump hold first summit in Tokyo
Raj Patel Larawang ginawa ng AI
Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and U.S. President Donald Trump held their first in-person summit at Tokyo's State Guest House on October 28, 2025, agreeing to strengthen the Japan-U.S. alliance. The leaders discussed enhancing defense capabilities, economic ties, and steady implementation of tariff agreements, and met with families of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea. They later visited the U.S. Naval Base in Yokosuka to address American servicemen.
Koreans express high expectations for APEC summit
A Korea Times-commissioned poll shows South Koreans expect the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju to boost diplomatic prestige and cultural promotion. Many view the Trump-Xi meeting as key to easing trade tensions, with potential gains for the Lee government. Yet, concerns persist that without tangible economic results, the event could backfire.
Lee unveils partnership initiatives at ASEAN summit
President Lee Jae Myung unveiled a new vision to strengthen South Korea's Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with ASEAN at the summit in Kuala Lumpur on October 27. He emphasized stepped-up cooperation against transnational crimes and shared his peace initiative for the Korean Peninsula. This marked his first attendance at the annual gathering since taking office in June.
Trump says U.S.–South Korea trade deal is ‘pretty much finalized’ in Gyeongju ahead of Xi meeting
Petra Hartmann Fact checked
On October 29, 2025, President Donald Trump said in Gyeongju that the United States and South Korea had essentially finalized a trade agreement as APEC events got underway, and he voiced optimism about a planned meeting with China’s Xi Jinping amid fraught tariff talks.
North Korea test-fires cruise missiles ahead of Trump's South Korea visit
Raj Patel Larawang ginawa ng AI
North Korea announced on Wednesday that it test-fired sea-to-surface strategic cruise missiles in the Yellow Sea the previous day, a provocation timed just before U.S. President Donald Trump's visit to South Korea for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. Trump expressed a desire to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong-un during his October 29-30 trip, but North Korea's silence has fueled speculation that such a meeting is unlikely.
New essay collection explores fatherhood through South African voices
A new book, 'Lessons from My Father', gathers personal essays from prominent South Africans reflecting on their fathers' legacies. Featuring contributors like singer Zolani Mahola and swimmer Chad le Clos, it expands on a popular Daily Maverick series. An excerpt from author Joanne Hichens highlights her diplomat father's life and encounters with global leaders.
Leaders and officials of 10 APEC economies arrive in Gyeongju
Leaders and top delegates from 10 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member economies have arrived in Gyeongju, South Korea, ahead of the 2025 summit. U.S. President Donald Trump's visit highlights bilateral talks and a special banquet hosted by President Lee Jae Myung. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon plans to honor Korean War veterans at the UN Memorial Cemetery in Busan.
Philippines takes over ASEAN chairmanship at Malaysia summit
The Philippines officially assumed the chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations on October 28, 2025, at the close of the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. received the handover from Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, setting the stage for Manila to host key meetings in 2026. Marcos expressed hopes to invite Chinese President Xi Jinping to Manila if South China Sea code of conduct talks conclude successfully by then.
North Korea's foreign minister departs for Russia and Belarus
North Korea's Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui has departed Pyongyang for visits to Russia and Belarus. The trip, at the invitation of their foreign ministers, marks her first to Russia in about a year. It coincides with South Korea's APEC summit, suggesting slim chances for a meeting between Kim Jong-un and U.S. President Donald Trump.
South Africa signals economic revival amid US diplomatic thaw
South Africa's economy shows positive signs with growth exceeding 1% and removal from the FATF Grey List, while diplomatic ties with the US under the Trump administration begin to improve. Speculation surrounds the appointment of a new ambassador to Washington, and a US ambassador-designate expressed willingness to reset relations despite longstanding grievances. However, challenges like trade barriers and political disputes persist.