Diplomacy
North Korea test-fires cruise missiles ahead of Trump's South Korea visit
Raj Patel AI द्वारा उत्पन्न छवि
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.
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.
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.
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.
Kuwaiti prime minister arrives in Cairo for economic talks
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Lee unveils partnership initiatives at ASEAN summit
Raj Patel AI द्वारा उत्पन्न छवि
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.
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.
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.
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.
Trump says U.S.–South Korea trade deal is ‘pretty much finalized’ in Gyeongju ahead of Xi meeting
Petra Hartmann AI द्वारा उत्पन्न छवि तथ्य-जाँच किया गया
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.
Assault case reinstated against ex-ambassador's wife
The National Prosecuting Authority has confirmed the reinstatement of an assault case against Nokwazi Ngonyama, wife of former South African ambassador to Japan Smuts Ngonyama, for allegedly beating domestic worker Tandiswa Tokwe in Tokyo in 2023. The case, which was struck off the court roll in August due to delays, will be re-enrolled with a summons to be served by mid-November. Tokwe expressed frustration over procedural hurdles during a press conference marking two years since filing the charge.
France quietly resumes Gazan evacuations
France has quietly resumed evacuations of Palestinians from Gaza, with 20 individuals brought back this Sunday by the Quai d’Orsay. The process was halted over the summer following a scandal involving antisemitic posts by a Gazan student. Enhanced checks have enabled this cautious restart.
Brazil and US delegations start tariff negotiations in Kuala Lumpur
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.
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.
Takaichi and Trump hold first summit in Tokyo
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.