In January 2025, Trump signed a sweeping executive order (“Putting America First in International Environmental Agreements”) instructing the U.S. to withdraw immediately from the Paris Climate Agreement and rescind all U.S. pledges under UN climate accords. In practice, this meant cancelling tens of millions in promised climate finance. By March 2025, the administration also pulled U.S. funding out of multilateral “Just Energy Transition” partnerships with emerging economies (e.g. South Africa, Vietnam, Indonesia). Analysts note this created a funding gap – South Africa, for example, lost about $56 million in grants and $1 billion in planned investments as its total international climate pledge fell from $13.8B to $12.8B. These moves undermined Global South clean-energy projects (even large renewables like South Africa’s Selemela solar plant) and forced poorer countries to seek new funding sources.

Trade and tariff measures

Trump dramatically expanded U.S. trade barriers in 2025. Using Section 232 authority , he hiked tariffs on steel, aluminium and copper imports to 50 % (and 25% on foreign autos). In April 2025, he also invoked emergency powers to impose a 10% “reciprocal” tariff on all imports not already covered by other sanctions. Critically, in July 2025, he signed an order suspending the longstanding “de minimis” duty exemption (which had let packages under $800 enter the U.S. duty-free). After August 2025, nearly all low‑value shipments (including small shipments of goods from China, Africa, or Latin America) began incurring duties. Economists warn these sweeping tariffs hurt exporters in the Global South (tariff conflicts even flared with neighbours like Canada and Mexico, raising costs on developing‑country goods and disrupting trade.

Cuts to foreign aid and development assistance

On Day 1 of his second term (Jan. 20, 2025), Trump ordered a 90‑day “realignment” of all U.S. foreign aid. In practice, this effectively dismantled USAID : many aid programs were merged into the State Dept or terminated, and the independent USAID agency was slated for elimination. By mid‑2025, the administration’s rescission budget proposal sought to claw back over $8 billion from foreign assistance (targeting global health, humanitarian, and development programs). The cuts hit Global South recipients hard: Africa alone had received roughly $12 billion in U.S. aid in FY2024. Loss of U.S. funding has forced many countries (e.g. in sub‑Saharan Africa and South Asia) to scramble for substitutes; public health campaigns, vaccine programs, and infrastructure projects previously backed by USAID are now under threat.

Migration and immigration restrictions

Trump tightened immigration rules affecting many in the Global South. In January 2025, he issued an order suspending the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program indefinitely, halting refugee resettlement from regions like Africa, Asia and Latin America. Later in 2025 (via proclamations in June and December), he expanded travel bans on foreign nationals from numerous developing countries. For example, a Dec. 16, 2025, proclamation extended full entry bans to countries including Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, Laos and Sierra Leone, and imposed new restrictions on citizens from Angola, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe and others. These measures blocked many migrants and visitors from the Global South. Also in 2025, Reuters reported that the U.S. Supreme Court allowed the Trump administration to remove Temporary Protected Status (TPS) from Venezuelan migrants.

Military and diplomatic initiatives in the Global South

Trump also pursued new security ties in Latin America. In December 2025, the administration announced it would designate Peru as a major Non‑NATO Ally . This special status grants Peru expanded privileges (easier purchase of U.S. military equipment and joint training programs) intended to strengthen counternarcotics cooperation. More broadly, a “Trump Corollary” to the Monroe Doctrine was unveiled in the 2025 National Security Strategy, declaring that “the American people – not foreign nations nor globalist institutions – will always control their own destiny in our hemisphere”. In practice, this has meant deeper U.S. military engagement in the Caribbean and Latin America (e.g. U.S. access to bases in the Dominican Republic, new Caribbean radar installations) to counter perceived threats. These moves signalled a reassertion of U.S. influence over Western Hemisphere nations.

Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the incident as “traumatic,” suggesting the travellers were unfairly singled out.

On 10 December, the ministry announced that three Israeli nationals who had recently entered Ghana were ordered to leave the country. The government said the expulsions were meant to signal that Ghana would not tolerate the mistreatment of its citizens in any country.

Foreign Affairs Minister Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey shared the decision publicly, saying the government had been “compelled” to act after reviewing the circumstances at the Israeli airport.

Israel’s chargé d’affaires in Accra was summoned, as the ambassador was outside the country at the time. Ghana says both sides are now engaged in discussions to resolve the matter and prevent further escalation.

While stressing that its relationship with Israel remains important, Ghana reiterated that visitors from friendly nations must be treated with the same respect the country expects for Ghanaians travelling abroad.

The episode has introduced a new strain into Ghana–Israel relations, with both governments now working to ease tensions and restore normal diplomatic engagement.

Putin noted that defence cooperation between the two countries remains strong, with Indonesian military personnel currently undergoing training at Russian institutions. “Our military departments have direct bilateral ties… at the level of good professional interaction, and we are ready to expand this cooperation,” he said.

The Russian leader also congratulated Indonesia on joining the BRICS group in January and reaffirmed support for negotiations between Jakarta and the Eurasian Economic Community (EurAsEC) on a potential free trade zone.

Subianto’s official visit to Moscow focused on strengthening the Russian-Indonesian strategic partnership and discussing key international and regional developments, according to the Kremlin.

China renewed its hardline narrative on Taiwan, with a Foreign Ministry spokesperson stating unequivocally that “Taiwan is China’s Taiwan” and that reunification “must” be achieved. The spokesperson stressed that reunification was an irreversible historical trend and a “core national priority,” signalling Beijing’s frustration with what it sees as growing international engagement with Taipei—particularly from Japan and the United States. This message was delivered during a routine press briefing but carried a heightened tone, reflecting China’s ongoing sensitivity ahead of several key political anniversaries and its concerns about foreign “interference” in cross-strait affairs.

PM Takaichi’s comments on Taiwan

Beijing formally summoned Japan’s envoy to protest Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s remarks suggesting that instability in the Taiwan Strait could pose an existential threat to Japan’s security. China described the comments as “dangerous” and “irresponsible,” accusing Tokyo of deliberately inflaming tensions. Officials warned Japan to avoid “sending wrong signals” to Taiwan’s authorities, and reiterated that the Taiwan issue is strictly China’s internal affair. This marks one of the strongest diplomatic rebukes China has delivered to Japan this year.

Bilingual warnings on X

In an unusual move, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson posted a series of bilingual warnings on X (Twitter), urging Japan to immediately “stop playing with fire on the Taiwan question.” The use of bilingual posts — including English and Japanese — signals an effort to bypass traditional diplomatic channels and speak directly to Japanese audiences and the global public. State media outlets amplified the posts, framing Japan as escalating regional tensions and challenging China’s sovereignty. Analysts say the messaging style mirrors China’s more confrontational “Wolf Warrior” diplomacy, which has become a hallmark of its foreign policy communication.

China summons Japanese Ambassador

In a separate move, China summoned Japan’s ambassador for a second high-level protest within days. Beijing criticised Takaichi’s Taiwan-related comments as “erroneous,” “provocative,” and a violation of Japan’s post-war commitments. According to CGTN , Chinese officials issued “serious démarches,” demanding that Japan “correct its mistakes” and refrain from actions that “harm China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.” The frequency of the summonses reflects heightened diplomatic friction and Beijing’s growing impatience with Tokyo’s evolving security posture.

China warns Japan

China once again cautioned Japan against misjudging its determination to defend its territorial claims, warning that any interference in the Taiwan question would be met with firm countermeasures. State-run Global Times reported that Chinese officials emphasised the Taiwan issue as the “first red line” in China–Japan relations. The commentary warned Japan not to “repeat historical mistakes”, a pointed reference to Japan’s WWII-era involvement in the region. Analysts say this narrative plays well domestically, aligning with nationalist sentiment ahead of major political events and reinforcing China’s claim that foreign powers are attempting to undermine its sovereignty.

“They are giving up the very important role that they should be playing as the biggest economy in the world,” he said .

Trump announced earlier this week that neither he nor any U.S. official would attend the summit, citing discredited claims that white South Africans, particularly Afrikaner farmers, are being persecuted and having their land seized. “No U.S. government official will attend as long as these human rights abuses continue,” Trump said on social media, repeating his assertion that South Africa should not be part of the G20.

The South African government has dismissed the allegations of “white genocide” as “unsupported by reliable evidence,” insisting that no white farmers have had their land confiscated without compensation.

Trump has said he would send Vice President JD Vance in his place, while Argentina’s President Javier Milei, a close Trump ally, has also announced he will skip the summit, delegating his attendance to Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno.

South Africa, which currently holds the G20 presidency, will host the gathering for the first time on African soil. Each year, a different member nation chairs the group and sets the agenda for discussions among the world ’s major economies. The United States is set to assume the presidency from South Africa next year.

India has announced it will establish an agricultural research centre in Afghanistan, marking one of its most significant developmental engagements in the country since the Taliban takeover. The initiative aims to enhance crop productivity, introduce modern farming technology and boost food security — critical priorities in a country where drought, economic contraction and limited international aid have strained livelihoods. New Delhi’s move signals a continued interest in maintaining influence and supporting grassroots development, despite the absence of formal diplomatic ties with the Taliban administration.

Taliban regime

Tensions with neighbouring Pakistan escalated once again, after Pakistan’s Defence Minister publicly stated that the “Taliban regime” does not represent the Afghan people. The remark underscores Islamabad’s growing frustration with the Taliban government and reflects worsening trust between the two sides, driven by allegations of cross-border militancy and disputes over the status of Afghan refugees. Pakistan, historically seen as a critical power broker in Afghan affairs, appears to be recalibrating its stance in response to rising security challenges at home, and increasingly vocal domestic criticism of its past engagement with the Taliban.

Pakistan ceasefire

Despite the heated rhetoric, diplomatic channels have remained active. Türkiye confirmed that Afghanistan and Pakistan have agreed to maintain a ceasefire, following mediation efforts led by Ankara, with fresh negotiations scheduled for November 6. The move highlights Türkiye’s ambitions to play a stabilising diplomatic role in South Asia and its growing engagement in regional political dynamics. While the ceasefire agreement signals progress, both sides remain cautious amid continued concerns over border security, militant movements and humanitarian pressures linked to mass displacement and returns.

Counterterrorism cooperation

Further confirming diplomatic momentum, Kabul and Islamabad later issued statements reaffirming their commitment to continue the ceasefire and dialogue. However, Afghan and Pakistani relations remain fragile, shaped by longstanding mistrust and divergent security priorities — especially around counterterrorism cooperation and the contested Durand Line border. With winter approaching and regional security conditions unpredictable, observers warn that even small provocations could destabilise the fragile peace without sustained political will on both sides.

Afghan values

Domestically, internal messaging from the Taliban leadership continued to emphasise cultural control and ideological direction. Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani hosted Afghanistan’s U-17 futsal champions, praising their achievement on the international stage while urging them to adhere to “Islamic and Afghan values.” The meeting reflects the Taliban’s strategy of using youth and sports victories to foster national pride, even as they tighten cultural restrictions. It also highlights the regime’s effort to cultivate a narrative of unity and resilience, despite ongoing concerns from Afghan civil society over shrinking freedoms and limited pathways for young people under the current political environment.

“China firmly opposes any country using religion and human rights as an excuse to interfere in other countries' internal affairs, and threatening other countries with sanctions and force,” Mao said.

Trump made the remarks during a rally in Florida, citing reports of violence against Christian groups in northern and central Nigeria. Abuja swiftly rejected the comments, insisting the country upholds constitutional protections for religious freedom and denouncing what it called unwarranted external interference. Analysts also note that many victims of violence in northern Nigeria are Muslims.

During the briefing, Mao extended condolences to North Korea following the death of Kim Yong-nam, former president of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly.

Yemeni Prime Minister Salem bin Braik held high-level talks with ambassadors representing nations sponsoring Yemen’s political process, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, the US, the UK and France. The meeting reviewed progress on ongoing reforms, with a strong focus on reviving Yemen’s economy, stabilising institutions, and supporting essential public services. Bin Braik underscored the government’s commitment to improving governance and strengthening state institutions amid the country’s fragile security environment. The international envoys reiterated their backing for Yemen’s reform path and pledged continued cooperation to restore stability.

Unity and reform efforts

Ambassadors from the nations overseeing Yemen's peace efforts issued a formal joint statement following discussions with the Yemeni prime minister. The coalition reaffirmed its support for Yemen’s political leadership and reform agenda, emphasising that political cohesion remains crucial to navigating the country’s ongoing challenges. The envoys praised steps taken by the government to rebuild institutions and protect public finances, signalling the international community’s expectation for accelerated progress toward reconciliation and peace.

Peace and security cooperation

Member of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council Sultan al-Arada met with the US ambassador to discuss issues spanning security, peace negotiations, and economic challenges. Al-Arada highlighted the urgent need for diplomatic support and financial stabilisation as Yemen confronts humanitarian hardship and ongoing tensions with Houthi forces. The US ambassador reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to Yemen’s political process and stressed the need to protect gains made in de-escalation efforts, encouraging further dialogue to prevent renewed conflict.

Internal divisions

The United States government has restated its full support for Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council, even as internal differences persist among its members. Washington emphasised its continued backing for Yemen’s political transition and institution-strengthening efforts, warning that internal fragmentation risks undermining peacebuilding and state recovery. The statement underscores Washington’s role as a key external guarantor of Yemen’s political process at a time of renewed uncertainty and humanitarian strain.

Secretary-General’s detention

Yemen’s General People’s Congress (GPC) party has suspended all activities in Houthi-controlled regions after the continued detention of its Secretary-General Ghazi Al-Ahwal. The party accused the Houthi authorities of escalating violations and restricting political freedoms, calling the detention an attack on political plurality and national dialogue. The move signals heightened tensions between Yemen’s traditional political parties and the Houthis, adding a new layer of political friction to an already fragile national landscape.

“Israel has exercised its right to self-defence and it would have required only a single decision to also avoid the countless unnecessary victims. Hamas should have released the hostages earlier and laid down their arms… Then this war would have ended immediately,” Merz said.

Referring to civilian suffering, Merz added that “the children in Gaza , whose fate has personally affected me deeply, are victims of a situation created by the terrorist organisation Hamas.”

Erdogan sharply rejected the German leader’s assessment.“ Unfortunately, I cannot agree with one remark of the Chancellor,” he said, noting that “more than 60,000 children , women and elderly people have been killed.”

“Hamas does not have bombs. Hamas does not possess nuclear weapons. But all those weapons are in Israel’s hands,” Erdogan continued, accusing Israel of using heavy weaponry in recent strikes.

The Turkish president also criticised Germany’s stance.“Are you not seeing these things as Germany? Are you not following them as Germany? By striking Gaza — and more than that, by subjecting it to starvation and what amounts to extermination as a means of pressure — they have sought and continue to seek this,” he said.

Both leaders departed the South Korean air force base adjacent to Gimhae International Airport in Busan mum on the outcome. Though, Trump leaned in to whisper something to Xi before boarding his motorcade.

It was only aboard Air Force One that the home-bound Trump disclosed details of their discussion, revealing that both sides had agreed to ease trade tensions, though no formal deal was signed. 

Trump described the talks as a “12 out of 10” and said an agreement could come soon, with plans for reciprocal visits in 2026.

He also announced a cut in fentanyl-related tariffs from 20% to 10%, saying he trusted Xi to curb the export of chemicals used to make the deadly opioid. 

China also agreed to resume large-scale US soybean purchases, a move welcomed by American farmers.

Xi further offered a one-year suspension of rare earth export curbs, helping calm global supply concerns. Both leaders also said they would “work together” to seek a resolution to the war in Ukraine .

During the meeting, Xi acknowledged differences between the two powers, saying it was “normal for the two leading economies of the world to have frictions now and then,” but added that Beijing and Washington “are fully able to help each other succeed and prosper together.” 

Trump, in turn, described Xi as “a great leader of a great country” and said he believed the two sides would “have a fantastic relationship for a long period of time.”

The exchange came amid renewed tensions between Washington and Beijing, as Trump’s administration threatened to impose 100% tariffs on Chinese goods starting November 1, following China’s restrictions on exports of rare earth metals. 

The two sides have also clashed over the future of TikTok’s US operations, though officials have hinted at a “preliminary consensus” for a broader trade deal.

Trump ignored questions from reporters about his new nuclear weapons policy as the media were ushered out of the room. Earlier, he had posted online that the US would “start testing our Nuclear Weapons on an equal basis” with other countries, calling the move a reluctant but necessary step.

Xi, meanwhile, praised Trump’s “great contribution” to recent peace efforts, including the Gaza ceasefire and the resolution of border disputes in Southeast Asia . 

“China and the US can jointly shoulder our responsibility as major countries,” Xi said, calling for cooperation to “accomplish more great and concrete things for the good of our two countries and the whole world.”

The two are expected to discuss issues that have strained US-China ties in recent months, including tariffs , semiconductor exports, rare earth metals, and the TikTok deal. 

Trump quipped that Xi was a “very tough negotiator,” adding, “That’s not good.”

Joining Trump are key members of his delegation: US Ambassador to China David Perdue, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.

It remains unclear whether military and defence matters are on the agenda, a critical question given that both nations command the world’s largest armed forces and possess some of its most advanced weaponry.

Trump, who returned to the White House in 2024, said he and Xi “know each other well,” as they already had prior encounters during his first term from 2017 to 2021.

Takaichi’s decision to nominate Trump was revealed by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.

During Trump’s visit to Japan, it was clear that, at least in front of the cameras, he and Takaichi met eye to eye on a lot of things. Parallels have been drawn between the two as conservative firebrands and formidable right-wing politicians.

Takaichi herself heaped high praises on Trump, commending his efforts to broker peace in Japan’s Asian neighbours, Thailand and Cambodia, and in Gaza, where a fragile ceasefire was effectively broken when Israel launched another deadly strike on the Strip while Trump was in Tokyo.

"In such a short period of time the world started to enjoy more peace," Takaichi said on Tuesday "I myself was so impressed and inspired by you, Mr. President.”

Since returning to the White House, Trump has been relentless in his talk of winning the Nobel, claiming to have ended eight wars — including the “unendable” one in Gaza — an achievement he believes could also bring him to heaven.

According to the White House, seven countries had nominated Trump before Japan: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Cambodia, Gabon, Israel, Pakistan and Rwanda.

The irony in Takaichi’s endorsement is not lost, given that during the Second World War , the United States and Japan were among the fiercest of adversaries — their clashes epitomised by the attack on Pearl Harbor and the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Now, under Takaichi, Japan appears to be charting a different course. The country’s first female prime minister has vowed to usher in a “new golden age” in relations with Washington, even as tensions rise in the region amid Chinese provocations.

That goal may not be far-fetched. Trump has already had high praise for Takaichi despite her being only a week into the job, touting her potential to be “one of the greatest prime ministers.”

The US president marked his arrival with his trademark fist-pumping dance — a move that has long drawn both amusement and ridicule during his political rallies.

Beyond the theatrics, Trump’s visit carries weight. 

His first order of business is to oversee a peace agreement between Thailand and Cambodia, two neighbours whose border tensions have turned deadly in recent years.

Trump is also expected to raise issues of trade and regional security with Southeast Asian leaders, many of whom are increasingly anxious about China’s assertiveness in the region.

The U.S. President expressed appreciation for Malaysia’s hospitality, calling his visit to Kuala Lumpur “an amazing experience.” He added that Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had gone to great lengths to showcase the country’s achievements during the visit.

“I’ve been here for a day, but it’s been an amazing experience to see some of the things that you’ve done,” Trump said. “The Prime Minister made sure I saw everything — every single thing.”

Trump also praised ASEAN leaders as “spectacular leaders” and “incredible people,” applauding what he described as their “energy and genius.”

“I say it truly — everything you touch turns to gold, and you can be very proud of it,” he said. “Other parts of the world are not like this. You’re very special people, and it’s a very, very special place.”

The 47th ASEAN Summit, taking place from October 26 to 28 in Kuala Lumpur, brings together leaders from ASEAN member states and key partners, including China, Japan, and the United States .

Even some top honchos will mark a first at the ASEAN Summit, too. 

Of course, leaders of the 10 ASEAN member states are present: Malaysia’s Anwar Ibrahim, Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, Cambodia’s Hun Manet, Indonesia’s Prabowo Subianto, Laos’ Sonexay Siphandone, Philippines’ Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Singapore’s Lawrence Wong, Thailand ’s Anutin Charnvirakul and Vietnam’s Pham Minh Chinh. 

Only Myanmar’s titular leader, Min Aung Hlaing, will not attend the high-level summit. A military junta leader, he has been banned from the ASEAN Summit since 2021 for rejecting the bloc’s five-point peace plan. 

Sanae Takaichi, the new leader of the big continental player Japan, will mark her diplomatic debut in Kuala Lumpur. There, she is expected to talk with US President Donald Trump about their strategic alliance in the contested waters region.

Parallels have been drawn between Takaichi and Trump; both rose to power by climbing the conservative ranks, have been viewed as polarising leaders, and have had a hardliner stance on immigration . 

Trump himself marks a first in ASEAN. It will be the first stop of his three-country Asia tour that will also include Japan and then South Korea, which is his first journey around the region since returning to the White House in 2024. 

On the other end of the global powers totem, China’s delegation will be led by Premier Li Qiang. Other attendees from Asia-Pacific include Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. 

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Canrey will be present, too. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend, albeit virtually. 

Non-state leaders who will participate include United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva and World Bank Vice President for East Asia and the Pacific Carlos Jaramillo. 

These leaders are expected to pore over some of the most contentious issues hounding Southeast Asia, including threats of Chinese aggression, border disputes between member states Thailand and Cambodia, and Trump’s tariffs. 

Tariffs , immigration policies and lingering tensions with Washington are all expected to be brought to the table when Asian leaders engage with Trump on this trip. Here’s what you need to know about it. 

Malaysia 

Trump’s first stop will be at the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur from October 26 to 27. There, he will meet the 10 leaders from the regional bloc, which is set to expand this year with the accession of the fledgling democracy, Timor Leste. 

Topics expected to be brought up include trade and US tariffs, regional security and defence partnerships, and the Gaza War, which Trump recently helped bring to a ceasefire using a 20-point peace plan between Israel and Hamas agreed to.

Though he arrives at the summit with a fortified credibility as a peacemaker, he also hovers with the image of a stingy negotiator. Tariffs on ASEAN countries stand between 10% to 40%, and trade tensions around the region recently flared up when Washington slapped a 100% tariff on China, a major export market for Southeast Asian countries. 

As well, host country Malaysia’s decision to extend an invitation to Trump may be rooted in trade realities: the United States is now Malaysia’s largest export market, overtaking China. Bilateral trade has nearly doubled over the past decade, reaching $78.3 billion in 2022.

ASEAN had invited Xi to the summit, but he is expected to skip the event and attend the APEC Summit in South Korea instead.

Japan

Trump will stop in Tokyo early next week to meet Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Japan’s first female leader.

Talks will centre on trade and investment. Washington is demanding up to $550 billion in Japanese investments in the US, but Tokyo has so far pledged only a small share as direct capital. 

Trump is also expected to press Japan to cut imports of Russian liquefied natural gas, a sensitive issue for energy-dependent Tokyo.

Despite a July deal lowering tariffs on Japanese cars, manufacturers say the new 15% rate remains too high, while tariffs of 50% on steel still stand. The two leaders are also expected to discuss regional security and coordination on China ahead of the APEC summit.

South Korea

Trump’s final stop will be Gyeongju, South Korea, for the APEC Summit from October 31 to November 1 — where he is expected to meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping for the first time since returning to office.

Trade will dominate the agenda. Both leaders face pressure to cool tensions before new U.S. tariffs of up to 100% on Chinese exports take effect. Trump has said he hopes for a “deal on everything,” though Beijing has not yet confirmed the meeting.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung will seek to finalise a $350 billion investment deal with Washington, delayed by disagreements over financing terms. The talks come amid lingering anger in Seoul over a US immigration raid last month that detained 300 South Korean nationals at a battery plant in Georgia.

North Korea’s latest missile test, launched days before Trump’s arrival, is expected to add urgency to discussions. While Trump has hinted at wanting to meet Kim Jong-un again, no such encounter is planned.

What they said

"Burkina Faso is not a land of deportation," Traore said, calling the request from the U.S. unworthy and indecent. Noting that Burkina Faso recently decided to lift visa fees for all Africans, he said the country's hospitality "should not be seen as an opportunity for a third country to get rid of certain populations that it considers undesirable."

"I think the attack was very important on Iran, because let's say that didn't happen, they'd probably by now have a nuclear weapon, numerous nuclear weapons," Trump said. "And therefore, even if we signed a deal, there'd be a big, dark cloud over it, and it wouldn't be the same thing."

Trump said that Iran had since shown a willingness to engage in diplomacy. "Iran is different. But Iran wants to work on peace now," he added. "They've informed us, and they've acknowledged that they are totally in favour of this deal. They think it's a great thing. So we appreciate that. And we'll work with Iran."

“It provides a viable pathway to long term and sustainable peace, security and development for the Palestinian and Israeli people, as also for the larger West Asian region,” Modi wrote on social media hours after the plan was presented at the White House.

“We hope that all concerned will come together behind President Trump’s initiative and support this effort to end conflict and secure peace,” he added.

The Indian leader had faced criticism from the opposition Congress party for what it called his “supremely indifferent” silence on the war. India abstained in a 2023 United Nations vote calling for a humanitarian truce in Gaza, though more recently it supported a resolution affirming the two-state solution.

With the conflict dominating debate at the UN General Assembly, Trump framed his initiative as a fast-track to peace. 

The plan calls for an immediate ceasefire, followed by a 72-hour deadline for Hamas to release all Israeli hostages, both dead and alive. In exchange, Israel would free 250 prisoners serving life sentences and 1,700 Gazans detained after the October 7, 2023 attacks.

The proposal also demands that Hamas step aside from governance in Gaza and disarm— conditions the group has consistently rejected. Netanyahu confirmed that Israeli forces would gradually withdraw but maintain a large buffer zone inside Gaza “for the foreseeable future.”

Netanyahu warned that Israel was prepared to act alone if Hamas refused the terms.

"We're giving everybody a chance to have this done peacefully...But if Hamas rejects your plan, Mr. President, or if they supposedly accept it, and then basically do everything to counter it, then Israel will finish the job by itself,” he said. “This can be done the easy way or it can be done the hard way. But it will be done."

The Palestinian Authority, which administers parts of the West Bank, cautiously welcomed the proposal. In a statement carried by the official WAFA news agency, it said it was prepared to engage with Washington and international partners on a broader agreement aimed at “paving the way for just peace on the basis of a two-state solution.”

European leaders also signalled support. President Emmanuel Macron of France said the initiative left Hamas with “no choice but to immediately release all hostages and follow this plan.” 

In London, Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged “all sides to come together and to work with the US Administration to finalise this agreement,” saying Hamas should “end the misery” by laying down arms. 

Germany’s foreign minister, Johann Wadephul, called the proposal a rare chance for progress, warning: “This opportunity must not be wasted. Hamas must seize it.”

For Washington, the plan represents its most concerted bid yet to halt the Gaza war , and the most ambitious to date for Trump, who, for much of his second term, has styled himself as an “anti-war” leader credited with ending seven “un-endable” wars.

“With a war raging, Hamas remaining the de facto government of Gaza, and no clarity on next steps, too many questions remain about the future state of Palestine for it to be prudent for New Zealand to announce recognition at this time,” he said. 

Peters added that recognition in the current climate “could complicate efforts to secure a ceasefire by pushing Israel and Hamas into even more intransigent positions.”

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon echoed that stance in Auckland the following day, stressing that recognition was “a question of when, not if.” He said New Zealanders could be “proud” of the government’s independent decision. 

“We are not pro-Palestine, nor Israel, and we are friends to both. What we are is pro-peace,” Luxon said.

The decision leaves New Zealand among a minority of countries, including the United States, Japan and South Korea, that have withheld recognition. It stood apart from partners such as Australia, Canada and Britain, which on Sunday joined more than 140 nations that formally backed Palestinian aspirations for statehood.

Officials in Wellington argued that the timing was key. 

A government handout released on Friday said New Zealand “hoped to recognise a Palestinian state at a time when the situation on the ground offers greater prospects for peace and negotiation than at present.” 

Luxon said his government would continue to support the Palestinian Authority in building governance and institutions to prepare for eventual statehood.

Critics, however, accused the government of moral failure. 

Former prime minister Helen Clark called it a “day of shame” for New Zealand, noting the decision had been taken 11 days earlier but disclosed late in the UN debate. 

Labour’s foreign affairs spokesperson, Peeni Henare, said the government had placed New Zealand “on the wrong side of history,” adding: “There is no two-state solution or enduring peace in the Middle East without recognition of Palestine as a state.”

As in the recently concluded UN General Assembly, the Gaza conflict will likely dominate any encounter with the US president. Trump has positioned himself as a broker pushing Israel toward a ceasefire, but his close ties to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu complicate regional perceptions.

Malaysia’s Communications Minister, Fahmi Fadzil, said the summit provides ASEAN with a rare chance to directly confront Washington on the issue.

"Some have asked why a clearer message (of support for Palestine) wasn't sent by not inviting (Trump),” he said. "Actually, it would be easy for us to 'boycott' (the US), but the Prime Minister's (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) approach in many matters is that we need dialogue.”

"This is the most appropriate time to invite the US President. In addition to Malaysia stating its position, it gives other (summit) member countries the space to interact with and express their views to the US President," he continued.

Earlier this month, all ASEAN states backed a UN resolution reaffirming a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict, while Washington was among just 10 countries voting against.

Trade, US tariffs

Malaysia’s decision to extend an invitation to Trump may be rooted in trade realities: the United States is now Malaysia’s largest export market, overtaking China. Bilateral trade has nearly doubled over the past decade, reaching $78.3 billion in 2022.

Across the region, however, China remains ASEAN’s dominant partner , holding that position for 16 consecutive years. In the first seven months of 2025 alone, trade between China and ASEAN climbed to $597 billion, an 8.2% increase from the previous year.

In terms of overall strategic partnership, the US still holds an edge over China . A recent survey found 52.3% of Southeast Asian respondents favouring Washington as a long-term partner, compared with 47.7% for Beijing. These findings, however, came before Trump announced sweeping new tariffs, which have weighed heavily on ASEAN economies:

Regional defence

If and when Trump attends the October summit, regional defence will also be one of the main points expected to be raised with him. According to a Lowy Institute study, the US is Southeast Asia’s preferred military partner , specifically for joint exercises. 

Trump has already drawn himself directly into ASEAN disputes. In July, when border clashes flared between Cambodia and Thailand , the self-styled anti-war leader stepped in to mediate.

A 26 July phone call from Trump to the leaders of both countries helped break a deadlock in negotiations. Two days later, a ceasefire was signed in Malaysia, ending some of the heaviest fighting between the neighbours in years.

Cambodia has since nominated Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, citing his “historic contributions in advancing world peace.”

But the truce remains fragile. Thailand is still under a transitional government led by Anutin Charnvirakul, after former premier Paetongtarn Shinawatra was ousted on ethics charges linked in part to the border dispute.

Bangkok is now weighing the possibility of a referendum on whether to revoke two long-standing border agreements with Cambodia as a way to defuse tensions.

“The US allowed Lin Chia-lung to visit New York during the UN General Assembly, providing a stage for the ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist forces to engage in separatist provocations and to attract public attention. This is a serious violation of the one-China principle and the three Sino-US joint communiques,” Guo said.

He added that Beijing expressed “strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition”, warning Washington that it was sending a “seriously wrong signal” to pro-independence forces on the island.

The spokesperson also delivered a pointed message to Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), saying attempts to pursue independence would backfire. 

“Those who engage in injustice will bring about their downfall, and any provocation for ‘independence’ will only end up shooting themselves in the foot,” he said.

Guo urged Taiwan’s remaining diplomatic allies not to be “manipulated and exploited” by Taipei, insisting that recognition of the one-China principle reflected “the general trend and the will of the people ”.

Lin’s trip coincided with the UNGA’s high-level week, when world leaders gather in New York to present their national positions. Ahead of his visit, the Taiwanese foreign minister published an opinion piece in Newsmax urging the world body to recognise Taiwan and grant it greater international space.

China considers Taiwan part of its territory and opposes any form of official contact between the island and the United States. Washington recognises Beijing diplomatically but maintains robust unofficial ties with Taipei, including defence cooperation and political engagement.

The controversy comes as Washington faces criticism for blocking Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas from attending the UN General Assembly in person. The US State Department revoked his visa along with those of more than 80 Palestinian officials, citing national security concerns.

In response, the General Assembly voted to allow Abbas to deliver a prerecorded statement to its annual session by video link. 

 “I hope that in a conversation between two heads of state, we put our problems and our differences on the table and begin to make decisions,” Lula told reporters in New York for the high-level debates.

The United States earlier slapped steep tariffs on Brazilian goods, with Trump citing threats to national security and foreign policy . The American president also accused Brasília of pursuing a “witch hunt” against Bolsonaro — charges Lula dismissed as outside interference.

Despite that backdrop, Lula welcomed Trump’s earlier comments that there was “good chemistry” between them. 

“What once seemed impossible stopped being impossible. And it happened,” Lula said.

He argued that Trump’s policies toward Brazil had been shaped by flawed information and suggested that once the U.S. leader heard directly from him, positions on both sides could shift. “In the same way, Brazil can also change its position,” Lula said.

The Brazilian president said his agenda with Trump would go beyond trade. He confirmed he intends to raise the war in Ukraine , stressing that both leaders maintain ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin. 

“I know he is a friend of Putin. I am also a friend of Putin. So, if one friend can do a lot, two friends can do much more,” Lula said. “Maybe our chemistry can be taken to Putin and Zelensky? And we can build that unexpected way out. I think there could be surprises for the world .”

For months, Lula has promoted the participation of the Global South in peace initiatives regarding Ukraine, often in coordination with China and other BRICS+ countries. He framed the meeting with Trump as a potential opportunity to broaden those efforts.

He also injected humour into the discussion, noting that both leaders are entering their eighties. “There is no reason for kidding in a relationship between two 80-year-old men,” Lula quipped. 

At the same press conference, Lula criticised what he called the passivity of the UN Security Council in the face of wars in Gaza and Ukraine. He argued that the institution had the authority to create Israel decades ago and now should act with equal resolve to establish a Palestinian state.

He argued that countries of the Global South were “too often treated as chess pieces” and said it was time for them to show they could be “conveners, innovators, and guarantors of cooperation.”

“We may not have the loudest voice, but we often have the clearest vision, because we see both east and west at once,” Vucic said. “Our engagement with all partners does not mean blind agreement. It means respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and a belief that dialogue is stronger than division.”

Vucic also dispelled allegations that Serbia acts as a proxy for Moscow, pointing to speculation over the war in Ukraine . 

“For three and a half years, since the beginning of the conflict in Ukraine, we have been hearing stories that we, as an alleged Russian puppet, will attack someone in the region, which of course did not happen and will not happen,” he said.

“The only thing we have never heard is an apology from those who spread such falsehoods, and it is quite certain that we will never hear one,” he added.

He emphasised that Serbia remains committed to joining the European Union but would not allow its independence to be undermined. 

As war continues to test the world and the UN’s resolve, Vucic urged world leaders to hold their ground and abide by the organization’s charter. 

“The United Nations Charter was not written to serve one moment in history. It was written to withstand the test of time. In a world facing deep geopolitical fractures, the United Nations Charter remains the only framework capable of holding us together,” Vucic said.

On this occasion, they are packed in here like in a subway at rush hour, and every speech we have heard and will hear only reiterates the previous ones and [...] has no relation to the truth," Polyansky told the chaber.

The Russian envoy claimed that European powers were undermining the prospects of a “sustainable peace” by promising security guarantees to Ukraine, which he said risked triggering a new conflict on the continent.

“Our meeting, of course, will not add any value to the cause of establishing peace in Ukraine and will only become yet another shameful episode of that fair of hypocrisy,” he said.

Polyansky also invoked remarks by Poland’s former president, Andrzej Duda, who once warned that Ukraine was “like a drowning person” pulling others down. He suggested that Europe now faced an “inglorious fate” by continuing to fund Kyiv.

European leaders struck back with sharp criticism. Finland’s President Alexander Stubb said Russia’s assault on Ukraine represented a daily violation of the UN Charter and a fundamental threat to international order.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez condemned what he described as repeated Russian incursions into European airspace and urged the international community to respond “with determination and unity.”

European Council President António Costa said the bloc would press ahead with sanctions on Moscow and continue to back Ukraine’s ambition of full EU membership. Italy’s foreign minister, Antonio Tajani, meanwhile, insisted Europe was “not at war with Russia” but urged Moscow to return to dialogue.

Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, after recognising separatist entities in Donetsk and Luhansk and demanding that Kyiv renounce NATO membership. Kyiv denounced the move as an invasion, while the EU and United States imposed sweeping sanctions in response.

Burkina Faso’s Prime Minister Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo landed in New York for the 80th UN General Assembly , urging his delegation to project unity and discipline. He said the forum must be used to “expose, in no uncertain terms, Burkina Faso’s position on major global issues.” Starting Monday, September 22, the Burkinabè team will begin a series of high-level meetings, vowing to defend national sovereignty and make their voice “clear and coherent” among world leaders.

Global governance

Burkinabè Foreign Minister Karamoko Jean Marie Traoré met China’s ambassador Zhao Deyong on Friday for the official presentation of President Xi Jinping’s Global Governance Initiative. The framework promotes a multipolar world anchored in respect for sovereignty, international law, and multilateralism. Traoré praised the plan as fully aligned with Captain Ibrahim Traoré’s vision for Burkina Faso, saying the country “fully adheres” to its principles.

International Criminal Court

Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger jointly announced their withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC), blasting it as “a tool of neocolonial repression.” The Alliance of Sahel States (AES) argued that the ICC is incapable of addressing war crimes and is selective in its justice. The move follows their earlier break from ECOWAS and pivot toward Russia, underscoring the bloc’s widening distance from Western institutions.

Guinea-Burkina Faso partnership

Burkina Faso’s Prime Minister Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo met Equatorial Guinea’s Vice President Teodoro Nguema Obiang on the sidelines of the UNGA, with both sides pushing for ties that go beyond “declarations.” Ouédraogo insisted the political friendship must translate into “operational content” through bilateral consultations and joint commissions. The talks mark a renewed effort to turn warm words into shared projects in security and development.

Visit to Crimea

Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry condemned as “illegal” a September 19 visit by ambassadors from Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso to Crimea, where they held talks with local authorities on trade, investment, and education. Kyiv said the move violated international law. The three Sahel states — now aligned as the AES — have already cut ties with Ukraine, citing its alleged support for “terrorist activities” in the Sahel. The controversy adds another layer of strain between Kyiv and the region’s juntas.

“There is no more appropriate word to describe what is happening in Gaza than genocide,” Lula said, in one of the most forceful condemnations of Israel heard so far during the high-stakes debate in New York .

The Brazilian leader announced that his country would formally join the case brought by South Africa at the International Court of Justice, which alleges that Israel is committing genocide. This, after a UN commission formally concluded the Israel’s war in Gaza is genocide.

“The right of defence does not authorise the indiscriminate killing of civilians,” Lula said. He stressed that Brazil had condemned Hamas’s October 7 attacks on Israel but argued that they could not justify the destruction of entire neighbourhoods or the mass killing of children.

Citing figures from the war, Lula said more than 50,000 children had been killed or maimed and 90% of homes in Gaza destroyed. He also accused Israel of using hunger as a weapon of war. 

“Half a million Palestinians do not have enough food — more than the population of Miami or Tel Aviv,” he said.

Lula framed the war not only as a regional crisis but also as a test of the international system itself. The conflict, he said, had become “the paramount symbol of the obstacles faced by multilateralism,” with the veto power at the Security Council paralysing meaningful action.

Palestinians have also been denied the basic pillars of statehood — territory, population and government — through occupation, displacement and the destruction of institutions, according to Lula. 

He described the expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank as part of a pattern that amounted to “ethnic cleansing in real time.” He called for the creation of a new UN body, modelled on the Special Committee against Apartheid, to advance Palestinian self-determination.

“Ensuring dialogue for Palestinian self-determination is an act of justice and an essential step to restore the strength of multilateralism and to recover our collective sense of humanity,” Lula said.

His speech came during a high-level meeting on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict , where French President Emmanuel Macron announced France’s recognition of a Palestinian state. Other countries including Australia, Canada, Belgium and Malta have also taken that step in recent days, joining Brazil, which recognised Palestine in 2010.

More than 65,000 Palestinians have been killed since Israel began its military campaign in Gaza last October, according to local health officials. Israel rejects accusations of genocide and says its offensive is aimed at eliminating Hamas, which it designates as a terrorist organisation.

“The two-state solution remains the only viable alternative to preserve peace,” he said. “Without a two-state solution, there will be no peace in the Middle East and extremism will expand everywhere in the world, with consequences that I consider extremely, extremely negative.”

On September 15, the General Assembly voted 142-10 in favor of a resolution endorsing a two-state solution to the conflict, which has dragged on for nearly 80 years and escalated after Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel. 

Israel and the United States were among the 10 states that opposed the measure.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed there will be “no Palestinian state,” while Israel’s UN ambassador, Danny Danon, dismissed the vote as a “one-sided” and “hollow gesture.”

Guterres’ remarks came the same day a UN commission of inquiry concluded that Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians under the Genocide Convention, finding that four of the five acts that define genocide have occurred in Gaza.

The findings are the strongest yet in documenting the scale of Israel’s actions.

“It is not in the attributions of the Secretary-General to do the legal determination of genocide. That belongs to the [appropriate] judicial entities, namely the International Court of Justice (ICJ),” Guterres said. 

He added that the situation in Gaza is “morally, politically, and legally intolerable.”

“The fact that I have not the competence to do the legal determination of genocide doesn't mean that I do not consider that what's happening in Gaza, after the horrific attacks by Hamas in October two years ago, what happens in Gaza today is horrendous,” he said. “This is something we cannot forget, independently of the names that are given. The truth is that this is something that is morally, politically, and legally intolerable.”

More than one in 10 Palestinians — over 200,000 of Gaza’s 2.2 million residents — have been killed or wounded, according to Israel’s former military chief. Palestinian authorities peg the toll to 65,000 dead and more than 164,000 injured.

This year’s gathering, which opened September 9, would have marked only the second time Marcos addressed the assembly. He attended in 2022, just months after taking office, where he revealed Manila’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.

The high-level General Debate is scheduled for September 23 to 27, with the session closing on September 29.

Marcos has not specified which issues require his attention at home, but the country has been shaken by revelations of widespread corruption in public works programs, particularly flood-control projects, with groups estimating losses in the trillions of pesos.

Protest organizers have called for mass demonstrations on September 21, the anniversary of the 1972 declaration of martial law by Mr. Marcos’s father, the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr. The Armed Forces of the Philippines has been placed on red alert ahead of the protests.

Marcos has expressed sympathy for the rallies, saying he shared public anger over corruption and might be “out on the streets” too if he were not president, while urging protesters to keep the demonstrations peaceful.

The unrest comes amid a volatile political climate across Asia, where youth-led uprisings have toppled the government in Nepal and shaken the Prabowo administration in Indonesia in recent weeks.

At the U.N., the Philippines is still expected to take part in discussions on artificial intelligence , climate financing, migration, biodiversity and maritime security, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs.

“She (Secretary Lazaro) will also meet with foreign ministers to strengthen bilateral and multilateral ties, promote Philippine interests and advance national priorities,” the agency said in a statement.

Why this matters

Any new accession alone can already be seen as a milestone for ASEAN, which has not admitted a new member since Cambodia in 1999. At a time of heightened geopolitical tension, Timor-Leste’s entry signals the bloc’s continued commitment to regional inclusivity.

Its membership also extends ASEAN’s reach, giving the bloc oversight from Myanmar in the west to the Timor Sea in the east. Some say the move could strengthen ASEAN’s position as a counterweight to rising coalitions such as BRICS+ and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

For Timor-Leste, the benefits are substantial. Joining ASEAN could help attract foreign investment and diversify an economy still reliant on petroleum revenue, which accounts for roughly 80% of public spending .

The country also stands to gain from ASEAN’s free-trade frameworks, including the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). Lower tariffs and improved access to higher-quality goods could significantly benefit the import-dependent nation.

Country profile

Timor-Leste is Asia’s youngest country, winning independence from Indonesia in 2002 after a protracted and often violent struggle. Its population is predominantly Catholic, with Tetum and Portuguese as official languages.

The economy depends heavily on petroleum revenues. While a sovereign wealth fund has helped stabilize finances, the country remains vulnerable to oil price swings and the accelerating global shift to renewable energy.

Political stability has improved, but frequent coalition changes and institutional weaknesses have slowed development. Poverty and youth unemployment remain among the highest in Southeast Asia.

Geographically, Timor-Leste occupies the eastern half of Timor island, sharing a land border with Indonesia and is proximate to Australia. Its position gives it strategic significance along key shipping lanes at the edge of the Timor Sea as a bridge between Asia and the Pacific.

The country is led by President José Ramos-Horta, now serving a second term after first holding the office from 2007 to 2012, the period when Timor-Leste formally applied for ASEAN membership. A Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Ramos-Horta is widely respected for his work toward a peaceful resolution of the conflict in the country.

What to expect

ASEAN leaders are expected to hold a ceremonial flag-raising during the October summit to formally induct Timor-Leste as a full member.

In the short term, observers expect gradual integration as Timor-Leste works to align its regulations, trade systems, and border controls with ASEAN standards. The accession also offers ASEAN a chance to demonstrate its unity at a moment of growing geopolitical competition in the Indo-Pacific.

Border management is likely to be one of the most sensitive issues, given Timor-Leste’s historical and ongoing disputes with Indonesia, an ASEAN member. Similar border tensions have tested intra-bloc relations before, most recently between Thailand and Cambodia.

Ramos-Horta has pledged that Timor-Leste will contribute to ASEAN’s stability, not its tensions.

“Our absolute priority is for Timor-Leste to stay peaceful, with law and order, public security, and stability in government,” he told Channel News Asia . “We should not bring to ASEAN an additional burden, additional headache.”

Looking ahead, Ramos-Horta has said he hopes Timor-Leste will be ready to host an ASEAN summit by 2029. He has also floated a more ambitious vision: a demilitarised region where disputes are resolved through diplomacy rather than conflict.

“The best way, in my view — maybe it’s romantic, maybe it’s naive — would be to demilitarise the whole area,” he said. “Better to declare it a sea of peace and human fraternity, and then work to celebrate that sea as a sea of peace.”

For many Timorese, accession is as much a symbolic milestone as a practical one — a sign that their two-decade-old nation is recognized as a full partner in Southeast Asia’s future.

"China condemns all illegal and violent acts. At the same time, we firmly oppose some American politicians who frequently use China as an excuse and firmly oppose the spread of false information to slander and smear China," Lin stated.

Kirk, a prominent conservative activist and supporter of Donald Trump ’s 2024 campaign, was shot and killed during an event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday.

Governor Cox warned that hostile foreign actors are using the tragedy to stir unrest online.

“When things get bad, we should put our phones down and spend a little time with our families,” Cox said, urging citizens to avoid being manipulated by online disinformation.

President Donald Trump said the suspect in Kirk's killing is now in custody.

This followed a manhunt lasting more than 30 hours, which led authorities to release video footage on Thursday of a person wanted in connection with the shooting and appeal for public assistance in identifying and capturing the suspect.

Kirk, 31, was known for founding Turning Point USA, a conservative student organisation that played a key role in mobilising young voters during the 2024 election. He was widely recognised for his advocacy of free speech on college campuses and his criticism of what he called left-wing censorship .

Police confirmed that the suspect was arrested late Thursday night after a large-scale search that involved local, state, and federal agencies. The authorities have not yet released the suspect’s name or possible motive.

This, after Trump’s meeting with EU officials , in which he pressed for punitive tariffs on Chinese and Indian exports as part of his strategy to force Russia into ending the war in Ukraine, now entering its fourth year.

“I am also looking forward to speaking with President Trump. We will work together to secure a brighter, more prosperous future for both our people ,” Modi said. 

Trump had initially set a 25% tariff on imports from India, one of the world’s most populous nations and a major exporter of petroleum products, telecoms equipment and pharmaceuticals. But India’s trade with Russia prompted him to double that to 50%, one of the steepest levies Washington has imposed on any country.

In a separate post on his platform Truth Social, Trump said he anticipated meeting Modi “in the coming weeks” and foresaw “no difficulty in coming to a successful conclusion for both of our great countries.”

As early as August, when he announced the 50% tariff, Trump warned that the same economic penalties could be applied to other countries importing Russian oil, pointedly adding, “one of them could be China.”

International relations scholar Dr. Ila Joshi told Global South World before Trump floated the 100% tariff proposal that Washington risked undoing years of diplomatic outreach with its punitive economic sanctions.

“Some harm has been done. It took a long time for the U.S.to build these relations with the countries, to build those trust factors with the countries. Then suddenly everything breaks and snaps,” said Joshi, who primarily studies China and India.

“Definitely now the U.S. will have to rethink its strategy,” she added.  “Him antagonizing India, well, that’s not an intelligent thing to do.”

While Modi has continued to stress India’s partnership with the U.S., he has also drawn closer to Russia and China, most recently during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit , where more than 20 regional leaders discussed security, peace and trade.

Joshi said Modi’s approach reflected India’s long-standing policy of keeping its options open, describing its foreign policy as “independent” and “practical.”

On September 1, Xi hosted more than 20 leaders from across the Global South at the 2025 summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), an intergovernmental bloc founded in 2001 to deepen political, security and economic ties across Eurasia.

From the stage, the Chinese president pitched what he cast as an alternative system — one that emphasises multilateralism, prioritises the Global South, and rejects what he called “hegemonism” and a “Cold War mentality.”

Among those listening were Vladimir Putin of Russia and Narendra Modi of India, both leaders who have butted heads with U.S. President Donald Trump in recent months — Russia over the war in Ukraine, and India over U.S. restrictions on energy imports.

The new alignments underscore a paradox of Donald Trump’s foreign policy: His aggressive use of tariffs and sanctions was meant to weaken U.S. rivals, but analysts say it has instead nudged adversaries and competitors into closer cooperation.

“This is a strange time when unlikely bedfellows like India and China are now overtly comfortable with each other, which was not the scene until three or four months ago,” said Dr. Pooja Bhatt, director of the Jindal School of International Affairs in India.

“This shows how the U.S.'s excessive use of its force or policies and diplomacy can lead to even the most unlikely of countries to come together and form a partnership,” she told Global South World. 

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation has become the testing ground for that cooperation. Founded in 2001 to manage regional disputes and coordinate counterterrorism efforts, it now claims nearly half the world’s population and a quarter of global GDP. 

This scale gives it leverage as a potential platform for agenda-setting beyond Eurasia.

“SCO does offer an alternative,” said Dr. Ila Joshi, an international relations scholar focused on India and China. “This is a very opportune moment when countries of the Global South are coming together to think about common issues — whether it’s terrorism, technology, or the sharing of information.”

Whether the bloc can deliver on its promises remains unclear, but Bhatt said the appeal of the SCO’s new world order pitch lies in the dissatisfaction of countries that feel sidelined by the U.S.-led order.

“Countries that are unhappy with the current economic, diplomatic, and political world order would benefit more from joining the SCO,” she said. “It is too soon to say that if the SCO will deliver the promises it is making right now, but I think it's worth an effort to see if China can build an alternate world order that it has been promising.”

Beijing in the driver’s seat

Whatever soft power China projected during the SCO summit, it quickly reinforced with a show of military muscle. Days later, Beijing staged a sprawling parade to mark the 80th anniversary of Japan’s defeat in World War II, a display that lasted more than an hour and featured intercontinental missiles, laser weapons and fleets of drones .

Xi, flanked by Vladimir Putin and North Korea’s Kim Jong-un, struck an ominous, almost threatening note in his speech delivered before more than 50,000 spectators at the historic Tiananmen Square.

“Today, humanity is again faced with the choice of peace or war, dialogue or confrontation, win-win or zero-sum,” Xi said, insisting that the Chinese people “firmly stand on the right side of history.”

The twin images — Xi presiding over regional leaders at the SCO, then hosting a military pageant with Moscow and Pyongyang — highlight Beijing’s dual strategy: presenting itself as a stabilising force while challenging the Western-led system.

“China is not exactly trying to replace the West-dominated world order. It’s also trying to build a new regional understanding where the Global South decides on things, where international relations are also seen from the perspective of countries that are underdeveloped or developing,” Joshi said. 

China already commands the world’s largest standing army, with about 2 million active personnel, though it still lags behind Washington economically, with an economy worth $16 trillion compared to America’s $30 trillion.

For Bhatt, Beijing’s ambitions reach far beyond hard power — it wants to overhaul the Western order.

“China wants an alternative world order, whether you talk about culture, whether you talk about security, whether you talk about institutions, in every way. China is trying to build up structures that are contrary to what the U.S. has already established. 

For the Global South or just against America?

Trump, the architect of tariffs that many analysts say have backfired, appeared visibly irked by the spectacle of his rivals linking arms in Beijing. 

He dismissed the gathering of Xi, Putin and Kim as a “conspiracy,” lamenting that the U.S. was losing partners like Russia and India to what he called “the deepest, darkest China.”

What began as a defensive reaction to American tariffs and sanctions is now taking shape as something larger — a coalition of countries testing the limits of Western influence.

“The West is not happy to see a group of countries coming together and building an alternative world order,” Bhatt said.

“It is a message of cooperation and defiance against the U.S. policies , which can be seen by the rest of the world that the emerging powers of the world are now coming together, and all of them incidentally are facing bad relations with the U.S.,” she added.

That shift, she argued, may prove more consequential than the confrontations that prompted it.

“The U.S. is definitely losing its game,” she said. “The more it tries to push these countries under sanctions, the more these countries are compelled to come together.”

The challenge for the Shanghai bloc, however, is its own internal diversity. Its members span continents and political systems, from democratic India to authoritarian Russia and China, each with competing interests and historic grievances. China and India, for instance, only recently stepped back from a deadly Himalayan border dispute that left dozens of soldiers dead.

Whether such divisions can be managed will determine whether the coalition matures into a durable alternative or falters under the weight of its contradictions. What is clear, Joshi said, is that the era of a passive Global South has ended.

“International relations are not to be seen only from the perspective of West,” she said. “When they talk about a new world order, the Global South is now ready to take things into its own hands.”

Trump, despite often claiming strong personal ties with Xi, Putin and Kim, appeared unsettled by the display. He dismissed the parade as a “conspiracy” among the three leaders and read it as a direct message from the world’s largest standing military — America’s main rival in firepower.

“I thought it was a beautiful ceremony. I thought it was very, very impressive,” Trump said. “But I understood the reason they were doing it — they were hoping I was watching, and I was watching.”

For Ila Joshi, an international relations scholar focused on China and India, the Victory Day event was meant as a blunt signal to Washington.

“It was definitely a show of might and strength and a very traditional understanding of power that we saw,” Joshi told Global South World. 

The September 3 parade marked the anniversary of the end of World War II and the Second Sino-Japanese War. For more than 70 minutes, the People ’s Liberation Army showcased domestically built missiles, tanks, aircraft and other weapons. 

Notably, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi skipped the ceremony, despite attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in China days earlier.

Against the backdrop of Trump’s renaming order and China’s martial display, Joshi argued that world leaders remain trapped in a narrow view of power.

“ Foreign policy being understood only in terms of war is again something which is very disturbing,” she said. “I think that the very masculinities which were being shown off there, those were something which I guess we also need to rethink about.” 

While the parade and summit stirred talk of an emerging anti-Western bloc, they also highlighted the tightening alignment of countries with strained relations with Washington.

That, Joshi suggested, should serve as a warning for Trump.

“Trump's erratic behaviour is not going to solve the issues,” Joshi said. “They should actually contemplate now what has been done by the Trump administration.”

“Even if it is Trump, I guess present Trump is intelligent enough to understand the repercussions. Now, he should be intelligent enough not to repeat those mistakes.”

With another referendum off the table for at least two years, questions now turn to what role nuclear power could play in import-dependent Taiwan, an island still grappling with the threat of a Chinese blockade.

For nuclear energy researcher Suleyman Turkes, the way forward lies in international partnerships.

“The way forward for Taiwan should start with cooperation, agreements on SMR (small modular reactor) technology, and Generation III reactors with big international companies, like the United States, France, South Korea, and Japan,” said Turkes, who studies nuclear energy and energy policies at Turkey’s Academic Research Institute (Akademik Araştırma Enstitüsü).

“This partnership will bring not only reactors, but also the transfer of safety culture and operational standards,” he told Global South World . 

Turkes outlined a three-step roadmap he believes could guide Taiwan’s nuclear future: first, revive decommissioned reactors; second, work with foreign partners to build new plants; and third, develop local expertise to design Taiwan’s own next-generation reactors.

He noted that jointly built facilities could be completed faster, a key advantage if Taiwan decides to quickly scale back on energy imports, which currently shoulder roughly 98% of its consumption. 

In the meantime, he suggested reviving Maanshan and other previously decommissioned reactors to serve as a “bridge” between old and new facilities for up to two more decades.

Over the longer term, Turkes said Taiwan must invest in its own academic institutions and researchers to sustain nuclear capacity.

“Taiwan must also think of its own capacity, its own nuclear know-how,” he said. “Because if you only use foreign technology, maybe you solve today's problem, but not tomorrow’s.”

“Universities should expand their nuclear program, and new research and development centres must come. Young engineers should also join international projects,” he added.

Although critics argue that nuclear power only contributes around 5% of Taiwan’s energy mix, Turkes said the impact of completely abandoning it would go far beyond that figure.

“That 5% share from nuclear will not only be replaced by fossil fuels, but it can only be replaced by imported fossil fuels. And this means Taiwan will move away from net zero, more exposed to global price change, and under more political pressure from suppliers,” he said.

“Losing nuclear is just not losing 5%. It's losing competitiveness, losing stability, losing also the credibility of climate commitments.”

While recognising Taiwan’s potential to expand renewable energy such as solar and wind, Turkes stressed that these could only operate at a supporting capacity due to storage and reliability issues.

Nuclear, he argued, can deliver the same output with far greater stability.

“The best way for Taiwan's energy security is nuclear,” he said. “Nuclear not only reduces fossil dependence, it's the backbone of the system.”

“To uphold international fairness and justice , we must take action through Shanghai Cooperation. Member states, adhering to principles of fairness, constructively engage in international and regional affairs and defend the shared interests of the Global South,” Xi said.

“We must resolutely oppose hegemonism and power politics and practise genuine multilateralism, acting as a cornerstone for the diversification of the world and democratisation of international relations,” he continued. 

China also announced plans for expanded cooperation in areas including renewable energy, green industry, digital economy, artificial intelligence, education, and healthcare. It said the SCO remains committed to non-alignment, inclusive growth, and serving as a stabilising force in global affairs.

The SCO is a regional intergovernmental organisation founded in June 2001 by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. It was created to strengthen political, security, and economic cooperation across Eurasia, building on the earlier “Shanghai Five” mechanism established in 1996.

Today, the SCO has nine full members: China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Iran. The organisation also has observer states, including Afghanistan, Belarus, and Mongolia, as well as dialogue partners such as Turkey, Sri Lanka, and Saudi Arabia.

Modi, Putin talk Ukraine war

On the sidelines of the summit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held bilateral talks that focused on the two global powers’ partnership and the war in Ukraine.

Putin described relations between Moscow and New Delhi as “special, friendly and trusting,” saying this foundation would continue to guide future cooperation. Modi described the partnership as “special, privileged, and strategic.” 

“Even in the most challenging circumstances, India and Russia have consistently moved forward together, shoulder to shoulder. Our close co-operation is vital not only for the peoples of our two nations but also for maintaining global peace, stability, and prosperity,” the Indian president said.

On Ukraine, Modi said the two leaders “regularly share perspectives on the ongoing conflict ” and reiterated India’s position on peace efforts. 

“We welcome all recent efforts to establish peace and hope that all parties will approach this matter constructively. We must find ways to bring the conflict to an end and restore peace as swiftly as possible. This is a call shared by all of humanity,” he said.

Putin used his appearance at the SCO to defend Moscow’s position, claiming Russia’s actions in Ukraine were “a result of a coup…supported and provoked by the West” and blaming NATO expansion for fuelling tensions. 

He praised the SCO for promoting “genuine multilateralism” and for “laying the political and socio-economic groundwork for the formation of a new system of stability and security in Eurasia,” which he said would move away from “outdated Eurocentric and Euro-Atlantic models.”

Incumbent Philippine President Marcos Jr., son of the Philippine dictator who signed the 1975 communique, has continued this policy. Despite his own qualms about Beijing in the West Philippine Sea, his administration has repeatedly stressed that Manila does not recognise Taiwan’s independence .

On August 28, Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro reiterated the government’s position before a Senate hearing, saying that while the Philippines is for peace and dialogue, it recognises only one, sole, and legal government of China.

“The Filipino people have long-standing relations with the Taiwanese people, and we therefore benefit from continued engagement with them,” Lazaro said. “But, just to add a little bit more, we do not recognise Taiwan as a sovereign state.”

Lazaro, who described her office as a “guardian and steward” of the One-China policy, made the remarks amid renewed debate over how Manila might respond if conflict breaks out in the Taiwan Strait. 

Earlier this month, Marcos Jr. warned that the Philippines would inevitably be pulled “kicking and screaming” into a war between the U.S. and China over Taiwan . The comment that drew the ire of Beijing, which accused him of “playing with fire.” 

With Manila’s firm adherence to the One-China principle on one hand and its defence alliance with Washington on the other, questions are growing over whether the Philippines would defend Taiwan in the event of conflict.

Veteran defence journalist Manny Mogato believes the Philippines’ neutrality is unlikely. 

In an August 13 interview with Global South World, Mogato cited three reasons why the Philippines would likely side with Washington if it intervened to protect Taiwan from a Chinese invasion — or, in Beijing’s words, a “reunification.” 

First is geography. The Philippines sits about 1,200 kilometres south of Taiwan, directly along potential conflict routes in the South China Sea, inevitably drawing it into air and maritime operations simply by virtue of its location.

Second is the country’s 1951 Mutual Defence Treaty with the U.S., which predates the 1975 pact with Beijing. The treaty obliges Manila to come to Washington’s aid if U.S. forces are attacked in the Pacific, a scenario that could extend to a war over Taiwan.

How would this play out, considering the Philippines is constrained by its limited military capabilities? Mogato said Manila’s role would likely be logistical rather than combat-focused.

“Of course, we cannot send troops. We cannot send the Air Force and Navy ships because we don't have that capability. But we can support through logistics,” he said. “They can refuel here, store their armaments, or use this as a staging point — that will be the Philippines’ use.” 

Third is the presence of U.S. forces on Philippine soil. There are nine Enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites across the country: five in Luzon, one in the Visayas, and three in Mindanao. 

These facilities host joint exercises, preposition supplies, and enhance U.S. access to Philippine bases.

Mogato warned that these sites could become targets in a regional conflict.

“On these three grounds, even if the Philippines doesn’t want to, it will inevitably be drawn into conflict,” he said. “It’s impossible that we don’t get involved in this trouble.”

For now, as Marcos Jr. hopes for cooler heads to prevail over Taiwan, he has also recognised the need to prepare for all eventualities, especially considering the almost 200,000 overseas Filipino workers on the island.

"There's no doubt that these extraordinary and dangerous acts of aggression orchestrated by a foreign nation on Australian soil have crossed the line and that is why we have declared Iran's ambassador to Australia persona non grata, as well as three other Iranian officials and they will have seven days to leave the country," Wong said.

"Even before today the Albanese government had taken stronger action on Iran than any previous Australian government, and we have long known that Iran and its proxies tried to destabilise countries in our region and beyond," she added.

Wong also condemned Iran's attacks for damaging social harmony in Australia. "Iran has sought to undermine the cohesion of our community, they have tried to divide the Australian community and they've done so with acts of aggression that not only sought to terrify Australians but put Australian lives in danger," she said.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said intelligence services reached a "deeply disturbing conclusion" that Iran directed at least two antisemitic attacks.

He said Tehran was behind a fire attack on the Lewis Continental Cafe in Sydney’s Bondi suburb in October 2024 and an arson attack on the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne in December 2024. No physical injuries were reported in either incident.

Iran was likely responsible for other antisemitic incidents in Australia, said Albanese.

"These were extraordinary and dangerous acts of aggression orchestrated by a foreign nation on Australian soil," Albanese said. "They were attempts to undermine social cohesion and sow discord in our community. It is totally unacceptable."

Australia is preparing legislation to designate Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation.

It has withdrawn its ambassador from Tehran and suspended operations in its embassy, which has been operating since 1968.

Australia will keep its diplomatic ties with Iran despite the withdrawal, according to Wong.

Her remarks followed meetings in Washington between United States President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who was joined by several European leaders on August 18.

“China always believes that dialogue and negotiation are the only viable solutions to the Ukraine crisis. We support all efforts that are conducive to peace,” Mao told reporters.

“China supports all efforts conducive to the peaceful settlement of the crisis and is glad to see Russia and the United States maintain contact, improve their relations and promote a political settlement process of the Ukraine crisis.”

Beijing also called on all parties taking part in the Washington talks to work towards a settlement.

“We hope that all parties and stakeholders will participate in the peace talks in a timely manner and reach a fair, lasting, binding and acceptable peace agreement to all parties as soon as possible,” Mao said.

The discussions in Washington come after a summit between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday.

That meeting did not result in a ceasefire but included pledges from both leaders to provide “robust security guarantees” to Ukraine.

Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, escalating a conflict that began in 2014 with Moscow’s annexation of Crimea.

The war has caused tens of thousands of deaths, displaced millions, and severely disrupted global energy and food markets.

They include matches between Ukraine and Russia, Spain and Gibraltar, Armenia and Azerbaijan, and Kosovo against Serbia, Bosnia‑Herzegovina or Russia.

Why are these fixtures banned?

Russia vs Ukraine

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 led UEFA and FIFA to suspend all Russian clubs and national teams from international competition. In September 2022, UEFA confirmed that Russia would remain banned from the Euro 2024 qualifying draw; Russian teams were excluded from international competitions by both governing bodies days after the invasion, and their appeal was rejected by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Ukraine continues to play, but for security reasons, Belarus (a Russian ally) and Ukraine cannot be drawn together. The war has forced Ukrainian clubs like Shakhtar Donetsk and Dynamo Kyiv to relocate matches abroad and has made political banners commonplace at games.

Spain vs Gibraltar

Spain contests Britain’s sovereignty over the tiny territory of Gibraltar, so UEFA does not pair the two in qualifiers. Tensions flared after Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph when midfielder Rodri and captain Álvaro Morata sang “Gibraltar is Spanish” in Madrid.

UEFA banned both players for one match, saying they violated “the general principles of conduct” and brought the sport into disreputetheguardian.com. Gibraltar’s federation called the chant “extremely provocative and insulting,” underscoring the political sensitivity.

Armenia vs Azerbaijan

Decades of conflict over Nagorno‑Karabakh mean Armenia and Azerbaijan cannot play each other. In 2020, UEFA’s executive committee ruled that no club or national team competitions would take place in Armenia or Azerbaijan until further notice because of renewed fighting . The ban protects teams and fans from becoming entangled in hostilities, which have flared repeatedly since the 1990s.

Kosovo vs Serbia/Bosnia‑Herzegovina/Russia

The most complicated case involves Kosovo, which declared independence from Serbia in 2008. Serbia, Russia and Bosnia‑Herzegovina still refuse to recognise Kosovo’s statehood, and UEFA therefore bars fixtures between Kosovo and those nations.

Kosovo’s attempts at independence led to the Kosovo War (1998‑1999) and NATO intervention; although Kosovo joined FIFA and UEFA in 2016, the refusal of Serbia and its allies to accept its sovereignty keeps their teams apart. Political tensions also mean that Kosovo’s national team, established only in 2014, must play some home games at neutral venues.

This also translates into Israel agreeing to a ceasefire in Gaza, halting annexation plans, allowing aid delivery, and committing to a two‑state solution.

Starmer, on July 29, 2025, described Palestinian statehood as the “inalienable right” of the Palestinian people , emphasising that a ceasefire would pave the way toward recognition and a viable peace process.

The government presented this as a conditional, diplomatic tool to accelerate change rather than a symbolic gesture with no impact.

Domestically, more than 200 MPs, including around 60 Labour MPs, support immediate recognition and have argued that delaying undermines the UK’s stance on a two‑state solution. Civil society groups and a petition demanding statehood plus a ceasefire have also gained traction.

Israel's Foreign Ministry, in a statement, said, "Israel rejects the statement by the prime minister of the United Kingdom. The shift in the British government’s position at this time, following the French move and internal political pressures, constitutes a reward for Hamas and harms efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and a framework for the release of hostages."

Just a few days earlier, on July 24, French President Emmanuel Macron declared that France would officially recognise the State of Palestine at the UN General Assembly in September.

He framed the decision as part of France’s historic dedication to a just, sustainable peace, emphasising that ending the war in Gaza and delivering humanitarian aid are priorities ahead of formal statehood recognition.

Macron’s move makes France the first major G7 nation to take this step, joining more than 140 UN member states that already recognise Palestine.

Just like the UK, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned France's move as rewarding terrorism and claimed it would incentivise militants.

Announced in a White House fact sheet and executive order on July 7, the extension delays enforcement of elevated reciprocal tariffs until August 1, while new country‑specific duties are formally placed by letters from President Trump to national leaders.

World Visualized’s recently published tables list reciprocal rates for more than two dozen countries. Among the changes:

Other nations featured in the World Visualized infographic include Serbia (35%, down from 37%) , Philippines (20%, up from 17%) , Brunei (25%, from 24%) , Moldova (25%, from 31%) , Algeria (30%, steady) , Iraq (30%, from 39%) , Libya (30%, from 31%) , Sri Lanka (30%, from 44%) , Brazil ( 50%, from only 10%) , Canada (35%, from 25%) , Mexico (30%, from 20%) , and the European Union (30%, from 25%).

High‑profile deals cut tariffs for key partners

In an April 2 Rose Garden address dubbed “Liberation Day,” President Trump unveiled sweeping reciprocal tariffs, including a 10% baseline duty plus higher country‑specific rates, describing them as a tool to rectify trade imbalances and incentivise reciprocity from trading partners.

However, key tariffs were paused on April 9 for a 90‑day negotiation window. That suspension was extended to August 1 to allow time for bilateral agreements with major partners like Japan, the Philippines, Indonesia , Vietnam, and the U.K.

In a letter to the Noble Peace Committee, Israel Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu said Trump, who is currently involved in a peace negotiation between Israel and Hamas had "demonstrated steadfast and exceptional dedication to promoting peace, security and stability around the world."

This nomination adds to Trump's previous considerations for the award, including a recent nomination from Pakistan for his role in facilitating a ceasefire between India and Pakistan.

The Nobel Peace Prize, established by Alfred Nobel, honours individuals or organisations that have significantly advanced international peace. 

Nominations are submitted by qualified individuals such as government officials, academics, and former laureates, with the Norwegian Nobel Committee responsible for the final selection. 

The 2025 laureate will be announced on October 10, with the award ceremony scheduled for December 10 in Oslo.

If awarded, Trump would become the fifth U.S. president to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, joining Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, Jimmy Carter, and Barack Obama.

Malta’s decision follows in the footsteps of Spain, Ireland, and Norway, who recently formalised their recognition of Palestine, as reported by Reuters. This collective move signals a shifting diplomatic landscape, with European nations increasingly aligning their foreign policies to support a two-state solution in the Middle East.

According to TRT Global , this step by Malta will bring the number of countries that formally recognise the State of Palestine to well over 140, representing a substantial majority of UN member states.

In terms of the global divide, the vast majority of countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America have officially recognised Palestine, while many in Europe, North America, and Oceania have not yet done so. Malta’s move helps shift the European needle toward wider recognition and potentially paves the way for further diplomatic momentum.

For decades, Malta—like many European Union (EU) countries—adopted a cautious approach to recognising the State of Palestine. This hesitation was largely rooted in supporting a negotiated two-state solution, which remains the cornerstone of the EU’s Middle East policy.

According to the EU Common Position, individual states are encouraged to hold off on formal recognition until they can meaningfully contribute to the peace process and are aligned with a comprehensive, negotiated settlement between Israel and Palestine.

Additionally, Malta has historically maintained strong diplomatic and economic ties with Israel, and formal recognition of Palestine might have complicated those relations. Like many small states, Malta carefully balanced its foreign policy to maintain good relations with both sides.

What this means

Diplomatic Legitimacy: Formal recognition by Malta reinforces Palestine’s claims to statehood on the international stage, aligning with broader UN General Assembly votes that have overwhelmingly supported Palestinian self-determination .

Peace Process: Malta’s recognition sends a signal of support for renewed peace talks and a commitment to a two-state solution—a key element in resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Regional Dynamics: This decision comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, with ongoing conflict and political challenges. Malta’s move may encourage dialogue and could prompt other hesitant European countries to follow suit.

Held in Moscow's Red Square , the event featured over 11,000 troops, advanced military hardware, and a significant international presence, signalling President Vladimir Putin's intent to project strength and global support despite ongoing hostilities.

The Kremlin announced that 29 foreign leaders attended the parade, marking a notable increase from previous years. Prominent attendees included Chinese President Xi Jinping and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, underscoring Russia's strategic partnerships beyond Western alliances. Leaders from countries such as Belarus, Serbia, and Vietnam were also present, reflecting a diverse array of international support.

The parade showcased Russia's military capabilities, featuring modern tanks, missile systems, and aerial flyovers. Notably, Chinese troops marched alongside Russian forces, symbolising the deepening military cooperation between the two nations. President Putin used the occasion to draw parallels between World War II and the current conflict in Ukraine, framing Russia's actions as a continuation of its historical fight against fascism.

Following a series of Ukrainian drone strikes on Moscow earlier in the week, the event occurred under heightened security. In response, Russia declared a unilateral ceasefire from May 8 to May 11. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed the ceasefire as a "theatrical performance," asserting that Ukraine was not consulted and would not adhere to it.

Beijing has stepped up economic and political cooperation with Latin American nations in recent years and has urged a united front against US President Donald Trump's recent maelstrom of tariffs. Addressing leaders on Tuesday, Xi hailed China's burgeoning ties with the region.

"Although China lies far from the Latin American and Caribbean region, the two sides have a time-honoured history of friendly exchanges," Xi said at the opening ceremony, likening the summit to a "great, sturdy tree".

"Only through unity and cooperation can countries safeguard global peace and stability and promote worldwide development and prosperity," Xi said, pledging $9.2 billion in credit towards "development" for the region.

He also warned of "bloc confrontation". Xi's remarks come a day after the United States and China announced a deal to drastically reduce tit-for-tat tariffs for 90 days, an outcome Trump dubbed a "total reset". 

While a majority of nations — including much of Europe, Canada, Australia, and Japan — voted in favour of the resolution (marked in green on the map), a surprising political twist saw the United States voting agains t the measure.

This decision aligned Washington with Russia, Belarus, North Korea, Syria, and a handful of other countries — a dramatic pivot from the U.S.'s earlier support for Ukraine at the start of the war in 2022.

This reversal by the U.S. has shocked many international observers and human rights advocates.

Analysts suggest the decision stems from recent political shifts within the United States , following the 2024 presidential election that brought an administration to power favouring a more isolationist and nationalist foreign policy approach. The move has already strained transatlantic relations and triggered criticism from traditional allies.

Meanwhile, large swaths of Africa, Asia, and Latin America abstained (shown in yellow), reflecting growing non-alignment movements and frustration with what some nations perceive as Western double standards in global conflicts.

For example, major powers like India, Brazil, and South Africa chose neutrality, emphasising the need for diplomatic resolution and expressing wariness of being drawn into bloc politics.

More than 40 countries did not vote at all (marked in grey), either due to strategic neutrality, internal instability, or absence from the session. Several African nations and smaller island states fell into this category, further underscoring the fragmented global stance on the war.

Despite the condemnation, Russia has remained defiant, bolstered by its continued influence over energy exports and strategic partnerships with China and Iran.

Russian state media dismissed the resolution as “another toothless gesture from a fractured West,” while Ukrainian officials called on the international community for stronger sanctions and military support.

Without formal recognition, the revolutionary government risked isolation, lacked access to trade and military support, and remained vulnerable to Britain’s efforts to reclaim its rebellious colonies.

Securing international legitimacy was thus a critical step in establishing the United States as a sovereign entity in the 18th-century global order.

Morocco: First to recognise the United States (1777)

The first country to formally recognise the United States was Morocco . On December 20, 1777, Sultan Mohammed III issued a decree that opened Moroccan ports to American ships, making the kingdom the earliest foreign power to extend official recognition. This act was later formalised through the Moroccan-American Treaty of Friendship, signed in 1786 and ratified in 1787. Remarkably, this treaty remains the oldest unbroken treaty in U.S. history.

France: First major power and strategic ally (1778)

France, a longtime rival of Britain, was the first major European power to recognise the U.S., offering not only legitimacy but also crucial military and financial support. On February 6, 1778, France signed the Treaty of Amity and Commerce and the Treaty of Alliance with the United States. These agreements pledged mutual defence and solidified a Franco-American alliance.

French involvement—through military leadership like General Rochambeau and naval support under Admiral de Grasse—proved decisive in pivotal battles such as the Siege of Yorktown (1781), effectively ending major combat operations in the Revolutionary War.

The Netherlands: Diplomatic recognition and the first U.S. embassy (1782)

The Dutch Republic formally recognised the United States on April 19, 1782, when it accepted John Adams as the American Minister Plenipotentiary. This recognition marked a diplomatic milestone as the U.S. established its first official embassy in The Hague, a move that underscored growing international acceptance.

The Netherlands also extended loans to the U.S. government, helping stabilise the fragile post-war American economy.

Spain: Cautious support turned official recognition (1783)

Spain, though initially cautious and reluctant to directly confront Britain, eventually extended recognition to the United States on February 20, 1783, just months before the signing of the Treaty of Paris. Spain’s involvement during the war, particularly through operations in the Mississippi Valley and Gulf Coast, indirectly aided the American cause.

Recognition came after Spain’s strategic interests aligned with weakening British influence in North America .

Sweden: A neutral power with early commercial ties (1783)

Sweden, under King Gustav III, became the fifth country to formally recognise the United States. On April 3, 1783, the two nations signed the Treaty of Amity and Commerce , establishing peaceful and profitable relations. Sweden’s early recognition illustrated the United States' growing credibility among even neutral European powers.