After intense efforts to secure relief from U.S. tariffs, South Korea’s hopes for a significant breakthrough ahead of this week’s Asia-Pacific summit are fading, as U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping focus on striking a deal to ease trade tensions. Trump is scheduled to arrive in South Korea on Wednesday (Oct 29) for his first visit of his second term, but will leave the following day and skip the main Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) sessions — forcing several leaders to adjust their travel plans, according to diplomatic sources.

This year’s APEC gathering has been dominated by concerns over Trump’s sweeping tariffs introduced shortly after he began his second term, intensifying global worries over trade, especially amid deepening friction between Washington and Beijing. With multilateral cooperation under strain, experts say the summit has taken on unusual importance and could deliver more dramatic moments than usual.

For South Korean President Lee Jae-myung — who took office in June following a snap election triggered by his predecessor’s removal over an attempted imposition of martial law — the event marks a major diplomatic trial. He is set to hold meetings with Trump, Xi and Japan’s new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. Seoul will also host what is expected to be the first face-to-face meeting between Trump and Xi since Trump started his second term.

Global stock markets rallied on Monday after the U.S. announced that trade negotiators had outlined a framework for an agreement with China, raising expectations that Trump and Xi may sign a deal soon. Analysts say Trump could portray such progress as evidence that his aggressive trade strategy is paying off. Meanwhile, Xi may use the moment to promote China as the true economic leader in the Asia-Pacific, a message amplified by Trump’s confrontational stance. South Korea, however, has more modest goals. Experts say the country would view the summit as a success simply if it avoids major diplomatic turmoil.

Seoul has been trying to finalise a trade arrangement with Washington — first agreed in principle in July — but talks stalled after Trump and Lee’s August meeting failed to resolve disagreements involving a US$350 billion (S$453 billion) investment element. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the structure of the deal is largely settled but unlikely to be wrapped up during Trump’s visit. South Korean officials have echoed that differences remain. The delay is especially troubling for South Korean firms such as Hyundai Motor, which faces 25% U.S. tariffs on exports — a higher rate than its Japanese competitors face. Officials say the two leaders might release a document summarizing recent progress without solving tariff issues.

President Lee’s meeting with Xi — the Chinese leader’s first visit to South Korea in 11 years — comes as Seoul is increasingly caught between competing pressures from Washington and Beijing. China has already imposed penalties on some South Korean shipbuilders over cooperation with the United States. Seoul is pushing for APEC to issue a joint statement promoting free trade and is also seeking separate agreements on topics like artificial intelligence and demographic challenges. However, diplomats from several APEC nations say that declining consensus makes a unified statement unlikely.

Trump heads to South Korea after announcing multiple trade pacts during the ASEAN summit in Malaysia — including a new ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia — and meeting with Japan’s Takaichi. His early exit from APEC, however, is expected to shift attention to Xi, who plans to remain until the final events on Saturday, with China set to host APEC next year. Analysts warn that leaving the stage to Xi could weaken Washington’s presence in regional diplomacy.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.

Thailand’s prime minister has pulled out of his visit to Malaysia for the Asean Summit following the death of Queen Mother Sirikit, raising uncertainty over his attendance at a planned ceasefire signing with Cambodia that US President Donald Trump is expected to witness. Asean foreign ministers gathered in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday to begin a weekend of major diplomatic meetings, which will include US-China trade discussions alongside the summit.

Trump is scheduled to arrive on Sunday for the first stop of his Asia tour and was set to observe Thailand and Cambodia formalize a broader ceasefire agreement, following his involvement in ending a deadly border clash in July. A Thai government spokesperson said officials are now considering whether another representative should sign the deal after Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul cancelled his trip. It remains uncertain if he might still travel on Sunday.

Thailand’s cabinet is meeting to discuss funeral arrangements. During the annual summit, Asean aims to promote trade cooperation, strengthen partnerships, and address the ramifications of Trump's tariff measures. The bloc will also formally admit East Timor as its 11th member. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer are set to hold talks with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, as Washington and Beijing attempt to navigate rising trade tensions following Trump’s threat of steep new tariffs starting November 1.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Defence announced on Wednesday (Oct 22) that it plans to deepen its military collaboration with the United States through reciprocal visits, observation of exercises, and other strategic initiatives to help maintain regional peace and stability. While the US, like most countries, does not maintain formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan, it remains the island’s key international supporter and is legally committed to providing Taiwan with the means to defend itself. In a report to parliament, Taiwan’s ministry described the US as an important strategic partner.

“Our armed forces continue to strengthen Taiwan-US communication channels and advance multi-domain, multi-level strategic cooperation on defence and security,” the ministry said, noting plans to gradually expand collaboration. This includes high-level strategic and security policy dialogues, reciprocal visits, exercise observations, and operational discussions aimed at maintaining stability in the Taiwan Strait.

Although military cooperation between Taiwan and the US is already significant—such as Taiwanese F-16 pilots training in Arizona—most activities are kept low-profile due to their sensitive nature. Taiwan has expressed concern over increasing military and political pressure from China, including frequent Chinese war games around the island. The ministry described China’s actions as “normalized” harassment designed to exert psychological pressure, degrade Taiwan’s defense capabilities, and demonstrate the ability to prevent third-party intervention, posing a serious regional security challenge.

Taiwan also highlighted its use of international channels to share intelligence and technology, enabling better tracking of Chinese military activity, early warning, and rapid response to potential threats. The government reiterated its rejection of Beijing’s sovereignty claims, asserting that only Taiwan’s people can determine their future.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Thursday, October 16, that Islamabad is ready to hold talks with Afghanistan to resolve their ongoing conflict, as a temporary ceasefire largely held after days of intense fighting between the two former allies. The South Asian neighbors had clashed on the ground, and Pakistan conducted airstrikes along the disputed border, killing dozens and injuring hundreds, before agreeing to a 48-hour truce starting at 1300 GMT on Wednesday. Sharif told his cabinet that Pakistan had “retaliated” after losing patience with Afghanistan following a series of militant attacks.

Sharif emphasized that Pakistan is open to dialogue on its terms and that the ball is now in Kabul’s court, warning that if the ceasefire is merely a tactic to buy time, Pakistan will not accept it. Kabul did not immediately respond, though Afghan Defence Ministry spokesperson Enayatullah Khowarazmi said the ceasefire was holding so far. The Afghan Taliban’s Interior Ministry added that Interior Minister Khalifa Sirajuddin Haqqani met senior Iranian officials, expressing Afghanistan’s desire for good relations with all countries, especially its neighbors, and stressing that just as they respect others’ sovereignty and dignity, they expect the same in return.

The latest clashes mark the worst fighting between the two countries in decades. Tensions escalated after Pakistan demanded that Afghanistan curb militants who have increased attacks in Pakistani territory, claiming they operate from Afghan havens. The Taliban denies these allegations and accuses Pakistan of spreading misinformation, provoking border tensions, and harboring ISIS-linked militants to undermine Afghanistan’s stability. Pakistan rejects these claims. Since October 10, at least 18 Afghan civilians have been killed and over 360 wounded, according to the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). Pakistan reported killing 34 militants in three operations during the same period.

In Kabul’s Taimani neighborhood, residents are still recovering from an airstrike that occurred hours before the ceasefire took effect. Bashir Ahmad, a doctor at EMERGENCY’s Surgical Centre, said 34 people were brought in with serious injuries, including fractures and burns. Abdul Kabir, who works in the area, recalled the terrifyingly loud explosion, describing how everything suddenly went dark and how a nearby building was completely destroyed. Taimani, a mixed residential and commercial area with high-rise buildings about 20 minutes from central Kabul, saw another victim, Mawludin, trapped under glass and rescued by friends. He described the scene outside as dark and dusty, with people of all ages badly injured.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.

Sanae Takaichi has become Japan's first female prime minister, yet she immediately faces significant challenges. Taking office amid a slow-growing economy and rising living costs, she must address public frustration over inflation and the burden of daily expenses. Genevieve Woo talks with CNA’s Michiyo Ishida to explore the implications of Takaichi’s victory for Japan’s future, as she manages both domestic pressures and complex international relations.
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.

Singaporean students keep choosing the US for higher education, remaining undeterred by uncertainties from the Trump administration. Lance Alexander and Daniel Martin explore this topic further with Dr. Chan Khai Leok, Managing Director of theRightU.

Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.

Kim Jong Un’s daughter, Kim Ju Ae, who is thought to be around 13, has been appearing more frequently at public events, leading analysts to believe she may be preparing to succeed him. While a female leader would be unprecedented in North Korea, the regime appears more focused on keeping power within the Kim family than on following traditional gender roles. Hairianto Diman and Syahida Othman explore this topic further with Andrew Yeo, Professor of Politics at Catholic University and Senior Fellow at the SK-Korea Foundation Chair in Korea Studies, Brookings Institution.
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.

Seven-year-old Theodore Kwan is attending chemistry lectures at NTU, impressing undergraduates with his remarkable knowledge at such a young age. Earlier this year, he earned an A in IGCSE Chemistry. Hairianto Diman interviews him and his mother, Crystal Tang, about his experience in these classes.

Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.