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North Korean leader Kim Jong-un traveled to Beijing to attend a military parade with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The leaders reaffirmed their alliance, with Kim visiting for the first time outside North Korea since 2019. The trip signals a show of unity against Western influence and highlights deepening ties among the three nations.
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As of September 19, 2025, US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a phone call discussing a TikTok ownership deal amid ongoing trade talks in Madrid. While Trump described progress on TikTok and other issues, details remain unclear and the transfer of TikTok to US control is not finalized. A face-to-face summit is expected at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in late October.
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Poland has closed its border with Belarus in response to the ongoing Russian-Belarusian Zapad military exercises, which are seen as a threat to regional security. The border closure follows recent drone incursions and heightened military activity near Poland's eastern border. The drills, involving around 13,000 troops, are the first since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
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Donald Trump has urged NATO to halt Russian oil purchases and impose tariffs on China to pressure Russia into ending the Ukraine conflict. His proposals depend on all NATO members agreeing to these measures, which he claims would weaken Russia and China's influence, potentially accelerating peace efforts. The story highlights ongoing tensions and economic sanctions related to the conflict.
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Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun met in Beijing, emphasizing mutual trust, cooperation, and opposition to trade protectionism. Cho urged Beijing to help restart dialogue with North Korea. The visit aims to improve bilateral relations and facilitate Xi Jinping's potential South Korea trip for the Apec summit.
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Poland announced the reopening of its border with Belarus on September 23, after closing it on September 11 due to Russia-led military exercises near the border. The closure disrupted trade routes, especially affecting China-Europe rail freight, but Poland indicated it may close again if tensions reemerge. The move follows concerns over regional security and Moscow's posture.
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On September 19, 2025, the European Commission proposed its 19th sanctions package targeting Russia, aiming to phase out Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports by January 2027, a year earlier than planned. The package targets firms in China, India, and other countries accused of sanction evasion, expands blacklists of vessels and companies, and includes measures against crypto platforms and export controls on military-related technologies.
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President Trump and Xi Jinping held multiple calls this week, signaling efforts to stabilize relations. They discussed trade, TikTok, and upcoming in-person meetings at the APEC summit. While progress was reported, key issues like TikTok's ownership and trade tariffs remain unresolved amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
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As of late September 2025, Super Typhoon Ragasa caused severe flooding and destruction across Taiwan, southern China, and the Philippines. At least 14 people died in Taiwan after a barrier lake burst in Hualien County, flooding Guangfu township. Millions were evacuated in southern China, with widespread damage reported in Guangdong and Hong Kong. The storm has weakened but remains a rain threat to Southeast Asia.
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Chinese Premier Li Qiang visited North Korea to attend the 80th anniversary of the Workers' Party, marking the most senior Chinese official visit since 2019. The trip included high-level meetings, a military parade, and reaffirmed Beijing's commitment to strategic cooperation with Pyongyang amid regional tensions.
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In October 2025, the UK government faces intense scrutiny after the Crown Prosecution Service dropped espionage charges against two men accused of spying for China. The case collapsed because the government did not provide evidence that China was a national security threat at the time of the alleged offences, a legal requirement under the Official Secrets Act 1911. Parliamentary committees have launched inquiries, and MI5 has expressed frustration over the decision amid ongoing UK-China diplomatic engagement.
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On November 3, 2025, the US imposed sanctions on Russia’s largest oil companies, Rosneft and Lukoil, freezing their US assets and barring US business with them to pressure Moscow to end its war in Ukraine. The EU also adopted new sanctions, including a ban on Russian liquefied natural gas imports. India and China, major buyers of Russian oil, are reconsidering their purchases amid these measures. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts continue with US President Trump seeking China's cooperation to pressure Russia, while Russia showcases new nuclear weapons amid ongoing conflict.
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President Trump announced plans to lower tariffs on Chinese goods, including fentanyl-related imports, amid ongoing negotiations with China. He aims to address the fentanyl crisis by encouraging China to curb exports, with a potential tariff reduction from 20% to 10%. The meeting with Xi Jinping is scheduled for Thursday at the APEC summit in South Korea.
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President Trump and Xi Jinping held their first face-to-face talks since 2019 in Busan, South Korea, focusing on trade, tariffs, and strategic issues. Both leaders discussed upcoming summits, potential visits, and areas of cooperation, signaling a possible shift toward a more constructive relationship amid ongoing tensions.
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Japan's Prime Minister Takaichi revealed she sleeps only two to four hours nightly, sparking domestic concern amid Japan's long work-hour culture. Her late-night 3 a.m. staff meeting drew criticism. Meanwhile, her meetings with Taiwan's adviser have provoked strong protests from China, complicating regional diplomacy following her recent summit talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
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Estonia's foreign minister visited Beijing, emphasizing China's leverage over Russia and urging Beijing to pressure Moscow to end the Ukraine conflict. Meanwhile, China and Russia reaffirmed their strategic partnership, with China pledging increased investment and economic cooperation despite Western sanctions and declining bilateral trade.
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President Trump hosted leaders from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan at the White House, aiming to strengthen ties and secure critical minerals. The region remains under pressure from Russia and China, with the US seeking strategic footholds amid regional competition.
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As of November 27, 2025, diplomatic tensions between Japan and China have intensified following Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's statement that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could threaten Japan's survival and justify a military response. China condemned the remarks, accusing Japan of militarism and colonial aggression, while Japan advances missile deployments near Taiwan. Taiwan supports Japan's security measures amid ongoing Chinese military pressure.
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Syrian officials, including Foreign Minister al-Shaibani, met with Chinese counterparts to strengthen cooperation on security, economic reconstruction, and political issues. Discussions included border security, Uyghur fighters, and Syria’s sovereignty. The visits follow Syria’s efforts to rebuild international relations after years of conflict and international isolation.
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U.S. and Chinese leaders held a call discussing Taiwan, Ukraine, and trade, with Xi reaffirming Taiwan as part of China. Japan's military comments on Taiwan drew Chinese condemnation. The story highlights ongoing geopolitical tensions and recent diplomatic exchanges.
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U.S. President Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi held their first call since the Sino-Japanese dispute escalated over two weeks ago. The call followed Trump's discussions with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, focusing on Taiwan and regional stability. The summit in South Korea provides a diplomatic backdrop for potential high-level meetings.
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Japan's Prime Minister Takaichi made comments suggesting military action if China attacks Taiwan, prompting a diplomatic row with China. Trump discussed the issue with both Xi Jinping and Takaichi, with US support for Taiwan now uncertain amid escalating tensions. The dispute impacts regional stability and economic relations.
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Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi warned last month that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could provoke a response from Tokyo. Meanwhile, China seeks stronger communication with France and the UK on regional issues, emphasizing the 'One China' principle amid ongoing tensions over Taiwan and Ukraine.