East Asia & the Pacific
Australia: ‘Very popular’: Albanese’s glow sends an important message to China
SBS News (Australia)
Bilateral talks between Australia and the United States are the domestic focus today, but they are also a significant step in the process of shoring up friendships as US President Donald Trump prepares for another one-on-one meeting. A deal struck in Washington to rival China’s critical minerals dominance and the full-throated support for the AUKUS submarines, commissioned to counter China’s military build-up, will not be lost on the Chinese president.
Cambodia: Cambodia and Thailand push for peace as JBC and GBC meetings enter critical stage
Khmer Times (Cambodia)
Southeast Asian neighbors accelerate diplomatic- and military-level discussions to resolve their longstanding border dispute. The meetings of the Joint Boundary Commission in Chanthaburi and the General Border Committee Secretariat in Kuala Lumpur are taking place simultaneously, ahead of a potential peace agreement between Cambodia and Thailand later this month.
China: China agrees to crisis talks in Brussels as rare earth and Nexperia sagas boil over
South China Morning Post (Hong Kong)
EU trade chief to meet Chinese counterpart to find ‘urgent solutions’ to China’s tightening of its restrictions on rare earth exports.
Fiji: Deputy PM Kamikamica resigns from Cabinet, ministerial position
Fiji Sun (Fiji)
Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica has resigned from Cabinet and his ministerial position. Mr Kamikamica informed Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka of his decision to step down and is expected to return to Fiji tomorrow. His final day serving as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister will be tomorrow, October 22. He will continue to serve as a Member of Parliament, focusing on clearing his name following charges laid against him by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC).
Indonesia: Prabowo’s first year shows steep human rights decline
The Jakarta Post (Indonesia)
While the President has touted short-term economic achievements, Amnesty said the administration has caused a “massive erosion of human rights” through populist policies that exclude public participation.
Japan: Season’s first outbreak of bird flu confirmed at poultry farm in Hokkaido
NHK World (Japan)
Japanese authorities have confirmed the season’s first outbreak of avian influenza at a poultry farm in the northern prefecture of Hokkaido. Workers at a farm in Shiraoi Town found several dead chickens on Tuesday. Preliminary testing detected bird flu virus. The prefectural government convened an emergency meeting on Wednesday morning, with Governor Suzuki Naomichi in attendance.
Japan: What to expect for Japan’s economy under leader Takaichi
The Asahi Shimbun (Japan)
Share prices have soared recently in Tokyo on hopes that conservative lawmaker Sanae Takaichi, who was chosen as Japan’s first female prime minister, will double down on market friendly policies, including hefty spending on defense and cheap credit.
Laos: Laos to Upgrade National Road No. 9 in Savannakhet, Connecting Laos, Thailand, Vietnam
Laotian Times (Laos)
Laos is set to upgrade National Road No. 9 in Savannakhet Province, a key route connecting Laos, Thailand and Vietnam. The signing ceremony for the rehabilitation and maintenance projects took place on 20 October. The project aims to improve road safety, durability, and regional connectivity, covering a 233-kilometers stretch from Dinosaur Roundabout in Kaysone Phomvihane City to the Laos-Vietnam border in Xepon district.
Mongolia: Mongolia’s Political Crisis Is a Silent Bid for Presidential Power
Mongolia Weekly (Mongolia)
On October 20, President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh vetoed an attempt to remove the Prime Minister, citing procedural issues in parliament’s vote. A feud inside Mongolia’s ruling Mongolian People’s Party has erupted into open political warfare between Prime Minister Gombojavyn Zandanshatar and Parliament Speaker Dashzegviin Amarbayasgalan. Governance is frozen at a delicate moment for the economy.
Myanmar: Junta airstrikes kill dozens over 20 day span in Northern Shan
Myanmar Now (Myanmar)
The military has stepped up aerial attacks on TNLA-held territory, striking civilian areas as it seeks to consolidate control over key trade routes.
North Korea: North Korea fires ‘several’ short-range missiles, first test in five months
NK News (United States)
North Korea launched “several short-range ballistic missiles (SRBM) toward the northeast” of the DPRK on Wednesday morning, according to South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS). Calling the launch a “provocation,” JCS said it took place around 8:10 a.m. KST “somewhere in Junghwa,” just south of Pyongyang, and that an unspecified number of missiles flew “around 350 km” (217 miles).
Solomon Islands: Commerce Ministry develops employment information system
The Solomon Star (Solomon Islands)
The Ministry of Commerce, Industries, Labour and Immigration (MCILI) is developing an Employment Information System to better determine the rate of youth unemployment in the country. Minister Harry Kuma confirmed this in Parliament last week when responding to a question from Member of Parliament for Small Malaita and Chairman of the Parliamentary House Committee, Rick Hou. He said the new system will enable the ministry to conduct regular employment surveys.
South Korea: India, S. Korea hold first-ever joint naval exercise
The Korea Herald (South Korea)
India and South Korea held their first-ever bilateral naval exercise on Oct. 13 in Busan. The Indian guided missile stealth frigate INS Sahyadri made a port call at the Busan Naval Base as part of its ongoing operational deployment to the South China Sea and the Indo-Pacific region.
Taiwan: U.S. Senate committee passes 4 Taiwan-related bills
Focus Taiwan (Taiwan)
The U.S. Senate passed four bills last Wednesday 10/22 in connection to increasing US-Taiwan relations from topics of export of arms to providing a shield for Taiwan in regard to China’s attempts to discredit their global status.
Thailand: Myanmar scam centre raid sends hundreds fleeing to Thailand
Bangkok Post (Thailand)
Hundreds of people have fled into Thailand last week as a scam centre containing numerous trafficked victims who were subjected to work under inhumane conditions. Despite Myanmar overlooking scam centres due to military incentives, many Southeast Asian countries are beginning to speak up about the scam industry.
Timor-Leste: East Timor’s ASEAN membership a win for Asia’s youngest nation
Reuters (United Kingdom)
After decades of discussion, effort, and action, Timor-Leste has come a long way from being colonized twice, to gaining independence and becoming the 11th member of ASEAN this weekend in Malaysia.
Europe & Eurasia
Croatia: Croatia reintroduces military conscription as Europe worries about Russia-Ukraine war
AP News (United States)
On Friday, Croatia’s parliament voted to reimplement compulsory military service in a 84-11 vote with 30 abstentions.
European Union: EU adopts new sanctions against Russia
European Commission (European Union)
The new package of sanctions substantially increases the pressure on the Russian war economy, targeting key sectors such as energy, finance, the military industrial base, special economic zones, as well as enablers and profiteers of its war of aggression.
France: French offshore wind sector impacted by government crisis
Marine Link (United States)
Offshore wind developers and equipment suppliers are bracing for a slowdown in business in France where a political crisis has stalled changes to the country’s energy framework and government tenders.
France, Spain: France and Spain back 2035 diesel and petrol car ban, letter reveals
Euronews (France)
As the European Commission has touted the upcoming revision of the law banning new petrol and diesel cars by 2035, France and Spain urged EU leaders to “stay on track” saying that zero-emissions vehicles are “indispensable.”
Germany: German police seize fake Picassos in multi-million euro forgery raid
BBC (United Kingdom)
A 77-year-old German man was arrested under charges of conspiracy and fraud for harboring fraudulent arts claiming to be by Picasso, Rembrandt, and Kahlo.
Lithuania: Russian aircraft cross into Lithuanian airspace as Brussels debates defense
Politico (United States)
A Russian fighter jet and a refueling aircraft briefly crossed into Lithuanian airspace from the Kaliningrad region on Thursday evening.
Netherlands: Netherlands-China chip war terrifies European car industry
Politico (United States)
The geopolitical war around Dutch-based, yet Chinese-owned, chip supplier Nexperia is terrifying Europe’s carmakers that they’ll be hammered by a chip shortage that could wreak havoc with supply chains and shutter production lines.
Spain: Spain revives EU daylight savings debate
DW News (Germany)
Spain is pushing EU colleagues to eliminate setting clocks back and forth, after a 2018 EU pledge failed to find unanimity.
Ukraine, Sweden: Ukraine and Sweden sign a long-term deal for up to 150 Gripen fighter jets for Kyiv
Euronews (France)
Sweden and Ukraine signed a letter of intent on Wednesday for a potential deal to supply up to 150 Gripen E fighter jets to Kyiv over the coming years.
Vatican City: King and Pope make history by praying side by side
BBC (United Kingdom)
The leaders of the Catholic Church and the Church of England joined in prayer in the Sistine Chapel for the first time in history.
Near East
Tunisia: General strike shuts down Tunisia’s Gabes over pollution crisis
Al-Jazeera (Qatar)
Day-to-day life in Gabes, Tunisia has been brought to a halt in the face of large popular protests against a nearby state-run chemical facility. Locals claim that the facility has been polluting the area. More than 200 people have been hospitalized with issues that they claim are due to the pollution
Israel: Israel’s Netanyahu fires national security chief Tzachi Hanegbi
Al-Jazeera (Qatar)
Benjamin Netanyahu recently fired the head of the Israeli National Security Council, Tzachi Hanegbi. It is reported that Hanegbi was fired as a reaction to his apprehension in endorsing a full military takeover of Gaza city. He is to be replaced by Gil Reich, the current deputy head of the council.
Israel: Netanyahu, Vance reject idea Israel is US ‘client state,’ vow partnership on ‘tough’ Gaza plan
Times of Israel (Israel)
American Vice President, J.D. Vance, met with Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, this week in Jerusalem. They both rejected claims that Israel is a “client state” of the United States. The two figures also agreed on next steps in the ceasefire plan and recognized that it ought to be used to strategically strengthen the alliance between the two countries.
Israel: Trump dismisses bid by some Israeli lawmakers to annex West Bank
Reuters (United Kingdom)
The Israeli parliament recently voted to annex the Palestinian West Bank. Both U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance have rejected this move and voiced their disagreement with the decision.
Morocco: Morocco look to build on first U20 World Cup title
BBC (United Kingdom)
This weekend, Morocco became the first Arab country to win the Under-20 World Cup. The Moroccan government has publicized their desire to make Morocco a “strong contender” at all levels of global football.
Sub-Saharan Africa
Africa: Attacks in Lake Chad Basin Show Boko Haram on the Rise Again
ADF Magazine (Nigeria)
Boko Haram has increased its attacks on Nigeria and Cameroon following its initial decline due to focus on its regional rival, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), over territory. Some analysts have attributed the rise to counterterrorism agencies’ focus on the latter and share concerns that former fighters may rejoin Boko Haram.
DRC: IS-Affiliated Group in Eastern DRC Leverages Chaos to Expand Operations
ADF Magazine (Nigeria)
The Allied Democratic Forces terrorists, aligned with the Islamic State group (IS), have been taking advantage of the fighting between the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) and the Rwandan-backed M23. They have escalated their attacks on churches, killing 600 this year, leaving locals agitated by the lack of security service presence.
Ivory Coast: In Abidjan’s Yopougon district, residents want ‘peace’ above all else
France 24 (France)
In a period in which some residents in the Abidjan district of Yopougo refuse to vote because they believe politics is divisive and want ‘peace’, current President Alassane Ouattara is seeking a fourth term in office. At the same time, former Ivorian first lady Simone Ehivet launches her opposition party.
Kenya: Kenyan Police Rescue Citizens Bound For Russian Battlefield
ADF Magazine (Nigeria)
The Russia-Ukraine war has led to the exploitation of African civilians. In Kenya, the authorities and the Transnational Organized Crime Unit of Kenya’s Directorate of Criminal Investigations have stopped human trafficking rings where Kenyan citizens were being lured to work in Russia, then forced to fight against Ukraine. Investigations are still underway.
Liberia: Liberia’s Mineral Resources Attract U.S. Interest
AllAfrica (United States)
In July of this year, President Trump met with Liberian President Boakai to sign a deal that allows a U.S. mining company to use the Liberian railway to export Guinean iron ore. Recently, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Liberian Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyant met to continue exploring avenues for U.S. investment in Liberia’s critical minerals.
Madagascar: Madagascar’s President Names Civilian PM After Military Takeover
Radio France Internationale (France)
Following the anti-government protests in Madagascar and the subsequent swearing in of Army colonel Michael Randrianirina as President, Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo has been named the new Prime Minister. Randrianirina has promised the country a civilian government.
Mozambique: Police Officers Missing Following Terrorist Attack
AIM News (Mozambique)
An attack on a gold mining camp in the Nairoto administrative post, which Islamist terrorists have taken responsibility for, has left Rapid Intervention Unit police officers missing and a temporary interruption in mining operations.
South Africa: South Africa Envoy Pick Echoes Claims of White Persecution
Semafor (United States)
Support for claims that South Africa is discriminating against its white minority faces further support from Leo Brent Bozell, Washington’s nominee for Ambassador to South Africa, during his confirmation hearing. Ambassador Bozell’s foreign policy stances include stopping South Africa’s strategic economic drift towards U.S. rivals and demanding that the country’s genocide case against Israel be dropped.
Uganda: In a Trump-like deal, Netherlands eyes to start deporting migrants to Uganda from next year
First Post (India)
Expected next year, the Netherlands, in a move similar to the Trump administration, has struck a deal with Uganda to deport its rejected migrants to the African nation. However, unlike Washington, the Netherlands is incorporating UN agencies like the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) into the process to prioritize human rights.
Zambia: China’s BRI Revealed as Economic, Environmental Threat
ADF Magazine (Nigeria)
China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has damaged the environment in African countries, like Zambia. A toxic copper mine waste spill has damaged the Kafue River, which supplies water to 5 million people. Various Zambian representatives claim they cannot hold these Chinese companies accountable because of the country’s financial dependence on China.
South & Central Asia
Afghanistan: Pakistan and the Taliban’s uneasy peace
Al-Jazeera (Qatar)
Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to a ceasefire over one of the costliest border disputes in years and have been able to maintain tenuous peace despite high levels of mistrust and actively armed groups on both sides.
Pakistan: Dar hails visit of Polish counterpart as ‘significant’, says two sides agreed to expand bilateral cooperation
Dawn (Pakistan)
As Pakistan continues to interact with bordering countries and settle disputes, the country has also been working on strengthening their relationships with other countries, including Poland. On October 23rd, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar had a delegation-level talk with Polish counterpart Minister Sikorski and “agreed to expand bilateral cooperation.”
Tajikistan: Taliban governor meets with head of KSA in Dushanbe
Ozodi (Tajikistan)
“The Chairman of the State Committee for National Security of Tajikistan, Saimumin Yatimov, and the Governor or Chairman of the Balkh Province of Afghanistan, Yusuf Wafo” met in Dushanbe earlier this week to discuss topics of priority to expand bilateral ties between the two countries.
Uzbekistan: Uzbek Geneticists Discover Mutations Previously Unknown to Global Science
Fergana News (Russia)
Researchers have found genetic mutations in second-born children that indicate “hereditary predisposition to disease”. The discovery of this mutation can provide earlier diagnoses in children and allow ample time for treatment.
Uzbekistan: Uzbekistan’s Foreign Trade Reaches Nearly $60 Billion in First Nine Months of 2025
Fergana News (Russia)
“Between January and September 2025, Uzbekistan’s trade turnover with other countries totaled $59.8 billion, an increase of almost 23 percent — or $11.1 billion — compared with the same period last year, according to the National Statistical Committee.”
Western Hemisphere
Belize: Agreement to Host Refugees Seeking Asylum in the United States
BBC (United Kingdom)
Prime Minister John Antonio Briceno signed off an agreement awaiting Senate approval allowing for migrants with certain qualifications to come to Belize as they seek asylum in the United States and participate meaningfully in their economy.
Bolivia: President Election ends with the Victory of Rodrigo Paz, the First Conservative Leader in Decades
AP News (United States)
As of October 20th, Rodrigo Paz, former right learning centrist Senator, has been Bolivia’s new elected President amid one of the worst country’s economic crises in decades and a persistent push for one-party socialist rule of the country.
Brazil: Oil Firm Receives License to Expand Operation into the Amazon
BBC (United Kingdom)
Conservationist concerns arise upon Brazil granting an oil firm, Petrobas, a license to conduct exploratory oil drilling in the sea off the Amazon. Petrobras stated it will begin immediately with operations lasting for five months and assured that there’d be no consequences as it has implemented proper environmentally safe procedures.
Ecuador releases survivor of US strike on ‘drug sub’ in Caribbean
BBC (United Kingdom)
There has been one Ecuadorian national and another Colombian who have been released from U.S. military holding following U.S. military strikes. The Ecuadorean Attorney General’s office left a statement indicating they have found no evidence to warrant criminal charges or to continue holding the Ecuadorian national. The other, suffering from life threatening conditions, has been repatriated back to Colombia, awaiting criminal prosecution as Minister Benedetti alleges it was a boat vessel full of cocaine.
Ecuador: Ecuador’s president says he was target of foiled chocolate and jam poisoning
BBC (United Kingdom)
President Daniel Noboa of Ecuador and his team have made claims someone attempted to poison him by lacing highly toxic substances into gifts of chocolates and jam. These accusations are amidst the country’s current rising inflation and protests against the President who allegedly has been targeting protestors as he crackdowns on drug gangs in the country.
Mexico: Punches and slaps: Mexican Senate debate ends in brawl
BBC (United Kingdom)
Tempers ran high as two of the most senior officials of the Mexican Senate over the presence of foreign armed forces on Mexican soil began to fight one another, descending into a brawl after, allegedly, the opposition leader from the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) wasn’t given the chance to speak.
Peru: Police fire tear gas at protesters in Peru
BBC (United Kingdom)
Peruvian police throw tear gas at protestors who have been staging anti-government protests since September of this year. These protests are in response to scandals of sexual assault against current President, Jose Jeri, further corruption in Congress, and a pension reform act passed by right-leaning former president, Dina Boularte.
The SHU World Review is produced by the Student Research Assistants of the DiploLab at the School of Diplomacy and International Relations at Seton Hall University. Some summaries may be copied from article text. Back issues are available in Seton Hall’s repository.