分类： politics

In a world increasingly dominated by protectionist policies, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Plus Three (ASEAN+3) and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum have emerged as pivotal players in promoting an open and inclusive trading order. Analysts highlight that these regional partnerships have gained significance as Asian economies face threats from rising U.S. protectionism. Enrico Gloria, an assistant professor of international relations at the University of the Philippines, emphasized that these groupings act as economic shock absorbers and normative anchors for a stable trading environment. ASEAN+3, comprising 10 ASEAN members plus China, Japan, and South Korea, and APEC, with its 21 member economies across the Asia-Pacific and the Americas, balance national interests with regional solidarity. The ‘ASEAN Way’ allows countries to progress at different speeds while maintaining unity, and APEC’s voluntary approach reinforces inclusiveness. Both frameworks focus on pragmatic, consensus-driven economic collaboration, with many member economies being signatories to major free trade agreements like the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Bart Edes, a distinguished fellow at the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, noted that these partnerships are well-positioned to advance a counternarrative of inclusive globalization rooted in Asia’s pragmatic economic model. This ‘new Asian regionalism’ emphasizes integration, multipolarity, and regional resilience, contrasting with the U.S. government’s reliance on tariffs and aggressive transactional approaches. Julia Roknifard, a senior lecturer at Taylor’s University in Malaysia, added that ASEAN+3 and APEC members are ‘seeking development, not dominance,’ and are capable of jointly promoting inclusive globalization. Despite economic slowdowns, with APEC’s economy expected to grow at 3.1 percent and ASEAN+3’s GDP easing to 4.1 percent this year, these regional partnerships continue to stand by multilateralism and defend trade openness through collaborative dialogues.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has called for diplomatic engagement with Israel amid escalating border tensions, emphasizing that negotiation is the only viable path forward. Speaking at Baabda Palace during a meeting with officials on Monday, Aoun underscored the importance of diplomacy over war, stating, “In politics, there are three tools: diplomacy, economy, and war. When war leads nowhere, what else can we do? Every war in the world eventually ends with negotiations, and negotiation is never with a friend or ally, but with an enemy.” He highlighted the destructive nature of war, praising the diplomatic efforts of Lebanon’s leadership, including Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. Aoun also stressed the need for national unity, urging politicians to prioritize Lebanon’s interests over sectarian divisions and electoral ambitions. The call for diplomacy comes after a deadly raid on the border village of Blida in late October, which prompted Aoun to order the Lebanese army to respond to any Israeli incursions. While a US- and French-brokered ceasefire has been in place since late November 2024, Israel has continued occasional strikes in Lebanon, claiming to target Hezbollah threats. These actions have been condemned by Lebanon and international organizations as violations of the truce.

SEOUL, South Korea — U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth lauded South Korea’s decision to boost its military budget during a press briefing on Tuesday, emphasizing the nation’s growing role in countering North Korean aggression. This move comes as both allies prepare for potential regional crises, with the U.S. urging South Korea to enhance its conventional defense capabilities, allowing Washington to focus more on strategic challenges posed by China.

Following annual security discussions with South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back in Seoul, Hegseth expressed strong encouragement regarding Seoul’s pledge to increase defense spending and invest in advanced military capabilities. The two leaders agreed that these investments would significantly bolster South Korea’s ability to lead its own conventional deterrence and defense efforts against North Korea.

Earlier in the day, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung addressed parliament, urging lawmakers to approve an 8.2% hike in defense spending for the upcoming year. This proposed increase aims to modernize the nation’s military weaponry and reduce its dependence on U.S. support.

Hegseth highlighted the enduring strength of the U.S.-South Korea alliance, describing it as more robust than ever despite the volatile security environment. He also noted agreements to utilize South Korea’s world-class shipbuilding industry for the maintenance and repair of U.S. warships, ensuring that critical military assets remain combat-ready.

The alliance’s primary focus remains addressing North Korean provocations, but Hegseth stressed the need to remain vigilant against other regional threats. He reiterated the U.S. commitment to extending nuclear deterrence to South Korea, which lacks its own nuclear arsenal and relies on the U.S. “nuclear umbrella” for security.

Ahn dismissed speculation about South Korea pursuing its own nuclear weapons program or seeking the redeployment of U.S. tactical nuclear weapons, reaffirming Seoul’s commitment to the nuclear non-proliferation treaty. He emphasized the importance of the Conventional-Nuclear Integration (CNI) framework, which combines U.S. nuclear capabilities with South Korea’s conventional forces.

Notably, the meeting concluded without a joint statement, an unusual outcome for such high-level talks. However, Hegseth assured that there were no disagreements between the two nations, attributing the delay to the complexity of the discussions.

Amid these developments, North Korea conducted artillery tests near its western seas, underscoring the ongoing tensions. South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff reported approximately 10 rounds of artillery fire on Monday, coinciding with Hegseth’s visit to the inter-Korean border. This follows similar tests conducted before President Lee’s recent summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, where Lee urged Beijing to play a more active role in persuading North Korea to resume dialogue with the U.S. and South Korea.

North Korea has dismissed such efforts, mocking Seoul’s hopes for denuclearization as a “pipe dream.”

The governance philosophy of China, particularly as articulated in ‘Xi Jinping: The Governance of China,’ continues to resonate globally, with international leaders highlighting its emphasis on mutual benefit, inclusivity, and sustainable development. Ahmed Sheraz, a member of the Pakistan Tariff Commission, recently reflected on a Chinese proverb from the book, which advocates for the harmonious coexistence of all living things. He noted that this philosophy aligns with the vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity, a cornerstone of China’s governance approach. Sheraz expressed concern over the global retreat from multilateralism and emphasized that the interconnected challenges of today require collective solutions, which China’s philosophy of cooperation effectively addresses. He cited the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as a prime example of this approach, highlighting its role in fostering economic growth and infrastructure development in partner countries. Shaymaa Mahmoud Mahmoud Bayoumi, an Egyptian official, echoed these sentiments, praising China’s focus on people-centered development, innovation, and environmental sustainability. She shared her observations of China’s steady progress over the years, likening it to the tortoise in the fable of the rabbit and the tortoise—a metaphor for China’s long-term, determined approach to modernization. Bayoumi also highlighted the benefits of China’s investments in Egypt, particularly in the Suez Canal Economic Zone, which has created jobs and opportunities. Janeth Yovani Villegas Arteaga, an adviser to Peru’s Ministry of Women and Vulnerable Populations, expressed her admiration for China’s governance achievements, attributing its success to strong leadership and the perseverance of its people. She emphasized the importance of mutual understanding fostered by books like ‘Xi Jinping: The Governance of China,’ which serve as bridges between nations. Helio Assa-fay Varela Robalo, president of the Cape Verdean News Agency, praised China’s role as a global model for sustainable growth and social well-being, particularly in Africa, where China has been advancing skills training and technology transfer through educational and institutional partnerships. These global perspectives underscore the widespread influence of China’s governance philosophy and its potential to drive international cooperation and shared prosperity.

As 2025 draws to a close, China is set to complete the implementation of its 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25), a strategic framework that has guided the nation’s social and economic progress over the past five years. This pivotal moment also marks the beginning of preparations for the next five-year plan, which will outline China’s development trajectory from 2026 to 2030. The Five-Year Plan, a cornerstone of China’s governance model, serves as a comprehensive roadmap for achieving national goals, fostering innovation, and addressing key challenges. It plays a critical role in shaping policies, driving economic growth, and ensuring sustainable development. As China transitions to a new phase of planning, the focus remains on enhancing technological advancement, improving public welfare, and strengthening global competitiveness. This systematic approach underscores China’s commitment to long-term strategic vision and its ability to adapt to evolving global dynamics.