Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s recent diplomatic achievements have been overshadowed by domestic challenges. During a high-profile meeting with US President Donald Trump in Kuala Lumpur in October 2025, Anwar secured a crucial tariff reduction on Malaysian exports to the US, from 24% to 19%. This deal, though lacking in finer details, provides much-needed stability for Malaysia’s export-driven economy. More significantly, Anwar orchestrated Trump’s attendance at the ASEAN summit, where the US president presided over a peace deal between Thailand and Cambodia—a fragile ceasefire brokered by Anwar after deadly border clashes earlier in the year. These diplomatic wins have bolstered Malaysia’s standing in the region, but critics argue that Anwar’s success was partly due to his role as ASEAN’s rotating chair. Domestically, Anwar faces mounting pressure. Rising living costs, slow economic reforms, and accusations of favoritism have fueled public discontent. In July 2025, 20,000 protesters took to the streets demanding his resignation. Additionally, his administration’s handling of religious tensions and corruption allegations has drawn criticism. Despite these challenges, Anwar’s international diplomacy has been commendable. He has navigated Malaysia’s position between the US and China, securing visits from both Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. However, his ability to replicate this success at home will determine his political survival as Malaysia heads toward the 2028 elections.
分类： politics
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Mamdani, AOC and Sanders rally huge crowd ahead of New York City mayoral election
Despite an unexpected dip in temperature during an otherwise warm October, over 13,000 enthusiastic supporters gathered at Forest Hills Stadium in Queens on Sunday evening to rally behind Democratic Socialist and New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani. The event, themed ‘New York is not for Sale,’ was held in anticipation of the upcoming mayoral election on November 4. The historic 1920s venue buzzed with excitement as attendees of diverse backgrounds and ages came together, reflecting the broad coalition Mamdani has cultivated. Queens, known for its cultural diversity, served as the perfect backdrop for this vibrant assembly. Among the speakers was NYC Comptroller Brad Lander, who humorously referred to himself as ‘your second choice in the primary.’ Lander praised Mamdani’s coalition-building efforts, urging the crowd to reject former governor Andrew Cuomo, who is running as an Independent. Cuomo, accused of sexual harassment and corruption during his tenure, has faced criticism for his handling of the pandemic and recent Islamophobic rhetoric. Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) and Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders also took the stage, delivering impassioned speeches. AOC emphasized the importance of affordable housing, decent wages, and healthcare, while Sanders highlighted the global significance of the election, warning against complacency and the dangers of oligarchy. Mamdani, who won the Democratic primary with 56% of the vote, concluded the rally with a powerful message of hope and determination, urging supporters to continue their efforts in the final days leading up to the election. Early voting has already seen significant turnout, with 164,000 ballots cast, matching the total from the 2021 early voting period. Despite Mamdani’s lead in the polls, recent data shows Cuomo narrowing the gap, setting the stage for a closely contested race.
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Wang, Rubio hold phone call to prepare ground for high-level engagements
In a significant diplomatic move, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a crucial phone conversation on Monday, laying the groundwork for upcoming high-level engagements between the two nations. Wang emphasized the importance of mutual efforts to foster bilateral relations and create favorable conditions for future exchanges. He highlighted the enduring respect and strategic rapport between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump, describing their relationship as a cornerstone of China-U.S. ties. The call preceded Xi’s visit to South Korea for the 32nd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting. Wang underscored the global implications of a stable and sustainable China-U.S. relationship, noting its significance for both nations and the international community. He also addressed recent challenges in economic and trade relations, referencing the fifth round of talks in Kuala Lumpur, where both sides reached a framework consensus on pressing trade issues. Wang stressed the importance of implementing head-of-state agreements and resolving differences through dialogue. Rubio echoed the sentiment, calling the U.S.-China relationship the world’s most critical bilateral partnership and expressing hope for positive international signals through high-level interactions.
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Chinese premier calls for openness, stronger alignment of development strategies
In a significant address at the 28th ASEAN Plus Three Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Chinese Premier Li Qiang emphasized the importance of openness, strategic alignment, and regional cooperation to navigate the complex global economic landscape. Premier Li highlighted the resilience and vitality of the East Asian economy, which has been one of the fastest-growing regions globally, creating numerous economic miracles over the decades. He stressed that the East Asian Miracle is not a relic of the past but a continuing narrative that requires sustained effort and collaboration. Li called for an environment conducive to regional development, urging parties to resolve differences through dialogue, uphold free trade, and oppose protectionism. He also emphasized the need to deepen industrial and supply chain collaboration, leverage respective strengths, and enhance connectivity and cooperation. The premier underscored the importance of scientific and technological innovation, advocating for joint research and the development of new growth drivers in areas such as the digital economy, electric vehicles, and clean energy. Other leaders at the summit echoed Li’s sentiments, emphasizing the need for solidarity, regional community, and commitment to openness and mutual benefit. They highlighted the importance of advancing cooperation in trade, investment, finance, food security, green economy, public health, climate change, and disaster mitigation. The summit, chaired by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, concluded with a reaffirmation of the commitment to regional peace, stability, and economic integration.
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AU renews calls for lifting of sanctions on Zimbabwe
The African Union (AU) has once again called for the immediate and unconditional removal of sanctions on Zimbabwe, emphasizing the detrimental impact these measures have had on the nation’s socio-economic development. Speaking during the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Anti-Sanctions Day on Saturday, AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf highlighted the prolonged suffering of Zimbabwe’s people and economy due to these ‘coercive measures.’ Youssouf underscored that the sanctions have severely restricted Zimbabwe’s access to international finance, deterred foreign direct investment, and increased the cost of doing business, thereby hindering regional progress. While the statement did not specify the countries imposing the sanctions, the United States has been a key enforcer since 2001 under the Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Act. Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, addressing the nation during Anti-Sanctions Day events in Harare, reiterated the country’s resilience in pursuing economic growth despite these ‘illegal sanctions.’ He argued that the sanctions were imposed as punishment for Zimbabwe’s assertion of sovereignty and its pursuit of equitable development. Mnangagwa pointed to progress in food security and agricultural self-sufficiency through climate-resilient programs but lamented the continued barriers to accessing global credit and financial markets. The AU has pledged unwavering support for Zimbabwe, vowing to mobilize international backing until the sanctions are fully lifted. Meanwhile, Zimbabwean civil society groups, such as Citizens Against Economic Sanctions, have echoed the call for the unconditional removal of these measures, emphasizing their ongoing negative impact on economic growth and social development.
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Venezuela moves to cancel energy agreements with Trinidad after US warship arrives at island nation
Venezuela’s Vice President Delcy Rodríguez announced on Monday that the country is considering terminating energy agreements with Trinidad and Tobago, citing what she described as “hostile” actions by the island nation. The decision comes in response to Trinidad’s hosting of the USS Gravely, a U.S. guided-missile destroyer, which arrived on Sunday to conduct joint naval exercises. Rodríguez, who also serves as Venezuela’s Minister of Hydrocarbons, accused Trinidad’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar of aligning with the U.S. “war-mongering agenda” and stated she would urge President Nicolás Maduro to withdraw from a 2015 agreement that facilitates joint natural gas exploration projects between the two nations. The narrow 7-mile (11-kilometer) bay separating the countries has been a focal point of cooperation, but recent developments have strained relations. Venezuela has condemned the U.S. military presence in the Caribbean as a threat to its sovereignty, alleging that the deployment of warships is part of a broader effort to destabilize Maduro’s government. Tensions have escalated further with the Trump administration’s recent announcement of deploying its largest aircraft carrier to the region, intensifying the geopolitical standoff.
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Judge seeks assurances that Abrego Garcia won’t be deported to Liberia in violation of court order
In a recent court hearing in Maryland, U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis sought assurances from the government that Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national, would not be deported to Liberia before she lifts an injunction preventing his removal. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) had announced plans to deport Abrego Garcia to Liberia as early as Friday, marking the latest in a series of African countries considered for his deportation. Abrego Garcia, who has lived in Maryland for years with his American wife and child, initially entered the U.S. illegally as a teenager. In 2019, an immigration judge granted him protection from deportation to El Salvador, where he faces a credible threat of gang violence. Earlier this year, his mistaken deportation to El Salvador, where he was detained in a notorious prison despite having no criminal record, sparked public outrage and led to his return to the U.S. in June. During the hearing, Judge Xinis questioned why the government is not deporting Abrego Garcia to Costa Rica, a country he is willing to go to, rather than Liberia. She noted the significant resources being expended in the legal battle over his deportation. Government attorneys did not provide a clear answer but indicated that details might be included in an upcoming court filing. Abrego Garcia’s attorney, Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg, expressed concerns about the assurances provided by the Liberian government, hinting that they might only agree to host him temporarily. The case highlights ongoing controversies over the Trump administration’s deportation agreements with third countries, which advocacy groups argue violate due process rights. Meanwhile, Abrego Garcia has applied for asylum in the U.S. and faces separate charges of human smuggling in Tennessee, which he denies.
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Ivory Coast president, 83, secures fourth term after two rivals barred
Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara has clinched a fourth term in office, according to provisional election results released on Monday. The 83-year-old leader secured a staggering 89.8% of the vote, while his closest competitor, businessman Jeal-Louis Billon, trailed far behind with just 3.09%. The election was marred by controversy, as two prominent opposition figures—former President Laurent Gbagbo and ex-Credit Suisse CEO Tidjane Thiam—were barred from running and subsequently called for a boycott. Voter turnout was notably low at 50.1%, reflecting widespread discontent. The opposition coalition, led by Gbagbo and Thiam, has labeled the election a ‘civilian coup d’etat’ and vowed not to recognize Ouattara’s victory. Ouattara first came to power in 2011 after Gbagbo was arrested for refusing to concede defeat in the 2010 election. Despite a constitutional two-term limit, a 2016 amendment allowed Ouattara to run again in 2020, a move that also faced opposition boycotts. The final results will be confirmed by the Constitutional Council after reviewing any election petitions.
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Compatriots from both sides of Taiwan Strait oppose external interference
In a powerful display of unity, compatriots from both sides of the Taiwan Strait gathered in Beijing on October 27, 2025, to commemorate the establishment of the Commemoration Day of Taiwan’s Restoration. The event, organized by the All-China Federation of Taiwan Compatriots, featured historical lectures, personal testimonies, and celebratory performances, marking the 80th anniversary of Taiwan’s return to China. Attendees unanimously reaffirmed that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China, condemning any claims of an ‘undetermined status of Taiwan’ and opposing external interference in the region. Ji Bin, vice-chairman of the federation, emphasized the significance of the National People’s Congress’s decision to designate October 25 as the Commemoration Day of Taiwan’s Restoration, underscoring the unshakable historical and legal fact of Taiwan’s belonging to China. Wang Shushen, a prominent Taiwan studies scholar, highlighted the event’s role in promoting cross-Strait relations and stability, while Wu Jung-yuan, chairperson of Taiwan’s Labor Party, noted growing dissatisfaction in Taiwan with the Democratic Progressive Party’s ‘anti-mainland’ agenda. Youth representative Chiu Ping-ju called for concrete actions to foster mutual understanding and cooperation across the Strait, reinforcing the shared commitment to national unity.
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Ex-deputy GM of key state-owned enterprise expelled from CPC for corruption
Lu Wenjun, the former deputy general manager of China First Heavy Industries, has been expelled from the Communist Party of China (CPC) and dismissed from public office following a thorough investigation into his serious disciplinary and legal violations. The CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Supervisory Commission disclosed this decision on Monday, highlighting the gravity of his misconduct. The investigation revealed that Lu had breached the Party’s political, organizational, and integrity disciplines, engaged in duty-related offenses, and was implicated in bribery. He was found to have accepted banquets that could have influenced his official duties, failed to report personal matters truthfully, and manipulated official appointments for personal gain. Additionally, Lu illegally accepted gifts and money, participated in power-for-money transactions, and used his position to secure benefits in business contracting, commission payments, and job adjustments, amassing significant illicit wealth. Despite the CPC’s intensified anti-corruption efforts post the 18th CPC National Congress, Lu continued his misconduct, leading to severe consequences. His expulsion from the Party and dismissal from office were accompanied by the confiscation of his illegal gains, with his criminal offenses referred to the procuratorial authorities for prosecution. China First Heavy Industries, established in 1954, is a pivotal state-owned enterprise in the heavy machinery sector, underscoring the importance of maintaining integrity in such key institutions.