分类： politics

Japan’s parliament is preparing to elect ultraconservative Sanae Takaichi as the nation’s first female prime minister on Tuesday, marking a historic moment in Japanese politics. This development follows a coalition agreement between her struggling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the right-wing Japan Innovation Party (JIP), a move that signals a further shift to the right for the governing bloc. Takaichi will succeed Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, whose resignation earlier Tuesday ended a three-month political vacuum triggered by the LDP’s devastating election loss in July. The alliance with JIP ensures Takaichi’s election, as the opposition remains fragmented. However, the coalition lacks a majority in both houses of parliament, raising concerns about the stability and longevity of her government. Takaichi emphasized the importance of political stability during Monday’s signing ceremony with JIP leader Hirofumi Yoshimura, stating that it is crucial for advancing economic and diplomatic measures. The coalition agreement reflects Takaichi’s hawkish and nationalistic views, which have drawn criticism from centrist and dovish factions. The LDP’s recent split with its longtime partner, the Buddhist-backed Komeito, has further complicated the political landscape. Once elected, Takaichi, a protégé of the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, is expected to pursue policies focused on strengthening Japan’s military and economy, as well as revising the country’s pacifist constitution. However, her government’s weak parliamentary position and her controversial stances on issues like gender equality, same-sex marriage, and Japan’s wartime history could hinder her ability to implement significant reforms. Takaichi’s premiership comes at a critical juncture, with pressing challenges such as rising prices and public frustration demanding immediate attention.

President Donald Trump is set to embark on a pivotal journey to Asia, aiming to address critical global economic issues and ease escalating trade tensions. The trip, which includes stops in Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea, is expected to culminate in a high-stakes meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The outcome of this meeting could significantly influence the future of the global economy, as both leaders grapple with ongoing trade disputes and tariff threats. Trump’s strategy of improvisation has yielded mixed results in his second term, with successes like the return of hostages in the Middle East but ongoing challenges in resolving conflicts in Ukraine and trade tensions with China. The lack of clarity surrounding Trump’s itinerary has added to the uncertainty, with analysts noting the absence of a clear Asia strategy from the administration. Despite this, some experts believe Trump’s approach is gaining traction, particularly in Japan and South Korea, where leaders are eager to solidify partnerships. The trip also offers an opportunity for Trump to showcase his peacemaking efforts, particularly in Southeast Asia, where Malaysia is hosting the Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit. However, concerns remain about the potential for a breakdown in talks with Xi, which could have far-reaching consequences for the international economy. As Trump prepares for his first trip to Asia in his second term, the stakes could not be higher, with the world watching closely to see if he can navigate these complex issues successfully.

A transformative milestone in global conflict resolution was achieved on Monday with the official launch of the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed) in Hong Kong. As the world’s first intergovernmental body exclusively focused on mediation, the IOMed aims to provide a cost-effective and collaborative alternative to traditional legal disputes, particularly benefiting developing economies and small businesses. The inauguration ceremony took place at the organization’s permanent headquarters in the historic Old Wan Chai Police Station, symbolizing Hong Kong’s emergence as a central hub for international mediation. Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu emphasized the city’s unique advantages under the ‘one country, two systems’ framework, including its robust legal system and world-class law schools. Lee also announced plans to host a global mediation summit in 2026 and expand facilities at the Hong Kong International Legal Service Building to support the IOMed’s operations. Teresa Cheng Yeuk-wah, the newly elected secretary-general, described the IOMed as a ‘global public good’ rooted in principles of equality, mutual respect, and understanding. Hua Chunying, China’s vice-minister of foreign affairs and chairperson of the IOMed Governing Council, highlighted the organization’s alignment with the global demand for peaceful dispute resolution. She underscored the IOMed’s commitment to affordability, accessibility, and efficiency, positioning it as a sustainable complement to existing international mechanisms. Representatives from Kenya, Dominica, and Venezuela praised the IOMed as a long-awaited platform for the Global South, offering a dedicated forum for governments, businesses, and investors to find common ground. The establishment of the IOMed marks the culmination of three years of development since its initial proposal, signaling a new era in global governance and conflict resolution.

Israel’s Knesset commenced its winter session on Monday, marking the final legislative period before the next general elections, tentatively set for October 2026. The session unfolded against a backdrop of escalating political tensions, with coalition lawmakers targeting the Supreme Court and judiciary, igniting fierce opposition from rival parties. Yair Lapid, leader of the centrist Yesh Atid party, declared during a parliamentary debate that Israel is grappling with its most severe political crisis in history, accusing the government of losing control. A pivotal issue on the agenda is whether to adhere to the scheduled election date or call for early polls, a decision Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has yet to finalize. The session is anticipated to be highly contentious, with several divisive bills poised for debate. Among them are proposals to extend Israeli sovereignty over the occupied West Bank, including one from National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir’s Jewish Power party and another from opposition leader Avigdor Lieberman, focusing on the settlement of Ma’ale Adumim. Other significant legislation includes a bill advocating the death penalty for convicted terrorists, championed by Ben Gvir, and measures addressing ultra-Orthodox military conscription exemptions, a topic that has sparked intense public discourse. Additionally, the government aims to advance a bill splitting the attorney general’s role, perceived as part of a broader effort to weaken the judiciary. These developments have reignited concerns over democratic principles and freedom of religion, with critics warning of potential overreach by the right-wing coalition.

In a landmark political development, Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the Japan Innovation Party have officially entered into a coalition agreement. The pact, signed by LDP leader Sanae Takaichi and Japan Innovation Party chief Hirofumi Yoshimura, was formalized during a joint press conference at the National Diet Building in Tokyo on October 20, 2025. This strategic alliance is expected to bolster Takaichi’s prospects in the imminent prime ministerial designation vote, positioning her to potentially become Japan’s first female prime minister. The coalition agreement encompasses a comprehensive policy agenda, emphasizing swift economic relief measures, constitutional amendments, and structural reforms. The decision to unite comes amid challenging domestic and international circumstances, with both parties committing to bridge ideological divides and foster a stable government to rejuvenate Japan. The collaboration will extend to the prime ministerial vote during the extraordinary Diet session scheduled for the following day. This political realignment follows the recent dissolution of the long-standing coalition between the LDP and Komeito, prompted by the latter’s dissatisfaction with the LDP’s handling of a high-profile political funds scandal. The move underscores the evolving dynamics within Japan’s political landscape as parties seek to navigate pressing national issues and restore public confidence.

In a significant diplomatic move, Israel permitted the departure of at least 66 Palestinians and Turkish citizens from the Gaza Strip earlier this month, following a formal request from Turkey. Among the group were 16 members of the family of the late Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, who was assassinated by Israel in July 2024. The arrangement, facilitated through bilateral negotiations, included 14 Turkish citizens and 40 close relatives of Turkish nationals, such as spouses, children, and parents. This decision aligns with the Gaza ceasefire agreement brokered in early October, where Turkey played a pivotal mediating role by engaging Hamas in negotiations. Notably, five of the Haniyeh family members were related to Turkish citizens, underscoring Turkey’s longstanding ties with Hamas leadership. Despite not hosting an official Hamas office, Turkey has been a frequent destination for the group’s leaders, who often travel between Qatar, Egypt, Lebanon, and Turkey. Israel’s decision to allow Haniyeh’s family to leave is particularly striking, given its military’s April 2024 airstrike that killed three of his sons and four grandchildren in Gaza. Analysts suggest this move reflects Israel’s broader strategy to ease tensions with Turkey, responding positively to Ankara’s diplomatic overtures. Since the ceasefire, Israeli media has adopted a more conciliatory tone toward Turkey, with prominent figures like Turkish intelligence chief İbrahim Kalin being praised for his empathy and efforts to rebuild ties. Israeli journalist Ben Caspit highlighted Israel’s forward-looking approach, while Uriel Lynn, president of the Federation of Israeli Chambers of Commerce, emphasized the importance of restoring relations with Turkey for regional stability and economic growth. Lynn noted the historical strength of trade, economic, and tourism ties between the two nations, advocating for a pragmatic foreign policy guided by prudence rather than political posturing.