分类： politics

In a comprehensive policy address delivered on September 17, 2025, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee outlined a series of measures aimed at revitalizing the city’s economy, enhancing public welfare, and reinforcing its status as a global hub. Speaking at the Legislative Council, Lee emphasized the government’s commitment to accelerating the development of the Northern Metropolis, a strategic area adjacent to Shenzhen, which is poised to become a new business and residential district accommodating approximately 2.5 million people. This initiative aligns with the broader Greater Bay Area project, which seeks to integrate Hong Kong, Macau, and nine Guangdong cities into a cohesive economic powerhouse. Lee also highlighted plans to establish an international gold trading market, expand the fintech sector, and promote green and sustainable finance. Additionally, the government aims to bolster the aviation industry by developing a sustainable fuel supply chain and attracting pharmaceutical companies to conduct clinical trials and advanced medical treatments in Hong Kong. On the social front, Lee pledged to improve housing conditions, increase worker incomes, enhance elderly care, and provide greater opportunities for young people. He also introduced measures to support pet-friendly businesses and incentivize childbirth through tax allowances. Despite the challenges posed by China’s economic slowdown and ongoing trade tensions with the U.S., Lee reaffirmed Hong Kong’s economic growth forecast of 2% to 3% for 2025, underscoring the city’s resilience and potential as a gateway for mainland enterprises seeking global expansion.

Taiwan has taken a significant step in strengthening its defense capabilities by unveiling its first missile jointly developed with a U.S. company. The Barracuda-500, an autonomous, low-cost cruise missile designed by U.S. defense technology startup Anduril Industries, was showcased at the Taipei Aerospace and Defence Technology Exhibition. This marks a pivotal moment in the growing defense collaboration between Taiwan and the United States, aimed at countering China’s escalating military threats. Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory, has been under increasing pressure from Beijing, including frequent military drills and incursions into its airspace and waters. President Lai Ching-te emphasized the importance of deepening security ties with the U.S., Taiwan’s primary international supporter and arms supplier. The National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST), which displayed the missile, plans to mass-produce it locally through technology transfer. The missile is designed for group attacks on warships, akin to exploding drones. NCSIST President Li Shih-chiang highlighted the goal of building a self-reliant defense system, with production costs kept below T$6.5 million per missile. Li also stressed Taiwan’s unique vulnerability, noting that unlike Ukraine, Taiwan cannot rely on neighboring countries for reinforcements in case of conflict. During the three-day trade show, NCSIST will sign two contracts and six Memorandums of Understanding with U.S. and Canadian companies. Taiwan aims to increase its defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2030, up from 3.3% next year, and seeks broader international support beyond the United States.

Han Hak-ja, the leader of the Unification Church, appeared before South Korean prosecutors on September 17, 2025, to face questioning over allegations of orchestrating bribery schemes involving the wife of ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol and a close political ally. The allegations, which Han has vehemently denied, claim she instructed the church to provide bribes to former First Lady Kim Keon Hee and lawmaker Kweon Seong-dong. Han arrived at the special prosecutor’s office in Seoul, where she underwent more than nine hours of interrogation before leaving in a wheelchair, surrounded by media. She firmly responded “No!” when asked if she had ordered the bribes. The Unification Church has also denied any involvement, calling the accusations “false information” and urging its members to pray for Han rather than hold public rallies. The case is part of a broader investigation into corruption during Yoon’s presidency, which has already led to the indictment of Kim Keon Hee and the detention of Kweon Seong-dong, who is accused of attempting to destroy evidence. Prosecutors have not yet considered issuing an arrest warrant for Han, citing her cooperation during questioning. The scandal has drawn significant attention, given the Unification Church’s controversial history and its global influence.

In a significant move to bolster regional security, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Papua New Guinea (PNG) Prime Minister James Marape convened in Port Moresby on September 16, 2025, to sign a defence communique. This development comes after the postponement of a more comprehensive mutual defence treaty, marking Australia’s second diplomatic challenge in the Pacific region this month. The communique underscores the shared commitment of both nations to enhance defence cooperation, with Marape emphasizing Australia as PNG’s preferred security partner. The treaty, once finalized, will elevate bilateral security ties to a level comparable to Australia’s alliance with the United States, marking the first new defence alliance for Australia in over seven decades. However, the signing of the treaty was delayed due to procedural hurdles within PNG’s cabinet, which failed to reach a quorum for endorsement. This setback follows Australia’s unsuccessful attempt to secure a $500 million security partnership with Vanuatu earlier in September. Amid these developments, Australia is actively countering China’s growing influence in the Pacific, particularly after China’s security pact with the Solomon Islands. Marape reassured that China played no role in delaying the treaty and announced plans for PNG’s Defence Minister to engage with key security partners, including China, the United States, and several Asian nations, to clarify the nature of the agreement. The communique reflects the mutual recognition that an armed attack on either nation would threaten the peace and security of both. Albanese expressed confidence in the treaty’s eventual signing, highlighting its strategic importance for regional stability. Analysts, however, question whether Marape has secured sufficient cabinet support to finalize the deal, adding pressure on both leaders to navigate the complexities of domestic and international politics.

In a strategic move to preserve its diplomatic ties with the United States and avoid escalating tensions with Israel, Japan has decided to postpone its recognition of a Palestinian state, according to a report by the Asahi newspaper. The decision, attributed to unnamed government sources, comes as several nations, including Britain, France, Canada, and Australia, have announced their intentions to recognize Palestinian statehood at the upcoming UN General Assembly. This collective stance has intensified international pressure on Israel regarding its actions in the region. The U.S. reportedly influenced Japan’s decision through multiple diplomatic channels, while France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot had strongly advocated for Japan to support Palestinian statehood. Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya stated that the government is conducting a ‘comprehensive assessment’ of the issue, considering the appropriate timing and modalities. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi echoed this sentiment, expressing a ‘grave sense of crisis’ over Israel’s ground assault on Gaza City and warning that the foundations of a two-state solution are at risk. Hayashi urged Israel to address the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza promptly. Despite voting in favor of a UN declaration advocating for tangible steps toward a two-state solution, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is expected to skip a key UN meeting on the matter. Within the G7, German and Italian officials have cautioned that immediate recognition of Palestine could be ‘counterproductive.’

Timor-Leste has reversed its controversial decision to provide lawmakers with free cars following widespread public outcry and protests. The plan, which sparked outrage among citizens, led to demonstrations in the capital, Dili, where protesters burned tires and set a government vehicle ablaze. Police responded with tear gas, but the government ultimately succumbed to public pressure and canceled the initiative on Tuesday. Despite this, protests persisted on Wednesday, with an estimated 2,000 demonstrators demanding further reforms, including the abolition of lifetime pensions for retired lawmakers. The unrest reflects broader discontent with perceived government excesses and inequality in the region. Lawmakers in Timor-Leste earn an annual salary of $36,000, over ten times the country’s average income of $3,000, exacerbating public frustration. Protest leader Cezario Cesar highlighted the disparity, stating, ‘People don’t have access to good education, water, and sanitation… we have a lack of facilities, but they’re still creating laws to benefit themselves.’ The protests have expanded beyond the car issue, with demonstrators calling for systemic changes to address corruption and inequality. Similar anti-government movements have recently emerged across Asia, including in Nepal and Indonesia, driven by anger at political elites and economic hardships. Timor-Leste, one of Southeast Asia’s youngest and poorest nations, remains a symbol of democratic resilience, with protests seen as a normal part of its political landscape.