分类： politics

In a significant move to strengthen bilateral ties, the European Commission has outlined ambitious plans to deepen cooperation with India across multiple sectors, including defense, technology, and trade. This initiative comes despite ongoing tensions over India’s close relationship with Russia, particularly in light of increased Russian oil purchases by New Delhi following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The European Union and India are now in the final stages of negotiating a free trade agreement, with both parties aiming to conclude the deal by the end of 2025. The negotiations, which were relaunched in 2022, have gained momentum following the re-election of U.S. President Donald Trump, whose tariff policies have prompted both the EU and India to seek new alliances. EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas acknowledged the existence of ‘clear areas of disagreement’ but emphasized the bloc’s commitment to avoiding pushing India further into Russia’s sphere of influence. The EU’s vision document released on September 17 highlights plans for collaboration on investment protection, air transport, supply chain security, green hydrogen, decarbonization of heavy industry, and research and innovation. Additionally, the EU envisions a defense and security partnership with India, similar to those already established with Japan and South Korea, and joint projects in third countries, particularly in Africa and South Asia. Despite geopolitical complexities, the EU views India as a key partner in upholding the rules-based multilateral order and anticipates benefiting from India’s projected rise to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2030.

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.