In a gesture signaling a potential easing of recent tensions, U.S. President Donald Trump reached out to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to extend birthday wishes ahead of his 75th birthday. The phone call, made on Wednesday, comes after weeks of strained relations due to U.S. tariffs imposed on India for its purchase of Russian oil and weapons. Trump described the tariffs as partially punitive, while India defended its actions as necessary for domestic energy security, labeling the tariffs as unjust. The call followed recent discussions between U.S. trade negotiator Brendan Lynch and Indian commerce officials, aimed at resolving trade disputes and advancing a bilateral trade agreement. Both sides have described these talks as positive, though negotiations remain ongoing. Trump later praised Modi on social media, acknowledging his efforts in global diplomacy, particularly regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Modi reciprocated by referring to Trump as a friend and reaffirming their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties. Despite the recent friction, both leaders expressed optimism about the future of U.S.-India trade relations, with Modi highlighting their shared vision as natural partners. The call marks a notable step toward mending ties, even as Trump continues to advocate for higher tariffs on China and India to pressure Russia over the Ukraine war.
标签： Asia
亚洲
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The Global Governance Initiative supports the fulfillment of the UN’s mission
At the ‘Vision China’ event held at the United Nations headquarters in New York on September 15, Qu Yingpu, publisher and editor-in-chief of China Daily, emphasized the significance of the Global Governance Initiative. The event, themed ‘Standing United: Inheriting the UN Legacy, Advancing Global Governance,’ highlighted the initiative’s alignment with core principles such as sovereign equality, international rule of law, multilateralism, a people-centered approach, and tangible outcomes. Qu underscored that these principles provide Chinese wisdom and solutions to bolster global governance, particularly as unilateralism and power politics continue to undermine the UN and other multilateral institutions. The initiative aims to foster a more collaborative and effective global governance framework, addressing contemporary challenges while upholding the UN’s foundational values.
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Politicians get rich while we suffer – so I helped bring down our government in 48 hours
In a dramatic turn of events, Nepal’s Generation Z protesters managed to topple the government in less than 48 hours, but the triumph was marred by significant casualties and widespread destruction. The protests, which erupted last week, resulted in the deaths of 72 people, marking the deadliest unrest in the Himalayan nation in decades. Official buildings, political leaders’ residences, and luxury hotels, including the recently opened Hilton, were set ablaze, vandalized, and looted. The wife of a former prime minister is currently fighting for her life after their home was torched.
Tanuja Pandey, a 24-year-old environmental campaigner and one of the protest organizers, expressed a mix of pride and sorrow. ‘We are proud, but there is also a mixed baggage of trauma, regret, and anger,’ she said. The protests were a vehement rejection of Nepal’s political class, accused of decades of poor governance and exploitation of state resources, according to Ashish Pradhan, a senior adviser at the International Crisis Group. However, the damage to government services could parallel the toll of the 2015 earthquake, which claimed nearly 9,000 lives.
The financial losses are staggering, estimated at 3 trillion Nepalese rupees ($21.3 billion), nearly half of the country’s GDP. The Kathmandu Post, whose offices were also attacked, reported that at least 300 local government offices across the nation were damaged. The protests were fueled by deep-seated anger over inequality, with young Nepalis targeting the children of politicians, derogatorily referred to as ‘nepo babies,’ for flaunting their unexplained wealth on social media.
Ms. Pandey, who comes from a middle-class family in eastern Nepal, had previously uploaded a video highlighting the exploitation of natural resources in the Chure mountain range. She called for action against corruption and the misuse of national wealth. The protests, leaderless like many youth movements in Asia, gained momentum after the government banned 26 social media platforms, citing their failure to register locally.
The situation escalated on September 8, when thousands gathered at Maitighar Mandala in central Kathmandu. Initially peaceful, the protests turned violent as crowds moved towards the parliament building. Police responded with tear gas, water cannons, and live rounds, resulting in numerous casualties. The chaos continued the next day, with demonstrators setting fire to parliament, the prime minister’s office, and other government buildings.
In the aftermath, former Supreme Court Chief Justice Sushila Karki was appointed interim prime minister, backed by protesters. However, concerns remain about Nepal’s political future, with experts warning against the glorification of the army as a stabilizing force. The involvement of Durga Prasai, a controversial figure with a history of violent protests, in initial negotiations has also raised eyebrows.
Families of the deceased protesters are grappling with their loss. Yogendra Neupane, a 23-year-old aspiring civil servant, was shot in the back of the head near the parliament building. His family, unaware of his participation until the situation escalated, mourns his sacrifice. ‘His blood and sacrifice should be recognized so that other young people won’t have to hit the streets again in the future,’ said his great-uncle Saubhagya.
Ms. Pandey remains cautiously optimistic about Nepal’s future, viewing the protests as a political awakening for her generation. ‘We are no longer willing to stay silent or accept injustice,’ she declared. ‘This is not just a gentle nudge; it’s a bold challenge to a system that has hoarded power for decades.’
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US officers tied us up and pointed guns at us, South Korean engineers tell BBC
In a startling turn of events, over 300 South Korean workers were detained in Georgia, USA, in one of the largest immigration raids during Donald Trump’s presidency. The workers, employed by South Korean companies Hyundai and LG, were assisting in the construction of an electric car battery plant, a project aimed at boosting foreign investment in the US. The raid, which involved armed immigration officers, armored vehicles, and drones, left the workers shocked and terrified. Many were handcuffed, shackled, and transported to detention centers, where they endured harsh conditions, including freezing temperatures and unsanitary water. Initially, US officials claimed the workers were in the country illegally, but a subsequent agreement allowed them to leave voluntarily without penalties. The incident has strained US-South Korea relations, with South Korea investigating potential human rights violations. Despite the ordeal, some workers express a sense of resignation, as their livelihoods depend on their work in the US.
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Deal is done to keep TikTok in the US, says Trump
In a significant development, the United States and China have reached an agreement to ensure TikTok continues its operations in the US. President Donald Trump announced the deal, stating that he will confirm the details with Chinese President Xi Jinping during an upcoming call. TikTok, owned by Chinese company ByteDance, had faced the threat of a shutdown unless it sold its US operations. However, Trump has repeatedly postponed the ban since its initial announcement in January, with the latest extension pushing the deadline to December 16.
Under the negotiated deal, TikTok’s US business will be controlled by an investor consortium, including tech giant Oracle, private equity firm Silver Lake, and venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz. The new US entity will see American investors holding approximately 80% of the stake, with US nationals dominating the board, including one government-appointed member. US users will transition to a new app, currently in testing, which will utilize content-recommendation algorithms licensed from ByteDance—a key factor in TikTok’s success.
Oracle will maintain its existing agreement to host TikTok servers within the US, addressing concerns about data security. The deal is expected to be finalized within the next 30 to 45 days. Earlier, a US trade delegation in Madrid announced a ‘framework’ agreement with China, which China confirmed but emphasized that no deal would compromise its firms’ interests. Wang Jingtao, deputy head of China’s cyberspace administration, highlighted that the agreement includes licensing algorithms and intellectual property rights, subject to Chinese government approval.
Trump’s reversal on TikTok marks a shift from his initial stance during his first term, when he called for the app’s ban. The US Supreme Court upheld a 2024 law banning TikTok unless ByteDance sold its US operations, citing national security concerns. ByteDance has consistently denied sharing user data with the Chinese government, maintaining that its US operations are independent. The deadline for a sale has been extended four times, with the latest delay set to expire on December 16.
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Japan’s Koizumi, Hayashi run for leadership of ruling party
The race to lead Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has intensified as prominent figures officially announced their candidacies on Tuesday. The upcoming vote, scheduled for early October, aims to select a successor to outgoing Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who resigned following a series of electoral setbacks that have complicated the party’s leadership transition. Among the contenders is Shinjiro Koizumi, Japan’s Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, who confirmed his bid during a press conference. Koizumi, the son of former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, has garnered attention for his efforts to stabilize rice prices this year. Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato, who previously secured the fewest votes in last year’s leadership contest, has pledged to support Koizumi, emphasizing the need for party unity. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, Ishiba’s top spokesperson, also declared his candidacy on social media platform X, vowing to lead a government that balances stability and growth. Other notable candidates include former Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and former Economic Security Minister Takayuki Kobayashi, who outlined policy proposals ranging from temporary income-tax cuts to stricter immigration controls. Former Internal Affairs Minister Sanae Takaichi, a strong advocate for government stimulus and monetary easing, is expected to announce her candidacy soon, potentially making history as Japan’s first female leader. Media polls suggest Koizumi and Takaichi are the frontrunners in this highly competitive race. The LDP, which has dominated Japan’s post-war political landscape, faces additional challenges as it lost its majority in both houses of parliament during Ishiba’s tenure, complicating the selection of the next leader.
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Japan Q2 output gap biggest since 2019 after GDP revision, Cabinet Office says
TOKYO, Sept 16 (Reuters) – Japan’s output gap for the April-June quarter of 2024 has been revised upward to 0.3%, the highest level since the July-September period of 2019, according to the Cabinet Office. This adjustment follows the release of updated gross domestic product (GDP) data, which provided a more accurate reflection of the nation’s economic performance. Previously, the output gap was estimated at 0.1% based on preliminary GDP figures released last month. This marks the first positive output gap reading since the April-June quarter of 2023, signaling a potential recovery in Japan’s economic activity. The output gap, which measures the difference between actual and potential economic output, is a key indicator of economic health and inflationary pressures. A positive gap suggests that demand is outpacing supply, which could lead to increased inflationary pressures. The revision underscores the resilience of Japan’s economy amid global uncertainties and highlights the importance of accurate data in shaping economic policy. Analysts are closely monitoring the trend to assess its implications for future monetary and fiscal decisions.
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China is quietly saving the world from climate change
The People’s Republic of China remains the world’s largest contributor to environmental degradation, responsible for overfishing oceans, emitting harmful pollutants like mercury and nitrous oxide, and dumping plastic waste into marine ecosystems. Despite these challenges, China has made strides in addressing some of these issues. However, as the globe’s foremost manufacturing hub, it inevitably leads as the top polluter. China’s most significant environmental impact stems from its greenhouse gas emissions, primarily due to its heavy reliance on coal, which results in annual carbon emissions surpassing those of the United States and Europe combined. Even when accounting for offshored emissions, China’s carbon footprint remains alarmingly high, contributing to a rising share of global emissions. Decarbonization is imperative to combat climate change, with two primary pathways: economic degrowth and green energy adoption. While degrowth is not a viable option for China or other developing nations, the transition to green energy presents a feasible solution. The key to this transition lies in making renewable energy technologies, such as solar power and batteries, economically viable. Historically, cost reductions in these technologies were driven by research and development, but recent years have seen economies of scale play a dominant role. China has emerged as a global leader in scaling green technologies, heavily subsidizing solar panels, wind turbines, and electric vehicles. This strategic focus has not only helped plateau China’s emissions but also facilitated the export of green technologies to developing countries, enabling them to grow economically without exacerbating carbon emissions. While the United States has faltered in its climate commitments, China’s industrial policy and manufacturing prowess have positioned it as a pivotal player in the global fight against climate change. Despite criticisms of its governance, China’s efforts in making green energy affordable and accessible deserve recognition, offering a glimmer of hope in the battle against environmental degradation.
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Delhi’s toxic air is turning iconic Red Fort black – study
A groundbreaking study has revealed that severe air pollution in New Delhi is causing the formation of ‘black crusts’ on the walls of the Red Fort, a 17th-century Mughal-era monument and one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. The research, conducted between 2021 and 2023 by a team of Indian and Italian scientists, found that these crusts—deposits resulting from chemical interactions between pollutants and the fort’s red sandstone walls—range from 0.05mm to 0.5mm in thickness. If left unchecked, they could damage the fort’s intricate carvings and architectural elements. Published in the peer-reviewed journal Heritage in June, the study is the first to comprehensively analyze the impact of air pollution on this historic structure. Delhi, one of the world’s most polluted cities, frequently grapples with hazardous air quality, particularly during winter. The researchers identified particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) as primary contributors to the blackening and deterioration of the fort’s surfaces. They also observed blistering and flaking on the walls, warning that the phenomenon could worsen without timely conservation efforts. The study recommends applying stone protectives or sealants to highly affected areas to mitigate further damage. The Red Fort, built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, holds immense historical significance, having served as the site where India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, hoisted the national flag after independence in 1947. This alarming discovery echoes previous concerns about pollution’s impact on India’s heritage, such as the discoloration of the Taj Mahal.
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Explainer: Why South Korea cannot make the same US trade deal as Japan
Trade negotiations between South Korea and the United States have hit a roadblock due to concerns surrounding the foreign exchange implications of a $350 billion investment fund. The fund, part of an agreement reached with U.S. President Donald Trump in July, has sparked fears that the resulting dollar demand could overwhelm South Korea’s relatively small currency market, potentially destabilizing the won. South Korean officials have expressed reluctance to accept terms similar to those agreed upon by Japan, which finalized a $550 billion investment package earlier this month. Tokyo’s deal requires transferring funds within 45 days of project selection and evenly splitting free cash flows until an allocated amount is reached, after which 90% of proceeds go to the U.S. U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick emphasized that Seoul must either accept the same terms or face tariffs, leaving no room for negotiation. South Korea’s currency market, which remains tightly controlled since the 1997 financial crisis, is significantly smaller than Japan’s, with the won accounting for just 2% of global currency trade compared to the yen’s 17%. Market participants warn that the $40 billion annual demand from the state pension fund for overseas investments already strains the won, and the new package could add $100 billion annually from 2026 to 2028. Amid these challenges, South Korea is exploring the possibility of a bilateral currency swap line with the U.S. to mitigate potential foreign exchange pressures. Finance Minister Koo Yoon-cheol hinted at an upcoming announcement on foreign currency measures, while Presidential Policy Secretary Kim Yong-beom highlighted the yen’s international status and Japan’s unlimited swap line as advantages Seoul lacks. The U.S. Federal Reserve has previously established temporary swap lines with South Korea, including a $60 billion arrangement during the COVID-19 pandemic, which expired in December 2021. A renewed swap line could provide South Korea with much-needed stability as it navigates these complex trade negotiations.