标签： Asia

As the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting commenced in Gyeongju, South Korea, on October 31, 2025, Ong Tee Keat, president of the Belt and Road Initiative Caucus for the Asia-Pacific and former Malaysian transport minister, emphasized the forum’s pivotal role in fostering free trade and inclusive supply chain collaboration. Speaking at the event, Ong stressed that APEC should act as a beacon for global economic cooperation, steering clear of trade weaponization aimed at specific nations. He highlighted the importance of rebuilding resilient supply chains to ensure sustainable economic growth across the region. The meeting, attended by leaders from 21 member economies, focused on addressing challenges posed by geopolitical tensions and the lingering impacts of global disruptions. Ong’s remarks underscored the need for collective action to enhance regional integration and promote equitable development. The discussions also explored strategies to mitigate risks associated with supply chain fragmentation, emphasizing the role of technology and innovation in driving economic recovery. As APEC continues to evolve, its commitment to fostering inclusive and resilient trade networks remains critical to achieving long-term prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region.

Thailand’s Pheu Thai Party, one of the nation’s most prominent political factions, has elected Julapun Amornvivat as its new leader following the resignation of Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Paetongtarn stepped down last week after a court ruling in August removed her from the prime ministerial position due to an ethics violation related to a border dispute with Cambodia. Analysts suggest her departure was a strategic maneuver to protect the party from potential legal repercussions, potentially signaling the end of the Shinawatra family’s long-standing influence in Thai politics. Julapun, a former deputy finance minister and son of veteran politician Sompong Amornvivat, was chosen during a vote livestreamed on the party’s official Facebook page. He expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him by party members. Julapun, 50, has been instrumental in promoting Pheu Thai’s key policies, including a proposed 10,000-baht ($300) stimulus package and the legalization of casinos. Despite the leadership change, observers believe the party will continue to be influenced by Thaksin Shinawatra, who founded the party in the late 1990s and remains a central figure in Thai politics. Thaksin, currently serving a prison sentence for corruption, was ousted in a 2006 coup and spent over a decade in exile. The Shinawatra family has long been at odds with Thailand’s pro-military and pro-royalty elite, who view their populist policies as a challenge to the traditional social order.

In a significant move to enhance regional connectivity, the ‘Southbound Travel for Guangdong Vehicles’ plan was officially unveiled on Friday, allowing private car owners from Guangdong province to travel to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The initiative, announced by Guangdong’s provincial department of public security, aims to foster greater personnel exchanges and interaction between the two regions. The plan is structured in two phases: the first permits parking at Hong Kong border checkpoints, while the second allows vehicles to enter Hong Kong’s urban areas. Initially, the program will be available to residents of Guangzhou, Zhuhai, Jiangmen, and Zhongshan, with plans to expand to other Guangdong cities within six months. Starting November 1, eligible private car owners can apply for travel permits via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge. Approved vehicles will gain access to automated parking lots in border areas from November 15 and will be permitted to enter Hong Kong’s urban areas starting December 23. This initiative is expected to boost economic and cultural ties between Guangdong and Hong Kong, while also easing cross-border travel for residents.

On Friday, October 31, 2025, President Xi Jinping of China engaged in a significant bilateral meeting with Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. The encounter took place on the sidelines of the 32nd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Gyeongju, South Korea. This meeting underscores the ongoing diplomatic efforts between China and Thailand, two key players in the Asia-Pacific region. The discussions are expected to have focused on enhancing economic cooperation, regional stability, and mutual interests in the context of the APEC framework. Such high-level engagements are pivotal in fostering stronger ties and addressing shared challenges in the region.

The China Coast Guard (CCG) has escalated its law-enforcement activities in the territorial waters and adjacent areas surrounding Huangyan Island in the South China Sea. According to an official statement released on Friday, the CCG has been conducting rigorous patrols since early October to ensure compliance with national laws and regulations. These operations include tracking, monitoring, issuing radio warnings, and expelling vessels and aircraft engaged in illegal activities or provocations. The intensified patrols aim to strengthen management and control over the region, reaffirming China’s commitment to safeguarding its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. The move underscores China’s proactive stance in maintaining stability and security in the South China Sea, a strategically significant area.