标签： Asia

In a significant development, former U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had personally guaranteed India would cease purchasing Russian oil. This claim, yet to be verified by the Indian government, aligns with Trump’s broader strategy to exert pressure on Moscow to negotiate an end to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. ‘There will be no oil. He’s not buying oil,’ Trump stated, adding that the transition would not be immediate but would occur ‘within a short period of time.’ The Indian embassy in Washington has not yet commented on the matter. Trump has been vocal about his frustrations over the prolonged war in Ukraine, which began with Russia’s invasion nearly four years ago. He has increasingly criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin, labeling him as the main impediment to peace. Trump is scheduled to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday. India, the second-largest buyer of Russian oil after China, faced U.S. tariffs in August as part of Trump’s efforts to curb its economic ties with Russia.

The Japanese government has announced the postponement of an extraordinary parliamentary session initially slated for this week to elect a new prime minister. The session is now rescheduled for October 21, though the precise timing of the vote remains undecided. This delay comes amidst a backdrop of political maneuvering and uncertainty within Japan’s ruling and opposition parties. Sanae Takaichi, the newly elected leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), expressed determination to secure the premiership despite skepticism from some quarters. Takaichi’s path to the top job has been complicated by the withdrawal of the LDP’s junior coalition partner, Komeito, which cited dissatisfaction with the party’s handling of a political funding scandal. Komeito has declared it will not support Takaichi in the upcoming Diet vote. Meanwhile, opposition parties are actively strategizing to unite behind Democratic Party for the People (DPFP) leader Yuichiro Tamaki as their preferred candidate for prime minister. The LDP, which holds 196 seats in the House of Representatives and 100 in the House of Councillors, is navigating a fragmented political landscape. The election process will involve both chambers of parliament, with the lower house’s decision taking precedence in case of a tie. If no candidate secures a majority in the first round, a runoff will be held between the top two contenders.

China has called on the United States to address economic and trade issues through constructive dialogue and mutual respect, urging Washington to rectify its recent unilateral actions. The appeal was made by Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian during a press briefing on Wednesday, following accusations by US President Donald Trump that China had intentionally halted soybean imports from the US. Trump also threatened to impose restrictions on Chinese cooking oil exports. Lin emphasized that China’s approach to resolving trade disputes has always been consistent, advocating for discussions based on equality, respect, and mutual benefit. He warned that trade wars and tariff escalations are detrimental to both nations, stating, ‘There are no winners in a trade war or a tariff war, and such moves serve no one’s interests.’ Lin also addressed recent comments by US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, who suggested that additional 100% tariffs on Chinese exports could be implemented as early as November 1. Greer accused Chinese officials of making ‘contradictory statements’ regarding rare earth export controls. In response, Lin clarified that China’s export control measures are lawful and aimed at promoting global peace and stability, aligning with international norms. He criticized the US for its inconsistent approach, noting that while Washington claims to seek dialogue, it simultaneously threatens tariffs and introduces restrictive measures. ‘This is not the right way to engage with China,’ Lin concluded.

China has accused the United States of being the primary source of instability in the South China Sea, following Washington’s condemnation of Beijing’s alleged use of water cannons against Philippine vessels. The statement was made by Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian during a regular press briefing on Wednesday. Lin emphasized that any threats or provocations in the region would fail, asserting China’s commitment to safeguarding its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights. The US Department of State had earlier criticized China’s actions as ‘coercive and unlawful,’ claiming they undermine regional peace and violate commitments to peaceful dispute resolution. The US also reaffirmed that the US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty applies to any attacks on Philippine forces in the South China Sea. Lin countered by stating that the Philippines was the initial provocateur, violating China’s sovereignty and creating risks at sea. He criticized the US for ignoring these facts and attempting to threaten China by invoking the Mutual Defense Treaty. Lin concluded that the US actions reveal its intention to provoke confrontation and create chaos in the region, making it the biggest source of risk to regional stability.

The United Kingdom is positioning itself as a central figure in the post-war reconstruction of Gaza, with Middle East Minister Hamish Falconer spearheading a high-profile conference in London this week. The event aims to mobilize private finance for Gaza’s rebuilding efforts, drawing both support and sharp criticism from various quarters. The conference, held at the Foreign Office’s Wilton Park center, brought together representatives from businesses, civil society, and governments to coordinate reconstruction plans. However, the UK’s involvement has sparked outrage among opposition MPs, who accuse the government of enabling Israel’s actions in Gaza while now seeking to profit from its reconstruction. Critics, including former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, have condemned the initiative as morally reprehensible, arguing that it prioritizes corporate interests over Palestinian self-determination. Falconer, meanwhile, emphasized the UK’s commitment to a Palestinian-led recovery, highlighting Gaza’s economic potential and the need for a two-state solution. The conference also revealed tensions between the UK’s approach and the Trump-backed plan, which proposes a technocratic transitional authority for Gaza, potentially involving former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. Many MPs and analysts have called for Palestinian agency to be at the forefront of reconstruction efforts, urging the UK to prioritize justice and accountability over financial gain.