标签： Asia

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s recent diplomatic achievements have been overshadowed by domestic challenges. During a high-profile meeting with US President Donald Trump in Kuala Lumpur in October 2025, Anwar secured a crucial tariff reduction on Malaysian exports to the US, from 24% to 19%. This deal, though lacking in finer details, provides much-needed stability for Malaysia’s export-driven economy. More significantly, Anwar orchestrated Trump’s attendance at the ASEAN summit, where the US president presided over a peace deal between Thailand and Cambodia—a fragile ceasefire brokered by Anwar after deadly border clashes earlier in the year. These diplomatic wins have bolstered Malaysia’s standing in the region, but critics argue that Anwar’s success was partly due to his role as ASEAN’s rotating chair. Domestically, Anwar faces mounting pressure. Rising living costs, slow economic reforms, and accusations of favoritism have fueled public discontent. In July 2025, 20,000 protesters took to the streets demanding his resignation. Additionally, his administration’s handling of religious tensions and corruption allegations has drawn criticism. Despite these challenges, Anwar’s international diplomacy has been commendable. He has navigated Malaysia’s position between the US and China, securing visits from both Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. However, his ability to replicate this success at home will determine his political survival as Malaysia heads toward the 2028 elections.

Despite an unexpected dip in temperature during an otherwise warm October, over 13,000 enthusiastic supporters gathered at Forest Hills Stadium in Queens on Sunday evening to rally behind Democratic Socialist and New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani. The event, themed ‘New York is not for Sale,’ was held in anticipation of the upcoming mayoral election on November 4. The historic 1920s venue buzzed with excitement as attendees of diverse backgrounds and ages came together, reflecting the broad coalition Mamdani has cultivated. Queens, known for its cultural diversity, served as the perfect backdrop for this vibrant assembly. Among the speakers was NYC Comptroller Brad Lander, who humorously referred to himself as ‘your second choice in the primary.’ Lander praised Mamdani’s coalition-building efforts, urging the crowd to reject former governor Andrew Cuomo, who is running as an Independent. Cuomo, accused of sexual harassment and corruption during his tenure, has faced criticism for his handling of the pandemic and recent Islamophobic rhetoric. Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) and Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders also took the stage, delivering impassioned speeches. AOC emphasized the importance of affordable housing, decent wages, and healthcare, while Sanders highlighted the global significance of the election, warning against complacency and the dangers of oligarchy. Mamdani, who won the Democratic primary with 56% of the vote, concluded the rally with a powerful message of hope and determination, urging supporters to continue their efforts in the final days leading up to the election. Early voting has already seen significant turnout, with 164,000 ballots cast, matching the total from the 2021 early voting period. Despite Mamdani’s lead in the polls, recent data shows Cuomo narrowing the gap, setting the stage for a closely contested race.

In a significant diplomatic move, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a crucial phone conversation on Monday, laying the groundwork for upcoming high-level engagements between the two nations. Wang emphasized the importance of mutual efforts to foster bilateral relations and create favorable conditions for future exchanges. He highlighted the enduring respect and strategic rapport between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump, describing their relationship as a cornerstone of China-U.S. ties. The call preceded Xi’s visit to South Korea for the 32nd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting. Wang underscored the global implications of a stable and sustainable China-U.S. relationship, noting its significance for both nations and the international community. He also addressed recent challenges in economic and trade relations, referencing the fifth round of talks in Kuala Lumpur, where both sides reached a framework consensus on pressing trade issues. Wang stressed the importance of implementing head-of-state agreements and resolving differences through dialogue. Rubio echoed the sentiment, calling the U.S.-China relationship the world’s most critical bilateral partnership and expressing hope for positive international signals through high-level interactions.

In a significant address at the 28th ASEAN Plus Three Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Chinese Premier Li Qiang emphasized the importance of openness, strategic alignment, and regional cooperation to navigate the complex global economic landscape. Premier Li highlighted the resilience and vitality of the East Asian economy, which has been one of the fastest-growing regions globally, creating numerous economic miracles over the decades. He stressed that the East Asian Miracle is not a relic of the past but a continuing narrative that requires sustained effort and collaboration. Li called for an environment conducive to regional development, urging parties to resolve differences through dialogue, uphold free trade, and oppose protectionism. He also emphasized the need to deepen industrial and supply chain collaboration, leverage respective strengths, and enhance connectivity and cooperation. The premier underscored the importance of scientific and technological innovation, advocating for joint research and the development of new growth drivers in areas such as the digital economy, electric vehicles, and clean energy. Other leaders at the summit echoed Li’s sentiments, emphasizing the need for solidarity, regional community, and commitment to openness and mutual benefit. They highlighted the importance of advancing cooperation in trade, investment, finance, food security, green economy, public health, climate change, and disaster mitigation. The summit, chaired by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, concluded with a reaffirmation of the commitment to regional peace, stability, and economic integration.