Anger in Japan grows after US Marine is arrested over the killing of a woman on Okinawa A U.S. Marine's arrest on suspicion of robbing and killing a woman in Okinawa has sparked outrage in Japan The Independent UK · Oct 5
China responds to criticism after iconic US brand’s ‘morally bankrupt’ move to open first cafes in Xinjiang John Moolenaar, chair of an influential congressional committee on China, had said there was ‘no justifiable reason’ for Starbucks to operate in the region The Independent UK · Oct 5
South Korea blames North Korean mines for border blast injuries and demands apology South Korea’s military has concluded that North Korea planted mines that injured three South Korean soldiers at the border last month The Independent UK · Oct 5
View: India-China thaw faces major economic tests India and China are working to improve their diplomatic relations following past military tensions over border disputes. Recent measures include relaxed restrictions on foreign direct investment and increased export activity from India to China. However, India's reliance on Chinese imports for critical industries poses significant challenges. The unequal economic relationship… The Economic Times · Oct 5
FBI arrests California woman accused of spying on Taiwan president’s family for China The FBI has arrested a California woman at Los Angeles International Airport as she was preparing to leave the United States for China, accusing her of acting as an unregistered agent for Beijing and surveilling the family of Taiwan President Lai Ching-te. The Times of India · Oct 5
India may be best placed to fill a China-sized hole in fuel exports India could emerge as a key swing supplier of refined fuels as China suspends October exports, helped by recovering Middle Eastern crude imports and lower Indian fuel-export taxes. With large refining capacity and an export-oriented industry, Indian refiners may be able to step up diesel, petrol and jet-fuel shipments to… The Economic Times · Oct 5
India-US trade talks hit a plateau, with little room left to give or take, says Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman India and the US are currently negotiating a trade agreement aimed at expanding market access and addressing trade balance concerns. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman mentioned that both sides appear to have reached a plateau in negotiations. She indicated that further concessions may be challenging following rigorous discussions. Despite this, she… The Economic Times · Oct 5
EU, China to hold Beijing talks this week to avert trade war EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic is set to visit Beijing for crucial discussions regarding trade relations. As European leaders express concerns about unfair competition from Chinese industries, a potential trade war looms. The EU aims to reduce its significant trade deficit with China, which reached around 360 billion euros last… The Economic Times · Oct 5
EAM Jaishankar flags strategic autonomy, diaspora welfare at Raisina diplomacy forum S Jaishankar engaged with young diplomats at the Raisina Forum discussing India's expanding global influence and trade. He emphasized the importance of diaspora welfare and the responsibilities towards skilled professionals abroad. Additionally, he noted the evolving India-Africa partnership characterized by technological transfer and shared experiences. Jaishankar addressed challenges in foreign… The Economic Times · Oct 5
"You don't want it too hot...too good": S Jaishankar calls for a "Goldilocks scenario" to navigate US-China rivalry S Jaishankar emphasized the crucial role of emerging powers in the midst of escalating US-China tensions. He suggested a 'Goldilocks scenario' to achieve a balanced approach in the complex geopolitical landscape. Nations are increasingly prioritizing self-reliance and building strategic alliances over rigid alignments, as they evaluate their contributions to global… The Economic Times · Oct 4
As ‘world architecture’ changes, Jaishankar calls for middle powers to pool resources External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar called on emerging and middle powers to pool diplomatic, economic and technological resources as global alliances and institutions undergo change. Speaking at the Munich Leaders Meeting 2026, he identified peace and security, supply chains, healthcare, connectivity, climate action, defence, advanced manufacturing and space as key… The Economic Times · Oct 4
Shaktikanta Das, PM's Principal Secretary-2, says India within striking distance of 8% growth Shaktikanta Das highlighted India's impressive 7.8% GDP growth in the first quarter of the financial year. He emphasized the role of strong domestic demand and structural reforms in facilitating this growth. Das noted that enhanced governance and digital systems significantly contributed to economic stability and performance. The Economic Times · Oct 4
India, China better positioned for Hormuz disruptions; Russian oil purchases likely to continue: Former Singapore Foreign Minister India and China are better equipped to manage energy disruptions due to diverse sourcing and stockpiling. George Yeo emphasised India's ongoing purchase of Russian oil despite potential US pressure. He recommended India utilise open sources from China to develop its own technology capabilities. Yeo urged a pragmatic approach to India-China… The Economic Times · Oct 4
China-US clash over Xinjiang: Beijing hits back after US panel targets Starbucks China's foreign ministry has condemned a US congressional committee's criticism of Starbucks for opening stores in Xinjiang. The US claims genocide against the Uyghur minority in the region, which China denies vehemently. Despite the accusations, Starbucks intends to continue its business operations in Xinjiang. The company recently expanded through a… The Times of India · Oct 4
The Economic Times · Oct 3 Sanctions, tariffs turn into policy instruments, sometimes weaponised: P K Mishra P K Mishra highlighted the impact of geopolitical tensions on global markets and economic vulnerabilities. He mentioned that India is diversifying its energy imports to reduce vulnerabilities and ensure economic stability. The need for macroeconomic resilience through fiscal space and adequate foreign reserves was also emphasised. Mishra pointed out the…
The Economic Times · Oct 3 Canadian minister to lead 300-member Trade Mission to India this month Canada's Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu is leading a business delegation of 300 to India this month. This mission aims to explore various sectors for trade opportunities and strengthen bilateral relations. Negotiations for the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between India and Canada will resume soon. Both countries aim to increase bilateral…
France 24 · Oct 3 North Korea launches ballistic missile as tensions with Seoul grow over border mine blasts North Korea launched a ballistic missile Saturday morning from the Wonsan area on its east coast into the Sea of Japan, according to South Korea's military. The launch comes amid renewed tensions between Pyongyang and Seoul, with the latter demanding an apology for a blast that wounded three South Korean…
The Independent UK · Oct 2 North Korea test-fires missile as tensions grow over border mine blasts North Korea fired at least one ballistic missile toward the sea on Saturday, South Korea’s military said
The Economic Times · Oct 2 China widens military footprint with Laos air base China recently opened its first overseas air force base in Laos to enhance military training and influence. The base will train Laotian air force pilots and potentially house Chinese military assets. This move reflects China's ambition to expand its military presence beyond its borders. The facility could serve as a…
The Economic Times · Oct 2 Goyal at G20: India opposes making MFN conditional on WTO obligations Union Minister Piyush Goyal represented India at the G20 Trade Ministers' Meeting, emphasizing the importance of the Most-Favoured-Nation principle. He stated that equal trading terms are essential for both large and small traders. Goyal expressed India's commitment to addressing trade distortions through WTO-compliant measures and preserving developing countries' policy space…
The Guardian - UK · Oct 2 ‘Stand on the right side of history’: Starbucks urged to close stores in China’s Xinjiang US lawmakers say operating in region where Muslim minorities face mass detention is ‘morally bankrupt’
International Business Times UK · Oct 2 Pentagon Moves to Give Trump More Nuclear Options as US Rethinks Potential War With Russia or China The Pentagon is reviewing US nuclear strategy to expand President Trump's options in regional conflicts, while analysts warn limited nuclear weapons could increase escalation risks.
The Independent UK · Oct 2 Taiwan receives first advanced F16V fighter jets in milestone moment for its defence against Chinese invasion Aircraft arrived on Friday at Chihhang Air Base in Taitung after months of delays
The Times of India · Oct 2 US lawmaker urges Starbucks to close Xinjiang outlet in China over Uyghur oppression Moolenaar described Starbucks' decision to operate in Xinjiang as a "morally bankrupt decision", arguing that the company should not be doing business in a region where the US has accused Chinese authorities of widespread abuses against Uyghurs, a mainly Muslim ethnic group. "This is a shocking and morally bankrupt decision…
The Economic Times · Oct 2 Chinese work gathering pace on Antelope Reef in South China Sea, latest satellite images show Chinese construction at Antelope Reef is well underway, aiming to develop a significant military runway. Analysts project its completion by mid-2027, which would strengthen Beijing's military presence in the South China Sea. Satellite imagery reveals extensive ongoing work including grading and compacting the runway foundation. The base could significantly extend…