China
🇨🇳 After a deadly car attack in Zhuhai that killed 35, Chinese authorities quickly removed a makeshift memorial amid tight censorship and online outrage. State media avoided coverage, focusing on President Xi’s APEC trip instead. Government’s slow response and tight control have sparked criticism.
🇨🇳 China condemned the Philippines’ new maritime laws defining its sea boundaries, claiming they infringe on China’s South China Sea “sovereignty.” Beijing, asserting nearly total control over the sea, vowed to protect its interests, emphasizing control over contested areas like Scarborough Shoal.
🇯🇵 Japanese PM Ishiba faces a parliamentary vote after his coalition lost its majority, risking a fragile minority government amid rising tensions with China and North Korea, economic challenges, and a resurgent Trump. With a potential runoff and no clear majority, Ishiba’s leadership uncertain.
🇨🇳 China extended congratulations to Trump on his election win, calling for a “pragmatic” approach to ease U.S.-China tensions amid looming tariff threats. While state media sees an opportunity to reset ties, China faces significant risks if Trump imposes 60% tariffs.
🇺🇸 Trump’s return could shake global oil markets as he tightens Iran sanctions, yet faces hurdles with China’s defiance. Analysts say a clampdown on Iran might boost prices, but U.S.-China trade tensions and potential easing of Russian oil sanctions could counterbalance.
🇺🇸 US reveals intel showing 8,000 North Korean troops stationed in Russia’s Kursk region - Moscow silent on direct question at UN, while US and China clash over Beijing’s alleged support for Russia’s subpar defense industry.
🇨🇳 Michigan sophomore faces serious legal consequences after allegedly committing voter fraud in 2024 election - case exposes both robust detection systems and ballot retrieval impossibility, stirring debate on citizenship verification in politically charged swing state.
🇪🇺 EU slaps massive 45% tariffs on Chinese EVs despite German opposition, sparking fears of economic cold war. Beijing retaliates with probes into EU brandy, dairy, and pork as Chinese EV makers rush final shipments before deadline.
🇨🇳 Chinese hackers infiltrated US telecom networks to spy on high-profile targets: Trump family members, Biden officials, and top Democrats including Chuck Schumer exposed. “Salt Typhoon” group gained access to sensitive federal wiretapping systems.
🇨🇳 Shanghai police crackdown on Halloween celebrations, arresting costumed revelers and forcing makeup removal. Heightened response follows last year’s mockery of CCP policies through surveillance camera and Covid tester costumes. Business owners forced to sign “no costume” pledges.
🇺🇦 Ukraine’s bid to blacklist Russia at FATF was blocked by China, India, and others, despite Kyiv’s warning that Moscow threatens global financial security. Ukraine called out Russia’s ties to sanctioned states like Iran and North Korea, but key nations opted for more evidence over immediate action.
🇺🇸 In response to China’s hypersonic missile advances, the U.S. Navy plans to arm its ships with Patriot PAC-3 missiles, aiming to counter Beijing’s rapidly modernizing arsenal. This strategic upgrade signals growing fears over the Indo-Pacific’s security landscape and the need to fortify defenses.
🇺🇸 Chinese-controlled bots are targeting U.S. down-ballot races in Alabama, Texas, and Tennessee, spreading antisemitic messages and false corruption claims against lawmakers including Senators Marco Rubio and Marsha Blackburn.
🇺🇸 US intel warns Russia, China, and Iran plot to inflame post-election chaos with AI-generated disinfo and potential violence, as Harris leads Trump 46-43% in latest poll. Foreign actors seen targeting swing states through sophisticated social media ops.
🇰🇵 North Korea, hardly known for respecting international law, denounces US-led sanctions team as “unlawful,” escalating tensions. With NK’s military ties to Russia growing amid accusations of sending troops to Ukraine, Washington, Seoul, and Tokyo remain on alert.