Welcome back, Kawan HI! What has been happening around the world this week? Countries have been pursuing their own agendas, and there is plenty for us to keep up with. Let’s take a look at seven international issues that made headlines this week!
In East Asia, relations between North Korea and China once again drew attention after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited China to inaugurate a new bridge connecting the two countries. During the meeting, Kim expressed his desire to strengthen bilateral ties and expand cooperation, particularly in trade, with China, North Korea’s key ally.
Meanwhile, South Korea proposed military talks with North Korea on Friday (23 October) to clarify the border between the two countries and prevent clashes along the frontier. The proposal came after a landmine explosion in September injured three South Korean soldiers. However, North Korea has yet to indicate its willingness to participate in the talks and has denied responsibility for the incident.
In Eurasia, Russian President Vladimir Putin approved plans to resume trilateral talks involving Russia, Ukraine, and the United States after 10 November 2026 to discuss post-war security. However, peace efforts remain hindered by differences in the two countries’ demands and continued attacks.
Meanwhile, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney visited Türkiye for a three-day trip. During his meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the two countries were set to discuss free trade and opportunities for cooperation in energy, critical minerals, and defence, aiming to expand economic ties amid rising protectionism in the United States.
In Central Asia, Uzbekistan announced 54 agreements and planned joint projects with the United States worth nearly US$12 billion. During a meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev discussed cooperation in trade, energy, critical minerals, and technology. Both countries also sought to increase investment in the railway, finance, agriculture, and healthcare sectors.
In the Asia-Pacific region, Japan and Peru are preparing for Peruvian President Keiko Fujimori’s visit to Japan in November, where she is expected to meet Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. The meeting will focus on economic security and energy supply stability to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.
In Southeast Asia, the Indonesian government postponed accepting foreign assistance to tackle forest and land fires. Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Dudung Abdurachman stated that Indonesia remained capable of handling the fires independently. Meanwhile, Singapore and Malaysia have expressed their readiness to help address the fires and resulting haze.
Source:
Aliakbarova, Rushanabonu. “Uzbekistan’s $12bn business drive gathers pace during Rubio visit”. Euro News. 20 Oktober 2026. https://www.euronews.com/2026/10/20/uzbekistans-12bn-business-drive-gathers-pace-during-rubio-visit.
“Arrangements underway for Peru president’s visit to Japan”. NHK World Japan. 24 Oktober 2026. https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/news/20261024de64936/.
“Indonesia holds off on foreign help to fight forest fires, says it can manage on its own”. CNA. 20 Oktober 2026. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/indonesia-haze-forest-fires-holds-malaysia-offer-help-6473751.
Lord, Craig. “Carney to make Turkey trip for 1st bilateral visit aimed at deepening ties”. Global News. 21 Oktober 2026. https://globalnews.ca/news/12111004/mark-carney-turkey-trip-nato/.
“North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visits China to inaugurate a new cross-border bridge”. NBC News. 24 Oktober 2026. https://www.nbcnews.com/world/north-korea/north-korean-leader-kim-jong-un-visits-china-inaugurate-new-cross-bord-rcna605386.
“Putin agrees to resume trilateral Russia-Ukraine-U.S. talks next month”. PBS News. 21 Oktober 2026. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/putin-agrees-to-resume-trilateral-russia-ukraine-u-s-talks-next-month.
Tong-Hyung, Kim. “South Korea proposes military talks with North Korea to calm rising border tensions”. AP News. 23 Oktober 2026. https://apnews.com/article/south-north-korea-border-mines-military-talks-9498c415c93ae9bc3767caf83e15b8b3.