A series of major events shaped the international political and economic landscape in late October 2025. From regional economic forums in East Asia to deepening humanitarian crises in Africa, the world is confronting dynamics that underscore the growing complexity of interstate relations and global challenges.
In the United States, the Senate rejected President Donald Trump’s global tariff policy for the third time in an effort to counter his trade agenda. In a 51–47 vote, four Republican senators sided with Democrats to end the national emergency that Trump had used to impose reciprocal tariffs of 10 to 50 percent on nearly all countries. However, the decision remains overshadowed by the president’s veto power, which can only be overturned by a two-thirds majority in Congress.
Meanwhile, the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit was held in Gyeongju, South Korea, from 27 October to 1 November 2025. Under the theme “Building a Sustainable Tomorrow: Connect, Innovate, Prosper,” the forum highlighted key issues such as sustainable development, digital innovation, and enhanced regional connectivity. The summit produced the Gyeongju Declaration, reaffirming member economies’ commitment to ensuring a more equitable distribution of the benefits of trade and investment amid global economic headwinds. Indonesian President Prabowo attended and delivered remarks at the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, emphasizing regional collaboration in navigating digital transitions, strengthening MSMEs, and bolstering food and demographic resilience.
As part of the APEC series, U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping signed an agreement in Busan on 30 October 2025. The deal aims to halt the escalation of the trade war and ease tensions in their strategic competition, marking their first direct meeting since 2019. The one-year agreement is expected to reduce global economic uncertainty stemming from U.S.–China rivalry.
Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis in Africa has worsened. The civil war in Sudan escalated once again, with thousands killed in a mass massacre by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) near El Fasher on 29 October. The RSF, which has seized control of almost all of Darfur, is consolidating its military grip, heightening fears of genocide against non-Arab groups. The United Nations reported that more than 250,000 civilians are trapped without logistical access and that 80 percent of health facilities have ceased to function, making it one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises today.
In Europe, the Netherlands inaugurated Rob Jetten as the youngest prime minister in the country’s history, replacing Dick Schoof. The centrist Democratic 66 (D66) party secured 90 percent of parliamentary support, defeating the Victory Party (PVV) led by far-right politician Geert Wilders, known for his anti-immigrant and anti-Islam stance.
Meanwhile in Latin America, Brazil experienced the deadliest anti-narcotics operation in its history. On 28 October 2025, Rio de Janeiro police deployed 2,500 personnel in a large-scale operation targeting the Comando Vermelho (Red Command) gang in the Penha and Alemão complexes. At least 132 people were killed, including four police officers, while 81 people were arrested, 42 rifles seized, and large quantities of narcotics confiscated. The operation drew widespread condemnation and was denounced as an act of extrajudicial killing by authorities.
In the Caribbean, Category 5 Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica and surrounding areas on 28 October, becoming the strongest storm ever recorded in the region with wind speeds reaching 295 kilometers per hour. At least seven people were reported dead, while thousands were evacuated amid widespread infrastructure damage.
Source:
“Badai Monster Melissa Terjang Negara Pulau ini, 7 Orang Tewas.” CNBC Indonesia. 29 October 2025. https://www.cnbcindonesia.com/news/20251029004200-4-680111/badai-monster-melissa-terjang-negara-pulau-ini-7-orang-tewas.
“Fakta-fakta Perang di Sudan, Penyebab hingga Ribuan Warga Dibantai.” CNN Indonesia. 2 November 2025. https://www.cnnindonesia.com/internasional/20251102123418-127-1290990/fakta-fakta-perang-di-sudan-penyebab-hingga-ribuan-warga-dibantai.
Desrochers, Daniel. “Senate rejects Trump’s global tariffs, the final vote in a series of rebukes.” Politico. 30 October 2025. https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2025/10/30/congress/senate-rejects-trumps-global-tariffs-00630111.
Febriari, Silvana. “KTT APEC 2025 Diikuti 21 Negara Anggota.” Metro TV News. 31 October 2025. https://www.metrotvnews.com/play/b3JCp1Aj-ktt-apec-2025-diikuti-21-negara-anggota.
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Leba, Elsa Emiria. “Rob Jetten Jadi PM Belanda Termuda.” Kompas. 1 November 2025. https://www.kompas.id/artikel/rob-jetten-resmi-jadi-pm-belanda-termuda.
Planasari, Sita. “Rio de Janeiro Berdarah: 132 Tewas dalam Operasi Narkoba Brasil.” Tempo. 30 October 2025. https://www.tempo.co/internasional/rio-de-janeiro-berdarah-132-tewas-dalam-operasi-narkoba-brasil-2084851.
Planasari, Sita. “Trump dan Xi Jinping Capai Kesepakatan, Cina Longgarkan Ekspor Logam Tanah Jarang.” Tempo. 30 October 2025. https://www.tempo.co/internasional/trump-dan-xi-jinping-capai-kesepakatan-cina-longgarkan-ekspor-logam-tanah-jarang-2084828.