ASIA PACIFIC ECONOMIC COOPERATION
PM in Manila: Aligning act east, Indo-Pacific & MAHASAGAR policies
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Manila for the ASEAN Summit, focusing on strengthening India's partnerships. The growing competition in the Indo-Pacific requires ASEAN countries to seek reliable collaborations with India. Maritime cooperation, educational exchanges, and renewable energy initiatives are critical areas for future collaboration.
Donald Trump, Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin plan unprecedented joint meeting on APEC sidelines, White House and Kremlin say
Trump has warmly embraced Xi after coming to a truce in their short-lived trade war last year and in spite of differences over the U.S. war with Iran and other tensions between the world's foremost economic powers. Similarly, Trump has sought to build his relationship with Putin, even as the Russian leader has persisted in his nearly 5-year-old war with Ukraine and as Moscow has deepened its military, intelligence and diplomatic partnership with Iran.
A new Yalta? Why a Trump-Xi-Putin meeting has the world on edge
Negotiations are ongoing for a potential meeting of world leaders Trump, Xi, and Putin next week. These leaders have different priorities, leading to uncertainty about the meeting's agenda and outcomes. While Trump hopes to discuss nuclear arms control, Xi is more reticent about this topic. Smaller nations, including Ukraine and Taiwan, express concern over a possible private agreement among the major powers.
With shifting Iran rhetoric following US elections, Trump leaves Mideast in limbo about path ahead
President Donald Trump has made ambiguous statements about the Iran war after the midterm elections. He acknowledged the conflict's impact on Republican losses and stated that military action is unlikely. Trump's comments have raised uncertainty among Middle Eastern diplomats regarding ongoing negotiations led by Qatar. Iran remains unwilling to engage in talks without certain conditions being met. The situation continues to evolve with each unpredictable comment from the president.
US, India, Japan and Australia leaders to meet in Manila on Tuesday; shipping security on agenda
Leaders from the US, Japan, Australia, and India will meet in Manila for the Quad summit. This summit comes after a two-year hiatus and follows the recent ASEAN summit. The agenda will likely include discussions on critical minerals and securing commercial shipping lanes. Additionally, they will address threats to commercial ships in international waters. This meeting is seen as a response to China's expanding influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
Trump, Xi and Putin plan an unprecedented joint meeting on the sidelines of APEC, White House says
The three leaders may meet during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. This unprecedented summit is expected to focus on nuclear arms discussions and regional tensions. While no significant agreements are anticipated, the meeting symbolises their ongoing diplomatic engagements.
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Nvidia scandal looms over US-China AI talks
AI bots going rogue and humans using the technology for harm will likely be on the agenda when Donald Trump and Xi Jinping meet next week, with the Nvidia scandal hanging over the talks on AI safety. But the scandal is unlikely to "dominate the agenda" or affect Trump and Xi's personal relationship, predicted Dylan Loh of Singapore's Nanyang Technological University.

Trump is taking Elon Musk on his Asia trip, but he plans to avoid talking about Nvidia scandal
US President Donald Trump will travel to the Philippines and China with Elon Musk for important diplomatic meetings. In Manila, he intends to sign a trade deal with Thailand and meet with Southeast Asian leaders. Trump's agenda includes discussions about trade measures and export controls related to advanced computer chips. A trilateral meeting with Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin is also scheduled during this trip.

Trump not expected to raise Alice Huang case with China's Xi, US officials say
Donald Trump is set to meet with Xi Jinping next week during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in China. Recently, Jensen Huang resigned as CEO of Nvidia amid allegations involving Alice Huang and potential national security concerns. The US Justice Department has not concluded any investigation regarding Alice Huang's affiliations with the Chinese government. Trump is not expected to raise the allegations during his meeting with Xi.

Your next flight could cost more even if oil prices fall: Here's what is changing
Airlines face challenges that could prevent ticket price reductions despite falling oil prices and rising fuel costs. These challenges include aircraft maintenance expenses and delays in aircraft deliveries, which add to overall operational costs. Airlines are managing ticket prices carefully to balance their revenue recovery with passengers' price sensitivities. Consequently, travelers should remain aware of total travel costs, including various surcharges and fees.

Airlines' grouping AAPA calls for government support amid surging fuel prices, operational costs
The Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) -- which represents 18 carriers, including Air India -- has also called for having government leadership during the sustainability transition amid challenges related to using Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) for decarbonisation.

Microsoft says services being gradually restored in Asia Pacific
Microsoft said it was seeing improvements in mailbox access and delayed email processing, but some users may continue to experience intermittent issues. Its focus is now on extending the recovery actions to affected infrastructure in other regions and on reducing email queues and backlogs, it said.

South Korea says Nvidia will keep GPU pledges after Huang's resignation
The Minister of Science and ICT of South Korea has confirmed that Nvidia will supply 260,000 GPUs as part of a commitment made during last year's APEC meetings. Despite Jensen Huang's resignation, Minister Bae Kyung-hoon emphasized that the deal remains in place. This partnership aims to leverage joint efforts in AI chips, infrastructure enhancement, and talent cultivation, reinforcing advancements in artificial intelligence across the region.

Five facts about APEC with Trump, Putin and Xi set to attend
A summit featuring leaders from the US, China, and Russia is scheduled for next week in Shenzhen. This event marks the third time China hosts the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting since 2001. Many key global issues including trade, energy security, and geopolitical tensions will likely be discussed. Attendances include notable leaders from Australia, Canada, and several Asian nations, while Taiwan will send its envoy.

What is ASEAN and why does the bloc matter amid global tensions?
Major powers will join a summit next week of Southeast Asian nations hosted by the Philippines against one of the most complex backdrops for the regional bloc, from the Iran war that has battered economies to the growing US-China rivalry.

ASEAN to launch joint oil product stockpiling scheme as early as 2027, Nikkei reports
In a move to bolster regional energy security, ASEAN nations plan to roll out a collective oil stockpiling project by 2027. This initiative will establish crucial storage locations in Indonesia and Thailand, enabling member states to share resources. Initially, during emergencies, the Philippines will access diesel and gasoline from these shared reserves.

US and China should stay clear-eyed on AI cooperation and competition, Scott Bessent says
The United States and China should harbor no illusions about their differences on artificial intelligence as they navigate cooperation to mitigate the technology's risks while competing for AI supremacy, US Treasury Secretary Scott

India drawing up list of export snags in South Asia
India is identifying regulatory and market-access barriers in seven South Asian countries to expand exports and reach its $1-trillion target. Merchandise exports to these markets fell 1.3% to $25.7 billion in FY26. The government is examining certification delays, tariffs and product standards while exploring opportunities in chemicals, pharmaceuticals and textiles.

Global credit conditions to weaken next year: Moody's
Moody’s Ratings expects global credit conditions to weaken in 2027 as higher financing costs and elevated energy prices create pressure across sectors, even as major economies continue to grow. The agency said tariffs, regulation, export controls and strategic government investment will increasingly shape credit risks, trade and capital allocation. Higher refinancing costs are likely to weigh on highly leveraged borrowers and those facing near-term maturities, while banks and life insurers could benefit from higher rates.

China's trade surplus surpasses $1 trillion for a 2nd straight year, as exports surge 35%
Exports in October surged 35.2% from a year earlier, the customs agency said. Exports have grown rapidly this year, supported by high-tech goods like semiconductors and autos.

China’s trade surplus tops $1 trillion for second straight year as exports surge
China's trade surplus reached $1.04 trillion in January-October, crossing $1 trillion for a second consecutive year. October exports rose 35.2% year-on-year, while imports grew 41.6%, narrowing the monthly surplus to $105.3 billion. Strong overseas demand is supporting exports, but weak domestic consumption and rising trade tensions pose risks to the outlook.

China's trade surplus surpasses USD 1 trillion for 2nd straight year, as exports surge 35 per cent
China's trade surplus has surpassed USD 1 trillion for the second consecutive year as exports continue to rise significantly. Imports increased sharply in October, contributing to a narrowing of the monthly surplus. The trade situation presents challenges as domestic demand remains sluggish while foreign competition intensifies. Trade discussions are anticipated between the leaders of the US and China amid ongoing global trade tensions.

Between the chip and the slip: Honeytrap suspicions further sours ties between US and China
Nvidia's CEO Jensen Huang is being investigated for having an alleged affair with a potential Chinese intelligence agent. This individual reportedly sought to gather information about Nvidia's advanced technology. Nvidia's board has launched an independent probe to examine the allegations against Huang. US lawmakers are demanding a briefing on the matter amid heightened concerns over national security.

AI investment cycle may have peaked, Jefferies warns; raises India allocation to 14%
According to a recent Jefferies report, global investment in artificial intelligence appears to be facing a mid-cycle correction. Although US tech giants have ramped up their capital spending, there are growing concerns regarding both financing and profitability. This situation may adversely impact US economic growth. Investors are advised to explore opportunities outside the AI realm, especially in healthcare and biotechnology sectors.

Delhi-NCR among APAC's top office markets as prime rents rise 5.4%; occupancy costs rank seventh
Delhi-NCR has emerged as a key player in the Asia-Pacific office market, marked by a notable 5.4% rise in prime office rents yearly by Q3 2026. This uptick showcases persistent demand in the region, which ranks seventh in occupancy costs among major markets. While overall office leasing has declined, the focus on enhancing workplace quality continues to lead rental rates upward, underscoring its significance for boosting productivity.

China confirms discussions are underway on a historic Xi-Trump-Putin meeting
Beijing has officially indicated it is coordinating a meeting between the leaders of China, the U.S., and Russia. This historic gathering may take place in Shenzhen later this month during a regional summit. Experts suggest the discussions will likely be superficial and primarily focused on optics rather than substantive issues. Both the U.S. and China are dealing with ongoing trade tensions and disagreements over multiple topics.

900-year-old book records Kashmir's kings and their wars, now earns UN recognisition along with Mahabharata and Chanakya's Arthashastra
UNESCO has added Kalhana's Rajatarangini, the Mahabharata and Kautilya's Arthashastra to its Memory of the World Regional Register for Asia and the Pacific. The decision was taken at the committee's 11th session in Jakarta, taking India's total regional inscriptions to six, following three recognitions in 2024.

Chinese President Xi Jinping likely to skip ASEAN Summit in Manila: Report
The Philippines' Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) shared this information on Wednesday while responding to reports about Xi's expected absence from the annual summit, which the Philippines is hosting this year.

Germany's Merz says EU to shape better offer as global trade order comes under pressure
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has stated that the European Union will lead in shaping free trade offers. He highlighted the significance of international trade for many countries in terms of prosperity. During his Asia tour, Merz met with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung to enhance security partnerships. There were agreements signed between South Korean and German companies to support various sectors.
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