Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba emphasized the need for collective defense against rising threats from China and a growing Russia-North Korea alliance. He stated that no country can defend itself alone in the face of an increasingly complex regional security environment, which he described as the most severe since World War II. Ishiba highlighted China's efforts to unilaterally change the status quo in the East and South China Seas, North Korea's ballistic missile launches, and Russia's invasion of Ukraine, noting that North Korean soldiers are even training in Russia.
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/05/22/japan/politics/japan-ishiba-dsei-weapons-development/Israeli troops fired "warning shots" at a delegation of foreign diplomats visiting the occupied West Bank near Jenin, prompting outrage from nations backing Israel. The Palestinian Authority accused Israeli troops of deliberately shooting at the group, while the Israeli military said it regretted the incident and claimed the convoy strayed into a restricted zone.
https://www.jordantimes.com/news/region/outrage-israeli-shots-diplomats-tour-west-bankIndia Today reported that External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar accused Pakistan's leadership, particularly its Army Chief Gen Asim Munir, of being driven by an "extreme religious outlook" following a deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam. The attack, which left 26 civilians dead, mostly tourists, was carried out by Pakistan-backed terrorists who targeted victims based on their Hindu faith.
https://indiatoday.in/india/story/pak-leadership-especially-the-army-chief-is-driven-by-extreme-religious-outlook-jaishankar-to-dutch-channel-2728568-2025-05-22The Arab-German Forum is a two-day event that brings together decision-makers and business leaders from across the Arab world and Germany to explore economic cooperation opportunities. Organized by the Arab-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in collaboration with various chambers and embassies, the forum focuses on forward-looking themes such as smart city development, AI-driven diversification, and sustainable solutions. Jordan's JCC President Khalil Haj Tawfiq emphasized the importance of boosting ties with Germany, highlighting the value of public-private sector engagement to enhance joint development efforts. Trade between Germany and Arab countries reached 62 billion euros in 2023, with Jordan aiming to expand its commercial presence in the German market, particularly in high-potential sectors like apparel and pharmaceuticals.
https://www.jordantimes.com/news/business/jordan-participates-28th-arab-german-business-forum-berlinUK Prime Minister Keir Starmer attempted to build ties with Donald Trump during a White House meeting in February, amid concerns that the US leader might favor Russia's position on its three-year war in Ukraine. To strengthen their relationship, Starmer presented Trump with an invitation from King Charles III for an unprecedented second state visit by a US president.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/05/22/world/americas-emea/deference-and-disputes-how-leaders-get-on-with-trump/2118891A North Korean warship has been damaged during its launch ceremony, attended by Kim Jong Un, in a significant escalation of tensions between the US and North Korea. The incident occurred at a naval base in North Korea, where the warship was being unveiled to the public for the first time. The damage is believed to have been caused by an explosion or fire, although the exact cause is still unknown. The event has raised concerns about the stability of North Korea's military capabilities and the potential for further conflict with the US and its allies.
https://www.livemint.com/news/world/new-north-korea-warship-damaged-at-its-launch-ceremony-attended-by-kim-jong-un-11747886803083.htmlSouth Korea's next leader, Kim, has emphasized the importance of regulatory reform in an economic overhaul, despite his background as a former labour activist. As the country navigates its relationships with key allies and trading partners, including Washington and Beijing, and potential new tariff deal with the US under Trump, Lee, a front-runner for the presidency, prioritizes national interests over swift action with the White House.
https://www.gulftoday.ae/opinion/2025/05/21/south-korea-vote-who-will-run-asias-4th-largest-economySouth Korea's economy is expected to experience its lowest growth rate among major economies, with a forecasted growth rate below 1% for 2025. The country's economic growth has been impacted by ongoing tariff uncertainties and trade tensions between the US and China. However, recent developments such as the 90-day suspension of reciprocal tariffs by the US have led to a revision in Korea's economic growth forecast, with economist Kathleen Oh citing this as a key factor behind the adjustment.
https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-05-22/business/economy/Morgan-Stanley-raises-Koreas-growth-outlook-to-11/2313514Korea's exports to the US and China are likely to decline further due to ongoing tariff measures. In the first 20 days of May, Korea's exports decreased by 2.4%. The US has been using tariffs to reduce its trade deficit and bolster domestic manufacturing, with a focus on semiconductors and memory chips. Korea's Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy warned that import restrictive measures could disrupt the balance between the two countries' economic partnerships, potentially weakening the US semiconductor industry and economy.
https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-05-22/business/economy/Korea-Japan-Taiwan-highlight-potential-US-chip-tariff-pitfalls-call-for-rethinking-new-levies/2313200