25-11-2025

Tensions Rise in East Asia Amid Diplomatic Spat

Date: 25-11-2025
Sources: bbc.com: 1 | cnbc.com: 1 | news.sky.com: 1 | nytimes.com: 1 | scmp.com: 1 | straitstimes.com: 2 | theguardian.com: 1
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Image Source:

Source: scmp.com

Image content: The image depicts a man and woman shaking hands in front of two flags. The man, dressed in a dark blue suit, white shirt, and red tie, is on the left. He has short blond hair. The woman, wearing a light-colored jacket over a gray top and pearl necklace, is on the right. She has short black hair. * **Man** * Dressed in a dark blue suit * White shirt * Red tie * Short blond hair * **Woman** * Wearing a light-colored jacket * Gray top * Pearl necklace * Short black hair * **Flags** * Japanese flag on the left * American flag on the right * **Background** * Red curtain with floral pattern The man and woman are shaking hands in front of the flags, with the Japanese flag on the left and the American

Summary

US President Donald Trump held separate calls with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi amid rising tensions between China and Japan over Taiwan. Xi reiterated China's claim to Taiwan, while Takaichi's remarks on defending Taiwan sparked a diplomatic crisis. The US maintained a delicate balance in the region, affirming its alliance with Japan while not taking a side on Taiwan's sovereignty.

Key Points

  • Xi Jinping and Donald Trump discussed trade, Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and Taiwan in a phone call.
  • Tensions between China and Japan escalated over Takaichi's remarks on defending Taiwan.
  • Taiwan's prime minister stated that returning to China is 'not an option' for Taiwan.
  • The US affirmed its 'close cooperation' with Japan, but remained publicly silent on Taiwan.
  • China's growing influence in Laos through its Belt and Road Initiative is raising concerns among locals.

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