The Globalist Trump and Xi meet in Seoul and raids in Rio de Janeiro
Oct 30, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Andrew Thompson, a Latin America specialist, examines the controversial police raids in Rio de Janeiro, highlighting human rights concerns and the complex political landscape. Garana Gerdik, a Monocle security correspondent, explores the implications of recent nuclear testing claims and the shutdown of Radio Free Asia, addressing the potential rise of disinformation. Meanwhile, Matt Driscoll, Editor of Asian Aviation, shares insights on Cambodia's new Tekko airport and the challenges the aviation industry faces, including rising airfares and sustainability hurdles.
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Tariff Truce Is Largely A Reset
- Trump and Xi announced a provisional one-year tariff and trade truce that largely restores pre-crisis terms.
- Details are scarce so the arrangement currently reads as de-escalation rather than a novel agreement.
Diplomacy Paused, Not Resolved
- Experts warn the pact mainly pauses hostilities: teams had already negotiated many of the points weeks earlier.
- The deal avoids worse outcomes but offers few concrete long-term commitments so far.
Seoul’s Staggered $200bn Pledge
- John Lee clarified South Korea will invest $200bn in the US but disbursed as $20bn a year over ten years.
- He emphasised initial Trump claims of a $350bn lump sum were false and Seoul insisted on safeguards.
