On October 21, 2025, Russia successfully tested its nuclear-powered cruise missile, the Burevestnik (SSC-X-9 Skyfall, as NATO calls it). The missile is reportedly “invincible,” capable of penetrating current and future missile defense systems, with near-unlimited range and unpredictable flight paths.

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated in a meeting with military leaders that the test marked the completion of a “critical trial” and instructed the military to begin preparing infrastructure for deployment. Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov reported that the missile flew 14,000 km during testing and remained airborne for approximately 15 hours.

Putin said the Burevestnik is a response to the U.S. withdrawal from the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty and the establishment of missile defense systems, emphasizing the weapon’s uniqueness and claiming, “No one in the world possesses such a weapon.”

The test occurred amid tense relations between Russia and Western countries, especially ahead of a meeting with U.S. President Trump. The move is seen as a strong military signal from Russia to the West, highlighting its position in global military competition. The U.S. White House has not yet commented on the test.

On the eve of a planned meeting between former President Trump and Xi Jinping, the U.S. and China reached a preliminary trade framework, providing a temporary buffer to their long-standing economic tensions.

According to reports, the framework was finalized during the ASEAN summit. Both sides agreed to delay possible high tariffs on certain Chinese goods and reached preliminary consensus on U.S. soybean exports and Chinese restrictions on key resources like rare earths.

The agreement states that the U.S. will temporarily ease some tariffs in exchange for China’s commitment to increase purchases of U.S. agricultural products. China said that although a “preliminary consensus” has been reached, it still requires domestic approval to take effect. Both sides emphasized that the framework is not a final agreement but aims to create a positive negotiating atmosphere ahead of the upcoming Trump-Xi meeting.

Analysts view the framework as a preventive measure to avoid a full-scale trade war. If successfully implemented, U.S. exporters could temporarily ease tariff pressures, while Chinese companies would benefit from stable supply of rare earths and other resources. However, key issues such as intellectual property protection, technology transfer, and tariff schedules remain unresolved, leaving markets cautious about the agreement’s durability.

On October 20, 2025, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese arrived in Washington to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss the AUKUS defense agreement, key mineral cooperation, and trade matters.

Albanese emphasized that AUKUS represents an important strategic investment for Australia, aiming to strengthen defense cooperation with the U.S. and U.K., and promote the extraction and refinement of critical minerals to support defense and technology industries.

Former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd highlighted at a defense reception that AUKUS benefits Australian industry and enhances Australia’s position in the global strategic landscape.

The meeting also raised concerns about the responsibilities and costs Australia bears under AUKUS. While the U.S. has urged Australia to raise defense spending to 3.5% of GDP, Albanese stated that Australia will allocate defense resources according to its own needs.