ASEAN adopts declaration to combat cybercrime and online fraud, committing to enhance coordination in law enforcement, raise public awareness, and strengthen research on emerging online crime tactics. Member states pledged to improve policies and regulations at both national and regional levels, as well as bolster cooperation through information exchange, capacity building, mutual legal assistance, extradition, joint operations, and data infrastructure development. The declaration also emphasized the importance of cooperation with stakeholders at national, regional, and international levels to prevent crimes, prosecute offenders, and protect victims. Indonesia encouraged closer collaboration with ASEAN dialogue partners and greater cooperation across ASEAN pillars to combat online fraud cases involving artificial intelligence, deepfakes, ransomware, and cryptocurrencies.
China is pushing for a closer Southeast Asia trade link, aiming to upgrade its free trade area agreement with the region. Vice-President Han urged China and Southeast Asia to deepen their strategic alignment, strengthening development strategies and tightening community bonds. The move comes as Beijing seeks to present itself as Southeast Asia's most reliable economic partner amid US trade pressure. China and Asean have been each other's largest trading partners for several years, with the region becoming increasingly vital to China's trade strategy.
Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun addressed the Beijing Xiangshan Forum, a three-day annual defence conference. The event follows recent diplomatic activity, including the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Tianjin and the Victory Day military parade in Beijing. Over 100 defence officials, including US, Russian, EU, and Southeast Asian participants, are expected to attend.
Denmark plans to acquire long-range precision weapons amid heightened tensions with Russia. The Danish defence ministry will assess which systems best suit the country's needs, following a statement by Russian Ambassador Vladimir Barbin that Denmark is preparing for a direct military confrontation with Russia. Frederiksen, the leader of the Social Democrats, has prioritized rearmament since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Denmark has already invested $9.2 billion in European-made air and missile defence systems, with plans to allocate an additional 50 billion kroner over the next two years.
The European Union is set to impose tariffs and sanctions on Israel due to the ongoing war in Gaza. The EU's decision comes after increased pressure from its member states, with Kallas stating that the sanctions will target Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who have been vocal in their support for the war. The sanctions aim to address the EU's concerns over human rights and the treatment of Palestinian refugees in Gaza.
India's steel exports to the EU may be hurt by the European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Steel secretary Sandeep Poundrik stated that the EU's CBAM will impact Indian exports to the region. The steel ministry had previously introduced a definition of green steel in an effort to encourage the industry to reduce carbon emissions.
The EU is warning that India's close ties with Russia could jeopardize its push for closer economic ties. According to EU diplomat Kallas, participating in military exercises and purchasing oil from Russia are obstacles to cooperation. India has taken part in Russia's Zapad joint drills with Belarus, near NATO borders. The EU is also working to conclude talks on a free trade agreement with India by the end of 2025, despite strained US-India ties. EU chief Ursula von der Leyen reiterated the hope of finalizing the trade deal, while her trade chief Maros Sefcovic expressed a downbeat note on progress.
The Qutub Minar in Delhi was illuminated with a vertically striped green-white-red flag to celebrate the 75th anniversary of India-Mexico diplomatic ties and Mexico's Independence Day. The iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site was beautifully lit up on September 17, marking a strong India-Mexico friendship. Mexican Ambassador Federico Salas expressed pride over the gesture, calling it a beautiful blend of culture and pride.
Israel's diplomatic efforts in Doha have hit a snag, with India seemingly fixated on resolving the Palestinian issue. According to Deccan Chronicle, unless the US ends its backing of Israel, the situation in the region appears bleak. India's westward focus, up to the Mediterranean, suggests a growing concern over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The absence of Israeli Prime Minister at the G-20 summit in New Delhi further highlights India's priorities.