Taiwan Names Acer Founder APEC Envoy as China-ASEAN South China Sea Code Talks Progress and Manila Summit Draws 19 Leaders

Taiwan has appointed the founder of Acer as its envoy to APEC and called for written guarantees from China, Reuters reported on 11 November 2026. The appointment is significant because Taiwan's participation in APEC events is often a sensitive diplomatic issue, and the request for written assurances reflects concern about how its envoy will be treated.

In Southeast Asia, China and ASEAN are making progress on talks for a South China Sea pact, according to a Morning Star roundup dated 11 November. A code of conduct has long been a goal for countries in the region, although negotiations have taken many years and disputes over maritime claims continue. Bernama also reported on 12 November that 19 world leaders have confirmed their attendance at the ASEAN Summit in Manila.

For Malaysia, which has claims in the South China Sea and is a close trading partner of both China and Taiwan, the developments are relevant. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said on 12 November that Malaysia's exports to Taiwan rose 88.0 per cent in the first nine months of 2026. Observers will watch how the summit discussions address trade, security and the code of conduct.

News sources (nofollow): US News and World Report (Reuters) | Morning Star: World in brief | Bernama

EU Budget Battle Erupts as Four Countries Defy Merz Over Ukraine Aid and Five States Demand UK Pay for Power Market Access

A battle over the European Union budget has erupted as four member states defy German Chancellor Friedrich Merz over aid for Ukraine, Euronews reported on 11 November 2026. The dispute shows the difficulty of agreeing on long-term funding at a time when the war in Ukraine is nearing its fifth anniversary and peace efforts are still uncertain.

Euronews also reported that five EU countries are demanding that the United Kingdom pay for access to the EU electricity market. Electricity trading across borders is important for energy security and prices, and post-Brexit arrangements have remained a negotiating issue between London and Brussels.

EU budget negotiations typically involve difficult trade-offs between priorities such as defence, agriculture, regional development and support for Ukraine. Details of the four countries' objections and the amounts under discussion were not available in the sources reviewed. Further developments are likely as leaders meet and ministers try to reach compromises, so readers should follow official EU communications and major news agencies.

News sources (nofollow): Euronews bulletin

Pope Leo Ends Argentina Tour With Prison Visit and Mass at National Shrine Before Peru Homecoming

Pope Leo XIV is wrapping up his visit to Argentina with two significant moments: a meeting with inmates at a prison with a history linked to the country's military dictatorship, and a final Mass at Argentina's national shrine, the Associated Press reported on 11 November 2026. He will then head to Peru, which Reuters described as a homecoming.

Euronews reported that the Pope urged Argentines to follow the model of saints during a Mass in Cordoba, while Reuters said he celebrated Mass with millions of people during the tour. The visit has drawn huge crowds, and the stops, including the prison, highlight themes of reconciliation, mercy and social concern.

The tour is closely watched because Pope Leo XIV, the first pope from the United States, also has deep ties to Peru. Church observers say the trip aims to encourage Catholics in Latin America, where the faith remains strong but faces challenges such as secularisation and inequality. Further details of the Peru leg of the journey are expected to be released by the Vatican.

News sources (nofollow): Euronews bulletin | US News and World Report (AP and Reuters)

Two Incoming Democratic Senators Call for New Leadership to Replace Schumer; Providence Elects Democratic Socialist Mayor

Two incoming freshman senators have called for new leadership to replace Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, according to the Democracy Now headlines on 11 November 2026. The call shows that even after a successful midterm night, there are debates inside the party about its direction and who should lead it.

In local politics, Democracy Now reported that voters in Providence, Rhode Island, elected David Morales, a democratic socialist, as mayor, and approved a measure for Israel divestment. The result will be watched by progressives and critics alike as a sign of the energy within parts of the Democratic base.

PBS reported separately that the White House counsel is threatening Democratic lawmakers over their efforts to investigate Trump administration officials. With Democrats set to control Congress, oversight is expected to become a major source of conflict between the White House and the legislature. Details of the threats and the investigations were not available in the sources reviewed, so further reporting will be needed.

News sources (nofollow): Democracy Now | PBS News Hour

Democrat Scott Colom Defeats Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith in Mississippi as Over a Dozen Races Remain Uncalled

Democrat Scott Colom has won the Senate election in Mississippi, defeating incumbent Republican Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith, according to the PBS News Hour on 11 November 2026. The result is a notable outcome in a state that has long been Republican-leaning, and it adds to the strong night for Democrats in the midterm elections.

PBS also reported that more than a dozen key races remain too early to call one week after Election Day. That means the final composition of Congress and some state offices is still not fully settled, with counting and certification continuing in some areas. Media organisations may differ on projections until results are finalised, so readers should rely on official election authorities for confirmed outcomes.

The Mississippi win follows earlier reports that Democrats took control of both the Senate and House. Political analysts will study how the party achieved gains in places previously considered out of reach, and what it means for legislation, oversight and presidential nominations in the next Congress.

News sources (nofollow): PBS News Hour