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World leaders have just completed their twin summits in South America - the Apec forum in Peru, followed by a Group of 20 leading economies meeting in Brazil.

While the theme of Donald Trump 2.0 dominated the gatherings, what was also clear was Chinese President Xi Jinping’s determination to use the events to shore up China’s relations with key partners, writes China correspondent Lim Min Zhang. China is bracing itself for a more turbulent second Trump presidency, and Mr Xi is keen to promote his country as a supporter of open trade and global stability.

In Germany, the collapse of the government has ironically provided relief and hope for a new beginning. Germany and the rest of Europe are keenly aware that a stable government and leadership are crucial to tackling challenges presented by Trump 2.0, says Markus Ziener.

Over in China, with three mass murder sprees in just over a week, bureau chief Tan Dawn Wei and correspondent Joyce ZK Lim look at what’s driving some Chinese to take revenge on society.

Ahead of the Malaysia-Singapore Leaders’ Retreat scheduled for the end of 2024, Malaysia’s Finance Minister II Amir Hamzah Azizan sat down for an exclusive interview with The Straits Times. He shared the Cabinet’s views on the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High-Speed Rail project, and also revealed how Johor Forest City’s plans for family offices are gaining pace.

Finally, on a “lighter” note, while size used to matter in sumo wrestling, high attrition rates have meant that the ancient Japanese sport is allowing shorter and slimmer men to join, reports correspondent Walter Sim.

China goes on diplomatic offensive ahead of Trump 2.0

President Xi used the Apec and G-20 summits to foster better ties with other major countries.

Read more: 

Fight global poverty through open trade and investments, says PM Lawrence Wong

China’s Xi Jinping announces steps to support ‘Global South’ at G-20 summit 

Singapore to host Apec summit in 2030

Trump’s choice of China hawks signals rough seas ahead for bilateral ties

Foreign policy experts project that Beijing is in for an unprecedentedly tough time.

Read more: 

Trump causes jitters in Australia as shadow looms over submarines deal

Trump won’t hesitate to flex muscle – and countries get that

US agriculture exporters fear trade war 2.0 will hurt sales to China

Have a listen:

Tariffs, deportation and Musk: 3 words that could define US under Trump 2.0 era

Grievances, widening inequality: Factors driving some Chinese to wreak vengeance on society

The word liqi – violent rage with a malicious, ruthless edge – is popping up in everyday conversations and online.

More on China:

In stifling voices after Zhuhai car attack, China recycles crisis playbook 

China’s new J-35 fighter jet wows crowds at air show, but can it sell?

All eyes on Jakarta’s next move after controversial term used in deal with China

‘Overlapping claims’ phrase has potential repercussions for Asean nations, say analysts.

More on South-east Asia:

US, Philippines sign military intel-sharing pact

Indonesia unlikely to ease local-content rule to allow iPhone 16 sale

Myanmar’s actions risk undermining Asean centrality, says Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen

The evolution of sumo

The ancient sport is described as being in a crisis as it grapples with high attrition rates.

More from Japan and Korea:

Ko Shinjo, the accidental author behind the novel that inspired Netflix hit Tokyo Swindlers 

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in high-stakes gamble by sending troops to Ukraine war

Guardians of China’s Great Wall

A generation of protectors is stepping up to preserve the wall’s legacy.

Other stories on conservation and environmental protection:

ST Explains: How a centralised global carbon scheme will affect Singapore

Scientists find world’s largest coral in Solomon Islands

From fossil awards to silent protests: A peek inside COP29