Table of Contents

World News Roundup – November 22, 2025

Ukraine Peace Plan Maneuvers, New Gaza Airstrikes, COP30 Deal, South Africa G20 Opens, Escalating Japan–China Clash Over Taiwan

Today’s Key Points (Quick Overall Snapshot)

It has come to light that senior Trump administration officials met a Russian envoy in Miami in October. This is fueling strong suspicion in the U.S. and Europe regarding the allegedly pro-Russia “28-point Ukraine peace plan.”
On the same peace plan, Western leaders say it can “serve as a basis for negotiations, but provisions unfavorable to Ukraine must be revised.” Ukraine and the U.S. have announced they will hold talks in Switzerland within days. The Zelenskyy administration faces an extremely tough choice over whether it can secure a “peace with dignity.”
In Gaza, at least 24 people were killed in new Israeli airstrikes. Since the ceasefire began on October 10, at least 318 people have been killed, raising concerns that the ceasefire agreement is “collapsing in substance.”
At COP30 in Belém, Brazil, all-night talks produced a compromise deal that effectively avoids using the term “fossil fuels.” It calls on developed countries to triple climate adaptation finance for developing nations by 2035. Environmental groups and some states, however, have strongly criticized the agreement as “insufficient.”
In Johannesburg, South Africa, the first-ever G20 summit on African soil has opened. With the U.S. boycotting the event, debates are focusing on the future of the G20 and the prospect of “global governance without the U.S.”
On the eve of the G20, the South African government declared “gender-based violence and femicide (GBV & femicide)” a national disaster. Women across the country staged “lie-down protests” dressed in black, drawing global attention to the reality that 15 women are killed every day.
China has taken its dispute with Japan over Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s comments on a “Taiwan contingency” to the UN, sharply condemning Japan for “hinting at armed intervention.” Japan’s Foreign Ministry has countered that her remarks were “legitimate explanations based on international law,” and some observers believe Japan–China relations are now at their worst level in a decade.
In Japan, following the previous day’s decision on a massive ¥21.3 trillion economic package, a Bank of Japan Policy Board member said “a rate hike decision is near.” With concern growing about yen depreciation and increased JGB issuance, some warn that overseas investors may retreat from Japanese government bonds.
In Tunisia, large-scale protests continue against President Saied’s concentration of power and media crackdowns, as calls for democratization rise once again in the birthplace of the Arab Spring.

Who This Roundup Is For and How to Read It

This summary is written with the following readers in mind:

People at Japanese companies working in corporate planning, overseas business, risk management, sustainability, or IR
Individual investors managing assets via stocks, mutual funds, bonds, FX, or commodities
High school, university, and graduate students (including working adults) studying international politics, security, international economics, development, or climate change
People in tourism, retail, manufacturing, energy, finance, local governments, and NGOs/NPOs who want to know how global events affect their own field

The structure follows an “inverted pyramid,” starting with the most important topics:

Ukraine peace plan and the Miami meeting (Chapter 1)
Gaza developments and the impact on civilian life (Chapter 2)
G20 in South Africa + South Africa’s gender-based violence crisis (Chapter 3)
COP30 final deal and the climate–economy nexus (Chapter 4)
Japan–China confrontation over Taiwan and the Japanese economy/financial markets (Chapter 5)
Tunisia’s pro-democracy protests and other key topics (Chapter 6)
Finally, ideas for turning all this into “your own business” (Chapter 7)

If you’re short on time, reading just Chapters 1–3 will give you the big picture on “security + the world economy + the African G20.”
When you have more time, Chapters 4 onward will help you see longer-term social shifts around climate, gender, and democratization.

Chapter 1 – The Ukraine Peace Plan: The “Miami Meeting” and West–Russia Tug-of-War

1-1. Trump Envoys and Russian Special Envoy Held a Secret Meeting in Miami

According to Reuters and other outlets, a secret meeting took place in late October in Miami, Florida between Trump administration envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, and Kirill Dmitriev, head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, who is under U.S. sanctions.

Reports say this meeting:

Played a role in drafting the controversial “28-point Ukraine peace plan” criticized as being pro-Russia
Was conducted without involving some senior officials in the U.S. government or key Ukrainian negotiating counterparts

Members of the U.S. Congress and intelligence community have raised strong concerns, saying that the talks “bypassed official diplomatic channels” and that it is problematic that “a sanctioned individual was involved in drafting a peace proposal.”

1-2. The 28-Point Plan Criticized as “Russia’s Wish List”

Regarding the same 28-point plan, several Western media outlets report that it includes:

Additional territorial concessions by Ukraine
De facto recognition of Crimea as Russian territory
Downsizing and neutralization of Ukraine’s military

These provisions have led critics to describe the plan as “close to a wish list for Russia.”

Some U.S. lawmakers also warn that the proposal “largely fulfills conditions President Putin has long demanded, while seriously undermining Ukraine’s sovereignty and security.”

1-3. Ukraine to Hold Talks With U.S. in Switzerland, Seeking a “Peace With Dignity”

Kyiv has announced that it will “hold talks with the U.S. in Switzerland within days to discuss conditions for ending the war.”

President Zelenskyy has stated that “Ukraine will not be an obstacle to peace, but cannot accept a peace that strips us of dignity and freedom,” caught between public expectations and intense pressure.
President Trump, meanwhile, is reported to be exerting heavy pressure on Ukraine, saying that if Kyiv does not accept the plan “by late November (around U.S. Thanksgiving), reductions in military aid are possible.”

Western leaders, speaking on the margins of the G20, have commented that “the peace plan can be a starting point for negotiations, but has too many elements adverse to Ukraine and needs revisions.” They are trying to strike a very delicate balance—supporting the Zelenskyy government while avoiding inflaming the Trump administration.

1-4. Economic Impact: Energy, Defense, and the European Economy

Volatility in Energy Markets
- Some participants expect a scenario of “peace → partial easing of sanctions against Russia → increased supply over the medium to long term.”
- Others fear that “an unfair peace → instability inside Ukraine → prolonged European security risks” could materialize, leaving oil and gas prices in a state where they can easily swing both up and down.
Demand for Defense and Infrastructure
- Even if a ceasefire is reached, rebuilding Ukraine’s infrastructure, strengthening its air defenses, and clearing landmines will require huge amounts of money and time.
- For European and Japanese construction, engineering, energy, and IT firms, this may create long-term business opportunities, albeit with security and political risks attached.
European Economy and Japanese Firms
- Prolonged war drives up energy costs and defense spending in Europe, weighing on growth.
- For Japanese companies with significant exports to Europe, this raises the risk of weak demand and delayed investment. At the same time, new demand may emerge in areas such as defense, renewables, and energy-saving technologies.

1-5. Social Impact: What Is a “Just Peace”?

For Ukrainians, a peace settlement that involves major concessions on territory and sovereignty is tantamount to “accepting defeat” and leaves their future security at risk.
In Western countries, however, citizens are increasingly asking how long high taxes should be used to fund war support, leading to various forms of “aid fatigue.”

So what exactly is a “just peace”?
Where is the realistic line that can both protect the dignity of the victim of aggression and stop further harm?

This question is being posed not just to Ukraine and its allies, but to citizens around the world, including in Japan.

Chapter 2 – Gaza: 24 Killed in Airstrikes and Crumbling Trust in the Ceasefire

2-1. 24 Killed in One of the Heaviest Airstrikes Since the Ceasefire

In the Gaza Strip on the 22nd, new Israeli airstrikes were carried out one after another. According to hospitals, at least 24 people were killed and dozens wounded.

Bombs hit areas including Deir al-Balah, the Nuseirat refugee camp, and housing near Al-Aqsa Hospital.
The dead include women and children, and footage from the scene shows people searching through rubble for their relatives.

Despite the ceasefire that came into effect on October 10, Israeli airstrikes and ground operations have continued intermittently. Reports say that since the ceasefire alone, at least 318 people have been killed and more than 700 injured.

2-2. Economic and Everyday Impacts: Reconstruction Costs and Humanitarian Aid

Enormous Reconstruction Costs
- Repeated destruction of houses and infrastructure causes reconstruction costs to balloon like a snowball.
- Rebuilding Gaza and surrounding areas is expected to require hundreds of billions of dollars in long-term support, with the burden of Gulf states, Europe, Japan, and others likely to become a major focus of debate.
Challenges to Humanitarian Aid
- In a situation where airstrikes continue despite a ceasefire, it is difficult for aid agencies and UN bodies to operate safely.
- In addition to supplies like food, water, medicine, and tents, long-term “human security” measures such as trauma care, education support, and livelihood assistance are essential.
Spillovers to Neighboring Economies
- Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, and other neighboring countries are under growing strain from refugee inflows and security measures, which also negatively affect tourism and investment.
- Regional instability across the Middle East continues to add geopolitical risk premiums to oil markets, casting a shadow over global inflation.

2-3. Social Impact: Collapsing Trust in Ceasefires and Polarized Opinion

For people in Gaza—and for the international community—airstrikes that continue under a so-called ceasefire severely undermine trust in ceasefire agreements.

Among Palestinians, feelings of resignation and anger—“ceasefires are just pieces of paper”—are spreading, increasing the risk that more young people will gravitate toward extreme ideologies.
In Israel, debates continue over how far the military should go “in the name of security,” both morally and strategically.

Public opinion worldwide tends to be sharply polarized between:

Those who prioritize Israel’s security, and
Those who strongly emphasize Palestinian human rights and international humanitarian law.

In Japan, debates on social media also tend to turn into emotional confrontations. That’s why it’s important to check multiple sources and carefully distinguish “facts” from “opinions” when following the news.

Chapter 3 – G20 in South Africa Opens and the Declaration That “Gender-Based Violence Is a National Disaster”

3-1. First-Ever G20 Summit in Africa Opens in Johannesburg

On the 22nd, the first-ever G20 summit on African soil opened at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The theme is “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability.”
The agenda puts the challenges of the Global South front and center: debt in low- and middle-income countries, climate finance, infrastructure investment, and food security.

President Trump, however, has refused U.S. participation, citing “human rights abuses in South Africa (particularly violence against white farmers).” The U.S. is thus boycotting the summit entirely.
This visibly undermines the original G20 concept of “20 major countries gathered at the same table.”

3-2. South Africa Declares Gender-Based Violence a National Disaster

On the eve of the G20, the South African government formally declared “gender-based violence and femicide” a national disaster.

Behind this move lie:

An extremely serious situation in which an estimated 15 women are killed every day
Government survey results indicating that one in three women has experienced physical violence and about 10% have experienced sexual violence
Over one million signatures gathered by the NGO “Women for Change” and nationwide protests

3-3. Lie-Down Protests in Black: Grassroots Action Leveraging the G20

On the 21st, women dressed in black staged 15-minute “lie-down protests” in 15 cities, including Johannesburg and Cape Town, symbolizing “15 women killed every day.”

By leveraging the global spotlight of the G20, activists organized grassroots actions such as:

A “Women’s Shutdown” that temporarily stopped household, care, workplace labor, and consumption activities
Hashtag campaigns on social media

This has become a highly symbolic case where grassroots pressure succeeded in influencing government policy.

3-4. Economic and Social Impact: Gender-Based Violence as an “Economic Issue” Too

Gender-based violence is not only a human rights issue, but also a serious economic problem.

Survivors of domestic and sexual violence may be forced to quit their jobs, and incur significant costs for medical care, relocation, and legal procedures.
For companies, such violence leads to absenteeism, attrition, and lower productivity, depressing the overall labor force and economic growth.

By designating GBV a national disaster, South Africa is sending a message that it will:

Integrate GBV countermeasures into all aspects of society—budgets, legal systems, police, justice, education, and more
Treat gender equality and safe societies as core topics on the G20 agenda

In Japan as well, sexual violence, domestic abuse, stalking, and workplace harassment are increasingly recognized as social problems.
Going forward, it will be ever more important to recognize that these are not just “private family issues” but also “losses for society and the economy as a whole.”

Chapter 4 – The COP30 Final Deal: A Fossil-Fuel-Avoiding Compromise and Shaken Climate Justice

4-1. A Final Deal Without “Fossil Fuels” – Still a Step Forward?

COP30 in Belém, Brazil concluded on the 22nd with a final agreement reached after all-night talks.

Key points include:

Calling on developed countries to triple finance for climate “adaptation” by 2035
Creating a new framework for disaster risk reduction and climate-resilient infrastructure
Launching a process to examine consistency between trade policy and climate action

These represent concrete steps forward in terms of finance and institutional frameworks.

However:

The main text of the agreement drops explicit mentions of “fossil fuels” and “phase-out,” and
Fossil fuels are only addressed in a separate supplementary document with weaker language

This has drawn strong criticism from many countries, including the EU, Colombia, and Panama, as well as from environmental groups.

4-2. Economic Impact: Signals to Investors and Implications for Japanese Companies

Signals for Fossil Fuel Companies
- Without a clear, internationally agreed deadline for phasing out fossil fuels, oil and gas companies will find it easier to continue investing in the short to medium term.
- However, the EU and certain other states and investors are strengthening their own decarbonization policies independently, likely creating an uneven landscape where “global action is slow overall, but some regions move very fast.”
Expansion of Renewable and Adaptation Businesses
- More adaptation finance will drive investment in levees and drainage, heat-resistant buildings, drought-resilient agriculture, water infrastructure, and more.
- Japanese construction, infrastructure, water treatment, and agricultural technology firms could see growing business opportunities in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
Role of Financial and Development Institutions
- With reforms of the World Bank and regional development banks on the table, “blended finance” that mobilizes private capital is becoming increasingly important.
- Japanese megabanks, insurers, and pension funds will likely face more pressure to align their lending and investment with climate considerations.

4-3. Social Impact: “Climate Justice” and Intergenerational Fairness

Small island states and African countries are increasingly frustrated that “developed countries, which historically emitted the most greenhouse gases, are not doing enough to shoulder responsibility.”
Many young activists feel that “our future is being traded away in compromises” and are stepping up strikes and protests.

The climate crisis is not only an environmental issue but also a question of how to correct unfairness between:

North and South
Rich and poor
Current and future generations

In Japan too, we will likely need to become more aware of the “climate cost” embedded in our daily consumption of electricity, gasoline, and food.

Chapter 5 – Escalating Japan–China Confrontation Over Taiwan: From the UN Floor to the Japanese Economy

5-1. China Denounces Japan at the UN for “Threat of Armed Intervention”

China has taken its confrontation with Japan over Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s comment that “a Chinese attack on Taiwan could constitute a situation threatening Japan’s survival” to the UN.

Chinese UN Ambassador Fu Cong sent a letter to the UN Secretary-General strongly condemning Japan for “hinting at armed intervention in Taiwan” and calling it “a threat of aggression against China.”
He also invoked historical issues, stating that “Japan has not learned lessons from World War II.”

Japan has responded that “the remarks were general statements based on international law and the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty, with no intention of provoking China,” while reaffirming its stance of “firm opposition to unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force.”

5-2. Economic Impact: Risks to Trade, Investment, and Tourism

This confrontation may further worsen trends that were already underway, such as:

Bans on importing Japanese seafood
Boycotts of travel to Japan by Chinese tourists
Postponement or cancellation of various cultural exchange events

Specifically:

Supply Chain Fragmentation Risk
- Japanese manufacturers in sectors such as autos, electronic components, and machinery, which have production sites and sales networks in China, are being forced to reconsider political risk.
- Moves toward “China + 1” and shifting production out of China may accelerate.
Impact on Tourism and Content Industries
- The decline in Chinese tourists is a major blow to regional tourist spots, department stores, and drugstores in Japan.
- Cultural content industries such as film, anime, and music increasingly need to plan strategies that do not rely on revenue from the Chinese market.
Financial Market Reactions
- With the yen already weakening, heightened geopolitical risk could increase overseas investors’ caution toward Japanese equities and JGBs.

5-3. BOJ Rate Hike Expectations and the Triple Squeeze of “Fiscal, FX, Security”

As reported in the days prior:

Markets are concerned that Japan’s ¥21.3 trillion stimulus will worsen public finances by increasing JGB issuance,
The yen has been falling against both the dollar and the euro,
The BOJ now appears increasingly likely to hike rates in December, in part because it “cannot simply ignore yen weakness.”

Japan faces a simultaneous squeeze of:

Security tensions (Taiwan Strait and China),
Worries about fiscal discipline (massive stimulus and high government debt), and
The dilemma of yen depreciation, high prices, and potential rate hikes.

For households, this means we must keep a close eye on how:

Living costs (import prices),
Mortgage rates, and
Future tax burdens

will change from here.

Chapter 6 – Tunisia’s Pro-Democracy Protests and Media Crackdowns: What’s Happening in the Birthplace of the Arab Spring?

6-1. Thousands Rally to “Bring Back Democracy”

In Tunisia’s capital, Tunis, large-scale protests were held on the 22nd against President Kais Saied, with thousands chanting “We oppose injustice and repression” and “Bring back democracy.”

Protesters accuse the president of concentrating power in his own hands through constitutional changes and the dissolution of parliament, thereby tightening “one-man rule.”
Economic stagnation, unemployment, and high prices are seen as fueling the protests.

6-2. Crackdown on Journalists and Freedom of Expression

In the same week, Tunisian journalists held a protest outside government buildings, demanding “an end to restrictions on reporting” and “the release of detained reporters.”

Cases in which journalists and activists critical of the government are arrested or prosecuted are increasing, heightening international concern over press freedom.

Once a symbol of democratization as the birthplace of the Arab Spring, Tunisia is now seen by some as drifting back toward authoritarianism.
The international community faces tough decisions about how to support democracy, human rights, and economic assistance as an integrated package.

6-3. Economic and Social Impact: Youth Futures and Migration Pressure

High unemployment and political deadlock push young people to attempt irregular migration to Europe, exacerbating the Mediterranean migration crisis.
For the EU, stability in Tunisia and other North African countries is directly linked to its own security and labor markets.

From Japan, this may feel very distant. But Tunisia is also a “leading indicator” for global democratization, with potential medium- to long-term implications for the international order and human rights norms.

Chapter 7 – Turning Today’s World Into “Your Own Business”

Finally, let’s briefly reflect on how the news covered here might connect to each of our lives and work.

7-1. Career and Business Perspective

The Ukraine peace plan, Gaza, G20 in South Africa, COP30, and Japan–China tensions all simultaneously highlight “growth areas” and “declining areas” across industries such as defense, energy, renewables, infrastructure, agriculture, tourism, IT, and finance.
For example:
- “IT skills + English + basic knowledge of climate and energy,” or
- “Finance + understanding of geopolitical risks”
  are skill sets that can be valued across companies, international organizations, think tanks, and startups.

You might find it helpful to take stock of:

Which regions (Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia) your company or field is connected to, and
How it intersects with themes like climate, security, gender, and human rights

as a way to think about the future direction of your career.

7-2. Household and Investment Perspective

Japan’s large stimulus package and BOJ rate-hike expectations, along with global moves in stocks, bonds, FX, and commodities, directly affect mortgage costs, living expenses, and investment returns.
Instead of being tossed around by short-term market moves, it helps to cultivate a habit of asking:
- “Why are interest rates moving this way now?”
- “Why is the yen weakening (or strengthening)?”
- “Why is money flowing into AI or energy names?”

If you’re an investor, it’s important to gradually build a portfolio suited to your risk tolerance by:

Balancing assets that are resilient to geopolitical risk (like bonds and gold), and
Assets that seek growth (like equities and REITs).

7-3. Perspective as a Citizen

South Africa’s gender-based violence crisis, Gaza and Ukraine, and Tunisia’s push for democracy may all feel far away from Japan, yet our taxes, consumption, investments, and voices all contribute in small ways to the direction the world takes.

For example, you can:

Choose fair-trade and ethical products
Check multiple trusted news sources and verify origins before sharing information on social media
Read party platforms on foreign policy, security, climate, and gender issues at election time

Small actions like these can, in the long run, help build a more resilient and inclusive society.

Reference Links (Mainly English, Some Japanese)

Below are some of the main English and Japanese sources used for this roundup. Browser auto-translation tools can make them easier to read: