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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a two-day visit to Japan on the 29th, marking his first meeting and bilateral talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. The two leaders exchanged views on comprehensive future cooperation and regional affairs. This visit also marks Modi’s return to Japan following the G7 summit held in Hiroshima in May 2023.

On the first day of his visit, Modi attended the Japan-India Economic Forum and later held a 1.5-hour meeting with Prime Minister Ishiba at the Prime Minister’s Office. During the meeting, the two sides agreed to revise the “Japan-India Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation” originally signed in 2008, adding more detailed content on defense collaboration to strengthen bilateral defense ties. They also reached a consensus under the “Economic Security Cooperation Initiative” to promote technological cooperation in various fields such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), critical minerals, and the tech industry.

Japan plans to invest approximately 10 trillion yen in India’s private sector over the next decade. The two countries will also promote bilateral exchanges exceeding 500,000 people within five years, including increased recruitment of Indian talent. This initiative aims to address Japan’s projected shortage of 570,000 caregivers by 2040, helping to support the needs of its aging society and fostering a mutually beneficial partnership.

One of the highlights of the talks was the agreement to jointly build India’s first high-speed railway. The line will connect Mumbai with the industrial city of Ahmedabad, stretching around 500 kilometers. Initially agreed upon in 2015 by former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Modi, the project was originally scheduled to begin operations in 2023 but was delayed to 2029 due to land acquisition issues and the COVID-19 pandemic. The project, with an estimated cost of 1.8 trillion yen, will involve Japanese experts providing support in construction and workforce training.

On the 30th, Modi is scheduled to ride the Shinkansen for an on-site inspection of the test train and visit a semiconductor manufacturing plant to gain a deeper understanding of the relevant technologies.

After concluding his visit to Japan on the 30th, Modi will travel to China to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, where he is expected to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Modi’s East Asia tour is widely seen as a strategic effort to strengthen multilateral alliances.

On August 27, the South Korean National Assembly passed a bill banning students from using mobile phones during class. The law is expected to take effect next semester, beginning in March of next year. Two political parties cooperated to pass the bill, aiming to prevent smartphone addiction among children and adolescents and minimize its impact on academic performance. The bill passed with 163 votes in favor and 115 against.

Previously, countries like Finland and France only imposed phone restrictions in lower-grade schools, while Italy, the Netherlands, and China have implemented broader bans across all schools. Many schools in South Korea had already enacted their own rules, but this new legislation now makes South Korea one of the few countries to formally legislate a ban on student phone use.

Jo Jung-hoon, a lawmaker from the People Power Party who proposed the bill, stated that abundant evidence shows smartphone addiction is extremely harmful to students' brain development and emotional growth. According to statistics from South Korea's Ministry of Education, 37% of middle and high school students believe that social media negatively affects their daily lives, and 22% report feeling anxious when they cannot access it. While the law only prohibits phone use during class, it also gives teachers the authority to restrict phone use throughout the school grounds. Additionally, schools will be required to educate students on the proper use of smart devices.

Despite the new law, opinions among educational groups are divided. The conservative Korean Federation of Teachers' Associations supports the bill, noting that 70% of teachers report being distracted by students using phones during class. They also stated that when students are restricted from using phones, they often react uncontrollably, sometimes verbally lashing out or even becoming physically aggressive.

However, the Korean Teachers and Education Workers Union argues that some of its members believe the law infringes on students' rights to use smartphones.

Due to intense competition surrounding South Korea’s university entrance exam (Suneung), one student told the BBC that he hardly has time to use his phone anyway, as private tutoring and homework often keep him up past midnight. Another student noted that while phone use is banned during class, students still use their phones before and after school, so the restrictions have limited effect. They emphasized that addiction is still possible and criticized the law for merely confiscating phones during class rather than truly teaching students “what to do when they don’t have their phones.”

On the 25th, Israel launched another attack on the Gaza Strip, targeting Nasser Hospital in the southern city of Khan Younis. The strike resulted in at least 20 deaths, sparking international outrage. Among the victims were five journalists from Reuters, Associated Press, and Al Jazeera, as well as several medical workers. U.S. President Donald Trump, along with the United Nations, Germany, and the United Kingdom, continued to call for the protection of civilians and media personnel.

Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson Effie Defrin admitted that the military's actions caused civilian and journalist casualties. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also publicly expressed regret, stating, “Israel deeply regrets this.” However, Israel placed blame on Hamas, accusing the group of using hospitals to monitor Israeli military movements. According to a report by *The Times of Israel*, the IDF initially planned to target rooftop surveillance cameras with drones, but later fired two tank shells, which led to casualties among first responders and journalists who had arrived after the initial strike.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres called for the protection of civilians and medical personnel and demanded an impartial investigation. In a White House interview, Trump also expressed displeasure, saying, “We don’t want to see this kind of situation.”

Iran not only accused Israel of committing war crimes but also explicitly called the United States an accomplice.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated on the 27th that while Italy supports Israel’s right to security and self-defense, the scale of Israel’s attack has exceeded the principle of proportionality. She emphasized that too many innocent lives have been lost and that attacks on journalists are completely unacceptable.

Jeju Island, one of South Korea’s most popular tourist destinations, has seen a steady rise in the number of foreign visitors. While this has brought economic benefits, it has also led to issues such as littering, traffic violations, and environmental damage. To protect the island’s ecology and preserve the quality of life for residents, the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province officially announced the **"Code of Conduct for Foreign Tourists"** on the 27th. Violators may face fines, which could reach several million Korean won depending on the offense.

The guidelines focus on three main areas:

1. **Environmental Protection**: Littering or damaging natural resources is strictly prohibited. Offenders can be fined up to **1 million won**.

2. **Traffic Regulations**: Visitors renting cars must have a valid international driver’s license and comply with Korean traffic laws. Driving under the influence or without a valid license will result in heavy penalties.

3. **Cultural Respect**: Tourists are reminded to act respectfully when visiting traditional markets, temples, or residential areas. Unauthorized photography or actions that disrupt local life are not allowed.

According to local authorities, Jeju Island has recently attracted a large number of tourists from China, Japan, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia. However, some visitors have damaged protected plant areas, littered cigarette butts, or camped illegally, posing a threat to the environment. The Jeju government emphasized that the new measures are **not meant to discourage tourism**, but rather to ensure the **sustainable development** of the island’s tourism and ecology.

A spokesperson from the Jeju Provincial Police Agency told the media that, in addition to putting up warning signs, **officers will carry multilingual notices during patrols**. Minor violations will be handled with on-the-spot warnings, while more serious offenses will be dealt with immediately. The official noted that issuing warnings for minor infractions is intended to avoid creating tension with foreign tourists and also to reduce the burden on police forces.

After years of disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Jeju’s pleasant climate has helped fuel a strong rebound in tourism — especially among foreign visitors. The restoration of direct flights, particularly from various cities in China, has made Chinese tourists the largest group of international visitors to the island. Other tourists often arrive via cruise ships or are drawn by the Korean Wave (Hallyu), especially K-pop, sparking broader interest in South Korea and helping total visitor numbers return to pre-pandemic levels.

The **Jeju Tourism Organization** stated that multilingual signs will be installed at airports, ports, and major tourist sites. They also plan to launch a **mobile app** in Chinese, English, and Japanese to help tourists easily access the regulations.

Local residents have expressed broad support for the new regulations, believing that only through strict enforcement can tourism development be balanced with quality of life. Experts also note that this initiative could enhance Jeju’s tourism image and serve as a model for other popular tourist destinations.

Amid a deadlock in the Russia-Ukraine peace process, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance emphasized in an interview that Russia has made “the most significant concession in three and a half years” to President Donald Trump, recognizing Ukraine’s territorial integrity after the war and abandoning its push to install a puppet regime in Kyiv. Vance noted that although fighting on the front lines has yet to cease, Trump has engaged in “very active, very powerful diplomatic efforts” to push both sides toward compromise. He expressed confidence that “the dawn of peace” is gradually emerging under Trump’s mediation.

In an interview with NBC’s Meet the Press, Vance stated that Russia not only acknowledged Ukraine’s sovereignty after the war but also agreed to provide security guarantees to uphold its territorial integrity. This move is seen as a major shift in Russia’s position, especially given its previous insistence on Ukraine’s neutrality and demilitarization. Vance stressed that the U.S. will continue to play an active role, but made clear that “there will be no U.S. troops stationed directly inside Ukraine,” in order to avoid further escalation of the conflict.

Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov expressed dissatisfaction with European leaders, accusing them of obstructing the peace process, and admitted that summit agendas were not yet prepared, with no plans for a short-term meeting between the two presidents. At the same time, Ukraine marked the 34th anniversary of its independence, with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney visiting Kyiv as a “special guest.” Carney announced that Canada does not rule out sending peacekeepers and pledged over NT$22 billion (approx. US$680 million) in military aid. The contrasting approaches of the U.S. and Canada toward Ukraine’s security guarantees add further complexity to the prospects of future peace negotiations.

On August 24, Ukraine marked its Independence Day, with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney arriving in Kyiv for his first official visit since taking office. Carney expressed Canada’s support for Ukraine’s defense of its sovereignty and took part in the country’s Independence Day celebrations.

As world leaders continue efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war, Carney not only reiterated Canada’s backing of Ukraine’s sovereignty but also prepared to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss military aid, joint weapons production, and related issues.

Upon his arrival in Kyiv, Carney posted on social media that on Ukraine’s Independence Day, at such a critical moment in the nation’s history, Canada would deepen its commitment and efforts to help Ukraine achieve a just and lasting peace. He noted that Canada is working with allies in the “Coalition of the Willing” to explore additional land, air, and sea measures to further assist Ukraine in resisting Russia.

Carney and Zelenskyy delivered speeches at Kyiv’s St. Sophia Square, where they announced new details of Canada’s CA$2 billion (US$2 billion) defense assistance package. The funding will support joint production of advanced drones by Canada and Ukraine, as well as the provision of ammunition and armored vehicles, with deliveries set to begin next month. In addition, Canada will provide funding for emergency medical care and shelter facilities.

During the G7 summit in June, Canada pledged US$2 billion in military aid to Ukraine and signed a strategic defense agreement with the European Union to advance joint procurement and production of weapons with Ukraine and other allies. Canada also plans to coordinate with Ukraine on urgent security guarantees.

In his speech, Carney stated: “When peace comes, Canada will be there. Once the killing stops, we will stand with you to foster Ukraine’s peace, security, and prosperity. We must deter and strengthen, ensuring Russia can never again threaten the freedom of Ukraine and Europe.”

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung held their first summit on Saturday, the 23rd, at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tokyo, stressing the importance of setting aside past differences in the face of challenges from their mutual ally, the United States.

The two countries agreed to cooperate in areas such as clean energy, artificial intelligence, declining birthrates, population aging, and disaster prevention. Both sides reaffirmed that South Korea and Japan, together with the United States, would work to end North Korea’s nuclear and missile development programs. This marks the first time since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1965 that a South Korean president has chosen Japan as the first destination for an overseas trip, and the first time since then that a South Korean leader has visited Japan before visiting the United States. Japanese officials noted that this shows Lee’s strong emphasis on strengthening Seoul-Tokyo relations. Historically, disputes over wartime issues have repeatedly hindered South Korea-Japan ties and trilateral coordination with Washington.

“Cooperation between our two countries is more important than ever,” Ishiba said. “Since the president took office, we have shared the same perspective, and I find that very encouraging.” Ishiba currently faces pressure from right-wing rivals within the ruling party to resign following July’s election setback. Lee expressed to Ishiba his hope to promote dialogue and cooperation, including shuttle diplomacy, not only between the two leaders but also through exchanges among government officials of both nations.

According to the Yomiuri Shimbun, no South Korean president has visited Japan in August since President Roh Tae-woo in 1987. August 15 is Korea’s Liberation Day, commemorating Japan’s surrender in World War II and the founding of the South Korean government. Senior Japanese Foreign Ministry officials remarked that the period around Liberation Day has traditionally been a sensitive time in South Korea regarding historical issues, making visits aimed at improving bilateral ties especially difficult.

Saturday’s summit was the first in 17 years, culminating in a joint statement in which both leaders pledged to look toward the future. Tokyo reiterated its “deep remorse and heartfelt apology” for Japan’s harsh colonial rule. Last week, in a speech marking Korea’s liberation from Japanese colonial rule, Lee called on both sides to overcome past grievances while urging Japan to face unresolved issues in order to maintain trust.

Lee and Ishiba jointly affirmed that “in a rapidly changing international environment, unwavering trilateral cooperation among South Korea, the United States, and Japan is vital,” and agreed to foster a positive cycle of stronger cooperation that advances Seoul-Tokyo relations.

Lee will remain in Japan on August 23–24 before heading directly to the United States for a summit with President Donald Trump. This indicates that under Lee Jae-myung’s leadership, inaugurated in June, South Korea has not shifted its stance on cooperation with Japan or trilateral ties with the United States and Japan.

On the 21st, the United States and the European Union (EU) issued a joint statement revealing details of their discussions in July regarding a trade and investment framework agreement. The U.S. will impose a 15% tariff on most imports from the EU, including pharmaceuticals and semiconductors. Tariffs on automobiles are expected to be lower than the current 27.5% rate. Alcoholic beverages are not yet exempted. As some disagreements remain between the two sides, the EU has expressed hope that the U.S. will make further concessions.

EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič stated that the confirmed tariffs will not be applied on top of existing ones and will be retroactively effective from August 1. Additionally, the EU plans to eliminate tariffs on U.S. industrial products and ease import restrictions on American seafood and agricultural products, including nuts, dairy products, fruits and vegetables, soybean oil, pork, and bison meat.

European wine producers expressed disappointment with the outcome of the agreement. A representative from the French Federation of Wine and Spirits Exporters (FEVS) stated that the tariffs would pose a major challenge to the alcohol industry, noting that the U.S. is the largest market for Bordeaux wines, and the tariffs would significantly hinder their market competitiveness. The European Commission emphasized that this trade agreement is only the beginning and that negotiations with the U.S. will continue to further strengthen transatlantic economic ties.

According to media reports, Pope Leo XIV, at the conclusion of a public audience on August 20, expressed concern over the ongoing devastation caused by war in many parts of the world. He issued a special invitation to the faithful to join in a day of prayer and fasting for world peace on August 22, the Feast of the Queenship of Mary.

The report stated that the Pope said: *“I invite all the faithful to dedicate a day of prayer and fasting for all those suffering from the scourge of war, including in the Holy Land, Ukraine, and other conflict zones around the world. Let us implore the Lord to grant the gift of peace and justice to all, and to wipe away the tears of those afflicted by the current armed conflicts.”*

The report also noted that Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, President of the Italian Bishops’ Conference and Archbishop of Bologna, announced that the Conference would heed the Pope’s call and observe prayer and fasting on August 22. The late Pope Francis had similarly called on the faithful to observe a day of prayer and fasting for peace on October 7 last year, marking the anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel.

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently announced that when reviewing applicants' eligibility for U.S. residency, it will expand its scrutiny to include whether individuals express "anti-American" views on social media. The agency has been actively denying or revoking visas for those deemed to act against U.S. foreign policy interests. As part of a broader tightening of student visa policies, more than 6,000 international student visas have been revoked since the beginning of 2025.

According to a statement from USCIS, the privilege of living and working in the United States is not a right, but a benefit that should not be extended to those who promote anti-American ideologies. Therefore, social media screening has been added to the vetting process, with a broader scope to detect potential support for terrorism or threats to national security. While "support for terrorism" is not specifically defined, the criteria now include whether the applicant holds anti-American views or promotes **anti-Semitic ideologies**.

International students have also become key targets in the crackdown on immigration. Reports indicate that over 6,000 international student visas have been revoked so far in 2025, primarily due to overstaying, legal violations, or suspected support of terrorism. Among these, approximately 4,000 students lost their visas due to legal offenses such as assault, drunk driving, robbery, arson, domestic violence, human trafficking, and child endangerment. Around 300 students were flagged for participating in pro-Palestinian protests or raising funds for Hamas, actions considered indicative of anti-Semitic tendencies or support for terrorism.

The Trump administration has emphasized that visa revocations help prevent terrorism supporters from entering the U.S. under the guise of being students, thereby safeguarding national security. Under the administration’s strict visa policies, a total of about 40,000 visas have been revoked in 2025 alone, with student visas making up a large portion. In July, fewer than 79,000 student visa holders entered the U.S., marking a 28% decline.