Xinhua Asia-Pacific news summary at 1600 GMT, Oct. 29

TOKYO -- Japan's new prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, and U.S. President Donald Trump took part in a series of talks on Tuesday during their first meeting in Tokyo. Meanwhile, Japanese people took to the streets, voicing strong dissatisfaction with Trump's visit and protesting against arms expansion and the weaponization of tariffs.

Protestors from all over Japan on Tuesday gathered in front of the Prime Minister's Office, holding banners and placards that read "Oppose Japan-U.S. security arrangements," "Oppose Japan-U.S. summit meeting" and "Trump not welcome." (Japan-Takaichi-Trump)

- - - -

ISLAMABAD -- Pakistan's Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar said Wednesday that the latest round of Pakistan-Afghanistan dialogue held in Istanbul, Türkiye, "failed to bring about any workable solution."

In an early morning statement released on social media platform X, Tarar said Pakistan had repeatedly engaged with the Afghan Taliban authorities over the issue of cross-border terrorism involving groups such as the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and the Balochistan Liberation Army. (Pakistan-Afghanistan-Peacetalk)

- - - -

GYEONGJU, South Korea -- U.S. President Donald Trump said here Wednesday that the United States has reached a deal on trade with South Korea, according to Yonhap news agency.

Trump arrived in Gyeongju, about 330 km southeast of the South Korean capital Seoul, earlier in the day to hold summit meetings, including the one with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung Wednesday afternoon ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Economic Leaders' Meeting. (SKorea-U.S.-Trade Deal)

- - - -

NEW DELHI -- At least 133 people drowned and many others went missing in the Indian eastern states of Bihar and Jharkhand during the Hindu festival of Chhath Puja, local media reports said Wednesday.

In Bihar, 108 people lost their lives due to drowning and 10 others are reported missing. In the neighboring Jharkhand, the number of such deaths is 25. (India-Festival-Drowning) Enditem