Daily Briefing · 2026-10-18

In response, President Zelensky pushed back, saying that the weakening of economic pressure on Russia would adversely affect Ukraine's economy and security. In Ukraine, concerns have emerged that restrictions on SpaceX's satellite communication services are reducing the efficiency of military operations. China's Premier Li Qiang emphasized the Taiwan issue as an inviolable red line during President Trump's visit to China, and risks of instability in trade relations continue. Japan and Europe emphasized the protection of critical shipping routes in a ministerial-level economic dialogue. In France, demonstrations involving 550 thousand people demanding measures against rising prices occurred, with disturbances including arson at public facilities. In Palestine, an attack on European diplomats by Jewish settlers occurred, raising concerns about worsening relations between Israel and Europe. A crowd accident occurred at a festival in eastern India, killing at least 17 people. Forest fires in Indonesia have spread to neighboring countries, causing adverse effects on the regional economy including school closures. Domestically, the number of bankruptcies of medical institutions from January to September recorded an all-time high. The number of Chinese tourists visiting Osaka has decreased, affecting the revenue and employment of the local tourism industry. Due to soaring lettuce prices, major restaurant chains such as McDonald's and Royal Host are being forced to raise prices and change ingredients. At Sony Life, 50 sales staff were suspended from activity due to violations of sales regulations. In the consumer sector, the sheet mask market is expanding with the emergence of advanced products. In the frozen food market, premiumization is progressing, with companies from other industries entering one after another.