Key Takeaways
- Nepal's Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has resigned following intense anti-corruption demonstrations and deadly clashes, signaling significant political instability in the Himalayan nation.
- TotalEnergies (TTE) secured a major ten-year agreement to supply 1 million tons of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) annually to South Korea's KOGAS (036460.KS), reinforcing its position in the global energy market.
- Lin Jingzhen, former Vice President of Bank of China (3988.HK), is under investigation for alleged severe violations, highlighting China's ongoing anti-corruption campaign within its financial sector.
In a day marked by significant global developments, political upheaval in Nepal, a major energy supply deal, and a high-profile corruption probe in China are capturing headlines, each with potential implications for regional stability and market dynamics.
Nepal Prime Minister Resigns Amid Violent Anti-Corruption Protests
Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, amidst widespread and violent anti-corruption demonstrations that have rocked the country for days. The protests, largely led by "Gen Z" youths, were initially sparked by a government-imposed social media ban but quickly escalated due to simmering anger over alleged widespread corruption and nepotism.
Demonstrators defied an indefinite curfew, with reports indicating the torching of the Prime Minister's residence in Balkot, Bhaktapur, and attacks on the homes of other prominent political figures. The unrest turned deadly the day prior to Oli's resignation, resulting in 19 fatalities and over 300 injuries during clashes with security forces. The government had lifted the social media ban on Monday night in an attempt to de-escalate tensions. Three ministers, including the Home, Water Supply, and Agriculture ministers, also tendered their resignations in response to the government's handling of the protests.
TotalEnergies Secures Major LNG Supply Deal with KOGAS
French energy giant TotalEnergies (TTE) has inked a substantial ten-year agreement to supply 1 million tons of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) annually to the Korea Gas Corporation (KOGAS) (036460.KS). This deal, effective over a decade, underscores TotalEnergies' strategic expansion in long-term LNG sales.
The agreement is part of a broader procurement strategy by KOGAS, South Korea's state-owned natural gas utility and sole distributor, to secure stable energy supplies. KOGAS has been actively seeking long-term contracts, including a tender launched in May 2024 for 3.3 million metric tons per year of U.S. LNG from 2028, to replace several expiring contracts. This significant supply commitment from TotalEnergies will contribute to South Korea's energy security and KOGAS's efforts to stabilize domestic natural gas prices.
Former Bank of China Vice President Under Corruption Investigation
China's sweeping anti-corruption campaign continues to target high-ranking officials within its financial sector, with Lin Jingzhen, former Vice President of Bank of China (3988.HK), now under investigation. State broadcaster CCTV and Xinhua reported on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, that Lin is being probed for suspected severe violations of Party discipline and the law.
This investigation into an executive from one of China's largest banking groups signals Beijing's unwavering commitment to rooting out corruption across various industries. The probe follows numerous other high-profile cases in recent years, as President Xi Jinping continues to deepen efforts to clean up the financial system and other key sectors.
Ed Liston is a senior contributing editor at TheStockMarketWatch.com. An active market watcher and investor, Ed guides an independent team of experienced analysts and writes for multiple stock trader publications.