Asia

Malaysia will not repatriate Myanmar refugees facing persecution, torture or life threats, amid a phased return of up to 5,000 detainees with monitoring and Myanmar’s assurances.

Australia signed a defence deal with Timor-Leste on Oct 22, providing A$62m for cyber and maritime security to counter China's regional influence.

Taiwan probes organized crime links to China's "transnational repression" after an attack on a comedian, investigating potential CCP direction and funding.

The Philippines is exploring deeper cooperation with Taiwan on protecting undersea cables and addressing grey-zone activity despite Manila’s one-China policy.

Kim Yo Jong warned South Korea that anti-Seoul border loudspeakers will be on standby within days, threatening a “horrible” situation if interference continues and risking renewed border tensions.

Malaysia Airports will deploy K9 units at KLIA from Oct 26 to strengthen security across departure and arrival halls, baggage sorting, check-in and customs inspection areas.

A breach at Japan’s Arcadia may have exposed about 125,000 police staff records across 22 prefectural forces; no investigative data leaked, officials said.

Unverified claims of Kim Jong Un’s death were dismissed by South Korea; North Korea released photos of him, highlighting recurring false rumours about its secretive leaders.

APEC is speeding Shenzhen’s makeover—fixing foreign-language signs, adding translation and payment help, and tightening safety—but experts question whether these changes will last after the summit.

North Korea ordered border troops to respond resolutely if South Korea threatens their safety, as tensions rise and Kim Yo Jong says new firepower units have taken firing positions.

Malaysia’s Bersatu suspended Perlis Menteri Besar Abu Bakar Hamzah’s party membership for two election terms from Oct 13 over alleged party rule and ethics breaches; he lost all party posts.

South-east Asia’s digital sales are forecast to rise 17% to US$368 billion in 2026, with GMV reaching US$1.14 trillion by 2035; H1 2026 funding hit US$21 billion, up from US$11 billion in 2025.