Asia

The Philippine Senate will convene as an impeachment court for VP Sara Duterte on May 18, 2026. This high-stakes trial could either end her presidential ambitions or strengthen her political standing against rivals.

A 5.2-magnitude earthquake struck Guangxi in south China on May 18, killing two people and causing 13 buildings to collapse. Authorities evacuated over 7,000 residents from the area following the quake. Search efforts located a previously missing person.

Indonesia passed the Domestic Workers Protection Law after decades of advocacy. While workers celebrate gaining legal recognition for rights and wages, experts caution that effective enforcement depends heavily on future technical regulations.

PM Anwar Ibrahim criticized BN's plan to contest solo in Johor, calling it a betrayal of the unity government. He warned that if BN chooses confrontation, PH is ready to fight seriously and may call for a nationwide general election.

Myanmar proposed a parliamentary bill making death sentences available for online scam offenses. The draft legislation targets those who detain or torture victims into working in illegal scam centers, alongside life imprisonment for running such operations.

Taiwan is essential to U.S. artificial intelligence leadership. As the primary industrial base for AI technology, the island is critical to winning the century's defining technological race against China.

The article details the complex dispute over Taiwan’s sovereignty. China claims it belongs to the PRC, while Taiwan functions as a de facto independent state with its own government and military. International recognition remains contested by major powers like the US.

Singapore and Indonesia pledged to deepen bilateral ties, focusing on digital and green economies. They also plan enhanced cooperation with Malaysia and boosting regional connectivity through initiatives like the ASEAN Power Grid.

A boat carrying 37 undocumented migrants from Indonesia sank off Malaysia's Pangkor Island. Authorities rescued 23 survivors, with efforts ongoing to locate the remaining 14 missing individuals.

Australia's Budget overhauls tax rules, targeting property investors by limiting negative gearing and changing capital gains taxes. It also allocates funds for fuel costs and infrastructure, aiming to boost economic resilience amid inflation concerns.

China's marriage registrations dropped 6.2% in Q1, reaching about half of 2017 levels. This decline signals deepening demographic strain. The country faces a record-low birth rate and population decrease, underscoring major challenges for family planning and social stability.

Indonesian authorities detained over 200 foreign nationals in Batam for allegedly running an online investment scam ring. The suspects, including Vietnamese and Chinese citizens, are accused of fraud targeting victims across Europe and Vietnam. They face deportation from Indonesia.