Asia

Following a Mount Dukono eruption in Indonesia, authorities are searching for three missing hikers. The volcano sent an ash cloud 10km high, forcing search operations to halt due to ongoing seismic activity and safety risks.

Amid Middle East tensions, ASEAN proposed establishing a regional fuel stockpile and food security arrangements. Leaders stressed strengthening coordination, diversifying energy sources, and improving intra-regional trade to manage global supply risks effectively.

Thai and Cambodian leaders are set to meet in the Philippines during the ASEAN summit. These talks aim to resolve border tensions following deadly fighting last year. Philippine President Marcos Jr. will oversee discussions emphasizing peace and dialogue between the two nations.

Indonesia's Densus 88 arrested eight suspected militants in Central Sulawesi. The suspects are linked to the Islamic State-affiliated group MIT. Authorities allege they operated as a sleeper cell network, spreading extremist propaganda online and engaging in other terrorism activities.

U.S. President Trump has renewed his trade war with China since 2025. The conflict involves escalating tariffs, sanctions on refiners, and export controls on advanced technology, fueling deep economic rivalry between the two powers.

Looming El Niño heatwaves combine with oil shocks, creating a double threat for Asia's economy. Rising food and utility costs are driving inflation to multi-year highs, especially in vulnerable emerging markets.

Selangor’s pig farming faces a crisis following a royal ban. The debate is highly politicized, pitting farmers and opposition calls for modern, closed systems against environmental concerns and deep-seated religious sensitivities.

Nepal PM Balendra Shah banned party-linked unions and student groups, stating the move promotes institutional governance away from political control. Critics condemn the ban as authoritarian, arguing it restricts academic freedom and civil service rights.

Thailand is considering mandatory tourist insurance to ease strain on its healthcare system from foreign patients. However, industry experts caution that poor implementation could deter visitors in the highly competitive regional travel market.

An Australian inquiry opened public hearings into the deadly Bondi Beach shooting. The investigation probes rising anti-Semitism, linking it to Middle East events and highlighting deep community fears of "catastrophe" among Jewish Australians.

Asian stocks rose, tracking Wall Street's tech rally. Seoul and Taipei hit records amid AI sector interest. Optimism was also boosted by fresh proposals for an Iran-US peace deal.

Signs of stabilization are emerging between China and the Philippines, driven by energy needs and geopolitical pressure. Analysts caution this is not a full "reset," but a calculated pause. The delicate balance remains fragile due to deep South China Sea disputes and US involvement.