Myanmar remains ASEAN’s elephant in the room

The grouping faces a dilemma over how to re-engage the country.

Drones and ancient revolutions in military affairs

When we look at the military landscape today we cannot help but be impressed by the significance of drones on the battlefield. Drones represent an unexpected revolution in military affairs that has dramatically changed the balance of forces on the battlefield and beyond. The

UK to summon Chinese Ambassador after spying convictions

LONDON, May 7 - Britain will summon the Chinese ambassador following the conviction of two men for spying on behalf of Hong Kong and ultimately China, Security Minister Dan Jarvis said in a statement on Thursday.

In the post-pax world, networks – not nations – hold the power

Throughout history, the empire rose and fell. But the two common factors contributing to the decline always remain: overstretching and economic stress. The factors contributing to their rise may be different. For example: the British Empire, also called Pax Britannica, was

Philippines says China vessel conducting 'illegal' research near gas-rich Reed bank

MANILA, May 7 - The Philippine Coast Guard has accused China of conducting illegal marine scientific research near the oil and gas-rich Reed bank within Manila's exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea, according to a statement on Thursday.

Chinese-owned oil tanker hit near Hormuz as US pauses ship-protection plan, report says

LONDON/ATHENS, May 7 - A Chinese-owned oil products tanker was attacked near the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, Chinese media outlet Caixin reported, as President Donald Trump launched a U.S. plan that day to help stranded vessels but suspended it a day later.

Two men found guilty of spying on Hong Kong dissidents in UK for China

LONDON, May 7 - Two men were found guilty in a London court on Thursday of spying on behalf of Hong Kong and ultimately China, targeting prominent pro-democracy dissidents now based in Britain.

Hard and psychological power shown in South China Sea exercise

In the Balikatan military exercise, taking place in the Philippines, troops from the Philippines, US, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and France have been getting real combat training – and a lot of it. It’s conducted with China in mind – even if nobody will say so.

Two Britons held in Turkey with 20kg cannabis after Thailand trip

A suitcase belonging to one of the Britons was filled with the drugs, sealed in vacuum-packed wrapping.

Mortar attack on north-west Pakistan market kills six, say police

The attack took place in the Thall area of Hangu district.

‘There is a need for collective action’: Middle East crisis dominates ASEAN Summit in Cebu

Leaders at the summit are expected to focus on the economic fallout of the Middle East conflict.

US senators urge stability, cooperation between US, China

Explainer-What's included in talks to end the Iran war and reopen Hormuz?

LONDON, May 7 - With the standoff over the frozen Iran war threatening a global economic meltdown, Washington and Tehran have scaled back their efforts to agree a comprehensive peace deal and now seek a limited pact putting off the harder issues.

Khalilur Rahman is the master of Bangladesh’s strategic ambiguity

There are political operators who rise through ideology, and there are bureaucrats who rise through obedience. Then there is Dr Khalilur Rahman, a man who appears to have risen through something far more elusive: usefulness in moments of uncertainty. In Bangladesh’s

Sri Lanka arrests more than 260 foreigners over cyberscams

The suspects were aged between 19 and 39, with most overstaying their visas.

Amid Middle East conflict, ASEAN countries eye more coordinated response to future crises

The regional bloc reportedly plans to launch a contingency plan that covers emergency fuel sharing and upholds freedom of navigation.

US, Japan missile drills put Philippines in China’s line of fire

As US and Japanese missiles roar across Philippine skies, the Southeast Asian nation is becoming a forward-deployed missile hub in the intensifying US-China rivalry in the Pacific. The US and Japan escalated their military profiles in the Philippines during this year’s

ASEAN to hold talks soon with Myanmar foreign minister, secretary-general says

CEBU, Philippines, May 7 - Southeast Asian foreign ministers have agreed to a virtual meeting with their Myanmar counterpart, ASEAN's secretary-general said on Thursday, as the country seeks to re-engage with the regional bloc after five years on the sidelines.

UK police make third arrest over attempted arson at London synagogue

LONDON, May 7 - British counter-terrorism police have arrested a 19-year-old man in connection with an attempted arson attack on a synagogue in north London last month, marking the third arrest in the investigation, the force said on Thursday.

Indian seafarers endured nightly blasts, lack of food in Iran war ordeal

Their vessel was one of 2,000 trapped in the Strait of Hormuz.

Can South Korea’s praised school lunches keep their trays full?

Staffing issues threaten the quality of the country’s universal free school lunch system.

Russia says Armenia is being dragged into EU's 'anti-Russian orbit'

MOSCOW, May 7 - Russia's Foreign Ministry said on Thursday that Armenia was being drawn into what it described as the European Union's \"anti‑Russian orbit\".

China's former defence ministers Wei Fenghe, Li Shangfu given suspended death sentences on graft charges

The punishments are believed to rank among the harshest imposed on senior Chinese military officials in decades, highlighting the severity of China's anti-corruption drive within its armed forces.

China hands suspended death sentences to former defence ministers Wei Fenghe, Li Shangfu

A death sentence with reprieve in China is typically commuted to life imprisonment.

Designed to hurt Asia, Trump’s tariffs did the opposite

When the Trump administration announced sweeping tariffs on Asian economies on April 2, 2025, the political framing was simple. The tariffs would punish Asian exporters, shrink the US trade deficit and force capital home. Asia was cast as the vulnerable party in a contest the

Myanmar military claims recapture of trade artery towards China

Myanmar has pledged to step up trade with China, reviving discussions of long-stalled projects.

Paraguay president lauds friendship with Taiwan, China tells him to sever ties

TAIPEI, May 7 - Paraguay and Taiwan share a friendship based on freedom and democracy that extends beyond diplomatic formalities, Paraguayan President Santiago Pena said on Thursday, as China told him to sever ties with Taipei.

Paraguay President lauds friendship with Taiwan, China tells him to sever ties

Paraguay is one of 12 countries that still maintain formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan.

Ex-Thai PM Thaksin’s children pay final prison visit before parole release

Paetongtarn Shinawatra, his daughter, said they did not talk about politics at all.

One year after India-Pakistan clash, a fragile truce holds amid rising risks

At the heart of the dispute remains Kashmir, a flashpoint that continues to hinder long-term stability and economic potential in South Asia.

Malaysia seeks clarification from Norway after export control halts missile supply

A Malaysian defence news portal reported that Norway had banned the deliveries of the missiles to Malaysia just days before the scheduled date.

AirAsia to start new airline, stays defiant on fuel hedging

To help fund expansion, AirAsia could sell as much as US$600 million (S$759 million) in bonds.

What's at stake at the Trump-Xi summit

BEIJING, May 7 - U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping during his visit to Beijing next week, as both countries seek to stabilise a relationship strained by tensions over trade, Taiwan and the Iran war.

India state polls deepen Hindu-Muslim political divide, results show

NEW DELHI, May 7 - India's main opposition Congress party drew increasingly strong backing from Muslim voters while Hindus overwhelmingly voted for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s party, results from recent elections in four states have shown.

Three women linked to Islamic State arrested in Australia on return from Syria

Three women who allegedly supported IS were arrested after they flew home to Australia for the first time in years.

Indonesia’s Sumatra flood victims file lawsuit as reconstruction work stalls

At least 1,200 people were killed and 300,000 homes damaged from the floods and landslides.

Indonesia's Sumatra flood victims file lawsuit as reconstruction work stalls

JAKARTA, May 7 - Victims of last year's deadly floods in Indonesia's Sumatra filed a lawsuit to the state court on Thursday, urging the government to grant national disaster status to three affected provinces and suspend approvals for new forest use permits.

Top BJP leader's aide shot dead in violence after Indian state election

Chandranath Rath was personal assistant to Suvendu Adhikari, front runner to become West Bengal's new chief minister.

Hormuz crisis heats up Asia’s Arctic scramble

The Strait of Hormuz crisis will be remembered for many things, but its most consequential legacy may be one that has barely entered the public debate. It has accelerated Asia’s geographic pivot away from the Middle East and toward a region most Asian capitals have until now

Thai, Cambodian leaders commit to seek peace after rare meeting on conflict

The talks were overseen by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

AirAsia co-founder Fernandes plans to start new airline: Report

The new airline could be announced within the next couple of months, the report said, adding that AirAsia is moving some planes for the venture.

China vessel conducting ‘illegal’ research near gas-rich Reed Bank, says Philippines

Reed bank is within Manila’s exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea.

Troubled waters: Jakarta battles deadly, invasive sucking fish

The fish can grow to half a metre in length and a female can lay thousands of eggs every year.

Taiwan carries out first torpedo test firing for domestically made submarine

The submarine programme has drawn on expertise from several countries including the US and Britain.

Taiwan carries out first torpedo test fire for domestically made submarine

TAIPEI, May 7 - Taiwan has carried out the maiden torpedo test firing for its first domestically developed submarine, a major milestone in a project aimed at strengthening deterrence against the Chinese navy and protecting vital sea lanes in the event of war.

Major Chinese universities halt exchange programmes to Japan amid diplomatic row

Schools affected include renowned universities in Beijing and Shanghai’s prestigious Fudan University.

Crunch time for Japan-Russia as energy and security collide

An oil tanker from the Sakhalin-2 oil and gas extraction project arrived at Taiyo Oil’s refinery at Imabari, Ehime Prefecture, on May 5, signaling that Japan’s efforts to diversify away from the Persian Gulf have gone as far as to include some improvement in relations with

South Korea confirms first locally transmitted case of tick-borne Oz virus

Symptoms of Oz virus infection include fever, chills and muscle pain.

Solomon Islands PM ousted after losing confidence vote

May 7 - Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele was ousted from power on Thursday after losing a confidence vote in the country's parliament.