Category: Asia-Pacific

Coverage of geopolitics, international relations, and current affairs from across Asia-Pacific, including China, India, Southeast Asia, and Pacific nations, with a focus on security, trade, and regional diplomacy.

  • India–UAE deepen defence and energy ties during Modi visit to Abu Dhabi

    India and the United Arab Emirates have agreed a framework for a strategic defence partnership during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Abu Dhabi, as both countries seek closer cooperation amid ongoing regional tensions linked to the Iran conflict. India’s foreign ministry said the agreement will expand collaboration in defence manufacturing, maritime security, cyber…

  • Solomon Islands parliament elects Matthew Wale as new prime minister

    Solomon Islands lawmakers have elected Matthew Wale as the country’s new prime minister following the removal of former leader Jeremiah Manele in a parliamentary no-confidence vote. The leader of the Solomon Islands Democratic Party secured 26 votes against 22 for the government-backed candidate. Wale said his administration would pursue “necessary” reforms while addressing economic and…

  • Sen. Graham raises doubts over Pakistan’s mediation role in Iran war

    Senator Lindsey Graham questioned Pakistan’s role in Iran-related mediation efforts during a Senate hearing on Tuesday (12 May), stating: “I don’t trust Pakistan as far as I can throw them,” as he raised concerns over its neutrality in regional diplomacy. During the exchange, Graham cited reports alleging that Pakistan may be allowing Iranian aircraft to…

  • Pacific nation Nauru moves to change name in break from colonial past

    The parliament of Nauru has approved a constitutional amendment paving the way for a national referendum on changing the country’s official name to “Naoero”. The government said the proposed change is intended to restore the Pacific island nation’s indigenous identity and linguistic heritage. President David Adeang first introduced the proposal in January 2026. “Nauru emerged…

  • China and Tajikistan deepen strategic partnership during Beijing talks

    China’s leadership held high-level talks with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon in Beijing on Tuesday (12 May), focusing on trade, regional security, infrastructure and multilateral cooperation. During meetings with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Chinese President Xi Jinping, both sides reaffirmed support for strengthening the China-Tajikistan comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership and expanding Belt and Road cooperation.…

  • Malaysia and Indonesia central banks sign MoU to deepen financial stability cooperation

    Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) and Bank Indonesia (BI) have signed a new memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation on regional financial stability and sustainable economic growth. The agreement establishes a broader framework for collaboration between the two central banks across several policy and regulatory areas. Key developments include: BNM Governor Abdul Rasheed…

  • Modi appeals for reduced fuel consumption as rising oil prices pressure India’s economy

    India’s government has urged citizens to reduce fuel consumption and limit discretionary spending as rising global energy prices increase pressure on the country’s economy following the conflict involving Iran. Speaking in Secunderabad, Prime Minister Narendra Modi encouraged greater use of public transport, remote working, and reduced petrol and diesel consumption to help conserve foreign exchange…

  • Southeast Asian leaders gather for 48th ASEAN Summit amid ‘heightened geopolitical tensions’

    At the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu on Friday (8 May), Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. called for stronger regional cooperation as Southeast Asian leaders addressed growing geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty. Opening the plenary session, Marcos said the situation in the Middle East had contributed to higher living costs, supply disruptions and increased…

  • Solomon Islands PM Jeremiah Manele ousted after losing parliamentary confidence vote

    The Solomon Islands parliament has voted to remove Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele from office after he lost a confidence motion amid growing political instability in the Pacific nation. Speaker of parliament Patterson Oti confirmed the motion passed by 26 votes to 22, with two abstentions. Following the result, Manele urged lawmakers from both sides to…

  • Paraguay’s Santiago Peña reaffirms Taiwan ties as China urges severing of diplomatic relations

    Paraguayan President Santiago Peña has reaffirmed his country’s diplomatic relationship with Taiwan during a visit to Taipei, amid renewed pressure from Beijing to sever ties.  Speaking after receiving an honorary doctorate on Thursday (7 May), he described Paraguay–Taiwan relations as grounded in democracy, freedom, and institutional trust, extending beyond formal diplomatic recognition. “Paraguay and Taiwan…