Category: Asia-Pacific
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Pakistan’s military has warned that any future confrontation with India could result in “cataclysmic devastation,” following a series of provocative remarks from Indian defence officials. – Pakistan warns The statement came after Indian Army Chief Gen. Upendra Dwivedi warned Islamabad to stop “supporting terrorism,” while Defence Minister Rajnath Singh cautioned that any “misadventure” in the…
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Sanae Takaichi, former economic security minister, has been elected leader of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). The 64-year-old defeated Shinjiro Koizumi, son of former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, in a run-off vote after no candidate secured a majority in the first round. – Sanae Takaichi elected LDP leader A parliamentary vote on 15 October…
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Myanmar’s military has regained control of Kyaukme, a key district capital in Shan State, over a year after it was captured by the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), state media reported. The town lies about 115 km northeast of Mandalay and is a strategic trade hub linking central Myanmar to China. – Myanmar army retakes strategic…
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Papua New Guinea (PNG) has approved the Pukpuk Treaty, a landmark mutual defence agreement with Australia. – Papua New Guinea approves mutual defence treaty Prime Minister James Marape confirmed cabinet approval, describing the deal as reflecting “trust, history, and a shared future.” Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese welcomed the move, saying it would establish a…
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Outside a Tokyo station, Sohei Kamiya, leader of the nationalist Sanseito Party, rallied supporters with calls for a “Japanese First” agenda. Critics accused him of racism, but Kamiya argued he was defending national interests. – Japan debates immigration Sanseito gained momentum in Japan’s July 2024 election, advancing its anti-globalist, anti-immigration and anti-liberal platform. The debate…
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India and China will restart direct passenger flights this month, ending a suspension of more than five years. The announcement was confirmed by India’s Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday (Oct. 2). – India and China resume direct flights • IndiGo, India’s largest airline, will operate daily services between Kolkata and Guangzhou from 26 October.…
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South Korean President Lee Jae Myung announced an 8.2% increase in next year’s defence budget, bringing it to 66.3 trillion won ($47.1 billion). Speaking on Armed Forces Day, he stressed that peace depends on a strong foundation of security. – South Korea to boost defence budget • The budget will focus on cutting-edge technologies such…
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At least 69 people have been killed after a 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck the central Philippines late Tuesday (Sep. 30). The province of Cebu has declared a state of calamity, with thousands displaced and aftershocks continuing into Wednesday. – Philippines Earthquake • Bogo City, near the epicentre, suffered the highest casualties. • Other deaths were…
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Chinese President Xi Jinping marked the 76th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China by reiterating opposition to “Taiwan independence separatist activities” and foreign interference. Speaking at a Beijing reception, Xi emphasised safeguarding China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity while pledging to expand cross-strait dialogue and cooperation. His comments come amid ongoing tensions in the Taiwan…
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Singapore’s population reached 6.11 million in June, up 1.2% from a year earlier, according to government statistics released on Monday (Sep. 29). – Singapore population hits record The increase was largely driven by the foreign workforce, which grew 2.7% to 1.91 million, supported by the construction, marine shipyard, processing sectors, and domestic work. The National…
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