Category: Asia-Pacific

China and India have held the 25th round of talks between their special representatives on the long-running boundary dispute, with both sides discussing border management, bilateral relations and future cooperation. The discussions focused on implementing previous agreements, maintaining peace along contested border areas and restoring institutional exchanges between the two countries. Officials also addressed the…

Kazakhstan’s ruling Adilet party secured 71.17% of the vote in preliminary results from the country’s first election to its new single-chamber Kurultai, according to the Central Election Commission (CEC). The vote follows constitutional reforms approved in March that replaced the Senate with the unicameral parliament. Supporters say the change strengthens parliamentary decision-making, while critics argue…

Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim held the 27th Annual Leaders’ Consultation on (22 Aug), reaffirming their commitment to closer bilateral cooperation across security, trade, energy, infrastructure and regional affairs. The leaders reviewed progress on implementing the 2009 Exchange of Letters, border demarcation and cross-border initiatives while reiterating support for ASEAN…

South Korea has launched its first commercial container ship voyage to Europe via the Northern Sea Route (NSR), testing whether the Arctic passage could become a viable alternative to traditional shipping lanes. The 2,758 TEU (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Unit) container ship operated by South Korea’s PanStar has secured ⁠837 TEU of cargo including auto parts, chemical…

China and Indonesia have agreed to expand strategic cooperation across trade, defence, maritime affairs and emerging sectors following the first China-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Dialogue Mechanism conference in Jakarta. The meeting was co-chaired by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono, with both sides reaffirming support for each other’s core interests and agreeing…

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Thailand Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul have launched the New Zealand-Thailand Strategic Partnership during talks in Auckland, marking 70 years of diplomatic relations. The leaders agreed to deepen cooperation across trade, security, innovation and regional engagement. Both countries aim to triple two-way trade to NZ$13.5 billion by 2045, while…

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and Foreign Minister Cho Hyun during a visit to Seoul, as both countries continued efforts to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties ahead of the 2026 APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting. President Lee said closer cooperation in trade, security and people-to-people exchanges would benefit both countries,…

Australia and Thailand have agreed to deepen bilateral cooperation following meetings between Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, HE Mr Anutin Charnvirakul. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening economic engagement, enhancing regional security cooperation and expanding joint efforts to combat transnational crime, including cybercrime, human trafficking and…

US President Donald Trump has directed Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to substantially reduce future US-South Korea joint military exercises, citing financial costs and broader diplomatic considerations with North Korea. The decision comes as the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield drills proceed, with Seoul confirming they will take place as scheduled. In a Truth Social post…

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has proposed direct talks with North Korea to formally end the Korean War, calling for a “multi-layered security system” to reduce tensions along the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ). Speaking during Liberation Day commemorations, Lee said dialogue could support peaceful coexistence while exploring practical measures to curb North Korea’s nuclear programme.…