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Papua Rebels Claim American Pilot Killed as Fireball Message to US and Indonesia
10 days ago•Source: The Guardian
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Philippine president orders probe after Tacloban school shooting kills three
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered a thorough investigation into a Tacloban school shooting that killed three and left five injured, with police arresting a minor student and another suspect. The attack at San Jose National High School led to heightened security around schools, and the Education Department labeled it a high-alert incident as investigators probe the circumstances and possible motive behind the shooting.
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Open Strait, Guarded Interests: China’s nuanced take on Hormuz
China wants the Strait of Hormuz to stay open for traffic and energy flows, but not at the cost of its energy security or allowing Iran to gain leverage. Beijing favors a regional mechanism that could charge a non-toll-like environmental fee, avoids a blockade, and opposes any Chapter VII move that could authorize force against Iran. GCC states such as the UAE and Bahrain oppose giving Iran more influence and would prefer the US to resume pressure or bombing Iran. Beijing is wary that upheaval in Iran could threaten its energy security, as seen in Venezuela-like scenarios, so China remains cautious about UN resolutions and broader enforcement measures in Hormuz.
Japan fires first overseas anti-ship missiles during Balikatan, sinks decommissioned Philippine vessel
During the Balikatan exercise off northwestern Luzon, Japan fired two Type-88 surface-to-ship missiles from Culili Point, sinking the decommissioned BRP Quezon (ex-USS Vigilance) about 50 miles offshore — the first time Tokyo has launched missiles outside its territory. The drill also involved Philippine frigates, a Canadian frigate, a U.S. P-8 Poseidon and an MQ-9 drone, signaling deeper regional security cooperation as tensions with China rise; Philippine President Marcos Jr. watched remotely alongside Japanese Defense Minister Koizumi and Philippine Defense Secretary Teodoro. Officials say future Balikatan drills are likely to expand in size and scope to deter shared threats.
French teen in Singapore could face prison over straw-licking video
An 18-year-old French student in Singapore has been charged with mischief and public nuisance for posting a video of him licking a vending-machine straw and returning it. Mischief can carry up to two years in prison or a fine, while public nuisance carries up to three months or a fine. He has not entered a plea and is due back in court May 29 after being granted permission to travel to Manila for a school trip.
In-Flight Photos Tied to 2021 Korean Jet Collision, Audit Finds
A December 2021 midair collision between two South Korean Air Force F-15Ks was linked to pilots taking photos and filming during the mission; as they tried to regain separation, one aircraft pulled up and the lead plane was clipped, causing damage exceeding $600,000. The audit found the air force partly responsible for lax in-flight photography rules; the wingman was ordered to pay one-tenth of the bill and has since left the military, with no injuries reported.
Massive Sabah blaze devastates Kampung Bahagia, destroying thousands of homes
A massive overnight fire in Kampung Bahagia, Sabah (Borneo), destroyed more than 1,000 stilt homes and displaced about 9,000 residents over four hectares of densely packed housing; firefighting was hampered by low tide and water access. The cause is under investigation, though a gas stove incident is suspected. No deaths have been reported, with several injuries and authorities coordinating relocation and relief for the affected communities.
Beijing pushes Kinmen ties as Taiwan bristles over cross-strait integration and Fujian carrier readies
Taiwan’s opposition leader Cheng Li-wun met Xi Jinping and echoed PRC calls for cross-strait integration, while Beijing unveiled a ten-point plan to deepen ties with Taiwan’s Kinmen and Matsu islands and promote “one China” messaging. Taiwanese officials criticized her remarks and warned of security risks as the PRC pressures Taiwan with military activity and potential clandestine insertions. Separately, China’s PLAN Fujian is projected to reach some level of operational readiness in 2026, with analysts noting possible deployments beyond the first island chain. The report also covers heightened regional frictions: Japan’s defense push and Balikatan participation with the Philippines; South China Sea tensions including cyanide-dumping accusations and Scarborough Shoal barriers; Indonesian discoveries of PRC unmanned underwater vehicles; and Latin America’s Panama-Maersk port dispute illustrating Beijing’s economic leverage. Taiwan also faces ongoing espionage threats targeting lower-ranking personnel, ongoing defense-budget debates, and a wary stance toward PRC influence ahead of local elections.
Turkey clamps down on online praise after school shootings
Turkish authorities detained over 160 people and blocked about 1,100 social-media accounts for praising or spreading misinformation about two deadly school shootings, including a Siverek incident that wounded 16; investigators say accounts targeted schools and potential attacks, as teachers’ unions protested and Erdogan pledged a full investigation.
Seoul Imposes Six-Month Sentence on American YouTuber for Online Provocation
An American YouTuber known for provocative stunts, Johnny Somali (Ramsey Khalid Ismael, 25), was sentenced to six months in a Seoul jail after being convicted on multiple charges including obstructing a business and distributing sexual deep fakes; his actions—loud public music, yelling at strangers, and vandalizing a small business—plus a video kissing the Statue of Peace drew widespread condemnation, and prosecutors had sought up to three years in prison.
Belarusian Leader in Pyongyang as Lukashenko and Kim Jong Un Seal New Pact
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko visited North Korea, where he was greeted by Kim Jong Un and the two leaders signed a friendship and cooperation treaty, underscoring closer Moscow-aligned ties as both nations back Russia’s war in Ukraine despite Western sanctions and rights concerns.
Takaichi Leaves DC With a Tightrope Walk Between US Alliance, China, and Iran War
Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi’s DC visit with Trump blended warmth with strategy: she sought reassurances on the US-Japan security‑economic partnership while navigating Tokyo’s limits and China tensions, and Trump pressed for Japan’s help in the Hormuz crisis. With widespread domestic opposition to any Iran war and Japan’s legal constraints, deployment is unlikely, pushing Tokyo toward diplomacy. The piece argues she should push for a quicker end to the Iran conflict and pursue proactive engagement with China (including Taiwan policy clarity) ahead of the 2026 APEC summit to elevate Japan’s global stature without triggering an arms race.