asia-pacific13.055 min read
Open Strait, Guarded Interests: China’s nuanced take on Hormuz
11 days ago•Source: Responsible Statecraft
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4.135 min•21 days ago
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.
2.95 min•28 days ago
French teen in Singapore could face prison over straw-licking video
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In-Flight Photos Tied to 2021 Korean Jet Collision, Audit Finds
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Massive Sabah blaze devastates Kampung Bahagia, destroying thousands of homes
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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.
Iran reports 85 dead after US-Israeli strikes hit Hormozgan girls' school
Iran's judiciary says US-Israeli air strikes hit a girls' elementary school in Minab, Hormozgan province, killing at least 85 students; Washington has not commented. The report comes amid broader strikes on Iran, with Iran claiming retaliatory actions and the White House not yet confirming details.
Japan to deploy missiles on Yonaguni by 2031 amid Taiwan security tensions
Japan plans to place surface-to-air missiles on Yonaguni, its westernmost island near Taiwan, by March 2031 (fiscal 2030), according to Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, as Tokyo steadies against China amid Taiwan security concerns and ongoing Senkaku/ Diaoyu tensions; locals worry about militarization of the small island that already hosts an SDF base.
Kim Jong Un Extends Grip as North Korea Re-Elects Party General Secretary
Kim Jong Un was re-elected general secretary of North Korea's ruling Workers’ Party at a rare congress, with delegates voting unanimously; KCNA said the country’s nuclear deterrence has been radically improved under his leadership, while Kim also pledged to boost living standards and push economic development.
Kim Jong Un Re-Elected NK Party General Secretary as Nuclear Deterrence Strengthens
North Korea's ruling Workers' Party re-elected Kim Jong Un as general secretary during its congress, praising him for boosting the country's prestige and strengthening its military with nuclear deterrence, while electing Central Committee members and revising party rules with details not disclosed.
Sons of Imran Khan press for visas to visit jailed father amid health concerns
Imran Khan's sons Kasim and Sulaiman, based in London, say their father’s health in a Pakistani jail is deteriorating and have applied for visas to visit him, though no approvals have come. Khan’s lawyers have alleged significant vision loss in his right eye, while a medical board said swelling eased and vision improved. The brothers, who last saw him in late 2022 after living in Britain, urge authorities to grant access to medical care, while Pakistan says procedures are underway and rejects neglect claims; the Supreme Court has asked for treatment details.