What is the Global Sumud Flotilla and why is it sailing to Gaza?
The Global Sumud Flotilla, an unprecedented civilian-led maritime convoy, is attempting to challenge Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza. Here’s what to know about the initiative, its origins, and its mission. Who is the Global Sumud Flotilla? The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), sometimes referred to as the Global Freedom Flotilla, is an international maritime initiative launched […]
Read MoreUnrest in Philippine military? Ire of old guard could spell trouble for Marcos
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr (right) rides beside military chief General Romeo Brawner Jnr as he reviews troops during the 89th anniversary of the Armed Forces of the Philippines at military headquarters Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on December 20, 2024. Photo: AP Raissa Robles Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr is facing growing unrest from […]
Read MoreChina court sentences 11 members of Myanmar-based crime syndicate to death
BANGKOK: A court in China sentenced 11 people to death on Monday for their roles in a family-run crime syndicate accused of running illegal gambling and scam operations worth more than $1.4 billion and for the deaths of disobedient workers. The Wenzhou Intermediate People’s Court sentenced Ming Guoping, Ming Zhenzhen, Zhou Weichang — all members […]
Read MoreMadagascar president fires government after Gen Z protests
Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina dissolved his government on Monday following days of deadly unrest which the United Nations says left at least 22 people dead. “I have decided to terminate the functions of the Prime Minister and the government,” Rajoelina said in a televised national address. He said that Prime Minister Christian Ntsay and other […]
Read MoreNorth Korea and China tighten diplomatic embrace as Kim seeks global relevance
North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui met with China’s top diplomat Wang Yi in Beijing on Sunday during her second visit to the Chinese capital in just one month, both countries’ official news agencies reported. Wang told Choe that “China is willing to strengthen coordination and cooperation with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea […]
Read MoreKyrgyzstan’s Rebrand: New Country, or New Distractions?
By Joe Luc Barnes On January 29, in what became a viral social media post, Seide Ibraimova and her mother drove to the site of VDNKh, the exhibition center built in the Kirghiz SSR to demonstrate the achievements of socialist science and culture. Her mother, wrapped in a white headscarf, reminisced happily about the times […]
Read MoreIs India’s ‘Look West’ policy anchored by Iranian port under threat?
By Maria Siow India is expected to continue developing a key port in Iran due to its strategic value as a trade gateway to Central Asia and the Middle East, despite the project facing the threat of imminent US sanctions, according to analysts. Washington’s revocation of a waiver on sanctions for the Chabahar port may […]
Read MoreHow will the Philippines use its share of US$55 million maritime aid?
By Jeoffrey Maitem The Philippines is among Asian nations to be covered by a US$55 million maritime defence funding from the United States, but Manila is not expected to buy any significant game-changing security assets with its share. Analysts say while the funding signals Washington’s focus on pulling mid-sized states into its orbit to counter […]
Read MoreJapanese flock to Hong Kong, lured by nostalgic, ‘kawaii’ appeal of pandas, Labubu
By Julian Ryall The number of Japanese travellers to Hong Kong jumped more than 32 per cent for the first half of this year compared with the same period in 2024, an encouraging sign of recovery for tourism authorities in the Chinese city seeking to draw more visitors from the Land of the Rising Sun. […]
Read MoreIran recalls envoys to UK, France and Germany after China-backed UN resolution fails
By Laura Zhou Iran has recalled its ambassadors to Britain, France and Germany, according to its state media. The move came hours after the UN Security Council voted down a resolution backed by China and Russia seeking to prevent the reimposition of global sanctions against the Islamic republic. China and Russia tabled a draft resolution […]
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