Myanmar's military government has detained over 10,000 foreign nationals for illegal entry and involvement in online fraud, repatriating most of them. This comes amid international pressure and accusations between the junta and ethnic groups.
Typhoon Bualoy hit Vietnam, killing 8 people and leaving 17 fishermen missing. The storm damaged homes, flooded crops and disrupted power supplies, after which it weakened and headed towards Laos.
The U. S. Department of the Treasury has sanctioned five individuals and one entity for financing North Korea's weapons programs and supplying arms to the Burmese military regime. These measures block assets and prohibit transactions with sanctioned entities, disrupting funding channels and limiting military capabilities.
A Lowy Institute report shows that Trump's policies, including tariffs and aid cuts, are weakening US influence in Southeast Asia. China is becoming the dominant power in the region through trade and investment efforts.
US President Donald Trump has maintained a basic tariff rate of 10% for countries with a positive trade balance. For 40 countries with a trade deficit with the US, a minimum tariff of 15% has been set, and for Canada, the tariff has increased to 35%.
EU's top diplomat Kaja Kallas condemned Russian attacks on Ukraine, calling them unacceptable. Brussels is considering the 18th package of sanctions and discussing a price cap on oil for the Russian Federation.
US President Donald Trump informed the leaders of Japan, South Korea, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Laos, Myanmar, and South Africa about the introduction of new import duties. The size of the duties ranges from 25% to 40%, and companies can avoid them by moving production to the US.
Russia is trying to involve Laos in the war against Ukraine by organizing the participation of Laotian engineering troops in demining territories of the Kursk region of the Russian Federation. Laos is ready to send up to 50 sappers and provides free assistance to the Russian Federation, rehabilitating wounded Russian military personnel.
The Trump administration is considering expanding the list of countries whose citizens will be banned from entering the United States. The reasons are problems with document security and migration cooperation.
Brussels lawmakers are looking for ways to increase financial pressure on Russia. Most members of the European Parliament are in favor of including Russia in the list of countries with weak control over money laundering.
Donald Trump has banned citizens of 12 countries from entering the United States due to security risks. Partial restrictions will apply to 7 other countries, with exceptions for certain categories.
In 2024, the world lost a record area of tropical forests, especially in Brazil, due to massive fires caused by climate change. Bolivia was also severely affected, and Canada and Russia recorded record forest fires.
Russia has forgiven the countries participating in the parade a total of $50 billion in debt and provided preferential loans worth $20 billion. The Kremlin is trying to create an illusion of geopolitical greatness.
Pyongyang will not send its troops to participate in the victory parade in Moscow. According to the aide to the President of the Russian Federation, North Korea will be represented at the level of ambassador.
The United States has completed its campaign to increase import duties on solar cells from Southeast Asia. The duty rate for Asian manufacturers ranges from 41% to 3500%.
