Sunday, 15 June 2025

South Asian Update
South Asian Update
China warns US not to ‘play with fire’ over Taiwan

China warns US not to ‘play with fire’ over Taiwan

China has issued a sharp warning to the United States, urging it to refrain from escalating tensions over Taiwan. The statement came after US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth labeled China a regional threat during a security forum in Singapore.

India-Pakistan’s drone battles mark new arms race in Asia

India-Pakistan’s drone battles mark new arms race in Asia

The Indian and Pakistani militaries have deployed high-end fighter jets, conventional missiles and artillery during decades of clashes, but the 4 days of fighting in May marked the first time New Delhi and Islamabad utilised unmanned vehicles drone at scale against each other.

ASEAN leaders renew push for Myanmar peace and trade resilience

ASEAN leaders renew push for Myanmar peace and trade resilience

Southeast Asian leaders are set to make another attempt to engage Myanmar`s military regime in peace talks, while also addressing regional trade challenges amid global economic uncertainty.

UN warns of rising Rohingya deaths amid desperate sea crossings

UN warns of rising Rohingya deaths amid desperate sea crossings

The United Nations refugee agency has raised alarm over a growing number of Rohingya refugees undertaking perilous sea journeys to escape worsening conditions in Myanmar and Bangladesh. A recent incident, involving the sinking of two boats earlier this month, is feared to have claimed the lives of up to 427 people—making it the deadliest Rohingya maritime tragedy of 2025 so far.

China to extend economic corridor project into Afghanistan
China to extend economic corridor project into Afghanistan

China, Pakistan and Afghanistan’s interim Taliban government have reached a consensus on expanding the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) into Afghan territory, broadening the scope of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in the region. 

Indian navy reportedly forces Rohingya refugees into the sea
Indian navy reportedly forces Rohingya refugees into the sea

Indian authorities are facing serious allegations of forcibly removing Rohingya refugees from a naval vessel and abandoning them at sea near the Myanmar border, according to statements from the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR), family members, and legal representatives.

China’s fighter jets and missiles make Pakistan a winner over India

China’s fighter jets and missiles make Pakistan a winner over India

Recent aerial confrontations over Kashmir have reportedly led to significant losses for the Indian Air Force, including several high-value assets such as the French-built Rafale jets, Russian-designed Su-30 MKIs and MiG-29s, as well as a drone.

’World cannot afford’ India-Pakistan confrontation: UN

’World cannot afford’ India-Pakistan confrontation: UN

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed deep concern over India’s recent military strikes inside Pakistani territory, according to his spokesperson.

Putin-Pezeshkian discuss restoration of Iran nuclear deal

Putin-Pezeshkian discuss restoration of Iran nuclear deal

Russian President Vladimir Putin held a telephone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday, focusing on the restoration of the Iran nuclear deal and enhancing cooperation between the two nations.

Malaysian premier urges peace in Pakistan amid India tensions

Malaysian premier urges peace in Pakistan amid India tensions

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressed his country`s willingness to support peace initiatives between India and Pakistan, as tensions escalate following a deadly attack in Kashmir. 

Xi Jinping says tariffs and trade wars hurt world economic order

Xi Jinping says tariffs and trade wars hurt world economic order

Chinese President Xi Jinping has warned that tariffs and trade wars undermine the global economic system, damage multilateral trade, and infringe upon the legitimate interests of all nations. 

Xi Jinping urges regional unity amid rising US-China tensions

Xi Jinping urges regional unity amid rising US-China tensions

Chinese President Xi Jinping has emphasized the need for regional solidarity under the concept of an "Asian family" during his tour of Southeast Asia, a move seen as a response to increasing pressure from the United States on nations to reduce economic ties with China.

EU lists Bangladesh among 7 ’safe’ countries, tightening asylum rules

EU lists Bangladesh among 7 ’safe’ countries, tightening asylum rules

The European Union on Wednesday unveiled a proposed list of seven countries it classifies as `safe,` aiming to streamline asylum procedures and accelerate the return of migrants from those nations.

Asian countries seek negotiations with US on Trump’s tariffs

Asian countries seek negotiations with US on Trump’s tariffs

In response to sweeping new tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump, several Asian nations are preparing to engage in trade negotiations with Washington to mitigate the potential impact on their economies.

Rohingya armed groups kill 219 Rohingyas in Bangladesh camps in four years

Rohingya armed groups kill 219 Rohingyas in Bangladesh camps in four years

Thailand-based human rights group Fortify Rights in a report said that Rohingya armed groups killed at least 219 Rohingyas in the camps in Bangladesh in four years between 2021 and 2024 as killings.

Myanmar village air strike kills at least 12

Myanmar village air strike kills at least 12

An airstrike carried out by Myanmar`s military on a village controlled by anti-junta resistance fighters has resulted in the deaths of at least 12 individuals. The strike reportedly targeted civilian-populated areas.