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.

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.

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.

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, 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 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.

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.

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

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 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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.