Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte will face trial at the International Criminal Court starting November 30 on three counts of crimes against humanity. Prosecutors allege his involvement in at least 76 murders between 2013 and 2018 during his "war on drugs" campaign. The 81-year-old will be the first Asian former head of state to face trial at the ICC.
Huawei Technologies unveiled a new Tau Scaling Law, claiming it can achieve transistor density equivalent to 1.4-nanometre process technology by 2031. Analysts view this technological advancement as a significant milestone toward China's semiconductor independence and a strengthening of Beijing's leverage in the ongoing tech competition with the United States.
The United States is preparing offensive weapons to counter China's military satellites in potential future conflicts, according to defence analysts. Kari Bingen, director of the Aerospace Security Project at CSIS and former US deputy under secretary of defence for intelligence, stated that Washington is openly discussing how to "hold at risk" Chinese satellites. However, analysts warn that the US and China lack reliable communication channels to manage risks in an increasingly congested orbital environment.
A chemical tank implosion at a pulp and paper mill in southwestern Washington state on Tuesday injured at least 10 people, with multiple fatalities and missing workers reported. Nippon Dynawave Packaging and local first response agencies confirmed deaths in a joint statement. Fire and rescue officials indicated uncertainty regarding the exact number of fatalities and missing persons.
As Washington, Beijing, and Moscow treat each other as bargaining partners, northeast Asia faces mounting pressure. Taiwan, Korea, sanctions, energy routes, nuclear risks, and missile defence are no longer separate issues but part of a unified strategic conversation among the US, China, and Russia. Northeast Asia is being reorganised through three trilateral structures with distinct purposes, institutionalisation levels, and strategic effects.
Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte will face trial at the International Criminal Court starting November 30 on three counts of crimes against humanity. Prosecutors allege his involvement in at least 76 murders between 2013 and 2018 during his "war on drugs" campaign. The 81-year-old will be the first Asian former head of state to face trial at the ICC.
China's Liaoning aircraft carrier and its strike group are conducting live-fire exercises in the Pacific east of the Philippines following an extended South China Sea deployment. According to Japan's defence ministry, the carrier task force was spotted Monday approximately 880 kilometers southwest of Okinotorishima with at least four escort vessels. The exercise involves carrier-based fighter aircraft and other combat assets.
According to a report by a Chinese think tank, the US military significantly reduced and kept a low profile for Taiwan Strait transits in 2025, contrasting with increased operations by other Five Eyes allies. Australia, Canada, Britain, and New Zealand deployed six warships for five Taiwan Strait transits, all accompanied by official public statements. The divergence highlights differing strategic approaches among the allied nations in the region.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has prioritized the acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines as core strategic defence assets. However, analysts identify significant hurdles including delayed US consultations, non-proliferation concerns, and budget constraints. The country aims to deploy its first nuclear submarine by the mid-2030s to enhance defence capabilities, though multiple challenges remain to be resolved.
The United States is preparing offensive weapons to counter China's military satellites in potential future conflicts, according to defence analysts. Kari Bingen, director of the Aerospace Security Project at CSIS and former US deputy under secretary of defence for intelligence, stated that Washington is openly discussing how to "hold at risk" Chinese satellites. However, analysts warn that the US and China lack reliable communication channels to manage risks in an increasingly congested orbital environment.
A chemical tank implosion at a pulp and paper mill in southwestern Washington state on Tuesday injured at least 10 people, with multiple fatalities and missing workers reported. Nippon Dynawave Packaging and local first response agencies confirmed deaths in a joint statement. Fire and rescue officials indicated uncertainty regarding the exact number of fatalities and missing persons.
As Washington, Beijing, and Moscow treat each other as bargaining partners, northeast Asia faces mounting pressure. Taiwan, Korea, sanctions, energy routes, nuclear risks, and missile defence are no longer separate issues but part of a unified strategic conversation among the US, China, and Russia. Northeast Asia is being reorganised through three trilateral structures with distinct purposes, institutionalisation levels, and strategic effects.
Foreign ministers from the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue—comprising the United States, Japan, Australia, and India—gathered in New Delhi on Tuesday to demonstrate unity and reaffirm the bloc's relevance. The Quad aims to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific region and counterbalance China's expanding influence in this strategically important area.
The UK broke a century-old temperature record for the second time in 24 hours as a spring heatwave swept western Europe. London's Kew Gardens recorded 35.1 degrees Celsius, surpassing the previous day's 34.8-degree record. Governments issued warnings about life-threatening risks. Multiple drowning incidents were reported in Britain and France as people attempted to cool down in water.
Iran began restoring internet access on Tuesday following an 88-day near-total national network shutdown, the longest of its kind in history. Monitoring group NetBlocks reported a partial restoration, with connectivity rising from near zero to approximately 35 percent of typical levels. The move reflects Iran's diplomatic efforts to end the conflict with the US and fulfills government promises regarding network restoration.
According to Boston Consulting Group's latest global wealth report, Hong Kong has surpassed Switzerland as the world's largest cross-border wealth hub. Cross-border wealth in Hong Kong reached US$2.95 trillion in 2025, growing 10.7% year-over-year and narrowly exceeding Switzerland's US$2.94 trillion. The growth is driven by an IPO boom and capital inflows from mainland China.
Hong Kong authorities announced a subsidy of HK$0.50 per litre on liquefied petroleum gas from this Sunday through July 30 to relieve pressure on local transport companies facing rising fuel costs due to Middle East tensions. The measure covers all 66 LPG filling stations across the territory with no registration required. The transport sector operates over 20,000 vehicles including taxis, minibuses, and school buses.
The collapse of a S$1.43 billion merger between Singapore mobile operators M1 and Simba underscores the city-state's fiercely competitive telecommunications market and regulatory complexities around radio spectrum allocation. With the deal unravelling, Singapore's four major mobile operators—Singtel, StarHub, M1, and Simba—will continue operating in a cutthroat pricing environment while M1's owners pursue alternative divestment strategies.
Reuters journalists found that counterfeit goods trading remains active at Hanoi's Ninh Hiep wholesale market despite government crackdowns and US tariff threats. A vendor reported that police conduct annual raids with television crews for publicity, after which business resumes normally. The market is among approximately 30 notorious markets in Vietnam selling fake luxury brand items including counterfeit Ralph Lauren products.
A survey by the EU Chamber of Commerce in China reveals that European companies' confidence in the Chinese market is rebounding for the first time since 2022. Amid rising global volatility, Beijing is increasingly viewed as a champion of stability. The survey shows that the intensity of deterioration in confidence regarding China's business environment has eased among member companies over the past year, reversing years of declining sentiment.
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer announced Tuesday that the US government will issue a formal Federal Register notice seeking public comment on which Chinese products should qualify for reduced tariffs under a newly established bilateral Board of Trade. Greer stated at a Council on Foreign Relations event in Washington that the notice will outline the US approach to implementing this tariff framework.
Researchers at Peking University unveiled a microchip design software breakthrough on Tuesday, introducing an electronic design automation (EDA) prototype tool. The innovation aims to assist Huawei in developing advanced semiconductors amid US-led trade restrictions. EDA is specialized software engineers use for chip design, and this development could provide critical support to Huawei's semiconductor self-sufficiency initiatives.
China has launched an artificial intelligence platform for drug discovery that screens vast chemical compound libraries in tens of seconds, reducing initial drug screening from months or years. The system is expected to identify lead molecules for treating tumours, neurodegenerative diseases, rare diseases, and emerging infectious diseases, while potentially accelerating drug research during public health crises.
Chinese short-video company Kuaishou Technology reported first-quarter revenue of 33.7 billion yuan (US$5 billion), beating market expectations. Its flagship AI video generator Kling AI drove growth with revenue reaching 650 million yuan, up over 300% year-over-year. Overall company revenue grew 3.4%, with AI technology serving as the primary momentum for content expansion and business development.
He Tingbo, a prominent figure at Huawei Technologies, presented the Tau Scaling Law in Shanghai this week. The announcement reflects Huawei's strategy to compete in semiconductors despite US sanctions restricting access to advanced chipmaking tools. The framework represents the company's effort to move beyond the industry's traditional reliance on transistor miniaturization.
Chinese EV maker Xpeng has begun mass production of autonomous cabs powered by proprietary chips, challenging Tesla's leadership in autonomous driving technology. Tesla simultaneously launched its Full Self-Driving software in China, while competitors like Nio have criticized ongoing price wars in the sector. The developments highlight intensifying competition among major EV manufacturers in autonomous driving and pricing strategies.
China has officially included artificial intelligence chips in its "secure and reliable" technology assessment program for the first time. The China Information Technology Security Evaluation Centre and National Secrecy Science and Technology Evaluation Centre released the latest assessments on Tuesday, creating a new category for "AI training and inference chips" to promote domestic alternatives to Western products.
Huawei Technologies unveiled a new Tau Scaling Law, claiming it can achieve transistor density equivalent to 1.4-nanometre process technology by 2031. Analysts view this technological advancement as a significant milestone toward China's semiconductor independence and a strengthening of Beijing's leverage in the ongoing tech competition with the United States.
Lai Ka-ying, Hong Kong's first astronaut and China's first female payload specialist, launched into space aboard Shenzhou-23 on Sunday. Her historic mission has triggered a more than threefold increase in aerospace and satellite-design course inquiries at educational centres, with industry leaders calling for immersive education facilities.
Hong Kong-listed artificial intelligence company Insilico Medicine has announced a collaboration with US-based Human Longevity to develop what they describe as the industry's first large-scale AI foundation models capable of predicting diseases such as cancer decades before clinical symptoms appear. The partnership comes as the global longevity market, driven by an aging population and rising demand, is valued at approximately US$5.3 trillion.
NASA unveiled its first phase of moon base plans on Tuesday, awarding hundreds of millions of dollars in contracts to four US companies. Blue Origin will provide a pair of landers to deliver lunar terrain vehicles near the moon's south pole. These vehicles will support astronauts in surface exploration and scientific research. The announcement comes less than two months after Artemis II's record-breaking lunar flyby mission.
Indian cricket stars and Bollywood actors are turning to courts to protect their names, images, voices, and likenesses from AI-generated deepfakes and fake endorsements. Lawyers note the litigation has revealed significant gaps in Indian law, as courts increasingly recognize personality rights despite the absence of dedicated statutory protections. The issue gained momentum following an incident involving cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar last December.
Twenty-seven Asiatic black bears were rescued this week in northern Laos after years of illegal confinement in small wire cages for bile extraction. Some bears had never touched the ground during their captivity. The rescue operation, completed by a conservation group, marks a significant intervention for abused wildlife, allowing the bears to experience clean water and natural ground for the first time in years.
South Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun, who tearfully addressed allegations involving late actress Kim Sae-ron at a press conference a year ago, has been vindicated. Police concluded that audio files presented as evidence against him were generated using AI technology. Kim Se-ui, head of the controversial YouTube channel HoverLab, was taken into custody following the investigation.
In May last year, a 78-year-old driver in Sanxia, New Taipei lost control and struck pedestrians and vehicles, killing three schoolchildren and injuring twelve others. The driver also died from injuries. The National Transportation Safety Investigation Board released its investigation report, recommending the Ministry of Transportation strengthen physical examinations and cognitive tests for elderly drivers renewing licenses. The ministry launched new elderly driver renewal procedures on May 31.
The Absolute Energy Group, led by Chiu Chih-hao, defrauded over 1,570 investors of approximately 5.7 billion NT dollars over three years using self-issued virtual coins, fake lending platforms, and high-yield stock schemes through multi-level marketing. The Taipei District Prosecutors Office charged the defendants with violations of the Banking Act, fraud, money laundering prevention laws, and illegal multi-level marketing, seeking 20 years imprisonment for the main suspect.
The US House Armed Services Committee released the 2027 fiscal year defense authorization bill, which includes up to $1 billion in funding for the Taiwan Security Cooperation Initiative to assist Taiwan in self-defense. The committee is scheduled to review the bill on June 4.
North Korea has been enhancing tactical nuclear capabilities for front-line forces and expanding integrated deployment of short-range nuclear weapons and long-range artillery. State media reported on the 27th that leader Kim Jong Un personally inspected AI-guided nuclear cruise missiles and new tactical weapons, demonstrating progress in nuclear modernization efforts.
Taiwan's government announced a new population strategy to address declining birth rates. Children aged 0-6 receive 5,000 NT$ monthly for family use. Children aged 6-18 receive 5,000 NT$ monthly, with 2,500 NT$ for family expenses and 2,500 NT$ deposited into a dedicated child growth account. The policy aims to reduce family childcare costs and encourage population growth.
A South Korean cargo vessel was struck by an explosion in the Strait of Hormuz. South Korea's government released its final investigation on the 27th, concluding the weapon that hit the ship was likely Iran's Noor missile. The U.S. previously linked the incident to Iran, while Iran denied involvement. The investigation provides concrete evidence regarding responsibility for the attack.
The fragile ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran, established just seven weeks ago, faces challenges following direct military confrontation. After US airstrikes on Iranian missile bases in the south, Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei issued a hardline statement on the 26th, expressing strong dissatisfaction with the US and Israel, highlighting the ceasefire's fragility and ongoing tensions.
Prosecutors have arrested three individuals suspected of illegally selling servers equipped with Nvidia's advanced AI chips to China. According to foreign media reports, the suspects used a circuitous route, first shipping the servers to Japan before forwarding them to China, with at least one shipment successfully passing through customs. The case involves violations of export control regulations.
The Taipei District Prosecutors Office indicted a Chinese-funded "Tengyun Group" for operating illegal online gambling and money laundering operations in Taiwan. The organization laundered over NT$1.7 billion through illicit activities. Prosecutors charged 17 individuals including local manager Zhu Daqian and accountants under organized crime statutes, seeking severe penalties.
Iran's state television reported that Tehran has obtained an informal preliminary framework agreement with the United States. Under the accord, Iran will restore commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz to pre-war levels within one month, while the US commits to withdrawing military forces from Iran's surrounding regions and lifting maritime blockades.
The NAMU, a cargo vessel operated by South Korean shipping company HMM, caught fire and exploded in the Strait of Hormuz on the 4th of this month. South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated it is investigating the incident and suspects the ship was struck by an anti-ship missile. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global energy transportation route, and the incident has drawn international attention.
European nations are growing more concerned about the possibility of Russia expanding the conflict beyond Ukraine's borders. While fears of Russian expansion into Europe are not new, recent developments have made these concerns more pressing. Policymakers and analysts are closely monitoring the situation to assess potential geopolitical risks and implications for European security.
Israel announced airstrikes in Lebanon, claiming to have struck 100 Hezbollah infrastructure sites and fighters. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to "crush" the Iran-backed group. The escalation resulted in dozens of casualties in Lebanon.
The Israeli Defense Force has killed a senior Hamas military leader. Despite a nominal ceasefire agreement, Israel continues to intensify military strikes against Lebanon, indicating ongoing regional tensions. The operation may further escalate conflict risks in the Middle East.
An Israeli airstrike in Gaza City killed at least three people, including the newly appointed leader of Hamas's military wing. The attack occurred despite an active ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, raising questions about the implementation of the truce.