Southeast Asian sultanate on Borneo, absolute monarchy
The United States has reaffirmed its commitment to Asia, saying it will sustain a defense posture that deters aggression and sustains credible power where it matters most. Washington is calling for partners in Southeast Asia to invest in their own defense and secure their sovereignty, with a focus on the Western Pacific.
Indonesia has faced a spike in wildfires driven by a strong El Niño and dry conditions; fires have burned more than 107,000 hectares and pushed flames within metres of the Yiari orangutan rehabilitation centre in West Kalimantan. Authorities are using cloud-seeding aircraft, water-bombing and local teams to fight blazes as haze reaches neighbouring Malaysian Borneo.
The AP and Independent reports show Indonesia facing El Niño-driven drought with thousands of hot spots across Kalimantan and Sumatra. About 3,000 residents have gathered for a rain-prayer in Palembang as firefighting efforts continue and cloud-seeding and water-bombing aircraft expand to curb the haze.
Thailand has cut visa‑free tourist stays from 60 to 30 days for citizens of about 60 countries, including the UK, US, Canada, Australia and Japan, and will limit land‑border entries to twice per year. Officials say the move responds to national security, economic and tourism management concerns and will not affect tourists already in the country.
Barilla Group has agreed to acquire Goodles, the nutrition-forward mac-and-cheese brand, while keeping its Santa Cruz base and staff intact. The deal awaits regulatory approvals. Gadot is an investor, with her exact role and stake not disclosed. Goodles aims to go global as it enters a new phase of growth.
Philippines’ defense chief has read a note he says came from China during a Seoul forum, accusing China of coercion and challenging UNCLOS. Beijing denies wrongdoing, urging restraint as regional tensions persist. The incident follows a string of coast guard clashes in the South China Sea and comes as Manila signals willingness to reset ties while Beijing pushes a harder line.
Toxic haze from forest and peat fires across Kalimantan has intensified, forcing online schooling in parts of Sumatra and Borneo and prompting international firefighting assistance. Local women’s firefighting groups are monitoring hotspots and engaging communities to curb slash-and-burn practices, amid El Niño-driven drought and mounting cross-border air pollution.
A collection of articles examines how natural landscapes—bogs, peatlands and woodlands—shape climate resilience. Guardian Country Diary pieces highlight how native habitats slow floods and store water, while a New York Times piece tours bog landscapes around the world. An economist report contrasts regional water scarcity in Uttarakhand with rainfall-driven resilience in the UK.
A flotilla of Chinese vessels has intensified operations around Taiwan and the Pratas Islands, drawing coastguard responses. Beijing asserts sovereignty over the Pratas and surrounding waters, while Taiwan and its allies reject Beijing’s claims and insist on freedom of navigation. The situation follows a pattern of rising Chinese maritime activity in the region.
The Odyssey, a 509-cabin residential cruise ship operated by Villa Vie Residences, has halted operations amid surging fuel costs linked to the Iran war. Passengers are disembarking in Cambodia as the operator seeks restructuring. The venture marketed lifetime cabins and a global circumnavigation, but mounting costs have overwhelmed the business model.
The Sultan of Oman has visited China, signing a strategic partnership and 14 memorandums of understanding. The agreements cover digital economy, BeiDou navigation, energy, and investment, while underscoring Oman’s bid to diversify its economy under Vision 2040.
The Philippines has reiterated its call for stable, dialogue-led ties with China as maritime incidents in the South China Sea persist. Beijing has warned against ‘malicious interference’ and urged Manila to speak with a unified voice while both sides stress continued dialogue ahead of regional summits.