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The ancient bronze head of a griffin, a 7th-century B.C. artifact, has been returned to Greece from the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Culture Minister Lina Mendoni hailed the return as significant, coinciding with the election of the first female president of the International Olympic Committee, Kirsty Coventry.
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India is bracing for significant tariffs from the US, set to take effect on April 2, 2025. The proposed tariffs could impact 87% of India's exports to the US, valued at $66 billion. India is negotiating to reduce tariffs on US imports but remains firm on certain goods.
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As of April 3, 2025, the US has imposed significant tariffs on various trading partners, prompting strong reactions globally. The EU, Japan, and South Korea have expressed concerns, with calls for negotiations and countermeasures. Experts warn of dire economic consequences for consumers and businesses worldwide.
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A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on March 28, 2025, resulting in over 2,065 deaths and thousands injured. The quake, centered near Mandalay, caused widespread destruction and complicated relief efforts amid ongoing civil conflict. Neighboring Thailand also reported casualties, with six dead and many missing.
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A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on March 28, 2025, causing extensive damage and fatalities, particularly in Mandalay and Naypyidaw. The death toll has surpassed 3,900, with thousands injured and many missing. The quake's shallow depth exacerbated the destruction, impacting nearly 800,000 people in the region.
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Cambodia and Thailand have agreed to withdraw troops to previous positions following a deadly clash on May 28. Both nations aim to ease tensions after a Cambodian soldier was killed, with ongoing discussions for a peaceful resolution and a scheduled meeting of the Joint Boundary Commission on June 14.
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The US has announced the removal of the 'de minimis' exemption for imports from China and Hong Kong, effective May 2, 2025. This change will impose tariffs on small packages, significantly affecting e-commerce platforms like Shein and Temu, and could lead to higher costs for consumers and businesses in Hong Kong.
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Vietnam is negotiating with the US to reduce a recently imposed 46% tariff on its exports. The Vietnamese government aims to lower the tariff to between 22% and 28% while addressing US concerns over trade practices. Talks began after a deputy prime minister's meeting with US officials amid rising tensions over trade policies.
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Nintendo has postponed U.S. preorders for the Switch 2, originally set for April 9, 2025, to evaluate tariff impacts and market conditions. The console's launch date remains June 5, 2025, despite a significant price increase to $449.99, which has affected Nintendo's stock performance.
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Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet inaugurated the renovated Ream Naval Base, emphasizing transparency amid U.S. concerns over China's influence. The base, enhanced with Chinese support, is intended for joint military exercises with various nations, countering claims of exclusive Chinese use.
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Southeast Asian nations, particularly Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam, are grappling with new US tariffs reaching up to 49%. ASEAN chair Anwar Ibrahim emphasizes the need for unity and resilience in response to these economic pressures, which could signal further challenges ahead.
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Chinese President Xi Jinping is on a three-nation tour of Southeast Asia, visiting Malaysia, Vietnam, and Cambodia. His visit aims to bolster economic ties and cooperation amid escalating U.S. tariffs affecting the region. Xi's discussions with regional leaders focus on technology, trade, and positioning China as a stable partner in the face of U.S. trade tensions.
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As of April 15, 2025, the US-China trade conflict intensifies with the Trump administration imposing a 145% tariff on Chinese imports, while China retaliates with a 125% tariff on US goods. Recent exemptions for tech products like smartphones and laptops provide temporary relief for US companies, but further tariffs on semiconductors are anticipated soon.
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Chinese President Xi Jinping is on a diplomatic tour of Southeast Asia, visiting Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia. The trip aims to strengthen economic ties amid ongoing U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods, with Xi promoting China as a stable trade partner. His visit highlights the delicate balance these nations must maintain between China and the U.S.
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Chinese President Xi Jinping is on a five-day tour of Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia, focusing on strengthening trade ties amid ongoing U.S. tariffs. His visit aims to consolidate relations with Southeast Asian nations affected by U.S. trade policies, as he signs numerous cooperation agreements.
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On April 19, 2025, Japanese minesweepers Bungo and Etajima made a historic port call at Cambodia's Ream Naval Base, marking the first foreign military visit since its recent expansion. This visit underscores Japan's efforts to strengthen ties with Cambodia amid concerns over China's influence in the region.
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On April 14, 2025, over 270 individuals, primarily from Ethiopia, attempted a mass escape from detention in Myanmar. They feared being sent back to forced labor in scam compounds after being rescued two months earlier. This incident highlights ongoing humanitarian issues following a large-scale operation to free trafficked persons.
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On April 18, 2025, the US paused tariffs on certain tech goods while maintaining high tariffs on China. This move has raised concerns about future trade relations and market stability, as investors grapple with uncertainty surrounding President Trump's tariff policies.
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The International Monetary Fund has downgraded global growth forecasts due to President Trump's recent tariff increases, which have created uncertainty for U.S. businesses and prompted retaliatory measures from other countries. The IMF now expects U.S. growth to slow significantly in 2025, raising inflation concerns as well.
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On April 17, 2025, Cambodia marks the 50th anniversary of the Khmer Rouge's takeover of Phnom Penh. The regime's brutal rule led to the deaths of millions and continues to shape Cambodia's political landscape today, with the ruling CPP leveraging historical narratives to maintain power.
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Chinese President Xi Jinping is on a three-nation tour in Southeast Asia, emphasizing solidarity and economic cooperation. His recent visit to Malaysia resulted in significant agreements aimed at countering U.S. trade policies. Xi's message focuses on regional unity against geopolitical tensions.
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Chinese President Xi Jinping's recent visit to Cambodia underscores the strengthening ties between the two nations amid rising U.S. tariffs on Cambodian exports. Xi's arrival coincided with discussions on infrastructure investments and military cooperation, as Cambodia seeks to navigate its economic relationship with both China and the U.S.
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A UN report reveals that Asian crime syndicates are expanding their operations globally, moving from Southeast Asia to regions like Africa and Latin America. These groups, involved in various cybercrimes, are adapting to law enforcement crackdowns by shifting their bases and employing new technologies.
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The US Commerce Department has announced tariffs up to 3,521% on solar panels from Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia. This decision follows a year-long investigation into alleged unfair pricing and subsidies benefiting Chinese manufacturers. The International Trade Commission will finalize the tariffs in June 2025, impacting US solar production and pricing.
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Cambodia is reviving military exercises with the U.S. after years of closer ties with China. The exercises, focusing on counter-terrorism and humanitarian relief, come amid concerns over China's influence in the region, particularly at the Ream Naval Base. This shift reflects Cambodia's balancing act between its allies.
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On May 20, 2025, the US and China agreed to a 90-day pause on tariffs, allowing both nations to prepare for future negotiations. While this truce offers temporary relief, underlying tensions remain, particularly regarding fentanyl trafficking and broader economic strategies. Analysts caution that long-term confrontations are likely as both sides navigate their complex relationship.
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Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, is under fire for its role in facilitating scams via Zelle transactions, accounting for nearly half of all complaints reported by JPMorgan Chase. The rise in fraudulent activities has been linked to lax advertising controls and a surge in cryptocurrency schemes.
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On May 20, 2025, the U.S. International Trade Commission unanimously voted to impose tariffs on solar cells and modules imported from Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam, citing injury to the domestic industry. This decision paves the way for the enforcement of countervailing and anti-dumping duties starting in June.
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In 2024, Southeast Asia saw a record seizure of 236 tonnes of methamphetamine, a 24% increase from 2023. The surge is attributed to industrial-scale production in Myanmar's Shan State, exacerbated by ongoing civil unrest. Trafficking routes are diversifying, impacting neighboring countries significantly.
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On June 2, 2025, Cambodia's National Assembly backed Prime Minister Hun Manet's decision to appeal to the International Court of Justice regarding disputed border areas with Thailand. This follows a deadly clash on May 28, where one Cambodian soldier was killed, escalating tensions between the two nations.
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Following a deadly border skirmish on May 28, Thailand and Cambodia are escalating military readiness along their shared border. The Thai military has authorized task forces to manage border checkpoints, while diplomatic talks are scheduled for June 14 in Phnom Penh to address ongoing tensions.
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Tensions between Cambodia and Thailand have escalated following a deadly border clash on May 28, resulting in one Cambodian soldier's death. Both nations are now engaged in diplomatic talks while implementing retaliatory measures, including border restrictions and bans on cultural exchanges. Cambodia has also sought intervention from the International Court of Justice.
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Tensions between Cambodia and Thailand have intensified following a deadly border confrontation on May 28. Cambodia has banned Thai films and rerouted internet traffic to inflict economic damage on Thailand, while both nations engage in military posturing and rhetoric amid ongoing territorial disputes.
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Recent tariffs imposed by President Trump are hindering innovation and trade for U.S. companies. Entrepreneurs report that increased costs and regulatory compliance are diverting focus from product development. The impact is particularly evident in the fashion industry, where brands are shifting production to countries with lower tariffs, exacerbating labor issues abroad.
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Following a deadly skirmish on May 28, Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet announced plans to resolve a border dispute with Thailand through the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Despite Thailand's historical rejection of the court's jurisdiction, Cambodia aims to escalate legal proceedings independently while continuing diplomatic talks.
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Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra faces mounting pressure to resign following a leaked phone call with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen. The fallout has led to the withdrawal of a key coalition partner, raising fears of political instability and potential military intervention as tensions escalate over a border dispute.