Capital of Vietnam, a city of rapid reform and strategic ties
Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi has deepened engagement with Vietnam and Australia, pledging energy and security cooperation as China’s influence and regional tensions rise. The visit outlines measures to bolster oil supply, critical minerals, infrastructure, and space cooperation, while reaffirming peaceful dispute resolution in the South China Sea.
Experts warn Sri Lanka is emerging as a global hub for transnational cybercrime after a Southeast Asian crackdown. Chinese-led networks are relocating here amid lax visa rules, with scams ranging from romance fraud to crypto fraud, and hundreds deported or arrested this year.
World leaders are engaging on North Korea as Washington seeks to balance denuclearisation with dialogue. Trump has indicated openness to diplomacy, while South Korea urges leadership from Washington. Talks cover sanctions, shipbuilding, and broader regional coordination.
A speedboat carrying 32 Indian tourists and four Vietnamese crew members overturned near Hon May Rut Ngoai island off Phu Quoc. Rescue operations are ongoing; 21 people have been rescued, while 15 have died. The captain is under investigation for safety violations. Survivors are returning to India as police and authorities investigate the crash.
The case of Youlin Chen, a U.S.-born seismologist detained in China since November 2024, has been escalated as U.S. officials designate him as wrongfully detained and renewed diplomatic pressure. Beijing has not indicated progress, even as President Trump has raised the issue with Xi Jinping. The White House and State Department describe the case as a top priority.