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In August 2025, tensions surged in the South China Sea after a Chinese navy destroyer collided with a Chinese coast guard vessel while pursuing a Philippine patrol ship near Scarborough Shoal, severely damaging the coast guard ship. The Philippines continues resupply missions to the BRP Sierra Madre at Second Thomas Shoal amid increased Chinese maritime presence and research activities, raising regional security concerns.
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Recent days have seen 63 cases of alcohol poisoning in Kuwait, resulting in 13 deaths. The outbreak, linked to contaminated alcohol, primarily affects expatriates from South Asia. The health ministry reports severe health impacts, including blindness and organ failure, amid ongoing concerns over illegal alcohol trade.
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Typhoon Kajiki struck central Vietnam on August 25, bringing winds up to 115 mph and heavy rains causing flooding, landslides, and power outages. Over 600,000 people were evacuated, with at least 12 deaths reported across Vietnam and Thailand. The storm damaged tens of thousands of homes and rice plantations. Kajiki weakened as it moved inland but left ongoing flood risks in the region.
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A series of typhoons, including Bualoi, have caused widespread damage and fatalities in the Philippines, Vietnam, and Laos. Over 70 deaths have been reported, with thousands displaced and extensive property damage. The storms highlight increasing severity linked to climate change.
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A landslide caused by heavy rain on Khanh Le Pass in Vietnam has buried a bus, trapping passengers and causing fatalities. Rescue efforts are ongoing amid severe weather conditions, with at least two confirmed deaths and multiple injuries. The incident highlights Vietnam's vulnerability to climate-related disasters.
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Vietnam has accelerated land reclamation in the Spratly Islands, transforming eight previously untouched reefs into artificial islands since 2021. This effort, nearing China's scale, signals Vietnam's strategic intent amid regional tensions, with infrastructure upgrades aimed at strengthening its territorial claims and military presence.
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Hong Kong banks are investing heavily in artificial intelligence and green finance, aiming to develop local talent to meet future demands. The Hong Kong Monetary Authority highlights a talent shortage that could hinder growth in these innovative sectors, urging collaboration with universities and tweaks to talent schemes.
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Vietnam marked its 80th anniversary of independence with a large military parade in Hanoi, featuring troops, tanks, and international honor guards. The event commemorates Ho Chi Minh's 1945 declaration, highlighting Vietnam's military strength, diplomatic ties, and economic progress amid regional tensions and internal reforms.
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Xi Jinping's speech at the SCO summit signals China's effort to reshape global governance by promoting multilateralism and reducing US dominance. Meanwhile, Indonesia's President Prabowo advocates for a pragmatic, middle-power-led international system, emphasizing cooperation over confrontation amid a fractured unipolar world.
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China announced plans to establish a 3,500-hectare nature reserve at Scarborough Shoal, a disputed territory claimed by the Philippines. The move has prompted diplomatic protests from Manila, increased regional tensions, and criticism from the US and allies. Clashes between Chinese and Philippine vessels have intensified amid ongoing sovereignty disputes.
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Chinese visitors to Japan surged in 2025, driven by a weaker yen making high-end shopping and cultural experiences more affordable. Over 6.7 million visited in the first eight months, with wealthier travelers spending more on luxury goods, wellness, and cultural stays, especially in cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Hokkaido.
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Super Typhoon Ragasa, with winds up to 215 km/h, is nearing the Philippines' Babuyan Islands, prompting evacuations and warnings of life-threatening storm surges. The storm is forecast to move westward, impacting China and Taiwan, with authorities activating flood control measures and evacuations today, Thu, 25 Sep 2025.
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As of late September 2025, Super Typhoon Ragasa caused severe flooding and destruction across Taiwan, southern China, and the Philippines. At least 14 people died in Taiwan after a barrier lake burst in Hualien County, flooding Guangfu township. Millions were evacuated in southern China, with widespread damage reported in Guangdong and Hong Kong. The storm has weakened but remains a rain threat to Southeast Asia.
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Super Typhoon Ragasa struck southern China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, causing fatalities, injuries, and widespread damage. It weakened as it moved inland, with ongoing threats from new storms in the Pacific and Atlantic. Authorities continue recovery efforts amid evacuations and disruptions.
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Recent climate phenomena include a rare Sudden Stratospheric Warming over Antarctica affecting Australian weather, and powerful typhoons like Ragasa, intensified by climate change, impacting Southeast Asia. These events highlight the growing influence of global warming on regional weather patterns and natural disasters.
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On October 1, 2025, the US implemented new tariffs: 100% on branded pharmaceuticals (exempting firms building US plants), 50% on kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities, 30% on upholstered furniture, and 25% on heavy trucks. Citing national security, the administration aims to protect domestic manufacturing but risks raising consumer costs and complicating economic policy amid inflation concerns.
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Typhoon Bualoi made landfall in northern Vietnam, causing at least 20 deaths, widespread flooding, and power outages. The storm brought heavy rain, high winds, and storm surges, with evacuations and flight cancellations. It follows a week of severe weather across Asia, linked to climate change.
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Typhoon Bualoi has caused at least 30 deaths across Southeast Asia, mainly in Vietnam, with heavy rains, flooding, and landslides. The storm has weakened but continues to impact the region, with authorities warning of ongoing risks. The event highlights the increasing severity of storms linked to climate change.
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Hurricanes Imelda and Humberto are impacting Bermuda and the Caribbean. Imelda is expected to bring heavy rain, winds, and storm surge to Bermuda today, after causing flooding and fatalities in Cuba. Humberto remains offshore, generating dangerous swells. Authorities urge preparation amid ongoing storm activity.
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Chinese Premier Li Qiang visited North Korea to attend the 80th anniversary of the Workers' Party, marking the most senior Chinese official visit since 2019. The trip included high-level meetings, a military parade, and reaffirmed Beijing's commitment to strategic cooperation with Pyongyang amid regional tensions.
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Recent storms have caused severe flooding, landslides, and fatalities across Japan, the Philippines, and Vietnam. Japan faces landslides and power outages from Typhoon Nakri, while the Philippines and Vietnam are dealing with heavy rains, flooding, and casualties from Typhoon Bualoi and other storms. Recovery efforts are underway.
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Typhoon Matmo made landfall in southern China, prompting evacuations and severe weather alerts. Meanwhile, Hurricane Priscilla formed off Mexico’s Pacific coast, causing storm watches and heavy rainfall forecasts. Cyclone Shakhti also developed in the Arabian Sea, affecting coastal regions. These storms highlight ongoing severe weather events across Asia and the Americas.
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Apple has announced new products featuring its M5 chip, including a refreshed iPad Pro, MacBook Pro, and Vision Pro headset. The devices have minor exterior updates, with availability starting October 22. The M5 chip offers significant performance improvements, especially in AI and graphics, with no major design changes.
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Recent updates to the Henley Passport Index show notable declines for the US, UK, Pakistan, and India, while China and several Asian countries have improved their rankings. The US has fallen out of the top 10 for the first time in 20 years, reflecting changing global mobility and diplomatic shifts.
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Microsoft, Amazon, and Google are accelerating plans to move manufacturing outside China due to escalating US-China tensions. Microsoft aims for 80% of its components to be produced outside China by 2026, while Google and Amazon are expanding in Southeast Asia and Vietnam. The shift faces logistical challenges amid ongoing geopolitical conflicts.
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Tropical Storm Fengshen caused at least five deaths in the Philippines, including a family crushed by a falling tree. The storm, with winds up to 90 kph, is moving away from Luzon toward Vietnam, amid ongoing recovery from recent earthquakes and flooding. Survivors are now seeking legal action against climate change contributors.
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On October 12, 2025, a Chinese coast guard ship fired a water cannon and rammed the Philippine fisheries vessel BRP Datu Pagbuaya near Thitu Island in the disputed South China Sea. The Philippine crew was unharmed, but the vessel sustained minor damage. Both sides accuse each other of illegal incursions amid ongoing territorial disputes.
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Hokkaido culls 459,000 hens amid avian flu outbreak; Taiwan reports first African swine fever case, culling 195 pigs and imposing a island-wide ban. Both regions ramp up biosecurity measures as authorities respond to outbreaks threatening livestock health and trade.
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Recent results from major beverage companies reveal ongoing challenges in the UK and global markets. C&C Group reports a 4% revenue decline amid consumer caution, while Heineken and others face volume drops due to weaker demand. Despite some regional growth, economic uncertainty persists, impacting sales and profitability.
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Slovakia's parliament has approved a 6 kph speed limit on sidewalks for pedestrians, cyclists, and scooter riders, aiming to reduce collisions. Meanwhile, New York City faces enforcement challenges with e-bike speeds, and Prague bans e-scooters to curb chaos. Hanoi plans to phase out fossil-fuel motorcycles by 2026.
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Trade negotiations between the US and China have produced a framework that halts imminent tariffs and advances discussions on TikTok, rare earths, and agricultural purchases. Both sides aim for a summit in South Korea, with optimism tempered by caution over implementation and deeper strategic issues.
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Latvia's parliament votes on withdrawing from the Council of Europe treaty aimed at supporting victims of violence. The move follows criticism from conservative groups claiming the treaty promotes gender ideology. President Rinkēvičs will review the law, with options including a referendum or reassessment.
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Vietnam's central cities Hue and Hoi An experienced historic rainfall, with Hue recording over 1,700mm in 24 hours—the highest ever in Vietnam. Flooding submerged homes, caused evacuations, and disrupted transport, as authorities warn heavy rains may continue until Friday amid climate change-driven storms.
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U.S. officials, including Hegseth, visited Japan to discuss increasing Japan's defense spending and military capabilities amid regional threats. Japan plans to raise its defense budget to 2% of GDP earlier than scheduled, with the U.S. supporting this shift. The talks also covered military cooperation and regional security concerns.
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Vietnam faces ongoing severe flooding caused by record rainfall and landslides, with 37 deaths and thousands displaced. Typhoon Kalmaegi is forecast to strengthen as it approaches the central coast, threatening further damage. Authorities continue rescue and relief efforts amid rising waters.
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Hurricane Melissa, one of the strongest on record, has caused at least 79 deaths across Jamaica, Haiti, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic. The storm, initially a Category 5, has weakened but remains destructive, prompting international aid and evacuations. Damage assessments are ongoing, with widespread infrastructure destruction reported.
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Vietnam faces ongoing flooding after record rains and landslides, with at least 37 dead and rivers rising again. The Philippines declared a state of emergency as Typhoon Kalmaegi caused over 188 deaths and displacements. Recovery efforts are underway amid persistent heavy rain and storm threats.
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U.S. Defense Secretary Hegseth visited Hanoi, emphasizing the importance of war legacy cooperation and marking 30 years of diplomatic relations. The visit signals Vietnam's strategic balancing, amid reports of military purchases and North Korea visits, with Vietnam seeking to expand defense ties on its terms.
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The US commits $130 million to help Vietnam address war legacy toxins and supports military cooperation, including potential arms sales. The visit by US officials aims to strengthen diplomatic and military ties amid ongoing regional security concerns.
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As of November 10, 2025, the Philippines faces severe impacts from Super Typhoon Fung-wong following Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed over 200 people. Fung-wong made landfall Sunday with winds up to 185 kph, causing heavy rains, flooding, and forcing evacuations of over 1.3 million people. The storm disrupted rescue efforts and is expected to affect Taiwan next. The region braces for ongoing recovery amid repeated disasters.
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Typhoon Kalmaegi caused at least 188 deaths across the Philippines and Vietnam, with record rainfall and flooding. The storm's increasing strength is linked to rising sea temperatures due to climate change. Multiple countries face ongoing damage, with authorities evacuating thousands and assessing widespread destruction.
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Super Typhoon Fung-wong struck the northern Philippines on Sunday night with winds up to 185 km/h, following deadly Typhoon Kalmaegi. Over 1.4 million people were evacuated, with at least 18 deaths reported from flooding and landslides. The storm weakened as it moved toward Taiwan, causing further evacuations and heavy rains. The Philippines remains vulnerable amid increasing storm intensity linked to climate change.
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Heavy rains in Indonesia caused landslides in Central Java, killing at least 16 people and leaving 7 missing. Rescue efforts are ongoing amid challenging terrain, with weather modification operations supporting search efforts. Similar incidents have occurred in Vietnam, highlighting regional flood risks.
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Michael Wiseman, 51, wanted in the US for child sexual abuse, was arrested in France after fleeing in 2008. He had traveled through Vietnam and Poland, adopted children, and obtained a Polish passport under an alias. French authorities are investigating potential harm to his children.