A Beijing-based report indicates the South China Sea remains the US military's most critical strategic theatre, predicting increasingly aggressive operations despite a potential second Trump administration or other global hotspots. US freedom-of-navigation operations in the disputed waters were fewer in 2024 and last year compared to 2023 and 2022.
Hong Kong has been selected to host the 2025 Hyrox World Championships in June at the AsiaWorld-Expo. This event marks a significant growth for the sport, which first launched in the region four years ago with fewer than 1,000 participants and has since grown to attract nearly 20,000.
Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim at the Russia-ASEAN summit in Kazan. The Kremlin noted Malaysia's importance as a key partner in the Asia-Pacific region, highlighting active political dialogue and similar positions on global issues.
The US redirects military assets, including the USS Boxer amphibious assault ship, from the Middle East to the Pacific, specifically the South China Sea, as tensions with Iran influence global deployments.
KKday數據顯示，越來越多台灣及亞太地區旅客以觀賞大型體育賽事為旅遊主軸，帶動運動旅遊產品搜尋量成長65%、銷售額成長40%。此趨勢改變了旅客的旅遊規劃模式，並吸引了更多非體育迷的旅客。
A new Aon study across 504 Asia-Pacific companies shows 74% have adopted AI, with 84% using it to augment tasks rather than replace jobs, despite concerns over layoffs
MI5 warns Chinese spies are using job websites like LinkedIn to recruit UK government and military staff for sensitive information, posing as recruiters for fake jobs.
A report by International Data Corporation, commissioned by Expereo, reveals that 37% of organizations in the region invest heavily in AI without assessing outcomes, nearly double the global average. This highlights a gap between AI ambition and actual results.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh began a multi-nation visit to Vietnam and South Korea on May 18th to strengthen military cooperation, defense partnerships, and maritime collaboration in the Indo-Pacific.
China has enabled cross-border QR code payments with Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia and Singapore, allowing users to pay in their home currencies. Alipay and QRIS now work across borders, with Chinese visitors able to use digital wallets in Thailand since late October and UnionPay/Alipay in Vietnam since December. Natixis analysts say the move advances dedollarisation, promotes yuan internationalisation and strengthens ASEAN economic ties.
Russia has announced three initiatives for Asia-Pacific region approval this year: supporting youth empowerment for energy transition, developing drought monitoring systems in Central Asia using geospatial technologies, and integrating digital solutions into urban transport systems. Russian Deputy FM Alimov confirmed Russia remains one of ESCAP's largest donors, having implemented over 70 technical assistance projects in 15 years.
Troops from the US, Philippines, Australia and Japan unite for the biggest military exercise in "real-world conditions" to ensure security in the Indo-Pacific region. But China has criticised the drill.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, highlighting the deepening India-South Korea ties. Both leaders expressed commitment to transforming their trusted partnership into a futuristic one, aiming to boost bilateral trade to $50 billion by 2030 and enhance cooperation across various sectors, including strategic industries and the Indo-Pacific region.
