Asia

Tension escalated in the South China Sea as Chinese and Philippine personnel both raised their national flags on Sandy Cay, a contested outcropping, underscoring the persistent territorial disputes and the strategic importance of the area for both nations

Qatari Diar has signed an agreement with Dar Global to develop Trump International Golf Club, a luxury 18-hole golf course, and Trump-branded luxury villas, part of the Simaisma coastal project located 40 kilometres north of Doha; Eric Trump was present

Royal Decree No. 44/2025 or Law on the Regulation of Human Organ and Tissue Transfer and Transplantation in Oman has been issued, prohibiting the sale or purchase as well as financial compensation for donations of human organs, parts, or tissues

Ronen Bar, chief of Shin Bet, whom cabinet voted last month to fire, will step down from his role on 15 June; opposition lawmakers urge Netanyahu to follow an Bar himself said ‘all’ who failed on October 7 must go

A survey based on WHO's World Health Survey Plus indications and methodology will target a representative sample of residents across Saudi Arabia through individual and household questionnaires to monitor trends and behaviors and improve public services

Azerbaijan Railways will purchase seven new locomotives and spare parts from the Chinese company CRRC Ziyang Co., Ltd.; according to local media, all technical and commercial terms have been finalized for a total value of $26 million

COPE, a Lao non-profit providing prosthetics and rehabilitation to bomb victims, faces a 40% USAID funding cut; Two-thirds of staff may be laid off, risking major setbacks in efforts to help those injured by unexploded ordnance from the Vietnam War

Cambodia finalized a $1,2 billion deal with China to build the 151 km Funan Techo Canal between Mekong River and Gulf of Thailand; A 51% Cambodian-49% Chinese joint venture, it will boost trade and jobs, but raises concerns over ecological impacts

The Australian High Commission in Brunei held a dawn service to commemorate ANZAC Day at the Memorial at Muara Beach on 25 April 2025, honouring the service of Australians and New Zealanders in wars, conflicts, peacekeeping and humanitarian operations.

A ceremony of handover of English language textbooks for 4th grade was held at the School of Innovative Technologies No. 5 in Bishkek, as part of transition to 12-year school education; these are the first ever world-level textbooks printed in Kyrgyzstan