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Myanmar Discovers Massive 11,000 Carat Ruby in Mandalay Region

Myanmar Discovers Massive 11,000 Carat Ruby in Mandalay Region

Myanmar has announced the discovery of an exceptionally large ruby weighing 11,000 carats in the Mogok region near Mandalay. This rare find is considered more valuable than a previous 21,450-carat ruby discovered in 1996 due to its color grade and quality. The discovery comes after the new military-backed government took office, highlighting Myanmar's status as a major source of precious stones. The country faces challenges with illegal mining and a struggling economy due to prolonged civil conflict and military rule. The government requires miners to report valuable finds, which are then managed by the central authorities.
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ASEAN to hold talks soon with Myanmar foreign minister, secretary-general says

ASEAN to hold talks soon with Myanmar foreign minister, secretary-general says

By Mikhail Flores CEBU, Philippines, May 7 (Reuters) - Southeast Asian foreign ministers have agreed to a virtual meeting with their Myanmar counterpart, ASEAN's secretary-general said on Thursday, as the country seeks to re-engage with the regional bloc after five years on the sidelines. 
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Southeast Asian leaders will reaffirm core values in veiled Mideast war rebuke

Southeast Asian leaders will reaffirm core values in veiled Mideast war rebuke

Southeast Asian leaders plan to issue a contingency plan that upholds international law, sovereignty and freedom of navigation in what could be seen as a veiled rebuke to the United States, Israel and Iran over the Middle East war which has impacted their region, according to a draft declaration seen by The Associated Press
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US suspects Nvidia chips smuggled to Alibaba via Thailand, Bloomberg News reports

US suspects Nvidia chips smuggled to Alibaba via Thailand, Bloomberg News reports

May 8 (Reuters) - A firm linked to Thailand's national AI initiative is suspected of helping smuggle billions of dollars' worth of Super Micro Computer servers containing advanced Nvidia chips to China, Bloomberg News reported on Friday, citing people familiar with the matter.
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Japan Conducts Missile Exercise in Philippines to Strengthen Defense Capabilities

Japan Conducts Missile Exercise in Philippines to Strengthen Defense Capabilities

Japan has successfully conducted a missile exercise in the Philippines as part of the Balikatan 2026 military drills. The exercise involved the firing of two Type 88 anti-ship missiles by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force at a decommissioned ship, the ex-Philippine Navy vessel BRP Quezon. The event took place on May 6, 2026, at Culili Point sand dunes in northwestern Luzon. This exercise is part of a broader effort to enhance military cooperation among participating countries, including the United States, Canada, and the Philippines. The aim is to simulate defense strategies against potential threats in the region, particularly focusing on containing Chinese military forces within the First Island Chain.
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Family of imprisoned Chinese journalist pleads for his release over health concerns

Family of imprisoned Chinese journalist pleads for his release over health concerns

Family members and activists are calling for the release of imprisoned Chinese journalist Dong Yuyu due to health concerns
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Trump administration sows confusion as it tries to reopen Strait of Hormuz

Trump administration sows confusion as it tries to reopen Strait of Hormuz

In 24 hours, the Trump administration’s stance on the Iran war has pinballed from declarations that a tenuous ceasefire was holding and military operations were over to new threats of bombing the Islamic Republic
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Trump threatens Iran with bombing if it doesn’t reopen Strait of Hormuz

Trump threatens Iran with bombing if it doesn’t reopen Strait of Hormuz

U.S. President Donald Trump is threatening Iran with more bombing if it doesn’t reopen the Strait of Hormuz after a report that an agreement is emerging to end war
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US fires on Iranian oil tanker as Trump pressures Tehran for deal to end war

US fires on Iranian oil tanker as Trump pressures Tehran for deal to end war

The U.S. military says it has fired on an Iranian oil tanker as President Donald Trump seeks to pressure Tehran into reaching a deal to end the war
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Explainer-What's included in talks to end the Iran war and reopen Hormuz?

Explainer-What's included in talks to end the Iran war and reopen Hormuz?

LONDON, May 7 - With the standoff over the frozen Iran war threatening a global economic meltdown, Washington and Tehran have scaled back their efforts to agree a comprehensive peace deal and now seek a limited pact putting off the harder issues. 
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Iran Reviews US Proposal as Trump Warns of Increased Bombing

Iran Reviews US Proposal as Trump Warns of Increased Bombing

Iran is reviewing a proposal from the United States to end the ongoing conflict, with President Trump threatening increased bombing if an agreement is not reached. The proposal includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz and lifting the blockade on Iranian ports. A fragile ceasefire has been in place since April, but direct talks have yet to yield a resolution. Pakistan, acting as a mediator, expects a deal soon, although no timeline has been provided. The US military recently fired on an Iranian oil tanker attempting to breach the blockade, highlighting the tense situation.
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Vietnam launches fresh crackdown on online piracy under threat of US tariffs

Vietnam launches fresh crackdown on online piracy under threat of US tariffs

By Francesco Guarascio HANOI, May 6 (Reuters) - Vietnam is set to launch from Thursday a new crackdown on online piracy and counterfeit goods, aiming to boost detections by a fifth, the government said, after the United States revived the prospect of fresh tariffs.