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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

Southeast Asian leaders seek strategy to ease impacts of Iran war

Southeast Asian leaders seek strategy to ease impacts of Iran war

By Mikhail Flores CEBU, Philippines, May 8 (Reuters) - Leaders of Southeast Asian countries holding a summit on Friday are expected to thrash out a coordinated response to the impacts of the Middle East crisis, as they aim to ease pressure from an energy shock that has rattled their oil import-

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.

ASEAN Leaders to Address Middle East War Impact with Contingency Plan

ASEAN Leaders to Address Middle East War Impact with Contingency Plan

Southeast Asian leaders are set to issue a declaration reaffirming core values such as international law, sovereignty, and freedom of navigation, in response to the ongoing Middle East conflict. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will meet in Cebu, Philippines, to discuss a contingency plan addressing energy shortages and other global issues exacerbated by the war. The plan includes measures for emergency fuel sharing, regional power grid development, and diversification of crude oil sources. The summit, hosted by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., aims to enhance regional resilience and protect Southeast Asian workers affected by the conflict.

China's top envoy calls for a ‘comprehensive ceasefire’ in the Iran war

China's top envoy calls for a ‘comprehensive ceasefire’ in the Iran war

China’s foreign minister is calling for a comprehensive ceasefire in the Iran war, in comments that could inject new energy into stalled efforts to end the two-month conflict between the United States and Iran

China is stepping up its Iran war diplomacy ahead of Trump's summit with Xi

China is stepping up its Iran war diplomacy ahead of Trump's summit with Xi

China’s diplomatic role in the Iran war has come into sharper focus after talks between Chinese and Iranian foreign ministers on Wednesday, days before U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to meet his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping

Iran says it wants a 'comprehensive agreement' with US

Iran says it wants a 'comprehensive agreement' with US

May 6 (Reuters) - Iran will only accept "a fair and comprehensive agreement" in its negotiations with the U.S. on ending the war in the Middle East, its foreign minister said on Wednesday, as President Donald Trump cited "great progress" in the process.

Factbox-Airlines tackle fuel cost surge with price hikes, outlook cuts

Factbox-Airlines tackle fuel cost surge with price hikes, outlook cuts

May 6 (Reuters) - A surge in jet fuel prices from $85-$90 to $150-$200 per barrel amid the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran has blindsided the aviation industry, where fuel accounts for up to a quarter of operating expenses, forcing airlines to raise fares and revise their financial outlooks.

Japan and Philippines agree to weapons pact talks as China’s ‘coercive activities’ cause alarm

Japan and Philippines agree to weapons pact talks as China’s ‘coercive activities’ cause alarm

Japanese and Philippine defense chiefs have renewed alarm over what they say is China’s intensifying coercive actions in disputed waters and have agreed to start talks on a weapons transfer pact that will allow Tokyo to provide used destroyers to Manila’s navy

Japan defense chief visits Philippines to deepen security ties and witness combat exercise

Japan defense chief visits Philippines to deepen security ties and witness combat exercise

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi has traveled to the Philippines to witness an international combat drill and conduct talks with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. intended to broaden defense ties between the nations

China's top envoy meets with Iran's in Beijing as Trump pauses US effort in the Strait

China's top envoy meets with Iran's in Beijing as Trump pauses US effort in the Strait

President Donald Trump says he is pausing the U.S. effort to guide stranded vessels out of the Strait of Hormuz to allow time for a deal to end the Iran war, but that the American forces’ blockade of Iranian ports would remain in place

Japanese Defense Minister Koizumi Strengthens Security Ties with the Philippines Amid Regional Tensions

Japanese Defense Minister Koizumi Strengthens Security Ties with the Philippines Amid Regional Tensions

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi visited the Philippines to participate in an international combat drill and engage in discussions with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The visit aims to enhance defense relations between the two nations. The Philippines and Japan, both allies of the United States, have a Reciprocal Access Agreement allowing for large-scale military exercises. This agreement has enabled Japan to deploy 1,400 military personnel to participate in the Balikatan exercises, which involve U.S., Filipino, and other allied forces. The exercises are designed to prepare for security contingencies and counter China's growing assertiveness in the region. During his visit, Koizumi is expected to discuss the potential transfer of used Japanese destroyers to the Philippines, a move that aligns with Japan's recent policy changes allowing the export of lethal weapons.