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US not disengaging from Asia, seeks 'partners, not protectorates,' says Pentagon official

US not disengaging from Asia, seeks 'partners, not protectorates,' says Pentagon official

MANILA, Aug 10 (Reuters) - The United States is not disengaging from Asia and is instead "digging in" to maintain a favourable balance of power in the Indo-Pacific, but wants its partners to shoulder more responsibility for their defence, a senior Pentagon official said on Monday.
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Pentagon official asks Asian allies to invest more in defense to deter aggression

Pentagon official asks Asian allies to invest more in defense to deter aggression

A Pentagon official has urged Asian allies to invest more in their defense to deter regional aggression
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Indonesia's Environment Minister Advocates Carbon Trading and Ecotourism for Economic Growth

Indonesia's Environment Minister Advocates Carbon Trading and Ecotourism for Economic Growth

Indonesia's Environment Minister Moh Jumhur Hidayat is promoting carbon trading and ecotourism as strategies to boost economic opportunities for communities, particularly in Wonosobo, Central Java. The region's dense vegetation and active community participation in reforestation efforts make it a prime candidate for generating economic value through carbon trading. Jumhur emphasized the monetary value of oxygen produced by trees, which can be traded for economic benefits. During his visit to Wonosobo, he assured that carbon trading would be transparent, allowing communities to benefit directly. Additionally, Jumhur is advocating for ecotourism, which he believes can strengthen local economies while preserving ecosystems. The initiative aligns with efforts by Wonosobo Regent Afif Nurhidayat to mobilize residents to plant coffee trees on local mountain slopes.
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Stablecoins: Regulatory Frameworks Evolve to Address Payment and Settlement Roles

Stablecoins: Regulatory Frameworks Evolve to Address Payment and Settlement Roles

Stablecoins: Regulatory Frameworks Evolve to Address Payment and Settlement Roles
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ASEAN Leaders Emphasize Unity and Dialogue to Address Global Challenges

ASEAN Leaders Emphasize Unity and Dialogue to Address Global Challenges

ASEAN Chair and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has called for unity and dialogue among ASEAN member states to navigate global political and economic uncertainties. Speaking during the 59th ASEAN Day celebration in Jakarta, Marcos highlighted the importance of cooperation to ensure regional stability and prosperity. He emphasized that ASEAN was founded on the belief that its peoples would be safer and more prosperous when facing the future together. The ASEAN Community Vision 2045, which marks its first year of implementation, focuses on energy security, food security, and the safety of nationals amid geopolitical tensions. Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono also underscored ASEAN's role as a bridge-builder in a world increasingly shaped by conflict and strategic rivalry. He stated that ASEAN should not become an arena for great power rivalry and must prioritize the welfare and security of its people.
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Asia's Strategic Hedging and Economic Realignment Impact Global Trade

Asia's Strategic Hedging and Economic Realignment Impact Global Trade

Asia is experiencing a significant shift in its power dynamics, characterized by strategic hedging and economic realignment among its nations. Countries like Indonesia are diversifying their international alignments, balancing relationships with major powers such as China and the United States. Indonesia, under President Prabowo Subianto, is strengthening ties with China, its largest trading partner, while also maintaining significant defense cooperation with the U.S. and Japan. This approach reflects a broader trend in Asia where nations are not committing to formal alliances but are instead diversifying their partnerships to navigate the complex geopolitical landscape. This strategic hedging is accompanied by economic restructuring, as seen in the partial decoupling of supply chains and the emergence of new trade and investment patterns across the region.
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Bangladesh Garment Exports to US Decline Amidst Regional Competition

Bangladesh Garment Exports to US Decline Amidst Regional Competition

Bangladesh's readymade garment (RMG) exports to the United States have decreased by 5.58% in the first half of 2026, as reported by the Office of Textiles and Apparel (OTEXA). This decline is attributed to increased competition from regional players such as Vietnam, Cambodia, and Indonesia, which have shown growth in the US market. Vietnam has overtaken China as the top apparel supplier to the US, while Cambodia and Indonesia have also recorded significant growth. The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) cites several domestic challenges, including high energy costs and political instability, as factors affecting Bangladesh's competitiveness.
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South Korea Men's Basketball Team Prepares for 2026 Asian Games Group Stage

South Korea Men's Basketball Team Prepares for 2026 Asian Games Group Stage

South Korea Men's Basketball Team Prepares for 2026 Asian Games Group Stage
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Saudi Arabia and Indonesia Sign Agreement to Deepen Investment Cooperation

Saudi Arabia and Indonesia Sign Agreement to Deepen Investment Cooperation

Saudi Arabia and Indonesia have signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance investment cooperation between the two nations. The agreement, signed in Jeddah by Saudi Minister of Investment Fahad bin Abduljalil Al-Saif and Indonesia’s Minister of Investment and Downstreaming Rosan P. Roeslani, aims to promote direct investment, facilitate cross-border capital flows, and encourage participation in strategic sectors. This initiative is part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 agenda to diversify its economy and Indonesia's efforts to attract foreign investment for its economic transformation.
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Saudi Arabia and Indonesia Sign Agreement to Boost Investment Cooperation

Saudi Arabia and Indonesia Sign Agreement to Boost Investment Cooperation

Saudi Arabia and Indonesia have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance investment cooperation between the two nations. The agreement, signed in Jeddah by Saudi Minister of Investment Fahad bin Abduljalil Al-Saif and Indonesia’s Minister of Investment and Downstreaming Rosan P. Roeslani, aims to promote direct investment and facilitate cross-border capital flows. This MoU is part of a broader strategy to encourage companies from both countries to explore opportunities in each other's markets. The agreement is aligned with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 agenda, which seeks to diversify the Kingdom's economy and increase international investment partnerships. Similarly, Indonesia is focusing on industrialization, infrastructure development, and economic transformation, making this partnership mutually beneficial.
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Japan and Vietnam Expand Decarbonization Efforts to Agriculture and Carbon Credits

Japan and Vietnam Expand Decarbonization Efforts to Agriculture and Carbon Credits

Japan and Vietnam are advancing their cooperation in decarbonization by focusing on agriculture and carbon credit mechanisms. This new phase aims to reduce methane emissions from rice fields through improved water management, enhancing farmer income and export competitiveness. The Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) between the two countries facilitates this cooperation, allowing for the implementation of greenhouse gas reduction projects. The initiative includes projects like the rice paddy methane reduction in Nghe An Province, which uses advanced irrigation techniques to lower emissions.
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Indonesia's Industry Ministry Accelerates Green Manufacturing and Circular Economy Initiatives

Indonesia's Industry Ministry Accelerates Green Manufacturing and Circular Economy Initiatives

Indonesia's Ministry of Industry is expediting the transition to green manufacturing to enhance national industry competitiveness and support decarbonization goals. The initiative focuses on achieving Net Zero Emissions by 2050 and creating added value through production efficiency, technological innovation, and circular economy practices. Key areas include post-consumer packaging management and the use of recycled materials. The ministry has prepared industrial decarbonization roadmaps for priority sectors, including food and beverage, to support this transition.