Pacific

Biden proposes $40M for Pacific Islands infrastructure

The proposal at the Pacific Islands Forum in Washington comes as Congress deadlocks over budget cuts.

China denies accusation it destroyed coral in Philippines’ waters
South China Sea

China denies accusation it destroyed coral in Philippines’ waters

Beijing says Manila is polluting sea with World War II-era ship it grounded in 1999 in Ayungin Shoal.

Philippines accuses China of planting ‘floating barrier’ in disputed South China Sea
South China Sea

Philippines accuses China of planting ‘floating barrier’ in disputed South China Sea

Beijing’s blockade in disputed Scarborough Shoal area prevented Filipinos from fishing for their livelihood, Manila says.

Thais have mixed feelings about visa-waiver program for Chinese tourists
Thailand

Thais have mixed feelings about visa-waiver program for Chinese tourists

The travelers help the economy, but their arrival in often unauthorized “zero-dollar” tours, affects Thai businesses.

Philippine troops kill communist rebels in central province
Philippines

Philippine troops kill communist rebels in central province

Regional military chief says efforts aim to push rebels to “brink of irreversible collapse.”

China denies accusation it destroyed coral in Philippines’ waters
South China Sea

China denies accusation it destroyed coral in Philippines’ waters

Beijing says Manila is polluting sea with World War II-era ship it grounded in 1999 in Ayungin Shoal.

Flags fly in front of tents at Camp Justice in Guantanamo Bay Naval Base, Cuba, April 18, 2019.
Malaysia

Malaysia seeking return of 2 Gitmo detainees: home minister

2023-09-25

In a Facebook post since removed, minister says he visited Guantanamo.

A boat is seen near what the Philippines said is a 328 yard-long floating barrier – made up of objects that appear to be white buoys linked to each other by a rope – China installed at the Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, Sept. 24, 2023.
Philippines

Philippine Coast Guard says it removed China-placed ‘floating barrier’ at disputed reef

2023-09-25

Manila had accused Beijing of installing the barrier to prevent Filipinos from fishing in the Scarborough Shoal area.

Video

Did Indonesia’s high-speed rail cut off this village’s only source of water?

Commentary

What to do about ‘freedom from speech?’

What to do about ‘freedom from speech?’

Video

Rice is getting more expensive. It’s good news for Thai rice farmers.

Rohingya refugees face prison-like conditions in Bangladesh camps: report
Bangladesh

Rohingya refugees face prison-like conditions in Bangladesh camps: report

Rohingya, who fled persecution in Myanmar, say movement restrictions are ‘violently enforced’ by Bangladesh security personnel, as well as fencing and checkpoints.

Laos is planning to build a dam on the Mekong River in the Bokeo province's area of Pak Beng, which is seen in this Oct. 15, 2022 photo.
Region

Power agreement with Thailand hastens timeline for Laos’ Pak Beng Dam

Construction can begin, but compensation for villagers remains unresolved.

A view of the Palace of Justice in Putrajaya where Malaysia’s two highest courts are located, May 12, 2021.
Malaysia

Why activists say Malaysia must separate attorney general and public prosecutor roles

Army chief Lt. Gen. Roy Galido talks to reporters at the Philippine Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Metro Manila, Sept. 21, 2023.
Philippines

Philippine army preparing charges against 2 environmentalists over abduction, coercion claims

A humpback whale and calf swim in the waters in Niue in this 2018 photo. Niue is raising funds for ocean conservation by asking sponsors to pay US$148 to protect a square kilometer area of sea.
Pacific

Niue, a Pacific atoll, seeks sponsors to protect its vast ocean territory

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Cartoons

Roadmap to roiled relations

Roadmap to roiled relations

Video

How a severe plankton bloom off Thailand’s eastern coast is killing marine life

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