Pacific
Solomon Islands’ political crisis will ‘not fundamentally change’ ties with Beijing
Whether Prime Minister Manele is ousted or not, China's presence will remain extensive, experts say.
Korea
Satellite imagery reveals increased activity at North Korean nuclear complex
Steam plumes and construction at Yongbyon suggest Kim Jong Un is making good on his five-year nuclear buildup plan.
South China Sea
ASEAN, China unlikely to finalize South China Sea Code of Conduct at upcoming summit
Beijing routinely skirts international agreements, so a COC must have enforcement mechanisms, analysts said.
Korea
Heat maps show largest greenhouse farm in North Korea at less than half capacity
The farm was said to be the area’s rebound from severe flooding, but it's not fully operational, analysts say.
South China Sea
Filipino man tells RFA how he spied for China, military says there are more
Information that “Danny” sold to Beijing may have led to 2024 Sabina Shoal ramming incident.
Myanmar
Aung San Suu Kyi transferred to house arrest
Detained since Myanmar’s 2021 coup, junta sends her to a “designated residence” for the remainder of her sentence.
South China Sea
Taiwan minister’s visit to Spratlys: a page out of China’s ‘gray zone’ playbook
Using the coast guard, not the navy, in operations at disputed Taiping Island avoids escalation, analysts said.
Pacific
PNG Prime Minister Marape shores up economic partnerships in China
Experts welcome Chinese investment, but stress environmental and social safeguards are necessary.
Korea
North Korean operatives use fake identities to apply for tech jobs
Some land six-figure jobs to funnel hundreds of millions of dollars back to the regime.
South China Sea
2026 Balikatan exercises will highlight Manila’s more ‘active defense posture’
Experts note that Philippines remains anchored in alliance with US, but will assert more agency over own defense.
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