Echoes of the Past: Remembering Indonesia’s Struggle Under Japanese Occupation
A look back at the harrowing three-year Japanese occupation of Indonesia (1942-1945), marked by resource plunder, forced labor, and a profound human cost.
Southeast Asia
Tensions Surge as Philippine Senate Placed Under Lockdown After Gunshots
Philippine Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano claims the chamber is “under attack” following gunshots and an attempted arrest within the complex, leading to a full security lockdown.
Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra Released on Parole
Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was released on parole today, May 11, to serve the remainder of his sentence under strict supervision.
Middle East Shocks Test ASEAN Energy Transition Momentum
Brent crude prices hitting $120/barrel have forced ASEAN leaders into emergency coordination to manage energy spillovers from Middle East conflicts.
Energy Shocks: Middle East Conflict Tests ASEAN’s Transition Momentum
Brent crude spikes to $120 per barrel, forcing ASEAN leaders into emergency coordination and testing the region’s momentum toward energy transition.
ASEAN Leaders Strategize Energy Security Amid Middle East Crisis
At a summit in Cebu City, ASEAN leaders issued a joint statement to tackle energy shortages and supply disruptions caused by the Middle East crisis.
US Fuel Prices Surge 42%, Outpacing Southeast Asia’s Energy Shock
US scholar Karen Young reports that fuel prices in the US have surged 42%, surpassing Southeast Asia’s 37% spike and intensifying the oil supply crunch for Americans.
Wang Yi Calls for Deeper Strategic Ties Between China and Laos
Chinese FM Wang Yi meets Lao counterpart in Beijing, urging stronger strategic communication as the two nations celebrate 65 years of diplomatic relations.
China, Laos Deepen Ties as Foreign Ministers Meet in Beijing
Chinese and Lao foreign ministers meet in Beijing, pledging to enhance cooperation on the railway project and other strategic areas while marking a key diplomatic anniversary.
Chinese, Myanmar Foreign Ministers Strengthen Ties in High-Level Talks
Chinese and Myanmar foreign ministers met to deepen cooperation, combat cybercrime, and reaffirm commitment to bilateral projects and a shared future.
China, Laos Mark 65 Years of Diplomatic Ties with High-Level Exchanges
Presidents Xi Jinping and Thongloun Sisoulith exchange messages on the 65th anniversary of China-Laos diplomatic relations, reaffirming their strategic partnership and shared future.
Chinese FM Wang Yi Bolsters Ties in High-Level Bangkok Meetings
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi meets Thai Prime Minister and Foreign Minister in Bangkok to deepen bilateral cooperation during his Southeast Asia tour.
China, Cambodia Vow to Deepen All-Around Cooperation
Chinese FM Wang Yi calls for deepening all-around cooperation with Cambodia, highlighting successful strategic dialogue and support for regional stability.
China-Laos Railway Drives Record Cross-Border Trade Growth in 2026
The China-Laos Railway reports 62.7% surge in cross-border trade value for Q1 2026, driven by photovoltaic exports and fruit imports, strengthening regional economic ties.
Major Quake Triggers Tsunami Alert Across Southeast Asia
Magnitude-7.8 quake near Indonesia triggers regional tsunami alerts, activating emergency responses across Southeast Asian coastal communities.
Myanmar’s Lower House Nominates Min Aung Hlaing for Vice Presidency
Myanmar’s Lower House nominates Min Aung Hlaing for vice presidency, a key step in the 2026 presidential election process under constitutional guidelines.
Brunei’s WWII Legacy: Uncovering Japan’s Occupation and Its Lasting Impact
As Brunei marks 85 years since Japan’s WWII occupation, KhabarAsia examines the enduring scars of economic plunder and cultural erasure in the ‘Abode of Peace.’
Thailand’s Acting PM Anutin Claims Election Victory as Bhumjaithai Leads
Thailand’s Bhumjaithai Party claims election victory with Acting PM Anutin Charnvirakul pledging unity, as preliminary results show strong parliamentary lead.
Zhipu AI Makes History with Groundbreaking Hong Kong IPO
Zhipu AI becomes China’s first publicly listed AI firm, raising $558 million in Hong Kong while challenging global rivals through aggressive pricing and sovereign AI partnerships.
Myanmar Releases Thousands in Annual Independence Day Amnesty
Myanmar’s annual Independence Day prisoner amnesty sees thousands freed, while Southeast Asia’s economy shows growth signals and cross-strait cultural exchanges intensify.