<p>BAGHDAD, Iraq - The 34th Arab League Summit, hosted in Baghdad on May 17, 2025, concluded with a unified call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and support for US-Iran nuclear talks [1][2]. The 'B...

BANGKOK, Thailand - Myanmar's military-backed government has rejected ASEAN's renewed call for the unconditional release of detained former leader Aung

New Zealand and other Pacific Island nations urged condemnation of China's recent intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test during a regional forum meeting in Fiji, but faced resistance from key members. The 18-nation Pacific Islands Forum has yet to issue an official response to the test, despite concerns raised by leaders like Tuvalu’s foreign affairs official Pasuna Tuaga, who warned of potential tsunami risks from the missile landing near their territory. China's unannounced missile launch sparked debates over regional security and diplomatic alignment, with Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong acknowledging Pacific nations’ concerns but noting that pro-China countries like Kiribati, Nauru, and Vanuatu showed little interest in formal criticism. The meeting in Suva highlights ongoing tensions between maintaining regional unity and addressing perceived threats from China's expanding military presence. Tuvalu sought assistance from Australia, France, and the U.S. to locate the test’s dummy warhead, while New Zealand’s Winston Peters criticized the region for missing an opportunity to collectively address the issue. The forum’s potential response may focus on security needs without directly mentioning the missile test or China, reflecting deepening divisions among Pacific leaders.

The US is not leaving the Middle East but delegating security to regional allies while shifting strategic focus to the Indo-Pacific.

Asia Pacific in 2026 faces deterrence and hyper vigilance as major powers avoid war while militarizing SLOCs and alliances.

Pakistan’s Khost-Paktika strikes mark a tactical victory but reveal the urgent need for diplomacy and long-term strategy.

India’s Rafale M deal boosts air-sea power in the Indian Ocean, but strategic outsourcing and coercive posturing raise regional concerns.

Indian External Affairs Minister Jaishankar also told the meeting that SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation)

Iran has made shift in its diplomatic approach by removing Qomi from his dual roles as special envoy and ambassador to Afghanistan

Iran has made shift in its diplomatic approach by removing Qomi from his dual roles as special envoy and ambassador to Afghanistan