ASEAN tells Myanmar junta to prioritize peace over elections

Southeast Asian nations have called on Myanmar`s military leadership to abandon its plans for elections and focus instead on ending the ongoing civil conflict in the country. 

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was detained by police Wednesday, marking an historic first for a sitting leader of the country, the state news agency Yonhap reported.

The ongoing civil conflict in Myanmar, now entering its fourth year has provided fertile ground for drug cartels to expand their operations. The Shan State, in particular, has become a key hub for the production of illicit narcotics, posing significant challenges to neighboring countries, especially Bangladesh.

A devastating earthquake struck China`s Tibet region on Tuesday morning, leaving at least 95 people dead and many others injured, as reported by the state-run Xinhua News Agency.

Chinese President Xi Jinping declared on Tuesday that China’s reunification with Taiwan is inevitable and cannot be obstructed.

China has expressed strong opposition to US President Joe Biden`s recent approval of 571.3 million US dollar in military aid for Taiwan, calling it a violation of its sovereignty and security interests.

The United States has raised serious concerns about the ongoing conflict in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, warning of its potential to destabilize the surrounding region.

Myanmar’s military junta has actively suppressed information about the country’s escalating hunger crisis by pressuring aid organizations and researchers to withhold data. 

The United States has called for India and Bangladesh to address their differences through peaceful means, State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller said at a press briefing Monday.

The Arakan Army, one of Myanmar`s most powerful ethnic armed groups, has declared full control of the 271-kilometer border with Bangladesh, following the capture of the last military outpost in the strategic western town of Maungdaw. 

Rohingya Muslims long persecuted by Myanmar`s Junta, are now facing new threats from the Arakan Army (AA), according to Nay San Lwin, co-founder of the Free Rohingya Coalition. 

For Rohingya refugees who fled brutal violence in Myanmar, the announcement Wednesday that the International Criminal Court prosecutor was seeking an arrest warrant for the junta chief sparked celebrations.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor announced on Wednesday that his office is pursuing an arrest warrant for Myanmar`s junta leader in connection with crimes against humanity targeting the Rohingya Muslim community.

Chinese President Xi Jinping congratulated Donald Trump on his victory in the presidential election and called for stable ties between the world`s two largest economies.

Myanmar`s military chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing has embarked on his first visit to China since seizing power in 2021.

Chinese President Xi Jinping asked US President Joe Biden last year to change the language the United States uses when discussing its position on Taiwanese independence, according to two US officials familiar with the private conversation.