Asia-Pacific
Regional developments across East Asia, Southeast Asia, and Oceania.
South Korea overpass collapse kills three during safety inspection in Seoul
Three people were killed and three injured when an overpass under demolition collapsed during a safety inspection in western Seoul. Officials said debris fell onto nearby tracks and disrupted rail service near Seoul Station.
Japan trade minister holds brief talks with Chinese counterpart amid diplomatic row
Japan’s trade minister said he had only a brief conversation with China’s commerce minister at an APEC meeting in Suzhou, with no formal bilateral talks, as tensions remain elevated.
Taiwan says China deployed more than 100 vessels in regional waters
Taiwan said China has deployed more than 100 navy, coast guard and other vessels across regional waters, according to AFP and regional outlets.
Man holding 2 hacksaws arrested in Bukit Batok
Police arrested a 46-year-old man in Bukit Batok after he was seen holding two hacksaws near an open-air carpark. Officers drew tasers, ordered him to drop the items and later said the man posed a potential risk of serious harm to himself or others. No injuries were reported.
Hyundai Motor Group signs Hong Kong hydrogen ecosystem pact
Hyundai Motor Group signed a multilateral hydrogen MOU in Hong Kong with partners from across Asia and Europe, as the city moves to build a green hydrogen ecosystem.
Anew Climate establishes Singapore hub to expand carbon and low-carbon fuel markets in Asia
Anew Climate said it opened a Singapore office on May 18 as its Asia-Pacific hub for carbon markets, compliance programs, Article 6, CORSIA and low-carbon fuel activity.
Asia-Pacific stocks fall as investors weigh trade developments
Asia-Pacific shares slipped on May 18 as investors assessed the latest U.S.-China trade developments. Chinese officials said the talks produced positive outcomes, but Reuters reported markets remained cautious because concrete follow-through was limited.
investingLive Asia-Pacific FX news wrap: Oil and the USD held firm, US-Iran pessimism
Asia-Pacific markets started the day with the dollar and oil holding firm after Reuters reported renewed pessimism over U.S.-Iran talks. Japan and the U.S. also reiterated close FX coordination, while Australia’s NAB business confidence improved but stayed weak.
WP MPs question backdated validation of fees collected by MND's agencies
Singapore Parliament passed a bill that retroactively validates fees collected by four MND agencies after Workers' Party MPs questioned whether the charges were properly authorised.
Singapore live updates: crocodile at Sentosa Cove, Singtel share transfer law, Parliament headlines
Singapore’s latest public-interest updates include NParks’ decision to remove a Sentosa Cove crocodile and Parliament’s approval of a bill to move Singtel special discounted shares into holders’ CDP accounts.
Fire at a shopping center in Iran kills 8 people and injures dozens
The Arghavan commercial complex fire near Tehran has killed at least 11 people and injured 41, with investigators probing possible building-safety failures.
India, Vietnam elevate ties to enhanced comprehensive strategic partnership; set $25 bn trade target
India and Vietnam upgraded ties to an Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and set a new $25 billion trade target by 2030 during To Lam’s visit.
Iran’s Araghchi holds talks with China’s Wang Yi in Beijing
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing as China urged de-escalation and a ceasefire.
Taiwan won't give in to pressure, president says on return from Eswatini
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te said Taiwan will not yield to pressure after returning from Eswatini, as Taipei accused Beijing of trying to block the trip.
Blast at fireworks factory in China’s Hunan province kills at least 26 people, state media says
A fireworks plant explosion in Liuyang, Hunan province, killed at least 26 people and injured 61, according to state media and official updates.
Japan’s defence minister says Tokyo plans early transfer of warships, aircraft to Manila
Japan and the Philippines agreed to form a working group on defense equipment cooperation, including talks on possible transfer of used destroyers and aircraft.
Explosion at fireworks factory in China kills 26, injures 61
A fireworks plant explosion in Liuyang, Hunan, killed 26 people and injured 61, according to official and state-media reporting.
Australia advances Fiji security pact as Vanuatu deal stalls amid China pushback
Australia is using a Fiji visit to deepen Pacific security ties as the separate Vanuatu track stays stalled amid China-related diplomatic friction.
China blocks US sanctions against five 'teapot' refineries
China’s commerce ministry said it will not recognize or enforce U.S. sanctions against five Chinese refiners accused of buying Iranian oil, escalating a dispute that began with Treasury actions in late April.
Hormuz reopening won't end global crisis, but Singapore enters it from position of strength: PM Wong
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said the Hormuz-related crisis will not end quickly, but argued Singapore is better prepared to absorb the shock.
PM Wong pledges 'new and better' jobs as AI disrupts industries, transforms economy
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said AI will disrupt Singapore's economy but pledged support to help workers move into new and better jobs.
Iran offers new proposal amid stalled US peace talks
Iran has reportedly sent a new proposal to Pakistan for its talks with the United States, even as the negotiations remain stalled.
PM Wong gets emotional reading letter from Singaporean on Middle East repatriation flight
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong teared up at Singapore’s May Day Rally after reading a forum letter from a Singaporean who was repatriated from the Middle East, drawing attention to the March 2026 evacuation effort.
Japan warns yen speculators it stands ready to intervene again
Japan’s top currency officials warned against speculative yen moves and signaled they were ready to intervene again after Reuters reported the government had already acted to support the currency.