Asia-Pacific
Regional developments across East Asia, Southeast Asia, and Oceania.
Queensland Rail sets return dates for regional services after months of disruption
Queensland Rail says its Spirit of Queensland and Spirit of the Outback services will be fully restored by July 13, with one Westlander service returning July 14 and the second still replaced by coach while maintenance backlog work continues.
Australian senators back Rex Patrick as government court fight over Aukus nuclear-waste documents escalates
Crossbench senators and independents are backing Rex Patrick after the Department of Industry, Science and Resources appealed his FOI win over Aukus nuclear-waste documents to the Federal Court and sought costs that he says could exceed A$150,000.
Labor shuts down Andrew Wilkie's protest against 'rubbish' gambling reform bill
Labor has shut down Andrew Wilkie’s attempt to condemn the Albanese government’s new gambling-ad restrictions, with critics saying the bill does not go far enough and may still face Senate resistance.
Rio Tinto and Mongolia reset terms on $18B Oyu Tolgoi copper project
Rio Tinto and Mongolia have agreed revised financial terms for the Oyu Tolgoi copper project, cutting management fees by half and lowering the interest rate on Mongolia’s project loan by 2.5 percentage points. The agreement follows months of pressure over the mine’s economics, but key questions remain over dividends and other disputed issues.
Court rules identities of multiple Bondi attack survivors cannot be published
A New South Wales court has granted a final suppression order blocking publication of multiple Bondi attack survivors’ and complainants’ identities in the Naveed Akram case, citing mental safety risks.
Earthquake off northeastern coastline rattles Japan; no tsunami warning issued
A magnitude-6.1 earthquake struck off Japan’s northeastern coast near Iwate Prefecture on Sunday morning, according to AP and the Japan Meteorological Agency, with no tsunami warning issued and no immediate reports of damage or injuries.
Powerful 6.9-magnitude earthquake strikes off northern Japan. No tsunami warning
A preliminary magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck off Japan’s northeastern coast near Iwate on Thursday morning local time, with officials saying there was no tsunami danger and no immediate reports of injuries or damage. The shaking was felt in Tokyo and prompted temporary rail suspensions for safety checks.
Darnum, Victoria: Train delays after man dies in fuel tanker rollover
A B-double fuel tanker rolled on the Princes Freeway near Darnum in West Gippsland on Saturday morning, killing the driver and spilling fuel onto the road and nearby bushland. Eastbound lanes were closed, detours were advised and V/Line replaced trains with coaches between Warragul and Traralgon.
UNSW overtakes University of Melbourne in QS rankings for first time
UNSW has overtaken the University of Melbourne in the latest QS World University Rankings, placing 19th globally to Melbourne’s 22nd. It is the first time UNSW has taken the top Australian spot in the QS table, with the result credited to stronger performance in employability, sustainability, reputation and international research links.
AusAlert trial set for Geelong suburbs Belmont and Highton
AusAlert will be tested in Belmont and Highton on June 18 at 2pm, with compatible phones and other supported devices in the area expected to sound a loud 10-second alert and display a test message. Officials say no action is required. The local trial is part of a broader June rollout ahead of a national test on July 27 and wider availability from October.
Sydney shark attack drives push for AI drone patrols
A shark attack at Coogee Beach has triggered a NSW push for AI-equipped drone patrols, a review of shark nets and renewed debate over culls. Premier Chris Minns ruled out killing protected great white sharks but left open action on bull sharks.
Axel Springer's Politico eyes 15-strong Australian team
Politico is preparing to launch in Australia in August 2026 with a small Canberra team led by Ryan Heath, according to The Australian. The report says the operation could grow to about 15 staff and may later expand beyond Canberra.
NSW grants urgent drone exemption after Coogee shark attack
NSW has granted Surf Life Saving NSW an urgent exemption to fly drones over Coogee Beach after a shark attack left a woman in critical condition, with officials now working toward a permanent clearance.
Asia energy crisis at worst-case scenario, ADB warns
The Asian Development Bank says Asia-Pacific is facing the worst-case version of the Middle East energy shock, with about $4 billion in formal requests from 15 countries and higher inflation pressure.
Twenty-five anti-Isaac Herzog protesters to face joint trial in Sydney
Downing Centre Local Court has set 25 protesters charged over a Sydney demonstration during Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s visit for a joint trial in 2027, in a case that could test police conduct and protest laws.
Aftershocks hinder Philippine quake recovery as death toll rises to 47
The death toll from Monday’s magnitude-7.8 earthquake in southern Mindanao has risen to at least 47, with 31 people still missing and more than 45,000 displaced. Aftershocks, damaged roads and isolated villages are slowing recovery and relief work.
Govt exploring ways to boost Singapore's support system amid global uncertainties: PM Wong
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said Singapore is looking at additional ways to strengthen support for households, families and workers as the global environment becomes more uncertain.
Operations resume at ONE15 Marina Sentosa Cove after yacht fire
ONE15 Marina Sentosa Cove has resumed operations after a yacht fire on June 7, with the affected berth still closed as the cause remains under investigation.
Singapore launches Aspire 2B national supercomputer to expand AI, climate and healthcare research
Singapore has launched Aspire 2B, a new national supercomputer operated by the National Supercomputing Centre Singapore. Officials say the system will expand local compute for AI, climate modelling, healthcare research and quantum computing, with roughly four times the power of Aspire 2A and 2A+ combined.
PM Modi chairs Economic Advisory Council meeting amid global uncertainty and West Asia spillover
Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister on June 6, with the official readout focusing on economic transformation, reforms and long-term development priorities. Secondary reports said the council also reviewed the impact of the West Asia conflict on India and the wider economy.
North Korean leader Kim stresses stronger naval nuclear deterrent
North Korean state media said Kim Jong Un inspected the Kang Kon destroyer during navigation tests and urged stronger naval capabilities as part of the country's nuclear deterrent.
Norway apologizes to Malaysia over canceled missile deal but stands by decision
Norway has apologized to Malaysia over the cancellation of a Naval Strike Missile export licence, but it has not reversed the decision. Malaysia says it wants payments returned and is considering compensation claims and legal action.
Australia to buy only second-hand Virginia-class submarines under revised AUKUS plan
Australia will receive three second-hand Virginia-class submarines under a revised AUKUS plan, with officials saying the change is meant to improve cost efficiency and reduce maintenance complexity.
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.