The trip is Takaichi's first to Vietnam since becoming prime minister in October.

Experts say curbs on criticism risk undermining democratic legitimacy as political consolidation limits opposition.

Kallas said ASEAN and the EU should strive for a partnership with strategic vision and concrete actions.

The EU approved a fresh round of sanctions on Russia this month, including tightened restrictions on oil trade, as it looks to undermine Moscow's ability to fund its war in Ukraine.

Thailand's government has said it is reviving a "Land Bridge" project across its narrow southern peninsula after recent disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz underscored the vulnerability of global shipping chokepoints, including the nearby Malacca Strait.

Japan and the European Union express concern over South China Sea tensions at UN Security Council maritime security forum, attracting criticism from China.

China's Wang Yi has been on a three-country visit to Southeast Asia, travelling to Cambodia, Thailand and Myanmar this week, seeking to strengthen ties and present Beijing as a more stable alternative to Washington.

Wong said in a statement that meetings with her counterparts in the three countries would "help ensure we are coordinating effectively" amid upheaval on global energy markets.

The United Nations' weather and climate agency said El Nino conditions could well develop as early as May to July.

Evacuation orders are in place for a third of Otsuchi's population, with the town lost nearly a tenth of its population in the 2011 earthquake and tsunami.

A clear shift has been observed in the Equatorial Pacific, with sea-surface temperatures rising rapidly, suggesting a high likelihood of El Niño conditions developing between May and July this year.

Activists cite inaction as global efforts mount in Brussels.

With the Middle East crisis sending shockwaves through global markets, ASEAN Chair the Philippines is focusing on safeguarding energy and food supplies, while pressing for stronger unity and coordinated action among member states to manage rising regional vulnerabilities.

The 900-km (550-mile) long Malacca Strait, bounded by Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore, provides the shortest sea route from East Asia to the Middle East and Europe.

Prosecutors allege the drone operation heightened military tensions with North Korea and risked exposing sensitive military information related to the mission and South Korea's capabilities after a drone crashed.

China has built artificial islands, airstrips, and military facilities during extensive land reclamation efforts over the years in disputed waters in the South China Sea.

Lawmakers have urged the government to improve clarity in its foreign policy communication, warning that unclear messaging risks misinterpretation by international partners and could undermine Indonesia’s long-standing non-aligned position amid growing scrutiny of recent diplomatic moves.

The 11-member ASEAN bloc has yet to formally recognize the new Myanmar government. ASEAN leaders will hold a summit next month in the Philippines.

That year was India's hottest year since thorough records began in 1901, with sizzling temperatures following a global pattern of extreme weather driven by climate change.

It is the first instance of a Taiwan president having to cancel a foreign trip due to denial of access to airspace, as lack of diplomatic ties with the island does not normally pose a problem for its leaders in flying over countries.

Companies must respond to the notices in 30 days, with failure to comply exposing them to up to penalties of up to A$825,000 ($590,783) a day

An Indonesian Navy spokesperson said the USS Miguel Keith that passed through the Strait of Malacca on April 14 did not violate any international laws and had respected Indonesia’s status as a coastal state.

The new rules end Japan's self-imposed curb on sales of lethal arms as Tokyo seeks to enter the international arms market, hoping to bolster national defence as well as boost economic growth.

Hundreds of Rohingya refugees die en route from hunger or accidents at sea, but the numbers keep growing as shrinking food rations caused by dwindling international aid push yet more to make the dangerous crossing.

The Philippines and the US have a 12-year-old Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement that allows a rotational presence of American military in Philippine bases without establishing a permanent presence.

Japan will ease decades-old arms export rules, the government's top spokesman Minoru Kihara said on Tuesday, paving the way for the sale of lethal weapons overseas.

"What the Asia-Pacific region most needs is peace and tranquility, and what it least needs is the introduction of external forces to create division and confrontation," Guo Jiakun, a ministry spokesperson, said at a regular press briefing in Beijing.