Myanmar to participate in Asean summit, informal discussions
Kyaw Moe, who landed at 11am yesterday, will lead the Myanmar delegation during the high-level regional gathering taking place at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC).
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The Star
2 days ago
- The Star
China slams Germany for 'hyping' regional tensions in Asia
Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning at the regular press briefing in Beijing on Monday, August 18, 2025. -- Image via the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. BEIJING (AFP): China lashed out at Germany on Monday (Aug 18), warning Berlin against "inciting confrontation and hyping up tensions" after its foreign minister said Beijing was "increasingly aggressive" in the Asia-Pacific region. During a visit to Japan, Johann Wadephul said China had made repeated threats to "unilaterally change the status quo and shift borders in its favour", citing its behaviour in the Taiwan Strait and the East and South China Seas. "Any escalation in this sensitive hub of international trade would have serious consequences for global security and the world economy," Wadephul said Monday after talks with Japanese counterpart Takeshi Iwaya. A statement issued on Sunday before Wadephul's visit to Japan -- and later Indonesia -- said that China was "increasingly asserting its regional supremacy and, in doing so, is also questioning principles of international law." "China's increasingly aggressive behaviour in the Taiwan Strait and the East and South China Seas also has implications for us in Europe: fundamental principles of our global coexistence are at stake here," the statement quoted Wadephul as saying. China's foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning hit back on Monday, telling a regular news conference that the situation in the East China Sea and the South China Sea "remains generally stable". "We urge the relevant parties to respect regional countries, resolve issues through dialogue and consultation, and safeguard the common interest of peace and stability, instead of inciting confrontation and hyping up tensions," she said when asked about Wadephul's comments. "The Taiwan question is China's internal affair," she added. - 'War machine' support - In the joint press statement in Tokyo, Wadephul also criticised "China's support for the Russian war machine" in Ukraine. "Without it, the war of aggression against Ukraine would not be possible. China is Russia's largest supplier of dual-use goods and Russia's best oil and gas customer," Wadephul said. He also said ahead of talks later Monday between US President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders that security guarantees for Kyiv were "crucial". Trump's summit on Friday with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in Alaska "made it clear that for a just and lasting peace, Moscow must finally act. Until that happens, pressure on Russia must be increased, including with increased aid to Ukraine," Wadephul said. The talks on Monday in Washington are about establishing "the elements of a negotiated solution on the path to a just peace for Ukraine," he said. "Firm security guarantees are crucial for this. Because Ukraine must be able to defend itself effectively even after a ceasefire and peace agreement." -- AFP
The Sun
4 days ago
- The Sun
Timor-Leste nears permanent ASEAN membership ahead of October summit
SEREMBAN: Timor-Leste's permanent membership in ASEAN is now in the documentation phase before its formal admission at the October summit. Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan confirmed the progress during a press briefing today. 'At the upcoming ASEAN Summit in October, there will be a ceremony to welcome Timor-Leste as a permanent member of ASEAN. Right now, it is only at the documentation stage,' he said. He added that Timor-Leste has met most of ASEAN's membership requirements. 'We decided that they should first be admitted as a permanent member, after which ASEAN will assist them in completing the remaining documentation process,' he explained. Mohamad spoke after officiating UMNO Rembau's women, youth, and puteri division meetings. ASEAN reaffirmed its commitment to Timor-Leste's inclusion as the 11th member at the 47th ASEAN Summit in October. The decision aligns with the outcome of the 46th ASEAN Summit. A Joint Communique from the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting on July 9 highlighted support for Timor-Leste's early accession to key economic agreements. 'We look forward to Timor-Leste fulfilling its roles and obligations as an incoming member state and its commitment to upholding ASEAN's fundamental principles,' the statement read. Timor-Leste, Southeast Asia's youngest nation, applied for ASEAN membership in 2011. The country gained independence on May 20, 2002, after years of struggle. Despite delays, Dili has shown strong commitment to meeting ASEAN's membership criteria. In February, Malaysia contributed US$200,000 to the ASEAN Secretariat's Timor-Leste Unit in Jakarta. The funds aim to accelerate the membership process. Malaysia has also provided technical training through the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP). To date, 319 Timor-Leste officials have received training in various fields under the programme. - Bernama
The Star
5 days ago
- The Star
Laos, Philippines agree to enhance ties as they mark 70 years of relations
Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane meeting Philippines' Secretary of Foreign Affairs Theresa P. Lazaro during his official visit to the Philippines on Aug 13-14. - Ministry of Foreign Affairs VIENTIANE: Laos and the Philippines have agreed to expand cooperation across areas including clean energy, modern agriculture, trade, investment, and tourism, aiming to deliver more tangible benefits to their peoples and economies. The agreement was reached when Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane paid an official visit to the Philippines on Aug 13-14 at the invitation of his Philippine counterpart, Theresa P. Lazaro. The visit marked the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. During their talks, the two ministers reviewed cooperation in numerous areas of development, including politics, defence, security, trade, investment, tourism, agriculture, energy, technology and communications, education, and culture. The two sides agreed to further enhance this collaboration. They also exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest, the Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a press release. The two ministers praised the friendship and good cooperation between the two countries over the past 70 years. Both sides have maintained regular exchanges and high-level visits. To mark the 70th anniversary of relations later this year, Lazaro invited Lao Prime Minister, Dr Sonexay Siphandone, to visit the Philippines for the commemoration. The two sides signed a memorandum of cooperation following the 3rd Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC), which the two ministers co-chaired. Foreign Minister Thongsavanh thanked his counterpart for the warm reception, congratulated her on her new appointment, and invited her to visit Laos. The memorandum will guide the two countries' foreign ministries and other government bodies in exploring new opportunities for cooperation in promising areas such as clean energy, modern agriculture, trade, investment, and tourism. The two sides also unveiled a special commemorative logo for the 70th anniversary of Laos-Philippines diplomatic relations. During his visit, Thongsavanh laid a wreath at the Rizal Monument, honouring the Philippines' national hero. He also led his delegation to pay tribute at the statue of the revered Lao leader, President Kaysone Phomvihane, at the Asean Garden, and visited the National Museum of the Philippines. Thongsavanh also met with Lao diplomatic staff at the Lao Embassy to the Philippines. - Vientiane Times/ANN
