https://www.cnn.com/2026/02/21/politics/china-nuclear-arsenal-new-technology The article reports that U.S. intelligence believes China is developing a new generation of nuclear weapons and conducted a covert explosive test in June 2020 at the Lop Nur site despite its self‑imposed moratorium on nuclear testing. Analysts think China wants to modernize its arsenal to include advanced delivery systems and possibly low‑yield tactical weapons. Expanded nuclear capabilities could… Read more »
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/24/world/asia/china-japan-export-ban.html China has placed new export restrictions on 20 Japanese companies connected to the defense sector, raising tensions over Taiwan. China’s Commerce Ministry said it will block exports of “dual-use” goods, which can be used for both civilian and military purposes, to companies including Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, and the National Defense Academy of Japan. Another 20… Read more »
The article reports that South Korea will attend the inaugural meeting of the US-led “Board of Peace” in Washington as a non-member observer. According to South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kim Yong-hyun, former ambassador to Egypt, will represent Seoul at the February 19 meeting on behalf of the foreign minister. The government has not yet decided whether to formally… Read more »
The article “Australia bans a citizen with alleged links to militant IS group from returning from Syria” discusses the Australian government’s decision to prevent one of its citizens, suspected of having ties to the extremist organization Islamic State (IS), from returning home from Syria. Australian officials argued that allowing the individual to re-enter the country could pose a national security… Read more »
The article “Despite differences, China’s Xi and Germany’s Merz seek to deepen ties in turbulent times” explains how Chinese President Xi Jinping and German opposition leader Friedrich Merz discussed strengthening economic and political relations despite existing disagreements. The meeting took place during a period of global uncertainty caused by economic instability, geopolitical tensions, and conflicts affecting international trade. Both leaders… Read more »
The article discusses Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s speech at the East Asia Summit, where he emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy instead of coercion or confrontation in regional conflicts. Anwar warned that growing geopolitical tensions, especially between major powers such as the United States and China, threaten stability in Southeast Asia. He argued that smaller nations in the… Read more »
Article: Reuters Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet says Thai military forces continue to occupy parts of Cambodian territory despite a ceasefire agreed in late December 2025 that was brokered with the involvement of former U.S. President Donald Trump. In his first international interview since taking power, Hun told Reuters that Thai troops have set up barbed wire and containers inside… Read more »
Article: AP News Myanmar’s military government has expelled East Timor’s top diplomat, ordering him to leave the country by Feb. 20, 2026, after East Timor’s courts accepted a criminal complaint against Myanmar’s armed forces. The complaint, filed by the Chin Human Rights Organization, accuses Myanmar’s military leadership of war crimes and crimes against humanity, including attacks on civilians and other… Read more »
Article: BBC Japanese authorities have seized a Chinese fishing vessel that allegedly attempted to flee after being ordered to stop for inspection within Japan’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) off Nagasaki Prefecture. The vessel, described as a high-capacity “tiger net fishing boat,” was intercepted on Thursday, and its 47-year-old Chinese captain was arrested. Eleven crew members were aboard. According to Japan’s… Read more »
