On September 12, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. arrived in New Delhi, India for the 18th BRICS Summit, representing ASEAN as its 2026 chair while also advancing the Philippines’ infrastructure resilience agenda through membership in the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).
Author: Zarah Ysabel Tortocion
Defence and Politics Correspondent, SEA Daily
Indonesia, Malaysia Step Up Cooperation Amid Regional Climate and Haze Risks
Satellite imagery showing transboundary haze across Southeast Asia. (Wikimedia/Adam Voiland) On September 9, Malaysia offered to provide assets to help Indonesia tackle forest and land […]
Indonesia, US Deepen Digital Cooperation on Child Protection and AI Governance
On September 8, Indonesia and the US discussed child protection in digital spaces and artificial intelligence (AI) governance as the two countries explore wider cooperation in science and technology.
Indonesian President Prabowo Calls for Higher Mitigation Spending After Recent Disasters
On September 7, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto called for a significant increase in the budget for disaster mitigation as the government reviews its preparedness following an earthquake in Flores, volcanic activity at Mount Anak Krakatau and forest and land fires in several provinces.
Thailand-US Tariff Talks Near Completion as Both Sides Finalise Trade Terms
On September 7, Thailand and the US reached agreement on the key elements of a proposed Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART), with technical teams working to finalise the remaining details.
Singapore, China Hold Joint Maritime Exercise as Regional Naval Cooperation Expands
The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLA Navy) have commenced their 5th bilateral Exercise Maritime Cooperation (XMC) in Zhanjiang, China, as the two countries continue naval training and professional exchanges from September 5 to 9.
Quezon City Court Issues Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte Arrest Warrant Amid Impeachment Proceedings
On September 4, the Quezon City (QC) Regional Trial Court Branch 98 issued an arrest warrant against the Philippine Vice President (VP) Sara Duterte after finding probable cause to proceed with three counts of grave threats arising from remarks she made against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos and House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Southeast Asia’s Defence Partnerships Are Expanding Beyond Bilateral Alliances
On August 30, the Philippines and US marked the 75th anniversary of their Mutual Defence Treaty (MDT), reaffirming an alliance that has evolved from a Cold War security pact into an expanded defence partnership. The relationship now covers military exercises, operational coordination, capability development, maritime security and humanitarian assistance and disaster response, while increasingly coupling the Philippines with wider regional security networks.
Vietnam Arrests Deputy Health Minister Thuấn Over Alleged Bribery in Smuggling Probe
On September 2, Vietnamese authorities arrested and prosecuted Deputy Minister of Health Trần Văn Thuấn on allegations of receiving a large amount of bribes, as part of an expanded investigation into alleged accounting violations and smuggling.
US Aircraft Carrier Arrives in Thailand After Record 286-Day Deployment
On September 2, the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group arrived in Laem Chabang, Thailand for a scheduled port visit as the US and Thailand continue their longstanding defence and maritime cooperation.