The Singaporean-flagged vessel Ever Lovelywas struck by “an unknown projectile”while transiting near Dahit, Oman, in the Strait of Hormuz on June 25.The projectiles struck the bridge area and windows, but all 21 crew members aboard were safe, with no Singaporean seafarers involved. The vessel sustained minor damage but remained fully operational.
Category: Politics
The West Philippine Sea Must Not Become ASEAN’s Testing Ground for Unchecked Autonomy
When Chinese water cannons shattered the cockpit windscreen of a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel and injured crew members in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), the incident was reported as another act of maritime harassment. But what made this confrontation different was not just the violence, it was the technology.
Three dead in Indonesian military training scheme for civilians
Three Indonesian trainees have been pronounced dead after undergoing compulsory basic military training organised by the Ministry of Defence. The training is a prerequisite for participation in the Indonesian Graduate Development Pioneers, Red and White Village/Urban-Village Cooperatives (KDMP) and Red and White Fishing Villages (KNMP).
Vietnam expands renewable energy and rice deals in Cuba’s Mariel zone
Vietnamese Foreign Minister Lê Hoài Trung paid an official visit to Cuba from June 20 to 22, acting on behalf of Vietnamese General Secretary and President Tô Lâm.
Cambodian Supreme Court upholds verdict, opposition loses ground
The Cambodian Supreme Court upheld the verdict against prominent opposition Rong Chhun on June 19, suspending his four-year sentence to three years of probation, whilst effectively stripping him of his political rights. Chhun, who served as an adviser to the opposition Nation Power Party, was banned from joining the race, voting and travelling abroad.
Indonesian police detain critics of former President Joko Widodo
Roy Suryo and Tifauzia Tyassuma were formally detained by the Indonesian Police on June 19 on charges of slander and defamation against Indonesia’s former President Joko Widodo (Jokowi). The case began in March 2025, when Roy, Tifa and Rismon Hasiholan Sianipar vocally questioned the authenticity of the educational documents and diplomas of of Jokowi and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka.
Min Aung Hlaing’s Beijing visit cements China–Myanmar partnership
Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing paid a five-day official state visit to Beijing from June 15 to 19. This trip underscored the manifestation of “pauk-phaw” friendship and aimed to strengthen bilateral ties between Naypyidaw and Beijing.
Philippines’ Senate elects Gatchalian after Duterte bloc weakens
The Philippine Senate has witnessed a leadership showdown following a coalitional shift that ended the 28-day tenure of the former President RodrigoDuterte’s close ally, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano. He was replaced by Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian on June 17, which was followed by leadership reorganisation within the committee chairmanships.
ASEAN-Russia endorse Kazan Declaration to advance strategic partnership and maximise economic potential
On June 17, ASEAN member states and Russia commenced their commemorative summit to mark the 35th anniversary of ASEAN-Russian Federation relations, focusing on deepening security, economic and technological ties. The meeting was co-chaired by Philippine President and ASEAN Chair Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Timor-Leste President concludes Malaysia visit, securing support for ASEAN integration
Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta just concluded a five-day official state visit to Malaysia, from 13 to 17 June, with both governments devoting significant attention to advancing bilateral relations in strategic sectors and regional affairs.