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South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi held their fourth meeting in Andong, Lee's hometown, agreeing to enhance cooperation on supply chains and LNG and crude oil supplies amid Middle East conflict. The summit marked the first time sitting leaders of both countries have visited each other's hometowns.
A trove of documents released by the UK government has shed light on the controversial appointment of Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the US, revealing that security vetting officials recommended denying him clearance due to concerns about his foreign associations. Despite the release of nearly 1,500 pages, MPs say key questions remain, including the absence of any recorded mitigation measures and the withholding of some documents at the request of the Metropolitan Police.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the Philippines would likely be drawn into any conflict over Taiwan due to its proximity and the nearly 200,000 Filipinos working there. During a state visit to Japan, he discussed defence cooperation, including potential imports of Japanese weapons, as both nations strengthen their strategic partnership amid China's maritime assertiveness.
South Korea's household credit reached a record 1,993.1 trillion won ($1.33 trillion) in Q1 2025, marking the eighth consecutive quarterly rise though at a slower pace due to stricter lending regulations. While mortgage and credit purchases grew, concerns mount over record household debt and rising global bond yields, prompting caution from the Bank of Korea.
Two American nationals were arrested in Japan after one allegedly jumped into the enclosure of Punch, a viral baby macaque, while the other filmed the stunt. The zoo is implementing new safety measures and considering a filming ban around the enclosure.
Iran's Supreme National Security Council has formally announced the creation of the Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) to manage the strategic waterway, a move that has drawn international attention amid ongoing tensions. The authority is set to regulate vessel passage, with provisions for tolls and specialized services, while the US has added it to sanctions lists.
German Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder visited Toyota's fuel cell factory in Japan, highlighting the joint BMW-Toyota development of third-generation hydrogen fuel cell technology. Both countries are betting on hydrogen to diversify away from batteries and fossil fuels, with Germany planning to import green hydrogen and Japan targeting 12 million tons of annual capacity by 2040.
Amnesty International reported that at least 2,707 people were executed worldwide in 2025, the highest number since 1981, with Iran accounting for nearly 80% of the total. The rights group attributed the surge to authorities tightening their grip on power, particularly in Iran following the June 2025 war with Israel. Executions also rose in several other countries, while China's figures remain opaque.
A Reuters analysis cited by multiple outlets reports that the US-Israeli war on Iran has cost companies worldwide at least $25 billion, with 279 firms taking defensive measures. Toyota alone faces a £3bn hit, and air carriers account for $15bn of the total, as energy prices and supply chain disruptions persist.
Melbourne-based travel company AVG Travels has collapsed, with liquidators appointed and hundreds of customers left scrambling for refunds. The company cancelled or placed 'under review' numerous tours just days before departure, prompting industry suspensions and consumer complaints.
Isla Bell's family and supporters held a rally in Melbourne to protest the withdrawal of a manslaughter charge against Marat Ganiev, who still faces charges of perverting justice. The case has sparked calls for reform in how the system handles crimes against women.
The UAE is accelerating construction of a second pipeline to bypass the Strait of Hormuz, doubling export capacity through Fujairah by 2027. The move follows the blockade of the waterway amid the US-Israel-Iran war, which has disrupted global energy supplies and prompted Japan to secure alternative supply routes.
Russia's Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated that Moscow has not initiated or received proposals for high-level meetings with Japan, dismissing Tokyo's allegations as 'ridiculous.' She reiterated that Japan must take the first step by ending its hostile sanctions policy, presenting a list of concrete steps for restoring dialogue.
During their summit in Beijing, Chinese President Xi Jinping warned US President Donald Trump that mishandling the Taiwan issue could lead to conflict and push bilateral relations into an 'extremely dangerous situation.' The two leaders discussed trade and other issues, but Taiwan was not mentioned in the White House's official statement, according to one report. Analysts note Xi's tougher tone, while the US reportedly avoided a explicit commitment to defend Taiwan.
The US Army's first live-fire test of its Typhon missile system in the Philippines during Exercise Balikatan has drawn sharp criticism from China, which called it the 'worst provocation' in years. The exercise also saw Japan's first overseas offensive missile launch in decades, further escalating regional security debates.
Japanese snack giant Calbee is temporarily switching to black-and-white packaging for 14 products due to shortages of naphtha, an ink ingredient, caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz amid the US-Iran conflict. The move highlights wider supply chain disruptions affecting Japanese businesses, including Mizkan and Toyota.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for urgent reform of the UN Security Council and global financial institutions, highlighting Africa's lack of permanent representation as a historic injustice. Speaking at the AU-UN summit in Addis Ababa and at a Security Council debate, he warned of rising conflicts, erosion of international law, and the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on the most vulnerable.
Japan Rugby Football Union has suspended head coach Eddie Jones for six weeks and imposed a pay cut after he verbally abused match officials during an under-23 tour of Australia. Jones will miss several matches, including the Test against Italy in July, and has apologized for his conduct.
A UN Security Council draft resolution, co-drafted by Gulf states and the US, has gained 112 co-sponsors, demanding Iran halt attacks and ensure freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. The move underscores global concern, though China and Russia have reservations.
Japanese snack giant Calbee is temporarily switching to black-and-white packaging for 14 product lines, citing supply instability caused by Middle East tensions. The move highlights how the closure of the Strait of Hormuz is affecting daily life in Japan, even as the government assures sufficient crude oil supplies.