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Indonesia's foreign minister has ruled out imposing tolls on ships passing through the Strait of Malacca, following a suggestion by the finance minister that sparked regional concern. The strait is a vital global shipping lane, and neighboring states and analysts have stressed the importance of keeping it free for navigation.
South Korea announced plans to designate 10 cities as startup hubs by next year, starting with Daejeon, Daegu, Gwangju, and Ulsan, to decentralize the startup ecosystem from Seoul and create youth jobs. The initiative aims to place five cities in the global top 100 startup list by 2030.
At the Chevron Championship, the first LPGA major of 2026, several South Korean players posted strong opening rounds. Lee So-mi fired a 67 to sit tied for second, while Yoon Ina climbed into a tie for third after round two. Nelly Korda of the U.S. leads the tournament.
Jason Moloney overcame a deep cut to win a unanimous points decision over Andre Donovan in Brisbane, keeping his hopes of another world title shot alive. The card also saw wins for Conor Wallace, Max McIntyre, and Suliaman Guushaa, with Wallace returning from a 10-month layoff.
Coupang, South Korea's e-commerce giant, disclosed spending over $1 million on U.S. lobbying in the first quarter, involving the White House and Congress. The company denies allegations that it lobbied to pressure the South Korean government, emphasizing its focus on economic cooperation, AI innovation, and job creation.
Russian and North Korean officials held sectoral talks in Wonsan and broke ground on a joint hospital project, part of agreements from a June 2024 summit. Three Russian ministers visited North Korea simultaneously, and a ceremony is planned for a memorial museum honoring North Korean soldiers in the Russia-Ukraine war.
Japan and the Philippines have deepened military cooperation, with Tokyo pledging to transfer retired destroyers and both nations signing a reciprocal access agreement. The partnership, driven by shared concerns over Chinese territorial claims, marks a significant shift in Japan's post-war defense posture.
Choi Ji-man, a former major league first baseman best known for his tenure with the Tampa Bay Rays, has signed a one-year deal with the Ulsan Whales of the Futures League, South Korea's minor league. The 34-year-old says he aims to prove his health and remain a productive player, with hopes of eventually joining the national team.
USFK Commander Gen. Xavier Brunson has proposed positioning South Korea as a regional sustainment hub for the maintenance and repair of US military assets, leveraging the country's defense industrial base. The plan, detailed in a document submitted to Congress and in recent remarks, also includes a broader modernization of the US-South Korea alliance and a shift to an 'east-up' strategic perspective in the Indo-Pacific.
Honda Korea announced it will withdraw from South Korea's automobile market by the end of 2026, citing changing market conditions and exchange rate fluctuations. The company will continue customer services and refocus on its motorcycle business.
Hyundai Motor reported a 23.6% drop in first-quarter net profit, citing U.S. auto tariffs, higher raw material costs, and increased investment. Operating income declined 30.8%, while sales rose 3.4%. Kia also posted a 23.5% net profit decline, reflecting similar headwinds.
Muneo Suzuki, a lawmaker from Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party, intends to visit Russia from May 3-6, according to Kyodo News. The trip follows his recent meeting with senior Russian officials in Moscow, where Moscow reportedly proposed arranging a July meeting of the two nations' foreign ministers. Analysts, however, are skeptical about the prospects of such diplomatic efforts.
SK hynix reported record first-quarter results, with net profit surging 397.6% year-on-year to 40.34 trillion won, as AI demand for memory chips soared. Samsung Electronics also posted record operating profit, but both companies warn of a prolonged global supply crunch.
North Korea has denounced Japan's planned overhaul of key security documents and its establishment of military drone offices, warning that these moves fuel Tokyo's 'reinvasion' ambitions. The criticism, reported by Yonhap, highlights regional tensions over Japan's defense buildup.
Djibouti's President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh has been re-elected for a sixth term with over 97% of the vote, according to official results. The election was marked by low early turnout and a single challenger, while critics called it a foregone conclusion. Regional leaders like Rwanda's Paul Kagame have congratulated Guelleh, highlighting Djibouti's diplomatic ties.
IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi cautioned that any US-Iran nuclear agreement lacking IAEA verification would be meaningless, describing it as an 'illusion of an agreement.' He also discussed the risks of a US invasion of Iran and voiced concerns about a potential nuclear arms race.
China's economy grew 5% in the first quarter, beating expectations despite the Iran war's disruption of global energy markets. While its diverse energy mix and dominance in green tech provide some insulation, weak domestic consumption, a struggling property sector, and slowing export growth highlight ongoing challenges.
Japan's government has approved a major revision of its defense equipment transfer principles, effectively lifting decades-old restrictions on arms exports. The move aims to strengthen Japan's defense industrial base and counter China's influence, with officials emphasizing the need for mutual support among partner nations.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi sent a ritual offering to Tokyo's Yasukuni Shrine during its annual spring festival, a move that drew strong condemnation from China and expressions of regret from South Korea, while North Korea called it a 'challenge to international justice.' Takaichi did not visit in person, marking the second time she has sent an offering since taking office.
Japan's cabinet approved a major policy change on Tuesday, lifting a decades-old ban on exporting lethal weapons. The move, announced by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, allows the sale of fighter jets, missiles, and warships to at least 17 countries, marking a significant departure from Japan's post-war pacifist stance. Critics and protesters have voiced concerns, while officials frame the decision as a response to an increasingly severe security environment.