World News
Latest world news and updates
Total: 818
Thailand and Cambodia Postpone Border MoU After Poipet Talks, Exposing Lingering Frictions
Thai and Cambodian military delegations postponed the signing of a memorandum of understanding on local border issues after talks at the Poipet crossing left several items unresolved. The delay underscores continuing frictions along the Thailand–Cambodia frontier and puts a premium on the joint boundary committee's ability to finalise practical arrangements without escalating tensions.
Cambodia Protests Thailand’s Plan to Sue Hun Sen and Hun Manet, Warning of Setback to De‑Escalation
Cambodia has formally protested Thailand’s move to pursue legal action against Senate President Hun Sen and Prime Minister Hun Manet, saying the step undermines de‑escalation efforts. Bangkok’s decision to bring civil and criminal claims risks politicising a border dispute and complicating ceasefire and restoration of bilateral ties.
China and Philippines Hold Quiet Sea Talks in Cebu, Pledging Continued Diplomatic Channels
Senior Chinese and Philippine diplomats met in Cebu on January 29, 2026 to discuss maritime and other shared issues, agreeing to maintain diplomatic communications. The talks reflect a mutual interest in managing tensions in the South China Sea, though no specific agreements were announced.
U.S.–Iran Standoff Intensifies as Israel Readies for a “Sensitive Period”
A U.S. carrier strike group and additional forces have deployed near Iran, prompting Tehran to raise its alert level and threaten broad retaliation. Israel is on heightened readiness and has warned of a “sensitive period” around 30 January, creating a volatile mix of deterrence, domestic politics and asymmetric response options that could unsettle global markets and regional stability.
Xi and Starmer Agree to Reset: Beijing and London Pledge a 'Long‑Term, Stable' Strategic Partnership
Xi Jinping and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer met in Beijing on January 29 and agreed to develop a "long‑term, stable comprehensive strategic partnership," a diplomatic formulation Beijing says reflects a new vision for bilateral ties. The declaration signals a mutual interest in resetting relations but leaves major political and security questions open, making concrete follow‑through crucial.
Taiwan’s Drone Mishap — Five-Second Failure Raises Questions About Readiness and Messaging
A Taiwanese military drone crashed within five seconds of launch on Jan. 29, 2026, and footage of the incident spread rapidly online and through mainland media. While technically likely to stem from propulsion, power or control-link failure, the episode has outsized significance for Taiwan’s deterrence posture, domestic politics and cross-strait information warfare.
Trump Flips From Conciliator to Hard-Liner, Warns Minneapolis Mayor He’s 'Playing With Fire'
President Trump reverted from a recent conciliatory posture to a hard-line stance on Jan. 28, accusing Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey of “playing with fire” after Frey said local police would not enforce federal immigration laws. The episode highlights rising tensions over federal immigration enforcement, legal and political clashes between Washington and cities, and the wider implications for federalism and civil liberties.
China Dismantles Unauthorised Weather Stations Near Military Base Over Data‑Leak Fears
China's security agencies removed unauthorised meteorological stations near a military base that were run by a Sino‑foreign joint venture and linked to overseas servers. Authorities cited the dual‑use nature of high‑resolution weather and soil data and enforcement of rules banning foreign‑involved observation sites in sensitive areas.
Trapped Between Capitals: How a U.S. 'Peace Commission' Could Corner Pakistan’s Army Chief
A Chinese commentary contends that a U.S.-backed “peace commission” on Gaza, promoted by Donald Trump, is being used to pressure Pakistan into supervising Hamas’s disarmament. The piece argues that General Asim Munir faces an untenable choice: follow U.S. demands and lose domestic legitimacy, or resist and risk critical U.S. aid and economic support, with serious implications for Pakistan’s stability.
Small Thai Military Plane Crashes in Chiang Mai Forest, Two Killed
A small Thai military aircraft crashed and caught fire in a forest in Chom Thong district, Chiang Mai province on 29 January, killing two people. Thai authorities have launched an investigation amid questions about maintenance, training and the broader state of the military’s aviation safety.
Taiwan’s Prototype Submarine Makes First Dive Amid Cost, Delay and Public Skepticism
Taiwan’s domestically built submarine prototype, Hai Kun, conducted its first submerged test on 29 January, initiating a staged programme that begins with a 50-metre dive and aims for 200 metres eventually. The milestone comes after a series of technical problems, schedule delays and public criticism over costs and performance, leaving the vessel still some way from operational readiness.
Trump’s Ultimatum to Iran Intensifies Regional Fears of Military Strike
President Trump’s public ultimatum to Iran and the deployment of a U.S. carrier strike group have triggered alarm across the Middle East, with Turkey, Qatar and Egypt calling for de‑escalation. Tehran says it is prepared to negotiate but will respond decisively to any attack, while Gulf states refuse to allow their airspace to be used for strikes on Iran.