Australia to host USS Colorado as first US nuclear submarine under Aukus pact
The Pentagon has assigned the USS Colorado as the first US nuclear-powered attack submarine to join a rotating force to be based in Western Australia. The 115-metre (380-foot) Virginia-class submarine, armed with land-attack missiles and sophisticated torpedoes, would sail to the new Australian base in late 2027, officials said on Tuesday. The deployment was a “significant milestone” in building up a joint US-Australia-UK deterrence in the Pacific under their Aukus defence pact, the allies said...
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Southeast Asia’s housing paradox: too many homes, too few buyers
In parts of Southeast Asia, unsold homes are piling up as developers struggle to clear housing stock – yet young buyers hoping to land their first property still cannot find an affordable home. The paradox reflects a growing mismatch between the homes being built and what aspiring buyers can afford, according to analysts, who point to speculative investment, financing hurdles and poor locations as factors leaving properties empty even amid demand for affordable housing. In Vietnam, the problem...
The 2026 US Midterm Elections: Ramifications for Australia
From AUKUS to trade, for Australia, the implications of the midterms are particularly profound.
Will There Be a Putin-Trump-Xi Summit?
If so, to what end? Panda and Putz discuss on the latest episode of the Asia Geopolitics podcast.
Taiwan-Vatican Ties: The Dynamic Interplay Under Pope Leo XIV
Regardless of the Sino-Vatican agreement, the practical, multifaceted ties between Taiwan and the Holy See have deepened over the past year.
Uzbekistan Wants Out of the Iran-US Social Media War
Tashkent summoned the Iranian ambassador to lodge a protest regarding social media posts by Iranian diplomatic missions.
‘Pull Out the Sick Trees’: Xi’s Constant Purges Pave Way for Next Term
The Chinese leader Xi Jinping, who is likely preparing to secure a fourth term in power in 2027, has complained that officials cannot be trusted.
Beyond the Pukpuk Treaty, Australia’s Strategic Footprint in PNG Grows
In the wake of the Pukpuk Treaty, Australia and PNG continued to deepen relations with a new rotation planned, defense infrastructure investment, and expanded ADF recruitment.
Singaporean woman admits conspiring to abuse Megan Khung, helping dispose of her body
A Singaporean woman pleaded guilty on Monday to conspiring with a friend and the friend’s boyfriend to abuse four-year-old Megan Khung, and helping to dispose of the child’s body after she died following months of abuse. Nouvelle Chua Ruoshi, 36, pleaded guilty to three charges, including conspiracy to commit child abuse, intentional disposal of a corpse and methamphetamine consumption, The Straits Times reported. Three further charges for conspiracy to commit child abuse will be considered when...
A US Pivot Toward Commercial Espionage?
However justified or inevitable it might be, this represents a major shift in how the U.S. has thought about intellectual property for the last three decades.
Face-Offs at India-China Border Are Continuing at Multiple Points, ITBP Chief Confirms
Since June, civil society groups and local media warned of PLA encroachments into Arunachal Pradesh. Hitherto, Delhi’s response was to deny and dismiss their claims.
Climate damage to Philippine ports could cost US$70b a year by 2100
The Philippines faces the highest climate-driven port damage costs in Southeast Asia, with annual losses projected to hit US$70.2 billion by 2100, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has warned. Analysts say the damage could cripple supply chains, drive up food prices and threaten livelihoods, urging Manila to adopt a more coordinated approach to flood protection rather than simply strengthening port infrastructure. In its latest report titled “Asia-Pacific Climate Report 2026: Coastal Risks on the...