Diplomacy

North Korean foreign minister on official visit to Russia: State media

North Korea’s top diplomat Choe Son Hui (centre) departed Pyongyang for Russia on July 18.

US says it is ‘deeply concerned’ by Papua New Guinea closure of Taiwan office

Taipei had rejected Papua New Guinea’s decision to shut the representative office.

Senior Chinese delegation visits North Korea’s Wonsan Kalma resort, KCNA says

China’s fourth-highest-ranked official Wang Huning tours the Wonsan-Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone in Wonsan, North Korea on July 17.

Xi pitches China as leader of new global AI order, challenging US dominance

Chinese President Xi Jinping waves as he arrives at the opening ceremony for the World AI Conference in Shanghai, China, July 17, 2026. Ng Han Guan/Pool via REUTERS

ASEAN envoy to engage all Myanmar stakeholders at Manila summit

Philippines Foreign Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro has held talks with Myanmar’s rebel groups.

Strait of Hormuz a ‘red line’, warns Iran, vowing to resist to the end

A vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Musandam,Oman, July 16.

News analysis

US war against Iran has entered a new phase

A critical question for the next phase is whether US President Donald Trump will consider an operation to take Kharg Island.

US reports ‘wave of strikes’ on Iran, Washington reimposes naval blockade in return to war

A photo released by Iran shows a missile being launched from an undisclosed location towards US targets in Bahrain and Kuwait.

Singapore, Indonesia launch network of defence alumni to strengthen ties

Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing (fourth from right) and his Indonesian counterpart Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin (fourth from left) at the launch of the Indonesia-Singapore Defence Alumni initiative in Jakarta.

Trump says US will be ‘paid’ for taking over, guarding Strait of Hormuz

Iranians walk past a billboard with an image of Iran’s late supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran.

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MDDI (P) 046/10/2025. Published by SPH Media Limited, Co. Regn. No.202120748H. Copyright © 2026 SPH Media Limited. All rights reserved.