Sections
News in perspective
tafs uz
News

ASEAN

News about ASEAN: events, facts and developments on tafs uz.

10 stories

Politics

Japan names three reasons for worsening security situation in Southeast Asia and pledges support to ASEAN

Japan's Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, during a meeting of ASEAN defense ministers in Cebu, identified three factors contributing to the 'rapid deterioration' of security in the region: increasingly destructive natural disasters disrupting critical infrastructure, global conflicts impacting supply chains and energy supplies, and a rapidly shifting military balance raising the risk of clashes and miscalculations. Tokyo pledged support to ASEAN in enhancing its response and deterrence capabilities, covering areas from disaster relief to maritime security. Koizumi emphasized that these crises overlap and reinforce each other, stressing the importance of ASEAN's unity, centrality, and resilience as a global public good. The meetings in Cebu included the 20th ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting and the 13th ADMM-Plus, attended by the US, South Korea, Australia, and India, though China did not send its defense minister this year.

Aziz Karimov
2 min read
Politics

US begins talks with Myanmar's military government, EU maintains isolation

Since September, Washington has held two rounds of talks with Myanmar's authorities, seeking action against online scams, the release of American Adam Castillo, and access to rare earth resources. The EU, meanwhile, extends sanctions and does not recognize Min Aung Hlaing's regime, while ASEAN countries are reconsidering their isolation policy. Since September, Washington has held two rounds of talks with Myanmar's authorities, seeking action against online fraud, the release of the American Adam Castillo, and access to rare earth resources. The EU, meanwhile, extends sanctions and does not recognize Min Aung Hlaing's regime, while ASEAN countries are reconsidering their isolation policy.

Otabek Yusupov
4 min read
Economy

China offset the fall in exports to the US with increased shipments to ASEAN and the EU

According to customs statistics, in 2025 China's exports to the US fell by 19.5% to about 3.01 trillion yuan ($420 billion), while total exports grew by 6.1% to about $3.77 trillion. The growth was driven by shipments to ASEAN (+14%, about $665 billion) and the EU (+9%, about $560 billion). In 2026, growth continued thanks to machinery, electronics, electric vehicles and batteries. According to customs statistics, in 2025 China's exports to the US fell by 19.5% to about 3.01 trillion yuan ($420 billion), while total exports grew by 6.1% to about $3.77 trillion. The growth was driven by shipments to ASEAN (+14%, about $665 billion) and the EU (+9%, about $560 billion). In 2026, growth continued thanks to machinery, electronics, electric vehicles, and batteries.

Aziz Karimov
4 min read
World

Malaysia Calls for Strengthening ASEAN Security Cooperation Following Transnational Crime Meeting

Malaysian Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail stated that close ties between ASEAN countries are essential for peace and stability in the region. The statement came after the conclusion of the 20th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime in Makati, Philippines, where online fraud, money laundering, human trafficking and combating criminal networks were discussed.

Sevara Azamova
2 min read
World

ASEAN Countries Begin Meeting on Combating Transnational Crime in Manila

The 20th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime has opened in Manila and will run until October 21. The agenda includes cybercrime, human trafficking, online fraud, money laundering, and drug and arms trafficking, as well as declarations on combating online child sexual exploitation, including AI-generated content.

Aziz Karimov
1 min read
World

Smoke from Indonesian fires triggers highest alert level for transboundary haze in Southeast Asia

The ASEAN meteorological monitor declared 'Alert Level 3' — the highest in a four-tier system — due to dense transboundary haze from fires in Indonesia. The pollution has disrupted daily life in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and East Timor: schools are closing and respiratory illnesses are rising. Singapore and Kuala Lumpur ranked in the top 3 of the world's most polluted major cities according to IQAir.

Aziz Karimov
2 min read