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Top Chinese intelligence official visits Myanmar for ‘cooperation’ talks

A top Chinese intelligence official has visited Myanmar to discuss military “cooperation” with the junta, Myanmar state media reported. This marks the first publicly reported visit by a military official from China since the 2021 coup. China has maintained ties with the regime, supplying arms and supporting ethnic rebel groups along the border.

Magnitude 6.2 earthquake detected off N. Zealand’s south coast

A 6.2-magnitude earthquake struck off the southern coast of New Zealand near the Auckland Islands. The quake’s epicenter was deep below the earth’s surface, and there were no immediate reports of damage or a tsunami warning. The nearby city of Invercargill did not experience any notable effects from the earthquake.

Vietnam battles plastic blight in idyllic Ha Long Bay

Vu Thi Thinh, a trash picker in Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay, spends her days collecting polystyrene blocks, plastic bottles, and other debris from the water. The UNESCO World Heritage Site has been heavily impacted by human waste, with conservationists expressing concerns about the degradation of the ecosystem. Despite the challenges, Thinh and others continue their work to clean up the bay.

Radio broadcaster killed in the Philippines: police

A radio broadcaster, Cresenciano Bunduquin, was shot dead by motorcycle-riding gunmen outside his home in the Philippines. The country is known for being dangerous for journalists, and most cases go unpunished. Bunduquin had been outspoken about local issues and had mentioned receiving threats in the past.

Japan says North Korea ‘ballistic missile launch’ violates UN resolutions

Japan strongly condemned North Korea’s launch of a “ballistic missile” that violated UN Security Council resolutions. The launch, which North Korea claimed was an attempt to put a satellite in space, raised concerns about the country’s development of intercontinental ballistic missiles. Japan activated its missile alert warning system but reported no damage.

North Korea says spy satellite ‘crashed into sea’

North Korea’s military spy satellite, Malligyong-1, launched from the Sohae Satellite Launching Ground but crashed into the sea due to an “abnormal starting” of the second-stage engine, according to state media. Despite criticism and concerns from South Korea and Japan, North Korea remains determined to develop its satellite capabilities, potentially providing cover for testing intercontinental ballistic missiles. This launch raises speculation about future provocations, including a possible nuclear test, and highlights North Korea’s ongoing military development efforts. The international community condemns the launch as a violation of UN resolutions.

North Korea’s military satellite launch: five things to know

North Korea’s plan to launch a military reconnaissance satellite by 11 June has raised concerns from Seoul, Tokyo, and Washington over potential violations of UN sanctions. Although North Korea claims the satellite launch is separate from ballistic missile technology, experts argue that the two use similar rocket systems. Previous satellite launches by North Korea have been considered disguised tests of intercontinental ballistic missiles. The upcoming launch is seen as an attempt to assert North Korea’s military capabilities and gather intelligence on South Korea’s defense posture.

Broader national security law takes effect in Macau

Macau’s new national security law, similar to legislation in China and Hong Kong, imposes stricter restrictions on political opposition and civil society. The amendments broaden the definition of offenses, expand surveillance and detention powers, and allow extraterritorial jurisdiction for the police. Critics fear these measures will curtail liberties and rights, and potentially lead to arbitrary law enforcement. The amendments received unanimous support from Macau’s legislature and are separate from the national security clause added to the city’s gambling law

China deploys police, makes arrests after mosque clashes in Yunnan

China deployed police and made arrests in Nagu, Yunnan province, after clashes erupted over the planned partial demolition of a mosque. The town’s Hui Muslim residents resisted the demolitions, stating that the mosque is their home. China has been tightening control on religion, with mosques being demolished or altered to conform to Chinese aesthetics.

Malaysia searches Chinese ship suspected of looting WWII wrecks

Malaysia’s coastguard detained a Chinese vessel suspected of looting British World War II shipwrecks. The crew, consisting of Chinese, Bangladeshi, and Malaysian nationals, is being questioned. Authorities found unexploded cannon shells on board, potentially linked to the sunken warships. The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency is determined to protect the country’s national treasure and condemn the illegal salvage activities. The looting has been criticized by the British Ministry of Defence, and reports indicate that scavengers targeted valuable fixtures from the wrecks.