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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.

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.

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.

North Korea confirms June launch of military spy satellite: KCNA

North Korea plans to launch a reconnaissance satellite in June to monitor military movements of the United States, according to state media. Japan has been informed about the potential launch but warns it could be a sanctions-defying ballistic missile test. North Korea justifies the launch by citing the need to track and cope with the “dangerous military acts” of the US and its allies. Japan and South Korea condemn the plan, while Japan expresses openness to talks with Pyongyang, which is an unusual stance for North Korea.

Pakistan ex-PM Khan due back in court after week of unrest

Former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan is set to appear in court again to face fresh charges related to the violence that followed his arrest on graft charges. The arrest sparked deadly civil unrest, prompting supporters to rampage through cities. Khan will seek bail in the new cases, including a charge linked to the death of a supporter. The country has been embroiled in political turmoil, with Khan clashing with the military and facing numerous legal cases, which he considers politically motivated.

Pakistan ex-PM Khan to appear in court after ‘unlawful’ arrest

Former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan’s arrest was ruled unlawful by the Supreme Court, prompting his appearance in court. Although Khan remains in custody, the government plans to re-arrest him if released, leading to further unrest. Khan, who has accused leaders and the military of plotting his assassination, faces numerous legal cases in what critics view as an attempt to stifle dissent. Supporters celebrated the overturning of his arrest, but analysts believe Khan still faces significant challenges ahead of upcoming elections.

Imran Khan’s U-turn from military’s man to army critic

Former prime minister Imran Khan’s arrest in Pakistan marks an escalation in the power struggle between him and the country’s military. Khan, who initially enjoyed the military’s support, has broken political conventions by directly criticizing retired and serving officers. The rift widened when Khan alleged a senior intelligence officer’s involvement in an assassination attempt. The arrest, followed by attacks on military targets by Khan’s supporters, signals a deepening divide. The future of democracy in Pakistan is uncertain as tensions persist between Khan and the military establishment.

Pakistan calls out army to quell riots over ex-PM Khan’s arrest

Political turmoil escalates in Pakistan as former Prime Minister Imran Khan is remanded in custody for eight days on fresh corruption charges. Nationwide protests erupt, leading to clashes with security forces and the deployment of the military. Khan’s arrest has triggered international calls for due process and peaceful democracy, while concerns about potential torture in custody have been raised. The military’s involvement and the government’s efforts to restrict internet access and close schools further exacerbate the crisis in the economically and politically troubled country.