Top news stories from America, the Philippines, China and Asia Pacific
🇺🇸 United States
Title: Trump Asserts Control Amid Border Unrest
- Trump Deploys Marines to Los Angeles
President Trump ordered 700 U.S. Marines and an additional 2,000 National Guard troops into Los Angeles to quell escalating protests following ICE raids. The administration framed the move as a necessary response to lawlessness and defiance of sanctuary cities. California officials, including Governor Newsom, decried the deployment as federal overreach, but the White House emphasized restoring order and enforcing immigration law. - RFK Jr. Fires Entire CDC Vaccine Panel
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. dismissed the CDC’s vaccine advisory board, citing concerns over transparency and pharmaceutical influence. The move drew criticism from public health advocates but was praised by vaccine skeptics and parental rights groups who argue for medical freedom and less federal overreach in health decisions. - ABC News Fires Reporter Over Anti-Trump Post
ABC News terminated veteran journalist Terry Moran after he posted inflammatory remarks about Trump adviser Stephen Miller. The network cited a breach of objectivity standards. Conservatives applauded the decision as a rare instance of media accountability, while critics called it censorship.
🇵🇭 Philippines
Title: Duterte Faces Trial, Fuel Prices Surge
- VP Sara Duterte’s Impeachment Trial Advances
The Senate convened as an impeachment court to try Vice President Sara Duterte, with proceedings expected to extend into the 20th Congress. The charges—perjury and corruption—have divided lawmakers. Duterte allies argue the trial is politically motivated, while critics demand transparency. The right-leaning bloc frames the trial as a test of constitutional resilience. - Fuel Prices Hit 2025 Highs
Gasoline and diesel prices rose for the fourth consecutive week, with gasoline now up ₱5.10 per liter since January. The Department of Energy attributed the spike to global instability, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict and U.S.-Iran tensions. The hikes have reignited calls for energy independence and deregulation of the oil sector. - Teves Arraigned for Multiple Murder Charges
Expelled Congressman Arnolfo Teves Jr. was arraigned in Manila on charges related to the 2023 Degamo assassination. Teves, labeled a terrorist by authorities, refused to enter a plea. The case underscores the Duterte administration’s tough stance on political violence and terrorism.
🇨🇳 China
Title: China Flexes Power in Pacific, Trade Talks Resume
- China Deploys Dual Aircraft Carriers in Pacific
For the first time, China’s Shandong and Liaoning carriers operated simultaneously in the Pacific. Beijing emphasized the legality of the maneuvers, while Japan and the U.S. expressed concern. The move signals China’s growing naval assertiveness and challenges to U.S. dominance in the Indo-Pacific region. - U.S.-China Trade Talks Resume in London
After months of tension, U.S. and Chinese officials met in London to revive trade negotiations. China agreed to ease rare earth export restrictions, while the U.S. signaled willingness to delay new tariffs. Markets responded positively, though skepticism remains over long-term commitments. - China Celebrates First Dialogue Among Civilizations Day
China led global observances of the UN’s new “International Day for Dialogue Among Civilizations,” a resolution it sponsored. Critics argue the initiative is soft-power posturing, but Beijing framed it as a call for multipolar diplomacy and cultural respect.
🌏 Asia-Pacific
Title: ADB Backs Rice Reform, Markets Watch Trade
- ADB Launches $1.5B Rice Sustainability Program
The Asian Development Bank announced a $1.5 billion initiative to modernize rice farming across Asia, including $500 million for the Philippines. The program aims to reduce emissions and improve yields. Free-market advocates caution against over-centralization, but the ADB insists the plan empowers smallholders through innovation. - Asia Markets Rise on Trade Optimism
Stock markets across Asia-Pacific posted gains amid optimism over U.S.-China trade talks. Japan’s Nikkei and Australia’s ASX hit new highs. Analysts noted that investor interest has shifted toward value stocks and domestic sectors less exposed to global shocks. - Thailand-Cambodia Border Tensions Ease
Thailand and Cambodia agreed to reposition troops after a deadly border clash. ASEAN leaders welcomed the resolution as a win for diplomacy. Nationalists in Thailand, however, urged stronger defense postures to deter future incursions.
