Southeast Asia
FIFA announces new ASEAN Cup for Southeast Asian nations
Reported by AI Image generated by AI
FIFA President Gianni Infantino unveiled the FIFA ASEAN Cup, a new regional tournament involving all 11 Southeast Asian countries, during the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur on October 26, 2025. The announcement followed the signing of a renewed Memorandum of Understanding between FIFA and ASEAN to boost football development in the region. The competition will align with FIFA's International Match Calendar to feature top players and enhance the sport's growth among 700 million people.
The Philippines is urging Southeast Asian nations to collaborate on tourism rather than compete. At a meeting in Cebu, officials emphasized unity for sustainable growth. This initiative aligns with the country's hosting of key regional events this year.
Reported by AI
The vast waterway in China’s southwestern Guangxi region is set to open before the end of 2026, according to state media reports. The mega-project will provide China’s landlocked southwestern provinces with direct access to global shipping lanes, making it faster and cheaper to transport goods between the Chinese interior and neighbouring countries.
Indonesia's government has undergone a major cabinet reshuffle amid political pressures. New ministers have been appointed to key positions to address economic challenges. The changes aim to stabilize governance and boost public confidence.
Reported by AI
The Asia Pacific Report on September 12, 2025, featured warnings from civil society leaders about crackdowns in Indonesia and Nepal undermining ASEAN's reform efforts. The report highlights concerns over state-sponsored violence in Southeast Asia.