Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Prime Minister Mark Carney have finalized a new trade and defense cooperation agreement on Parliament Hill. This comprehensive trade deal, the first bilateral pact with an ASEAN member, will eliminate or reduce over 95% of tariffs on Canadian exports to Indonesia. The agreement also encompasses defense cooperation, deepening collaboration on areas like maritime security and cyber defense. These developments are part of Canada’s Indo-Pacific strategy and reflect Indonesia’s interest in Canadian resources and technology.
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China has expressed concern over escalating tensions between Thailand and Cambodia following airstrikes launched by Thailand against Cambodian forces along their disputed border. Both countries, members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, blame each other for initiating the clashes, which have resulted in casualties and prompted diplomatic responses. These recent hostilities, involving air power and heavy artillery, are likely to further exacerbate existing tensions rooted in long-standing border disputes. China, maintaining positive relations with both nations, has urged them to engage in dialogue to resolve the situation.
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Thailand launched its new same-sex marriage law on Thursday, becoming the first Southeast Asian nation to legalize same-sex unions. Over 200 couples participated in a mass wedding ceremony in Bangkok, while 2SLGBTQ+ groups aimed for over 1,448 registrations nationwide, a symbolic number referencing the amended civil code. This landmark legislation follows decades of activism and makes Thailand the third Asian territory to legalize same-sex marriage. While celebrated as a significant step towards equality, challenges remain regarding broader legal recognition of same-sex families.
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John Q. Hosedrinker