Prime Minister Mark Carney is positioning Canada as a dependable trade partner for Southeast Asia, especially given shifting global trade dynamics. He is attending the ASEAN summit, aiming to attract investment and support Canada’s goal of doubling exports outside the United States within the next decade. While President Trump has called off trade negotiations with Canada, Carney is meeting with ASEAN leaders to discuss green energy, critical minerals, and other key areas of cooperation. Both Canada and ASEAN are working toward a trade agreement expected to be signed in early 2026.
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Clashes between Thai and Cambodian forces along their border escalated significantly, resulting in at least 14 deaths, primarily civilians. The fighting, which involved small arms, artillery, rockets, and Thai airstrikes, occurred in multiple areas after a landmine incident led to diplomatic tensions. Both sides have blamed the other for initiating the conflict, with Thailand reporting civilian casualties and Cambodia accusing Thailand of aggression, while also calling for a UN meeting. The situation has prompted evacuations, border closures, and a diplomatic uproar, as long-standing border disputes resurface between the two Southeast Asian nations.
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Malaysia’s recent crackdown on a Pride event, ordering an investigation into its organization, underscores the country’s deeply ingrained rejection of LGBTQ+ culture. This isn’t a surprising development, given the strong intertwining of Islamic faith and Malay cultural identity, creating an environment where tolerance for diverse sexual orientations and gender identities struggles to find a foothold.
The government’s justification centers on the event’s perceived challenge to established social norms and religious values. This stance reflects a broader trend under Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s administration, despite initial hopes for a more progressive approach. Recent actions, such as the confiscation of rainbow-themed watches and the cancellation of a music festival following a same-sex kiss on stage, highlight this increasingly conservative trajectory.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood