Japan's pacifist constitution prohibits direct military action but allows it to exercise the right of collective self-defence, or defending a friendly country that comes under attack.

Malaysia Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said on Tuesday (Jan 27) that the recent strengthening of the ringgit has had positive effects on the country's economy, even as he acknowledged potential concerns.

Beijing made the announcement on Tuesday (Jan 27), ending days of speculation about the departure of the 62-year-old from the cabinet.

The trade deal is expected to be implemented within a year, said an Indian government official.

The distinctive black-and-white animals, loaned out as part of China's "panda diplomacy", have symbolised friendship between Beijing and Tokyo since they normalised diplomatic ties in 1972.

On Monday, a parliamentary commission overseeing finance had endorsed Thomas Djiwandono as the new deputy governor, eliminating two other career central bankers.

The incident occurred after the woman was said to have ignored repeated warnings from fellow tourists.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the tributes to Tully, saying "his connect with India and the people of our nation was reflected in his works".

The increase for goods such as autos and pharmaceuticals would bring tariff levels from 15 per cent to 25 per cent.

As remittances from overseas Filipinos slow down amid global uncertainties, the Philippines needs to develop new growth drivers, says an academic.

A stinging editorial published by the People’s Liberation Army Daily on Sunday (Jan 25) against Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli used wording that goes beyond how previous senior military purges have been framed, say analysts.

The number of Chinese visitors to Japan plummeted by 45 per cent last month from a year earlier, to around 330,000.

The military-backed USDP has claimed a landslide in Myanmar’s post-coup election, but observers say the vote is unlikely to ease conflict or revive the economy.

To Lam was unanimously re-elected as the General Secretary of the ruling Communist Party of Vietnam on Jan 23, and will serve as Vietnam's leader for the next five years.

"China advocates that nations should approach state-to-state relations with a win-win rather than zero-sum mindset, and through cooperation rather than confrontation," said China's foreign ministry.

The Chinese Embassy and officials in Manila have stepped up their rhetoric in recent weeks, with the former criticising the Philippines' coast guard spokesperson and its lawmakers.

A nuclear-powered submarine would strengthen South Korea's ability to lead the defence of the peninsula, said Seoul.