The Philippine Coast Guard on December 6, 2024, drove a China Coast Guard vessel farther from the Zambales coastline while maintaining patrols over Bajo de Masinloc in the West Philippine Sea, monitored the foreign ship’s movements, and reported no collision or physical confrontation during the operation.
Catastrophic floods and landslides across parts of Asia have killed more than 1,500 people as of Thursday, with hundreds still missing and rescue operations ongoing in remote and isolated areas. Authorities in Indonesia’s North Sumatra and other affected regions prepared for renewed heavy rainfall after meteorologists issued fresh warnings. Governments deployed military, police, and volunteers to reach stranded residents, distribute aid, and restore access to cut-off communities. Disaster agencies opened information centers, expanded evacuation shelters, and monitored health risks in crowded camps, while environmental officials examined the role of land use and deforestation in slope instability and runoff.
Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi, India, for a two-day visit focused on defense and trade talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and senior Indian officials. The visit includes discussions on military cooperation, arms deals, energy trade, and India’s continued imports of Russian oil amid strong pressure from the United States. Delegations from both countries will review strategic, economic, and regional security issues, with expectations of joint statements and possible agreements to strengthen the longstanding India-Russia partnership.
Nine Filipino seafarers held hostage by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, along with the remains of a fellow mariner, arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 in Manila at around 9:30 p.m. on Thursday. The Department of Migrant Workers and other Philippine government agencies received the seafarers, coordinated their release and repatriation, and facilitated medical, psychosocial, and immigration processing upon arrival. Authorities also arranged the dignified transfer of the deceased seafarer’s remains and began documenting the crew’s accounts of the hostage incident.
Chile’s parliament on Tuesday approved a law banning the use of smartphones by students on school premises, joining a growing list of countries restricting mobile device use over concerns for children’s mental and physical well-being.
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee announced on Tuesday that an independent committee will investigate the cause of the city’s deadliest fire in decades, which killed 151 people last week.
Ukraine negotiators travel to Florida for peace talks with U.S. officials as Russian airstrikes intensify, resulting in casualties across the nation.
Venezuela’s government accuses the U.S. of unilaterally stopping migrant repatriation flights as tensions rise between the two nations. President Trump’s remarks suggest a complete closure of Venezuelan airspace.
Pope Leo XIV visited Istanbul’s Blue Mosque on Saturday, touring the historic site without pausing to pray, instead focusing on strengthening ties with Orthodox patriarchs and promoting unity between Eastern and Western churches.
Ukraine is reportedly close to finalizing a peace deal to end the conflict with Russia. President Zelenskyy may visit Washington soon to solidify the agreement.