Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for April 30th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
1. Japan and the Philippines push security and economic ties on Ishiba's visit
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba held talks on Tuesday with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, in a move to advance security and economic ties between two of Washington's closest Asian allies amid rising Indo-Pacific tensions.
Ishiba's visit to the Philippines comes at a crucial time, with both countries confronting growing concerns over regional security and China's assertiveness in the South China Sea, while navigating global trade tensions sparked by sweeping U.S. tariffs and increased friction between the United States and China.
2. At least 22 people killed in restaurant fire in northeast China
At least 22 people have been killed and three others injured in a fire at a restaurant in China’s northern city of Liaoyang, Chinese authorities said.
Authorities did not provide details on what caused the blaze, which broke out shortly after noon local time (04:25 GMT) on Tuesday.
3. ICESCO Regional Office officially opens in Baku
The official opening ceremony of the new ICESCO regional office in Azerbaijan was held on April 29th within the "Icherisheher" State Historical-Architectural Reserve.
The event was attended by Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Leyla Aliyeva, and Head of the Baku Media Center, Arzu Aliyeva.
4. Türkiye, Italy sign joint declaration at 4th intergovernmental summit
Türkiye and Italy signed a joint declaration Tuesday following the 4th Italy-Türkiye Intergovernmental Summit held in Rome.
“Italy and Türkiye, as NATO Allies and partners in the G20, will continue their close cooperation and coordination on regional and international matters,” the declaration said, according to Türkiye’s Communications Directorate.
5. Pakistan warns of possible Indian strike within next 24-36 hours, citing 'credible intelligence'
Pakistan warned Wednesday that India may launch a military strike within the next 24 to 36 hours as tensions between the two nations surged following a deadly attack last week in Indian-administered Kashmir.
In a statement posted on X, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said Islamabad has “credible intelligence” that New Delhi is planning to take military action under the “pretext of baseless and concocted allegations of involvement” in the April 22 attack by gunmen in the tourist resort of Pahalgam which killed 26 people.
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08:42
North Korean troops
Around 600 North Korean soldiers have been killed while fighting for Russia against Ukraine, according to South Korean lawmakers citing information from the country’s intelligence agency. The total number of North Korean troops deployed to fight alongside Russia is reported to be 15,000.
07:45
Biden-era AI chip
The Trump administration is reviewing possible changes to a Biden-era rule that restricts global access to advanced AI chips, including potentially scrapping the current system that divides countries into three tiers, according to three sources familiar with the matter.
06:30
Russia–Ukraine war
President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he believes Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to end the war in Ukraine, even as missile strikes continue across the country.
05:53
Russia history
President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree renaming Volgograd International Airport as Stalingrad, invoking Soviet wartime memory as Russia continues its war in Ukraine.
04:49
EU vs US policy
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday invited global scientists to make Europe their new home, amid rising pressure on U.S. universities under the Trump administration.
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