BEIJING (AP) — Chinese authorities have detained a key suspect in human trafficking cases linked to online scam networks near the borders of Myanmar and Thailand, China’s Ministry of Public Security said, weeks after the high-profile disappearance of an actor sparked safety concerns.

Southeast Asian nations told Myanmar's military government on Sunday its plan to hold an election amid an escalating civil war should not be its priority, urging the junta to start dialogue and end hostilities immediately.

The Philippines publishes annual economic growth data after a challenging year that saw the island nation grapple with a host of challenges, including natural disasters and global economic uncertainty. The country has revised its 2024 GDP growth target downward to a range of 6-6.5%, from a previously projected 7%.

Foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) discussed developments in the South China Sea (SCS), Myanmar and the Middle East during a retreat in Langkawi, Malaysia on Sunday.

The regional bloc ASEAN and China should make headway on a protracted code of conduct for the South China Sea by tackling thorny "milestone issues", including its scope and if it can be legally binding,

Southeast Asian foreign ministers are gathering for their first meeting this year under the regional bloc’s new chair, Malaysia, seeking a breakthrough over Myanmar’s drawn-out civil war and territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

Myanmar has been in turmoil since 2021 when its military overthrew the government of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi.

ASEAN's fifth envoy to Myanmar, Tan Sri Othman Hashim, appointed during the bloc's meeting of foreign ministers.

Myanmar has been in turmoil since early 2021 ... the site of heated confrontations between ASEAN member the Philippines and China, a major source of the region's trade and investment.

Most Thais oppose the government's plan to legalise casinos and online gambling, moves the authorities say would boost tourism and investment, an opinion survey found on Sunday (Jan 26). The government this month approved a draft law to allow casinos in entertainment complexes and gambling online.

“As the Philippines takes on the Chairmanship of ASEAN 2026, I invite you to join us in the Philippines for the 29th ASEAN Tourism Ministers’ Meeting in Cebu in January 2026,” Frasco said in a statement, addressing ASEAN nations and partners.

The Myanmar military and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) signed a formal agreement for a ceasefire that began on Saturday, China's foreign ministry said, halting fighting near the border of both countries.