The news spotlight will focus on Malaysia this weekend, for the latest tariff talks, another episode of 'Trump the Peacemaker' and key issues for Southeast Asian nations and global heavyweights

Major oil importers in India and China told industry and trade sources on Wednesday they will refrain from buying seaborne Russian oil after the US hit Lukoil and Rosneft with sanctions. Most refiners are now reportedly looking at alternate sources.

Most governments, and oil and gas companies, are not acknowledging alerts from the global satellite system warning them about methane leaks, the UN says

Japan is looking to buy US pickups, soybeans and gas, when Sanae Takaichi meets Trump for trade and security talks next week, sources have said

The proliferation of scam centres in Southeast Asia will be a topic of hot debate at a UN cybercrime convention in Hanoi on Saturday and the ASEAN summit on Sunday

Country's first female PM has vowed to boost defence spending and cooperation with the US and other security partners. She may also get a visit from Donald Trump next week

Shares of Australian miners and US industrial giant Alcoa rose on Tuesday after a deal on rare earth and gallium projects was signed at the White House

The US wants a trade deal to resolve disputes on rare earths, soybeans and fentanyl, but it's uncertain if talks can achieve that, given China's tough stance on rare earths

Officials in Seoul expect China's sanctions will have an impact on the US plan to revive shipbuilding as it may be tough to get all the parts needed in America

China's Global Times says the rise in trade tensions stems from the US expanding its 'Entity List', which preceded Beijing's ramp up of controls on rare earths

There are 17 rare earths that are vital materials in products ranging from electric vehicles to aircraft engines and military radars and exports of 12 of them are now restricted

Delays on export license applications began in September, before Beijing's move last week to expand controls over the critical minerals used in magnets, sources say