Xi tells Southeast Asian leaders China does not seek 'hegemony'

14 Sept 08:19 Key points summarised by AI

Chinese President Xi Jinping assured ASEAN leaders that China would not seek "hegemony" or "bully" smaller neighbors, despite rising tensions over the South China Sea.
This assurance followed a recent incident where Chinese coast guard vessels used water cannons on Philippine resupply boats, an action condemned by the Philippines and labeled "dangerous" by the U.S., which warned of mutual defense commitments.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte strongly "abhorred" the altercation, stressing the rule of law and referencing a 2016 international arbitration ruling that invalidated China's maritime claims.
The summit occurred amidst broader geopolitical competition, with China criticizing "Cold War thinking" while the U.S. increases regional engagement, and Myanmar's junta leader notably excluded from the proceedings.

Six injured after car smashes into On Nut shopping mall

Yesterday 22:44 Key points summarised by AI

A 67-year-old woman drove her car through the glass frontage of a Bangkok shopping mall, injuring six people, including a six-year-old girl.
The driver claimed she accidentally pressed the accelerator instead of the brake after being startled, causing the vehicle to surge forward.
She apologized to the victims, promising insurance coverage and additional financial aid, while police continue to gather statements before filing charges.