Philippines' Marcos to meet Trump hoping to secure trade deal

13 Sept 15:49 Key points summarised by AI

Philippine President Marcos Jr. will meet U.S. President Trump to secure a more favorable trade deal, aiming for lower tariffs before an August 1 deadline by emphasizing Manila's role as a key Asian ally.
Beyond trade, discussions will focus on strengthening the seven-decade-old U.S.-Philippines mutual defense treaty, which Marcos considers vital for stability in the South China Sea.
Marcos seeks to achieve better trade terms than other regional partners, stressing that a stronger Philippine economy is crucial for its effectiveness as a robust U.S. partner in the Indo-Pacific.
The leaders will also address deepening military cooperation, including expanded access to Philippine bases and joint exercises, underscoring the alliance's strategic importance in countering China's regional influence.

Detained Suu Kyi receives UK royal package: Myanmar govt

Today 03:08 Key points summarised by AI

Myanmar's detained Nobel laureate, Aung San Suu Kyi, received a package from Britain's King Charles III, which included two gardening books, a sealed envelope, and diplomatic communication.
The event marked the first release of images of Suu Kyi in two months and saw Myanmar authorities describe her as a "special female prisoner" for the first time.
Suu Kyi, who was deposed in a 2021 military coup that triggered an ongoing civil war, remains under house arrest on charges that rights groups contend are politically motivated.