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• Local media intellectual property (IP) is increasingly being integrated into Asian theme attractions through strategic collaborations and self-developed projects. • The trend is driven by the rapid growth of Asia's creative industries, where online games and streaming platforms have surpassed traditional film, television, and publishing in vibrancy. • This shift matters as it leverages massive regional populations to merge digital media content with location-based entertainment experiences.

‘At some point the statements have got to end and the action needs to begin’, member for Chifley saysGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastLabor MP Ed Husic says Australia has tolerated poor behaviour from the Israeli government for too long, calling for a “red line” from Canberra including tougher sanctions, an end to defence cooperation and a block on supplying parts for the F-35 fighter jet.Husic - the former industry and science minister – said a pattern of bad behaviour from the government of Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, included mistreatment of activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla, the death of Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom and the destruction of Australian war graves. Continue reading...

• President Trump is in Beijing for a high-stakes summit with Chinese leaders, and reaction across Asia has ranged from cautious optimism to concern about regional stability. • The NPR report notes that governments and observers are watching how the talks could affect trade, security, and diplomatic alignment in the region, especially amid tensions involving China and the United States. • The summit matters because decisions made in Beijing can ripple through Asian markets, alliances, and policy planning, particularly for countries balancing ties with both Washington and Beijing.

• Federal statisticians have expressed concerns that Trump administration actions targeting statistics agencies could permanently damage public trust in official government data. • The concern follows the president's recent firing of Bureau of Labor Statistics Commissioner Erika McEntarfer and other moves viewed as politicizing economic and social data collection. • Experts warn that undermining statistical agencies threatens the integrity of economic indicators, unemployment figures, and census data that shape policy decisions and business planning.

• In Beijing on May 6, 2026, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Iranian official Abbas Araghchi, labeling US-led military actions against Iran as 'illegitimate' and a violation of international law. • China urged an immediate and complete ceasefire, direct US-Iran engagement, and warned the region stands at a critical turning point amid escalating tensions. • Araghchi welcomed China's support, calling it a 'sincere friend,' while signaling openness to diplomacy contingent on a 'fair and comprehensive' agreement.

• The Philippines filed a case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on April 9, accusing China of violating international law through aggressive maritime activities, naval blockades, and environmental damage in the disputed South China Sea. • Manila cited repeated incidents including Chinese coast guard interference with Philippine resupply missions, damage to coral reefs, and construction of artificial islands as evidence of systematic violations of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. • The complaint escalates regional tensions and seeks ICJ intervention to establish binding legal precedent, with hearings expected to begin in late 2026 or early 2027.

Use of UK military bases in Gulf region has been ‘invaluable’ to US military operation in IranMiddle East crisis live – latest updatesThe UK’s actions in the Gulf should be the basis for any US judgment of the country’s value rather than Donald Trump’s social media posts, the defence secretary has said.Speaking at a conference in London, John Healey said the UK’s recent efforts “spoke for themselves”, as Keir Starmer flew home after a trip that included discussing how to keep the strait of Hormuz open with Donald Trump, as well as meeting leaders in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. Continue reading...

Prime minister explicitly blames US president for British consumers’ higher bills as he concludes tour of Gulf statesGood morning. Keir Starmer is wrapping up his three-day tour of Gulf states today, and we are starting some conclusions. What we have not got is any sort of plan for a resolution of the Iran war; Starmer is not one of the main protagonists in this conflict, what he has said publicly about his talks with Gulf leaders has consisted largely of platitudes, we still have no idea about when, if or how the strait of Hormuz will fully open, and the outcome will be determined by Iran and a rash and unpredictable US president.But Starmer has been giving some thought to how the UK should respond to the era of global uncertainty we now find ourselves in and he has set out some of his thinking in an article for the Guardian. The full piece is here. Continue reading...

• Elemental Royalty (ELE) reported a 128% revenue increase for 2025, significantly exceeding previous guidance and providing strong signals for royalty sector growth into 2026. • piHarrow (HROW) launched a $50 million senior unsecured notes offering to fund expansion, demonstrating continued corporate access to debt markets despite broader market uncertainty. • RenX (RENX) announced a reverse stock split as a remedial measure to regain Nasdaq compliance, with implications for share float and liquidity dynamics.

A French soldier was killed in an attack in Iraq on March 14, 2026, amid strikes by pro-Iranian factions targeting bases with foreign troops. Iranian media reported fresh explosions in Tehran, with the conflict showing no signs of abating despite economic fears. The incident highlights expanding risks to international forces beyond US assets. NATO allies are reassessing deployments in the region.

The US Senate passed a broad bipartisan housing bill on March 12, 2026, aimed at increasing construction and curbing institutional home purchases amid affordability woes. The bill's path in the House remains uncertain despite White House support announced March 2. Complementing President Trump's recent executive orders, it addresses voter concerns over home prices five times median income heading into midterms. Implementation hinges on state policies and market rates, with potential construction boosts eyed for relief.