Top Asia Pacific Breaking News: Latest Updates

BANGKOK (AP) - Asian nations are increasingly competing for Russian crude oil as an energy crisis mounts amid the month-old war by the U.S. and Israel against Iran, which has choked off roughly a fifth of the world's oil supply. Much of the oil from the mostly shut Strait of Hormuz was headed for Asia, hit hardest by recent energy shocks. Over the weekend, Iran-backed Houthi rebels entered the conflict, further threatening shipping. To shore up global crude oil supplies, the U.S. has temporarily eased sanctions on Russian oil shipments already at sea - first for India, then for the rest of the world.

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) - Australia's online safety watchdog said Tuesday it was considering court action against Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok and YouTube alleging they are not doing enough to keep Australian children younger than 16 off their platforms. Experts say the Australian courts could decide what steps the platforms can reasonably be expected to take under the laws that took effect on Dec. 10 banning young children from holding accounts. Julie Inman Grant, who is Australia's eSafety Commissioner, on Tuesday released her first compliance report since those laws took effect demanding 10 platforms remove all Australian account-holders younger than 16. While 5 million Australian accounts had been deactivated, a substantial number of Australian children continued to retain accounts, create new accounts and pass platforms' age assurance systems, the report said.

PALU, Indonesia (AP) - Indonesian search teams rescued 21 people from a raft Tuesday morning, a day after their boat sank in rough seas. Everyone on board the ship was found safely, said Muhammad Rizal, who heads the search and rescue office in Palu city. Officials earlier reported that 27 people were missing, but survivors reported that six people listed on the manifest had cancelled their plans to join the trip. Rescuers found the survivors, who were mostly fishing crew, on a raft about 46 kilometers (29 miles) from the place where the boat sank in the northern waters of Taliabu Island.

Filipino and Mexican American farmworkers united in 1965 to strike against California grape growers, under the stewardship of Filipino labor leader Larry Itliong and one of the founders of the National Farm Workers Association, César Chavez. It was a pivotal moment that has been highlighted in books, monuments and even a stage musical. In the wake of recent allegations that Chavez sexually abused young women and girls in the labor rights movement, Filipino Americans - including descendants of the striking workers - are navigating how to celebrate this historic chapter moving forward. Filipino groups have canceled plans to march on César Chavez Day, and advocates want to rename the March 31 celebration to focus on Filipino and Chicano farmworkers, particularly women, while acknowledging the survivors of Chavez's abuse.

ULAANBAATAR, Mongolia (AP) - Mongolia has named its third prime minister in nine months as the ruling party tries to overcome internal power struggles at a time of mounting economic pressures and political infighting at home. The hope is that Uchral Nyam-Osor can manage the divisions in the Mongolian People's Party that toppled his two predecessors and brought him to power. He called for unity after parliament confirmed his appointment Monday night. "As others unite to confront crises, we cannot afford political infighting that weakens our economy," he told lawmakers. Uchral was elected as leader of the Mongolian People's Party and speaker of the parliament last November.

TOKYO (AP) - Japan's first long-range missile was deployed at a southwestern army camp, officials said Tuesday, as the country pushes to bolster its offensive capabilities. The upgraded Type-12 land-to-ship missiles, developed and produced by Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, became operational at Camp Kengun in Kumamoto prefecture. "As Japan faces the most severe and complex security environment in the postwar era ... it is an extremely important capability to strengthen Japan's deterrence and responsiveness," Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi told reporters. "It demonstrates Japan's firm determination and capability to defend itself." The upgraded Type-12 missile has a range of about 1,000 kilometers (620 miles), a significant extension from the 200-kilometer (125-mile) range of the original that would allow it to reach mainland China.

BANGKOK (AP) - The music spectacle Eurovision is holding its first Asian edition in Bangkok later this year. The Eurovision Song Contest Asia 2026 has confirmed artists from at least 10 countries across Asia competing: Thailand, South Korea, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan. More are expected to join before the finale in November. "As we mark the 70th anniversary of the Eurovision Song Contest, it feels especially meaningful to open this next chapter with Asia, a region rich in culture, creativity and talent," Martin Green, the director of the contest, said in the announcement Tuesday. Bangkok is the perfect city to host the contest because it "has always been a place where cultures come together, where music fills the air, and where celebration is part of everyday life," said Chuwit Sirivajjakul, a representative of the Thailand Tourism Authority.

TOKYO (AP) - Japan and resource-rich Indonesia agreed Tuesday to deepen economic ties and cooperation in energy security as the two Asian countries face growing uncertainty over oil and gas supplies prompted by the war in the Middle East. "In the wake of the Iran situation, the importance of resources and energy security is being recognized globally," said Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in a joint news conference after holding talks with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in Tokyo. The details of the agreement are yet to be made public. The two countries signed a deal this month to boost economic collaboration on critical minerals and nuclear energy, Takaichi said Tuesday.

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) - Extensive flooding in many parts of Afghanistan has killed a further 14 people in the past 24 hours, authorities said Tuesday, bringing the total number of deaths over the past five days to 42 with more heavy rain forecast. The Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority said another 66 people in total have been injured over the last five days, as thunderstorms and heavy rain that has affected nearly every province in Afghanistan triggered floods, landslides and lightning strikes. The agency said further heavy rain was forecast across the country over the next three days. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Afghanistan said on X that their own preliminary field reports showed 19 people had died and more than 900 families had been affected by floods.

DENPASAR, Indonesia (AP) - A Scottish man, described as a senior figure in an international crime syndicate, was arrested shortly after landing on the resort island of Bali, authorities in Indonesia said Tuesday. The 45-year-old, identified as Steven Lyons, was taken into custody by immigration officers at Ngurah Rai International Airport on Saturday on arrival from Singapore, according to Untung Widiyatmoko, head of Indonesia's branch of Interpol. The immigration system had flagged him as the subject of an Interpol Red Notice issued at Spain's request. A Red Notice is an alert issued by Interpol at the request of a member country for police worldwide to arrest a suspect for extradition.