Rubio says US officials are in Malaysia to help in Cambodia-Thailand talks
WASHINGTON : US secretary of state Marco Rubio said state department officials were in Malaysia to assist peace efforts as Cambodia and Thailand were scheduled to begin talks there on Monday in hopes for a ceasefire.
President Donald Trump and Rubio were engaged with their counterparts for each country and were monitoring the situation very closely, Rubio said in a statement released by the state department late on Sunday in the US and early Monday in Asia.
'We want this conflict to end as soon as possible,' he said. 'State department officials are on the ground in Malaysia to assist these peace efforts.'
The leaders of Thailand and Cambodia were scheduled to attend mediation talks over their deadly border conflict in Malaysia on Monday, the Thai government said, as both sides accused each other of launching fresh artillery strikes across contested areas.
Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have intensified since the late-May killing of a Cambodian soldier during a brief border skirmish.
Border troops on both sides were reinforced amid a full-blown diplomatic crisis that brought Thailand's fragile coalition government to the brink of collapse.
Hostilities resumed on Thursday and, within just four days, escalated into the worst fighting between the Southeast Asian neighbours in more than a decade.
The death toll has risen above 30, including 13 civilians in Thailand and eight in Cambodia, while authorities report that more than 200,000 people have been evacuated from border areas.
Trump said on Sunday he believed both Thailand and Cambodia wanted to settle their differences after he told the leaders of both countries that he would not conclude trade deals with them unless they ended their fighting.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
3 hours ago
- New Straits Times
NST Leader: 'AI is too important not to regulate'
TECH titans have finally got what they were clambering for: a free pass to artificial intelligence (AI) development, thanks to United States President Donald Trump's AI Action Plan unveiled on Wednesday in Washington, at a tech summit attended by the elites of the industry. Calling it "Winning the AI Race", he said his action plan is designed to put the US ahead of other nations. "America must once again be a country where innovators are rewarded with green light, not strangled with red tape", the media quoted him as saying. There is only one way to read Trump's "green light" message: whatever regulations that stand in the way of AI "innovation" will be removed. First to go will be whatever that remains of the former administration's regulations. Is this the right path to take on AI? While tech titans will say yes, there are others who say no because AI comes with so many unknowns. Not even the AI entrepreneurs know where the technology is taking us. Certainly, AI has promises of benefits, but they come clothed with known and unknown risks. Alphabet and Google chief executive officer Sundar Pichai writing an opinion piece in the Financial Times on May 23, 2023 said that "AI is too important not to regulate and too important to regulate well", meaning regulating in a way that balances innovation and potential harms. But a race to be first will certainly not strike the right balance. Google's promise is to develop AI responsibly, but when the profit chase becomes hot would the pledge still hold? Pichai must know AI is fast becoming a crowded space, with every company racing to shape the technology according to its business needs. In other words, profit before people and planet. Our bad old free market economic model — the myth that markets perform best when they are free of regulations — has followed us into the digital world. Myth-busting economist Ha-Joon Chang has made it crystal clear that the free market doesn't exist anywhere in the world. With this "free-to-choose" mindset, nothing can be developed responsibly, let alone AI. We have long been witnesses of irresponsible capitalism, at times victims even. Hence the call for "compassionate capitalism", a sign that the free-to-choose market model has hit the lowest of low. Innovative AI development is only possible in a regulation-free space is a similar myth by another name. This is why the European Union has opted for the AI Act, one of whose aims is to make the technology "work for people and is a force for good in society". It came into effect on Aug 1 last year, claiming the honour of being the first-ever legislation to address the risks of AI. Whether or not such a goal is enforced is a question of political will, not the fault of the law. The EU model isn't the only way to tame AI. A better approach is a global AI treaty. But this will only work in a rules-based world order. Ours isn't. The Paris Treaty on climate change is in a bit of a shambles. So are the Rome Statute and the Law of the Sea. Regional or national approach may be inevitable.
The Star
4 hours ago
- The Star
Asean News Headlines at 10pm on Tuesday (July 29, 2025)
Malaysia * 'Umno took RM16mil donation without knowing SRC's affairs' * Father of Black Thorn durian recognised with Datukship * Two nabbed for whipping effigy of PM at rally * Mukah records highest API in the country * A full stop to border row * Govt identifies REE as strategic mineral source, to pursue responsible mining, says Johari * Father of missing six-year-old found dead remanded seven days to help investigations * Malaysian bowyer handcrafts bows that blend precision, tradition and grit * JB man nabbed for allegedly attacking 12-year-old girl with hammer * This hidden waterfall in Karak, Pahang is a silent paradise that time forgot * Cyberbullying on the rise among children, teens * PAS leader urged to apologise for mocking Thai-Cambodia ceasefire initiative * KK Community Hall destroyed in midnight blaze * Cops seize hoe believed to be used to bury murdered six-year-old * Residents flee as fire breaks out in multi-storey car park of KK waterfront complex * Government to ramp up digital literacy, support services for elderly living alone * Govt may bar those under 13 from having social media accounts, says Fahmi * Integrated ops on e-cigarettes, vapes to kick off on Aug 1, says Health Ministry * Neighbours report hearing loud arguments, child crying from house before murdered six-year-old disappeared * Woman nabbed at KLIA with nine exotic animals in luggage * Wildfires raging over almost 90ha of land in Sarawak * Cops yet to uncover motive behind boy's murder, suspect uncooperative, say cops * Man gets 35 years' jail, caning for girlfriend's murder * Three senior police officers arrested over bribery allegations * Court dismisses Dzulkefly's bid to recuse JC Arziah in defamation suit against Najib * Eligible consumers to get 1.45 sen/kWh rebate in August under new mechanism * Over 75 fires recorded in schools nationwide this year, says Bomba * Six-year-old boy strangled with cable ties, autopsy reveals * RM2,500 stolen in snatch theft: Police apprehend local suspect * Female cop killed in Iskandar Puteri accident * Govt to review five laws to beef up efforts to fight child porn, Dewan Rakyat told * Private doctors file lawsuit against government over medicine price display regulation * Education Ministry denies claims of inaction in Zara Qairina case * Young doctors detained in Melaka for alleged khalwat incident Singapore * Singapore Immigration inspector obtained bribes in the form of sex acts from six foreign men in exchange for his help * SIA Q1 profit falls 59% to S$186mil; airline group sees volatile times ahead * Three taken to hospital after fire breaks out in Toa Payoh flat * Doctor who forged certificates for aesthetic procedures gets four months' jail in Singapore * Terrorism threat in Singapore remains high, driven by events like Israeli-Palestinian conflict: Internal Security Department Indonesia * Shoemakers take cautious steps despite lower levies * 6.3-magnitude earthquake jolts off Indonesia's Aceh, no potential for tsunami * 13th Malaysia-Indonesia annual consultation kicks off in Jakarta * North Sumatra declares state of emergency in seven regencies as forest fires spread * Malaysia will not interfere in legal process over Indonesian oil tycoon, says Anwar * Malaysia, Indonesia forge key agreements in 13th Annual Consultation Thailand * Five shot dead at Bangkok market * An unlikely sanctuary for furry friends * Thai army accuses Cambodia of breaking truce * Thailand-Cambodia border calm as military-level talks postponed * Thai, Cambodia militaries negotiate ahead of commanders meeting * Thai Army postpones border committee meeting as Cambodian shelling continues * Paetongtarn slams Cambodia as dishonourable for violating ceasefire * Thailand-US trade talks should be concluded before Aug 1, says minister * Thailand-Cambodia border calm as military commanders hold talks * 'Thank God, we fled': Thai grandmother returns to ruined home after border conflict * Thai Labour Ministry confirms no abuse of Cambodian workers in Thailand Philippines * Marcos talks tough on budget, corruption in bid to reset Philippine presidency * 'Food on table' outweighs health risks for Philippine e-waste dismantlers * New witness in missing cockfighting enthusiasts case holds 'real evidence': Justice dept * Philippine Senate to tackle Supreme Court's VP Sara Duterte impeachment ruling on Aug 6 Vietnam * Vietnam's new tax plan likely to discourage investment * Vietnamese fishermen most arrested for encroaching on M'sian waters, Dewan Rakyat told * Hanoi to break ground on two major urban railway projects in late 2025 * Vietnam singer Phuong My Chi grabs third spot in Sing!Asia contest * Vietnam flash flood kills five, dozens evacuated Myanmar * Trump team hears pitches on access to Myanmar's rare earths * Myanmar athletes gearing up for dragon boat debut at Chengdu World Games * Flash floods in east-central Myanmar kill six, sweep away homes * Over 2,200 people evacuated amid flooding in eastern Myanmar Cambodia * Trump to resume Cambodia, Thailand trade talks after truce * Cambodian general close to Hun Sen killed in Thai border clash * Cambodia's border refugees waiting to head home but still wary after ceasefire * 'I feel five years older and my hair is grey' laments Cambodian PM Hun Manet as he reflects on border crisis * Cambodia says Thai meetings yielded agreement on troops, talks * 18 Cambodian troops surrender in Si Sa Ket border clash * Cambodia rejects Thailand's repeated accusations of ceasefire violations * Cambodia's Information ministry appeals for public to cease social media attacks on foreign leaders Laos * The hidden hurdles behind building South-East Asia's US$100bil supergrid * Heavy rainfall continues to wreak havoc countrywide in Laos * Laos to hold ceremony to celebrate inscription of national park as world heritage site Brunei * Brunei committed to promote environmentally responsible tourism * Brunei students win big in anti-tobacco TikTok video competition Aseanplus * US grateful for Malaysia's role in brokering Thai-Cambodia truce * Now to ensure a lasting peace * Cambodia, Thai leaders laud peace efforts * Thai-Cambodia conflict: I just focused on the solution, says Anwar * Four killed as floods soak northern region * Viral 'honour killing' starts ripple effect * Man says he tied migrant worker to forklift for 'giggling' * Japan expects bulk of US fund to be in loans * Two killed in temple frenzy, say police * China's rebound has a distinct 'cool factor' * Ex-Shaolin monk under fire again * Ringgit opens higher on easing trade tensions * Thirty dead in Beijing following heavy rain, Xinhua reports * North Korea says Trump-Kim ties 'not bad,' urges new US approach * Court orders govt to pay RM1.1mil to family of Dutch model who fell to her death * Asia shares slip as investors remember the drag of tariffs * Woman stabbed in hospital carpark in S. Korea, attacker caught by civilians * We must plan for our ageing society, with AI tips from Taiwan * Thousands evacuated, businesses closed in southern Taiwan as torrential rain continues * Josie Ho, daughter of late casino king Stanley Ho, puts work on hold amid husband's sudden health scare * Stock markets fall as trade relief fades, eyes on data and earnings * Kudos from Europe, Australia for Anwar's role in Thailand-Cambodia mediation * Boxing, backflipping robots rule at China's biggest AI summit * Japan ruling party to discuss Prime Minister Ishiba's fate soon * Google threatens legal action if YouTube included in Australia's social media ban for children * India says May ceasefire with Pakistan was not mediated by Trump * New Zealand introduces law that makes it harder to vote * Don't call them 'hey': S. Korea widens campaign to address migrant workers by name * Court orders cops to reopen probe of Dutch model's death * South Korea Foreign Minister Cho visiting Japan, US for first meetings with allies * Bursa Malaysia posts weaker revenue in 1H on securities trading slump * Labubu fans dote over ugly-cute doll trending at Comic-Con * 'The monsters who killed Ivana won't rest easy', says deceased Dutch model's family after verdict * Hong Kong shuts down for second time in a week due to heavy rain * Pearly-Thinaah rise to career-high No. 2 in the world * China social spending hits highest level in nearly two decades * Indian forces killed three "terrorists" behind Kashmir attack, home minister says * Japanese traditional confectionery in peak production ahead of Bon holidays; Colourful offering to spirits of ancestors * Indian Institute allows rape-accused student to resume classes * Apple to shutter a retail store in China for the first time ever * Dewan Rakyat passes Cross-Border Insolvency Bill 2025 * Sri Lanka arrests ex-navy chief over abduction * Malaysian delegation in discussions with Thailand, Cambodia to prevent further clashes * Afghans show solidarity as migrant returns from Iran surge * Putrajaya-brokered ceasefire highlights Asean's growing clout, says Anwar * Two-year-old boy in India bites cobra to death in bizarre encounter * India road crash kills 18 Hindu pilgrims * South Korea's population stagnates despite number of foreign residents topping 2 million * 'Once in a hundred years': villagers clean up after deadly China floods * Premium rice cookers in Japan draw consumers looking to cook stockpiled rice * Grasshopper singer Remus Choy returns to stage for first time since brain surgery * A decade after raping speech-hearing impaired minor, man in India gets 10-year rigorous imprisonment * Asean must focus on building a more integrated and resilient economy, says Anwar * Immigration Dept detains over a hundred people during ops at Masjid India * Federal debt up RM50bil to RM1.3 trillion, says Deputy Finance Minister * Ringgit ends lower against US dollar ahead of FOMC meeting * Experts condemn India park after elephants airlifted to Japan * 'Oldies but goldies' - Malaysian legendary bands Slam and Exist dazzle the crowd at the super concert at Mega Star Arena * Sea search launched after Hong Kong man in rented kayak goes missing * China forensic doctor goes viral for muscular build, handles 600 corpses in three years * Ex-TVB star Linna Huynh holds betrothal ceremony, with gold & expensive seafood * Biathlete Dahlmeier missing after mountaineering fall in Pakistan, reports say * Air India audit finds 51 safety lapses, from unapproved simulators to training gaps * India extends free etourist visa for Malaysians till Dec 31 next year * Fukushima radioactive debris removal delayed until 2037
The Star
5 hours ago
- The Star
Analysis-World Court climate opinion turns up the legal heat on governments
THE HAGUE (Reuters) -A landmark opinion delivered by the United Nations' highest court last week that governments must protect the climate is already being cited in courtrooms, as lawyers say it strengthens the legal arguments in suits against countries and companies. The International Court of Justice, also known as the World Court, last Wednesday laid out the duty of states to limit harm from greenhouse gases and to regulate private industry. It said failure to reduce emissions could be an internationally wrongful act and, found that treaties such as the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change should be considered legally binding. While not specifically naming the United States, the court said countries that were not part of the United Nations climate treaty must still protect the climate as a matter of human rights law and customary international law. Only a day after the World Court opinion, lawyers for a windfarm distributed copies of it to the seven judges of the Irish Supreme Court on the final day of hearings ona case about whether planning permits for turbines should prioritise climate concerns over rural vistas. It is not clear when the Irish court will deliver its ruling. Lawyer Alan Roberts, for Coolglass Wind Farm, said the opinion would boost his client's argument that Ireland's climate obligations must be taken into account when considering domestic law. Although also not legally binding, the ICJ's opinion has legal weight, provided that national courts accept as a legal benchmark for their deliberations, which U.N. states typically do. The United States, where nearly two-thirds of all climate litigation cases are ongoing, is increasingly likely to be an exception as it has always been ambivalent about the significance of ICJ opinions for domestic courts. Compounding that, under U.S. President Donald Trump, the country has been tearing up all climate regulations. Not all U.S. states are sceptical about climate change, however, and lawyers said they still expected the opinion to be cited in U.S. cases. In Europe, where lawyers say the ICJ opinion is likely to have its greatest impact on upcoming climate cases, recent instances of governments respecting the court's rulings include Britain's decision late last year to reopen negotiations to return the Chagos Islands in the Indian Ocean to Mauritius. That followed a 2019 ICJ opinion that London should cede control. BONAIRE VERSUS THE NETHERLANDS Turning to environmental cases, in a Dutch civil case due to be heard in October - Bonaire versus The Netherlands - Greenpeace Netherlands and eight people from the Dutch territory of Bonaire, a low-lying island in the Caribbean, will argue that the Netherlands' climate plan is insufficient to protect the island against rising sea levels. The World Court said countries' national climate plans must be "stringent" and aligned to the Paris Agreement aim to limit warming to 1.5 Celsius (2.7 Fahrenheit) above the pre-industrial average. The court also said countries must take responsibility for a country's fair share of historical emissions. In hearings last December at the ICJ that led to last week's opinion, many wealthy countries, including Norway, Saudi Arabia, and The United States argued national climate plans were non-binding. "The court has said (...) that's not correct," said Lucy Maxwell, co-director of the Climate Litigation Network. In the Bonaire case, the Dutch government is arguing that having a climate plan is sufficient. The plaintiffs argue it would not meet the 1.5C threshold and the Netherlands must do its fair share to keep global warming below that, Louise Fournier, legal counsel for Greenpeace International, said. "This is definitely going to help there," Fourniersaid of the ICJ opinion in the Bonaire case. 'URGENT AND EXISTENTIAL THREAT' The ICJ opinion said climate change was an "urgent and existential threat," citing decades of peer-reviewed research, even as scepticism has mounted in some quarters, led by the United States. A document seen by Reuters shows the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency may question the research behind mainstream climate science and is poised to revoke its scientific determination that greenhouse gas emissions endanger public health. Jonathan Martel of the U.S. law firm Arnold and Porter represents industry clients on environmental issues. He raised the prospect of possible legal challenges to the EPA's regulatory changes given that an international court has treated the science of climate change as unequivocal and settled. "This might create a further obstacle for those who would advocate against regulatory action based on scientific uncertainty regarding the existence of climate change caused by anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases," he said. The U.S. EPA changes would affect the agency's regulations on tailpipe emissions from vehicles that run on fossil fuel. Legal teams are reviewing the impact of the ruling on litigation against the companies that produce fossil fuel, as well as on the governments that regulate them. TheWorld Courtsaid that states could be held liable for the activities of private actors under their control, specifically mentioning the licensing and subsidising of fossil fuel production. Notre Affaire à Tous, a French NGO whose case against TotalEnergies is due to be heard in January 2026, expected the advisory opinion to strengthen its arguments. "This opinion will strongly reinforce our case because it mentions (...) that providing new licences to new oil and gas projects may be a constitutional and international wrongful act," said Paul Mougeolle, senior counsel for Notre Affaire à Tous. TotalEnergies did not respond to a request for comment. (Reporting by Stephanie van den Berg and Alison Withers, additional reporting by Valerie Volcovici from Washington; editing by Barbara Lewis)
