Brussels is seeking to build influence in Southeast Asia. But the EU's habit of criticizing governments over human rights doesn't go down too well in the region.

A visit to South Korea and Japan by the head of NATO this week highlights the alliance's strategic priority to push back against China and North Korea, while addressing the global impact of Russia's war in Ukraine.

A survey has found that many people in Southeast Asia prefer to engage with the EU amid US-China rivalry in the region. Cambodians particularly viewed the bloc favorably — Malaysians and Indonesians not so much.

The European Parliament has been sending delegations to the region as it edges towards an EU-ASEAN parliamentary assembly. But the bloc is fractured over who should lead EU foreign policy.

The elderly population in East Asia is swelling as the birth rate continues to decline. The region now has the world's lowest fertility rate, raising fears of social and economic woes, especially for its youth.

The proposed legislation is causing consternation in Southeast Asia, where local businesses are currently working to adapt to the EU regulations on the environment and sustainability.

Reports have emerged of food and staff shortages at a zoo in Pakistan's Karachi city. The animals are said to be malnourished and living in cramped enclosures.

The EU is under pressure from the US to take a tougher stance on China's strategic expansion in Southeast Asia. However, European leaders say they want to avoid being seen as an extension of Washington.

Despite recent crackdowns on criminal gangs, people traffickers are expanding their scam operations and increasingly targeting citizens outside the region.

US President Joe Biden will take part in a G7 summit in Japan, but further stops in Papua New Guinea and Australia have been scrapped due to the debt crisis back home.

The Chinese president has promised to bolster economic and infrastructure projects in the region at a "milestone" meeting with leaders from former Soviet states in the region.

Located in France's eastern Lorraine region, Amnéville Zoo is home to some 2,000 animals. These include 40 species that are considered endangered: from Siberian tigers to white rhinos, gorillas and small squirrel monkeys. Behind the scenes, some 150 zoo employees work tirelessly around the clock, taking care of the animals. Preserving endangered species and making visitors aware of the threats to wildlife are also a key part of their daily tasks.