Xinhua Asia-Pacific news summary at 1600 GMT, April 7-Xinhua

Xinhua Asia-Pacific news summary at 1600 GMT, April 7

Source: Xinhua

Editor: huaxia

2026-04-08 00:01:45

ISLAMABAD -- A complete cessation of war, accompanied by guarantees against renewed aggression, remains Iran's maximum demand in ongoing peace diplomacy efforts, Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam said on Tuesday.

In an interview with the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), Moghadam said Iran prioritizes diplomacy but insists that any negotiated outcome must ensure a permanent resolution to the conflict. (Pakistan-Iran-Peace)

- - - -

SEOUL -- South Korea's special counsel on Tuesday sought a 23-year prison sentence in the appeals court for former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo for aiding the insurrection of former President Yoon Suk-yeol.

The team of Cho Eun-suk, an independent counsel who led investigations into Yoon's insurrection and other charges, demanded the 23-year prison term in appeal after requesting a 15-year imprisonment in the first instance. (South Korea-Former Prime Minister)

- - - -

HANOI -- The National Assembly (NA) of Vietnam on Tuesday morning confirmed To Lam, general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee (CPVCC), as state president for the 2026-2031 tenure.

All 495 deputies present voted in favor of the draft resolution on the election of Lam, who served as the state president of Vietnam from May to October 2024. (Vietnam-President)

- - - -

TOKYO -- In the latest batch of high school textbooks authorized by Japan's education ministry for use from the 2027 academic year, certain history textbooks once again appear to downplay, deny, or even glorify the country's history of wartime aggression.

This is yet another move in a decades-long attempt by Japanese authorities to reshape the historical narrative. Left unchecked, such efforts risk distorting how future generations understand the past and gradually eroding the collective memory in Japan of its wartime atrocities. (Japan-History Textbook Revision)

- - - -

KUALA LUMPUR -- Malaysia must accelerate a decisive shift towards more sustainable, diversified and cost-effective energy sources to ensure it is protected from global energy shocks and geopolitical tensions, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said on Tuesday.

With the ongoing attacks launched against Iran by the United States and Israel having resulted in the destruction of energy infrastructure and disruption of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most critical energy routes in the world, a policy of energy diversity and security could not be delayed any further, Anwar said in his keynote speech at the inaugural Kuala Lumpur-Ankara Dialogue 2026. (Malaysia-New Energy Sources)