Leaders from Southeast Asian countries have kicked off a two-day summit in Bangkok.
The 10-country group is expected to discuss issues like the South China Sea and the fate of ethnic Rohingya fleeing Myanmar.
They could also debate this month's contentious collision of a Philippine boat and a Chinese fishing vessel.
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was formed more than half a century ago.
UN: 70% of Gaza fatalities women and children
The UN Human Rights Office said on Friday nearly 70 per cent of the fatalities it has verified in the Gaza war were women and children, and condemned what it called a systematic violation of the fundamental principles of international humanitarian law.
Britain names Jonathan Powell as national security adviser
Britain on Friday named Jonathan Powell, who was chief of staff to former prime minister Tony Blair, as its national security adviser.
Indonesian volcano spews ash 10 km high
Indonesia's Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki erupted several times on Friday, belching volcanic ash that rose up to 10 km (32,800 ft) into the sky, officials said, following a big eruption on Sunday night that killed nine people.
Israeli PM directs two rescue planes to Amsterdam
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has directed two rescue planes to Amsterdam after being informed of "a very violent incident" targeting Israeli citizens, his office said on Friday.
Pakistan bans entry to parks, zoos as air pollution worsens
Pakistan's Punjab banned entry to many public spaces from Friday, including parks and zoos, as it sought to protect people from severe air pollution in parts of the eastern province.
