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1. Premier Li Qiang’s visit has Malaysia wanting more from China pivot

- Malaysia’s Prime Minister sought closer ties with China after coming to power in an effort to boost his country’s flagging economic growth. 

- But as Chinese Premier Li Qiang visits this week, many wonder whether Beijing is reciprocating those efforts. 

- The two countries will sign a memorandum of understanding on Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative and a long-delayed five-year economic co-operation plan during Li’s three-day visit.

2. Seoul fires warning shots as North Korean soldiers cross border again

- Dozens of North Korean soldiers briefly crossed the heavily fortified border but retreated after warning shots were fired.

- Landmine explosions near the border also injured multiple North Korean soldiers as relations between the two Koreas plummet.

- The countries technically remain at war as the 1950-1953 conflict ended in an armistice, and the Demilitarized Zone dividing the peninsula is one of the most heavily mined places on earth.

3. Putin’s ‘destabilising’ North Korea trip unnerves Seoul with ‘existential threats’

- South Korea has issued a stern warning to Russia against helping the North’s military ambitions as Vladimir Putin’s visit signals a major shift in regional power dynamics that could be “very destabilising”.

- Putin will be in North Korea for a “friendly state visit” from Tuesday to Wednesday.

- He will then travel to Vietnam from Wednesday to Thursday to advance the “comprehensive strategic partnership” between Moscow and Hanoi.