International relations

Poland bans all Chinese-made vehicles from entering military sites citing security concerns. (Reuters)

• https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/poland-bars-chinese-made-cars-military-sites-over-data-security-fears-2026-02-18/

Law and crime

Australia issues a temporary exclusion order barring one citizen held in a Syrian detention camp from returning to the country under counter-terrorism legislation, citing the citizen's possible links to Islamic State members. (Reuters)

• https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/australia-ban-citizen-returning-country-under-rarely-used-terror-laws-2026-02-18/

Politics and elections

Philippine vice president Sara Duterte announces her candidacy in the next presidential election. (AFP via France 24) (Reuters)

• https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20260218-philippines-vp-sara-duterte-announces-2028-presidential-run
• https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/philippine-vice-president-duterte-run-president-2028-elections-2026-02-18/