KYODO reports Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force will extend its deployment in the Middle East by one year.

Yemeni sources said Houthi forces fired five missiles toward Marib; three struck the Sahen King military camp.

CHINA'S LI met Belarusian Prime Minister Turchin on Oct. 19 on the sidelines of the SCO leaders' council in Dushanbe. Beijing said it will deepen strategic alignment with Minsk, expand use of bilateral government cooperation mechanisms, and fully leverage the China‑Belarus services and investment agreement. The sides plan a China‑Belarus Industrial Cooperation Year and to deepen cooperation in autos, the digital economy, artificial intelligence and the green economy. Beijing said it will import more quality Belarusian products and support Chinese firms investing in Belarus, while urging Minsk to provide an open, transparent and predictable business environment. The two also agreed to step up coordination in regional and international forums, including the SCO and BRICS, to promote multilateralism and free trade and defend common interests.