Have a look at the crises and breakthroughs that shaped BYU–Hawaii’s target regions in 2025
The year 2025 was nothing short of a rollercoaster for the Asia–Pacific. The region witnessed storms, quakes, protests and political shifts, making 2025 a record-breaking and turbulent year. All year long, BYU–Hawaii students watched from afar, their hearts reaching for home as they prayed for their countries’ peace and stability. Learn about several notable events that highlight how Asia-Pacific communities confronted crisis, conflict and change all at once.
1. Catastrophic storms, cyclones and monsoon flooding across Southeast Asia
An unusual convergence of tropical systems (including Cyclone Senyar, and other storms and atmospheric rivers) and intense monsoon rains caused massive flooding, landslides and humanitarian crises across Indonesia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Vietnam and the Philippines, with thousands killed and millions affected. This became one of the region’s deadliest weather disasters of 2025.
Source: The Guardian
2. Tsunami warnings around the Pacific triggered by a huge earthquake in Russia
A massive magnitude 8.8 earthquake struck Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula on July 30, 2025, triggering tsunami warnings across the Pacific, affecting Japan, Hawaii and several other Pacific Island nations. Coastal communities carried out evacuations, harbors were closed and authorities monitored wave activity as tsunami surges of varying heights were recorded. Although Russia suffered local flooding and damage, the mentioned Pacific regions were able to avoid major destruction as the warnings were eventually lifted.
Source: Reuters
3. China’s stepped-up military activity near Taiwan and tensions with Japan
Throughout 2025, the People’s Republic of China increased air and naval operations around Taiwan (larger, more frequent patrols and exercises). Several dangerous close encounters with Japanese aircraft and ships were also publicly reported, raising regional security concerns and prompting diplomatic protests.
Source: Council on Foreign Relations
4. Mass anti-corruption protests in the Philippines
Large, sustained demonstrations erupted across the Philippines over alleged corruption in flood-control and infrastructure projects, where high-level officials were implicated. Citizens came together to demand transparency, prosecutions and even the president’s resignation.
Source: Aljazeera
5. Australia’s 2025 federal election (May 3, 2025)
The national election was a major political event for Australia. The incumbent Labor party won re-election, consolidating its power and shaping the trajectory of Australia’s domestic and regional policy. The result influenced Australia’s Indo-Pacific posture and ongoing policy debates.
Source: The Guardian
6. Maha Kumbh Mela and India’s 2025 spiritual-tourism surge
The once-in-a-lifetime Kumbh Mela drew massive domestic and international attention and was reported as one of India’s top travel and cultural events of the year, boosting spiritual tourism and producing major public-health, transport and security operations.
Source: Travel and Tour World
7. New Zealand: Domestic reforms, UN scrutiny and contested voting law changes
2025 saw major domestic political developments in NZ: high-profile government reforms that prompted UN criticism about impacts on Māori rights and, separately, legislation changing voter enrollment/prisoner voting rules. These events both sparked nationwide debate and protests.
Source: The Guardian
8. Taiwan’s expanded Han-Kuang exercises and defence shifts
Taiwan held a larger, more ambitious Han-Kuang military exercise in 2025 (longer duration, wider civil-defence/reservist integration), reflecting heightened focus on deterrence and resilience amid intensified PRC pressure.
Source: Global Taiwan Institute
9. Severe weather, coastal impacts and climate diplomacy in Pacific island states (Tonga, Fiji, Vanuatu, Tuvalu, etc.)
Pacific island nations continued to suffer accelerating climate impacts (sea-level rise, coastal erosion, increasing cyclone threat) and 2025 featured urgent national appeals, resilience projects and increased international attention to adaptation funding.
Source: Pacific Islands News Association (PINA)
10. Political unrest and large street mobilisations in Pakistan
Pakistan experienced significant protest movements (including large TLP marches and related unrest in October 2025) that disrupted major cities and raised concerns about security and governance.
Source: International Workers League
11. Major safety/urban incidents and public policy debates in Hong Kong
Hong Kong’s 2025 news cycle included high-impact public safety incidents and social/legal developments (court rulings, legislative votes and preparations to host national sporting events) that influenced civil-society debate and governance in the city.