ASEAN foreign ministers reached a consensus on six-point principles earlier today on the South China Sea following a failure to come up with a joint communique because of the issue last week. For more on the much discussed kerfuffle, check out Ernie Bower’s take here.

India’s parliament voted for a new president Thursday, opening up a window for potential reforms to reverse an economic slowdown.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Eun took on the rank of marshal after a high-profile military shake-up which included the ouster of a general close to him. Check out some of CSIS Korea Chair Victor Cha’s analysis here.

China offered Africa $20 billion in loans over the next three years, double the amount it last pledged in 2009.

The first U.S. Osprey military transport aircraft will arrive in Japan next week despite local protests over safety issues.