Could biofuels be the antidote that Asia needs for oil shocks?

The shift to biofuels raises risks of higher food prices, deforestation and massive water consumption.

China uses for the first time new rules to counter ‘improper’ foreign jurisdiction over its firms

Shift toward enforcement comes as foreign pressures on its firms grow

ULVAC to make rare earth melting furnaces in Japan

If you’ve been following the slow-motion strategic panic over critical minerals, you know that Japan, Australia, the US, Canada, Europe and others are busy talking about China’s dominance both of rare earth mining and refining and of the production of rare earth magnets. Those

Trump call with Taiwan’s Lai not yet planned, sources say

WASHINGTON/TAIPEI, May 22 - The U.S. and Taiwan have not yet made concrete plans for talks between their presidents, four people familiar with the matter said, despite U.S. President Donald Trump's suggestion he might speak soon with Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te about the

Bangladesh’s paramilitary problem cannot be rebranded

Bangladesh’s rulers have a habit of renaming institutions when they become politically radioactive. Roads are renamed after coups, and laws after public outrage. The practice is usually useless. Now, the same survival instinct is being applied to the Rapid Action Battalion

Greenlanders boo new US consulate, urge Trump envoy to ‘go home’

Hundreds of Greenlanders demonstrated outside the new US Consulate in Nuuk on Thursday as President Donald Trump’s envoy signaled that Trump still seeks to control the self-governing Danish territory that straddles the Arctic and Atlantic oceans. Various Greenlandic politicians

How Xi Jinping is rewriting the rules of global power

There is an old Chinese proverb that says the skilled hunter does not chase the rabbit — he positions himself where the rabbit must eventually run. Xi Jinping, whatever his many critics may argue, has been extraordinarily patient. And now, in the span of a few remarkable weeks,

Third Qatari LNG tanker heads through Hormuz to China, data shows

LONDON, May 22 - A Third Qatari liquefied natural gas tanker is transiting the Strait of Hormuz and heading to China, ship-tracking data showed on Friday, as a Qatari negotiating team arrived in Tehran to try to help secure a deal to end the war with Iran.

Two-state Israel-Palestine solution is Washington’s empty liturgy

When the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres declares, once again, that “the only way” out of the Israeli-Palestinian impasse runs through two states, one is reminded less of a policy proposal than of a Latin Mass. The words are sacred. They are repeated on

Rahman’s first foreign trip will shape Bangladesh’s new direction

Three months into his premiership, Tarique Rahman still hasn’t left Bangladesh on an official foreign visit. That restraint is itself a diplomatic act. For a leader who spent 17 years in London exile, returned to win a landslide election, and now governs a country of 170

Thailand tightens Ebola checks for Congo and Uganda arrivals

Thailand was currently receiving around six to seven travellers a day from the two countries.

Bangladesh’s rare ‘Donald Trump’ buffalo becomes Eid sensation

DHAKA, May 22 - A rare albino buffalo with flowing blond hair has become an unlikely celebrity in Bangladesh ahead of the Eid al-Adha festival, drawing crowds of curious visitors who say the animal bears a striking resemblance to U.S. President Donald Trump.

Formula milk inclusion in Indonesia’s free meals programme draws opposition

Paediatricians have urged the government to reassess the inclusion of formula milk in the programme.

China to crack down on ‘illegal’ cross-border securities activities

The move intensifies scrutiny of capital outflows, which are strictly controlled by China.

China to expand public service access for migrant workers

BEIJING, May 22 - China issued guidelines on Friday to expand coverage of basic public services to people who don't have household registration in the cities where they work, a move that could help more migrant workers access urban public services.

Inflation, instability, and escalation

Subscribe now with a one-month trial for only $1, then enjoy the first year at an exclusive rate of just $99. Japan faces a long, hot summer of inflation and tighteningScott Foster reports that Japan is entering a difficult period of inflation, rising bond yields and monetary

S’pore-China ties based on mutual benefit, with opportunities in AI, ageing: SM Lee

Issues of economic dependence and national identity can be managed, he said.

China restricts more drug precursor exports to US

China is the primary origin of precursor chemicals used to make fentanyl, a highly potent opioid underpinning a deadly drug epidemic in the United States.

Thousands clash with Bangladesh police over alleged child rape

Pakistan’s balancing act in focus as PM Sharif heads to China

Analysts say Islamabad is seeking to strengthen ties with Beijing while navigating relations with the United States and Iran.

AI used to fake evidence that ended Korean actor's career, say police

Police are seeking an arrest warrant for a YouTuber who allegedly fabricated evidence to defame actor Kim Soo-hyun.

India warns of power use as demand peaks during heatwave

Temperatures in the capital New Delhi hit 43°C on Friday.

Samsung chip workers face colleagues’ resentment over bonus deal

Employees in other units feel they were systematically excluded.

EU deepens ties across Asia Pacific amid shifting global trade landscape

The bloc is seeking to diversify supply chains and strengthen its global position, as it recalibrates trade relations with the United States and China.

Thousands clash with Bangladesh police in outrage over rape of 4-year-old

Bangladesh has seen a spike in cases of violence against women and children, fuelling outrage.

Deals and words: Reading the tea leaves for the ‘historic’ Xi-Trump summit

Twists and turns can be expected for the rest of this year.

India seeks to stamp out viral ‘Cockroach’ youth party

The party’s Instagram handle, still online in India, has nearly 20 million followers.

China’s foreign minister to chair UN Security Council meeting in US, visit Canada

The New York leg of Mr Wang's trip follows a summit between Presidents Trump and Xi.

China foreign minister to chair UN Security Council meeting in US, visit Canada

BEIJING, May 22 - China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi will travel to New York and chair a high-level meeting of the UN Security Council on May 26, the Chinese foreign ministry said on Friday.

Prabowo’s export control move could boost Indonesia’s revenues, but experts worry about stronger state hand

The new initiative will tighten state control over key commodities such as coal and palm oil.

Premium Hokkaido melons fetch record $46,600 at season’s first auction

Known for their juicy orange flesh and sweetness, Yubari melons are often sent as gifts in Japan.

India capital’s motor-rickshaws get Trump makeover to mark US Independence celebrations

Drivers usually risk a fine if they display adverts on their vehicles.

Malaysia’s energy supply secure despite global uncertainties, says PM Anwar

The Malaysian government is working to ensure energy supply security can be extended until December.

US navy chief says $14bn arms sale to Taiwan paused due to Iran war

Hung Cao told a Senate hearing they were "doing a pause" on the sale to make sure they had munitions for the Iran war.

Thailand turns to AI and science to upgrade durian export quality

It highlighted five major areas of development aimed at upgrading the durian industry.

Pakistan seeks breakthrough in US-Iran peace talks

WASHINGTON/DUBAI, May 22 - Iran's foreign minister met his Pakistani counterpart on Friday to discuss proposals to end the U.S.-Israeli war, Iranian media reported, with Tehran and Washington still at odds over Tehran's uranium stockpile and controls on the Strait of Hormuz.

Perikatan Nasional to contest all seats in Johor election, setting up potential three-way fight with PH and BN

Johor Perikatan Nasional chairman Sahruddin Jamal said the opposition coalition’s strength in Malaysia’s southern state should not be underestimated.

‘Everything has become expensive’: Pakistanis struggle with rising prices ahead of Eid al-Adha

Higher fuel and food prices, coupled with economic uncertainty linked to tensions in the Middle East, are forcing people to cut expenses for next week’s festive season.

Taiwan says it has not been told by US of arms sales delays

TAIPEI, May 22 - Taiwan's government said on Friday it had not received any information about U.S. arms sales delays, after a senior U.S. official suggested there was a pause due to the need to have enough arms for the war with Iran.

Businesses, creators in Thailand urged to trademark ‘sound marks’ to shield against AI, deepfakes

The government-led push targets non-traditional trademarks.

From digital vouchers to shopping complex revamp, Johor looks across Causeway for inspiration

Its pilot scheme aims to help residents cope with rising costs and revitalise local businesses.

Hokkaido zoo employee arrested on suspicion of murdering wife, admits to strangling her at home

Tatsuya Suzuki strangled his wife with a rope at their home, according to investigative sources.

Malaysia to introduce new rules to protect youth on online platforms

Online service providers will be required to include safeguards for users under the age of 16.

Turkey revokes licence for university seized by state in criminal probe

ANKARA, May 22 - Turkey has revoked the operational licence for Istanbul Bilgi University, effectively forcing it to close, according to a decision published in the Official Gazette on Friday, after the university was seized by the state in a criminal investigation last year.

APEC trade envoys gather in China to discuss trade imbalances, supply chain resilience

The event is part of meetings ahead of an annual APEC leaders summit later in Shenzhen.

From lab idea to $2.9b start-up: Ultrasound destroys cancer without scalpels

The histotripsy technique can liquefy tumor cells while leaving surrounding tissue unharmed.