Myanmar's coup leader who set off a brutal civil war is set to become president
General Min Aung is set to be chosen as the next president by the newly-elected parliament.
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CNA Explains: How the Iran war might reshape Asia’s energy playbook
As energy supplies tighten and prices rise, the region faces the fallout of its reliance on imported fossil fuels from the Middle East.
Commentary: If US is a ‘revisionist power’, how countries engage it will change
The impetus for engaging Washington in Southeast Asian affairs may be shifting from pragmatism to prevention, says Kevin Chen from the S Rajaratnam School of International Studies.
The mysterious origins of a spicy, grilled fish dish
How Wanzhou became known across China as the home town for kaoyu.
Growing energy crisis sparked by Iran war could further shake Filipinos’ trust in Marcos
The rising fuel prices come at a politically sensitive time for him, as his approval ratings continue to fall.
China imports US oil for Asian fuel markets amid Hormuz crisis
China is moving to resume large-scale purchases of United States liquefied natural gas (LNG) and crude oil, as supply disruptions in the Middle East and tightening fuel markets across Asia force Beijing to recalibrate its energy strategy. Some observers view the move as a
Trump fires Attorney General Pam Bondi
US President Donald Trump fired Attorney General Pam Bondi on Thursday after reportedly growing frustrated by her failure to pursue his political enemies with sufficient zeal and her handling of the Epstein files. Trump confirmed in a Truth Social post that Bondi is out as
An ancient oracle warned that invading Persia would backfire
Invasions of ancient Persia were always daunting tasks. They often led to disaster. In the 6th and 5th centuries BCE, the Persian empire came to dominate a vast and varied geography with what’s now Iran at its heart. Comprising modern Iran, Iraq, Turkey, the Persian Gulf and
Another Fed rate cut still possible but far from guaranteed
It’s still possible the Federal Reserve will slash interest rates again this year – but don’t count on it. With input prices soaring, interest rates aren’t the top concern for farmers and ranchers these days. Still, lower rates would be welcome. Every little bit helps. The Fed
China calls for promoting Middle East ceasefire in talks with EU, Germany
BEIJING, April 2 - China on Thursday repeated calls for a ceasefire in the Middle East and safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz in conversations with Western counterparts, widening its diplomatic effort to end the war that has disrupted the global energy market.
‘Don’t tell others how to do their jobs’: Inaction, disregard for safety led to HK’s deadly fire
The authorities are also looking into possible bid-rigging and fraud.
Malaysia clarifies WFH policy only for civil servants living more than 8km from office
This applies to those working in Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and all state capitals.
Robotaxi outage highlights pitfalls but unlikely to derail China’s push: Analysts
A passenger said he was stuck in a robotaxi for nearly two hours and felt terrified when the SOS button did not work.
India graveyard raid uncovers hidden cooking gas canisters amid shortage
About 700 cylinders were seized after around 2,600 raids, a government official said.
What Iran’s Amazon data center attacks reveal about modern war
Before dawn on March 1, 2026, Iranian Shahed drones struck two Amazon Web Services data centers in the United Arab Emirates. A third commercial data center in Bahrain was hit, though it is less clear whether it was deliberately targeted. Iran has also indicated that it
South Korea's Lee urges US visa reforms, raises defence role in talks with senators
President Lee Jae Myung also told visiting US senators that South Korea was ready to shoulder a greater role in its own defence.
South Korea’s Lee urges US visa reforms, raises defence role in talks with senators
He called on Congress to support legislation aimed at creating new work visas for South Korean professionals.
Nepal charges 32 people over fake helicopter rescue scam
The long-running racket that has cast a shadow over the country’s vital tourism industry.
Nepal holds its first post-poll Parliament session
The lawmakers, who were elected in March, met within the new Parliament building.
Online sex trade targeting foreign tourists uncovered in Seoul crackdown
The police cracked down on 95 prostitution establishments in the first three months of 2026.
China says US, Israeli attacks on Iran the ‘root cause’ of Hormuz blockage
Beijing said escalation of conflicts is not in the interests of either side.
Philippine energy crisis exposes a reactive state
The Philippines has become the first nation to declare an energy emergency, underscoring the severity of its current crisis. As global oil markets react to renewed conflict in the Middle East, the country is once again reminded that geography offers no protection at the pump.
Eight Muslim-majority countries condemn Israel's new death penalty law
ISLAMABAD/KABUL, April 2 - Eight Muslim-majority countries \"strongly condemned\" Israel's move to pass a law making death by hanging a default sentence for Palestinians convicted in military courts of deadly attacks, a joint statement released by Pakistan said on Thursday.
Taiwan airlines to hike fuel surcharges 157% on international flights
The price hikes will kick in on April 7.
With rising energy costs, is it worth switching to an EV in Malaysia right now – and how?
Home charging for EVs cuts running costs by roughly half, compared with subsidised RON95.
They use their 4x4 trucks to help flood victims. Rising diesel costs in Malaysia may end this
Rich or not, Malaysian diesel vehicle owners say the subsidy gap punishes the wrong drivers.
Gulf war batters India’s glass heartland, testing New Delhi’s manufacturing drive
Firozabad may be a sign of what is to come across Indian manufacturing, from textiles to high tech.
Two arrested over killing of 80-year-old Singaporean man in Central Java in suspected love triangle
The body of Syed Saleh Awad was discovered on Feb 20 in a river in Cilacap regency. The alleged mastermind remains at large.
Taiwan to strengthen Pratas islands’ defences as China steps up pressure
China claims the Pratas, and Taiwan, as its own territory.
Taiwan to strengthen Pratas islands' defences as China steps up pressure
TAIPEI, April 2 - Taiwan will strengthen its defences of the Pratas as China steps up its activities around the islands which lie at the top end of the South China Sea, the minister in charge of Taiwan's coastguard said on Thursday.
Pakistan says onus on Afghanistan to end hostilities
Negotiations started in Urumqi in north-west China on April 1.
Indonesia issues fresh summons for Google, Meta over teen social media ban
This is the second round of summons Indonesia is issuing over the companies' alleged non-compliance.
UK to host talks with 35 countries on reopening Strait of Hormuz
LONDON, April 2 - Britain will host talks on Thursday aimed at forming a coalition of countries to explore ways to reopen the Strait of Hormuz after U.S. President Donald Trump said securing the vital waterway was a problem for other nations to resolve.
Iran to allow safe passage of Philippine ships, fuel supply through Strait of Hormuz, says Manila
The Philippines previously declared a national energy emergency due to fuel shortage.
From luggage-friendly buses to airport links, South Korea smooths travel beyond Seoul
The authorities seek to draw attention to lesser-known destinations and encourage longer stays.
Hope and heartache: Iranians in Malaysia mark sombre Persian New Year amid conflict
Some told CNA that the ongoing war has reinforced their sense of unity and strengthened their resolve to preserve traditions that have endured for generations.
Japan’s relief rally masks deeper economic risks
Subscribe now with a one-month trial for only $1, then enjoy the first year at an exclusive rate of just $99. Markets rebound, but Japan not yet out of the woodsScott Foster reports that market rebounds driven by shifting US signals on Iran mask deeper risks for Japan,
Indonesia planning for potential loss of up to 60,000 tourist arrivals amid Middle East crisis
The government plans to hold international events in border regions and boost travel promotions.
Forget Trump – Netanyahu’s Iran endgame is what really matters
The war between the United States, Israel and Iran is now into its second month. Despite spectacular early successes, the resilience of Iran’s government and military has meant the US and Israel have lost the strategic initiative. This means they are being more reactive than
Japan sees record cannabis-related police probes in 2025
People in their 20s and younger accounted for more than 70 per cent of the total.
Off the road: How rising fuel costs are pushing Karachi’s ride-hailing drivers to the brink
Pakistan increased fuel prices by 55 Pakistani rupees overnight after the Iran war started.
Bangkok’s soft-soil basin could amplify earthquake shaking by 3 to 6 times
The capital's underlying soft-soil basin could dramatically intensify earthquake shaking.
Iran army chief tells commanders to prepare for any attack, state media reports
DUBAI, April 2 - Iran's operational headquarters must monitor \"enemy movements with utmost pessimism and accuracy\" and be ready to counter any method of attack, the country's army commander-in-chief Amir Hatami was quoted as saying by state media on Thursday.
Russian nuclear missile forces hold drills in Siberia
MOSCOW, April 2 - Russian strategic missile forces have conducted drills in Siberia involving camouflaged movements of Yars intercontinental ballistic missiles that are capable of delivering nuclear warheads, the Defence Ministry said on Thursday.
Pakistan, Afghanistan hold talks in China to end months of conflict
ISLAMABAD/KABUL, April 2 - Pakistan and Afghanistan are holding talks in China to try to end the worst conflict between the South Asian neighbours since the Taliban returned to power in 2021, both sides said on Thursday.
Ahead of Greek social media ban, parents desperate to separate children from phones
ATHENS, April 2 - Greek mother Georgia Efstathiou has tried everything to loosen the grip that social media has on her 14-year-old son: heart-to-heart talks; internet-free time; confiscating his phone. Arguments flare as she fights the allure of his screen and its videos and
Should Seoul’s most iconic gate Gwanghwamun bear Korean or Chinese sign, or both?
Deciding which language the palace gate sign should be written in has sparked debate.
From international outcast to mediator in Iran war, Pakistan’s remarkable makeover
It has rebuilt trust with Washington while consolidating ties with China and other world leaders.