Growing backlash in Japan over Trump's use of anime characters
The US president has angered some fans by using the images of characters like Pikachu and Naruto.
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Allies condemn Iran's 'lethal plotting' in US, Europe, Australia
WASHINGTON, June 10 - The United States, Australia, European allies and other countries condemned Iran-backed groups' plots to kill Iranian dissidents, journalists and Jewish communities in a joint statement released on Wednesday.
Hong Kong authorities charge seven people, two companies over deadly fire
BEIJING, June 10 - Seven individuals and two companies were charged on Wednesday with 25 counts including manslaughter and conspiracy to defraud in relation to a deadly Hong Kong fire last November that killed 168 people, the Hong Kong government said.
The AI threat we should actually be talking about
Artificial intelligence leaders like Anthropic and OpenAI are racing toward blockbuster IPOs that could value them at over US$1 trillion, driven by the rapid progress of their systems. Against this backdrop, some are arguing that the world should at least have the option to
Sri Lanka says spy chief ‘directed’ Easter bombings
The former intelligence chief, through his lawyer, has denied any involvement.
Pakistan says all aboard military helicopter killed in crash in Pakistani Kashmir
MUZAFFARABAD, Pakistan, June 10 - All personnel on board a military helicopter have been killed in a crash near Muzaffarabad in Pakistani Kashmir, Pakistan's military said in a statement on Wednesday, without specifying the number of deaths.
Police hunting suspect seen attacking, molesting woman in viral clip in Malaysia’s Setia Alam
The suspect fled the scene after attacking the woman in a residential area.
Vietnam pushes for higher coal output to meet surging power demand
Miners will now be permitted to exceed their licensed capacities through the end of the year.
When all the capital lands in Singapore and goes nowhere else
In the first half of 2025, something quietly remarkable happened to money in Southeast Asia. Singapore, a city of fewer than six million people, captured about 92% of all startup funding raised across a region of nearly 700 million. In fintech, the figure was 88%. By January
Pakistan’s wedding industry under strain as Middle East tensions add to economic woes
Operators say bookings have weakened and celebrations are becoming smaller as inflation, uncertainty and concerns over remittances weigh on consumers.
Pakistan launches deadly air strikes in Afghanistan, reigniting tensions
The fresh strikes come after weeks of relative calm in the restive border region between the two countries.
Russia praises Modi for lifting millions out of poverty during record rule
MOSCOW, June 10 - The Kremlin on Wednesday praised Narendra Modi for becoming India's longest-serving elected prime minister, saying that 250 million people had been pulled out of poverty during his rule.
Bank of Japan governor Ueda hospitalised, will miss June meeting
TOKYO, June 10 - Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda has been hospitalised for medical treatment and will miss the June 15-16 policy meeting, the central bank said on Wednesday.
PAS-Bersatu break-up paves way for new Malay-centric pact, with implications for Malaysia politics
Analysts say Malaysia’s main opposition party PAS would prioritise a pact with a breakaway Bersatu faction, while a more formal cooperation with the United Malays National Organisation remains a longer-term possibility.
At least 4 ‘agents’ in Singapore bought babies from Indonesian trafficking ring, suspect tells Bandung court
The suspected ring leader of the alleged syndicate claimed at least 12 babies were sent to Singapore for adoption for between S$17,000 and S$21,600 per child.
Vietnam’s weight problem grows as prosperity reshapes diets and lifestyles
Slimming trends and quick fixes fuel a fast-growing weight-loss industry in Vietnam.
India's extreme heat takes a toll on workers as experts urge long-term solutions
From daily-wage labourers to small business owners, millions are struggling to cope with soaring temperatures of beyond 40°C while trying to earn a living.
Hong Kong files charges over deadliest fire in decades
Seven people and two companies were charged over the 2025 Wang Fuk Court estate fire, which killed 168 people.
Indonesian military court jails four soldiers over acid attack on activist
The soldiers from the military's Strategic Intelligence Agency were sentenced to between one-and-a-half and three years in prison for the attack in March that left Andrie Yunus blind in one eye.
South Korea reports first exam cheating cases using AI smart glasses
Both examinees had their scores invalidated and were suspended from taking the test for four years.
Macron to chair video call involving G7 and China over economic imbalances
PARIS, June 10 - French President Emmanuel Macron will chair a video conference on Thursday involving Group of Seven countries and China over how to address global economic imbalances, the Elysee said on Wednesday.
There is no military solution to the Middle East’s imbroglio
Back when the Obama administration was negotiating a nuclear agreement with Iran, I asked National Security Council officials, “Why are you expending all of your economic leverage, and political and diplomatic resources on stopping Iran from developing a bomb they don’t have
University students across South Korea to protest in ballot shortage row
The head of the election watchdog has resigned over the ballot paper row, but authorities have not offered to hold a new vote, sparking protests.
Vulgar HK school principal, abusive sports coach? Our kids deserve better
The incidents have cast a spotlight on standards for educators in Hong Kong.
China risks dirty hands from Prabowo’s tainted meal deal
For more than a decade, China’s relationship with Indonesia has been defined by railways, industrial parks, nickel processing plants and large-scale infrastructure. Now, China is beginning to associate itself with something far more politically sensitive: President Prabowo
First charges laid over deadly Hong Kong fire
The Wang Fuk Court blaze last year was the deadliest that Hong Kong had seen in 70 years, killing 168 people.
India’s Modi, Trump likely to meet at G-7, discuss trade, visas: Sources
The June 15 to June 17 summit in France will bring together leaders from the world’s major economies.
India's Modi, Trump likely to meet at G7, discuss trade, visas, source says
NEW DELHI, June 10 - Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to hold bilateral talks with U.S. President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the Group of 7 summit, with trade, visas and energy cooperation set to be high on the agenda, an Indian government source said.
Taiwan fires battle-tested rockets in ‘shoot-and-scoot’ anti-invasion drill
The same system has also been used by Ukraine in its war against Russia.
Taiwan fires battle-tested rockets in 'shoot-and-scoot' anti-invasion drill
TAICHUNG, Taiwan, June 10 - Taiwan's military on Wednesday fired its new mobile HIMARS rocket system, which is widely used by Ukraine, simulating an attack on an invading Chinese force and demonstrating its ability to \"shoot-and-scoot\" by avoiding counter strikes.
China, Taiwan spar over legality of coast guard patrols east of island
BEIJING/TAIPEI, June 10 - China and Taiwan sparred on Wednesday over the legality of Chinese coast guard patrols to the east of the island, after the government in Taipei said merchant ships had been \"harassed\" close to its waters.
Beyond transparency: a better model for sovereign debt crises
For decades, the global financial community has treated sovereign debt crises like a broken thermometer: if we just improve the reading (transparency) and hold the technician accountable (through regulation and monitoring), the fever will break. Yet, from the streets of Colombo
Philippines urges China to remove shoal structure, warns against island-building
MANILA, June 10 - The Philippines said on Wednesday that it is urging Beijing to remove a floating structure placed at the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, adding that it will not allow the atoll to be turned into a man-made island.
Indonesia braces itself for rising forest fire risks from dry season, weather agency says
About 1,700 hot spots were detected from January to June 8, a sharp increase from previous years.
Indonesian military court jails four officers involved in acid attack on rights activist
JAKARTA, June 10 - An Indonesian military court on Wednesday sentenced four military officers to jail terms of up to three years for their involvement in an acid attack on an activist known for campaigning against the growing role of the military.
Malaysia mulls special immigration lane for Johor voters in Singapore returning for upcoming state polls
The Malaysian home ministry will “respond accordingly” once the Election Commission announces key dates for the Johor state polls on Friday, said home minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
Military court jails four Indonesian soldiers over acid attack on activist
Critics say those who planned the crime have not been identified and likely never will be.
Japan petition takes aim at Trump manga, anime posts
The petition was originally started in March but was re-opened on June 9.
Philippines urges China to remove structure in disputed shoal
Manila has issued several demarches to Beijing, and a formal protest against the structure.
Pumice clogs island shores after Papua New Guinea eruption, stoking fears of food shortage
The eruption began on May 8 about 125km south-east of Manus Island.
Bad timing for Indonesia to be living dangerously again
Bank Indonesia’s off‑cycle rate hike on June 9 underscored just how alarmed policymakers are about the trajectory of Southeast Asia’s largest economy. It also serves as an early warning to the rest of the world about the financial and economic storm clouds gathering over
Japan and Malaysia agree on deeper maritime defence cooperation
Their alignment is based on common concerns over China’s maritime claims and the economic disruptions from the Iran war.
Messi plushies see roaring trade as China firms get World Cup boost
The plush is a boon for Chinese merchants crunching out merchandise for fans spending on “emotional value”.
A question of trust in Prabowo’s Indonesia
A few weeks ago, I heard two seemingly contradictory views about Indonesia. One came from a business executive who has spent decades operating in the Southeast Asian nation. His broad assessment was that Indonesia is still too important to ignore. The market is large, the