China’s push to boost birth rate sputters as couples stay child-free
More young people have either sworn against having children at all or are putting it off for the next few years.
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Incheon sets Guinness world record with new sea bridge
A key feature of the bridge is its observatory installed on the main pylon at a height of 184m.
Malaysia to push for two-term limit for prime ministers, further reforms
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 5 - Malaysia aims to implement a slew of institutional reforms this year and next, including a two-term limit for the premiership, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said on Monday, amid renewed calls for sweeping changes to tackle corruption and improve governance.
Thailand-Cambodia ceasefire ‘gradually’ being implemented, says China
China said it hopes both sides will ensure a “comprehensive” and “lasting” ceasefire.
Thailand-Cambodia ceasefire 'gradually' being implemented, says China
BEIJING, Jan 5 - The agreement between Thailand and Cambodia on a ceasefire is being \"gradually\" implemented, the Chinese foreign ministry said on Monday.
Elderly woman dies after choking on mochi in Tokyo
She was among seven cases of elderly people being taken to hospital in the first three days of 2026.
Venezuela acting president seeks US govt collaboration
Jan 5 - Venezuela's Acting President Delcy Rodriguez invited the U.S. government to collaborate on an agenda of cooperation, in a statement on social media that struck a conciliatory tone following the U.S. capture of President Nicolas Maduro.
Netflix withdraws Chinese drama in Vietnam over nine-dash line map
The South-east Asian nation said scenes showing the map misrepresent and violate national sovereignty.
Philippines arrests ex-general who called for president’s ouster
Mr Romeo Poquiz had publicly called for the armed forces to withdraw their support from Mr Marcos.
No bail for Indian activists after five years in jail without trial
Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam were arrested under anti-terror laws for their alleged roles in the deadly 2020 Delhi riots.
Taiwan sees Trump’s arrest of Maduro as helpful in deterring Xi
Some say the strike signals a tougher US stance towards countries with close ties to China and Russia.
Two-term limit for Malaysia PM among 2026 reform pledges by Anwar
Other Bills to be tabled in parliament this year include the separation of powers of the attorney-general and public prosecutor, the creation of an ombudsman office and the introduction of a freedom of information law.
‘Not about condoms’: Chinese shrug off contraceptive tax
Consumers must now pay a 13 per cent value-added tax for contraception including condoms.
China seeks to enhance ties with Ireland to boost relations with EU
Mr Xi positioned stronger bilateral ties as a way to also boost relations with the European Union.
China seeks enhanced ties with Ireland, as leaders meet in Beijing
BEIJING, Jan 5 - China is ready to strengthen strategic communication with Ireland and expand practical cooperation, while aiming to achieve mutually beneficial results, Chinese President Xi Jinping told Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin on Monday.
10-year, two-term limit for Malaysia PMs: Anwar announces reforms to win back votes ahead of next GE
He said leaders should implement reforms during their term and not overstay their welcome.
Japanese sushi chain buys tuna for record $4.18 million at New Year auction
The 243kg bluefin tuna was caught off the coast of Oma in the north-eastern prefecture of Aomori.
Chinese cyberattacks on Taiwan infrastructure averaged 2.6 million a day in 2025, report says
TAIPEI, Jan 5 - Chinese cyberattacks on Taiwan's key infrastructure from hospitals to banks rose 6% in 2025 from the previous year to an average of 2.63 million attacks a day, the island's National Security Bureau said, adding some were synchronised with military drills in
Chinese cyber attacks on Taiwan infrastructure averaged 2.6 million a day in 2025: Report
The average number of daily attacks in 2025 jumped 113 per cent from 2023.
Building connections: India seeks to redraw energy map with green power grid plans
India aims to be at the centre of a cross-continent web of green power connections.
Man who allegedly filled S’pore-registered car with RON95 at Johor petrol station identified
The owner of the vehicle was found in Singapore following the viral incident.
Bluefin tuna sells for record US$3.2 million at year-opening auction at Tokyo fish market
The pricey fish, caught off the coast of Oma in northern Japan, costs 2.1 million yen (US$13,360) per kilogram.
China may take time to lift unofficial ban on South Korean culture: Official
South Korean presidential chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik said this in an interview on Jan 5.
China may take time to lift unofficial ban on Korean culture, South Korean official says
SEOUL, Jan 5 - Beijing is unlikely to lift its unofficial ban on Korean culture anytime soon, South Korean Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik said in a radio interview on Monday.
South Korean mathematician solves 60-year-old maths puzzle
This research was named among the top 10 mathematical breakthroughs of 2025.
China says it cannot accept countries acting as ‘world judge’ after US captures Maduro
It was Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's first remarks since Maduro was captured.
China says it cannot accept countries acting as 'world judge' after US captures Maduro
BEIJING, Jan 5 - Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Beijing cannot accept any country acting as the \"world's judge\" after the United States captured Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro.
South Korea’s Lee to meet Xi with trade, Pyongyang on the agenda
Mr Lee Jae Myung is the first South Korean leader to visit Beijing in six years.
South Korea's Lee Jae Myung to meet China's Xi in reset of relations
Trade, regional security and Beijing's unofficial ban on Korean pop culture are on the agenda.
Ex-Australia batter Martyn wakes up from coma in 'miracle' recovery
Martyn, who played 67 Test matches from 1992 to 2006, was diagnosed with meningitis late last month.
India wants more passenger jets. Can it also build them?
India’s aviation boom, delivery delays and a Russia tie-up revive the long-running question of building planes at home.
South Korea's 'movie of the year' is an indie story about a teen's trauma
The World of Love has been praised for its touching, empathetic portrayal of life after sexual assault.
This Thai designer in Bangkok went from making jewellery to crafting unique glasses by hand – just for you
At Gimm, eyewear is more than a necessity – it’s an expression of individuality. Thai designer Chaiwat Wattananukit handcrafts every pair, combining artistry, precision and personal fit to create frames as unique as their wearers.
North Korea tests hypersonic missiles, says nuclear forces ready for war
It was the country's first test of the year.
North Korea test-fires hypersonic missiles, KCNA says
SEOUL, Jan 5 - North Korea test-fired hypersonic missiles on Sunday, state media KCNA reported on Monday, to assess its military operational capability regarding war deterrence.
Latvia police board vessel after Baltic Sea telecom cable breach
VILNIUS, Jan 4 - An undersea telecoms cable was damaged in the Baltic Sea on Friday and Latvian investigators on Sunday boarded a ship in connection with the incident, the country's state police said in a statement.
Trump’s Venezuela regime change: the Iraq debacle all over again
Here we go again. The United States has deployed military forces to Venezuela with the stated objective of removing President Nicolás Maduro from power. The familiar rhetoric has returned: restoring democracy, liberating an oppressed people, eliminating a dictator who threatens
Latvia PM says Baltic Sea optical cable has been damaged
VILNIUS, Jan 4 - An optical cable belonging to a private company has been damaged in the Baltic Sea, Latvia's Prime Minister Evika Silina said in a statement on Sunday, adding that the circumstances of the incident were under investigation.
Back to the future: Trump revives an old US habit of intervention
The overthrow of Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro by American military forces is arevival of a custom of ousting leaders, most of them Latin American dictators, to bendtheir countries to the will of the United States. Not all such efforts, which date back more than a
Maduro capture: What’s at stake for China’s economic interests in Venezuela
China is Venezuela’s largest creditor and, by far, its largest buyer of oil, accounting for more than 80 per cent of crude exports.
North Korea condemns US strikes on Venezuela as 'serious encroachment of sovereignty'
SEOUL, Jan 4 - North Korea has denounced the U.S. strikes on Venezuela as \"the most serious form of encroachment of sovereignty,\" state news agency KCNA said on Sunday.
Indonesia rescuers find Spanish tourist’s body a week after boat’s sinking
Authorities have confirmed the victim’s identity as 44-year-old Fernando Martin Carreras.
Tea-leaf spill causes multi-vehicle crash in eastern Japan, kills 1
Four people were taken to hospital, and one was later confirmed dead.
US strike on Venezuela to embolden China’s territorial claims, but Taiwan attack unlikely: Analysts
Beijing will likely use US strike on Venezuela to amplify criticism of Washington.
US strike on Venezuela to embolden China's territorial claims, Taiwan attack unlikely, analysts say
SHANGHAI/BEIJING, Jan 4 - The U.S. attack on Venezuela will embolden China to strengthen its territorial claims over areas such as Taiwan and parts of the South China Sea but will not hasten any potential invasion of Taiwan, analysts said.
Why China is racing to develop its own commercial jet engine
China's reliance on Western jet engines remains a key vulnerability.
Anwar says US action in Venezuela violates international law, calls for Maduro’s immediate release
The prime minister called US military action in Venezuela a "clear violation of international law".