Vincent's parents 'never say he's good enough' - so he turned to a middle-aged couple online

A niche group of content creators called "virtual parents" have become hugely popular among young people.

‘This person loves you but doesn’t exist’: Inside China’s romance role-playing boom

In China, young women are paying hundreds of yuan to experience scripted romance, fuelling a booming industry built on manufactured intimacy. But as the boundaries between fantasy and reality blur, questions emerge about where those limits should lie.

Commentary: Peak oil demand has arrived

The largest oil-supply disruption in modern history has accelerated the arrival of peak oil demand, says NYU professor Carolyn Kissane.

'Every chance of making history': Japan tipped to shine at 2026 World Cup

With a squad of players who are nearly all playing in Europe, observers tell CNA's Matthew Mohan that hopes are high for the Samurai Blue at this year's World Cup despite the injuries.

North Korea says 'denuclearisation' is a matter terminated irreversibly

SEOUL, June 14 - North Korea said on Sunday denuclearisation is a matter that is terminated irreversibly, as it condemned recent nuclear deterrence talks between the U.S. and South Korea.

Trump to meet with Middle East leaders, attend Ukraine session at G7, US officials say

WASHINGTON, June 13 - U.S. President Donald Trump will meet with Middle Eastern leaders and attend a working session with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy during the G7 summit in France next week, senior U.S. administration officials said on Saturday.

Malaysia opposition shake-up deepens with new party launch

Parti Wawasan Negara is prepared to cooperate with other opposition groups.

North Korea protests against Seoul-EU rebuke of Russia ties

North Korea’s Foreign Ministry said cooperation with Russia was an “exercise of sovereign rights”.

Some Sydney beaches closed after woman injured in shark attack

The woman, believed to be in her 30s, suffered serious arm and leg injuries.

Crowds line streets in Japanese town for ‘chagu chagu umakko’ horse parade

The parade is believed to have originated as a ritual to pray for the health of farm horses.

Tata’s iPhone parts factory contaminated farmland water, India pollution body alleges

The plant under investigation is in Tamil Nadu and makes back panels and other components for iPhones.

Indonesia welcomes elephant calf born in the wild in Riau

The birth is a hopeful sign for Sumatran elephants, which are considered critically endangered.

Why Bangladesh chose Malaysia and China before India for PM Rahman’s debut tour

Analysts view the decision to prioritise Kuala Lumpur and Beijing as practical rather than a direct snub of New Delhi.

Five killed in Indian military transport plane crash

The plane crashed while landing at an air force station in the country’s remote north-east.

Japan, Indonesia eye closer ties via intel sharing, export of destroyers

They agreed last week to launch talks on the export of Asagiri-class destroyers to Indonesia.

Thousands gather in Thai capital to mourn late princess

Princess Bajrakitiyabha, known as Princess Bha, died aged 47 on Thursday (Jun 11) after spending more than three years in a coma due to a cardiac condition.

When pressure fuels more pressure

Subscribe now with a one-month trial for only $1, then enjoy the first year at an exclusive rate of just $99. Europe’s protectionist turn challenges JapanScott Foster argues that Europe’s efforts to shield its automotive industry through local-content requirements and subsidy

Thousands gather in Thai capital to mourn late princess Bajrakitiyabha

Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol died aged 47 on June 11 following an abdominal infection.

Thousands gather for Seoul queer festival, counter-rally

SEOUL, June 13 - Thousands of people gathered in central Seoul on Saturday for an annual LGBTQ pride parade, while a conservative Christian group held a nearby counter-rally, organisers and police said.

Thousands gather for Seoul queer festival and counter-rally

The festival has long drawn both supporters of LGBTQ rights and opposition from conservative groups.

The future of Asian finance may be built in local currencies

The global financial system is entering a period of profound transformation. Geopolitical tensions, supply chain realignments and increasingly volatile capital flows have exposed the vulnerabilities of an international monetary architecture that remains heavily dependent on a

Taiwan opposition leader seeks to ease Washington's concerns over China stance during US trip

Cheng Li-wun, chairwoman of the Kuomintang (KMT), has been on a two-week US trip following her April visit to China, where she met President Xi Jinping.

UNCLOS conciliation gives Cambodia, Thailand a just path to peace

On June 2, Cambodia initiated compulsory conciliation proceedings with Thailand under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). We did so to protect our national sovereignty and maritime rights after Thailand unilaterally walked away from a 25-year-old bilateral

China 'strongly dissatisfied' with Pentagon move against top Chinese tech firms

'Never wanted a snap state election' in Negeri Sembilan, but no choice given BN's actions: Anwar

Malaysia Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim was speaking on Friday (Jun 12) night at the launch of his coalition's election campaign for the Negeri Sembilan state polls.

After the military, Malaysia’s veterans struggle to seek new livelihoods amid rising costs

Many military veterans retire in their early 40s and must find new work to support their families.

China rebukes US over ‘military’ labelling of its top firms

The US added China's Alibaba, BYD and Baidu to a list of firms it said aid the Chinese military.

India Foreign Minister calls Rubio over Gulf ship attacks

This follows American strikes on three merchant vessels off Oman that killed three Indians.

Woman seriously injured in shark attack at Sydney beach

It is the latest of a spate of shark attacks off Australia's coast.

Malaysian e-hailing driver assaulted after asking passengers to buckle up

The victim said the three men were intoxicated when they got into his car.

Thai princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol’s death raises questions about royal succession

King Maha Vajiralongkorn has yet to name a successor nearly a decade after taking the throne.

Higher voter turnout expected at Johor, Negeri Sembilan state elections: Analysts

Young voters could have a meaningful impact on overall turnout, said an analyst.