US firms voice ‘concern’ over China’s new supply chain rules
Western governments are increasingly concerned about their reliance on Chinese supply chains.
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No need to keep right: South Korea to now urge people to stand on both sides of escalators
South Korea's policies around the side to stand on an escalator has changed multiple times.
South Korea, Vietnam set to sign dozens of business deals as President Lee visits Hanoi
More than 70 pacts to be unveiled across finance, infrastructure, advanced technology and energy.
Warning of higher condom prices goes viral in China, stokes stockpiling talk
One user said “a few dozen yuan for a condom" is more cost-effective than raising a child.
Doomed diplomacy: Iran’s pros wrestle while US rookies play poker
Imagine a poker game in which one player has spent decades mastering every bluff, every tell, every hidden card. Their opponent, playing for the first time, relies on instinct, bravado and the vague hope that sheer force of will can substitute for skill. Now imagine that the
Samsung workers protest over huge pay gap with SK Hynix, threaten long strike
Should their demands not be met, they plan to strike for 18 days from May 21.
Malaysia’s King says will pick new head of anti-graft agency, warns against politicising issue
The appointment of Malaysia's top graft-buster is governed by Section 5 of the MACC Act 2009, which says that the King will appoint the chief commissioner based on the advice of the prime minister.
No unilateral moves on Strait of Malacca, says Malaysia after Indonesia floats toll idea
It said Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand shared a “watertight understanding”.
‘No unilateral decisions’ on Malacca Strait, ASEAN works by consensus: Malaysia's foreign minister
Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan’s comments came amid geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, with a chokepoint at the Strait of Hormuz, and after Indonesia Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa floated the idea of imposing a levy on ships passing through the Malacca
US says China used 'intimidation' to block Taiwan leader's Africa trip
Beijing said it had "high appreciation" for the African countries that blocked the permits for Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te's trip planned for this week.
South Korea tells US lawmakers it will ensure no discrimination against US tech firms
Seoul was implementing measures to ensure US digital companies did not face discriminatory measures.
Tokyo government urges employers to allow T-shirts and shorts at work to beat the heat
Metropolitan government employees were already seen wearing T-shirts and shorts.
South Korea fines matchmaking agency over leak of sensitive user data
SEOUL, April 23 - South Korea's data protection agency said on Thursday it has fined a matchmaking service over the leak of its members' sensitive personal information, including their weight, blood type and whether they were previously married.
How US and Iran could step back from the brink
Donald Trump’s deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face a renewal of American bombardment was due to expire this week, but was extended at the last moment, this time with no defined time limit. But the risk of renewed escalation remains real, as both sides
Asia’s appetite for Canada’s ‘liquid gold’ grows but supplies at risk from climate change
It is increasingly being used in Japanese marinades, South Korean pastries and Southeast Asian desserts such as pandan cakes.
China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi calls for complete eradication of Cambodia scam centres
Mr Wang Yi also said he supported initiatives aimed at normalising relations between Cambodia and Thailand.
Taiwan minister makes rare visit to disputed South China Sea island
Kuan Bi-ling observed coast guard drills on Taiping Island, also claimed by China, the Philippines and Vietnam.
US stuck using $1 million missiles against Iran’s $20,000 drones
It may sound hard to believe, but the almost trillion-dollar US military is struggling to fight cheap drones in its war with Iran. Iran has built a simple drone, the Shahed, with a motorcycle-type engine, loaded it with explosives and successfully targeted its neighbors’ cities
Voting under way in key Indian states Tamil Nadu, West Bengal
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s party is hoping to make inroads in the opposition strongholds.
Malaysia’s King says he will choose a new anti-graft chief
It is first the official confirmation that current head Azam Baki’s term won’t be renewed when it ends in May.
Malaysia's king says he will choose next anti-graft agency chief
KUALA LUMPUR, April 23 - Malaysia's King Sultan Ibrahim said on Thursday that he will select the next head of the country's anti-graft body, with the agency's current chief under growing pressure to resign over misconduct allegations.
Is China’s soft power rising, or is America’s just crumbling?
Soft power is notoriously hard to quantify, but it’s difficult to argue that global soft power has been shifting steadily toward East Asia in recent decades. A few years ago, I wrote a post about how South Korea became a cultural superpower on purpose, while Japan became one by
Iran tightens control of Hormuz after US calls off renewed attacks
WASHINGTON/DUBAI/ISLAMABAD, April 23 - Iran seized two ships in the Strait of Hormuz as it tightened its grip on the strategic waterway after U.S. President Donald Trump announced he was indefinitely calling off attacks, with no sign of peace talks restarting.
Sellers in China trade hub Guangdong seek tariff reprieve from Trump visit
Factories in Guangdong province have borne the brunt of Mr Trump’s mercurial policies and a blistering trade war.
Flights delayed at Japan’s Haneda airport after international check-in system glitch
This comes just two days after the airport suffered a glitch in its air traffic control system.
China's Xpeng expects to start delivering 'flying' cars in 2027
The Chinese electric vehicle maker has received more than 7,000 orders for its flying cars, the majority of which are in China.
Fury as Indonesian court dismisses 1998 mass rape lawsuit
Rights groups called the ruling a major step backwards that further perpetuates impunity.
Chinese EV maker Xpeng expects to start delivering ‘flying’ cars in 2027
It also expects to start large-scale production of its humanoid robots in the fourth quarter of 2026.
Thailand moves to end 60-day visa-free stays to screen out unwanted visitors
Thailand is seeking to shift its tourism strategy towards higher-quality and longer-stay visitors.
Japan mulls social media age limits as global curbs spread
In Japan, teenagers spent nearly 70 minutes a day on social media on weekdays, almost double the overall national average.
Another American quagmire at Hormuz
There is a certain grim symmetry to watching Washington, in the spring of 2026, once again flailing about in the Persian Gulf — blockading Iranian ports, rattling sabers over a strait it cannot fully control and dispatching delegations to Islamabad in search of a diplomatic
Why China’s support for Iran has limits
Besides criticising the US and Israeli attacks, Beijing has shown little support for Tehran's defence.
Negeri Sembilan’s royal dispute deepens as dissenters’ seats lay empty at state assembly
The state’s Malay ruler stressed that their absence would not affect the legality of the state assembly sitting.
Hormuz blockades show how everything is now about leverage
Iran’s military might was never going to be a match for the US and Israel. So instead it turned to the highly effective weapon it has at its disposal – geography. Blocking off the Strait of Hormuz has shaken the global economy. It has doubled the price of a barrel of crude oil,
‘Dancing in their hands’: Japan wig masters set stage alive
A fresh wig is crafted for each kabuki performance and customised for each actor.
South Korea’s air force apologises after audit blames 2021 jet collision on mid-air selfies
SEOUL, April 23 - South Korea's air force apologised on Thursday for a 2021 mid-air collision involving two fighter jets, a day after auditors said pilots were taking selfies and filming during the flight and held them responsible for the accident.
As more ASEAN states turn to Russia for fuel, will Moscow boost its influence in the region?
Asian countries have been especially affected by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Malaysian TikTok creator arrested for wearing police gear in viral video
The incident involves a video believed to be recorded for online content.
Ex-Jakarta agency head faces charges in deadly landfill collapse
The environment agency had failed to comply with administrative sanctions imposed since late 2024.
Over 1,000 people urged to evacuate as wildfires rage in north-eastern Japan
The local weather observatory had warned of dry air and strong winds in Otsuchi.
US intercepts three Iranian oil tankers in Asian waters, sources say
At least three Iranian-flagged tankers have been redirected from their positions near India, Malaysia and Sri Lanka, shipping and security sources said.
Taiwan minister makes rare visit to South China Sea island for drills
TAIPEI, April 23 - Taiwan's minister in charge of the coast guard has made a rare visit to a Taiwan-controlled island in the South China Sea for exercises, including practising the armed boarding of a suspicious ship.
North Korea, Russia aim to open new road bridge soon, KCNA says
The 850m bridge will connect to Russia’s highway system.
Japan’s ANA to introduce fuel surcharge to domestic flights amid rising costs
Japan Airlines is also set to introduce fuel surcharges to domestic flights in 2027.
South Korean fighter pilot fined over midair photos that caused crash
He has been ordered to pay $76,000 in damages.