Chongqing’s economic plans signal continuity even as city tries to tap trends

Chongqing’s move to grow its “emotional economy” comes as the booming consumption trend takes hold worldwide.

Bodies pulled from sea as Philippine ferry toll rises to 29

ASEAN must remain united to preserve regional peace: Vivian Balakrishnan

He met his counterparts from Indonesia and Cambodia on the sidelines of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Retreat in Cebu.

Southeast Asian bloc faces challenges from Myanmar to South China Sea

MANILA, Jan 29 - The 11-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations, whose foreign ministers met in the Philippines this week, faces a complex regional agenda, including:

‘No consensus for now’ within ASEAN to recognise Myanmar election, says grouping’s chair

The election, which concluded on Jan 25, has been widely criticised by watchdog groups as an exercise to rebrand army rule.

Russia's Putin tells UAE leader he wants to discuss Iran tensions with him

MOSCOW, Jan 29 - Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday told his UAE counterpart Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan that Russia was closely monitoring the situation in Iran and wanted to discuss it with him in Kremlin talks.

Chechen leader Kadyrov says Russia should fight war in Ukraine to the end

MOSCOW, Jan 29 - The leader of Russia's Chechnya region, Ramzan Kadyrov, said on Thursday that he was opposed to talks on ending the war in Ukraine and that Moscow should fight on.

China relaxes visa rules for UK citizens on PM Starmer’s trip to Beijing

The move is part of a partnership deal which London hopes will help expand its service sector.

China relaxes visa rules for UK citizens on PM's trip to Beijing

BEIJING, Jan 29 - China agreed to relax rules to allow some visa-free travel for British citizens on Thursday during a visit by Prime Minister Keir Starmer to Beijing, as part of a partnership deal which London hopes will help expand its service sector.

Hong Kong raids offices in bid-rigging probe after deadly Wang Fuk fire

The search included the residences of people suspected of rigging the tendering for housing projects.

BRICS laying first tracks for new global payment system

As India prepares to host the BRICS summit later this year, the focus will be on a payment system linking national digital currencies. By prioritizing this infrastructure over launching a new currency, the bloc makes a pragmatic bet that practical systems will reshape global

Driver accuses 3 Filipino actresses of beating him up over ‘sensitive photos’

The actresses’ lawyer says his story “is not only physically impossible but also incredible”.

Thai foreign minister hopes Myanmar polls 'start of transition' to peace

Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said Thailand had proposed what it termed "calibrated engagement", saying the country needed to be proactive given its status as Myanmar's next-door neighbour.

Watch: CCTV captures moment mayor hit in rocket launcher attack in the Philippines

A mayor in the Philippines has survived a rocket launcher attack on his vehicle in broad daylight.

Tokyo issues new influenza advisory after over 6,000 cases reported at schools, facilities

The metropolitan government is urging frequent handwashing, disinfection and mask-wearing.

Norway orders $2 billion artillery system from South Korea's Hanwha Aerospace

OSLO, Jan 29 - Norway has agreed to buy long-range artillery systems and rockets from South Korean defence group Hanwha Aerospace for $2 billion, it said on Thursday, as the NATO country seeks to boost its deterrence against Russia.

Flood losses set to soar tenfold in South-east Asia: Study

Early indications suggest that major regional flooding could cause economic losses in excess of $12.6 billion.

Coupang announces 9-cent sanitary pads after S. Korea’s Lee calls out high prices in market

Other manufacturers have also moved to expand lower-priced offerings.

Motorcyclist injured by burger stall falling from moving lorry in Malaysia

As the lorry driver made a turn, the burger stall on the back toppled onto a motorcyclist as he was waiting at a junction.

Indonesia’s Batang Toru crackdown puts China on green notice

The revocation of permits for dozens of companies operating in Indonesia’s fragile forests—most notably the China-backed Batang Toru hydropower project—has been hailed as a bold environmental stand by President Prabowo Subianto. After years of ecological controversy surrounding

Germany's Merz says rules-based world not dead despite 'rough winds'

BERLIN, Jan 29 - German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Thursday said the goal of a rules-based global order was not dead, calling for a stronger NATO within Europe while still extending the hand of cooperation to the United States.

‘Game Of Thrones’ in Indonesia as Solo’s princes clash over the crown

After Pakubuwono XIII's death, his two sons from different wives have claimed to be the rightful heir.

Indonesia couple caned 140 times for sex outside marriage, drinking alcohol

It is thought to be one of the highest numbers of cane lashes imposed since Aceh implemented syariah.

Myanmar revolution must outthink, not just outfight, the generals

Myanmar’s Spring Revolution is entering its fifth year, making it the most sustained and geographically widespread popular uprising in the country’s modern history. The junta is battered, controlling only a fraction of the nation’s territory while ruling the rest through air

Nvidia's CEO says China is still finalising licence for H200

Despite strong demand from Chinese firms and US approval for exports, Beijing's hesitation to allow imports has been the main barrier to shipments.

India’s clean energy ambitions grow, even as fossil fuels stay in the mix

Analysts say significant investment and infrastructure development are still needed to keep the country’s green plans on track.

India should consider age-based limits for social media, chief economic adviser says

NEW DELHI, Jan 29 - India's chief economic adviser called on the government to set age-based limits on access to social media apps to counter \"digital addiction\", cautioning against use of platforms by children in the largest user market for Meta and YouTube.

Vietnam, EU vow stronger ties as bloc's chief visits Hanoi

India should consider age-based limits for social media access, says economic adviser

India does not have a unified national minimum age for social media access.

Thai foreign minister hopes Myanmar polls will be ‘start of transition’ to peace

“A good number” of the bloc’s members held similar views, said Philippines' Theresa Lazaro.

Taiwan in hot and heavy fight over $40 billion US arms deal

While the United States and China spar over the future of Taiwan, political antagonists on the self-ruling island are deploying strategies in parliament to persuade one of the two superpowers to take their side. President Lai Ching-te and his Democratic Progressive Party want

China bans 73 people from all football for life, will punish 13 clubs ahead of 2026 season

These include former Chinese Football Association (CFA) president Chen Xuyuan and former national team coach Li Tie.

JB police seek info on S’porean man seriously injured in accident involving Malaysian cop, driver

The S'porean and the Malaysian cop were hit by a local driver while standing by the side of the road.

Starmer and Xi discussed tariffs, travel and migration

BEIJING, Jan 29 - British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he and Chinese President Xi Jinping had made good progress on tariffs, travel and small-boat migration in a meeting on Thursday that put their relationship in a \"strong place\".

‘I’m calling it off’: Indian singer Arijit Singh announces retirement from playback singing

In 2025, the 38-year-old was conferred the Padma Shri, one of the highest civilian honours in India.

China sees most high temperature days on record in 2025

China’s national average annual temperature hit a record for a second year at 10.9 deg C.

Taiwan military practices repelling a Chinese assault from the sea

KAOHSIUNG, Taiwan, Jan 29 - Taiwan's military on Thursday simulated repelling a Chinese assault from the sea, integrating shore-launched missiles and drones with fast patrol boats to stop an attempted invasion.

Malaysia to penalise foreign-registered vehicle owners who buy subsidised RON95 petrol starting Apr 1

Currently, Malaysia only charges petrol station operators for selling the subsidised fuel to foreign-registered vehicles.

Nipah virus fears trigger airport checks across Asia after India confirms two cases

The virus can cause fever and brain inflammation and has a fatality rate of between 40% and 75%.

As ringgit strengthens against US dollar, some Malaysian furniture exporters remain unfazed

One exporter said a 19 per cent US tariff has given Malaysian products an edge over Chinese goods, which face duties of at least 25 per cent.

For four days, a dog kept vigil over a boy lost on ill-fated Himalayan trek in India

The dog was airlifted with the boy’s body, and later handed back to his family.

Indonesian stocks recover as authorities attempt to allay investor worries

The benchmark Jakarta Composite Index was down about 1.7 per cent, off an earlier drop of 8 per cent.

Royal Thai Air Force aircraft crashes in Chiang Mai; two pilots killed

The bodies have not been moved and the area has been cordoned off.

Snow forecast to accumulate in central Tokyo

The authorities also earlier warned of heavy snowfall in north-eastern and western areas.

China executes 11 people linked to Myanmar scam compounds

Among those executed were members of the "Ming family criminal group", whose activities had contributed to the deaths of 14 Chinese citizens and injuries to "many others", state news agency Xinhua reported.

Vietnam, EU elevate diplomatic ties as international order ‘is under threat’

A free trade agreement between Vietnam and the 27-country EU entered into force in 2020.