Australia 'outraged' after Israeli decision not to prosecute over killing of aid worker in Gaza
Foreign minister says she will summon Israeli ambassador over 'insulting' Zomi Frankcom decision.
Headlines
- All
- Africa
- Asia
- Business
- Culture
- Environment
- Europe
- Gaming
- Markets
- Middle East
- Movies & TV
- Music
- Politics
- Science
- South America
- Tech
- World News
Defense minister talks are bigger than just India and Japan
Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi’s visit to India on Thursday, August 20, 2026, could well mark the beginning of a structural transition in Asian security architecture, shifting major bilateral relationships into cross-border defense-industrial frameworks. Koizumi’s
China loading more missile punch into its frigate fleet
China’s Type 054B frigate upgrade is more than a bigger missile load—it is a warning that the next naval arms race may be won by the fleet that can combine firepower with mass. This month, the South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported that China appears to be expanding the
Nuclear power revival sparks global race, from uranium mines in Texas to seas of Japan
With uranium demand expected to double by 2040, countries are reopening mines, expanding enrichment capacity and exploring alternative fuels, seawater extraction and fusion technology, CNA’s The Nuclear Option finds.
Indonesia’s renewed macaque export push pits research demand against conservation concerns
Officials say the move benefits local communities and can help manage human-wildlife conflicts, while animal welfare groups warn it risks undermining protection of the species classified by an international conservation authority as endangered.
Commentary: America’s reassurances about the Indo-Pacific leave room for doubt
Washington’s words and actions invite questions about whether its strategic view of the Indo-Pacific region has changed, says RSIS’ Sinderpal Singh.
Commentary: Asia is rearming fast - but counting the wrong kind of military power
What decides how long wars can be fought is regenerative capacity, with Asia not yet paying for it, says an analyst.
China considering summit with Seoul in November, South Korean foreign ministry says
The possible summit was discussed during Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit to Seoul, where he met his South Korean counterpart Cho Hyun.
Philippines bets on classrooms to strengthen South China Sea claims
Experts say education can build lasting public support, but could also narrow future diplomatic options.
Unearthing gold bargains in two small Malaysian towns
Two Negeri Sembilan towns have built a reputation for affordable gold jewellery, drawing shoppers near and far.
South Korean container ship will test Arctic route to Europe amid Western concern
South Korea's move risks friction with Western allies, as the voyage requires Russian cooperation.
UN's Guterres seriously concerned by US sanctions on ICC
Aug 19 - U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is seriously concerned by the U.S. decision to impose sanctions on International Criminal Court President Tomoko Akane and senior trial lawyer Abdoulaye Seye, a U.N. spokesperson said on Wednesday.
Rahman’s India visit stalls, Hasina issue to blame
For months, Bangladesh and India had been attempting that favorite diplomatic maneuver, the “reset,” a word suggesting that international relations, like an obstinate Wi-Fi router, can be repaired by switching everything off and starting again. There was certainly plenty to
Trump says he plans to meet with North Korea's Kim this year
WASHINGTON, Aug 19 - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday he plans to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un later this year, and said the Asian nation held 57 \"very powerful\" nuclear weapons.
North Korea leader’s sister ‘unaware’ of reported Kim-Trump communication
Kim Yo Jong nevertheless said her brother still had “good memories and feelings” about the US president.
China’s Zhuque-3 rocket comes home for first time, closing in on SpaceX
China is closing the gap that has given SpaceX a near-monopoly in heavy-lift rocket launches.
India’s Israel arms ties enter a riskier new phase
For decades, India-Israel defense relations were straightforward. Israel possessed military technologies, weapons systems and operational expertise that India wanted, while India offered one of the world’s largest defense and weaponry markets. That equation is now changing at
North Korea's Kim Yo Jong denies Zelenskiy's claim on additional troops deployment
SEOUL, Aug 19 - North Korea's Kim Yo Jong, sister of leader Kim Jong Un, on Wednesday denied Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's claim that Pyongyang plans to send up to 50,000 more troops to Russia to fight for its ally.
Australia secures court-enforceable child safety undertaking from Roblox
The regulator gave Roblox three months to roll out measures.
Sri Lanka unearths golden Buddha statues in ancient capital
The rare find came during excavations of a rampart of the Abhayagiri temple complex in Anuradhapura.
Five Australian rules footy players apologise amid police investigation
They were suspended for drinking and inviting women to a hotel, while police investigate an alleged sexual assault.
Japan drafts Kumamoto quake aid package, plans travel discounts
The Japanese government will compile the aid package by the end of August.
Indonesia family finds 84-year-old woman alive days after earthquake
The paralysed woman was buried alive under collapsed bamboo walls.
Malaysia raises concerns over US-backed Philippine military base
The Philippines plans to turn Balabac island into a forward operating base for its air force.
South Korea’s Incheon Airport puts up fence after queue-jumping incidents
There were after repeated incidents, involving passengers believed to be Chinese traders, rushing past queues.
After Philippines school shooting, debate shifts to social media, gun safety
MANILA, Aug 19 - Philippine authorities were trying to understand how a student whom teachers described as academically strong livestreamed carrying out a fatal shooting at his school before turning the gun on himself, as lawmakers debate measures ranging from social media
After Philippine school shooting, debate shifts to social media and gun safety
A student who live-streamed a fatal school shooting was described as academically strong.
Patient’s severed toe found in Seoul nursing hospital fridge, along with drinks and dips
The patient, a man in his 60s with an intellectual disability, had a toe detached after a fall.
Why Japan is leading the global bond selloff
NEW YORK – As global bond yields spike amid the latest Middle East tremors, Japan is at the epicenter. Surging US Treasury rates are getting most of the attention – even from geopolitical observers like Eurasia Group’s Ian Bremmer, who notes that the “Treasury will struggle to
Japan criticises US over 'unfortunate' sanctions on ICC
The US plans to impose sanctions on ICC President Tomoko Akane and a Senegalese lawyer on the prosecution team that sought an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Seoul to triple late-night autonomous taxis in Gangnam
The taxis can be hailed through the Kakao T app within the designated operating area in Gangnam.
China’s Wang Yi in South Korea for talks amid Trump push to revive North Korea diplomacy
The visit comes after South Korea and the United States scaled back joint military exercises.
China's Wang Yi in South Korea for talks amid Trump push to revive North Korea diplomacy
SEOUL, Aug 19 - Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi arrived in Seoul on Wednesday for talks with South Korean officials, media reported, after Seoul and Washington scaled back joint military drills amid U.S. President Donald Trump's efforts to revive diplomacy with North Korean
Crossing a ‘red’ line? Chinese comedy star investigated over altered song lyrics
Guo Degang was accused of “violating public order and good customs” after changing the lyrics of a classic Chinese revolutionary song during a recent performance.
Thailand-based fitness coach dies after collapsing at Hyrox event in Bangkok
Leroy Saunders died on Aug 13, but no medical cause had been disclosed.
Chinese space programme pioneer Liu Jiyuan dies at 93
BEIJING, Aug 19 - A pioneer of China's aerospace programme, Liu Jiyuan, died in Beijing aged 93 after an illness, the main space contractor said on Wednesday.
Australia rejects far-right call to slash cigarette taxes by 75%
A pack of 20 cigarettes from a leading brand currently costs up to A$60 (S$54) in Australia.
China robot makers flock to Beijing show, seek path to mass adoption
China's robot boom faces fierce competition, steep costs and a long road to wider adoption.
Mushroom murderer trial undermined by 'catastrophic' hotel mix-up, appeal court told
Erin Patterson's defence team appeal against her conviction for killing relatives with a beef Wellington laced with toxic mushrooms.
Cambodian opposition leader’s daughter defends her government role
Kem Monovithya has been made as a “special envoy” - a rank equal to a government minister.
Vietnam seeks to clear land before compensation in overhaul plan
The issue is becoming more pressing as Vietnam embarks on vast urban and infrastructure projects.
China urges respect for digital sovereignty in AI race
BEIJING, Aug 19 - China on Wednesday urged respect for each country's digital sovereignty, after a report the U.S. would ask countries to choose sides in the artificial intelligence race with Beijing.
Indonesia seizes 2.6 tonnes of meth in major bust
Sniffer dogs also found more than 1.5 million illegal cigarettes on board.