Philippine police thwart teenagers’ alleged plan to attack school with Molotov cocktails, bombs
The five boys and two girls allegedly shared images and videos of school shootings in other countries with one another.
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Trump seeks to delay meeting with Xi in China
The escalating war in Iran has overshadowed many of the US' foreign policy objectives
Pakistan air strike kills at least 100 at Kabul drug rehab centre
Some of the bodies were injured beyond recognition, forensic laboratory sources told the BBC.
Nvidia chip curbs turn Singapore into AI hub for China
The United States’ export controls aimed at restricting China’s access to Nvidia’s advanced artificial intelligence chips are unlikely to stop Chinese firms from upgrading their AI models, according to some data‑center experts. When the Trump administration announced last
North Korea’s new legislature to convene March 22
It will also deliberate on the implementation of a five-year national policy plan.
North Korea to convene new assembly on March 22 to consider constitutional revision, KCNA says
SEOUL, March 17 - North Korea's newly elected Supreme People's Assembly will convene its first session on March 22 to deliberate on a constitutional revision and on the implementation of a five-year national policy plan, state news agency KCNA said on Tuesday.
Rubio, South Korea Foreign Minister Cho agree Strait of Hormuz key to global economy, Seoul says
SEOUL, March 17 - U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on a phone call with South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun on Monday that cooperation among countries to secure safety in the Strait of Hormuz is more important than ever to stabilize the global economy and oil prices,
‘Be the one in control’: Why are more countries leaning towards banning social media access for kids?
When it comes to social media bans, governments are willing to absorb criticism on feasibility, privacy and civil liberties, experts tell CNA.
Win or lose big? Hong Kong’s hub status a double-edged sword amid Middle East war
The conflict exposes the city to many risks, but some are seeing opportunities too.
Afghanistan accuses Pakistan of deadly air strike on drug rehab centre in Kabul
A Pakistani air strike purportedly hit a drug rehabilitation hospital in Kabul, killing civilians.
With US distracted in Iran, N Korea’s opportunistic, not suicidal
North Korea over the weekend fired a barrage of long-range missiles and rockets into the sea off its east coast. This show of force came as the United States military had its hands full in Iran. The article below analyzes Pyongyang’s strategy. -Eds. When the United States
Trump-Xi meeting could be delayed, White House says
WASHINGTON, March 16 - Donald Trump's highly anticipated meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping could be postponed as the U.S. president remains focused on the Iran war, the White House said on Monday.
Trump on Iran: we don't know if new leader is still alive
WASHINGTON, March 16 - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday that it was unclear whether new Iranian leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei was still alive, given reports he had been injured in an air strike.
Trump says some countries are not enthusiastic about helping unblock Hormuz strait
WASHINGTON, March 16 - President Donald Trump on Monday repeated his call to nations to help unblock the Strait of Hormuz, and appeared to criticize countries he said were not enthusiastic about providing aid.
Singapore, 9 other countries back permanent ban on tariffs on digital transmissions ahead of WTO meeting
The ten members of the Future of Investment and Trade Partnership expressed support for such a measure after convening virtually ahead of the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference, scheduled for Mar 26 to 29.
The Gulf’s expat El Dorado faces a costly recovery after the war
To this visitor, the desert cities of the Gulf such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha have long felt like the closest equivalent on Earth to colonies on the Moon. With labor imported, raw materials imported and many of the residents imported, the main difference is that one can
UN Afghan mission gets limited extension after US review call
March 16 - The U.N. Security Council voted on Monday to extend the mandate of the UNAMA assistance mission in Afghanistan for a shorter-than-usual three-month period, after Washington called last week for a review of assistance and engagement in the Taliban-ruled country.
Pakistan-bound oil tanker passes through Hormuz Strait amid Iran war
KARACHI, March 16 - Ship-tracking data shows a Pakistan-bound oil tanker passing through the Strait of Hormuz over the weekend, indicating that some countries are able to negotiate safe passage for their vessels despite the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran.
Nepal welcomes first transgender lawmaker
Bhumika Shrestha on March 16 became Nepal’s first transgender woman lawmaker.
Kyrgyzstan accuses sacked security chief of corruption as purge widens
BISHKEK, March 16 - Kyrgyzstan’s tax authority on Monday published a video accusing ex-security chief Kamchybek Tashiev of corruption, amid a widening purge of his allies.
Japan’s Takaichi faces Iran war test at Trump summit Thursday
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s visit to the United States for a summit with President Donald Trump on March 19 was never going to be easy. Now, with Trump calling upon Japan and other countries to send warships to ensure safe passage for ships through the Strait of Hormuz, she
Rubio and Japan counterpart talk after Trump Iran coalition call
March 16 - Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi spoke by phone with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday after U.S. President Donald Trump called on allies to create a coalition to reopen the vital waterway.
Senior Chinese trade negotiator says talks with US ‘constructive’: State media
The negotiations were held over the weekend and concluded on March 16.
Iranian footballer says 'everything will be fine' as she trains with Australian team
Several players were granted Australian visas after concerns the team would face repercussions at home.
Chinese retailer rivalling Amazon launches in UK
Joybuy, which has distribution centres in Luton and Milton Keynes, is entering six European markets.
As India seeks Hormuz safe passage, Tehran asks for return of seized tankers, sources say
All three tankers are currently docked off Mumbai.
Malaysia’s UMNO set to welcome Khairy, Hishammuddin back into the fold as election season nears
This comes as the party seeks to strengthen its position ahead of upcoming state and national polls.
US 'fine' with some ships getting through Strait of Hormuz, Bessent says
WASHINGTON, March 16 - The United States is \"fine\" with some Iranian, Indian and Chinese ships going through the Strait of Hormuz for now, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Monday, adding that any action to mitigate higher prices would depend on how long the Iran war
China’s Oppo reveals world’s first crease-free foldable phone
The phone will debut alongside an Oppo AI Pen accessory.
Philippines questions authenticity of China-circulated letter on Scarborough Shoal claim
The 1990 diplomatic letter appears to suggest Manila once acknowledged the shoal was outside Philippine sovereignty.
Three men electrocuted in attempted cable theft in Ipoh
They are believed to have been electrocuted while attempting to cut the cables on an electric pole.
Hormuz standoff to decide who defines the new world order
The time for strategic patience in the Strait of Hormuz has expired. As the narrow waterway remains effectively paralyzed by Tehran’s blockade, the international community faces a choice that will define the so-called new world order and the next decade of global security:
Middle East conflict threatens to thwart Thailand’s tourism recovery
Thailand’s international arrivals fell by 8.9 per cent week on week in the first week of March.
China says envoy sent on Afghanistan-Pakistan mediation mission
China urged an immediate ceasefire after deadly cross-border clashes flared.
Philippines probes sudden closure of gas stations amid price hikes
Nationwide help desks have been opened to make it easier to submit complaints about gas stations.
Sarawak aims for five million tourists in 2026, after falling short by 20,000 in 2025
Visitor arrivals there have improved year on year as the state continued to attract international events.
What Trump’s Hormuz coalition call really means for China
Trump called on China and several other countries over the weekend to join his proposed naval coalition for securing freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing Iran war. He then told the Financial Times the following day that “I think China should help
India sees power use surging to record, adding to energy crisis
India is already facing energy woes because of the war in Iran.
Azerbaijan jails Frenchman for a decade in espionage case
BAKU, March 16 - A court in Azerbaijan sentenced a French citizen to ten years in jail on Monday after finding him guilty of spying on behalf of Paris, a charge he partially pleaded guilty to, Russia's RIA state news agency reported.
Iran’s Hormuz blockade anchored in successful securitization
Iran has long threatened to cut off access to the Strait of Hormuz, a concern featured in nearly every strategic risk-mapping and war-gaming scenario involving Iran and maritime disruptions since the 1970s. Given the debilitating impact such a move could have on the global
Myanmar’s junta chief expected to hand over top military post to long-time protege
Observers say the move could formalise a military-controlled political system rather than signal real democratic change.
China in contact with US on summit, Rubio sanctions may not apply, Beijing says
BEIJING, March 16 - China said on Monday it is in communication with the U.S. about President Donald Trump's visit, after Trump threatened to delay the trip over the Strait of Hormuz, and suggested sanctions previously imposed on Marco Rubio are no longer in effect.
China says it is ‘maintaining communication’ with US over Trump visit
Beijing did not address Mr Trump’s pressure on NATO allies and China to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Indonesia police seek four suspects for acid attack on activist
The victim was a vocal critic of moves to increase the military's influence in Indonesia's government.
India hopeful Iran talks will ease Hormuz route for its ships
Foreign Minister S Jaishankar told FT there was no "blanket arrangement" for Indian ships to pass through the strait.
Gulf crisis to strengthen, not weaken, China’s industrial edge
Geopolitical crises rarely produce only short-term economic shocks. More often they reshape how governments think about long-term economic security and industrial resilience. A serious disruption in the Persian Gulf could therefore have consequences far beyond temporary oil
Nations must honour oil pacts amid export curbs, says Philippines
Manila is in talks with Indonesia and Russia as the nation races to secure its fuel supply.
6 hours on screen, 1 hour outdoors: South Korean teens shrug, parents worry
Entertainment and studying were the most common uses of mobile phones and personal computers.