Asia

Australasia
East Asia
Southeast Asia
South Asia
This Week in Asia
Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi prepares to welcome Central Asian leaders during a summit in Tokyo on December 20. Photo: Reuters

Politics

Takaichi is shaping up as Japan’s Thatcher. How long can she last?

The prime minister has defied the odds by winning back LDP voters with sweeping immigration, economic policies and a tough stance on Beijing.

videocam
6

In India, New Delhi’s smog crisis exposes the high price of clean air

videocam

Mile-high crime club: theft syndicates target Asia’s airlines

Southeast Asia

Will Ocean Infinity finally solve the flight MH370 mystery in Indian Ocean?

A new deep-sea search, armed with advanced tech and drones, restarts to find the Malaysia Airlines plane that vanished nearly 12 years ago.

videocam
A man walks pasts a mural representing the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 at an alley in Shah Alam, near Kuala Lumpur. Photo: AFP
A man walks pasts a mural representing the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 at an alley in Shah Alam, near Kuala Lumpur. Photo: AFP

Politics

Malaysia’s opposition thrown into uncertainty as Muhyiddin quits as PN chairman

The former prime minister’s exit follows months of infighting within Perikatan Nasional and a bitter power struggle between Bersatu and PAS.

videocam

Politics

Philippines flood-control probe ‘in peril’ after death of public works official

Analysts said the death removes a pivotal witness and exposes weaknesses in how authorities have handled evidence and testimony.

videocam
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

South Asia

India overtakes Japan as world’s fourth largest economy, eyes top 3 in 2026

Government data shows India’s GDP at US$4.18 trillion, with projections it will surpass Germany by 2026 despite global trade challenges.

videocam
13
People buy vegetables at a market in the old quarters of New Delhi on Tuesday. Photo: AFP
People buy vegetables at a market in the old quarters of New Delhi on Tuesday. Photo: AFP

Southeast Asia

‘It’s cheap and worth it’: Malaysia’s durian glut triggers ‘happy hour’ frenzy

Bumper harvests prompt traders to offer rock-bottom prices as locals and tourists grab time-based deals on the spiky fruit.

videocam

Australasia

Increased police presence in Sydney for New Year’s Eve following Bondi attack

New South Wales’ premier Chris Minns urged people to ‘show defiance to these evil terrorists’ by celebrating the event at Sydney Harbour.

videocam

East Asia

South Korea ends bear bile industry, but 200 moon bears in limbo

As the ban takes effect January 1, disputes over farmer compensation and limited shelter space leave hundreds of captive bears with nowhere to go.

A bear looks out from a cage at a bear farm in Dangjin, South Korea in 2014. Photo: AP

Southeast Asia

Malaysia’s Anwar says Asean to assess Myanmar after ‘premature’ polls

As Asean chair, Malaysia’s PM Anwar Ibrahim says the bloc will assess Myanmar’s election cautiously to avoid legitimising military rule.

Malaysia Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim speaks during a year-end recap briefing with media in Putrajaya, Malaysia earlier this month. Photo: EPA
Malaysia Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim speaks during a year-end recap briefing with media in Putrajaya, Malaysia earlier this month. Photo: EPA

East Asia

‘Pillar’ of Japan’s Communist Party, Tetsuzo Fuwa, dies aged 95

Fuwa reformed the party’s platform, recognising the imperial system and Self-Defence Forces.

Health & Environment

Asia’s year of costly climate disasters spurs calls for ‘decisive action’

With Asia accounting for four of the world’s six costliest weather disasters in 2025, experts urge investment in climate resilience.

Politics

Border row aids Anutin as Shinawatras play catch up in Thai election

Caretaker PM Anutin rides nationalist wave over Cambodia; Pheu Thai taps Thaksin’s nephew to revive brand; reformists drop key vows to stay relevant.

videocam
Thailand’s caretaker Prime Minister and Bhumjaithai Party candidate Anutin Charnvirakul (centre) poses for photos on the first day of candidate registration in Bangkok on Sunday. Photo: AFP

South Asia

Former Bangladesh PM Khaleda Zia dies after prolonged illness

Despite her ill health, 80-year-old Zia, a dominant figure in Dhaka’s turbulent power struggles, had vowed to run in next year’s election.

videocam
Bangladesh’s former prime minister Khaleda Zia at a Dhaka rally in 2016. Photo: AFP
Bangladesh’s former prime minister Khaleda Zia at a Dhaka rally in 2016. Photo: AFP

People

Nepal probes illegal matchmaking as China cautions citizens over ‘bride buying’

Officials say online brokers are promoting Nepali women to Chinese men, prompting detentions and official warnings.

videocam

Lifestyle & Culture

How illegal firecrackers ignite a dangerous Philippine new year tradition

Despite decades of regulation, warnings and police raids, Filipinos continue to welcome the new year with explosive celebrations.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Economics

Thailand’s tourism crown slips as troubles in paradise mount

Border clashes with Cambodia, fierce competition from Malaysia, deadly floods and a strong baht threaten the kingdom’s holiday appeal.

Illustration: Huy Truong
Illustration: Huy Truong

Economics

Southeast Asia’s rich buy sky garages while the middle class lose their homes

As wealthy buyers seek penthouses with living-room supercar parking, struggling families battle banks to keep a roof overhead.

videocam
6

Health & Environment

6 cyclones, 5 weeks: Philippines can’t escape its endless cycle of disaster

Corruption, complacency and climate chaos conspire to turn the Philippines’ natural hazards into man-made tragedies.

videocam
9

Politics

‘It’s time for us to rise’: India races to rebuild its lost maritime muscle

India is eyeing a future as a leading shipping and shipbuilding nation, backed by big investments – and expertise from South Korea and Japan.

Illustration: Huy Truong
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Highlights from
THIS WEEK IN ASIA

Health & Environment

In India, New Delhi’s smog crisis exposes the high price of clean air

videocam
People take part in a protest against lack of action to control air pollution in New Delhi, India, in November. Photo: AP

Politics

Takaichi is shaping up as Japan’s Thatcher. How long can she last?

videocam
6
Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi prepares to welcome Central Asian leaders during a summit in Tokyo on December 20. Photo: Reuters

Economics

Mile-high crime club: theft syndicates target Asia’s airlines

A man was jailed for 20 months for stealing luggage on a Singapore Airlines flight from Dubai to the city state. Photo: AFP

Politics

Malaysia’s opposition thrown into uncertainty as Muhyiddin quits as PN chairman

videocam
Former Malaysian prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin leaves the Gua Musang Sessions Court in Gua Musang on August 27, 2024. Photo: Reuters

Politics

Philippines flood-control probe ‘in peril’ after death of public works official

videocam
Official portrait of Department of Public Works and Highways Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral, who died on December 19. Photo: Facebook / Department of Public Works and Highways
MORE IN This Week in Asia
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
OPINION
Alex Lo

As I see it | Why China is Myanmar’s only real hope

Alex Lo
Genevieve Donnellon-May

Opinion | Australia is losing its ability to engage Asia on its own terms

Genevieve Donnellon-May
Peter T. C. Chang

Opinion | If Trump wants a deal with China, he must rein in US allies in Asia

Peter T. C. Chang
6
Hannan Hussain

Opinion | Seoul holds the key to US-North Korea denuclearisation talks

Hannan Hussain
Albert Bakhtizin

Opinion | Forget the US dollar. Watch water and energy resources instead

Albert Bakhtizin
4
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
MULTIMEDIA
Video

Filipino fishermen worry about Chinese nature reserve in disputed waters

Filipino fishermen worry about Chinese nature reserve in disputed waters
03:09
Video

Centenarian becomes oldest person to climb Mount Fuji

Centenarian becomes oldest person to climb Mount Fuji
02:34
Video

Cambodia unveils new Chinese-built airport

Cambodia unveils new Chinese-built airport
02:02
Video

Ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra to serve 1 year in jail

Ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra to serve 1 year in jail
04:27
Advertisement
Advertisement
TRENDING TOPICS
Singapore
Malaysia
The Philippines
Indonesia
South China Sea
Advertisement
Advertisement