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TOPIC COLLECTION

Asia

Included topics:
An Iranian Revolutionary Guard Navy speedboat approaches the cargo ship Epaminondas during what state media described as the seizure of one of two vessels accused of violations in the Strait of Hormuz on April 21. Photo: Tasnim News Agency via AP
Diplomacy

Strait of Hormuz woes, US-Nato ‘crisis’: 7 global relations reads

From a possible Trump-Iran joint venture to Russia-China talks, here are highlights from the SCMP’s overseas correspondents in April 2026.

Social media

Video | How Singapore police use memes to teach important lessons

United States

Wall Street hesitates, oil prices rise amid uncertainty in Strait of Hormuz

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Hero or reckless? Bangladeshi man saving baby on train tracks divides opinion

Some social media users question how the man could have dropped his son just as they were getting off the moving train.

A Bangladeshi man jumped onto the train tracks to shield his baby with his body, sparking both praise and debate about his actions. Photo: Handout

Pitch perfect diplomacy? North Korean footballers head to South Korea

The visit by Naegohyang Women’s FC to South Korea’s Suwon for a competitive match does not signal a thaw in inter-Korea ties, analysts say.

Between hope and reality – Umno’s plan to go solo a test of political waters

The party says a solo bid can help it win up to 60 seats in the next election and give it leverage to decide on coalition partners.

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How China is quietly reshaping Southeast Asia’s payments beyond the US dollar

New initiative lets consumers use home-grown apps like Alipay for cross-border payments – supporting Beijing’s push to expand regional financial links.

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Alipay QR code in Jakarta, Indonesia, after the launch of the China-Indonesia cross-border payment system. Photo: Xinhua

China’s critical minerals grip faces test as new Asian financing tool launches

Japan, Britain and other nations have pledged millions to the new scheme, as China’s dominance of critical minerals sector faces fresh challenge.

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How lost Yiddish songs from a Ukrainian ghetto revive links to Shanghai’s past

The city, once home to thousands of Jewish refugees, will be one of the first places in East Asia where the songs are brought back to life.

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Video | South Koreans snooze their way through power-nap contest

South Korea is one of the most overworked and sleep-deprived nations among Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) members and its people have some of the fewest sleep hours.

Participants sleep during the 2026 Power Nap contest at Han River park in Seoul, South Korea, May 2, 2026. REUTERS/Kim Soo-hyeon TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
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Singapore, New Zealand ink world first deal to secure essential supplies

Both governments committed not to impose unnecessary export restrictions on crucial goods such as food, fuel and healthcare products.

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A container ship docks at Singapore’s port on April 14. Photo: Xinhua

Gold rush: Hong Kong bullion imports from Dubai jump amid US-Iran war

Gold traders from the Middle East and Russia have been selling physical gold in Hong Kong at a discount of 15 to 20 per cent since early April.

Paralysed dancer Mo Li testifies for first time over Mirror concert accident

Li able to speak naturally as he gives brief answers to judge’s questions during 10-minute testimony delivered via video in damages case.

South Korean team behind new stroke research, treatment cites Chinese interest

Animals given an experimental drug have shown significant improvement in motor function, with their brain damage reduced.

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A South Korean team has published a new study that could potentially lead to the treatment of stroke and other neurodegenerative diseases. Photo: Shutterstock

Panic in Philippines as Mayon volcano ashfall blankets towns in total darkness

Some 32 volcanic earthquakes, including 25 volcanic tremors, had been reported over the weekend, vulcanologists said.

Ash from the Mayon volcano is seen from Camalig, Albay province, on Saturday. Photo: AP

Japan’s FamilyMart gives old clothes new lease of life to reduce textile waste

Some 560,000 tonnes of clothes are estimated to be thrown away in Japan each year – about 70 per cent of new clothing supplied to the market.

Letters | UAE’s Opec exit reflects a complex world

Readers discuss the UAE’s decision to leave the oil cartel, and a Vietnamese leader’s choice to travel twice on China’s high-speed trains.

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In Malaysia, Anwar’s former ally Rafizi Ramli grilled over Arm chip deal

The MACC is investigating power abuse claims and irregularities linked to the alliance between the economy ministry and the UK chip designer.

Rafizi Ramli (centre) speaks to reporters during a protest on April 25. Photo: Facebook/Rafizi Ramli

Why more mainland Chinese families are betting on Hong Kong universities

The city has overtaken the US to become the second most popular study-abroad destination for mainland students in 2026, a report finds.

‘Stay to end’: South Korean agency pledges funeral support for foreign workers

Foreign workers, who comprise roughly 3.5 per cent of the workforce, account for over 10 per cent of annual workplace fatalities.

‘No longer nice-to-have’: AI skills boost Singapore software engineer pay by 25%

Companies are increasingly prioritising engineers who can work effectively with AI tools, especially in senior roles.

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Men work with the help of AI. Salaries of AI-savvy software engineers have shot up in Singapore. Photo: Shutterstock

Discover the Singapore that lies beyond Marina Bay Sands

Explore Singapore’s lush ecotourism, Armenian heritage, nanyin music and pre-colonial sites, a wealth of attractions for the repeat visitor.

A spiral staircase at Fort Canning Park, a hilltop landmark in Singapore. Photo: Shutterstock

Editorial | Recognise the need to protect our children from online threats

Beyond parents and police, constant and comprehensive efforts by the government, legislature, schools and wider community are necessary.

Open Questions | Bai Chongen on China’s new economic paradigm and closing the US tech gap

Top economist explains how China has less in common with 1990s Japan than many think – and why talk of Chinese overcapacity is often ‘imprecise’.

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Trump says US will ‘guide’ ships out of Hormuz, as vessels attacked

US to launch new mission dubbed ‘Project Freedom’ as Tehran signals interference would be seen as a ceasefire violation.

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The USS Michael Murphy patrolling the Arabian Sea during a maritime blockade in April. Photo: US Navy via AFP

Why a 5-year defence pact between North Korea and Russia could make China uneasy

Rare cooperation plan with Moscow could accelerate Pyongyang’s military modernisation on multiple fronts, analysts say.

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North Korean leader Kim Jong-un speaks with Russian Defence Minister Andrey Belousov (seated left) and Russian State Duma Chairman Vyacheslav Volodin in Pyongyang on April 26. Photo: KCNA via Reuters

My Take | Why a resurgent Japan should absolutely scare everyone

Denying war guilt and remilitarisation are but two sides of the same ideological coin for the Japanese far right.

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From footwear to AI services: China moves up the value chain in exports

In 2025, China’s export growth in telecoms, computer and information services far outpaced exports of traditional goods, such as footwear.

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Asia
The latest news, analysis and opinion on Asia. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.