Asia Today

Today’s headlines: in Lebanon, where the war continues, UNESCO has sounded the alarm over children unable to attend school. Negotiations between Samsung and the unions have broken down, paving the way for a long strike starting on 21 May at the semiconductor factories. For the first time, a woman is at the helm of St Stephen’s College in New Delhi. A message from Kirill to Pope Leo one year on from his election.

Today’s headlines: A Jordanian priest popular among young Palestinians has been expelled by Israel from the West Bank; The Cambodian Parliament has approved the introduction of compulsory military service for men aged between 18 and 25; In Thailand, the largest seizure of smuggled ivory in recent years; The Georgian Orthodox Church has elected the new Patriarch Sio III.

Today’s news: The White House confirms that Trump will arrive in Beijing on Wednesday evening despite the deadlock in negotiations with Iran. Narghes Mohammadi has been released on bail and transferred to a hospital in Tehran. In Bangkok, Thaksin Shinawatra has been released from prison and is wearing an electronic tag. In China, a new record low for marriages was recorded in the first quarter of 2026.

Today's news: China releases (positive) economic data and reaches agreements with Pakistan to sell new, state-of-the-art jets. Vietnam has completed new construction on the disputed Spratly Islands. Two Singaporeans have been found after the eruption of Mount Dukono in Indonesia.

Today’s headlines: first fatality of 2026 in Japan following a bear attack. Two Singaporean nationals in isolation after travelling on the cruise ship MV Hondius, the epicentre of the Hantavirus outbreak. Six dead, including two children, in north-west Pakistan after a mortar shell struck a market. Beijing sentences two former defence ministers to death.

Today’s headlines: War, energy, and Myanmar take center stage at the 48th ASEAN summit opening today in Cebu. Three Iranian Christians arrested for promoting an “evangelical network.” Beijing harshly criticizes Eswatini for meeting with Taiwan’s president. Jakarta plans to ban e-commerce for those under 16. Four people killed in post-election unrest in West Bengal.

Today’s headlines: Hanoi announces a new crackdown on online piracy and counterfeit goods in response to US pressure; Iranian Nobel Peace Prize laureate (and prisoner) Narges Mohammadi is fighting for her life; Record growth for the Indonesian economy, driven by public spending; Nepal’s new prime minister rejects criticism and deems the ban on student unions legitimate.

Today’s headlines: New flashpoints in the conflict between the US and Iran in the Gulf, with missiles and drones targeting the UAE; Singapore’s Education Minister says caning as a disciplinary measure should be used when other options are “ineffective”; Record electricity production in India, with further peaks expected in summer linked to El Niño; Turkey and Armenia have reached an agreement on the restoration of the historic Ani Bridge.

Today’s headlines: Prime Minister Modi’s party is heading for victory in several key states in the local legislative elections; The ADB is ready to assist Pacific nations affected by the war in the Middle East; Police in Sri Lanka have arrested 37 Chinese nationals on suspicion of cyber fraud; Taiwanese President Lai in Eswatini following Beijing’s attempts to block the trip; A man arrested for assault during a service at Singapore Life Church.

Today’s headlines: Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi is in Vietnam to strengthen economic and security cooperation; A Cambodian appeals court has upheld a 27-year sentence for opposition leader Kem Sokha on charges of “conspiring with foreign powers”; In Iran, Narghes Mohammadi has been transferred from prison to hospital after suffering two episodes of loss of consciousness; Controversy over stereotypes against Asians in the sequel to the film ‘The Devil Wears Prada’.

Today’s headlines: the family of Iranian Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi: “She has lost 20 kilos in prison and her life is at risk”; Eswatini excluded from China’s zero-tariff policy in Africa due to its relations with Taiwan; A new gambling zone has been established in Russia on the border with China.

Today's headlines: Oil prices hit 2022 highs amid rumours of possible US military action in the Strait of Hormuz; Further sentence reduction for Aung San Suu Kyi (but prison term remains 18 years with no proof of her survival); China bans the sale and entry of drones into Beijing for ‘security reasons’; Ambani’s son wants to bring Pablo Escobar’s hippos from Colombia to India.