Asia Today

Today’s headlines: North Korea has conducted further missile tests; In Pakistan, diplomatic talks between the US and Iran are continuing despite the country’s instability; In Thailand, the Songkran celebrations have been marred by hundreds of road accidents; Philippine President Marcos jumps up and down to prove he is in good health.

Today’s headlines: the Spanish Prime Minister has called on China to play a more active role in global affairs; Israel has approved the appointment of the new head of the Mossad; Next week, the President of Taiwan will visit Eswatini. Since late March, floods in Afghanistan have killed at least 189 people; With Orban’s defeat, Hungary is distancing itself from Russia.

Today's news: Talks between Lebanon and Israel to end the conflict between the two countries will be held in Washington on Tuesday. Yesterday, North Korea’s strongman Kim Jong-un met with the Chinese Foreign Minister. In the Philippines, the cost of Chinese-made solar panels has “skyrocketed”. Indonesia wants to boost palm oil production using insects from Africa.

Today’s headlines: renewed exchanges of fire between Israel and Hezbollah, whilst Trump accuses Tehran of manipulating the situation in the Strait of Hormuz on the eve of talks in Pakistan. Tokyo wants to outlaw human genome ‘editing’ in the context of fertilisation. Singapore and Cambodia sign an agreement to strengthen food security. Dhaka sentences two police officers to death for the killing of the first protester during the 2024 anti-government riots.

Today’s headlines: the Chinese Foreign Minister’s two-day visit to Pyongyang, the first since 2019; Arrest warrant issued for corruption against Nepal’s former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba (and his wife): Jakarta plans to ban vapes and e-cigarettes; The Moscow Academy of Sciences revives the idea of ‘reversing the flow’ of Siberian rivers.

Today’s headlines: New appointments in Vietnam, from the Prime Minister to the Governor of the Central Bank; In Urumqi, “useful” progress between Afghanistan and Pakistan towards ending the conflict; Thailand set to close petrol stations at night in response to the energy crisis; New ballistic missile launches from North Korea dash hopes for diplomacy with Seoul.

Today’s headlines: fresh fire between Israel and Iran, as Tehran rejects ceasefire and continues blocade Strait of Hormuz; Taiwan’s opposition leader makes her first official visit to China; Over 110 people have died in Afghanistan due to landslides and flooding caused by heavy rains; New campaign for the release of sick political prisoners held in Russian jails.

Today's news: The United States and Iran said to be brokering a 45-day truce, but Tehran denies negotiations and threatens retaliation. South Korea’s president expresses "regret" to North Korea for a drone incursion in the north. Afghanistan is seeking to boost trade with Central Asia to US$ 10 billion. The Gulf War is causing unsustainable price hikes for Thai families.

Today’s headlines: US and Iranian forces continue the search for the American pilot who went missing after his aircraft was shot down; Tokyo wants to ease restrictions on defence exports, opening the door to lethal weapons; At least eight people have died in Afghanistan following a 5.9-magnitude earthquake; The Phnom Penh Parliament approves first legislation to combat online scam centres.

Today's news: Former Iranian Foreign Minister Zarif urges Iran to declare victory and seek an agreement with Trump on ending the war. Pakistan offers oil tankers Pakistani registration to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. By 2025, renewable energy will reach nearly 50 per cent of global electricity capacity. Tencent Video launches a TV channel for dogs and cats, tapping into a rapidly growing economic niche in China.

Today’s headlines: a 7.4-magnitude earthquake in Indonesia, with at least one fatality. Hong Kong has reopened its history museum after rewriting the narratives regarding its relations with mainland China.. The Archbishop of Manila at the Chrism Mass: 18% of Filipino priests suffer from psychological distress. Indian Parliament votes for Amaravati as the capital of Andhra Pradesh. Seoul nominates ginseng culture for UNESCO World Heritage status.

Today’s headlines: Trump suggests an end to the war in the Middle East even without an agreement; a five-point plan from China and Pakistan; New prime minister in Mongolia, the third in nine months; Beijing wants to ban the keeping of the ashes of the deceased in empty flats, a phenomenon that has grown alongside the property market bubble; Thai government: fines for online April Fools’ jokes.