Asia Today

Today's news: Lee Jae-myung pledges to “unite the people” in his first speech as South Korean president; Israel launches a series of attacks on Syrian territory against weapons belonging to the Damascus “regime”; Philippine authorities raise the alarm over an HIV “emergency”; Over 200 inmates escape from a Karachi prison, taking advantage of the chaos caused by a series of earthquakes.

Today's news: South Koreans go to the polls for presidential elections; UN Secretary-General calls for independent investigation into killings of Palestinians near aid distribution centre in Gaza; New casualties in Ukraine after Russian attack, no truce in Istanbul negotiations; In Japan, the first whales have been caught since the reopening of whaling.

Today’s news: Cambodia set to file suit with the International Court of Justice over border disputes with Thailand. Police in Assam arrested dozens for “sympathising” with Pakistan. Saudi authorities barred 269,000 people from making the pilgrimage to Makkah because they lacked permits. China accuses the US of violating the terms of a trade truce.

Today's news: Israel blocks Arab ministers' visit to Ramallah; Hanoi steps up campaign against counterfeiting, seizing luxury watches and high fashion items; The Emirates are the first in the Gulf to introduce a law against climate change; Beijing ready to resume fish imports from Japan; Delhi and Islamabad intend to reduce troops massed on the border after recent clashes.

Today’s News : 20,000 containers of munitions from North Korea play a decisive role in Russia’s offensive in Ukraine. In Hong Kong, four more democrats imprisoned over the 2020 primaries have been released upon completion of their sentences. Japan grants $1 billion in aid to Bangladesh. A shocking video shows a young Chinese paraglider reaching 8,500 metres in an updraft.

Today’s Headlines: US Secretary of State Rubio announces “aggressive” action to revoke Chinese students' visas. Beijing launches space mission to explore an asteroid. Proposal for Iran’s uranium enrichment to be monitored by Arab countries and the IAEA in talks with Washington. Vietnam seizes copies of The Economist featuring To Lam on the cover.

Today’s news: 600 days since 7 October 2023 – protests in Israel and chaos over aid distribution in Gaza. In India, a clash between the government and Chinese manufacturers over CCTV cameras. In Pakistan, passwords for 184 million internet accounts stolen. In Japan, new law in force to curb bizarre kanji name combinations.

Today’s news : Dozens more killed in Israeli air raids on Gaza as settlers march through central Jerusalem to mark the anniversary of its “unification”; Record turnout among overseas voters in South Korea’s presidential elections; A weak yen causes Japan to lose its status as the world’s largest creditor nation; In Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan’s first centre to support mothers and children opens.

Today’s Headlines: The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation collapses before it even begins, as Israel declares its intention to "control" 75% of the Strip. China opposes Australia’s plans to retake control of Darwin Port. Pakistan allocates 2,000 megawatts of energy for Bitcoin mining and AI data centres. The monsoon has arrived in Kerala a week early.

Today's headlines: Pro-Iranian Palestinian factions have left Damascus under pressure from Syria’s new authorities (and the US). Leo XIV met with one of the families of the victims of the Itaewon tragedy in South Korea who are demanding justice. Vietnam will block Telegram on 2 June. China and Uzbekistan agree to allow bilateral visa-free entry for their citizens.

Today's news: new wave of Covid-19 in Asia, cases in Thailand, Singapore, India, and Hong Kong. Maoist leader killed in Chhattisgarh; Indian government pledges to end insurgency by 2026. Torrential rains and landslides in southern China: 4 dead, 17 missing. Gaza: at least 85 killed by Israel since yesterday; Borrell (EU): “Half the bombs are European-made.”

Today's headlines: Gaza, at least 93 dead since yesterday; "warning shots" fired near foreign diplomats in Jenin. In North Korea, a technical incident damages a new warship, Kim: "a criminal act". Delhi, professor released on bail: under investigation for comments on the India-Pakistan conflict. Indonesian health minister criticised for unscientific claims.