Asia Today

Today's news: Some 23 Rohingya died trying to reach Malaysia by sea. Philippine police have vowed to punish officers for abuse of power. It will likely take two years for Hebei province to recover from floods. After almost two weeks of total blockade of the Lachin corridor, some ambulances were allowed through.

The news of the day: Pakistan’s parliament is dissolved, but elections will be postponed. Political instability grips Vanuatu. Group tours for Chinese tourists resume. North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un says the country must "prepare for war." To protect the environment, Malaysia scraps plans to build an airport. Some 30 "Afrovillages" are planned in Russia.

Today's news: One of the Thai king's sons is back from the United States. Viet Nam’s president met with the country’s bishops. South Korean cities organise "blind dating" for singles to facilitate nuptials. The term "homosexual" can no longer be used in Iraqi media. In Russia, more and more inmates from women’s prisons are enlisting with the military.

News of the day: A Myanmar general responsible for a civilian massacre is promoted. India bans the use of Chinese parts in Indian drones. Chinese propaganda appears on a wall in London's Brick Lane. Iran plans to open a free trade zone on its border with Afghanistan. Turkmenistan is cutoff from the Internet. Russia has launched more treason investigations this year than in the previous 20 years.

News of the day: Japan remembers the Hiroshima bombing. Hun Manet set to succeed his father as Cambodia’s prime minister. In Thailand a buffalo race marks the start of the rice harvest. Train derails in Pakistan. Israeli rockets hit Syria. Almost 30,000 Russian soldiers have died in the war, but the real figure could be twice as high.

Today's news: China’s economic losses from natural disasters in July reach US$ 7.74 billion. Since the February 2021 coup, the ruling junta has destroyed more than 16,500 homes in major cities. South Koreans are increasingly dissatisfied with their lives. The Saudi Embassy in Lebanon urges Saudis to leave the country. India's Supreme Court suspends the conviction of opposition leader Rahul Gandhi. Kyrgyzstan wants to build hydropower plants on the Naryn River.

Today's news: Three Christians seized by soldiers in Myanmar’s Chin State are dead; a pastor taken with them escaped. In Seongnam, South Korea, a young man drives a car into people and stabs passers-by, injuring 14 people. Mongolia wants greater cooperation with the US in rare earth mining. Afghanistan and Pakistan accuse each other of poor border controls. Politically motivated executions increase in Iran. Russia’s Baltic fleet began Ocean Shield 2023 naval drill.

Today's news: China is set to restrict Internet access for children and minors. India is on high alert following violence between Muslims and Hindus in Haryana that left at least six dead. Japan and Taiwan brace for Typhoon Khanun. Vietnam plans to export two million doses of African swine fever vaccine by October. Russian lawmakers want toys to be “ideologically” certified. The Kazakh-Afghan forum opens in Astana, but the Taliban remain an issue.

Today's news: Hong Kong’s new cardinal says a liaison office is a matter “between the two governments," but stresses his diocese’s role as a potential "bridge" between China and the Vatican. India and Bhutan report a significant rise in the number of wild tigers. The United Arab Emirates will allow protesters to “assemble peacefully” during COP28. A “delicacy" in many countries, frog legs shortages are reported in Indonesia and Vietnam. Russia speeds up building its own "sovereign internet".

Today's news: After weeks of speculation, Xi Jinping changes the leadership of China’s rocket forces. Vietnamese police arrests ethnic Khmer advocates. Iranian authorities suspend the license of an online insurance broker over female employees failing to comply with headscarf rules. Russia imported large quantities of sanctioned military-use microchips. Some Central Asian countries seek dialogue with the Taliban despite the Pashtun question.

Today's news: Lao police arrest Chinese human rights lawyer who defended Hong Kong pro-democracy advocates. Suicide bombing in Pakistan kills at least 44 people and wounds another 200. Seven satellites made in Singapore were successfully launched from India. In Herat the Taliban torch musical instruments that “cause the youth to go astray.” At the Russia-Africa summit, Putin rewards the Zimbabwean president for his "loyalty".

Today's news: Japan restarts a nuclear power plant built 48 years ago. Putin forgives African debt and promises more grain to African countries. Syrian child worker dies at 13 in Ankara. Indian nuns are hard-pressed to provide care to elderly and sick sisters. In Vietnam archaeologists discover the oldest traces of curry outside India.