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Today: April 20, 2026
Today: April 20, 2026

Asia

Asia|Political|World

South Korea says it is unaware of US protest over minister's remarks on North Korea nuclear site

South Korea's Unification Ministry said on Friday it was unaware of any U.S. protest or curbs on intelligence sharing after a media report said Washington

South Korea says it is unaware of US protest over minister's remarks on North Korea nuclear site
Asia|Crime|Political|World

Myanmar to free more than 4,000 prisoners in amnesty

Myanmar's new President Min Aung Hlaing has approved an amnesty for 4,335 prisoners, state television reported on Friday, the third such move in the past six months. 

Myanmar to free more than 4,000 prisoners in amnesty
Asia|Business|Economy|World

South Korea draws back investors even as Iran war exposes cracks

South Korea's capital markets are luring back foreign buyers after a brutal March, as hopes of stability in the Middle East, a red-hot AI memory

South Korea draws back investors even as Iran war exposes cracks
Asia|Crime|Environment|World

Eight people killed in helicopter crash in Indonesia's West Kalimantan, authorities say

All eight people on board a helicopter were killed when it crashed in Indonesia's West Kalimantan province, authorities said on Friday as search teams tried to retrieve 

Eight people killed in helicopter crash in Indonesia's West Kalimantan, authorities say
Asia|Business|Economy|Travel

Pricier fuel hits Tokyo cherry blossom river cruises ​

A few dozen tourists hopped onto a small cruise boat in Tokyo to admire the cherry blossoms lining the Meguro River -- a seasonal

Pricier fuel hits Tokyo cherry blossom river cruises ​
Asia|Political|US|World

Look at Hong Kong and don't be naive about China, US senator says on Taiwan trip

Taiwan should look at what happened to Hong Kong and not be naive about China's

Look at Hong Kong and don't be naive about China, US senator says on Taiwan trip
Asia|Economy|Environment|World

Indonesian forest loss surges by 66% in 2025, driven by Prabowo's self-sufficiency drive, report shows

Forest loss in Indonesia surged by 66% in 2025, hitting its highest rate in eight years as a result of weak environmental

Indonesian forest loss surges by 66% in 2025, driven by Prabowo's self-sufficiency drive, report shows
Asia|Crime|Political|World

UN says initial findings show roadside blast killed Lebanon peacekeepers

A roadside explosion appears to have struck the convoy of two Indonesian peacekeepers killed in southern Lebanon, the U.N. peacekeeping chief said on Tuesday, citing initial

UN says initial findings show roadside blast killed Lebanon peacekeepers
Asia|Business|Economy|World

China's new home prices rise in March; big cities see seasonal pickup, private survey shows

China's new home prices edged up in March, reversing a decline in the previous month, supported by a seasonal pickup in demand in major cities, a private survey showed on

China's new home prices rise in March; big cities see seasonal pickup, private survey shows
Asia|Economy|MidEast|Political|World

China, Pakistan call for Iran peace talks, normal navigation in Strait of Hormuz

China and Pakistan on Tuesday called for an immediate ceasefire in the Gulf and the wider Middle East, urging the swift launch of peace talks and the restoration of normal

China, Pakistan call for Iran peace talks, normal navigation in Strait of Hormuz
Asia|Business|Economy|World

China's factory activity expands but price pressures intensify, private PMI shows

China's manufacturing sector expanded in March for a fourth straight month as output and new orders continued to grow, but rising price pressures sharply intensified, a

China's factory activity expands but price pressures intensify, private PMI shows
Asia|Business|Economy|Environment|World

China set to extend fuel export ban with small exemptions, sources say

China is poised to extend its ban on refined fuel exports into April, five industry sources with knowledge of the matter said, though

China set to extend fuel export ban with small exemptions, sources say
Asia|Business|Economy|Political|World

South Korea and Indonesia discuss energy security, sign agreements on minerals and tech

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung held talks on Wednesday with Indonesian leader Prabowo Subianto, discussing energy security and agreeing

South Korea and Indonesia discuss energy security, sign agreements on minerals and tech
Asia|World

Pakistan, Afghanistan open fresh talks in China to end conflict, say sources

Afghanistan and Pakistan have opened a new round of talks in China to end the deadliest fighting between two Muslim

Pakistan, Afghanistan open fresh talks in China to end conflict, say sources
Asia|Europe|MidEast|Political|World

French navy chief says China will have to engage more in Strait of Hormuz discussion

China will at one point have to engage more directly on how to restore oil traffic flows in the Strait of Hormuz because the number of vessels it has going through is

French navy chief says China will have to engage more in Strait of Hormuz discussion
Asia|Business|Economy|Finance|World

Vietnam's infrastructure push to boost growth and deficit, S&P Ratings says

Vietnam is forecast to remain Asia's fastest-growing nation after India through 2028, supported by exports and infrastructure investments, although heavy public spending may

Vietnam's infrastructure push to boost growth and deficit, S&P Ratings says
Asia|Business|Economy|Political|World

Myanmar parliament to hold vote to elect president on Friday, house speaker says

Myanmar's parliament will hold a bicameral vote to elect a president on Friday, house speaker Aung Lin Dwe said on Thursday, with the country's former military chief and junta

Myanmar parliament to hold vote to elect president on Friday, house speaker says
Asia|Business|Crime|Technology|World

Singapore charges one more individual with AI chip fraud 

Singapore prosecutors charged one more person with fraud on Thursday for making false representations to U.S. server supplier Dell Technologies, linking

Singapore charges one more individual with AI chip fraud 
Asia|Business|Economy|World

India factory activity cooled in March with oil costs rising amid Middle East turmoil, PMI shows

India's manufacturing sector grew at its slowest pace in nearly four years in March as the war in the Middle East stoked uncertainty, disrupted supply chains and dented

India factory activity cooled in March with oil costs rising amid Middle East turmoil, PMI shows
Asia|Political|World

Taiwan to strengthen Pratas islands' defences as China steps up pressure

Taiwan will strengthen its defences of the Pratas as China steps up its activities around the islands which lie at the top end of the South

Taiwan to strengthen Pratas islands' defences as China steps up pressure
Asia|Business|Economy|Europe|Finance|Stock Markets|World

Mercedes investors warn luxury focus could hamper China recovery

Investors pressed Mercedes-Benz on its recovery plans for China on Thursday, warning that a luxury-focused strategy could hurt the German

Mercedes investors warn luxury focus could hamper China recovery
Asia|Europe|MidEast|Political|World

Macron says it is unrealistic to open Hormuz Strait by force

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday it would be unrealistic to launch a military operation to force open the Strait of Hormuz, after U.S.

Macron says it is unrealistic to open Hormuz Strait by force
Asia|Crime|Political|World

Pakistan, Afghanistan hold talks in China to end months of conflict

Pakistan and Afghanistan are holding talks in China to try to end the worst conflict between the South Asian neighbours since ‌the

Pakistan, Afghanistan hold talks in China to end months of conflict
Asia|Business|Economy|Europe|MidEast|Political|Science|Technology|World

Russia will ask US and Israel to cease fire while it evacuates staff from Iranian nuclear plant, RIA reports

Russia will ask the United States and Israel to ensure a ceasefire while it evacuates more Russian staff from the Bushehr nuclear power plant in Iran, RIA news agency

Russia will ask US and Israel to cease fire while it  evacuates staff from Iranian nuclear plant, RIA reports
Asia|Economy|Environment|Political|World

China calls for promoting Middle East ceasefire in talks with EU, Germany

China on Thursday repeated calls for a ceasefire in the Middle East and safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz in conversations with Western counterparts, widening its

China calls for promoting Middle East ceasefire in talks with EU, Germany
Asia|Business|Economy|Political|World

China's detentions of Panama-flagged vessels raise concerns, Rubio says

Detentions of Panama-flagged vessels by China that followed a Panamanian court ruling raise serious concerns about efforts to

China's detentions of Panama-flagged vessels raise concerns, Rubio says
Asia|Business|Economy|World

Japan's services growth slows as Middle East war dents confidence, PMI shows

Japan's services sector grew at its weakest pace in three months in March, a private survey showed on Friday, as rising uncertainty over the Middle East war crushed business

Japan's services growth slows as Middle East war dents confidence, PMI shows
Asia|Political|World

China says peace talks advance between Afghanistan, Pakistan

Negotiations between Afghanistan and Pakistan are advancing steadily, China said on Friday following reports that the South Asian neighbours were meeting there to try to

China says peace talks advance between Afghanistan, Pakistan
Asia|Crime|Political|World

Myanmar junta chief Min Aung Hlaing elected president by pro-military parliament

Myanmar junta chief Min Aung Hlaing was elected president on Friday after breezing through a parliamentary vote, formalising his grip on political power in the war-torn nation five

Myanmar junta chief Min Aung Hlaing elected president by pro-military parliament
Asia|Business|Economy|Finance|Stock Markets|World

IMF urges BOJ to keep raising rates even as Iran war poses new risks

The International Monetary Fund urged the Bank of Japan to continue raising interest rates, even as the Middle East war posed "significant new risks" to the

IMF urges BOJ to keep raising rates even as Iran war poses new risks
Asia|Business|Economy|Finance|Stock Markets|World

Vietnam Q1 growth slows as costlier Middle East energy tests 2026 target

Vietnam's economy slowed in the first quarter from the three months prior, data showed on Saturday, as heavy exposure to Middle Eastern oil

Vietnam Q1 growth slows as costlier Middle East energy tests 2026 target
Asia|Business|Economy|Environment|MidEast|World

India makes first Iranian oil buy in seven years with no payment problems

Indian refiners have purchased Iranian oil amid the Middle East conflict that has disrupted supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, the oil ministry said on Saturday.

India makes first Iranian oil buy in seven years with no payment problems
Asia|Business|Economy|Finance|MidEast|Political|World

South Korea asks Gulf nations for steady energy supply, safety of Korean vessels

South Korean Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol met with envoys from Gulf countries to shore up energy security and the safety of Korean vessels near the Strait of Hormuz, the

South Korea asks Gulf nations for steady energy supply, safety of Korean vessels
Asia|MidEast|Political|World

China ready to cooperate with Russia to ease Middle East tension, foreign minister says

China is willing to continue to cooperate with Russia at the U.N.

China ready to cooperate with Russia to ease Middle East tension, foreign minister says
Asia|Economy|Political|World

North Korea distancing itself from Iran to leave door open for US talks, Seoul says

North Korea appears to be distancing itself from longtime partner Iran and carefully managing its public messaging to preserve the possibility of a new relationship with the

North Korea distancing itself from Iran to leave door open for US talks, Seoul says
Asia|Crime|Political|World

Myanmar's new president Min Aung Hlaing faces genocide complaint in Indonesia

JAKARTA, April 6 - A criminal case against Myanmar's newly-elected President Min Aung Hlaing was filed in Indonesia on Monday by a group of civil society organisations, accusing the leader of acts of

Myanmar's new president Min Aung Hlaing faces genocide complaint in Indonesia
Asia|Political|Travel|World

Taiwan opposition leader to visit China as Beijing ramps up 'reunification' push

Taiwan opposition leader Cheng Li-wun leaves on Tuesday for China and a potential meeting with President Xi Jinping on what she says is a peace mission as Beijing makes a

Taiwan opposition leader to visit China as Beijing ramps up 'reunification' push
Asia|Business|Economy|Environment|Finance|World

South Korea's Lee says country must balance risk as Hormuz disruptions threaten oil supplies

South Korea must accept a degree of risk in importing crude oil from the Middle East amid blockages of the Strait of Hormuz, President Lee Jae Myung said on Monday.

South Korea's Lee says country must balance risk as Hormuz disruptions threaten oil supplies
Asia|Political|World

North Korea says South Korea's Lee is 'wise' for expressing regret about drones

North Korea said on Monday it was "very fortunate and wise" for South Korean President Lee Jae Myung to convey regret to Pyongyang for drone incursions in a rare

North Korea says South Korea's Lee is 'wise' for expressing regret about drones
Asia|Political|World

South Korea says 'credible intelligence' indicates North Korean leader's daughter is successor

South Korea's spy agency now believes North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's teenage daughter has been positioned as his successor, lawmakers said on Monday,

South Korea says 'credible intelligence' indicates North Korean leader's daughter is successor
Asia|Business|Economy|Technology|World

South Korea, Vietnam leaders to meet in Hanoi next week, sources say

Vietnam's president To Lam is set to meet his South Korean counterpart Lee Jae Myung in Hanoi next week, five people familiar with the matter said.

South Korea, Vietnam leaders to meet in Hanoi next week, sources say
Asia|Business|Economy|World

Foreign investors flee Thailand as Iran war, energy shock dash hope for economic revival

Foreign investors are selling Thai assets as an energy shock from the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran threatens to snuff out hopes for

Foreign investors flee Thailand as Iran war, energy shock dash hope for economic revival
Asia|Business|Economy|Finance|Stock Markets|World

Instant View: China's Q1 growth beats forecast as economy braces for fallout from Iran war

China's economy expanded 5% in the first quarter compared with a year earlier, according to official data on Thursday, surpassing analysts' expectations even as policymakers

Instant View: China's Q1 growth beats forecast as economy braces for fallout from Iran war
Asia|Business|Economy|Finance|World

China to retain ultra-long special bond tenors this year, sources say

China's finance ministry will keep this year's ultra-long special treasury bond issuance to 20-, 30- and 50-year maturities, the same as last year, people with knowledge of the

China to retain ultra-long special bond tenors this year, sources say
Asia|Business|Economy|Finance|World

China's Q1 economic rebound faces rough seas as Iran war jolts global outlook

China's economy picked up speed early in 2026, riding an export surge before the Iran war sent energy costs soaring and put global

China's Q1 economic rebound faces rough seas as Iran war jolts global outlook
Asia|Business|Economy|Political|World

South Korean President Lee to make state visits to India and Vietnam

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung will make a state visit to India, the first by a South Korean leader in eight years, before heading to Vietnam, a presidential adviser

South Korean President Lee to make state visits to India and Vietnam
Asia|Business|Economy|Technology|World

Samsung asks court to block illegal strike activities by unions

Samsung Electronics asked a court on Thursday to block its South Korean labour unions engaging in illegal activities during strike, a spokesperson said, as a wage dispute

Samsung asks court to block illegal strike activities by unions
Asia|Business|Economy|Technology|World

TSMC lifts revenue forecast, pledges more capital spending to meet AI chip demand

TSMC raised its annual revenue forecast on Thursday and said it was stepping up capital spending this year as the world's

TSMC lifts revenue forecast, pledges more capital spending to meet AI chip demand
Asia|Political|World

South Korea says Pyongyang's response to drone apology marks progress in easing tensions

South Korea's Unification Ministry said on Tuesday that North Korea's rare conciliatory response to President Lee Jae Myung’s expression of regret over drone incursions

South Korea says Pyongyang's response to drone apology marks progress in easing tensions