TOP NEWS North Korean minister embarks on trip to Iran amid Mideast crisis Iran, Pakistan agree to ‘expeditiously finalise’ free trade agreement North Korea says leader Kim guided simulated nuclear counterattack drillMORE HEADLINES MIDDLE EAST TENSIONS China DailyGaza hospital bodies indicate ‘possible war crimes’ The Straits TimesThird tranche of Singapore Red Cross aid worth $815,000 for Gaza China DailyPro-Palestinian protests spread to campuses The Korea HeraldBank of Korea chief says won will level off if Middle East conflict eases DawnWhy war in Palestine will continue Philippine Daily InquirerUS veto sinks Palestinian UN membership bid in Security Council China DailyTruce vital as Israel-Iran rift sparks tensions— analysts The StarMiddle East conflict may hurt aviation sector China DailyChina taking steps to ease Mideast tension The Jakarta PostIndonesia to closely monitor economic impacts of Middle East—economic minister The StarIran’s drone attack on Israel a legitimate act, says PM Anwar The Jakarta PostMideast escalation could pose major economic risk to Indonesia The Japan NewsG7 leaders condemn Iran attack on Israel in ‘strongest terms’ The Daily StarIsrael, Iran trade accusations at Security Council meeting The Straits TimesAsia calls for an immediate de-escalation after Iran’s retaliatory strikes against Israel Philippine Daily Inquirer4 Filipino crewmen on ship seized by Iran for its Israeli links VIEW ALL INDO-PACIFIC AND ASIA China DailyAUKUS ties may undermine regional stability in Asia-Pacific China DailyAPEC meetings: Hong Kong to forge stronger ties with Asia-Pacific countries The Phnom Penh PostPM Manet addresses regional forum, calls for digital cooperation, innovation Philippine Daily InquirerNew Zealand commits US$25M for ADB energy transition mechanism in Southeast Asia The Jakarta PostChina says AUKUS risks nuclear proliferation in Pacific Philippine Daily InquirerPhilippines, New Zealand to sign enhanced defence agreements by end of 2024 The NationThailand’s MoUs with New Zealand cover education, aviation cooperation The Korea HeraldSouth Korea, Australia hold vice-ministerial talks on Indo-Pacific strategy, bilateral ties The Straits TimesSmall countries can try to calm global tensions, says PM Lee, as S’pore, NZ expand partnership Vientiane TimesStrengthening Laos-Australia relations, bolstering ASEAN-Australia cooperation The Straits Times‘Make in India’: Can South Asian giant surpass China and become world’s biggest factory? Philippine Daily InquirerBasic health services lacking in Philippines, Western Pacific: World Health Organization The NationPM Srettha to hold talks with New Zealand PM during official visit to Thailand China DailyChina, Sri Lanka forging stronger bonds The Korea HeraldWhy Korea-India partnership matters in era of uncertainties? The Straits TimesNew Zealand raises South China Sea, Taiwan tensions with China during Foreign Minister’s visit VIEW ALL CROSS-STRAITS RELATIONS China DailyBeijing condemns Washington, Tokyo for cross-Strait interference The Japan NewsTaiwan FM praises Japan-U.S.-Philippine cooperation; says China threatens more than just Taiwan The Phnom Penh PostCambodia will not recognise Taiwan, joins China in online fraud fight China DailyPeople’s Liberation Army lawfully responds to US aircraft flying through Taiwan Strait China DailyOverseas Chinese inspired by latest President Xi-Ma meeting China DailyPM Xi: The Strait cannot sever kinship China DailyFormer Kuomintang leader’s visit will have impact beyond cross-Strait relations China DailyShaanxi visit inspires Taiwan youth delegation Philippine Daily InquirerTaiwan condemns ‘shameless’ China’s thanks for global sympathy on quake China DailyMainland China offers aid to Taiwan after powerful earthquake China DailyMa Ying-jeou visits birthplace of Sun Yat-sen, calls for peace and prosperity China DailyFormer Kuomintang party chairman urges more efforts to boost cross-Strait exchanges The Straits TimesChinese state media stoked allegation Taiwan President Tsai would flee war China Daily30 Buddhist relics returned from Taiwan Philippine Daily InquirerFormer Taiwan president Ma to make second trip to China next month China DailyKinmen fishermen adrift at sea rescued VIEW ALL EAST ASIA VIEW MORE The move is due to increasing concerns about possible leaks of sensitive information through voice recordings, according to multiple military sources on Tuesday. Around Asia, EAST ASIA, EAST ASIA - RIGHT, GEOPOLITICS, Home Page, SOCIETY, TOP NEWS, Top News, TOP NEWS South Korea calls on Japan to confront history amid Yasukuni Shrine visit ... EAST ASIA, EAST ASIA - RIGHT, GEOPOLITICS, SOUTH EAST ASIA Prabowo holds meeting with China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi ... Beyond Asia Main, EAST ASIA, EAST ASIA - RIGHT, GEOPOLITICS, Home Page, Top News, TOP NEWS Russia, China efforts won’t halt new North Korea sanctions monitoring: US envoy ... SOUTH EAST ASIA VIEW MORE Thailand circulated a proposal for Malaysia, Laos, and Indonesia, to meet to address the long-running conflict said Thai Ambassador Nikorndej Balankura, adding that the meeting could be held in Thailand and "any ASEAN member may join." Singapore Foreign Minister Balakrishnan said Mr Prabowo has been a steadfast friend of Singapore, and that it was an honour to catch up with him again. SOUTH ASIA VIEW MORE According to sources, the total number of undocumented Afghans who have returned to Afghanistan in the first round of deportation last November stands at around the half million mark. The writer says Iran will remain a tough diplomatic, political, and security challenge, as Pakistan grows in dependence on Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states due to evolving regional security concerns and persistent economic challenges. SPECIAL REPORTSVIEW ALL MORE HEADLINES Police hunt two Japanese suspects in Bangkok murder-dismemberment case ... MV Abdullah: All 23 crew to come back by same ship ... S’pore top court orders Indian yoga guru and tycoon to issue public apology for false ads ... Murder in Spain: Singaporean suspect travelled overseas often for business and rave parties ... Timeline: What happened to Audrey Fang, the S’porean who was found dead in south-east Spain ... ASEAN MATTERS The Jakarta PostThailand proposes Asean meeting on Myanmar conflict Viet Nam NewsASEAN Future Forum 2024 wraps up in Hanoi Philippine Daily Inquirer‘Green economy’ rankings: How does the Philippines fare in the region? Viet Nam NewsASEAN bolsters intellectual property cooperation The NationCeremony marks 30th anniversary of 1st Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge Viet Nam NewsASEAN foreign ministers call for end to Myanmar violence Philippine Daily InquirerEx-army chief urges Asean members to support Philippine fight vs China aggression The Straits TimesCarbon financing could retire dozens of coal plants in SE Asia by 2030: Rockefeller Foundation The Straits TimesAsean states may differ in approach to South China Sea spat, but all are seeking peace: S’pre FM The Jakarta PostWhither ASEAN in the South China Sea? Vientiane TimesCambodia, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam to promote trade, investment and tourism The NationTime for ASEAN to work towards bringing peace back to Myanmar — Thailand, Vietnam The Jakarta PostChina emphasises importance of ASEAN ties Philippine Daily InquirerDeclining productivity among Philippine and other ASEAN workers Borneo BulletinASEAN needs to continue to nurture a ‘resilient and dynamic financial ecosystem’ The Straits TimesSoutheast Asia needs to accelerate renewable energy transition: Experts VIEW ALL BEYOND ASIA VIEW MORE In the framework of the visit, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia, and UK Foreign Secretary will hold official talks and discuss some issues of bilateral relations, cooperation and international relations. CROSS-STRAITS RELATIONS, GEOPOLITICS, Home Page, Top News China to Japan: Stop playing with fire on Taiwan question ... GEOPOLITICS, Russia-Ukraine conflict Beijing calls for dialogue on Ukraine crisis ... Beyond Asia Main, GEOPOLITICS, GEOPOLITICS Cambodian PM urges end to ‘baseless’ int’l Ream base accusations ... DEFENCE & SECURITY VIEW MORE On Tuesday, the Philippine Navy released data to reporters showing that 124 vessels were seen in the disputed area from April 16 to 22, a sharp increase compared to 79 Chinese vessels recorded from April 9 to 15. The accident occurred in an area of the sea that has a depth of 5,500 metres. Several pieces of wreckage including blades from the two helicopters and several helmets were recovered in the area. MORE HEADLINES Protester dies in police firing in Bara ... Oldest Person in Japan Dies at Age 116 in Osaka Prefecture ... Malaysia to continue blocking morally compromised social media platforms: Minister ... Mongolia now has law on pets ... Illegal laughing gas on open sale in Pattaya ... LGBTQ+ groups vow support for pastor expelled after blessing gay people ... RUSSIA-UKRAINE CONFLICT The Straits TimesUS to take aim at Chinese banks aiding Russia war effort, WSJ reports The Straits TimesRussian bought $88m of gold from dealer in Changi to launder funds for Ukraine invasion The Kathmandu Post16 more Nepalis serving in Russian army killed The Japan NewsJapan does not recognise Russian presidential election in annexed territories The NationUS to send new weapons package worth $400 million to Ukraine The StatesmanEfforts on for early discharge of 20 Indians working with Russian Army: Indian foreign ministry The Japan NewsUkrainian envoy warns ceasefire would only help Russia The Japan NewsUkrainian evacuees in Japan face growing uncertainty, worries about money and schooling The Japan NewsRussia endures the West’s economic sanctions after 2 years of aggression The Yomiuri ShimbunJapan holds first Ukraine economic growth and reconstruction conference The Korea HeraldSouth Korea joins Ukraine donor coordination platform The Japan NewsUkraine envoy Korsunsky expresses hope for Japan’s contribution to reconstruction The Kathmandu PostOver 200 Nepalis may be serving in the Russian army, Prime Minister Dahal says DawnPakistan signed contracts with two US companies for arms sales to Ukraine: BBC report The Japan News‘Russia is infringing the rule of law’: PM Kishida at UN General Assembly The Straits TimesG-7 ministers call on China to press Russia to stop aggression in Ukraine VIEW ALL TRADE VIEW MORE The two countries also agreed to facilitate a regular exchange of economic and technical experts, as well as delegations from Chambers of Commerce from both countries to intensify economic cooperation. President Raisi is currently on a three-day visit to Pakistan and had arrived a day ago. His visit is the first of its kind by any head of state after the February 8 general elections. MORE HEADLINES Nepal’s earthquake victims ill-equipped to survive the cold ... No rise in radioactivity levels in Malaysian waters, Dewan Negara hears ... Rohingyas highly exposed to HIV: Doctors, NGO workers ... APEC SUMMIT 2023 The NationSelling Thailand to the world: How did Srettha do at APEC? Nestor CorralesMarcos brings home $672M in investment pledges from US Viet Nam NewsAPEC members appreciate Việt Nam’s practical contributions, proposal to host 2027 summit China DailyXi: Don’t politicize, weaponize trade issues The Japan NewsJapan-China Summit shows two nations remain far apart on improving ties The Straits TimesOpportunities aplenty for Singapore even in an uncertain world, says PM Lee as Apec meet ends The NationThailand and Canada boost ties and cooperation at APEC Summit Viet Nam NewsVietnam’s president calls for business support at APEC CEO Summit 2023 The Korea HeraldPresident Yoon proposes APEC scientist exchange to weather global crises The Yomiuri ShimbunPM Kishida heads to San Francisco to show diplomatic prowess amid domestic woes The NationThai PM explores collaborations, investments with US giants at APEC CEO Summit Philippine Daily InquirerPresident Marcos to pursue food and energy security, economy in APEC meet China DailyBiden-Xi leaders’ summit seen as crucial for world The Yomiuri ShimbunJapanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to Attend APEC The Yomiuri ShimbunJapan, South Korea to collaborate; leaders set to announce clean energy plans The Straits TimesWill Apec meet the moment? PM Lee off to attend high-stakes summit in San Francisco VIEW ALL WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM 2023 Philippine Daily InquirerPhilippines aborts Christmas convoy to West Philippine Sea after China fires water cannons The Straits TimesIn tomorrow’s world, people who see change as opportunity will succeed: WEF founder World Economic ForumHow Asean can seize its energy opportunities Asia News NetworkThe future of jobs in the age of AI, sustainability and deglobalisation The Straits Times‘Very clear’ cryptocurrencies have to be regulated to guard against money laundering: S’pore senior minister The Korea HeraldSouth Korea’s Yoon stresses solidarity, reaffirms nuclear power drive at Davos The Straits TimesHow Singapore is tackling the challenge of an ageing population The Straits TimesDavos 2023: Climate change litigation set to grow, says WEF panel Philippine Daily InquirerMarcos Jr. presents strength of Philippine economy at WEF meet in Davos The Straits TimesDavos panellists call for cooperation among countries to stave off cyber threats Philippine Daily InquirerWorld Economic Forum projection: Debt, inflation biggest threats to Philippines The Korea HeraldGlobalization under siege, but Davos can bring opportunities for Korea Philippine Daily InquirerAt WEF, Marcos vows to address slow internet, boost cybersecurity Asia News Network2022 was a big year for AI development. In 2023, we must decide how best to use it The Straits TimesDavos 2023: China’s growth will return to normal trend this year, says Vice-Premier Liu He The Straits TimesEU must seek to de-risk rather than decouple from China, says von der Leyen VIEW ALL CLIMATE WATCH Philippine Daily InquirerFirst Covid, now heat: Online schooling returns to the Philippines The Daily StarThousands pray for rain as Bangladesh sizzles in heatwave China DailyHong Kong readies for extreme weather as flooding, landslide incidents rise The Daily StarProtecting Ganges river dolphins crucial for preserving ecosystem The Daily StarClimate, weather disasters: Asia hit hardest in 2023 according to UN Philippine Daily InquirerPhilippine ocean health goes from bad to worse amid China invasion The Straits TimesAsia teetering on the brink as the world marks Earth Day The Straits TimesSouthern China inundated by torrential rain and floods China DailyGuangdong moves swiftly to deal with severe flooding affecting thousands The Daily StarAt 42.2°C, Chuadanga records Bangladesh’s highest temp in a day The Jakarta PostAuthorities call for vigilance amid heightened volcanic activity Philippine Daily InquirerPhilippine agritech startup named one of ‘climate and nature impact innovators’ The Kathmandu PostAs springs dry up, water shortage deepens in high altitude villages in Nepal The Daily StarBaked by heat, Bangladesh expands AC manufacturing The Daily StarA feminist approach to climate solutions Dawn70 killed as Afghanistan hit by heavy rains VIEW ALL GO DEEPER WITH ANN Coming Soon ANN Newsletter Sign up here Follow us: