Category: Asia

Politics

China Lowers Flags for Zhu Rongji’s Funeral—But the Heavy Security Around Tiananmen Is Raising Questions

BEIJING — August 18, 2026 — China lowered its national flags at key government sites across the country on Tuesday as the nation held a formal day of mourning for former Premier Zhu Rongji, one of the most influential economic reformers of modern China. The Chinese flag was flown at half-mast at Tiananmen Square, the Great Hall of the People, Xinhua Gate and the Foreign Ministry, while similar measures were observed at government offices across China, in Hong Kong and Macau, and at Chinese dipl

August 18, 2026

Business

Singapore Halts Construction Waste Exports to Malaysia After Johor Dumping Probe — But Who Was Behind It?

JOHOR, Malaysia — A cross-border waste controversy between Singapore and Malaysia has escalated, with Singapore suspending construction and demolition waste exports to Malaysia after authorities in Johor investigated allegations that construction debris from Singapore was illegally dumped near villages in Pontian. The latest development came after Johor’s Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Corporation (SWCorp) identified nine Malaysia-registered companies allegedly linked to the moveme

August 18, 2026

Asia

OFW Remittances Hit 4-Year Growth Low—But June’s $3-Billion Surprise Hints at What Comes Next

MANILA, Philippines — Money sent home by overseas Filipinos continued to rise in June, but the pace of growth fell to its weakest level in more than four years, raising fresh concerns about the impact of global economic uncertainty, higher living costs and the continuing conflict in the Middle East. Cash remittances coursed through banks reached approximately $3.04 billion in June 2026, up 1.7% from the same month a year earlier, according to data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). The

August 18, 2026

Asia

EJ Obiena Clears 5.91m for 8th Gold of 2026 — But His Latest Victory Hints at Something Bigger

MIĘDZYZDROJE, POLAND — EJ Obiena is looking more and more like the elite pole vaulter Filipinos have come to know. The Filipino Olympic star continued his impressive resurgence on Monday, August 17, after clearing 5.91 meters to capture the men’s pole vault gold at the Golden Sand 2026 in Międzyzdroje, Poland. The victory marked Obiena’s eighth gold medal of the 2026 season and his third consecutive tournament victory. More importantly, his 5.91m clearance was his best performance in two years

August 18, 2026

Business

Singapore’s S$700 ‘Pocket Rooms’: How Tiny Can a Rental Get? — and Is It Legal?

As housing costs remain a concern, some renters are choosing to give up a significant amount of floor space in exchange for a lower monthly bill and a location closer to work, transport and amenities. The result is a niche but increasingly visible segment of Singapore’s rental market: ultra-small rooms sometimes marketed as “pocket rooms.” Some are former utility rooms, bomb shelters or spaces originally designed for domestic helpers. Others are simply extremely compact rooms inside private ap

August 18, 2026

Asia

Anne Curtis Finally Speaks Up After Fans Notice Lump on Her Neck—Her Answer Has Everyone Talking

MANILA, Philippines — Anne Curtis has finally addressed growing concern among fans after a noticeable lump on her neck became the subject of online discussion—but the actress-host made it clear that she is not ready to publicly discuss the personal matter behind it. During an interview on August 15, following her contract signing as a new ambassador for ZION Group, Curtis was asked about concerns raised by netizens regarding what appeared to be a lump on her neck. Her response was brief but re

August 18, 2026

Asia

ALEX EALA STUNS ANISIMOVA? Filipina Star Takes Command as Cincinnati Thriller Reaches Decisive Set

MASON, Ohio — Alex Eala is once again knocking on the door of another major Top 10 upset — and this time, Amanda Anisimova is standing in her way. The Filipina tennis sensation has seized the momentum in a tense Cincinnati Open Round of 32 showdown against the ninth-seeded American, with the latest live update showing Eala ahead 2–1 in the deciding third set after the two players split the opening sets. Eala took the first set 6–4, but Anisimova answered with a 6–4 second-set victory, setting u

August 18, 2026

Asia

China Lowers Flags for Zhu Rongji as Former Premier’s Funeral Revives Debate Over His Reform Legacy

BEIJING — China lowered national flags to half-mast on Tuesday, August 18, as the country mourned former Premier Zhu Rongji, the outspoken economic reformer whose tenure helped reshape China’s economy and accelerate its integration into the global market. The official mourning came as Zhu’s remains were taken toward Babaoshan Revolutionary Cemetery in Beijing, where top Chinese leaders are traditionally cremated. Security was tightened around key areas of the capital, particularly Tiananmen Squ

August 18, 2026

Asia

Malaysia Airlines Pilots All Pass Drug Tests—But the Screening Isn’t Over Yet

KUALA LUMPUR — All 1,260 active Malaysia Airlines pilots have tested negative for drugs following a mandatory screening programme introduced after one of the carrier’s pilots was arrested in Indonesia in connection with an alleged drug-trafficking case. Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), the parent company of Malaysia Airlines, said on Aug. 17 that the first phase of the intensified screening programme had been completed. The company will now turn its attention to cabin crew, with testing of about

August 18, 2026

Asia

A “NATO of the East” Is Taking Shape in Mecca — What Happens If One Member Is Attacked?

Saudi Arabia Turkey Pakistan defence pact, Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, Saudi Pakistan Turkey alliance, NATO of the East, Middle East security, Mecca defence pact, Iran regional security A new security arrangement linking Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan is raising questions about whether the Middle East and South Asia are entering a new era of regional military cooperation. The three countries signed the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement in Mecca on August 7, 2026, committing to regard an arm

August 18, 2026