Category: Asia

Business

China Is Taking Over the Matcha Supply—But Japan Still Holds the One Advantage That Could Decide the Future

The world’s obsession with matcha has created an unexpected new rivalry: Japan’s centuries-old tea tradition versus China’s rapidly expanding production machine. What began as a global café and social-media trend has become a serious battle over supply, prices, branding and the future of one of Asia’s most recognizable tea products. In Japan’s historic tea city of Uji, Kyoto, demand for premium matcha has exploded. At Horii Shichimeien, a centuries-old tea business, some tins now sell for near

August 16, 2026

Asia

Kim and Putin Tighten Russia-North Korea Alliance—But What Comes Next Could Reshape Asia

SEOUL — A relationship once rooted largely in Cold War history is becoming a far more consequential strategic partnership. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin have reaffirmed their countries' deepening ties, with the exchange coming as Pyongyang marked Korea's 81st Liberation Day anniversary and Russia's war in Ukraine continues to reshape security calculations across Asia and Europe. Kim sent a message to Putin in response to the Russian president's congratula

August 16, 2026

Asia

BANGLADESH DRAWS THE LINE: PM Tarique Rahman Won’t Go to India Until Sheikh Hasina Is Extradited — What Happens Next?

DHAKA — Bangladesh has raised the stakes in its increasingly tense relationship with India, saying Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s proposed visit to New Delhi cannot move forward until Dhaka sees progress on its demand for the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The development puts Hasina — who has been living in India since fleeing Bangladesh during the 2024 uprising — at the centre of a potentially major diplomatic confrontation between the two South Asian neighbours. Bangla

August 16, 2026

Asia

Indonesia’s Transgender Community Under Attack: What’s Behind the Sudden Wave of Violence?

JAKARTA, Indonesia — A growing climate of fear is gripping Indonesia’s transgender community as attacks against trans women, increasingly hostile policies and anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric raise fresh concerns over the safety and rights of one of the country’s most vulnerable groups. The issue has drawn renewed international attention after a series of attacks against transgender women in Bogor, West Java, where LGBTQIA+ advocacy group Pelangi Nusantara documented 10 attacks between March 30 and July 15

August 16, 2026

Asia

DAP Was Ready to Walk Away From Anwar’s Government — Then Malaysia’s Crucial Vote Changed Everything

PUTRAJAYA, Malaysia — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s unity government has avoided a potentially explosive political crisis after Malaysia’s Democratic Action Party (DAP) overwhelmingly voted to keep its ministers in the federal Cabinet. At the party’s national congress in Putrajaya on Sunday, 1,857 of 2,106 valid secret ballots — or 88.2% — backed continued participation in the government. Only 242 voted for DAP ministers to leave, while seven ballots were spoiled. The decision gives Anwar a m

August 16, 2026

Asia

300,000+ Rohingya Cleared to Return to Myanmar — But One Major Problem Could Stop Them

BANGKOK — Myanmar says it has verified more than 300,000 Rohingya refugees living in Bangladesh as former residents of Rakhine State and could accept them back once security conditions improve. The announcement comes as the Rohingya refugee crisis approaches its ninth year, reviving hopes of a possible breakthrough while also exposing the enormous obstacles standing between verification and an actual return. According to Myanmar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bangladesh submitted a list of 828

August 16, 2026

Asia

ALEX EALA READY TO SACRIFICE WTA RUN FOR PH GOLD—BUT ONE BIG DECISION REMAINS

MANILA, Philippines — Fresh from making Philippine tennis history on the WTA Tour, Alex Eala is facing another career-defining decision—and this time, the prize is not another ranking point or tournament trophy, but a chance to win Asian Games gold for the Philippines. The 21-year-old tennis star is prepared to prioritize the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, even if it means missing the prestigious China Open, a WTA 1000 tournament scheduled during the same period. Philippine Lawn Tennis Ass

August 16, 2026

Politics

51 DEAD, 5,000 EVACUATED: Indonesia’s 7.7 Quake Tears Through Flores — But the Danger Isn’t Over

A powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck eastern Indonesia, killing at least 51 people and forcing around 5,000 residents to evacuate as rescuers battled landslides, blocked roads, damaged infrastructure and continuing aftershocks across Flores Island. The earthquake struck on Saturday, August 15, in East Nusa Tenggara province, with the epicenter located offshore near Flores. The U.S. Geological Survey recorded the earthquake at magnitude 7.7 and placed its depth at about 10 kilometers, clas

August 16, 2026

Asia

Japan’s Banks Face a Defense-Financing Dilemma—Will MUFG, Mizuho and SMBC Change the Rules?

Japan is weighing how its biggest lenders should finance the country’s rapidly expanding defense sector—a move that could reshape the relationship between banks, manufacturers and national security. TOKYO — Japan’s push to build a stronger domestic defense industry is moving into an increasingly sensitive arena: bank financing. The government is examining how financial institutions can support companies considered critical to national security as Tokyo accelerates efforts to strengthen its def

August 16, 2026

Asia

Japan Steps Into Gulf Reconstruction as Iran War Leaves Infrastructure in Ruins—What Happens Next Could Hit Asia

TOKYO — Japan is preparing to play a bigger role in rebuilding critical infrastructure across Gulf countries damaged by the Iran war, a move that goes far beyond reconstruction and puts Tokyo’s energy security interests squarely in the spotlight. The initiative, reported by Nikkei Asia, comes as the prolonged conflict continues to disrupt energy infrastructure, shipping routes and supply chains across the Persian Gulf. Tokyo’s interest is closely tied to a fundamental economic reality: Japan re

August 16, 2026