Asia

Hong Kong’s political freedoms are vanishing as China enforces control, silencing dissent and erasing its unique identity

Pakistan faces an existential crisis as public dissent rises against a ruling elite amid economic collapse and political turmoil

Iran faces potential fragmentation as Israel escalates its military strategy against the Islamic Republic, risking broader conflict

Japan’s parliament elected Shigeru Ishiba as prime minister, succeeding Fumio Kishida amid calls for a snap election on October 27

Protests in South Asia over the Israel-Palestine conflict reveal deep religious ties and societal divisions amid local issues

Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis face collapse as Israel’s military campaign targets their leadership and infrastructure

Israel intensifies its military campaign against Hezbollah, resulting in over 500 casualties in Lebanon amid growing conflict

Maldives seeks to repair ties with India amid economic crisis, shifting from an “India Out” stance to diplomatic engagement

Lebanon faces chaos after deadly explosions from Hezbollah devices, killing at least 32 and injuring over 3,000

Pro-Palestinian accounts celebrate the Houthis missile strike on Israel, raising security concerns for Saudi Arabia and the region

China and India face strained relations, primarily due to territorial disputes stemming from Tibet’s annexation by China

Iran’s support for Russia amid the Ukraine war faces scrutiny as tensions rise over Moscow’s backing of Azerbaijan

Ethnic clashes in India’s northeast, rooted in generational tribal animosities, have escalated into a civil war-like situation in Manipur

Nepal’s civil war victims await justice 20 years after thousands were tortured, raped, killed, and disappeared during the 1996-2006 conflict

Protests erupt in Israel demanding a ceasefire and the return of hostages after six bodies were discovered in Gaza

Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, faces challenges in conducting elections amid ongoing political unrest and reforms

China and Japan’s relationship is at a critical low, with tensions escalating amid historical grievances and territorial disputes

Malaysia charges ex-PM Muhyiddin with sedition over alleged remarks about former king

Bangladesh grappling with massive flood affecting over 5 million amid political uncertainties and strained relations with India

The demand for an independent Balochistan, a state for the Baloch people, has led to conflicts with Pakistan since 1948

China’s strategic interest in the Indian Ocean is growing, influenced by regional alliances and infrastructure projects like the Thai Land Bridge

Massive protests erupted in Indonesia against political dynasties, prompting lawmakers to postpone controversial election law revisions

China and Vietnam are strengthening ties, with Vietnam’s new leader prioritizing relations during his recent visit to China

China and the Philippines clashed again in the South China Sea, with vessels colliding near the disputed Sabina Shoal

Protests in West Bengal intensify after the brutal rape and murder of a junior doctor, putting pressure on Mamata Banerjee’s AITC-led state government.

Thailand appoints Paetongtarn Shinawatra, 37, as its youngest and second female prime minister amid political turmoil

Thailand’s political drama intensifies as PM Srettha Thavisin is ousted, prompting urgent leadership changes

Japan’s PM Kishida resigns amid scandals, paving way for new leadership

The civil war in Myanmar escalates as ethnic armies gain ground against the junta

Thailand’s court dissolves the Move Forward Party, blocking youth-led reforms

Iran feels humiliated after Israel’s assassination of Hamas leader Haniyeh in Tehran

Sheikh Hasina resigns amid protests, marking a pivotal moment in Bangladesh’s history

Indonesia’s geopolitical stance and investment challenges amid U.S.-China tensions

Israel dealt severe blows to Hamas and Hezbollah, killing key leaders amid ongoing conflict

Armenia seeks new alliances, notably with India, amid geopolitical challenges

Israel strikes Beirut, targeting Hezbollah commander amid rising tensions and casualties

Bangladesh protests escalate into nationwide uprising against PM Hasina’s 15-year rule, with 174 deaths reported

Nguyen Phu Trong, Vietnam’s most powerful leader in decades, dies at 80, ushering in a new era of uncertainty and potential succession crisis in Vietnamese politics

China seeks to de-escalate tensions with the Philippines over the South China Sea

Houthi drone strikes Tel Aviv, marking a significant breach of Israel’s defenses

Bangladesh faces deadly student protests over job quotas, escalating violence and unrest

Pakistan’s political crisis deepens as government seeks to ban Imran Khan’s party despite court rulings

India’s population growth poses challenges for development; political parties avoid addressing it

Turkic states, including Turkey, share common ethnic, linguistic, and cultural ties, forming the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) to strengthen cooperation and protect regional interests.

Rising tensions in Gaza trigger complex responses from Jordan, a key regional player with close ties to Israel and the US, as it navigates public outrage and its own constraints

Reformist Masoud Pezeshkian wins Iran’s presidential election, pledging change despite challenges.

Cambodian court jails 10 Mother Nature activists for 6-8 years in blow to civil society.

Russia’s economy stays afloat despite sanctions, thanks to trade with China, India, Iran, and allies via North-South corridor.

Myanmar military’s financial ties with Thailand revealed in UN report, as junta adapts to sanctions

Kazakhstan’s politics closely aligned with Russia, despite attempts to improve international image. Targeting critics, including opposition figure Aydos Sadykov, raises concerns about democratic practices and potential sanctions.

Israel’s border with Lebanon poses a heavy risk due to the presence of the Palestinian population and the terrorist organization Hezbollah, leading to a possible escalation of war between Israel and Lebanon.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in North Korea for a summit with Kim Jong-un, marking his first visit to the country since 2000. The meeting aims to deepen their relationship, which has strengthened since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Benjamin Netanyahu dissolves Israel’s war cabinet, strengthening his control over the conflict in Gaza and Hezbollah.

China’s new trespass law in the South China Sea allows detention of foreigners for up to 60 days without trial, escalating tensions with neighboring countries like the Philippines, which has stepped up patrols in response.

Central Asia’s mineral wealth attracts global powers; South Korea’s “K-Silk Road” aims to tap it.

India’s general election results show a surprising dip in support for Narendra Modi’s BJP, with some attributing the decline to a rift between the BJP and its parent organization, the RSS.

The “Balloon War” between North and South Korea escalates as both sides use balloons to spread propaganda and trash, heightening tensions and straining relations.

Narendra Modi begins his third term as India’s Prime Minister, marking a significant milestone. He has retained key figures from the previous government and included members from various parties in his new cabinet.

Afghanistan remains under strict Taliban rule, marked by severe punishments, suppression of women, and enforced dress codes, despite promises of moderation.

Maldives bans Israeli tourists amid Gaza conflict, risking economic consequences and diplomatic tensions with the West.

Taiwan’s opposition-controlled parliament has passed a controversial reform bill amid intense protests, raising concerns about the country’s democratic system.

North Korea retaliates against South Korea’s propaganda balloons by sending balloons filled with feces and trash.

Pakistani students face xenophobic violence in Kyrgyzstan, prompting diplomatic concerns and student evacuations.

Lai Ching-te, Taiwan’s new president, takes a moderate stance on China while focusing on domestic issues like housing costs and wealth divide.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi dies in helicopter crash, sparking celebrations and questions about the future of the Islamic Republic.

Escalating South China Sea disputes as nations reclaim land, with China, Vietnam, and Philippines actively building on islands, complicating regional tensions.

Malaysia adopts orangutan diplomacy to showcase commitment to nature conservation and ease concerns over palm oil deforestation.

Iraq’s complex power dynamics involve shifting allegiances between the US and Iran, impacting its political landscape.

China emerges as a significant player in mediating the Israel-Palestine conflict, aiming to reconcile Palestinian factions and establish a recognized Palestinian state.

A new regional bloc, dubbed the “Squad,” is forming between Australia, Japan, the Philippines, and the US to counter China’s growing assertiveness in the South China Sea.

President Biden’s controversial comments on immigration policies of Asian countries, Japan, China, Russia, and India have stirred reactions, especially from Japan, a key ally.

Saudi Arabia strategically navigates its alliance with the US amidst the Israel-Palestine conflict, aiming to secure favorable terms while excluding Israel from key agreements.

Geopolitical tensions between superpowers impact smaller nations like Nepal, caught between India and China.

India’s successful COVID-19 vaccination drive under Modi faced challenges with vaccine side effects, impacting his political future.

Fumio Kishida, Japan’s Prime Minister, faces challenges amid economic woes and political scandals, risking his leadership as voter discontent grows.

The US Foreign Aid Package allocates $95 billion to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, with a focus on countering Chinese aggression in the Asia-Pacific region.

As a necessary step toward creating a single regional market, Central Asian states are removing trade barriers.

The debate over Chiang Kai Shek’s legacy is essentially party-based, with the opposition Kuomintang Party accusing the ruling Democratic Progressive Party of trying to obliterate history.

Despite fears of war, global powers urge restraint to prevent catastrophic consequences. Recent drone attacks and missile strikes highlight the delicate balance between these nations, with potential involvement of allies like Russia and China.

Amidst escalating tensions in the South China Sea, the Philippines and the US are conducting joint military exercises, set to provoke China and challenge its territorial claims.

Israel’s continued construction of settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, threatening the prospects for a Palestinian state and violating international law. Israel also plans to control Gaza, diminishing Palestine’s scope.

Iran launched a drone and missile attack on Israel, met with international obstruction. The conflict reflects complex political dynamics in the Middle East.

Amidst global power shifts, China strengthens ties with North Korea, impacting regional dynamics. Recent high-level meetings underscore the enduring alliance, raising concerns in East Asia.

Vietnam’s anti-corruption drive intensifies as prominent tycoon Truong My Lan faces death penalty for $27 billion fraud, signaling zero tolerance for corruption.

In South Korea’s parliamentary election, the ruling People Power Party suffered defeat as the opposition Democratic Party, led by Lee Jae-myung, secured a landslide victory.

Israeli unrest over Hamas captives and elections. Gaza conflict escalates, testing Netanyahu’s leadership amidst mounting dissatisfaction.

Myanmar’s Opposition intensifies drone strikes on Naypyidaw, targeting military strongholds. Defections rise, signaling Junta’s weakening grip amidst escalating civil war.

The recent Israel-Hamas conflict escalates, with Israel targeting Iranian interests in Syria, risking broader conflict but avoiding direct confrontation with Iran.

India’s film industry, world’s largest, navigates politics. Rising regional cinema challenges Bollywood hegemony; surge in Hindutva-themed films sparks controversy amid elections.

Terrorism threatens Pakistan’s stability, hindering infrastructure projects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. Recent attacks on Chinese interests prompt urgent action.

The Aam Aadmi Party faces a pivotal moment with corruption charges, challenging its anti-corruption ethos. Arrests of key leaders escalate political tensions

Vietnam’s youngest president, Vo Van Thuong, resigns amid murky reasons, signaling potential leadership shifts, sparking concerns among analysts and investors.

Hong Kong’s swift ratification of the National Security Law sparks global concern, signaling a shift towards authoritarian control and jeopardizing residents rights.

Central Asia’s shift from Russian influence unfolds as global players like the US engage in economic partnerships and regional integration efforts.

Syria’s enduring conflict, now in its thirteenth year, devastates the nation, causing massive displacement and resisting resolution.

Indian Supreme Court mandates transparency in electoral bonds, scrutinizing political funding and pressing for disclosure from State Bank of India.

In China, Nobel Prize reception sparks skepticism. Mo Yan faces nationalist backlash; critics accuse him of betraying China’s interests.

The BJP-led Indian government vigorously rejects colonial legacies, seeking to revive Hindu identity by erasing Mughal influences and reclaiming pre-Islamic history.

President Yoon’s response to a doctor’s strike reshapes public opinion, potentially aiding his party’s electoral prospects amid healthcare turmoil.

China stifled Hong Kong protests, introducing stringent security laws. Lawmakers rush to pass laws amid international concern over human rights.