asia-pacific2.105 min read
Japan to deploy missiles on Yonaguni by 2031 amid Taiwan security tensions
10 hours ago•Source: The Guardian
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4.53 min•3 days ago
Kim Jong Un Extends Grip as North Korea Re-Elects Party General Secretary
Kim Jong Un was re-elected general secretary of North Korea's ruling Workers’ Party at a rare congress, with delegates voting unanimously; KCNA said the country’s nuclear deterrence has been radically improved under his leadership, while Kim also pledged to boost living standards and push economic development.
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China kicks off Lunar New Year travel rush as nine-day holiday begins
Reuters•22 days ago
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Kim Signals Expanded Nuclear Deterrent Ahead of Party Congress
North Korea’s Kim Jong Un said the Workers’ Party congress will unveil next-stage plans to strengthen the country’s nuclear deterrent, following a test of a large-caliber rocket system; Seoul and Tokyo condemned the missiles as Pyongyang defies UN bans, with the congress date not yet announced.
Philippines ferry tragedy: 18 dead, 24 still missing after sinking off Mindanao
Eighteen people died and about 24 remain missing after the MV Trisha Kerstin 3 ferry, carrying more than 350 aboard, sank off the southern coast of the Philippines while en route from Mindanao to Jolo. Some 317 passengers and crew were rescued, and authorities are investigating the cause amid rough seas and concerns about maintenance and overloading, a recurring factor in Philippine ferry disasters.
Takaichi's popularity falters as Japan heads to snap election
Polls show Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's approval slipping ahead of the February 8 snap election, with Nikkei at 67% (down from 75%), Kyodo 63% and Mainichi 57%. Analysts say concerns over her stimulus plan, debt-financed budget and perceived political opportunism have weakened the LDP's grip, especially after losing Komeito support, making the vote highly unpredictable and hinging on whether her personal popularity can translate into party strength.
Two Australia Day narratives: Indigenous rallies and anti-immigration protests
Thousands marked Australia Day with Indigenous-led “Invasion Day” rallies calling for unity, land rights and accountability for police matters, while separate anti-immigration protests drew hundreds; Prime Minister Albanese urged unity as the nation debates the date amid high immigration and cost-of-living pressures, with public opinion split on keeping the traditional date.
Philippines ferry disaster: death toll rises to 15, hundreds rescued
The passenger ferry MV Trisha Kerstin 3 capsized early Monday in southern Philippines en route to Jolo from Zamboanga; at least 15 people died and 316 were rescued, with 28 still missing, as search-and-rescue operations – aided by military aircraft and ships – continue and authorities investigate the cause and cross-check passenger manifests amid ongoing maritime-safety concerns.
Bangladesh Shuts Universities Amid Deadly Job Quota Protests
Bangladesh has deployed a paramilitary force to quell violent student protests over government job quotas, which have resulted in at least five deaths and hundreds of injuries. The protests, originating from the University of Dhaka, have spread nationwide, leading to school closures and partial social media blackouts.
"The Cultural Significance of Japan's Iconic School Bags"
In Japan, cultural norms and peer pressure play a significant role in societal behavior, exemplified by the widespread use of the randoseru backpack among schoolchildren. This tradition, not mandated by any authority, reflects the deep-rooted cultural expectations that help maintain social order and cohesion.
China's Chang'e-6 Achieves Historic Far Side Moon Landing
China successfully landed its Chang’e-6 lunar probe on the far side of the moon, aiming to return the first samples from this unexplored region. The mission, which touched down in the South Pole-Aitken basin, could provide valuable insights into the moon's geological history.
"Survival at Stake: Laborers Endure India-Pakistan Heat Wave"
A severe heat wave in South Asia, with temperatures reaching up to 127 degrees Fahrenheit, is forcing laborers in Pakistan and India to make life-or-death decisions. Many, like Abideen Khan and his son, must stop working early to avoid the extreme heat, cutting their daily earnings in half. The heat has already claimed lives and caused numerous heatstroke cases, with the situation expected to persist for days or weeks.
Singapore Airlines Flight Plummets 178 Feet in Severe Turbulence
A Singapore Airlines flight from London to Singapore encountered severe turbulence over Myanmar, causing the plane to drop 178 feet in under five seconds. The incident resulted in the death of a 73-year-old British man and injuries to 71 others. The plane was diverted to Thailand, where it landed safely. Singapore's Transport Ministry released a preliminary report detailing the sudden changes in altitude and airspeed that led to the injuries.