Malaysia’s former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad turned 100 on Thursday, marking a rare milestone for any world leader while defying age with his sharp mind and relentless work ethic. Mahathir’s social media platforms have been inundated with well-wishes over the last few days from Malaysians as well as admirers abroad, particularly in the Muslim world, where he is seen as an icon of moderate Muslim leadership who dares to speak up against the West. The two-time prime minister, whose 24 years...

Temasek's portfolio scales new peak even as divestments hit over 2-decade high

The Singapore state investment firm's net portfolio value soared to 434 billion Singapore dollars ($324 billion) for its financial year ended March.

Revealed: the secret Japanese past of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s mother

A new book published in Japan has shed fresh light on the life of Ko Yong-hui, the mother of Kim Jong-un, whose background the North Korean leader would prefer remains shrouded in secrecy. Published last month, Ko Yong-hui: The Zainichi Korean Who Became Kim Jong-un’s Mother, was written by journalist and author Yoji Gomi and draws on interviews with relatives still based in Japan, detailing how Kim Jong-un’s maternal grandfather made a precarious living as a smuggler and had to flee to North...

India and China strive to reset ties but with caution

Bilateral relations between India and China have improved since the 2020 clash - but larger challenges remain.

Chinese students sleep off heatwave in libraries and tents

As eastern China deals with extreme heat, residents are finding new ways to cool down.

South Korea's ex-president Yoon Suk Yeol rearrested

Yoon is in detention for a second time over his failed martial law declaration last year.

China rejects German claim it targeted military plane with laser

Germany says a laser fired by a Chinese warship tried to disrupt a reconnaissance plane over the Red Sea.

Samsung launches three new foldable smartphones as it fends off Chinese rivals

Samsung on Wednesday launched three new folding smartphones in total, including two thinner top-end devices and a cheaper version of its flip phone.

Thai man walks 30km barefoot to put fish sauce on picture of Cambodia’s Hun Sen

A man who embarked on a 30km (19-mile) protest walk barefoot and splashed fish sauce on a portrait of Cambodia’s Senate leader and former prime minister Hun Sen outside the country’s embassy in Bangkok was briefly detained but later released by Thai police. Angered by Cambodia’s actions during a recent border clash with Thailand, 69-year-old retired tennis coach Thewa Sritawan walked for almost five hours from his home in Pak Kret, in neighbouring Nonthaburi province, at dawn on Monday to carry...

Starbucks China attracts bids valuing the coffee chain at up to $10 billion, sources say

About 30 PE firms have submitted non-binding offers, valuing Starbucks between $5 billion and $10 billion, with bidding expected to settle around the top end of that range, sources said.

South Korean actress reveals pregnancy via IVF without ex-husband’s consent

A decision by South Korean actress Lee Si-young to become pregnant with her second child via in vitro fertilisation (IVF) without the formal consent of her former husband has sparked a debate on reproductive rights and parental responsibility in such a scenario. Lee married restaurateur Cho Seong-hyun in 2017 and they had their first son the next year. While married, the couple reportedly underwent IVF in preparation for a second child, but they did not follow through with embryo...

‘Quintessence of animal cruelty’: Singapore court doubles cat killer’s sentence

A Singaporean man who pleaded guilty to killing multiple cats by hurling them from high-rise housing blocks has had his jail term nearly doubled after an appeal court ruled his initial sentence was too lenient given the cruelty of his actions. Barrie Lin Pengli, 33, will now serve 27 months in prison – up from the original 14-month sentence handed down earlier this year – following a successful appeal by prosecutors who argued that the case warranted a far harsher penalty. Lin had pleaded guilty...

The rise and rise of India’s luxury property market: ‘no plateau in sight’

When Indian property developer DLF launched a housing project in Gurgaon on the outskirts of capital New Delhi last month, all the flats sold out within a week despite a minimum price tag of more than US$1 million – a figure that would have daunted most buyers until recently. The successful sale of the project called DLF Privana North in Gurugram followed two others over the 116-acre (47-hectare) residential development, DLF Privana South and DLF Privana West, each of which were sold out in 72...

Off the hook: South Korean fishers forced to dump US$1.9 million of bluefin tuna

A bountiful haul of bluefin tuna by South Korean fishers earlier this week came with a catch: they had to throw away more than 1,300 tuna valued at about US$1.9 million into the waters after exceeding an annual regional fishing quota. The mass dumping has sparked calls from the local industry for more flexibility in balancing between fulfilling obligations on fishing limits and maritime conservation. The tuna was accidentally caught by fixed nets meant to trap smaller species like mackerel and...

‘More dangerous’ than Pogos: should Philippines ban online gambling?

At the rehabilitation centres run by Bridges of Hope, a recovery network spread across the Philippines, founder Jon Ty is used to seeing the different faces of addiction. For years, clients came seeking help for their abuse of drugs, alcohol or painkillers. Now, most come for something else. Today, seven in 10 clients treated across the network of centres are battling online gambling addiction – a trend that highlights a deepening crisis in the country, fuelled by a boom in mobile betting apps...

CNBC's The China Connection newsletter: The hidden drag on China's economy

Sliding real estate prices are the elephant in the room when it comes to China's economy.

Singapore politicians lead sold-out durian tours to Malaysia as peak season hits

Singaporean politicians are leading their constituents on sold-out tours across the causeway to indulge in Malaysia’s peak durian season, with itineraries featuring all-you-can-eat buffets, shopping and multi-course dinners. At least seven members of parliament (MPs) have organised trips this month for Singaporean citizens to get their fill of the spiky and pungent fruit in neighbouring Malaysia, where prices are expected to fall this month in light of abundant supply. The outings, some lasting...

Bali named world’s second most crowded island – residents aren’t cheering

Indonesia’s Bali is now officially the second most crowded island in the world after neighbouring Java, as residents feel squeezed out by the influx of tourists and even their compatriots in their backyard. Measuring 5,780 sq km (2,230 square miles) in size, Bali is home to 731 people per sq km, excluding tourists, according to national newspaper Kompas citing data from online market researcher Visual Capitalist. More than 60,000 daily visitors arrive on the island with a population of 4.2...

South Korea’s Yoon Suk-yeol back behind bars over martial law decree

Former South Korean president Yoon Suk-yeol was rearrested on Thursday in a major development in efforts to hold him to account for his short-lived martial law declaration last December. The Seoul Central District Court issued a detention warrant for Yoon, citing concerns he could destroy evidence. The decision came five hours after a gruelling seven-hour hearing involving arguments from both special prosecutors and Yoon’s legal team, according to Yonhap News Agency. Yoon, 65, who had been held...

'You did it': How doctor realised mushroom cook was a killer

Erin Patterson was found guilty of murdering three relatives with a toxic mushroom lunch.

Yemen to execute Indian nurse on death row - can she be saved?

Campaigners say Nimisha Priya can still be saved if the victim's family accept blood money and pardon her.

China’s producer prices fall 3.6% in June, biggest drop in nearly two years as deflation deepens

The deflation in producer prices came worse than the expected 3.2% drop in a Reuters poll, marking the biggest fall since July 2023, according to LSEG data.

Seoul returns six North Koreans with 'strong desire' to go back

All six people had drifted into South Korea by accident earlier this year and had wanted to go back.

Malaysia’s Anwar to confront Rubio over US tariffs amid fears about 25% levy

Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said on Wednesday that US tariffs would be at the forefront of his agenda when he meets US Secretary of State Marco Rubio this week, as the Southeast Asian nation strives to negotiate a reprieve from punitive levies threatening to stifle economic growth and devastate export-reliant industries. The urgency stems from a move made on Monday by US President Donald Trump, who dispatched letters to the leaders of 14 countries threatening tariffs ranging from 25...

Families anxious over safety of Indians kidnapped in Mali

Armed assailants abducted three Indian men from their place of work in Mali last week.

China’s lead in global shipbuilding may already be fading, new data suggests

China’s dominance of global shipbuilding appears to have been eroded over the past six months, according to the latest industry data, suggesting that US efforts to rein in the country’s shipyards may be starting to bite. China has been by far the world’s largest shipbuilder for years, but its shipyards saw new orders plunge 68 per cent year on year to 26.3 million deadweight tonnes in the first half of 2025, according to a Monday report from maritime consultancy Clarksons Research. South Korea,...

‘Very optimistic’: Indonesia vows to press on with US talks despite 32% tariff

Indonesia has vowed to press on with negotiations despite US President Donald Trump’s decision to maintain 32 per cent tariffs on the country, even as it intensifies diplomatic efforts to seek alternative export markets, including fellow members of the Brics bloc. The Southeast Asian nation is one of 14 countries notified by Trump via letters on Monday that the unilateral tariffs he announced in April would take effect on August 1. Trump delayed the levies’ implementation by 90 days to allow...

Southeast Asia needn't take sides in U.S.-China tech rivalry. It can learn from both, experts say

As China and the U.S. compete in artificial intelligence, Southeast Asia should draw from the best of both, panelists said at CNBC's East Tech West conference.

Malaysian police hunt Hindu priest accused of molesting beauty queen

Malaysian police have launched a manhunt for a Hindu priest accused of molesting a beauty queen under the pretence of giving her a blessing at a temple. The incident occurred last Saturday at Mariamman Temple in Sepang, a short distance from Kuala Lumpur International Airport. It only came to light when the victim, actor and television host Lishalliny Kanaran, decided to go public with her allegations on Tuesday, sharing them on social media. The suspect is believed to be an Indian national...

Trump tariffs raise the specter of sharper economic downturn for South Korea and Japan

While South Korean imports to the U.S. face 25% tariffs, the same as Trump promised in April, the rate on Japan has been raised by 1 percentage point to 25%.

Old but still gold? What Philippines can gain from Japan’s used warships

Japan’s unprecedented proposal to transfer six Abukuma-class destroyer escorts to the Philippine Navy could greatly boost the Southeast Asian nation’s anti-submarine capabilities – but the true value of these ageing vessels remains to be seen. The Philippines has confirmed it is preparing to dispatch a team to Japan for a visual inspection of the six warships, which were set to be decommissioned, following an official invitation from Japan’s Ministry of Defence. “This planned inspection forms...

What happens in Taiwan's military exercise to defend against China?

The annual Han Kuang drill is aimed at sending a clear signal to Beijing.

Are India's skies safe? Air safety watchdog responds amid rising concerns

India’s skies remain safe, with accident rates below global averages, air safety regulator chief tells the BBC.

Japan dives deep in race for rare earths, stirring a green backlash

Japan’s quest for rare earths is about to plunge to unprecedented depths in what could be the most extreme trial extraction ever attempted, accelerating a push to lessen its reliance on overseas suppliers – but at what environmental cost? The Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology plans to deploy a deep-sea drilling vessel to a site around 100km (54 nautical miles) from Minamitorishima, according to a report in the Nikkei newspaper dated July 1. The remote atoll is some 1,850km...

China spins up offshore wind energy as Beijing promotes marine economy

China has ramped up offshore wind energy development, as the form of renewable energy aligns with Beijing’s goals of carbon neutrality, energy security and developing the marine economy to boost economic growth. China added more than 4.4 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind capacity in the first six months of the year, the same amount it added in all of 2024, according to a report by the non-profit Global Energy Monitor (GEM) on Wednesday. The report said the country was expected to add at least 9GW...

Ex-Bangladesh leader authorised deadly crackdown, leaked audio suggests

Sheikh Hasina authorised lethal force against protesters, according to leaked audio verified by the BBC.

ICC issues arrest warrants for Taliban leaders for persecuting women and girls

The Taliban's supreme leader and chief justice are accused by the Hague-based judges of gender persecution.

In global survey, US cited more often than China as greatest ally and threat

A new survey of citizens in 25 middle- and high-income countries has found that the US is more likely than China to be seen as their most important ally – and their greatest threat. In the survey it released on Tuesday, the Pew Research Centre polled nearly 32,000 adults from the world’s six populated continents – including those in the US and the four Asian nations of India, Indonesia, Japan and South Korea – between January 8 and April 26. Respondents were not given a list of countries from...

Do Singapore’s insurers and private hospitals need a rethink as costs surge?

A major insurer in Singapore has suspended pre-treatment approval for policyholders seeking treatment in two private hospitals due to high costs, in a case that has prompted scrutiny of the city state’s reputable healthcare industry. Great Eastern’s move has spurred industry experts to call for calibrated adjustments to the healthcare insurance system involving the key stakeholders instead of an overhaul, and greater data transparency to help policyholders make informed decisions as expenses...

‘Pressure and division’: why Trump’s 14-nation tariff package puts China on edge

When US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday to extend a pause on “reciprocal” tariffs until August 1, it offered little comfort to China. Instead, Beijing’s policymakers may feel increasingly cornered, as Washington also moved to target 14 countries – many of them China’s close trading partners – with tariffs of up to 40 per cent. This came despite breakthrough talks in London that laid the groundwork to remove most bilateral export controls – from China’s rare earth...

More uncertainty ahead for Asia as Trump shifts goalposts on tariffs again

Asia could face a prolonged period of trade uncertainty after US President Donald Trump extended the deadline for imposing higher import tariffs to August 1. Trump told trade partners on Monday that the new deadline was final, though he might grant further extensions if countries submitted acceptable proposals. He also confirmed plans to impose a 25 per cent tariff on imports from Japan and South Korea in letters posted on his social media platform, warning: “If for any reason you decide to...

Japan calls Trump's latest tariff salvo 'regrettable' as nations scramble to deal with fresh deadline

Trump shared screenshots of letters detailing new tariff rates for over a dozen countries, allowing room for further negotiations before the renewed deadline of Aug. 1.

Need a grandma? In Japan, you can rent one and help an old lady out

“Grandma rental” services have caught on in Japan, providing an alternative source of income for the country’s ageing population seeking to alleviate the cost of living pressures amid rising inflation. For 3,000 yen (US$20) per hour, clients are set up with a woman aged 60 to 94 who will help with requests ranging from teaching cooking skills to breaking up with partners on her client’s behalf, according to local news site SoraNews24. The elderly women can also babysit and mediate family...

As Delhi scraps vehicle ban plan, what next for clean air in India’s capital?

India’s capital has put the brakes on a contentious vehicle scrappage policy aimed at curbing deadly air pollution after fierce resistance from residents, highlighting the city’s struggle to balance environmental urgency with economic realities and the need to find alternative solutions. The rule, which took effect on July 1 in New Delhi but is now suspended, barred refuelling and permitted impounding of private petrol cars older than 15 years and diesel vehicles older than 10. Officials had...

Why East Asian integration could be the solution to US tariff threats

Just ahead of the July 9 deadline to reach an agreement on tariffs, US President Donald Trump announced his decision on the tariffs levels for 14 countries – including a rate of 25 per cent on Japan and South Korea – effective August 1. Trump accused Japan of not buying enough rice and cars from the US. It’s worth noting that the American car industry is simply not competitive in Japan. Germany, Japan and China are the top three auto exporters. Those countries, along with South Korea, have...

F-35 drills in Philippines signal US ramp-up in combat readiness in Asia-Pacific

The United States has deployed its most advanced fighter aircraft, the F-35, to the Philippines for the first time, a move analysts say signals Washington’s intent to stress-test forward combat readiness in a region increasingly shaped by China’s maritime assertiveness. The arrival of the stealth jets for the Cope Thunder joint air drills – launched on Monday at Clark Air Base and running until July 18 – reflects a more tangible form of deterrence, experts say, as the Philippines becomes further...

Malaysia’s Rosmah wins US$23,600 damages over black magic claims by TikTokker

Former Malaysian first lady Rosmah Mansor has won 100,000 ringgit (US$23,600) in damages in a defamation case against a TikTokker who uploaded a video claiming that she had dabbled in black magic. The Kuala Lumpur High Court said on Tuesday that Rosmah had proven her claim against 35-year-old Ku Muhammad Hilmie Ku Din. “This global award … comprises general and aggravated damages,” Justice Ahmad Shahrir Mohd Salleh said during the damages assessment hearing, according to a report by local daily...

Australia unexpectedly holds policy rate as it awaits more inflation data

The RBA said it was waiting for "a little more information to confirm that inflation remains on track to reach 2.5 per cent on a sustainable basis."

‘Truly regrettable’: Trump slaps 25% tariffs on South Korea and Japan. What now?

US President Donald Trump’s surprise announcement of 25 per cent tariffs on imports from key trade partners including South Korea and Japan has been viewed less as a final blow and more as a high-stakes bargaining tactic. The move highlights Trump’s preference for brinkmanship-style deal-making and leaves room for diplomacy, as Seoul races to craft its response ahead of the new August 1 deadline, according to analysts. South Korea’s presidential office convened an emergency meeting of cabinet...

Bean there, done that? Starbucks’ Korean border outlet proves a smash hit

A Starbucks branch perched at the edge of one of the world’s most heavily militarised borders has brewed up a remarkable success, drawing more than 120,000 customers in just seven months thanks in part to its singular offering: sweeping views into North Korea. This outpost of the American coffee giant is not in any ordinary location. It sits atop the observatory at Aegibong Peace Ecological Park, a former military base transformed into an eco-sanctuary in Gimpo, South Korea. Here, visitors can...

Malaysia seeks urgent trade talks with US after 25% tariff blow

Malaysia will press ahead with talks towards a “comprehensive” trade agreement with the United States, its trade ministry has said, as Kuala Lumpur races to soften the blow of a newly imposed 25 per cent tariff on its exports unveiled by US President Donald Trump. On Monday, Trump revealed he had sent letters to leaders of 14 countries announcing tariffs ranging from 25 to 40 per cent, in an apparent gambit to accelerate trade negotiations. The new 25 per cent tariff on Malaysian goods is one...

Australia gets ‘unsolicited advice’; Indonesian mine concern: 7 Asia highlights

We have selected seven stories from the SCMP’s coverage of Asia over the past week that resonated with our readers and shed light on topical issues. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing. 1. Malaysia’s new ‘luxury’ taxes hit the middle class where it hurts 2. PM’s suspension reignites debate on ‘judicial activism’ of Thailand’s courts 3. Philippines’ Duterte ends womanising era, leaving ‘13 to 27’ lovers behind 4. Chinese ambassador’s ‘grandstanding’...

Malaysian girl recalls father’s message before bodies found in submerged car

The sole surviving member of a family of seven who drowned when their car plunged into a river in Kedah last week has recalled seeing her father in a dream, telling her not to be sad, in a tragedy that has gripped Malaysia. Putri Qisya Nur Izzat, 12, had stayed behind at her grandmother’s house on the day of the accident. She recounted on Monday dreaming of her father, 32-year-old Mohamad Azim Izat Ishak, who told her he could only watch over her from afar. “Dad said, don’t be sad or I won’t be...

Will Myanmar block East Timor’s Asean entry? The junta draws a red line

As East Timor edges closer to joining Asean, Myanmar’s military rulers are seeking to block its entry, in a warning to it – and governments everywhere – against engaging with the war-torn country’s opposition forces. Last week, sources cited by public broadcaster Thai PBS revealed that Myanmar’s military regime had formally notified Malaysia, the current chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, of its intent to withhold support for East Timor’s membership when the bloc convenes in...

Tariffs, declining real wages, slowing growth: Japan's central bank has its work cut out

Latest wage data highlights that inflation could be taking a substantial bite out of incomes in Japan, despite incomes in the country rising.

Samsung expects second-quarter profits to more than halve as it struggles to capture AI demand

According to the smart estimates, Samsung was expected to post an operating profit of 6.26 trillion won ($4.57 billion) for the quarter.

With US tariffs looming, China’s panda diplomacy returns as Japan seeks new loan

Panda diplomacy is back in play as Japan seeks to charm visiting Chinese Vice-Premier He Lifeng with hopes of securing one or two of the endangered bears on loan. The gesture could help soothe bilateral ties and signal regional unity amid growing unease over US trade policy under President Donald Trump, analysts have said. He, a close adviser to President Xi Jinping, is scheduled to attend the World Expo in Osaka for “national pavilion day” at the Chinese pavilion on Friday. The Yomiuri...

Apparently impatient Trump slaps 25% tariffs on Japan, South Korea

US President Donald Trump, apparently impatient with the slow progress of negotiations, on Monday slapped 25 per cent unilateral tariffs on Japan and South Korea and equal or higher import taxes on several other nations ahead of a self-imposed Wednesday deadline. Analysts said the move shows that the mercurial American leader is using threats to jump-start negotiations. Trump sent two-page letters to Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung saying the new...

'Everyone knows somebody affected': The small towns in shock after mushroom murders

The residents of the rural area in Australia where Erin Patterson carried out her crimes are still in shock.

Watch: Moment pet lion pounces on woman in street

CCTV footage shows the moment a lion leaps over a concrete wall before attacking a woman.

Trump says Musk has gone 'off the rails' after Tesla CEO announces new political party

Elon Musk said in a post Saturday on X that he had set up the "American Party" to compete against the Republican and Democratic parties.

Trump threatens extra 10% tariff on countries that align with 'Anti-American' BRICS policies

Trump confirmed the U.S. will start delivering letters on Monday, detailing tariff rates and any agreements reached with various trading partners.

Bodies of Malaysian family of 6 found in car in river

A family of six in Malaysia, including four children aged between six months and nine years, were found dead on Monday in a car submerged in a river. A couple aged 32 and 31 and their children were found in the back seat of the Proton Iswara car in Sungai Korok in Kedah two days after they were reported missing, according to reports by the local newspaper The Star. Rescue personnel cut open the car’s roof and broke its windows to retrieve the bodies. Family members at the scene were seen crying...

Eating plastic: the hidden cost of convenience in Southeast Asia

More people in Southeast Asian countries could face health risks ranging from liver damage to poor brain development due to rising consumption of microplastics in their food, medical and regulatory experts have warned. Microplastics are formed when larger plastic items break down. As more animals, such as fish, eat microplastics due to plastic pollution, the near-invisible particles measuring less than 5mm (0.19 inch) can go up the food chain. “If the microplastics are absorbed by fish and then...

India’s global clout in doubt after failing to sway SCO, Quad on Pakistan

India’s failure to rally international backing for its claims that Pakistan was behind a recent deadly militant attack in Kashmir has exposed the limits of its diplomatic influence. The setback has raised questions about India’s ability to mobilise multilateral platforms in its favour, despite being a prominent member of the China-led Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and the US-backed Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), according to analysts. At the SCO meeting in Qingdao on June 25,...

Watch: CCTV and phone recording shown to court in mushroom trial

Evidence shown in the trial of Erin Patterson has been shared by authorities after she was found guilty of murder.

Trump’s Vietnam tariff pact challenges Asean unity in key summit

Southeast Asian nations are scrambling to recalibrate their approach to US tariffs ahead of a key diplomatic gathering that starts in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday, as Washington’s preference for one-on-one trade deals casts doubt over Asean’s collective bargaining power. US President Donald Trump on Sunday announced a delay to the next round of his sweeping “Liberation Day” tariffs – pushing the deadline from July 9 to August 1 – to give time for finalising deals with 18 major trade partners,...

Marriages of inconvenience: the remote Indian village cut off from love

In the heart of southern India, where dense forests eclipse the sun, the villagers of Jondalgatti have not celebrated a wedding in more than a decade. The culprit, villagers say, is not tradition or fate, but the simple absence of a road. Home to around 200 people, the tiny village in Karnataka state is now a place where eligible bachelors linger in limbo. Twenty young men, all of marrying age, have spent years searching for partners willing to brave the village’s isolation. “Some youths have...

Malaysia’s judicial crisis: Anwar’s party members want him to ‘clear the air’

Senior Malaysian lawmakers are calling for both a royal inquiry and a parliamentary investigation into Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim over alleged irregularities in judicial appointments, warning that such actions risk plunging the country’s judiciary into scandal once again. Last week, Anwar’s administration declined to extend the tenure of widely respected chief justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat and Court of Appeal president Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim. This leaves the future leadership of the...

Trump’s Chinese drone issue, Viagra’s potential against cancer: 5 weekend reads

We have put together stories from our coverage last weekend to help you stay informed about news across Asia and beyond. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing. 1. Trump wants to ground China’s drones – but have they flown too high to reach? 2. Can India block China’s leadership in Global South-based alliances like the SCO? 3. Why Singapore refused to be a ‘Third China’ – and how Lee Kuan Yew made it clear 4. Chinese study uncovers cancer-fighting...

Australia’s Albanese to address Darwin Port sale on China visit

When Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese arrives in China next week for his second official visit, he will have more than the typical diplomatic niceties to discuss with President Xi Jinping. A major task on Albanese’s agenda, besides routine topics like trade, will be to explain his country’s stance on Chinese investment – in particular, addressing the controversy over the ownership and potential government-influenced sale of the Darwin Port – the Post has learned from sources with...

Malaysian police hunt Pakistani man accused of child sex abuse

Malaysian police are on the hunt for a foreign man accused of sexually assaulting three boys and a teenager over the past three months in suburbs just outside the capital city of Kuala Lumpur. The crimes were allegedly carried out in two adjacent neighbourhoods in the city of Shah Alam, a predominantly Malay-Muslim enclave about 30km (19 miles) from the capital. Police believe the suspect, whose last known address was a flat in the city, is still in the country. “To date, the number of victims...

What can South Korea learn from Israel-Iran war for its own air defence?

For years, South Korea’s government has invested billions in missile shields and early warning systems, determined to keep the threat of Pyongyang’s ever-expanding arsenal at bay. But the relentless exchange of missiles that defined last month’s Israel-Iran conflict exposed a harsh truth, analysts say: that even the most advanced defences can be pierced, and even the best-prepared nations may find themselves outmanoeuvred – offering a sobering reminder for South Korean military planners of how...

Fake it ‘til you make it? Inside Southeast Asia’s booming counterfeit economy

Persistence is the lifeblood of the counterfeit trade – an attribute Rahul* has in spades. On the bustling, neon-lit streets of Bangkok, the thirty-something from India hawks imitation Rolex watches with a practised ease. “This is nearly as good as the real one,” he says, grinning, before melting into the crowd, a bag of replica Swiss timepieces slung over his shoulder. His trade is illegal, yet it flourishes out in the open – a mere ripple in Southeast Asia’s ocean of counterfeit goods. Now,...

A video game on 'gold diggers' is fuelling a sexism debate in China

So heated was the criticism that creators quietly renamed the game Emotional Anti-Fraud Simulator.

Prada’s new US$1,200 sandal is an Indian classic. Is it cultural appropriation?

It began with a silhouette: supple leather, intricate stitching, the unmistakable toe ring of a Kolhapuri chappal. In Milan, it was hailed as luxury. In India, it was recognised as something far more profound – and its omission of origin as an affront. When Prada’s latest design walked the catwalk at Milan Fashion Week last month, it carried with it a legacy. And soon after, a controversy that reignited questions of cultural respect. The Italian fashion house’s latest collection, which included...

Singapore can play a greater role in shaping post-unipolar world

The recent visit of Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong to China reaffirmed the strategic depth of the China–Singapore relationship. His meetings with Chinese leaders underscored a readiness to work together to uphold the principles of free trade and multilateralism. But beyond symbolism, this visit raised critical questions. What role will Singapore now play on the global and regional stage? What new possibilities does this moment unlock? As geopolitical rivalry hardens and the risks of...

Trade deadlines and oil drama set the stage for a crunch week in global markets

This is your weekly lookahead at the key global events that could move markets and shape policy.

Brics leaders urge cohesion, trade and use of local currency to grow clout

Brics leaders have called for stronger cohesion, expanded trade and increased use of local currency to improve the Global South’s clout as an alternative to Western power, even as the bloc of emerging markets maintains ties and partnerships with wealthier countries. As two new members joined the New Development Bank, also known as the “Brics bank”, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim told business leaders and investors on Saturday that this delicate balancing act and bid for greater momentum...

Vietnam breathes sigh of relief after Trump trade deal, but challenges remain

Vietnam breathed a sigh of relief when US President Donald Trump announced a trade deal had been struck between Hanoi and Washington. The Vietnam Stock Index reached its highest level since April 2022, indicating confidence that export stability had been achieved. On the face of it, the deal is highly unbalanced, with US exports to Vietnam enjoying tariff-free market access, while Vietnamese exports in the other direction now face a 20 per cent rate, slightly over twice last year’s average rate...

Trump's Vietnam pact takes aim at China — but it raises more questions than answers

The trade pact's scant details have left economists wondering about what it would mean for the flow of Chinese goods rerouted through the country.

Jane Street barred from Indian markets as regulator freezes $566 million over Nifty 50 manipulation claims

The U.S. trading firm's entities are "further prohibited from buying, selling or otherwise dealing in securities, directly or indirectly."

Turmoil, tariffs, tourism: Thailand's political woes threatens fragile recovery

The political instability could affect Thailand's efforts to revive its economy, which is currently facing weak tourism numbers and looming tariffs.

U.S. lifts chip software curbs on China in sign of trade truce

The U.S. government has rescinded its export restrictions on chip design software to China, U.S.-based Synopsys announced.

Apple's China iPhone sales grows for the first time in two years

Apple is facing intense competition in China from a resurgent Huawei.

CNBC's Inside India newsletter: Peaked, paused, and poised? India’s market reboot at half-time

Experts have raised concerns over India's ability to withstand competition from regional peers, with cheaper valuations and favorable demographics.

Hong Kong's IPO market is on fire — here's what's fueling the surge

Hong Kong is on track to become the world's largest listing destination this year, surpassing the Nasdaq and the New York Stock Exchange.

CNBC's The China Connection newsletter: A slowing economy meets a fast future

There are signs that China's rapid urban growth is starting to spread to smaller cities and even rural areas.

China's Huawei open-sources AI models as it seeks adoption across the global AI market

Huawei has open-sourced more of its AI models. Tech experts say it'll help the U.S.-blacklisted company continue to expand throughout the AI ecosystem.

China's June factory activity unexpectedly expands, private survey shows

The private survey appeared to diverge from the country's official PMI report, which showed manufacturing activity contracted for a third straight month in June.

Trump says he has group of ‘very wealthy people’ ready to buy TikTok

U.S. President Donald told Fox News in an interview aired Sunday that he has a group of "very wealthy people" ready to buy TikTok.

China's manufacturing activity contracts for a third month amid deflation woes

Chinese manufacturers have been grappling with a deepening price war, exacerbated by higher tariffs that dwarfed its U.S-bound exports.

The global week ahead: A hectic half first heralds a volatile second