East Asia

Philippines, China trade accusations on South China Sea confrontation

Philippine vessels faced 'blocking, shadowing and dangerous maneuvers' from Chinese navy and coast guard ships, the Philippines said

Yoon’s martial law declaration sparks chaos in South Korea

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol briefly imposed martial law Tuesday, an unanticipated move that rattled the nation. Though Yoon backed down, the development raises doubts about his political future, as Bill Gallo reports from Seoul, South Korea. Contributor: Lee Juhyun.

Taiwan's President Lai visits Pacific ally Tuvalu

Lai flew in on a private jet from the Marshall Islands and will stay in Tuvalu for the day before leaving for Guam

Chinese hackers still lurk in US telecommunications systems

FBI and US cyber officials urge companies and consumers to take precautions as the scope of the Beijing-linked breach grows

Risk of North Korea's miscalculation rises after South's martial law declaration

US watchers are wary of North Korea's possible miscalculation after democratic South's martial law declaration

From VOA Mandarin: How Beijing is reacting to European criticism over Ukraine

From VOA Mandarin: Chinese criminal activities surge in Malaysia amid visa-free policy

Hefty debt to China stokes soaring inflation in Laos

Of the more than $10 billion Laos now owes other countries, China is due half

US welcomes South Korean president's reversal of martial law

The US was not notified in advance of President Yoon Suk Yeol's emergency martial law announcement

Vietnam court upholds death sentence for tycoon in $12 billion fraud case

Truong My Lan was sentenced to death in April for her role in what was Vietnam's biggest financial fraud case on record

Rare ceremony in Thailand marks king's auspicious 72nd birthday

Birthdays celebrated in 12-year cycles are considered special in Thai culture, with the sixth cycle — celebrating 72 years — holding additional significance