East Asia

China, Iran, Russia hold joint naval drills in Middle East

The drills took place in the Gulf of Oman near the strategic Strait of Hormuz

ICC takes custody of Philippine ex-president Duterte in crimes against humanity case

Estimates of the death toll during Duterte's presidential term vary from 6,000 to 30,000

Vietnam, Singapore agree to boost ties, cooperation on subsea cables

Singapore is the third Southeast Asian nation, after Malaysia and Indonesia, with which Vietnam has established a 'comprehensive strategic relationship'

China boosting development of AI for use in trade war with US

China rolling out several new AI models to compete with US

Australia rules out reciprocal move on US after Trump proceeds with steel tariffs

Albanese said the decision by the Trump administration was 'entirely unjustified ... and against the spirit of our two nations' enduring friendship and fundamentally at odds with the benefit of our economic partnership'

US House passes bill to restrict use of Chinese-made batteries

As China NPC closes, dissidents on 'forced holidays' to be sent home

Fate of 8 Uyghurs in Thailand in limbo after 40 deported to China

Rights groups say the eight remain at risk of being forced back to China

China misleads on involvement in Panama Canal

Through the Chinese government's Belt and Road Initiative, Chinese companies acquired or built major port facilities in 129 strategic locations, including the Panama Canal. While Beijing claims neutrality, critics argue that China may have geopolitical motives, such as increasing influence over global chokepoints.

'Nervous and rushed': Massive Fukushima plant cleanup exposes workers to high radiation and stress

As workers remove melted fuel debris from the reactors in a monumental nuclear cleanup effort, they are facing both huge amounts of psychological stress and dangerous levels of radiation

Dalai Lama says his successor to be born outside China

Tibetans worldwide want the institution of the Dalai Lama to continue after the 89-year-old's death, but China says it will name his successor