Global leaders gather in Gyeongju to shape APEC cooperation

Global leaders are arriving in Gyeongju, the cultural hub of North Gyeongsang Province, as South Korea hosts the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. Delegates from 21 member economies are expected to discuss trade, technology and security.

North Korea fires cruise missiles to mark Trump's arrival in the South

State media framed the launch as a reminder of North Korea’s military strength to what it described as its enemies. The launch does not breach United Nations restrictions, since the rules prohibit ballistic missile testing, not cruise missiles.

Trump would like to meet North Korea’s Kim Jong Un during Asia trip

The prospect of renewed diplomacy between Washington and Pyongyang has lingered since Kim’s remarks last month suggesting a willingness to speak to the outside world.

The Asian nations backing the Russian war effort – from India to Taiwan, China to Indonesia

While many Asian nations have quietly distanced themselves from Moscow in a bid to fall into line with US or European allies, several continue to engage with Russia, providing varying degrees of support that help sustain its military campaign.

Russia aiding North Korea’s submarine programme: Seoul

The revelation lends weight to long-standing suspicions that Moscow is exchanging military know-how for munitions, manpower, or other support in its ongoing war with Ukraine.

Ukraine general alleges Russia employs 20,000 North Koreans in military production

North Korea has long been among Russia’s more controversial allies in the war against Ukraine, supplying artillery, missiles and troops. In late 2024, Pyongyang reportedly deployed 11,000 to 12,000 troops to aid Russia.

South Korea-US defence pact could be strengthened

In recent weeks, Seoul has held internal discussions about expanding joint defence commitments, including revisiting missile defence cooperation and rotational stationing of American forces.

Kim shuns idea of dialogue or reunification with South Korea

By framing relations with South Korea in terms of hostility and distinct sovereign existence, North Korea is again clarifying what analysts have long described as a drift away from even nominal engagement.

Argentina’s meltdown, Asia’s dilemma

Argentina has been here before - the country having endured multiple financial meltdowns over the last half-century - each one leaving scars on its once vibrant society and economy.

South Korea signals openness to Trump–Kim nuclear freeze deal

Efforts to persuade Pyongyang to disarm have made little progress since talks collapsed in 2019, during US President Trump’s first presidency.

North Korean leader oversees test of AI-powered attack drones

Pyongyang unveiled its first attack drones last year, a move that experts warned was closely linked to its growing military partnership with Russia, and may also be linked to Chinese agencies supplying Pyongyang with technical support.

State of global democracy - Statista

The Economist Democracy Index rates countries on the state of their governing system each year. In the latest edition, corresponding to the year 2024, only 25 countries (6.6% of the world's population) have been rated as "full democracies"

Seoul’s energy balancing act up to 2050: then green power for the win

In the northeast corner of East Asia, South Korea is quietly steering its energy future towards a delicate pro-nuclear, pro-renewables outcome. With eyes fixed firmly on 2050, policymakers in the capital Seoul are doubling down.

North Korea test-fires two new air defence missiles

The timing of the launch was also notable, taking place on the same day South Korean President Lee Jae-myung met Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in Tokyo, before travelling to Washington.

How North Korea sees the South’s new president - and what lies ahead on the Korean Peninsula

Any real breakthroughs will hinge on trust, mutual recognition, and perhaps the intervention of external actors.

North Korea rejects South Korean appeal, denies loudspeaker removal

In a statement on August 14, North Korea rejected Seoul’s assertion that the North had dismantled some of its propaganda loudspeakers positioned along the inter-Korean border.

ASIA BLOG: East Asia must steer clear of the Israel-Gaza conflict

Sinkholes on the rise across Asia: a growing danger beneath the surface

The dramatic rescue of a motorist from a sinkhole on a busy Singapore road has cast new light on an alarming trend across Asia – the increasing frequency and severity of sinkholes swallowing roads, vehicles, and in some cases entire buildings.

The top three ‘megatrends’ set to transform the Asia Pacific region

The rapid development of technologies such as generative AI and the metaverse is already changing how people in Asia Pacific live, work, socialise and shop.