China has created a new national supervisory body to oversee the conduct of Buddhist clergy, moving to tighten control over religious institutions following a high profile scandal that shook public confidence in the country’s monastic community. The decision comes less than six months
South Korean President Lee Jae myung is set to travel to China next week on a high level visit aimed at easing economic tensions and strengthening dialogue on regional security, as Seoul works to balance its relationship with Beijing while maintaining close ties
Former US president Donald Trump has claimed that American forces carried out a strike on a drug boat loading facility in Venezuela, signalling a possible escalation in Washington’s pressure campaign against transnational narcotics networks operating in the region. If confirmed, the action would
Venezuela has strongly criticised a recent United States arms sale to Taiwan, echoing Beijing’s long held position and accusing Washington of undermining regional stability by interfering in what it described as China’s internal affairs. The statement adds another international voice opposing US military
Thousands of passengers were left stranded between London and Paris after Eurostar suspended services on Tuesday following a power supply failure in the Channel Tunnel, causing major disruption during one of the busiest travel periods of the year. The incident came as large
Former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev has sparked outrage after issuing a deeply offensive threat against Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, using violent language in response to Zelensky’s Christmas message to the nation. The remarks have been widely condemned as another sign of the increasingly
Israel has announced that it will ban more than two dozen humanitarian organisations, including Médecins Sans Frontières, from operating in Gaza starting in 2026, citing failure to comply with new vetting and disclosure requirements. The decision signals a major shift in how Israel
One of Hong Kong’s longest standing blue chip stocks is poised to leave the city’s flagship benchmark, marking the end of a historic chapter for the local market. Hang Seng Bank is expected to be removed from the Hang Seng Index later this
Asia is taking stock of one of its most expensive years on record for climate related disasters, as floods, heatwaves, typhoons and droughts have left a heavy economic and human toll across the region. Aid organisations and climate scientists are now warning that
Hong Kong police have launched a manhunt after a 35 year old woman who was previously reported missing was found dead during an ongoing investigation, according to people familiar with the case. Officers are now working to locate a male suspect believed to
