Straits Times Asia

That matcha in your cup? It probably didn’t come from Japan

As the world’s thirst for matcha surges beyond what Japan can readily supply, China is stepping in.

Twelve Kazakhstan military personnel die after being washed out to sea during exercises

ALMATY, Sept 24 - Twelve Kazakh military personnel died after being swept out to sea during a naval training exercise,…

China's Xi says pandas will soon arrive in Atlanta

WASHINGTON, Sept 24 - Chinese President Xi Jinping has news for the people of Atlanta: The pandas are coming.

Zelensky broke confidentiality with N. Korea POWs disclosure: S. Korea president Lee Jae Myung

North Korea rejects call to halt nuclear tests

Sept 24 - North Korea's foreign ministry on Thursday rejected an international statement urging it to halt nuclear…

Heavy snow forces climbers to cancel expeditions on Nepal’s Manaslu

Nepal has issued a nationwide high alert for four days, starting from Sept 24.

Negeri Sembilan royal row: Revocation of 10 exco members’ appointments official, says state gazette

Their removal, according to the Sept 24 state gazette, took effect on Sept 20.

India’s ‘Cockroach’ party threatens fresh protests unless election chief resigns

CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke issued the ultimatum to Gyanesh Kumar at a press conference in New Delhi.

India's 'cockroach' movement says it will launch protest if poll panel chief doesn't quit in 48 hours

MUMBAI, Sept 24 - The leaders of India's \"cockroach\" youth movement said on Thursday that they would launch…

Monks and troops protect Thailand’s Ayutthaya temples as Chao Phraya rises

Despite the rising river, Wat Chaiwatthanaram remained open to Thai and foreign visitors.

Japanese police seek law revision to remotely access crime ring members’ phones

The proposal follows a series of crimes carried out by people recruited through social media.

Sri Lanka protests oppose contentious judicial reforms

The government argued that the reforms are necessary to clear a backlog of 1.1 million cases.

Cambodia to target casinos in next phase of anti-scam sweep

​The shift comes as Cambodia claims to have completely dismantled all large-scale scam compounds.

Thai police hunting financier behind $3.8m counterfeit cough medicine ring

Items seized include production machinery, mixing tanks and packaging materials.

Pakistan blocks roads around capital ahead of planned pro-Khan protest

Action taken ahead of a weekend demonstration by supporters of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan.

Man, 85, fined for molesting 16-year-old girl in Penang

Yong Lip Fook pleaded guilty to using criminal force with intention of outraging the 16-year-old's modesty.

Malaysian woman, 62, loses $238,500 to scammers in a bid to attain Singapore PR

The woman made 123 transactions over about three months to various bank accounts.

India takes battle against junk food to shops near schools

No shop within 50m of schools can carry products high in fat, salt and sugar.

Indonesian court reduces Gojek founder’s sentence to 9 years in appeal hearing

He was found guilty of abusing his authority in the procurement of Google Chromebooks for schools.

Turkey's Erdogan says equal climate pace unrealistic due to financing gaps

ANKARA, Sept 24 - Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said it was unrealistic to expect all countries to make the same…

Taiwan thanks US for its support ahead of Trump-Xi summit

TAIPEI, Sept 24 - Taiwan's government on Thursday thanked the US for its support and said it was maintaining…

North Korea to keep nuclear weapons ‘forever’: Foreign minister

Choe Son Hui dismissed the South Korea’s renewed calls for a denuclearised Korean peninsula.

Pakistan says it launched air strikes on Afghanistan over drone attacks

Sept 24 - Pakistan conducted airstrikes on 10 locations in Afghanistan that it said were being used to launch and store…

China is holding sensitive F-35 parts diverted to Hong Kong: Sources

At least two US congressional committees are investigating how the parts fell into Chinese hands.

US and Indian top diplomats discuss Russia sanctions bill signed by Trump

WASHINGTON, Sept 23 - US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar discussed on…

Malaysia’s migrant return plan chills Myanmar Rohingya

The majority of Rohingya now live over the Bangladesh border, while Malaysia is the second-largest host nation.

On the ground in Washington: MAGA hats, protests and Chinatown hopes as Trump and Xi meet

A recent Pew Research Center survey found that younger Americans rate China more warmly than older Americans.

Taiwan upgrades maritime patrol capacity for vulnerable South China Sea outpost

TAIPEI, Sept 24 - Taiwan has upgraded its maritime patrol capacity around the Pratas Islands in the disputed South…

North Korean IT contractor found remote work in New Zealand

The worker reportedly used a false persona including fake identity documents.

Ukraine sent two captured North Korean soldiers to South Korea, Zelenskiy says

UNITED NATIONS/SEOUL, Sept 23 - Ukraine has transferred two captured North Korean soldiers to South Korea, President…

Lee Jae Myung discussed warship construction with Trump: South Korea

Lee expects tangible results from bilateral cooperation, his office said.

North Korea conducted test of upgraded rocket launcher system: State media

The rockets are able to strike targets 100km away in a trajectory flight mode.

Australian PM Albanese says OpenAI agent breached government website in June

It gained unauthorised access to the medical statistics portal of a government agency.

Indonesian parties weigh new election rules that could narrow 2029 presidential field

Proposal to require backing from two parliamentary factions would shut out parties without seats.

Trump to raise detainees with Xi, but other rights issues may not come up

WASHINGTON, Sept 23 - President Donald Trump is expected to press Chinese leader Xi Jinping to free two US citizens…

New Zealand says China is its most persistent state-backed cyber threat

WELLINGTON, Sept 24 - New Zealand's cyber security agency said China was the country's most persistent and capable…