Asia

Asia news covering politics, economy, diplomacy, security, and social developments across East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Central Asia, with global context and analysis.

Pentagon building in Washington symbolizing U.S. defense strategy shift in Asia Image Caption: The Pentagon’s new defense strategy outlines a reduced frontline role in deterring North Korea while urging South Korea to take the lead.

Pentagon Signals Scaled-Back Role on Korean Peninsula as U.S. Shifts Global Defense Priorities

Washington eyes reduced frontline presence against North Korea while urging Seoul to lead deterrence efforts A Strategic Pivot in U.S. Military Planning The United States is signaling a significant recalibration of its military posture on the Korean Peninsula, according to a newly released Pentagon policy document. The strategy outlines a future in which South Korea […]

Pentagon Signals Scaled-Back Role on Korean Peninsula as U.S. Shifts Global Defense Priorities Read More »

Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant with reactor buildings visible behind residential homes and snow-covered mountains in Niigata Prefecture, Japan

Japan’s Nuclear Restart Stumbles as Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Reactor Shuts Down Hours After Relaunch

The Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant in Niigata Prefecture, briefly taken offline hours after a historic restart. Japan’s long-anticipated return to nuclear power faced a fresh setback this week after a technical malfunction forced one of the world’s largest nuclear power plants back offline just hours after it was restarted. The incident highlights the fragile balance

Japan’s Nuclear Restart Stumbles as Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Reactor Shuts Down Hours After Relaunch Read More »

U.S. military aircraft stationed at the Diego Garcia air base in the Indian Ocean.

What Are the Chagos Islands and Why the Diego Garcia Base Matters

Britain’s decision to transfer sovereignty to Mauritius has reignited global debate over military power, colonial legacies and U.S. strategy The Chagos Islands, a remote archipelago in the Indian Ocean, have returned to the center of international attention after Britain agreed to transfer sovereignty of the territory to Mauritius — a move that carries major geopolitical

What Are the Chagos Islands and Why the Diego Garcia Base Matters Read More »

Japan Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announces snap election at a news conference in Tokyo

Japan PM Sanae Takaichi Calls Snap Election Just Months After Taking Office

New leader seeks fresh mandate as high approval ratings clash with party weakness Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has announced a snap general election just three months after taking office, dissolving parliament in a high-stakes move aimed at securing a stronger political mandate amid strong personal popularity but fragile party support. Speaking at a news

Japan PM Sanae Takaichi Calls Snap Election Just Months After Taking Office Read More »

China birthrate hits historic low as population declines for fourth consecutive year

China’s Birthrate Hits Historic Low as Population Declines for Fourth Year

Policy incentives fail to reverse demographic crisis as deaths continue to outnumber births China’s birthrate has fallen to its lowest level since the founding of the People’s Republic in 1949, deepening a demographic crisis that policymakers have struggled to contain. Official data released this week show that China’s population declined for a fourth consecutive year,

China’s Birthrate Hits Historic Low as Population Declines for Fourth Year Read More »