ASEAN News

Recently unearthed information on North Korea’s nuclear bomb manufacturing has heightened world worries over Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un‘s possible positioning of the nation to provide nuclear materials to other countries engaged in illegal weapon development. The timing of these disclosures, as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) started its annual general assembly in Vienna, lends more urgency to the …

Chinese government media has boldly aired a documentary series depicting what a full-scale invasion of Taiwan by China may look like, therefore highlighting military capability. Published by China Central Television, the sixth episode of the series Quenching fuses current technologies with traditional military tactics to provide a complete simulation of an attack on Taiwan’s defenses. Emphasizing drone-assisted operations, missile training, …

Chu Kai-pong, a 27-year-old male, pleaded guilty to charges of sedition in Hong Kong on Monday, therefore subjecting himself to a long jail sentence. His transgression was Wearing a protest T-shirt, which cops claim goes against the recently strengthened national security rule of the city. Chu’s case emphasizes the more severe policies Hong Kong‘s government is enforcing as it keeps …

China, in an attempt to address the urgent problem of a declining population and an aging workforce, will increase its retirement age starting next year, currently among the lowest among major world nations. Last Friday the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress approved the long-awaited policy modification after years of discussion. Made earlier in the week, this abrupt declaration …

Friday marked the end of a historic 12-day journey of the Asia-Pacific area for Pope Francis, who showed incredible faith and endurance, finishing one of the most protracted travels of his pontificate. Notwithstanding ongoing health problems, the 87-year-old pontiff paid visits to Christians from the rural areas of Papua New Guinea to the modern, metropolitan scene of Singapore in four …

Formally establishing a partnership to link their different payment systems, the central banks of Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have taken a move targeted at increasing financial cooperation and enhancing economic ties. Underlining the significant alliances Indonesian President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo won during his recent official visit to Abu Dhabi, this arrangement is represented by a memorandum of …

Beginning from some of the most disadvantaged countries in the world, Pope Francis has set off on one of the most ambitious travels of his papacy, a 12-day trip over the Asia-Pacific region. Wednesday marked the pontiff’s departure from East Timor for Singapore, therefore ending this demanding trip.  Leaving behind the kind reception of East Timor’s predominantly Catholic population, he …

Targeting colleges and universities first, South Korean officials recently found a large network of deepfake pornography created by artificial intelligence floating on the Telegram chat service. Following this disclosure, young activist Bang Seo-yoon began gathering stories from others whose personal photographs had been exploited deliberately.  Her efforts have brought attention to the growing issue of sexual cyber assault in the …

Following Typhoon Yagi’s strong attack, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has rallied the government to carry out quick actions meant to lessen the devastating repercussions of the storm. Two of the most severely affected areas, Quang Ninh and Hai Phong, suffered great damage from the storm that tore across northern Vietnam.  The Prime Minister is giving recovery initiatives first priority …

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has contributed billions of dollars every year in foreign aid to more than 150 countries across the world. Its foreign aid goes towards developmental projects, humanitarian aid and charitable aid, poverty elimination, support for children, women empowerment, and infrastructure.   Since its establishment in 1971, the UAE has provided more than $98 billion in foreign aid. …