ASEAN News

Once more making news are China’s strict drug rules, which center on senior executive Jochen Sengpiehl of German automaton Volkswagen. Recently expelled from China after testing positive for drugs upon returning from a trip in Thailand, the chief marketing officer and director of product strategy for China was This event emphasizes China’s zero-tolerance policy on drug usage, which covers not …

Set for Sunday, Japan’s general election marks a turning point for recently appointed Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba as he tries to confirm his authority against the backdrop of a scandal-torn ruling party. Following a limited victory in the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) leadership elections, Ishiba’s decision to call a quick election shows his will to firmly seize authority. But this …

China’s release of a new national map sparked off a diplomatic tsunami over Asia, attracting condemnation over its bold territorial claims from Russia among other countries. This updated map, which shows China’s borders and territorial authority and includes Bolshoi Ussuriysky Island, a geographical mass whose ownership was once resolved between Beijing and Moscow, has significantly heightened tensions between the two …

Rising geopolitical tensions characterize the background of the upcoming presidential contest between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris in the United States, particularly with relation to Taiwan. In the sixth volume of a series, Shi Jiangtao investigates how the outcome of this election can influence Taiwan’s future, therefore addressing a fundamental issue of US-China relations. Election Context: Taiwan’s Main Participation Beijing …

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) president, presented the esteemed UAE Military Medal of the First Class to Dr. Lt. Gen. (Retd.). Masahito Goto. This award honors Dr. Goto’s major efforts to improve military cooperation and strengthen diplomatic relations between the UAE and Japan. Former Director General of Air Systems at Japan’s Acquisition, Technology and Logistics …

Officially labeling South Korea as a “hostile” state, North Korea is formalizing the growing gulf between the two Koreas. Announced Thursday, this major shift is the first time Pyongyang has publicly confirmed legal changes demanded by leader Kim Jong Un early this year. The rewrite of North Korea’s constitution marks a new and alarming stage in the declining ties with …

With 153 aircraft engaged in large-scale war simulations close to the island, the highest ever recorded, Taiwan’s defense ministry revealed on Monday an unparalleled rise in Chinese military activities. Named “Joint Sword-2024B,” this provocative military drill has caused major worry both inside Taiwan and abroad. Following a speech by Taiwan President Lai Ching-te, which Beijing denounced for separatist aspirations, the …

Aiming at promoting travel to less-known sites all throughout the country, Japan Airlines has launched a new initiative offering free domestic flights to international guests visiting Japan. While this initiative seeks to encourage travel outside of Japan’s well-known towns, travel experts are warning of possible exacerbation of overtourism, especially in major locations like Tokyo and Kyoto. Starting in September, the …

On the artificial island of Yumeshima in Konohana Ward, Osaka, Expo 2025 Osaka, a big event exhibiting modern technologies and varied cultures, will run 184 days from April 13 this year to October 13 next year. Under the theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” the Expo seeks to investigate answers for social problems including those affecting an ever aging …

As tensions in the Middle East persist, South Korea has rescued 97 people and their relatives from Lebanon. Evacuation action was a result of heightened violence between Israel, Hezbollah, and Iran, which has brought more security threats from all ends. The rapidness in evacuation measures that South Korea has had to perform emphasizes the need to increase protection for its …