ASEAN News

Is the Philippines, under the stewardship of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., a true virtuoso of diplomacy, managing to be the elusive “friend to all and enemy to none?” This intricate diplomatic ballet has drawn the world’s gaze, as Manila elegantly pirouettes through the delicate pas de deux of international relations with two global titans: the United States and China. Rappler’s …

In a seismic upheaval within Japan’s entertainment landscape, some of the nation’s most prominent companies are cutting ties with Johnny & Associates, a powerful talent agency rocked by accusations of sexual assault involving hundreds of teenage boys. The scandal has sent shockwaves through the country’s entertainment industry, prompting both public and commercial responses. NHK, Japan’s public broadcaster, announced this week …

In the quiet corners of Taiwan, where the modern world meets ancient traditions, a clandestine battle unfolds. Shadows dance across the digital landscape, concealing a narrative known only as “yi mei lun,” the cryptic “us scepticism.” This covert operation weaves a tapestry of deception, blurring lines between truth and treachery. It all began with whispers, a story in the United …

In a cryptic twist, North Korea has seemingly cracked open the door to its isolated kingdom, allowing the cautious return of foreigners after nearly four years of shuttered borders. This enigmatic move, announced without fanfare or elaboration, poses intriguing questions about the secretive nation’s intentions and vulnerabilities. Reports from China’s state broadcaster, CCTV, confirm that North Korea will permit foreigners …

In the realm of international diplomacy, South Korea is embarking on a clandestine journey that could rewrite the rules of its engagement with the enigmatic giant, China. After nearly a decade in diplomatic hibernation, Chinese President Xi Jinping might soon grace South Korean soil, hinting at a seismic shift in the geopolitical tectonics as Seoul edges ever closer to Uncle …

In a riveting tale that could have been plucked from the annals of a Hollywood thriller, Hong Kong is buzzing with intrigue and speculation as the orchestrators of the city’s most colossal financial fraud remain shrouded in mystery. As the HK$1.4 billion (US$178 million) JPEX cryptocurrency platform scandal continues to send shockwaves through the city, the question that looms largest …

In a daring step that might transform Japan’s economic landscape, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida outlined an ambitious plan to establish specialized business zones built specifically for asset management companies. This ambitious effort intends to access the remarkable 2.1 quadrillion yen ($14.2 trillion) in assets held by Japanese individuals, in addition to revitalizing Japan’s burgeoning asset management business. However, there are …

In the aftermath of an enigmatic summit between North Korea’s Kim Jong Un and Russia’s President Vladimir Putin, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol delivered a cryptic warning that reverberated through the hushed corridors of geopolitics. Yoon’s cautionary words hinted at a shadowy nexus of intrigue involving South Korea, its allies, North Korea, and Russia—an unsettling puzzle that began to …

In a significant move aimed at enhancing the experience for East and Southeast Asian tourists, Alipay, the world’s largest digital payment platform, is broadening its global network to encompass 10 major e-wallets from across the region. This expansion, introduced under the “Alipay+” cross-border payments program, paves the way for a more seamless travel and spending experience in the People’s Republic …

As prosecutors take the daring step of requesting an arrest warrant for Lee Jae-myung, a prominent member of the Democratic Party and a significant opposition figure, South Korea finds itself enmeshed in an intense political drama. Amidst heightened political tensions, Lee’s protracted hunger strike, and accusations of corruption, this development is taking place. Lee Jae-myung’s Crimes The choice to ask …