Opinion

The UK and South Korea have agreed to sign a new Downing Street Accord, a major long-term partnership that will redefine and strengthen their ties for the next generation. The accord, which follows similar agreements with Singapore and Japan earlier this year, will deepen cooperation between the two countries on technology, defense and security. The accord was signed by Prime …

Japan is facing a serious challenge in keeping up with the global market as its people lack the proficiency and confidence to speak English, the lingua franca of the world. According to a recent survey by EF Education First, a global education company, Japan ranked 53rd out of 100 non-English speaking countries and regions for English language abilities in 2019, …

Singapore police have uncovered one of the world’s largest money laundering cases, involving more than S$2.8 billion (US$2 billion) worth of assets seized or frozen from 10 suspects of Chinese origin. The case has exposed the dark side of Singapore’s bid to attract the world’s super-rich, as well as the links between online gambling, cybercrime and transnational crime syndicates. The …

In a remarkable turnaround, Huawei Technologies Co., once on the brink due to US sanctions, has emerged as China’s crucial weapon in the global semiconductor battle. Beyond being a major chip customer and designer, Huawei plays a pivotal role, extending engineering expertise and financial support to smaller companies in the chip supply chain. The extent of its involvement often remains …

In the face of a proposed dog meat ban in South Korea, the Korea Dog Meat Farmers’ Association, a staunch opponent of measures to curb the industry, has raised the stakes with a controversial threat. Joo Young-bong, the head of the association, revealed during a recent radio show that they are considering releasing 2 million dogs near government landmarks in …

In a twist of fate, the Philippines finds itself at a crossroads as discussions intensify over the prospect of rejoining the International Criminal Court (ICC). This unexpected contemplation, once considered implausible, has ignited a fervent debate, unveiling the complex layers of a nation grappling with its international identity. Back in 2011, the Philippines, under the influence of the “Yellow cabal” …

In the shadow of a growing health dilemma, the World Health Organization (WHO) has sought elusive details from China concerning a mysterious surge in respiratory ailments, especially affecting the vulnerable demographic of children. Peculiar reports, notably one from the vigilant ProMED, have sounded the alarm about an upswing in undiagnosed pneumonia cases in the northern regions of China. This unforeseen …

In the emerald embrace of Hsinchu County’s mountains, Siyat Taro Titiyon, an 87-year-old from the Saisiyat tribe, recounts the echoes of 1955’s Strait Crisis. As political winds swirl around Taiwan, Titiyon, the oldest Saisiyat member, becomes a living bridge between history and the present. The Strait Crisis, a distant memory etched in Titiyon’s mind, saw Indigenous tribes thrust onto the …

In a diplomatic encounter, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida met in San Francisco, emphasizing shared economic interests amid historical and recent tensions. The leaders acknowledged challenges such as China’s seafood ban and the arrest of a Japanese businessman. Kishida urged Xi to lift the ban and expedite the executive’s release, impacting trade ties. The talks …

In a comprehensive survey conducted by the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China, results indicate that an overwhelming 81% of European companies seek clearer definitions in China’s cybersecurity regulations concerning cross-border data transfers. The survey sheds light on concerns within the business community, aiming to navigate an increasingly complex data security landscape in the country. The poll, administered from …