How China and the EU can reach a middle course on trade
EU and China should negotiate a trade compromise: China curbs its surplus and opens markets, while the EU remains open, showing the US an alternative to protectionism.
Asia
Following a deadly train crash, Indonesia steps up safety reforms as experts push for long-term improvements
Indonesia boosts rail safety after deadly Bekasi crash; experts urge nationwide reforms, better communication, signaling, training, and closing level crossings.
China announces candidate for WHO chief position
China nominated maternity health expert Song Li to lead the WHO, aiming to expand influence after the US withdrawal. If elected, she would be the second Chinese director-general after Margaret Chan.
China nominates health official Song Li as WHO head
China nominated health official Song Li to lead WHO, citing her pandemic and maternal health experience. WHO will publish full nominee list in November.
Rare red carpet in KL for Myanmar’s leader sparks outrage, but signals shifting ASEAN stance
Myanmar’s Min Aung Hlaing visited Malaysia, met Anwar Ibrahim; no deals signed. Rights groups decried the welcome; it signals a shifting ASEAN stance, while repatriation plans raised legal concerns.
Japan, South Korea shares fall as Asian stocks drop on inflation fears, oil gains
Asian stocks fell as rising oil prices fueled inflation fears; Japan and South Korea shares dropped, while Samsung fluctuated after missing estimates. Brent rose above $101.
Former Taiwan President Tsai tells US audience of 'sustained' Chinese pressure
Taiwan's ex-President Tsai told a US audience China pressures Taiwan via grey-zone activities—patrols, cyberattacks—and urged deeper cooperation for Indo-Pacific stability.
Samsung flags US$80 billion profit on AI boom, highest quarterly for any tech company
Samsung forecasts its Q3 operating profit at 107.4 trillion won, a nearly ninefold AI-driven jump and a record for any tech company.
Indonesia's new police chief moved fast to shake up the force. Can he change its culture?
Indonesia's new police chief swiftly reshuffled top ranks, but analysts doubt whether these personnel changes will reform the force's culture and public service.
All schools in Johor to shut on Oct 8 and 9 as air quality deteriorates due to haze
Johor closes all schools on Oct 8-9 due to worsening haze; home-based learning continues as assessments are postponed.
Indonesian court hears 'negligence' complaint against state over fires, haze
Indonesian court hears class action accusing government of gross negligence over fires and haze; President Prabowo among 10 defendants. Plaintiffs seek a national disaster declaration.
Indian central bank hikes rates for first time since 2023
India's RBI raised its benchmark repo rate 25 basis points to 5.50%, first hike since 2023, citing inflation and rupee weakness.