South Korea launches 'K-brand' scheme to fight counterfeits
South Korea launched a K-brand certification system letting consumers scan QR codes to verify product authenticity, aiming to curb counterfeits of Korean goods overseas.
Asia
Melaka to head to the polls on Nov 14 in another test of shifting political alliances in Malaysia
Melaka votes on Nov 14, with nearly 700,000 voters deciding a state election seen as a test of Malaysia's shifting alliances before the next general election.
Decoding Japan PM Takaichi’s ‘important neighbour’ message to China - what it means for ties
Japan's PM Takaichi calls China an 'important neighbour' and seeks stable ties, but tensions persist over Taiwan, security and trade; analysts see cautious testing, not a thaw.
US and China discuss reciprocal visits to nuclear sites: Reports
US and China discussed reciprocal visits to nuclear sites, an idea China raised, with lower-level talks expected before another Trump-Xi meeting, CNN reported.
Japan says it told China survey ship to leave Tokyo's economic waters
Japan says a Chinese survey ship left its exclusive economic zone after repeated orders to stop unauthorized research near Ishigaki; such unapproved surveys have more than doubled this year.
India opposition leaders briefly detained in election protest
Indian opposition leader Rahul Gandhi was briefly detained as protesters marched to the Election Commission, demanding its chief resign over voter roll revisions.
Why China is holding back fuel exports - and what it means for Asia’s diesel supplies
China suspended October fuel exports to safeguard domestic supply amid Iran-war uncertainty, tightening Asia’s diesel market, though increased output elsewhere may cushion the impact.
South Korea's Lee says AI appears to have been used in bank hacks
South Korea's President Lee says AI appears to have been used in bank hacks; police investigate customer data breaches, and he calls for AI-era cybersecurity.
Asian shares track Wall Street higher; Treasury yields near multi-decade highs
Asian shares rose, tracking Wall Street's tech-led record close, while Treasury yields stayed near multi-decade highs and the euro weakened on French fiscal concerns.
Middle East war sharpens focus on ASEAN energy security plans
ASEAN energy ministers meet in Manila to review fuel-security plans as Middle East war raises oil prices, exposing reliance on imported crude and pushing stockpiles, renewables, and grid integration.
Southeast Asia's energy security at a crossroads as power demand surges, IEA warns
IEA warns Southeast Asia’s surging energy demand and reliance on imported fuel threaten security amid Middle East disruptions, urging diversification, reserves, renewables and efficiency.
China says Taiwan is ‘desecrating the martyrs’ with its World War II history criticism
China accused Taiwan of desecrating martyrs by disputing Beijing's WWII narrative, calling it betrayal; Taipei says the Republic of China, not the PRC, fought the Allies.