Asia

Philippine lower house approved a bill banning under-13s from social media, following Senate's stricter version. Both chambers will reconcile amid concerns over child safety after school shootings.

Indian opposition and journalists accuse police of abuses during protests over voter roll revision; Delhi locked down before Rahul Gandhi's march.

China sanctioned Paraguay's communications minister and Belize's foreign minister over Taiwan ties, freezing assets, denying visas, and barring Chinese organizations from dealings.

Okinawans fearful and frustrated after US Marine arrested over alleged murder of Japanese woman, reigniting anger over US military presence.

The US calls China's maritime actions off Taiwan deeply destabilising, urging Beijing to stop pressure and engage Taiwan's elected authorities.

The US State Department called China’s maritime actions off Taiwan’s east coast deeply destabilising after a Chinese militia boat sighting, urging Beijing to stop pressuring Taiwan.

Delhi was sealed off, metro shut, mobile internet suspended and markets closed ahead of a youth protest demanding India’s election commissioner resign over voter-list revisions.

Malaysia's outreach to Myanmar's Min Aung Hlaing reflects shifting ASEAN engagement, but analysts warn dialogue must not undermine compliance, accountability, or the Five-Point Consensus.

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te will say in his National Day speech that boosting defences is not provocation but reflects Taiwanese people's hope to maintain peace and freedom.

Hong Kong rejected its US downgrade to Tier 3 in the 2026 human trafficking report, calling the rating unfounded and accusing Washington of double standards.

Puma Shen's Taipei mayoral campaign draws large rallies and controversy over celebrity Kevin Tsai, but polls show him narrowly trailing Chiang; whether momentum converts to votes remains uncertain.

Taiwan flew a giant flag under a US-made Chinook over Taipei for National Day, defying Beijing, as President Lai prepares a speech addressing China.