Asia

Ashes of Pompeii: New study confirms ancient city's role within Rome’s global trade route

Remnants of a “grape-derived product” was also found within one of the burners, the study noted, consistent with literary and artistic depictions of wine being used for ritual purpose in Rome.

Incense burner found in Pompeii, containing residue of local plants and imported resin, April 7, 2026.
People hold signs featuring images of Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran's last shah and an Iranian opposition figure, during a protest against the Iranian government, amid the US-Israel conflict with Iran, in front of the Iranian embassy in London, Britain, April 4, 2026.

Iranians rally outside US embassies worldwide, urge continued pressure on Tehran

Illustrative image of a town in Central Asia.

Ignoring Central Asia’s environmental crisis is a strategic mistake - opinion

Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te speaks at a press conference on the latest round of economic talks with the US, in Taipei, Taiwan, February 3, 2026.

Taiwan fears China may exploit US distraction from Middle East war


China’s disappearing elite: The high-stakes gamble behind Xi’s crackdown - analysis

Empty seats define President Xi’s rule, as China’s political elite faces a relentless purge.

PRESIDENT OF CHINA Xi Jinping reviews troops during a military parade to mark the 80th anniversary of World War II’s end, in Beijing, Sept. 3, 2025.

Japan seizes Chinese fishing boat, arrests skipper for fleeing inspection

The captain, a 47-year-old Chinese national, is accused of ignoring orders to stop for an on-board inspection on Thursday in waters off southwest Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan's fisheries agency said.

Japan Coast Guard ships are docked at a port in Ishigaki, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan, January 13, 2026.

Israel’s battle‑tested tech sees demand in Asia amid tensions with China - analysis

Israel’s strong presence at the Singapore Airshow highlights a shift toward Asian defense markets as demand for battle‑tested technology rises

Rafael Advanced Defense Systems at the 2024 Singapore Airshow

El Al to launch new Europe, Asia routes in first expansion since October 7

"The new routes will provide an optimal solution for business travelers," according to the company, "and will strengthen economic ties between Israel and Asia.”

An El Al Boeing 787 Dreamliner; illustrative.

Japan's 'Iron Lady' Takaichi sweeps in stunning election win

Sanae Takaichi, Japan's first female leader, was projected to deliver as many as 328 of the 465 seats in parliament's lower house for her Liberal Democratic Party.

Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), places a red paper rose on the name of an elected candidate at the LDP headquarters on general election day in Tokyo, Japan, February 8, 2026.

BLA attacks expose growing instability in Pakistan’s restive Balochistan region - analysis

The BLA attacks may prove to be yet another incident in the long conflict in Balochistan. However, it could also play into larger questions about how restive the Baloch region has become.

A police officer and a person stand amid damages at a police station, following militant attacks, in Quetta, Pakistan, February 1, 2026.

Low risk of deadly Nipah virus spreading from India, World Health Organization reassures

Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam are among the Asian locations that tightened airport screening checks this week to guard against such a spread after India confirmed infections.

AIRPORT HEALTH authorities in protective masks prepare a thermal imager at Soekarno Hatta International Airport, following the implementation of health screening for arriving passengers, after India confirmed two cases of the Nipah virus, in Tangerang near Jakarta, Indonesia, January 30, 2026.

South Korean court sentences ex-first lady Kim Keon Hee to jail for bribery by Unification Church

The court cleared Kim, the wife of ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was ousted from office last year, of charges of stock price manipulation and violating the Political Funds Act.

South Korea's former first lady Kim Keon Hee, wife of impeached former president Yoon Suk Yeol, arrives at a court to attend a hearing to review her arrest warrant requested by special prosecutors at the Seoul Central District Court, in Seoul, South Korea August 12, 2025.

Top Chinese military official under investigation for leaking nuclear secrets to US - WSJ

The allegations against Gen. Zhang Youxia were revealed during a briefing attended by some of China’s highest-ranking military officials, WSJ reported.

 Chinese Central Military Commission (CMC) Vice Chairman Zhang Youxia arrives for a group photo session before the opening ceremony of the Western Pacific Naval Symposium in Qingdao, Shandong province, China April 22, 2024.

Atomic scientists set 'Doomsday Clock' closer to midnight than ever

This was the third time in the past four years that the scientists moved the clock closer to midnight.

The location of the minute hand on its Doomsday Clock has been revealed, indicating what world developments mean for the perceived likelihood of nuclear catastrophe, during a town-hall in Washington, DC, US, January 23, 2026.