2 h. ago Philippines’ Marcos softens stance amid economic pressures but will China bite?

President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr’s recent call to Filipino-Chinese businessmen to boost Manila’s bilateral ties with Beijing has raised the possibility that the Philippine leader is softening his stance on China. However, while the president’s sudden pivot could signal a recalibration of his approach, observers say the move is unlikely to yield any results in the near term because of his earlier hardline policy, including a statement earlier this month by his defence chief at a major security...

Economics

4 d. ago North Korean spy drama in China may signal Beijing’s unease over growing Pyongyang

North Korean spy drama in China may signal Beijing’s unease over growing Pyongyang-Moscow ties  Yahoo

Events

1 week ago China’s overtures a ‘pointed signal’ to stabilise ties with Japan: analysts

China has made a string of subtle yet telling overtures towards Japan in recent weeks – from removing controversial maritime buoys to easing a politically charged seafood import ban – in what observers see as a tactical recalibration rather than a true reset in bilateral ties. On Thursday, Japan’s government confirmed that China had dismantled the second of two oceanographic buoys it had installed without Tokyo’s consent within Japan’s exclusive economic zone near Okinawa. The following day, it...

Politics

1 week ago US visa crackdown echoes Trump’s first term, but China’s reply marks tone shift

Washington’s visa crackdown on Chinese students with ties to the Communist Party closely mirrors restrictions imposed during US President Donald Trump’s first administration, which at the time prompted Beijing to accuse the US of “regime change”. However, this time, Beijing’s response has been notably restrained, with China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday denouncing the move as “discriminatory” and lodging diplomatic protests. Despite Beijing’s unease over discussions about party...

Politics

2 w. ago In Japan, North Koreans ‘very angry’ over funding cuts for their schools

Members of the North Korean community in Japan have accused Tokyo of systematically undermining ethnic Korean schools through funding cuts – echoing Pyongyang’s denunciation of the policy as a “violation of human rights” – in a long-running dispute shaped by Tokyo’s colonial rule and bitter divisions over identity and loyalty. Senior members of Chosen Soren – the pro-Pyongyang organisation representing North Korean residents of Japan – are “very angry and dissatisfied” and have urged Tokyo to...

Politics

2 w. ago China Sends a Perfect Submarine Signal Across 600 km—and Straight Toward U.S. Interests

China Sends a Perfect Submarine Signal Across 600 km—and Straight Toward U.S. Interests  Indian Defence Review

Events

2 w. ago North Korea investigates failed warship launch that infuriated Kim Jong

The North Korean leader has demanded accountability for the mishap that occurred in front of him.

Events

3 w. ago Blow to Kim’s ‘prestige’ as North Korean warship launch flops in front of him

Kim Jong-un, who watched the incident, called it a ‘criminal act’ that ‘could not be ‘tolerated’.

Events

3 w. ago ‘WHO Is a Cheap Date,’ Expert Says of China’s $500 Million Pledge

‘WHO Is a Cheap Date,’ Expert Says of China’s $500 Million Pledge  The Daily Signal

Economics

3 w. ago ‘My friends were executed’: North Korean defectors tell UN of regime’s brutal reality

One escaped North Korea only to be sold to a Chinese man for less than US$300. Another was banished to the countryside aged 5.

Politics

4 w. ago China’s Investors Signal Trade Truce Is No Panacea for Markets

China’s Investors Signal Trade Truce Is No Panacea for Markets  Bloomberg.com

Economics

4 w. ago North Korean Spy Arrest in China May Signal Beijing’s Unease over Growing Pyongyang

North Korean Spy Arrest in China May Signal Beijing’s Unease over Growing Pyongyang-Moscow Ties  The Diplomat – Asia-Pacific Current Affairs Magazine

Events