1 hour ago Microsoft shutters AI lab in Shanghai, signalling a broader pullback from China

The IoT & AI Insider Lab in the Zhangjiang hi-tech zone likely closed in January or February, nearby workers say.

Politics

6 h. ago Duterte’s lawyer says ICC case ‘a kidnapping’, has ‘compelling’ grounds to throw out case

Duterte’s lawyer called for the ICC case to be dismissed, citing the Philippines’ withdrawal, and labelled Duterte’s detention a “political hit job”.

Events

9 h. ago Japan to spend record US$133 billion on earthquake resilience

One focus will be on strengthening essential services affected by recent disasters, such as the Noto Peninsula earthquake last January.

Economics

9 h. ago China Conducts South China Sea Patrol as US Defense Chief Visits Philippines

China Conducts South China Sea Patrol as US Defense Chief Visits Philippines  The Diplomat

Events

11 h. ago In South Korea, the elderly risk their lives fighting wildfires for US$50 a day

More than seven in 10 of South Korea’s seasonal wildfire fighters are aged 60 or older. This month’s wildfires claimed some of their lives.

Events

18 h. ago Netanyahu offers Hamas leaders Gaza exit but demands group disarm

‘We are negotiating under fire,’ Israeli PM said. In ‘final stage’ Hamas will ‘lay down its weapons. Its leaders will be allowed to leave’.

Politics

21 h. ago Iran rejects direct negotiations with US in response to Trump’s letter

In the March 12 letter, Trump said he asked Iran to negotiate ‘because if we have to go in militarily, it’s going to be a terrible thing’.

Politics

21 h. ago Iran rejects direct negotiations with US as Trump threatens ‘bombing’

US president threatens Iran with bombs and tariffs if it does not come to an agreement with Washington over its nuclear programme.

Events

25 h. ago Closer ties among US allies may bring turmoil to South China Sea, Taiwan Strait: analysts

Warning comes after US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth visits Philippines and Japan with pledges to boost defence cooperation.

Politics

27 h. ago Turkey opposition ramps up rallies as Swedish journalist jailed

The arrest of Istanbul’s opposition mayor Ekrem Imamoglu sparked the most significant anti-government protests in Turkey in over a decade.

Events

32 h. ago Can the Philippines’ become China’s ‘plus one’ amid South China Sea tensions?

The Philippines’ economic zones chief says Manila is being eyed as ‘the next preferred destination’ for China’s ‘plus-one’ strategy for firms dodging US tariffs.

Events

36 h. ago Japan’s Sukiya to close nearly 2,000 restaurants after rat, cockroach found in dish

The beef bowl chain said some stores such as those in shopping centres will be excluded from the closure.

Politics

37 h. ago Hong Kong Sevens: Black Ferns chase history, China join Hong Kong in final – day 3 live

China’s men set up Melrose Claymores final against hosts as France’s men chase first Hong Kong title and New Zealand women seek third in row.

Politics

37 h. ago Hong Kong Sevens: historic treble for New Zealand’s women, men’s final next – day 3 live

New Zealand beat Australia 26-19 in women’s final, to win in the city for third year in a row.

Politics

39 h. ago Is Sara Duterte reinventing herself for a 2028 Philippine presidential run?

Showcasing a kinder image to overseas Filipinos, Sara Duterte-Carpio appears to be positioning herself for a future presidential bid.

Politics

42 h. ago Hamas agrees to Gaza ceasefire proposal from Egypt and Qatar

Israel, which has not yet agreed to the proposal, continued its military strikes on Saturday, killing at least 20 Palestinians.

Events

54 h. ago PLA ‘on high alert’ in South China Sea, warns Manila over naval drills with US, Japan

PLA’s Southern Theatre Command conducted ‘routine patrol’, spokesman says, as Philippines and Japan hold naval drills with treaty ally US.

Events

58 h. ago Malaysian man who assaulted, pulled gun on bodyguards for fasting jailed for 6 years

The businessman was also convicted of using blasphemous words and telling his bodyguards not to fast if they wanted to keep their jobs.

Events

62 h. ago Myanmar, Thailand earthquake death toll tops 1,000 as search for survivors intensifies

The US, China and Asean have pledged to help Myanmar to deal with the disaster that also left more than 2,000 people injured.

Events

63 h. ago With Duterte’s downfall, will Marcos face an election backlash in the Philippines?

Ex-president Duterte is behind bars in The Hague and his daughter is fighting for political survival. But don’t discount a comeback in 2028.

Politics