Japan Moves to Ease State Investment in Critical Minerals
Japan's industry ministry proposes allowing state body JOGMEC to invest in critical mineral projects without Japanese company participation, to counter supply risks.
International Relations
Indonesia rejects US report alleging role in tariff-evading transshipment network
Indonesia denies US claims it is part of a transshipment network that helps China avoid billions in US tariffs.
Iran rejects US economic threats as Syria FM visits Pakistan
Iran dismisses US economic threats as failed policy; Syria's FM visits Pakistan for regional talks; Pakistan repatriates sailors killed in Houthi attack.
US-Iran conflict chokes trade and daily life along Iraq border
Months of US strikes on Iran have crippled border trade and traumatized communities in Iraq's Kurdistan region.
China Hits Back at US 'Transshipment Scam' Allegations, Calls for Restraint
China has rejected US allegations of a 'transshipment scam,' calling them irresponsible and urging Washington to stop making unfounded accusations.
Russian strikes kill 16 in Ukraine; Zelenskiy warns of air defence gap
Russian missile and drone attacks kill 16 in Ukraine, wounding over 40. Zelenskiy urges allies to supply Patriot interceptors.
Why Taiwan and the South China Sea Are Flashpoints for the US and the World
Taiwan and the South China Sea are critical to global trade and security, with China's claims and US interests creating persistent tensions.
Overnight Storms Leave One Dead, Several Injured Across Germany
A woman died and others were injured as severe storms and a tornado swept through parts of Germany, causing widespread damage.
China Tells Seoul to Avoid Taking Sides, Blames US Policy for Korean Tensions
China's top diplomat urges South Korea to stay neutral in US-China rivalry and blames Washington's North Korea policy for regional tensions.
Tibetan Exiles in Delhi Shave Heads in Protest Against China's Ethnic Unity Law
Tibetan exiles in New Delhi protested China's ethnic unity law, shaving heads and demanding justice for a self-immolation victim.
Moscow Drivers Face Fresh Fuel Shortages as Queues Return
Moscow motorists endure long queues and fuel limits as a second wave of shortages hits, driven by seasonal demand and Ukrainian refinery strikes.
US Declares Myanmar Scholar Min Zin Wrongfully Detained by China
The US has formally designated American citizen Min Zin as wrongfully detained by China, demanding his release.
Tajikistan Requests 2.5 Million Tonnes of Fuel from Iran
Tajikistan has formally requested 2.5 million tonnes of oil and petroleum products from Iran, seeking to diversify away from its traditional reliance on Russian fuel.
North Korea Fires Projectile Off East Coast, South Korea Says
South Korea says North Korea launched an unidentified projectile off its east coast on Thursday, a day after Kim Yo Jong downplayed US drill adjustments.
Severe storms sweep Germany, killing one and injuring several
A woman died and several were injured as severe storms battered parts of Germany, causing damage from Rhineland-Palatinate to Bavaria.
Ukraine's August grain exports plunge 77% as port blockade bites
Ukraine's grain exports fell 77% year-on-year in early August as Black Sea port blockades outweighed gains at alternate border routes.
Ukraine Pivots Grain Exports to Poland and Romania as Black Sea Ports Stay Blocked
Ukraine plans to ship 2.5M tonnes of grain monthly via Poland, Romania, and other routes as Black Sea ports remain idle.
Prosecutor urges Australian appeals court to keep mushroom killer jailed for life
Prosecutors argue Erin Patterson should never be paroled for the death cap mushroom murders of three relatives.
Australia's New Levy Targets Tech Giants Over News Deals
Australia passes a law imposing a levy on large tech platforms that fail to reach news content deals with local media.
A $4 Million Calf: How a Crudely Animated Chinese Film Beat the Odds
A low-budget, hand-drawn Chinese animation about a calf has become a viral box-office hit, sparking memes, merchandise, and a cultural debate about authenticity.