Politics

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte aims to diversify the country's diplomatic ties. 
International relations

Duterte heads to Israel, Jordan to diversify diplomatic ties

Overseas Filipino workers' welfare, trade and defense cooperation on agenda

1 September 2018
Sanctions on Iran come into effect on Nov. 4. The deadline for Japanese companies to secure alternative sources falls in early September.
International relations

Japan halts Iran oil imports under US pressure

Customers to see higher gas prices as energy companies fall in line in October

31 August 2018
Emerging countries in Asia and authoritarian governments are stocking up on gold.
Economy

Emerging countries snap up gold to cut dollar dependence

Nations in conflicts with the US prepare for Trump sanctions and possible economic downturn

28 August 2018
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, left, seen meeting with counterpart Xi Jinping, is relying on Chinese funds to keep his country's vulnerable economy afloat.
International relations

China money flows into Turkey as crisis creates opening

Tensions with US provide opportunity to expand Belt and Road ambitions

22 August 2018
The Indonesian rupiah has fallen as much as 7% against the U.S. dollar this year.
Economy

Turkey crisis heaps pressure on Asian central banks to raise rates

Indonesia becomes latest nation to tighten policy after major sell-offs

15 August 2018
Tehran braces for so-called snapback sanctions triggered by Washington's withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear accord.
International relations

US boycott of Iran risks being godsend for China and Russia

Both nations prioritize oil and gas interests over cooperation

7 August 2018
Southern Oman's Duqm is the only port in its area equipped with a dry dock used in repairs of large vessels.
Belt and Road

China's Silk Road initiative makes prey of Oman, Maldives

Some fear Beijing's ultimate aim behind its general aid is to gain port control

26 July 2018
U.S. Marines shovel mud and debris in the Yamaguchi Precture city of Iwakuni last weekend. Troops stationed there volunteered to help local residents clean up after the floods. (Photo provided by the U.S. Embassy to Japan)
19 July 2018
JXTG's Negishi Refinery in Kanagawa Prefecture
International relations

Japan set to halt imports of Iranian oil

Hopes dim for Tokyo to gain waiver on US sanctions

19 July 2018
 Iran's national flags are seen on a square in Tehran.
International relations

US to consider waivers on Iran oil sanctions: Mnuchin

Trump administration is pushing countries to cut all imports from November

17 July 2018
In May, President Donald Trump signed an executive order announcing the U.S. withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal.
International relations

Japan banks to freeze Iran dealings to avoid Trump sanctions

Lenders like MUFG and Mizuho may cut off transactions as early as August

13 July 2018
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani speak at the annual World Economic Forum in Davos in 2014. The leaders meet annually at the United Nations General Assembly.
12 July 2018
A Yemeni refugee looking at the distant sea outside of Jeju City. He arrived in Jeju this year to avoid the civil war in Yemen. (NurPhoto/Getty Images)
International relations

Yemeni refugees in South Korea face fake news and friction

People fleeing civil war mix uncomfortably with locals on resort island of Jeju

12 July 2018
With more power in his hands, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan can extend his foreign policy into East Asia.
Opinion

Erdogan will boost ties with Asia after election triumph

But Turkish president should take care, especially in playing the Muslim card

28 June 2018
Sanctions on Iran come into effect on Nov. 4. The deadline for Japanese companies to secure alternative sources falls in early September.
International relations

US tells world to halt all Iranian oil imports by November

Japan and India under pressure as Washington says 'no exceptions'

27 June 2018
A woman votes at a polling station in a school during elections in Istanbul,Turkey, on June 24.
24 June 2018
Iranians protest against U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to walk out of the 2015 nuclear deal, in Tehran in May.
Opinion

Trump risks making Tehran more aggressive

A frustrated Iran's role in Middle East conflicts could become less predictable

7 June 2018
The dollar's dominant position in Asia's trade makes the region vulnerable to U.S. policy changes.
Opinion

Asia's hidden exposure to Iran sanctions

Region's widespread dollarization makes it vulnerable to US action

5 June 2018
Kuala Lumpur's stocks have fallen as investors became concerned about national debt and the state fund scandal.
31 May 2018
A worker in Belgrade, Serbia, walks on a site where a railway line to Budapest, Hungary, is being rebuilt.
International relations

China unsettles EU with Belt and Road moves in the Balkans

Beijing's influence in Europe's 'powder keg' risks stoking old rivalries

25 May 2018
Kuala Lumpur's benchmark stock index has fallen as much as 3.7% since the day before the election.
Malaysia in transition

Malaysia's hidden debt and 'insolvent' state fund raise alarm

Investors flee as US rate hikes compound Mahathir's fiscal challenges

24 May 2018
If China and India can form a united front, the unlikely double could help minimize the impact of renewed American sanctions.
Opinion

Iran sanctions -- dreaded deja vu for Asia

China and India must resist Trump, defend their interests and keep oil trade open

23 May 2018
Surabaya's police headquarters on Monday became the latest target of suicide bomb attacks in Indonesia's second-largest city.
International relations

Indonesia grapples with terror threat as Islamic militants return

String of bombings in Surabaya linked to local IS-inspired group

15 May 2018
Workers put the finishing touches on a railway in Kombolcha, in northern Ethiopia. The line is being built by Turkish contractor Yapi Merkezi. (Photo by Akihiro Sano)
International relations

Turkey jockeys with China for influence in Africa

From railways to diplomacy, Ankara looks to extend its geostrategic reach

12 May 2018
Thousands of Muslims gather at the National Monument in Jakarta on Friday to protest against the US moving its Israel embassy to Jerusalem. (Photo by Bobby Nugroho)
International relations

Thousands in Jakarta protest US embassy's move to Jerusalem

President Widodo urges other countries not to follow Washington's lead

11 May 2018