Japanese politician’s call to remove Yasukuni’s war criminals sparks right-wing anger

By Julian Ryall A leading contender to become Japan’s next prime minister has sparked backlash from conservatives after suggesting the removal of Class A war criminals from the controversial Yasukuni Shrine, a “bold” idea that analysts say could help repair strained ties with neighbouring countries over Tokyo’s wartime history. Yoshimasa Hayashi, the chief cabinet secretary […]

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Chinese military’s new underwater unmanned systems are ‘disruptive’, intelligent: journal

By Yuanyue Dang in Beijing A Chinese military journal has described the People’s Liberation Army’s latest underwater unmanned systems as “disruptive” and highlighted their intelligent capabilities. According to Ordnance Industry Science Technology, the unmanned submersibles showcased during the large-scale military parade held in Beijing on September 3 possessed “zero-radius turning manoeuvrability”, enabling them to “operate […]

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With China’s C919 jet facing order delays, is Boeing waiting in the wings?

By Frank Chen in Shanghai and Ralph Jennings in Hong Kong The delivery delays appearing to hit China’s C919 – the home-grown narrowbody jet intended to compete with leading Western models – may lead some domestic carriers to consider more orders with US aerospace giant Boeing, industry insiders said. With financial reports from major airlines […]

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What is the Global Sumud Flotilla and why is it sailing to Gaza?

The Global Sumud Flotilla, an unprecedented civilian-led maritime convoy, is attempting to challenge Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza. Here’s what to know about the initiative, its origins, and its mission. Who is the Global Sumud Flotilla? The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), sometimes referred to as the Global Freedom Flotilla, is an international maritime initiative launched […]

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Unrest in Philippine military? Ire of old guard could spell trouble for Marcos

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr (right) rides beside military chief General Romeo Brawner Jnr as he reviews troops during the 89th anniversary of the Armed Forces of the Philippines at military headquarters Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on December 20, 2024. Photo: AP Raissa Robles Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr is facing growing unrest from […]

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China court sentences 11 members of Myanmar-based crime syndicate to death

BANGKOK: A court in China sentenced 11 people to death on Monday for their roles in a family-run crime syndicate accused of running illegal gambling and scam operations worth more than $1.4 billion and for the deaths of disobedient workers. The Wenzhou Intermediate People’s Court sentenced Ming Guoping, Ming Zhenzhen, Zhou Weichang — all members […]

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Madagascar president fires government after Gen Z protests

Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina dissolved his government on Monday following days of deadly unrest which the United Nations says left at least 22 people dead. “I have decided to terminate the functions of the Prime Minister and the government,” Rajoelina said in a televised national address. He said that Prime Minister Christian Ntsay and other […]

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North Korea and China tighten diplomatic embrace as Kim seeks global relevance

North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui met with China’s top diplomat Wang Yi in Beijing on Sunday during her second visit to the Chinese capital in just one month, both countries’ official news agencies reported. Wang told Choe that “China is willing to strengthen coordination and cooperation with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea […]

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