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Asia

News and analysis from across Asia

A musician plays a rubab, a lute-like instrument, in Kabul in November 2016.

Kabul Musicians Keep Afghanistan’s Musical Traditions Alive in Private

Musicians interviewed anonymously by the Associated Press say they still play in private despite the risk of arrest, while a generation of public performance and teaching has been disrupted.

By Newsroom · 3 min read · 2d ago

Mayon Volcano on Luzon in a 2013 file photograph.

Asia

Mayon Alert Raised to Level 3 After Eruption Sends Ash Three Kilometres High

PHIVOLCS says the 30 October eruption produced a 3,000-metre ash plume and recommends evacuation from the volcano’s six-kilometre Permanent Danger Zone.

Newsroom · 3d ago · 3 min

Satellite image of Typhoon Jangmi approaching Taiwan in September 2008

Asia

Taiwan Reports 527 Injured as Typhoon Champi Moves Away

Authorities reported one death and hundreds of injuries as the storm moved offshore; reported injury totals rose during the response.

Newsroom · 9d ago · 2 min

The Chinese entrance to the New Yalu River Bridge linking Dandong with North Korea, photographed in 2012

Asia

Kim Jong Un’s Dandong Visit Puts China Ties on Display as New Border Bridge Opens

North Korea’s leader crossed into China and met senior official Wang Huning during a visit that showcased a new transport link between the two countries.

Newsroom · 9d ago · 2 min

A large black letter D on a light grey background, used as the original article cover artwork.

Asia

Korybko To Dawn: Pakistan Is The One In Denial About The Regional Terrorist Reality

Pakistan can have whatever view it wants about the Taliban’s alleged ties to terrorists, but it’s not going to convince the Kremlin to disengage from Afghanistan, and any such attempt might even accelerate their already rapid rapprochement in defiance.

Andrew Korybko · 12d ago · 3 min

Exterior of the Republic of Korea embassy in Kyiv

Asia

South Korea to Withdraw Some Kyiv Embassy Staff as Dispute with Ukraine Deepens

Seoul says the move reflects a lack of progress in a dispute over two North Korean prisoners of war transferred to South Korea; essential staff will remain.

Newsroom · 12d ago · 1 min

Russian official walking with Taliban representatives in a courtyard

Asia

Naryshkin in Kabul: Moscow’s Intelligence-Level Bet on the Taliban

Sergei Naryshkin’s reported meeting with Taliban intelligence chief Abdul Haq Wasiq takes Russia’s Afghan engagement into a more sensitive phase — even as the public agenda remains undisclosed.

Caspian Keyes · 18d ago · 4 min

The flag of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan outside Afghanistan’s embassy in Moscow in 2025

AsiaFeature

The Kremlin’s Kabul Pivot: Russia’s Strategic Realignment and Military Cooperation with the Taliban

Driven by evolving regional security mandates and the imperative to block Western re-entry into Central Asia, Moscow has pivoted from historical opposition to a pragmatic military and diplomatic partnership with the Taliban government. This strategic realignment is underscored by the landmark May 2026 defense cooperation agreement, high-level tactical war game participation, and a shared focus on neutralizing the regional threat of ISKP

Arun Anand · 19d ago · 5 min

Asia

Afghanistan Suspends BBC FM Radio Broadcasts Nationwide

The BBC says millions rely on its Afghan-language services and that it is working with authorities to resolve the suspension.

Newsroom · 20d ago · 1 min

Portrait of Shad Mohammad in a green shirt against a blue background, recorded during detention.

AsiaParrhesia ExclusiveFeature

Afghan detainees describe training in Pakistan before deadly Nuristan fighting

Afghans captured during recent fighting in Nuristan have described travelling through Pakistan, staying at camps and receiving weapons training before being taken towards Afghanistan. Their accounts provide new details about allegations by Kabul that Pakistan was involved in sending armed men across the border — allegations Islamabad strongly denies.

Alexander Seale · 32d ago · 6 min

View across the Korean Demilitarised Zone from the South Korean side

Asia

South Korea says Zelenskyy's POW disclosure was likely aimed at building support for Ukraine

Seoul's intelligence service believes Ukraine's public disclosure of a transfer involving two North Korean prisoners of war may have sought to strengthen support for Kyiv.

Newsroom · 33d ago · 4 min

BrahMos missile system operated by Philippine Marines on a paved display area

AsiaFeature

Malaysia's BrahMos Gambit: A Quiet Shift in the South China Sea Power Balance

On the sidelines of the BRICS summit in New Delhi, a single confirmation redraws a strategic map.

Arun Anand · 37d ago · 4 min

Asia

South Korea's Lee proposes a step-by-step route towards North Korean denuclearisation

President Lee Jae Myung says Seoul should first halt the growth of Pyongyang's nuclear and missile capabilities before seeking a rollback and eventual dismantlement.

Newsroom · 41d ago · 4 min

A road and mountain landscape in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

Asia

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa mosque bombing kills at least 21 near police compound

A vehicle bomb and attempted gun assault near police offices in Kohat killed at least 21 people and wounded 80, officials said.

Newsroom · 44d ago · 4 min