Latest from Asia

US to declare seven pangolin species endangered to combat trafficking
Pangolins are the most trafficked mammals, hunted for their scales and meat.

Where are the world’s best cruises? We asked a seasoned cruiser
According to this expert, these five cruises explore the world’s best destinations.

Vietnam lawmakers abolish district-level government
They merged provinces, cutting nearly 80,000 jobs.

Rust removal sparks explosion at US base in Okinawa
The explosion occurred while SDF members were assessing unexploded bombs.

Why Vietnam's two-child policy change may not boost birth rate
High living costs in big cities deter many from having more children.

Mongolian PM resigns after losing confidence vote
Protests in Ulaanbaatar erupted over alleged corruption and economic concerns.

'A wake-up call': US warns of China's military ambitions in Asia
The US is calling on allies to upgrade defences amid China's military pressure in Asia.

Cyber crime crackdown: 15 foreign nationals jailed in Nigeria
They include 11 Filipinos, two Chinese, one Malaysian, and one Indonesian.

US to revoke visas for Chinese students linked to Communist Party
New visa scrutiny targets applicants from China and Hong Kong.

Global conflicts reach highest level since WWII, data reveals
Conflicts in Europe, mainly Ukraine, account for 33% of global conflict deaths.

Singapore Airlines adds seats, boosts freight capacity to Christchurch
Weekly flights between Christchurch and Singapore will increase to 11.

Rising tensions: Chinese arms in spotlight after Pakistan-India clash
Pakistan claims Chinese jets downed six Indian aircraft, including French-made Rafales.

'Like a nightmare': Experts fear measles outbreak amid low vaccination rates
Aucklanders are urged to check for measles exposure after a new case emerged.

'90-day pause': US and China to scale back tariffs
The US and China will cut tariffs for 90 days.

Have you made one of these faux pas in Japan?
Two Japanese etiquette experts reveal the most common mistakes.

Pakistan strikes Indian sites, bringing nuclear rivals nearer to war
Pakistani attacks on India’s heartland will be seen as more serious than hits in Kashmir.

36 Hours in Singapore
New York Times: Singapore celebrates its diamond jubilee as a thriving city-state.

'We're going to act like a real country': Judith Collins on NZ's $12b defence splurge
The Defence Minister says New Zealand is a 'small price-taker' from the world.

'Body-packed five cartons': Man busted smuggling cigarettes at Wellington airport
Illegal tobacco operations sell from Facebook marketplace, churches and language schools.

Is this the kindest country in the world?
In Vietnam, kindness is part of everyday life—expressed through gestures big and small.