Asia

Asia covers news and developments across the world's largest and most populous continent, where billion-dollar industries, geopolitical tensions and technological innovation shape global markets and international relations. The region encompasses many of the world's fastest-growing economies and most influential technology sectors, making Asian affairs consequential for businesses, policymakers and consumers worldwide.

Stories from across Asia reflect the region's complexity: from energy markets and trade relations to corporate accountability, data security and competition in emerging industries like electric vehicles. Whether driven by government policy, corporate behaviour or market forces, developments in Asia often ripple through global supply chains, financial markets and international diplomacy, making regional news essential context for understanding world affairs.

Born 78 Years Ago Today in England, the “Golden God” of Rock Who Won a Grammy With This Bluegrass Legend

August 21, 2026

Robert Plant, the Led Zeppelin frontman known for his flowing golden locks and powerful voice, was born in West Bromwich, Staffordshire, England, on 20 August 1948, making him 78 today. He rose from a teenage blues enthusiast who briefly trained as an accountant to become the singer of one of rock’s most influential bands, and…
SEVENTEEN’s Vernon Says ‘I’ll Be Back’ With New Single as He Enlists in South Korean Military

August 21, 2026

SEVENTEEN member Vernon released a new solo single, “I’ll Be Back,” on 20 August, just hours after entering a training centre to begin his mandatory military service in South Korea. The self-written and self-composed track functions as a sentimental farewell to fans, with lyrics addressed directly to the group’s supporters as he steps away from…
Netflix’s Sci-Fi Taylor Sheridan Replacement Series Gets First Trailer

August 20, 2026

Netflix has released the first trailer for Bass X Machina, a new steampunk-Western anime series premiering on the streamer this November. The show reimagines the true story of Bass Reeves, a real-life U.S. Marshal in the Wild West who may have inspired the fictional Lone Ranger, following Taylor Sheridan’s more grounded 2023 drama Lawmen: Bass…
NBA YoungBoy Is Giving Sobriety a Chance: ‘I’m Trying to See if I Really Can Make It to 6 Months’

August 20, 2026

NBA YoungBoy, the Louisiana rapper also known as YoungBoy Never Broke Again, has announced he is attempting to give up drugs and commit to six months of sobriety. He revealed the decision on Instagram Stories, saying he had flushed his remaining drugs down the toilet after being tempted to use, marking a notable public step…
Trump wants to be friends with Kim – but South Korea could pay the price

August 20, 2026

The US has abruptly scaled back its annual Ulchi Freedom Shield military exercises with South Korea after President Trump ordered the Pentagon to cut them short, catching Seoul off guard and stoking concern among allies such as Japan and Taiwan who rely on American security guarantees. Trump, who has criticised the drills as “inappropriate and…
US distributor of China’s most popular humanoid robots pivots after US ban

August 20, 2026

RoboStore, previously the leading North American distributor of Chinese-made humanoid robots and robot dogs, is shifting to manufacturing its own robots at a new facility on Long Island, New York. The move comes as the US government tightens restrictions on foreign-made robots, most notably a July ban by the Federal Communications Commission on imports of…
‘We Don’t Need to Aggressively Sell the Console’: Sony CEO Says Timing of Memory Crisis Is ‘Lucky’ for PS5

August 20, 2026

Sony CEO Hiroki Totoki has said that the global memory chip shortage, which has driven up component costs across the hardware industry, has arrived at a fortunate moment for the PS5. Speaking to the Wall Street Journal, he explained that because the console is in the latter half of its lifecycle, Sony no longer needs…
USS Lincoln Leaving Middle East After 9-Month Extended Deployment

August 20, 2026

The Asia-based USS George Washington aircraft carrier is now operating in the Arabian Sea to replace the previous carrier facing poor conditions.
Melania Trump announces new foster scholarships ahead of IndyCar DC event

August 20, 2026

First lady Melania Trump announced a new round of scholarships for foster children Thursday in partnership with IndyCar and Fox Corporation. The two companies donated $2 million to fund scholarships at Indiana and Purdue Universities. “Tomorrow’s leaders are sitting in classrooms today, including those growing up in foster care. Their capability is no less remarkable,”…
Jailed Pakistan ex-PM Imran Khan taken to hospital for treatment

August 20, 2026

Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has been transferred from Adiala jail to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad under heavy security, after the Supreme Court ordered he be examined by doctors following complaints about his deteriorating health. A three-judge panel ruled that authorities had a constitutional duty to safeguard his life, health and dignity, and…