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.

Long-Lost Pokémon Game Apparently Pops Up on eBay After 20 Years — Though You’ll Need $9,000 to Buy It

July 30, 2026

A Nintendo DS test cartridge that may contain the long-lost Pokémon Fishing Contest DS has appeared on eBay, with an asking price of €7,999 (about $9,145). The game was distributed only briefly at Japanese events and Pokémon Centres in 2005, so a playable copy could be significant for preserving previously inaccessible Pokémon software. Pokémon Fishing…
Grammys CEO says he’s ‘saddened’ by BTS decision to skip the 2027 awards – and defends new Asian pop category

July 30, 2026

Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason jr. said he was saddened but respectful of BTS’s decision not to submit music for the 2027 Grammy Awards. The move removes the group’s comeback album, ARIRANG, from consideration and has heightened debate over the Grammys’ new Best Asian Pop Music Performance category, which BTS appeared to criticise indirectly by…
Trump accused China of an ‘election security nightmare’ but then undercut his own warning

July 30, 2026

President Donald Trump said China had created an “unprecedented election security nightmare” by allegedly targeting US election-related data, but he has not announced any new measures against Beijing. The article highlights the apparent contrast between his warning and his continued engagement with China, including plans to host President Xi Jinping in September. In a 16…
The Pokemon Company and Sony donate almost $1 million in total towards relief and restoration efforts for areas affected by Japan’s Kumamoto earthquake

July 30, 2026

The Pokémon Company and Sony have pledged almost US$1 million in combined donations to support relief and restoration work after the Kumamoto earthquake in Japan. The contributions underline how major Japanese entertainment companies are responding to the disaster and directing funds towards affected communities. The Pokémon Company will donate ¥50 million, while Sony will provide…
San Sebastian Sets 2026 New Directors Lineup

July 30, 2026

San Sebastian Film Festival has announced the filmmakers selected for its 2026 New Directors programme, which showcases first and second feature films and runs from 18 to 26 September. The sidebar will bring together emerging directors from 13 countries, underlining the festival’s role in introducing international new talent. Jaime Lorente’s Spanish debut The Bad Son…
Fifa ‘undermining the very foundations of football’, says AFC as Uefa talks loom

July 30, 2026

The Asian Football Confederation has accused Fifa of damaging football’s principles of solidarity, cooperation and transparency by proposing to sell a stake in World Cup commercial rights without consulting continental bodies. Its stance matters because the AFC has traditionally supported Fifa president Gianni Infantino and could hold the deciding influence over whether the proposal succeeds.…
‘Kind of like a fairy tale’: documentary tells the unusual tale of Flaco the Owl

July 30, 2026

A new documentary, Wild Inside, recounts the remarkable story of Flaco, a Eurasian eagle-owl who escaped New York’s Central Park Zoo in 2023 and became a beloved symbol of resilience. The film explores how his unexpected survival in Manhattan captivated birdwatchers and residents, while raising wider questions about captivity, instinct and what it means to…
Football transfer rumours: Jack Grealish to make Saudi switch to Al-Hilal?

July 30, 2026

Manchester City’s Jack Grealish is reportedly attracting interest from Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal after being left out of City’s pre-season tour. The report also outlines several possible moves involving Premier League clubs, with Bournemouth’s young Brazilian winger Rayan drawing attention from leading European sides. Liverpool are said to value Curtis Jones at about £35m…
Fifa wants more money for its members but that does not guarantee investment | John Duerden

July 30, 2026

Fifa says selling stakes in the World Cup to private investors would allow it to distribute more than $10bn to its 211 member associations for football development. The proposal could benefit countries lacking facilities and infrastructure, but the article argues that greater funding does not itself ensure that money reaches grassroots football or is properly…
The Lumbee Tribe of N.C. wants better healthcare, but plans to fund it are in limbo

July 30, 2026

The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina is seeking to improve healthcare after gaining federal recognition, which opens access to the Indian Health Service, but the funding and planning needed to deliver services remain uncertain. A proposed casino had been presented as a major source of independent revenue for healthcare and other tribal priorities, yet members…