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.

Indonesia triumph in Infantino’s Asian brainchild but real impact could be votes

October 7, 2026

Indonesia won the inaugural Fifa Asean Cup, beating Thailand on penalties in front of 70,000 fans in Jakarta. The victory gave the hosts their first south-east Asian title and a successful finish to a tournament that Fifa president Gianni Infantino had championed, though its longer-term significance may be political. Infantino has been visiting Asian football…
EU negotiators seek curbs on China’s hybrid car exports this week

October 7, 2026

EU trade negotiators led by Maroš Šefčovič are heading to China this week for intensive talks aimed at tackling Beijing’s record £1 billion-a-day trade surplus by curbing cheap hybrid electric vehicle exports to Europe. The two-day negotiation is expected to test whether China will make meaningful concessions before EU leaders meet next week, with both…
South Korean leader urges AI defences after major data breaches

October 7, 2026

South Korea’s president has called for the rapid development of AI-powered cybersecurity tools to defend against increasingly sophisticated cyber-attacks exploiting artificial intelligence. Lee Jae Myung cited recent data breaches at major financial institutions and banks, including e-tailer Coupang, as evidence that attackers are leveraging AI technology and public anxiety is mounting over personal information leaks.…
Australia’s privacy regulator investigates maker of smartglasses app amid data concerns

October 7, 2026

Australia’s privacy regulator has launched an investigation into Shenzhen Qingcheng, a China-based company behind the HeyCyan app used in Kmart’s discounted Meta smartglasses, after the company failed to respond to official inquiries. The glasses generated significant controversy following reports of their covert recording capabilities, prompting a 55,000-strong petition, council bans in public spaces and federal…
US Marine seen for first time after he was accused of murdering woman, 39, while serving on Japanese island notorious for rowdy troops

October 7, 2026

A 20-year-old US Marine has been arrested in Okinawa on suspicion of killing 39-year-old Anna Yagi and taking her belongings from a hotel in Naha. The case has intensified local concern about crimes linked to the US military presence and prompted a formal protest by Japan. Police say Yagi was found unconscious in her room…
South Korea reviews athletes’ military exemptions after football captain’s boast

October 6, 2026

South Korea’s Ministry of National Defence is reviewing special military-service exemptions for athletes, and football captain Lee Gi-hyuk’s boast after winning Asian Games gold may accelerate plans to scrap them. His comments drew public criticism in a country where most able-bodied men must serve and many regard conscription as a civic duty. The exemption, in…
Indian opposition MPs detained in protest against election chief

October 6, 2026

Police in Delhi detained several opposition MPs, including Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, as they marched towards the Election Commission headquarters to demand Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation. The lawmakers were released shortly afterwards and resumed their march, holding a sit-in; the protest marks an escalation of opposition criticism over a nationwide voter roll…
Raj Shamani, Indian Content Creator & Host Of ‘Figuring Out’ Pod, Signs With WME

October 6, 2026

Indian entrepreneur and podcast host Raj Shamani has signed with WME in an all-areas representation deal. The move is significant given the massive reach of his podcast “Figuring Out with Raj Shamani,” which boasts nearly 20 million YouTube subscribers and holds the top ranking on Spotify in India, signalling an expansion of his education-focused media…
Busan Film Festival Director Jung Hanseok Talks Oscars Pathway, New Competition Section & Korean Cinema Recovery

October 6, 2026

Busan International Film Festival has gained recognition as an A-list festival and a route for its Best Film winner to qualify for Oscars submission, raising its profile among filmmakers. Director Jung Hanseok says the changes are attracting more and stronger submissions, and could establish the festival’s new competition as a meaningful step towards an Oscar…
Drone strike kills Turkish captain; Kharkiv bombed; England’s COVID crisis worsens

October 6, 2026

Russian drone strike kills Turkish captain in Black Sea; guided bombs strike Kharkiv killing three and injuring 29. England battles surging COVID-19 cases as the XFG variant spreads, with hospital admissions rising five-fold.