asia-pacific
17 stories related to this topic, newest first.
nknews.orgXi Jinping Meets Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang, First Visit in Seven Years
Chinese President Xi Jinping met North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang on June 8-9, 2026. The two-day summit ended without any public reference to North Korea's nuclear program.
Japan TimesU.S. Marks 36th Anniversary of 1989 Tiananmen Square Events; China Calls Matter Resolved
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on June 3 that no amount of censorship can erase the past. China responded on June 4 by accusing the United States of distorting facts and smearing its political system.
Hegseth Announces U.S. Return to Balance-of-Power Approach Toward China in Indo-Pacific
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth described a U.S. approach focused on military strength and regional alliances while avoiding direct confrontation with China. He spoke at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on May 30, 2026.
nbcnews.comTaiwan Monitors Second Chinese Patrol Near Island in a Week
Taiwan dispatched ships and jets to track a Chinese joint combat readiness patrol near its territory. The action follows a meeting between U.S. and Chinese leaders earlier this month.
Los Angeles TimesU.S. Marines Conduct HIMARS Live-Fire Exercise at Camp Fuji
U.S. Marines fired rockets from mobile launchers during a training exercise in Japan this week. The demonstration highlighted the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System and its role in regional deterrence efforts.
cnbc.comAsia-Pacific Stock Markets Close Higher to End the Week
Major equity indexes across the Asia-Pacific region posted gains on the final trading day of the week. Japan's Nikkei index recorded the largest advance among the markets tracked.
Japan TimesTaiwan Premier Says China Military Actions Are Greatest Source of Regional Instability
Taiwanese Premier Cho Jung-tai stated that China's ongoing military activities represent the primary source of unease in the region. The remarks came as the Chinese Navy announced a carrier task force deployment for training in the Western Pacific.
pravdareport.comFormer UN Security Council President Describes China as Regional Challenge
Kishore Mahbubani said neighboring countries must manage relations with China without submitting to its demands. He made the remarks during an interview with Mishal Husain.
japantimes.co.jpJapan Opens Defense Industry to Global Exports
Japan has ended its longstanding ban on exporting lethal weaponry as part of a broader shift in defense policy. The country is increasing its military budget from about $35 billion in 2022 to $60 billion by 2027 and has begun joint development of advanced weapons systems.
powermag.comRussia Builds Global Network of Nuclear Power Plants
Russia has become the leading exporter of nuclear reactors through state-owned Rosatom, which offers full supply chain services and financing. The company is constructing plants in multiple countries including Bangladesh, where fuel loading has begun at the Rooppur facility. The…
Japan TimesTaiwan Test-Fires Torpedo From First Domestically Built Submarine
Taiwan has carried out the maiden torpedo test-firing from its first domestically developed submarine, Narwhal. The milestone comes as part of an ambitious military modernization program. Japan Times reported the development on May 7, 2026.
koreaherald.comSouth Korea and Japan Hold First Vice-Ministerial Security Talks in Seoul
The upgraded bilateral meeting focused on strengthening cooperation with the United States amid challenges in the Asia-Pacific and Middle East. Officials from both nations discussed North Korea's nuclear advances and the Strait of Hormuz crisis. The talks mark the first such cons…
The GuardianMayon Volcano Erupts on Luzon Island in Philippines, Forcing Over 5,450 to Evacuate
The Mayon volcano erupted over the weekend, sending large ash clouds into the sky and prompting emergency alerts. More than 5,450 people fled to shelters. Mayon, the most active volcano in the Philippines, last erupted in 2023.
Al JazeeraJapan Prime Minister Says Strait of Hormuz Oil Disruptions Majorly Affect Asia Pacific
Japan's prime minister stated that disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz due to the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran are severely affecting energy supplies in the Asia Pacific region. During a visit to Australia, leaders from both countries signed agreements to enhance cooperation on ene…
japantimes.co.jpBear Sightings Rise in Northeastern Japan Amid Reports of Attacks and Improved Food Forecasts
Bear sightings in north-eastern Japan have surged as animals emerge from hibernation, outstripping the pace seen in 2025. Authorities in multiple prefectures have issued warnings after frequent urban encounters. One woman's body was found in Iwate prefecture last week, soon after…
South China Morning PostChina and Cambodia Hold First 2+2 Dialogue to Strengthen Security Ties
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged closer solidarity with Cambodia during a meeting in Phnom Penh. The dialogue involved defense and foreign ministers from both countries and led to an agreement to upgrade the mechanism. The discussions focused on deepening political and secu…
japantimes.co.jpTaiwan Minister Visits Itu Aba Island for Humanitarian, Evacuation, and Armed Boarding Exercises
Taiwan's Ocean Affairs Council Minister Kuan Bi-ling visited Itu Aba, a Taiwan-controlled island in the South China Sea, on April 22, 2026. The trip marked the first such ministerial visit in seven years and included exercises on humanitarian relief and armed ship boarding. The i…