The Latest Breaking News from Asia

Could the Strait of Malacca be the next global flashpoint?

While recent global attention has focused on the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has effectively held closed since late February in a move that has disrupted world energy supplies, a quieter but also important development has been taking shape in south-east Asia.

The Conversation · Apr 27

Europe, Asia driving surge in global military spending: report

World military spending rose again in 2025, reaching a record $2.9 trillion (€2.67 trillion), according to new figures from Stockholm-based global armament watchdog SIPRI. This comes as governments responded to war, strategic rivalry and uncertainty, with Europe and Asia leading the push for rearmament.

Radio France Internationale · Apr 27

Soaring energy costs threaten wildlife as families turn back to charcoal

Rising demand for biomass fuels also degrades watersheds and wildlife habitats as people go deeper into previously undisturbed areas

The Independent UK · Apr 27

Hegseth says Iran war is Trump’s ‘gift to the world’ as he berates Europe and Asia for ‘freeriding’

Defense secretary echoes President Donald Trump’s complaints about U.S. allies’ reluctance to be dragged into war

The Independent UK · Apr 24

US launches sweeping crackdown on Southeast Asia cyberscams and sanctions Cambodian senator

U.S. officials have announced a major crackdown on Southeast Asian cyberscam operations controlled by Chinese transnational organized crime

The Independent UK · Apr 24

Fuel shortages from the Iran war have spread to Europe, but the pain is hitting California and the West Coast as well—and help is years away

California’s refinery closures near Los Angeles and San Francisco are occurring just as the Iran war limits global supply.

Fortune · Apr 24

Top 10 largest gold mines in the world: US, Uzbekistan, Russia and other global mining countries revealed

The global gold mining industry continued its important influence on the commodities market by possessing some of the biggest gold mines in the world. Overall production was quite substantial, backed up by major mines situated in North America, Africa, Asia, and Russia. Based on reports provided by the industry and…

The Times of India · Apr 23

Samsung, SK Hynix and TSMC Battle for AI Chip Supremacy in Asia as 2026 Race Intensifies

As artificial intelligence demand drives the global semiconductor industry toward a trillion-dollar scale in 2026, three Asian powerhouses — Taiwan's TSMC, South Korea's Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix — are locked in a high-stakes contest that will largely determine who controls the critical infrastructure powering the AI revolution.

International Business Times · Apr 23

The Iran war is pushing Southeast Asia to debate the once unthinkable: Whether ships will need to pay to transit the Strait of Malacca

Indonesia’s finance minister has floated the idea. Singapore and Malaysia are pushing back. Thailand sees an opportunity.

Fortune · Apr 23

Asian stocks retreat and oil tops $100 despite fresh records on Wall St

Asian stocks have retreated while oil prices gained as investors reacted to shaky prospects for more talks on ending the war with Iran

The Independent UK · Apr 23