Japan eases curbs on weapons exports, raises defence budget to record $56bn

Pacifist nation’s major overhaul to arms restrictions in a decade comes amid rising security tensions in Indo-Pacific.

First Dreamliner delivery in four years lands in China

The arrival of the new Boeing 787 in Shanghai could signal the end of a Chinese freeze on ordering from the US company.

Photos: Ethnic minority fighters seize town from Myanmar’s military regime

Nestled in the hills of northern Shan state, Namhsan is the latest town to fall to Ta’ang National Liberation Army.

After bumpy recovery, China’s economy faces serious headwinds in 2024

The world’s second-largest economy is heading into 2024 on a precarious footing amid deep-seated structural issues.

Hong Kong court rejects publisher Jimmy Lai’s bid to toss sedition charge

Hand-picked national security judges rule that prosecution filed charge within the time limit.

US, China top military officials hold first talks in more than a year

Gen Charles Q Brown, US Joint Chiefs chair, stresses need to avoid miscalculations in talks with PLA’s Gen Liu Zhenli.

China tries to ‘bury the memory’ and trauma of zero-COVID era

A year after Beijing abandoned the policy’s strict lockdowns and endless testing, its failures remain unaddressed.

Greece to join US-led coalition to protect Red Sea shipping from Houthis

The maritime alliance wants to counter threats the Yemeni rebel group says are a response to Israeli ‘crimes’ in Gaza.

Australian protesters on kayaks block Israel-linked ship

Pro-Palestinian protesters on kayaks are trying to block an Israel-linked cargo ship in Melbourne, Australia.

Unlawful killings: Amnesty urges Myanmar military war crimes investigation

Allegations centre on military response to Operation 1027, the biggest challenge to the regime since the coup.

China urges Philippines to ‘act with caution’ amid South China Sea dispute

Tensions between the two nations have risen this year, with China attempting to disrupt Filipino ship resupply missions.

Beyond Australia’s failed referendum: Truth, treaty and voice in Victoria

Indigenous people are addressing the challenges of colonisation and holding government to account.

Photos: Drones help solve forest carbon capture riddle in Thailand

The drone images knitted into a 3D model reveal the woodland’s health and help estimate how much carbon it can absorb.

Malaysia bans Israel-flagged ships from its ports in response to Gaza war

PM says Israel’s actions ‘violate international law through the ongoing massacre and brutality against Palestinians’.

Photos: Cambodia’s female tuk-tuk drivers fighting prejudice

Cambodia remains conservative and patriarchal society, despite taking legal and practical steps towards gender equality.

Tentative truce shows extent and limit of China’s influence in Myanmar

Close to the generals and ethnic armed groups behind a major offensive, Beijing brought both to the table – briefly.

Forget Australia’s referendum. Indigenous people make strides on their own

Aboriginal residents of Shepparton establish thriving sport, education and cultural centres to boost their community.

Over 100 killed and hundreds injured in China earthquake

An earthquake in northwest China has killed at least 118 people and left hundreds of others injured.

Australia’s Starc, Cummins become most expensive signings in IPL history

The Australian cricketers landed record deals in auction, surpassing England’s Sam Curran’s record signing in 2022.

China’s Gansu earthquake kills more than 100 people: What to know

A powerful magnitude 6.2 earthquake hit remote China’s Gansu province, killing 118 people.