North Korea says it test-fired new solid-fuel hypersonic missile
SEOUL — North Korea successfully test-fired a new mid- to long-range solid-fuel, hypersonic missile, state media KCNA said on Wednesday (April 3).
Politics and Government asian news
Thai court accepts case seeking to disband opposition Move Forward Party
BANGKOK — Thailand's Constitutional Court on Wednesday (April 3) accepted a case seeking the dissolution of the opposition Move Forward Party, in another blow for a popular anti-establishment movement pushing major institutional reforms in the country.
Thai LGBT activists celebrate vote that brings marriage equality closer
BANGKOK — Thai LGBT activists celebrated another victory on Tuesday (April 2) after a marriage equality bill overwhelmingly passed a first reading in the upper house, a key step bringing the country closer to becoming Asia's third territory to legalise same-sex unions.
Indonesia buys 2 submarines from French state-owned Naval Group
PARIS — The Indonesian Navy signed a contract to buy two Scorpene submarines made by French state-owned shipyard Naval Group, the company said on Tuesday (April 2) on its website without disclosing the contract's value.
Philippines and US top security officials discuss China's 'coercive, aggressive' actions, Manila says
MANILA — The Philippines on Tuesday (April 2) said its national security adviser and his US counterpart discussed "coercive, aggressive and deceptive actions" by Beijing in the South China Sea, as a diplomatic row intensifies between the two Asian neighbours.
North Korea fires suspected intermediate-range ballistic missile
SEOUL — North Korea fired a suspected intermediate-range ballistic missile into the sea off its east coast on April 2, South Korea's military said, in a move that sparked immediate condemnation from the prime minister of Japan.
South Korea's first lady avoids limelight ahead of high-stakes election
SEOUL — Beset by controversies about share price manipulation and a costly gifted handbag, South Korea's first lady has not been seen in public since Dec 15, but few in Seoul were surprised as a high-stakes parliamentary election approaches this month.
Former Taiwan president Ma leaves for China, likely to meet Xi
TAIPEI — Former Taiwan president Ma Ying-jeou left on Monday (April 1) for an 11-day trip to China where he is expected next week to have his second meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, at a time of simmering tensions across the Taiwan Strait.