Asia

Japan's 'Iron Lady' Takaichi sweeps in stunning election win

Sanae Takaichi, Japan's first female leader, was projected to deliver as many as 328 of the 465 seats in parliament's lower house for her Liberal Democratic Party.

FEBRUARY 8, 2026|ByREUTERS

Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), places a red paper rose on the name of an elected candidate at the LDP headquarters on general election day in Tokyo, Japan, February 8, 2026.

A police officer and a person stand amid damages at a police station, following militant attacks, in Quetta, Pakistan, February 1, 2026.

BLA attacks expose growing instability in Pakistan’s restive Balochistan region - analysis

The BLA attacks may prove to be yet another incident in the long conflict in Balochistan. However, it could also play into larger questions about how restive the Baloch region has become.

FEBRUARY 1, 2026|BySETH J. FRANTZMAN

AIRPORT HEALTH authorities in protective masks prepare a thermal imager at Soekarno Hatta International Airport, following the implementation of health screening for arriving passengers, after India confirmed two cases of the Nipah virus, in Tangerang near Jakarta, Indonesia, January 30, 2026.

Low risk of deadly Nipah virus spreading from India, World Health Organization reassures

Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam are among the Asian locations that tightened airport screening checks this week to guard against such a spread after India confirmed infections.

JANUARY 30, 2026|ByREUTERS

South Korea's former first lady Kim Keon Hee, wife of impeached former president Yoon Suk Yeol, arrives at a court to attend a hearing to review her arrest warrant requested by special prosecutors at the Seoul Central District Court, in Seoul, South Korea August 12, 2025.

South Korean court sentences ex-first lady Kim Keon Hee to jail for bribery by Unification Church

The court cleared Kim, the wife of ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was ousted from office last year, of charges of stock price manipulation and violating the Political Funds Act.

JANUARY 28, 2026|ByREUTERS

Top Chinese military official under investigation for leaking nuclear secrets to US - WSJ

The allegations against Gen. Zhang Youxia were revealed during a briefing attended by some of China’s highest-ranking military officials, WSJ reported.

JANUARY 28, 2026ByGOLDIE KATZ

Chinese Central Military Commission (CMC) Vice Chairman Zhang Youxia arrives for a group photo session before the opening ceremony of the Western Pacific Naval Symposium in Qingdao, Shandong province, China April 22, 2024.

Atomic scientists set 'Doomsday Clock' closer to midnight than ever

This was the third time in the past four years that the scientists moved the clock closer to midnight.

JANUARY 27, 2026ByREUTERS

The location of the minute hand on its Doomsday Clock has been revealed, indicating what world developments mean for the perceived likelihood of nuclear catastrophe, during a town-hall in Washington, DC, US, January 23, 2026.

Three ISIS-K terrorists arrested in plot targeting Israeli embassy in Baku

In a statement, the State Security Service said the three men, whom it named, had conspired with members of ISIS-K, obtained weapons, and planned to attack a foreign embassy.

JANUARY 27, 2026ByAMICHAI STEIN, REUTERS

Azeris visit the Israeli embassy in Baku and lay wreaths in the afermmath of the October 7 massacre, in Baku, Azerbaijan, October 9, 2023

Global markets set for rapid expansion in 2026

JANUARY 26, 2026ByTAMI DEMSKY

South Korea’s ex-PM Lee Hae-chan dies of heart attack during official visit to Vietnam

Lee, 73, died on Sunday after emergency medical aid for a heart attack, a South Korean presidential advisory panel said in a statement.

JANUARY 26, 2026ByREUTERS

South Korean special envoy Lee Hae-chan attends talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (not pictured) at the foreign ministry in Beijing, China, May 18, 2017.

Saudi Arabia postpones 2029 Asian Winter Games at NEOM after repeated delays

The postponement marks a setback for the kingdom, which has committed to hosting several major events over the next decade.

JANUARY 25, 2026ByREUTERS

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman announces a zero-carbon city called "The Line" to be built at NEOM in northwestern Saudi Arabia, January 10, 2021.

Not just gyoza: 11 dumplings in a hot Asian special

Dumplings, bao, or wonton: OTOTO Asian restaurant hosts special dumpling nights featuring all kinds of handmade dumplings. Let’s see how many types you know.

JANUARY 21, 2026ByYOSEFA KIMHI/MAARIV