(2024-12-17). Lights, Camera, Legislation: The Blurred Lines Between Politics and Entertainment in the Philippine Congress. asia-pacificresearch.com
(2024-12-17). Laos: States should ask "Where is Sombath?" at upcoming review of human rights record. fidh.org
(2024-12-17). The Arakan Army's Capture of the Bangladeshi Border Could Prompt a Crisis with Dhaka. asia-pacificresearch.com
(2024-12-17). Buildings 'pancaked' in Vanuatu as 7.3 magnitude quake strikes off capital Port Vila. asiapacificreport.nz 
By Stefan Armbruster and Harry Pearl of BenarNews A strong 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Vanuatu today, US geologists said, severely damaging a number of buildings in the capital, crushing cars and briefly triggering a tsunami warning. Witnesses described a "violent shake" and widespread damage to Port Vila, located about 1900km northeast…
(2024-12-17). Powerful 7.3 magnitude quake strikes Vanuatu — serious damage in Vila. asiapacificreport.nz RNZ Pacific A large 7.3 magnitude earthquake has struck off the coast of Vanuatu's capital Port Vila , shortly after 3pm NZT today. The US Geological Survey says the quake was recorded at a depth of 10 km (6.21 miles). Locals have been sharing footage of serious damage to infrastructure in Port Vila. READ MORE:…
(2024-12-17). Vanuatu quake: Death toll rises — 14 dead, hundreds hurt in 7.3 disaster. asiapacificreport.nz RNZ News The death toll from Vanuatu's 7.3 earthquake is expected to rise because concrete buildings have collapsed with people inside in the capital Port Vila. International Federation of Red Cross Pacific head of delegation Katie Greenwood posted on X that the Vanuatu government was reporting 14 confirmed fatalities and 200 people were treated for…
(2024-12-17). Political turmoil, the Moon Sect and US bases: South Korea, Asia's 'Ukraine'. unitedworldint.com Since decades, the Moon Sect has played a crucial role in US plans regarding South Korea and beyond. By Oràßun Gà∂ktàºrk, Beijing / China The Korean War, one of the most brutal scenes of the Cold War in East Asia, is undoubtedly a historical turning point that shaped South Korea's destiny. The Korean Peninsula, divided …
(2024-12-17). The "China Threat" Theory and Okinawa. asia-pacificresearch.com
(2024-12-17). China contributes $300 mln to AIIB Special Fund Window for less developed members. ecns.cn China has signed a contribution agreement with the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), donating $300 million (about $2184.69 mln) to its Bank's Special Fund Window for less developed members, according to reports on Monday.
(2024-12-17). Thailand: ICRC and Thammasat University screen film, host discussion on IHL and South-East Asian history. icrc.org
(2024-12-17). Italy: Draft bill 1236 targeting peaceful environmental activism. fidh.org
(2024-12-17). A Journey of Discovery. pressenza.com 
"Exploring Inner Peace and Global Harmony: A Tale of Enrichment": | by Sabrina Khan, Uttara Center | I was a good friend of Sheikh Mohammad Arif. I first met him in mid-2006. It can be said that I came to know about the Humanist Movement from that time. That year, the Asian Regional Meeting of the Humanist Movement was held in Dhaka. Several observers from the Asian region as well as Europe and America joined this regional meeting. I got an invitation from Sheikh Mohammad Arif, I joined that conference out of curiosity and learned a lot about this international organization. Later, due to my marriage to S…
(2024-12-17). Not Just a Showman: Raj Kapoor Gave Us Four All-time Great Films Within Six Years. asia-pacificresearch.com
(2024-12-17). Superpower rivalry makes Pacific aid a bargaining chip — vulnerable nations still lose out. asiapacificreport.nz 
ANALYSIS: By Sione Tekiteki, Auckland University of Technology The A$140 million aid agreement between Australia and Nauru signed last week is a prime example of the geopolitical tightrope vulnerable Pacific nations are walking in the 21st century. The deal provides Nauru with direct budgetary support, stable banking services, and policing and security resources. In return,…
(2024-12-17). The Arakan Army's Capture Of The Bangladeshi Border Could Prompt A Crisis With Dhaka. pressenza.com China, Pakistan, and the US could take advantage of this to expand their military influence in Bangladesh at the expense of India's legitimate national security interests. | Lost amidst the news of
(2024-12-17). From the classroom to the courtroom: The journey of Bangladesh law students advocating for international humanitarian law. icrc.org
(2024-12-17). Bangladesh: Hopeful embrace ends eight years of despair as Mariam is reunited with her husband. icrc.org
(2024-12-17). Afghanistan: Helping a record number of children with cerebral palsy. icrc.org
(2024-12-17). Sino-French cultural exhibition kicks off to celebrate bilateral diplomatic ties. ecns.cn A special exhibition titled "The Forbidden City and the Palace of Versailles ⚪ China-France Cultural Encounters in the 17th-18th Centuries" opened on Monday at the Hong Kong Palace Museum, to celebrate the 60th anniversary of China-France diplomatic ties as well as the China-France Year of Culture and Tourism.
(2024-12-17). Cities adding charging facilities for HK, Macao EVs. ecns.cn Mainland cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area are accelerating the construction of charging facilities tailored for Hong Kong and Macao electric vehicles.
(2024-12-17). Bumrah, India avoid follow-on as third Australia Test heads for draw. aljazeera.com
(2024-12-17). The Indian Model of Financial Multipolarity Is the Most Relevant for the Global South. globalresearch.ca Few can afford to be massively tariffed by the US, let alone sanctioned, and most aren't willing to burn their bridges with the US for ideological reasons at the expense of their immediate economic interests. | Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. …
(2024-12-17). China to boost Indian Ocean region. ecns.cn China is seeking to deepen cooperation with countries in the Indian Ocean region to boost the blue economy and explore new maritime economic collaboration models, a senior Chinese official said on Monday.
(2024-12-17). South Africa: The 23rd Southern Africa and Indian Ocean States Regional IHL Seminar. icrc.org spotlighting "the 75th Anniversary of the Geneva Conventions — strengthening humanity"
(2024-12-17). Suchir Balaji, who took OpenAI to task, found dead; Suicide suspected. ummid.com Suchir Balaji, Indian-American Whistleblower, who had raised serious concerns about the OpenAI policies, is found dead in his apartment in San Francisco.
(2024-12-17). Migration of Indians to UAE all time high. ummid.com The migration of Indians to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) over the past year reached all-time high, according to the latest embassy data.
(2024-12-17). Philippines Senate ratifies new defence pact with Japan. aljazeera.com New pact cements deepening military ties between the Philippines and Japan as tensions with China grow in the region.
(2024-12-17). Japan begins trial for gene therapy drug to grow new teeth in people who have missing teeth. expose-news.com
(2024-12-17). North Korean soldiers reported killed fighting alongside Russia in Ukraine. aljazeera.com Russia and North Korea have not commented on Ukraine's claim some 30 North Korean troops have been killed or injured.
(2024-12-17). China allows the Philippines' resupply to its illegally grounded warship. ecns.cn The Philippines carried out a replenishment operation to the illegally grounded warship at Ren'ai Reef on Dec 12 with the permission of the Chinese side, while the Chinese coast guard closely monitored the whole process.
(2024-12-17). Targeted visa-free travel policy boosts tourism. ecns.cn An increasing number of tourists from South Korea are visiting Zhangjiajie, Hunan province since China allowed visa-free travel for those from the neighboring country since last month, according to local authorities.
(2024-12-17). South Korea Impeaches President as Demand Grows for Democratic Reforms. scheerpost.com 
(2024-12-17). Transcript of Press TV, Iran interview on delivery of U.S. tanks to Taiwan. gilbertdoctorow.com Transcript submitted by a reader PressTV: 0: 00Gilbert Doctor is an independent international affairs analyst who joins us from Brussels. Welcome. So the fact that this has not happened in quite some time, this delivery of this type of equipment, the Abraham tanks, what do you think it means in terms of the timing? Gilbert Doctorow, …