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January 03, 2026
 

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This screenshot from undated video footage released on Tuesday shows a Chinese launcher firing rockets at an undisclosed location during military exercises surrounding Taiwan.
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics
U.S. urges China to halt military pressure on Taiwan, days after Japan and others
A State Department spokesman said China’s military activities and rhetoric toward Taiwan and others in the region “increase tensions unnecessarily.”
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics
China's Xi to host South Korea's Lee next week amid Japan tensions
The visit marks the second meeting between Xi and Lee in just two months, an unusually short interval that signals China's keen interest in reinforcing ties with Seoul.
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics
Taiwan's Lai vows to defend sovereignty after China's military drill
The international community ​is watching to see whether the Taiwanese people possess the resolve to defend themselves, Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te said.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung walks with Cabinet members as he visits the National Cemetery in Seoul at the beginning of the new year on Thursday.
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics
Jan 1, 2026
China seeks South Korean support on Japan and Taiwan before Lee’s visit
President Lee Jae Myung’s inaugural visit to meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping comes as tensions simmer between China, Taiwan and Japan.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung (right) will travel to Beijing in early January for a meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, Lee's first visit to China since ‍he ⁠took office in June.
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics
Dec 31, 2025
South Korea's Lee to visit China from Jan. 4-7 as Seoul seeks to restore ties
Lee Jae Myung's first trip to China since taking office in June will see him discuss plans to ‍reach concrete outcomes in areas such as supply chains and geopolitical issues.
Chinese soldiers fire rockets during military drills on Pingtan Island, in eastern China's Fujian province — the closest point to Taiwan — on Tuesday.
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics
Dec 30, 2025
China fires rockets during military exercises simulating Taiwan blockade
By Jesse Johnson
The Chinese military held a second day of large-scale exercises on Tuesday focused on isolating the democratic island and deterring aid from Taipei’s partners.
Cambodian Buddhist monks participate in a prayer for peace at Win-Win memorial in Phnom Penh on Monday.
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics
Dec 30, 2025
Thai army accuses Cambodia of violating truce with over 250 drones
The Southeast Asian neighbors had only just agreed to an “immediate” ceasefire on Saturday.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (center) looks on as Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn (left) shakes hands with Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow during a meeting in China's Yunnan province on Monday.
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics
Dec 29, 2025
Thailand and Cambodia agree to ‘consolidate ceasefire’ in China talks
A statement from the Chinese Foreign Ministry did not ​mention the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ role in facilitating the ceasefire.
U.S. President Donald Trump with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Busan, South Korea, on Oct. 30. Beneath a series of diplomatic victories this year, Xi still has plenty of worries at home — from structural economic vulnerabilities to a personnel purge that’s reached deep into the military and party elite.
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics / FOCUS
Dec 29, 2025
Xi’s triumphant year staring down Trump belies troubles in China
China was peerless in confronting Donald Trump’s renewed trade war, but beneath such victories, he has plenty of worries at home, such as structural economic vulnerabilities.
Surangel Whipps, president of Palau, speaks at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Sept. 25.
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics
Dec 25, 2025
Pacific archipelago Palau agrees to take migrants from U.S.
The island nation will let in up to 75 third-country nationals, in a deal worth $7.5 million.

Running hot in 2026: What's in store for the Year of the Fire Horse
With double fire in play, 2026 favors visibility, creativity and breakthroughs — but demands balance to avoid burnout.
In New Year’s message, emperor reflects anew on preciousness of peace
Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako and their daughter, Princess Aiko, converse while looking at traditional crafts featuring horses, the 2026 zodiac animal, on Dec. 23 at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.
U.S. urges China to halt military pressure on Taiwan, days after Japan and others
This screenshot from undated video footage released on Tuesday shows a Chinese launcher firing rockets at an undisclosed location during military exercises surrounding Taiwan.
The enduring charm of Japan's oldest Edo Period amusement park
Asakusa Hanayashiki, located west of Sensoji Temple.
Goalkeeper Zidane fast becoming Algeria favorite
Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane dives to stop the ball during the Africa Cup of Nations Group E match against Burkino Faso at Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco on Sunday.
What — and who — helps us stick to our New Year’s goals
Whether it’s working out or cheering on your favorite team, fitness and sports look like they’ll play a large part in public life in 2026.
Will tailwinds become headwinds for Takaichi in 2026?
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks during a news conference in Tokyo on Dec. 17.
Gods and games: Rituals that kick off Japan’s sporting year
Members of the Chunichi Dragons pray at Atsuta Jingu in Nagoya ahead of the start of their season in March.
Dangerous new equilibrium awaits Japan-China ties in 2026
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi shakes hands with Chinese leader Xi Jinping during a meeting on the sidelines of an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum meeting in South Korea on Oct. 31.
No 60,000 Nikkei 225 likely in 2026, unless the AI bubble remains extra bubbly
After breaking 50,000 in 2025, the Nikkei 2025 is not seen hitting 60,000 in 2026.

Podcast

One of the many entrances to the Kabukicho neighborhood in Tokyo’s Shinjuku Ward.
Kabukicho: Tokyo’s ‘stadium of desire’

Longform

With double fire in play, 2026 favors visibility, creativity and breakthroughs — but demands balance to avoid burnout.
Running hot in 2026: What's in store for the Year of the Fire Horse
By Kathryn Wortley

SUSTAINABLE JAPAN

Japan agency aims for both decarbonization, growth
Japan agency aims for both decarbonization, growth

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