Pope Francis and Indonesia’s top imam make a joint call for religious harmony
The pope’s meeting with the Muslim leader in Jakarta comes during the first leg of an intense 11-day, four-nation tour in Asia and Oceania.
Southeast Asia
Thailand still grapples with a strict law against criticizing the monarchy
Thailand has taken some steps toward democracy. But a flurry of court challenges has raised the specter of another crisis — with the lèse-majesté law on royal defamation front and center.
Thailand’s Senate overwhelmingly approves a bill to legalize same-sex marriage
Thailand’s Senate voted overwhelmingly for a bill that would legalize same-sex marriage, clearing the last legislative hurdle for the country to become the first in Southeast Asia to enact such a law.
Taylor Swift's Singapore leg spurs bad blood in SE Asia. Neighbors can't shake it off
Singapore made an exclusive deal to host Taylor Swift's Eras Tour concerts, locking out other Southeast Asian destinations.
Malaysia's a big draw for China's Belt and Road plans. Finishing them is another story
The Malaysian East Coast Rail Link is a successful feat so far compared to some other Chinese investments in the country — even if it has blown past deadlines and budgets.
After Vietnam, the Philippines could be next to ban 'Barbie.' Here's why
Film regulators in the Philippines are reviewing Barbie after a senator said a scene depicts a map that China uses to lay claim to nearly all of the South China Sea.
"It's like gold": Onions now cost more than meat in the Philippines
It's a problem in a country where onions are a staple for nearly every dish.
Biden pledges the U.S. will work with southeast Asian nations
Biden's efforts at this year's ASEAN summit are meant to lay the groundwork for his highly anticipated face-to-face meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday.
Pelosi's Taiwan trip leaves Asian countries nervously awaiting China's response
From the Philippines to Singapore, countries are worried the status quo could turn from tension to conflict. Southeast Asia especially feels the strain of living in the shadow of U.S.-China rivalry.
1 billion pills: The number of seized drugs reaches ominous record in Asia
A U.N. official calls for new policies across East Asia to halt the soaring production of methamphetamines.