East Asia
AsiaThe latest on East Asia from our Asia desk.
Han Zheng’s Georgia Visit Deepens China’s South Caucasus Ties
Chinese Vice President Han Zheng met Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili in Tbilisi during a three-day official visit focused on deepening economic and p...
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Taiwan Resistance Plan Extends to Japan and the Philippines
Taiwan’s island geography leaves resistance forces with little room to retreat if China invades. A proposed area complex would shift recruitment, intelligence and support functions to nearby Japan and the Philippines, while keeping resistance command cells on Taiwan.
Japanese Calligraphy Nominated for UNESCO Heritage List
A UNESCO evaluation body recommended adding Japanese calligraphy, or shodo, to the Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Formal approval is expected in December at a committee meeting in Xiamen, China. If approved, the inscription would be Japan’s 24th on the list and its first in two years. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi welcomed the recommendation and said the government would work to secure approval.
Japan Says U.S. Midterm Results Won’t Weaken Alliance
Japan's government said the U.S. midterm results won't change the strength of the alliance between Tokyo and Washington. The statement came as Democrats won control of both chambers of Congress, drawing reactions from governments and media around the world. International coverage also linked the result to debates over the Iran war, fuel prices and the cost of living.
Japan IVF Births Reach Record 86,473, One in Eight Newborns
Japan recorded 86,473 births through in vitro fertilization in 2024, or 12.6% of all newborns. The record came as the number of treatment cycles fell, while insurance coverage rules set attempt limits by age for women seeking fertility treatment.
Japanese students travel route across Route 66 by bicycle
Ten Japanese university students are cycling from Chicago to Santa Monica, documenting their journey along Route 66 for a documentary intended for 100 schools in Japan. The group, known as the Ukiyo Guys, stopped in Lebanon during the trip and said they hope their challenge will encourage young people to take risks.
Japan Honors Campbell and Oki for U.S.-Japan Ties
Japan has selected Phyllis Jean Campbell and Scott D. Oki to receive the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon. The honors recognize their work strengthening ties between Japan and the United States, including Campbell’s support for post-earthquake recovery and Oki’s role in Microsoft’s expansion in Japan and preservation of Japanese American history.
US-China Military Talks in Geneva Focus on South China Sea
Senior civilian and military officials from the United States and China met in Geneva, Switzerland, to ease strategic tensions. Talks covered the South China Sea, Taiwan Strait, and military communication channels to keep air and sea incidents from escalating.
China Opportunity 2.0: Beijing Pushes New Tech Narrative
JAKARTA, JOURNALARTA.COM – Amid rising protectionism worldwide, China has officially introduced a new narrative called “China Opportunity 2.0.” The strategic move comes as a direct response to Western concerns over China’s technology dominance, which has recently been described as the “China Shock 2.0” phenomenon. Changing the Perception: From Threat to Opportunity The “China Opportunity 2.0” narrative is designed to reshape the world’s view that China’s technological progress is not a threat, but a chance for collaboration in the global economy. Experts and industry players in China say the country’s focus on developing artificial intelligence (AI)-based innovation and biopharmaceuticals is a purely...
El Nino May Drive Hong Kong to Record Heat in 2026
Hong Kong warns of possible record temperatures in 2026 and early 2027 as El Nino is forecast to strengthen to a very strong level. The Observatory says sea-surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific continue to rise, raising the risk of extreme heat and erratic weather across much of the world, including Asia.
Brazil vs Japan Prediction: H2H, Lineups, Free Viewing
JAKARTA, JOURNALARTA.COM – Brazil meet Japan in the Round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday, June 30, at 12:00 a.m. WIB in Houston. Japan arrive with a rare 3-2 win over Selecao in their October 2025 friendly.
Hong Kong’s Retirement Age Problem Fueling Elder Poverty Risk
Hong Kong faces a looming elder poverty crisis as its 65-year retirement age grows increasingly misaligned with lifespans stretching to 85 and beyond. Here's why economists say the city must rethink when workers stop — and what's at stake for the economy.
Hong Kong Elderly Poverty Rises, 65 Retirement Age Questioned
Hong Kong’s elderly poverty risk is expected to deepen over the coming decades as the long-standing retirement age of 65 comes under fresh scrutiny. The piece explains why longer lifespans, uneven savings, and rising living costs are forcing a rethink of pensions, flexible work, and social protection for older residents.
Hong Myung-bo Quits After South Korea Misses Round of 32
South Korea head coach Hong Myung-bo has resigned after the Taeguk Warriors failed to reach the 2026 World Cup round of 32. The exit echoes his painful departure after the 2014 tournament.
M 6.1 Earthquake Hits Northeastern Japan, Nuclear Plants Safe
JAPAN, JOURNALARTA.COM — Japan’s Meteorological Agency (JMA) said a preliminary magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck northeastern Japan on Sunday morning, with no tsunami warning issued and no abnormalities reported at nearby nuclear facilities.
6.1 Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Japan, Iwate Faces Landslide Risk
A strong earthquake shook northeastern Japan again on Sunday morning, triggering fresh concern over landslides in Iwate as heavy rain and storm season raise the stakes for residents living near steep slopes.
FCC Expands China Import Ban on Telecom, Video Gear
The FCC said it will broaden the China import ban, tightening U.S. restrictions on telecommunications and video-surveillance equipment in the name of national security.
Hong Kong national security regulation calls for caution
Hong Kong’s new national security regulation hands procedural powers to the chief executive and could affect arrests, bail, investigations and trial formats. Legal commentator Jose-Antonio Maurellet SC says the rule does not create new offences, but its reach over earlier conduct makes restraint, transparency and rights protections essential.
Hong Kong National Security Regulation Raises Retroactive Concerns
Hong Kong’s new national security regulation is drawing scrutiny for how it could shape investigations, arrests, bail and trial procedures in some cases. Bar Association chairman Jose-Antonio Maurellet SC says it creates no new offense, but its certificate powers still need caution.
Luckiest Chinese Zodiac Signs in June 2026
Five Chinese zodiac signs — Rabbit, Dragon, Rooster, Dog, and Goat — are forecast to see stronger luck in wealth, career, and love during June 2026, according to Chinese astrology calculations.
All-New Nissan Evalia PHEV to Debut in China in Q4
The Nissan Evalia PHEV is said to launch in China in the fourth quarter this year. The updated model brings a plug-in hybrid powertrain, refreshed styling, and a light-MPV position aimed at a growing vanlife market.