Asia

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has recently highlighted alarming developments regarding China's military ambitions, asserting that the nation is "credibly preparing" to use force to disrupt the balance of power in Asia. He emphasized that the United States is "here to stay" in the Indo-Pacific region. Hegseth shared these insights during an annual security forum in Singapore, amidst ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and Beijing over trade, technology, and geopolitical influence. Since taking office,…

Complex Dynamics of Immigration Policy: The Djibouti Flight Controversy Recently, a significant event unfolded in the realm of immigration enforcement that warrants deeper reflection and discussion. A flight carrying eight immigrants departed from Texas this week, allegedly bound for South Sudan. However, in a turn of events that underscores the complexity of U.S. immigration policy, the flight has been directed to remain in Djibouti for a duration of two weeks. This decision comes in accordance with a court ruling, which…

In a dramatic turn of events, Augustin Matata Ponyo, the former Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo, has been handed a ten-year sentence of forced labor for his role in the embezzlement of approximately $245 million in public funds. Joining him in this legal debacle is Deogratias Mutombo, the former governor of the central bank, who has received a five-year sentence. The echoes of this case reverberate through the halls of Congolese politics, raising questions about accountability and governance. The…

Edited By Ali Musa Axadle Times International – Monitoring In the bustling world of global fuel trade, have you ever wondered how far-reaching one company's influence can be? Let's explore the captivating journey of Dangote Refinery, a name that is becoming increasingly synonymous with innovation and reach in the international fuel markets. This story is not just about oil and numbers; it’s a reflection of strategic moves and resilience against the odds. The refinery’s products are now being exported to strategic…

As South Africa prepares to step onto the world stage, it has officially assumed the Presidency of the G20, paving the way for the highly anticipated Johannesburg Summit, set for November 22-23, 2025. This event promises to be pivotal, not just for the nation, but for the broader global community as well. President Cyril Ramaphosa, during the inaugural gathering of Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors, eloquently articulated a vision for progress: "For nations to flourish, equality and prosperity must be available to…

The Taiwanese government has firmly declined South Africa's request to shift its representative office from Pretoria to Johannesburg. This demand followed pressure from China, which had urged the South African administration to complete the relocation by the end of October. Speaking on behalf of Taiwan, Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung emphasized the importance of honoring a 1997 agreement. That year marked a significant turning point; Pretoria officially severed diplomatic ties with Taipei but allowed Taiwan to retain its…

Several countries around Asia and the Pacific that are experiencing their first major waves of the coronavirus rushed to impose severe restrictions, a year and a half into a pandemic that many initially did well. Against the rapidly increasing number of infections in recent months, authorities in countries such as Thailand, South Korea and Vietnam announced or…

Former minister says China's production is still inadequate China is at least 30 years away from becoming a "superpower" manufacturing nation, a former industry minister said on Sunday, despite boasting the world's most complete industrial supply chains. In recent years, China has become the world's leading manufacturing nation, accounting for over a third of global production,…