A satellite image shows an overview of new rare-earth mines in Myanmar's Shan state on May 6.
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics
Jul 8, 2025
China risks global heavy rare-earth supply to stop Myanmar rebel victory
China has threatened to halt buying the minerals mined in KIA-controlled territory unless the Kachin Independence Army stops trying to seize full control of a key town.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Capitol Hill in Washington on May 20
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics
Jul 8, 2025
Trump's latest tariffs cast shadow on Rubio's first Asia trip as top U.S. envoy
Rubio is expected to seek to firm up U.S. ties with partners unnerved by Trump's global tariff strategy, but the tariff announcements seem certain to make that task harder.
Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol arrives at the Seoul High Prosecutor's Office to attend questioning as part of a probe into his botched attempt to declare martial law, in Seoul on June 28.
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics
Jul 7, 2025
South Korea investigators seek to arrest former president Yoon again
The detention warrant request was made on the grounds former President Yoon Suk Yeol might be a flight risk and might interfere with witnesses, local media said.
The Demilitarized Zone — the border area separating the two Koreas — is one of the most heavily mined places on earth.
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics
Jul 4, 2025
North Korean man detained after crossing land border, Seoul says
Defections across the land border are relatively rare, as the area is densely forested, heavily mined and monitored by soldiers on both sides.
Liu Jianchao, head of the Communist Party's international department, speaks during an event in Beijing on Thursday.
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics
Jul 4, 2025
Top Chinese official says war with U.S. unimaginable in tone tweak
China is adopting a less confrontational tone with the U.S. days after confirming details of a trade framework with Washington.
Suspended Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra gestures as she arrives at Government House in Bangkok on Thursday before being sworn in as the new culture minister as part of a Cabinet reshuffle following her suspension.
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics
Jul 3, 2025
Thai prime minister's suspension sets latest political crisis in motion
The ruling government is already faced with infighting, U.S. trade talks, a border dispute with Cambodia and a sluggish economy.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung delivers a speech during a news conference to mark his first 30 days in office at the Blue House in Seoul on Thursday.
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics
Jul 3, 2025
South Korea's Lee pledges 'bold' economic policy after martial law crisis
The South Korean president says his top priority is to improve the lives of the people, whose faith in government had been greatly shaken by "a national crisis."

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Mount Fuji is considered one of Japan's most iconic symbols and is a major draw for tourists. It's still a mountain, though, and potential hikers need to properly prepare for any climb.
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