Japanese media reported that a senior diplomat will travel to China on Monday (Nov 17) as Tokyo seeks to ease rising tensions over Taiwan that are straining relations between the two countries. The dispute began after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi told lawmakers that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could threaten Japan’s survival and might require a military response — a stance Japanese officials usually avoid stating publicly to prevent provoking Beijing.
Masaaki Kanai, head of the foreign ministry’s Asia and Oceania bureau, is expected to meet his Chinese counterpart, Liu Jinsong. Reports say Kanai will clarify that Takaichi’s remarks do not reflect a change in Japan’s security policy and will urge China to avoid actions that could further damage bilateral ties. Japan’s foreign ministry said it could not yet confirm Kanai’s trip.
On Friday, Beijing warned Japan it would suffer a “crushing” defeat if it used force over Taiwan, summoned Japan’s ambassador in protest, and advised Chinese citizens not to travel to Japan — raising concerns about a potential hit to Japan’s tourism sector. In New Taipei, Taiwan President Lai Ching-te said China was mounting a “multifaceted attack” on Japan, harming regional peace. He urged the international community to stay alert and called on Beijing to act responsibly and return to a rules-based order instead of destabilizing the region. Lai rejects China’s sovereignty claims.
Chinese state-affiliated media continued to criticize Takaichi, with the People’s Daily calling her comments reckless and provocative. Economist Takahide Kiuchi of Nomura Research Institute warned that a drop in Chinese tourists like the 25% decline during a 2012 dispute could cause significant economic damage, reducing more than half of Japan’s annual growth.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.
Reports of suspected enforced disappearances have resurfaced across multiple districts in Balochistan, leading families to hold protests and urge authorities to bring back their missing loved ones, according to The Balochistan Post. The outlet reported that Pakistani security forces allegedly conducted a midnight raid in the Menaz area of Tehsil Buleda, district Kech, detaining two brothers who have not been seen since. The men, identified as Zaheer and Waseem, sons of Rahim Jan, were described by relatives as farmers with no political ties. Their family has demanded their immediate release.
In another incident, Brahui-language poet Ata Anjum was reportedly taken from his home in Mastung by Pakistani personnel, after which his location remains unknown. The Voice for Baloch Missing Persons (VBMP) condemned the incident as a violation of constitutional rights and called for government action.
A separate case emerged in Turbat, where Changaiz Imam, a warder at Central Jail Turbat, has been missing for three days. His family said he left home on November 11 around 1 pm to report for duty but never reached the facility. His motorcycle has also not been found, and the family has appealed to the public for help.
Protests also intensified in Khuzdar. Relatives of Huzayfa Ghaffar—reportedly taken from Naal on November 5—blocked the Naal CPEC road for several hours, causing major traffic disruptions. Demonstrators called for his safe return, while the Baloch Yakjehti Committee expressed solidarity, as reported by The Balochistan Post.
Another disappearance was reported in Buleda, where Pazeer Nasir Plizai, Vice Chairman of Union Council Killi Kocha Buleda, went missing for the second time on November 8 after dropping his son at a madrassa. He had previously been detained on February 4 and released months later following widespread protests, including a sit-in by the Haq Do Tehreek Balochistan. Families across the province continue to call on authorities to investigate these cases, locate the missing individuals, and ensure their safe return, The Balochistan Post added.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.
At least five Chinese tourists lost their lives and eight others sustained minor injuries on Friday (Nov 14) after a rented minibus they were travelling in fell into a shallow ravine on the Indonesian island of Bali, authorities reported. According to officials, the group of thirteen Chinese nationals had been on their way to Buleleng, a district located in northern Bali, after departing from Denpasar, the island’s capital, when the tragic incident occurred.
Local police chief Widwan Sutadi informed Reuters that the crash happened when the driver appeared to lose control of the vehicle. Realising the danger of an imminent collision with another car, the driver attempted to swerve left, aiming to crash into a tree to minimise the impact. However, the manoeuvre was unsuccessful. Instead of stopping, the minibus veered off the road and tumbled into a nearby ravine, resulting in the fatal accident.
Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene and transported all the victims to the closest hospital for treatment. Despite their efforts, five passengers were declared dead shortly after arrival due to the severity of their injuries. The remaining eight passengers, who suffered only light injuries, received medical care and were reported to be in stable condition. The driver, who survived the crash, was also injured and taken to the hospital for treatment. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident, including whether mechanical failure, road conditions, or driver error played a role in the tragedy.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Sina Weibo.
A tragic accident occurred in South Korea on Thursday (Nov 13) when a light truck crashed into a busy outdoor market in Bucheon, a city located about 20 kilometres west of Seoul. According to emergency officials and media reports, the truck travelled approximately 150 metres through a passageway lined with stalls before coming to a stop, killing two people and injuring 18 others.
A fire department official said during a televised briefing that two victims who had gone into cardiac arrest were later pronounced dead, as confirmed by the Yonhap News Agency. The driver reportedly reversed about 28 metres before the vehicle suddenly accelerated toward the market. He told authorities that the crash was caused by an unexpected surge of acceleration. Police tested the driver for alcohol and confirmed he was not intoxicated at the time of the accident. Investigators have taken possession of the vehicle to determine the technical or mechanical reasons behind the sudden acceleration.
CCTV footage broadcast on Korean television captured the terrifying moment when shoppers were seen going about their daily routines before a blue truck sped down the narrow market lane and slammed into one of the stalls. The driver, a man in his 60s, was arrested at the scene and is currently being questioned by police. Authorities are conducting a detailed investigation to uncover the exact cause of the crash and prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from X.
An Iranian cleric recently visited the IRGC Aerospace Force Museum in Tehran, highlighting the connection between religious leadership and Iran’s military advancements. The museum showcases the country’s growing missile and drone capabilities, emphasizing defense innovation and strategic deterrence. The visit aligns with Iran’s broader narrative of strength amid regional tensions and commemorates key figures in the missile program. Part of Aerospace Week celebrations, the event included exhibitions and memorials, reinforcing national pride and the fusion of ideology with military technology. This visit underscores Iran’s focus on advancing its aerospace programs while projecting power and resilience in the region.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.
On November 11, Thailand’s government announced it would suspend the implementation of an enhanced ceasefire agreement with Cambodia, which had been signed in October in the presence of US President Donald Trump. The government also stated it would brief Washington on its decision. The move comes after a landmine explosion the previous day injured four Thai soldiers. Andrea Heng and Hairianto discuss the potential impact of this suspension on the ongoing conflict with Dr. Panitan Wattanayagorn, an independent expert on international relations and security affairs and former chairman of the Prime Minister's Security Advisory Committee.
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.
Utt, one of MTV Asia’s most beloved VJs during the 1990s and 2000s, hosted Mediacorp’s cult-classic horror docuseries Incredible Tales for eight seasons between 2004 and 2017. Now 51, he has returned to Singapore to join the video podcast series Tales From Incredible Tales, currently in its third season. The vodcast revisits some of the most iconic episodes from the original show. Hairianto Diman speaks with Utt Panichkul about his experience as host and how the show’s success has influenced his career.
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.
Sanae Takaichi has become Japan's first female prime minister, yet she immediately faces significant challenges. Taking office amid a slow-growing economy and rising living costs, she must address public frustration over inflation and the burden of daily expenses. Genevieve Woo talks with CNA’s Michiyo Ishida to explore the implications of Takaichi’s victory for Japan’s future, as she manages both domestic pressures and complex international relations.
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.
Singaporean students keep choosing the US for higher education, remaining undeterred by uncertainties from the Trump administration. Lance Alexander and Daniel Martin explore this topic further with Dr. Chan Khai Leok, Managing Director of theRightU.
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.
