Asia

Balochistan Violence Surges: Security at Lowest Point

A wave of simultaneous gun attacks and suicide bombings targeting schools, banks and security installations in Pakistan's Balochistan province over the weekend has killed 50 people, mostly civilians, including women and childrenin the insurgency-hit region.

EU named top-tier partner as Vietnam balances great powers

Vietnam and the European Union have elevated diplomatic relations as both sides seek secure footing amid global trade and security shocks. The announcement of a "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership" between Brussels and Hanoi last week places the EU side by side with China, the United States and Russia as one of Vietnam's top-tier diplomatic relationships.

EU–India Deal Opens Door for German Carmakers

The trade deal agreed by India and the EU in January was described by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen as "the mother of all trade deals" — buoyant language to hail an economic partnership between the world's largest trading bloc and its most populous nation.

Germany’s Taliban-Staffed Consulates Endanger Afghan Refugees

The Taliban are sending more officials to staff its consulates in Germany, leaving many Afghans who fled the Taliban regime with a dilemma when trying to get passports and other documents. This is according to a statement released by the Association of Afghan Organizations in Germany (VAFO) in January.

China Bans Hidden Car Door Handles for Safety

The handle of a Tesla Model Y electric vehicle sits flush against the vehicle's side inside a showroom in Beijing on February 3, 2026. China will ban hidden door handles on cars sold in the country starting next year, phasing out the minimalist design because of safety concerns.

Messi Returns to Kolkata Amid Massive Fanfare

Argentina soccer superstar Lionel Messi arrived Saturday in the eastern Indian city of Kolkata, as large crowds of jubilant fans gathered at the airport and lined the streets in the city to welcome him.

China's Trade Surplus Tops $1 Trillion

China's trade surplus hits $1 trillion for first time ever China's overall exports increased this year, despite a sharp drop in trade with the United States.

Wadephul urges fair, rule-based trade in China

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stressed the importance of fair and rule-based trade as he began his two-day visit to China on Monday. "We are in favor of free world trade. We are in favor of removing trade barriers," Wadephul said in Beijing during talks with Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao.

Japan Protests Chinese Jet Radar Lock Near Okinawa

Japan has recorded a protest with China on Sunday after Chinese fighter jets directed fire-control radar at Japanese fighter jets near Japan's Okinawa islands. Japan's Defense Minister, Shinjiro Koizumi, denounced the Chinese military's moves as "dangerous". "These radar illuminations went beyond what is necessary for the safe flight of aircraft," he said.

Modi, Putin Deepen India-Russia Economic Partnership in New Delhi

In this pool photograph distributed by the Russian state agency Sputnik, Russia's President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi walk prior to an informal dinner at Modi's residence in New Delhi on Thursday, the first day of the Russian leader's two-day state visit to India.