International reporting on events and trends that influence Panama and the region. Stories include geopolitics, diplomacy, and global developments.
Millions observed Nowruz 2026, the ancient Persian New Year, even as conflict persists in parts of the Middle East. The celebrations highlighted cultural resilience amid regional unrest.
An aid flotilla has set sail from Mexico to Cuba amid reports of tightening U.S. restrictions on fuel shipments, highlighting humanitarian strains and possible diplomatic friction.
Malaysia’s recent crackdowns on LGBTQ-related activities reflect a political strategy to balance conservative signaling with limits on reform, rather than simple backsliding.
At its annual two sessions, China emphasized stability amid global turmoil; Foreign Minister Wang Yi used a March 8 press briefing to outline Beijing’s diplomatic posture.
Jet fuel costs have surged after strikes on Iran, prompting Chinese carriers and others to raise fares. Industry warnings say global airfares could climb 8–9% if the energy shock persists.
Seoul authorities closed central Gwanghwamun Square for BTS’s comeback concert, expecting about 260,000 fans in person and millions more watching live on Netflix as the group releases its first album in over three years.
Alexia Moore, 31, was arrested in Camden County, Georgia, and charged with murder after taking abortion medication and giving birth prematurely on Dec. 30; the case comes amid strict state abortion limits since Roe was overturned.
South Korea’s Cheongung‑II (KM‑SAM Block II) reportedly intercepted 96% of Iranian missiles fired at the UAE, outperforming some US interceptors and boosting Seoul’s appeal as a defence supplier.
Record crowds at the Women’s Asian Cup have been hailed as a watershed for women’s football, but the tournament also exposed ongoing gender inequality and a resource gap between richer and emerging Asian nations.
No Japanese business executives will attend this week’s China Development Forum in Beijing, an internal list seen by the South China Morning Post shows, highlighting strain in Sino-Japanese relations while about 80 foreign executives still plan to attend.
Three Hong Kong officers fired five shots at a man who charged with a serrated knife and metal rod near Tsuen Wan MTR early Saturday, police said. Authorities described the suspect as possibly mentally ill.
HKEX has launched its largest listing reform consultation since 2018, proposing measures to broaden a special regime for innovative companies as it seeks to strengthen its IPO competitiveness.
A New York writer argues that the label “Chinese” often flattens the many regional tastes and identities people carry — and that food frequently offers a truer, comforting expression of belonging.
Al Jazeera reporter Nicolas Haque recorded his overland journey from Amman to Baghdad, offering a field-level view of travel and reporting across a key Middle Eastern corridor.
China’s youth have adopted Japan’s ‘ita bag’ — known locally as tongbao or “painful bag” — turning collectible-covered bags into a visual fandom fashion with #tongbao on RedNote reaching 2.3 billion views.
The US Treasury temporarily authorised the sale and delivery of Iranian oil loaded onto ships before March 20, a short-term measure through April 19 to relieve a crude supply squeeze tied to the Middle East war.
Hakka restaurants in Kuala Lumpur are on the rise as interest grows in a lesser-known Chinese regional cuisine shaped by migration; Malaysia’s Hakka population is about 1.25 million.
A Thai funeral director’s range of coffins, from US$30 to US$30,000, highlights the rise of Asia’s multibillion‑dollar death economy as ageing populations drive growing demand for end‑of‑life services.
Donald Trump said the Strait of Hormuz must be protected “by other nations who use it,” while Al Jazeera reported a defiant message from Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, highlighting risks to a key global energy route.
Operators of illicit “ghost oil” stations in Hong Kong are reportedly earning up to HK$10,000 a day by smuggling untaxed petrol using vehicles with enlarged tanks and selling via coded messages, amid a fuel-price spike following strikes in the Middle East.