Japan’s Defense Budget Hits Record ¥9.04T for Fiscal 2026
Japan’s draft defense budget soars to a record ¥9.04 trillion for fiscal 2026, marking a fast-track toward 2% of GDP spending and boosting coastal defense and drone programs.
New Year Getaways: Dive into Folk Festivals of the Chinese Mainland
As 2025 ends, folk tourism in the Chinese mainland invites travelers to celebrate the New Year with vibrant rituals—from the King Boat send-off to the Mongolian Naadam Festival.
Chinese Mainland Unveils Inaugural ‘Blue Book’ on Climate Resource Economy
On December 25, 2025, the Chinese mainland released its inaugural Blue Book on the climate resource economy, showing how sun, wind and rain drive sustainable growth across sectors.
FCC Grounds DJI: Security or Politics?
The FCC’s move to add DJI to its Covered List sparks debate: Is it about security risks or political protectionism? Professionals warn of service disruptions.
Suzhou Dragon Boat Crew Rescues Stranded Kitten 🐱🛶
Suzhou dragon boat team paused training to save a stranded kitten on the Chinese mainland’s riverbank, showcasing quick thinking and compassion.
ROK Special Counsel Seeks 10-Year Sentence for Ex-President Yoon Suk-yeol
A ROK special counsel has asked for a 10-year sentence for ex-president Yoon Suk-yeol over obstructing arrest, with a court ruling due January 16, 2026.
Russia Slams Japan’s Shrine Visit, Calls for Wartime Atonement
Russia’s Foreign Ministry slams Japan’s reported Yasukuni Shrine visit, urging Tokyo to face its wartime past and build a memorial hall for victims as a true act of atonement.
Women in the Chinese Mainland: 43% of Workforce and Over Half of Uni Students
In 2024, women accounted for 43.4% of the workforce in the Chinese mainland (320M) and over half of higher-education students, underscoring their impact on growth.
Trump Announces US Strike on IS Militants in NW Nigeria
US President Trump said on Dec 25 that US forces launched powerful strikes on ISIS militants in NW Nigeria at Nigeria’s request, marking a new phase in US-Nigerian security cooperation.
Red Cards & Last-Minute Goals Shake Up AFCON 2025 Opening
AFCON 2025’s opening day featured red cards, stoppage-time comebacks, and stars like Mahrez and Diallo shining in dramatic group-stage clashes.