05/06/2026
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/06/world/asia/japan-takaichi-australia-vietnam.html
Japan’s Takaichi Pitches Strength and Stability in Visits to Australia and Vietnam
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is attempting to raise Japan’s profile at a time when China’s clout is rising and doubts about the United States are spreading.
05/04/2026
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/03/us/politics/trump-china-iran-war.html
China Seeks an Advantage With Both Trump and Iran as War Evolves
With President Trump’s visit to Beijing looming, China is pushing Iran to negotiate even as its companies export material that could be used by Iran’s military.
05/01/2026
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4gv4dvngygo
China to ban drone sales in Beijing citing security concerns
Drone users will also be required to register their devices and secure permits before flying them.
04/28/2026
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/28/world/asia/korea-ai-seniors-dementia.html
How South Korea Uses A.I. to Check on Its Elderly
In the world’s fastest aging society, artificial intelligence is being used to make care calls to older adults who live alone and to fight dementia.
04/27/2026
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/27/business/china-meta-manus-ai-deal.html
China Will Require Meta to Unwind Acquisition of AI Start-Up Manus
The impact of the ruling was not immediately clear, but it could send a chilling signal to Chinese tech founders seeking to team up with foreign companies.
04/23/2026
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/22/world/asia/japan-earthquake-megaquake-tsunami.html
Japan Is Used to Earthquakes, but What About a Big One?
For many people in Japan, the country’s regular tremors are not a big deal. Officials are urging them to prepare for the next catastrophic quake.
04/20/2026
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/17/climate/japan-cherry-blossom-database-scientist.html
Japan’s Cherry Blossom Database, 1,200 Years Old, Has a New Keeper
The remarkable catalog of dates is one of the longest-running records of climate change. Its creator died, setting off a search for a successor.
04/16/2026
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/15/business/china-economy-growth.html
China’s G.D.P. Stronger Than Expected, Led by Infrastructure Spending
A steep slide in housing prices has left consumers less prosperous and less willing to spend, but the government is pouring money into new rail lines and other projects.