Today in Sports - Michael Phelps wins 8th gold medal at Beijing Games for most ever at an Olympics
1933 — Lou Gehrig of the New York Yankees plays his 1,308th straight game to break Everett Scott’s record of 1,307.
· The Associated Press
Follow the story
Asia Pacific
A focused view of neutral reporting on Asia Pacific, brought together across publishers.
Explore all topics →
Neutral reports only
Newest first · UTC+11:00How a ‘rough’ and ‘crude’ Chinese cartoon ox went from box office zero to hero
Widely slated on its release, Nui Lai has become the summer’s most surprising smash hit despite competition from The Odyssey and Spider-Man
· Cao Jiaxuan
How a ‘rough’ and ‘crude’ Chinese cartoon ox went from box office zero to hero
Widely slated on its release, Nui Lai has become the summer’s most surprising smash hit despite competition from The Odyssey and Spider-Man
· Cao Jiaxuan
More interest in home-grown C919 lays bare demand-supply mismatch at Comac
Parts shortage and supply chain production remain a problem and may be about more than just aero engines, industrial veteran says
· Frank Chen
China-based Hengli Group main importer of sanctioned Iranian crude oil, analysts say - report
Hengli Group, a Chinese company that employs over 300,000 people and earns over $100 billion per year, is a primary importer of Iranian crude oil, The Wall Street Journal reported on Saturday, citing industry analysts, shipping brokers, and the US Treasury.
· TZVI JASPER
Heavy rainfall offers drought relief, causes damage in southeastern region
CHANGWON, South Korea, Aug. 16 (Yonhap) -- Heavy downpours provided relief from a prolonged drought while also causing localized damage in South Gyeongsang Province on Sunday, officials said.
· Yoo Jee-ho
Villa close in on Suzuki with Martinez future in doubt
Zion Suzuki has won 28 caps for Japan after making his debut in 2022
· Bbcsport
Communist Party of China invokes Jiang’s legacy in call to rally round Xi’s leadership
Article in People’s Daily marking the former leader’s centenary stressed the importance of unity when navigating ‘rough waters’
· Alyssa Chen
Communist Party invokes Jiang’s legacy in call to rally round Xi’s leadership
Article in People’s Daily marking the former leader’s centenary stressed the importance of unity when navigating ‘rough waters’
· Alyssa Chen
Australian foreign minister defends multiculturalism, attacks far-right
Foreign Minister Penny Wong cited her own experience of moving to Australia from Malaysia, saying the country is ‘more prosperous because of our diversity’
· Bloomberg
Australian foreign minister defends multiculturalism, attacks far-right
Foreign Minister Penny Wong cited her own experience of moving to Australia from Malaysia, saying the country is ‘more prosperous because of our diversity’
· Bloomberg
Labor group pushes P200 wage hike
MANILA, Philippines — A labor group on Sunday called for a dialogue with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as it urged him to certify as urgent a proposed P200 nationwide wage increase.
· Dan Francis Madrazo
In Malaysia, DAP’s vote to stay in Anwar’s alliance secures stability – but at what cost?
The party risks further erosion of its credibility unless it can push through concrete reforms before the next general election, analysts say
· Joseph Sipalan
In Malaysia, DAP’s vote to stay in Anwar’s alliance secures stability – but at what cost?
The party risks further erosion of its credibility unless it can push through concrete reforms before the next general election, analysts say
· Joseph Sipalan
Pakistan border sees 724 humanitarian trucks enter Afghanistan
Nearly 14 million Afghans are facing acute hunger after deadly earthquakes last year, several climate-related disasters this year and the return of millions of refugees
· Agence France-Presse
Pakistan border sees 724 humanitarian trucks enter Afghanistan
Nearly 14 million Afghans are facing acute hunger after deadly earthquakes last year, several climate-related disasters this year and the return of millions of refugees
· Agence France-Presse
From cargo to combat: China urged to prepare civilian ships for wartime use
Defence researcher at top planning agency says Beijing should draw lessons from the Falklands conflict to commandeer commercial vessels
· Liu Zhen
From cargo to combat: China urged to prepare civilian ships for wartime use
Defence researcher at top planning agency says Beijing should draw lessons from the Falklands conflict to commandeer commercial vessels
· Liu Zhen
Thousands evacuate after quake kills at least 53 in Indonesia
A powerful earthquake in Indonesia has killed at least 53 people, injured dozens and damaged hundreds of houses and buildings, Deputy Health Minister Benjamin Paulus Octavianus said.
NHCP museum pays tribute to Rizal's mom on 115th death anniversary
MANILA, Philippines — The National Historical Commission of the Philippines' (NHCP) Museo ni Jose Rizal in Calamba, Laguna paid tribute to Doña Teodora Alonso on her 115th death anniversary on Sunday.
· Reina C. Tolentino
Southwest monsoon seen to strengthen again in third week of August
Already have Rappler+? Sign in to listen to groundbreaking journalism.
· Acor Arceo
DAP votes to stay in Malaysia's ruling coalition, easing pressure on Anwar
Anthony Loke, secretary-general of Malaysia's Democratic Action Party, one of the members of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's ruling coalition, speaks to delegates at the party's annual congress on August 16 at the Putrajaya International Convention Center. (Photo by Norman Goh)
· Staff Writer
Malaysia's DAP votes to stay in ruling coalition, easing pressure on Anwar
Anthony Loke, secretary-general of Malaysia's Democratic Action Party, one of the members of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's ruling coalition, speaks to delegates at the party's annual congress on August 16 at the Putrajaya International Convention Center. (Photo by Norman Goh)
· Staff Writer
Eat, move, live well: Hong Kong style
AdvertisementAdvertisementNEWSCMP Hong Kong SeriesEat, move, live well: Hong Kong styleWith health awareness rising and Hong Kong’s wellness market expanding, the South China Morning Post’s Health Matters series examines some emerging lifestyle trends and assesses their effectiveness. Updated: 16 Aug, 2026Advertisem…
· SCMP Staff
Eat, move, live well: Hong Kong style
AdvertisementAdvertisementNEWSCMP Hong Kong SeriesEat, move, live well: Hong Kong styleWith health awareness rising and Hong Kong’s wellness market expanding, the South China Morning Post’s Health Matters series examines some emerging lifestyle trends and assesses their effectiveness. Updated: 16 Aug, 2026Advertisem…
· SCMP Staff
Hurricane Lala brushes past Hawaii's Big Island, bringing heavy rain
HONOLULU — The eye of Hurricane Lala brushed past the southern part of Hawaii's Big Island on Saturday, as heavy rain and strong winds struck the US Pacific state and officials warned of potentially dangerous flooding.
· Agence France-Presse
Rahman will not visit India until Hasina extradited to Bangladesh
Foreign ministry officials played down media speculation about a possible trip to India next week by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman
· Agence France-Presse
Rahman will not visit India until Hasina extradited to Bangladesh
Foreign ministry officials played down media speculation about a possible trip to India next week by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman
· Agence France-Presse
China to fly flags at half-mast for former premier Zhu Rongji’s funeral
The late statesman, known for his pivotal role in transitioning China towards a market economy, will be cremated in Beijing on Tuesday
· Amber Wang
China to fly flags at half-mast for former premier Zhu Rongji’s funeral
The late statesman, known for his pivotal role in transitioning China towards a market economy, will be cremated in Beijing on Tuesday
· Amber Wang
Chinese swimming fans excited about Yu Yiting’s prospects after win over world record-holder
Zhejiang swimmer beats Canada’s Summer McIntosh to win 200m individual medley at Pan Pacific Championships on Saturday night in record time
· SCMP Sport
Chinese swimming fans excited about Yu Yiting’s prospects after win over world record-holder
Zhejiang swimmer beats Canada’s Summer McIntosh to win 200m individual medley at Pan Pacific Championships on Saturday night in record time
· SCMP Sport
Chinese brain-reading AI model may help predict depression risk 4 years in advance
Scientists from Shenzhen University used data studying teenagers’ responses to facial expressions to identify possible warning signs
· Shi Huang
Chinese brain-reading AI model may help predict depression risk 4 years in advance
Scientists from Shenzhen University used data studying teenagers’ responses to facial expressions to identify possible warning signs
· Shi Huang
Musk’s headaches: meet China’s corporate matrix challenging his business empire
From Tesla to SpaceX, Starlink and Neuralink, Chinese companies are giving – or trying to give – Elon Musk’s firms a run for their money
· Christina Zhao
Musk’s headaches: meet China’s corporate matrix challenging his business empire
From Tesla to SpaceX, Starlink and Neuralink, Chinese companies are giving – or trying to give – Elon Musk’s firms a run for their money
· Christina Zhao
North Korea’s Kim, Russia’s Putin Reaffirm Ties on Korean Liberation Day
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un reaffirmed the deepening of ties with Russia in a message to President Vladimir Putin as Pyongyang marked the anniversary of independence from Japan's colonial rule, KCNA state news agency said on Sunday.
· Reuters
Sri Lanka and India 1st test: Rain delays start of play on day 2
The outfield at the Galle international cricket stadium remains covered as rain falls during the two of the first test cricket match between Sri Lanka and India in Galle, Sri Lanka, Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
Rescuers dig through rubble and landslides after Indonesia quake kills 51
RUTENG, Indonesia — Rescue teams in eastern Indonesia recovered four more bodies Sunday after a magnitude-7.7 earthquake struck the day before, bringing the death toll to 51, authorities said. Thousands have been displaced.
· Associated Press
Japan aims for the moons of Mars
TANEGASHIMA SPACE CENTER, Japan — Japanese scientists are readying a mission to Mars' moons to retrieve samples that may unlock the origins of the Solar System and life on Earth, although a rival Chinese mission aims to make it back first.
· Agence France-Presse
Beijing and Manila clash over arrests of ‘illegal’ workers as tensions worsen
Manila rejects criticism of defence chief – who accused China of ‘squid tactic’ – just as president indicates he wants to ‘reset’ ties
· Cao Jiaxuan
Beijing and Manila clash over arrests of ‘illegal’ workers as tensions worsen
Manila rejects criticism of defence chief – who accused China of ‘squid tactic’ – just as president indicates he wants to ‘reset’ ties
· Cao Jiaxuan
Indians rethink study abroad, turn to higher education at home
Students walk on campus at Harvard University in Cambridge, in the U.S. state of Massachusetts: Tighter rules on accepting international students has Indians reconsidering where to study. © Reuters
· Quratulain Rehbar
FitFlop Philippines unveils new FitFlop x Pantone collaboration: The Colour of Comfort
FITFLOP Philippines introduces The Colour of Comfort, an exclusive collaboration with Pantone that celebrates the powerful connection between color, comfort and self-expression.
· The Manila Times
US to warn partners they must pick sides in artificial intelligence race with China
The US is preparing to tell dozens of countries they must pick sides in the artificial intelligence race with China, warning they will be excluded from a US-led coalition if they also sign up for Beijing's competing framework, according to a US official and an internal draft reviewed by Reuters.
· REUTERS
AI cheating, leaked papers and marking errors: how exam protests went global
Student unrest sweeps India, Portugal and Mexico as grievances and pressure for good grades in tough job market collide
· Oliver Holmes
End of an era? South Korea’s sun sets in the Premier League but Japan rise
After glory days of Park Ji-sung and Son Heung-min, the new season could be Korean-free for first time since 2005
· Johnduerden
Who will care for Korea's elderly? Foreign workers enter troubled market
As South Korea turns to foreign students to fill a shortage of caregivers, experts warn that bringing in new workers without first improving pay, conditions and career prospects could leave the underlying crisis unresolved
· Lee Seung-ku
Embattled but defiant, a brutal regime holds a country hostage
The black and white flags of the Taliban were flying high along the streets of Kabul, Afghanistan’s capital, as the group celebrated five years in power on Saturday.
· Elian Peltier
Why the Chinese yuan could soon be Africa’s most important currency
The continent’s banks are signing up for China’s Swift alternative, smoothing transactions and potentially avoiding sanctions
· Jevans Nyabiage