Ethan Zhao
Senior Reporter
The Latest
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Kim Jong-un Lashes Out at Officials Over Drinking Scandal, Orders Purge in Rare Public Rebuke
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un delivered an unusually harsh public reprimand this week, condemning dozens of party officials for misconduct related to a "group drinking spree," an incident that has led to a sweeping purge within the ruling Workers' Party of Korea (WPK). The rare disclosure, reported by state media, highlights Pyongyang's efforts to reinforce discipline among its elite at a time when the regime is grappling with economic hardship and diplomatic uncertainty. 
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un delivered an unusually harsh public reprimand this week, condemning dozens of party officials for misconduct related to a "group drinking spree," an incident that has led to a sweeping purge within the ruling Workers' Party of Korea (WPK). The rare disclosure, reported by state media, highlights Pyongyang's efforts to reinforce discipline among its elite at a time when the regime is grappling with economic hardship and diplomatic uncertainty. -
China Discovers Massive Rare-Earth Deposit, Strengthening Its Global Dominance
China has announced the discovery of a vast rare-earth mineral deposit in Yunnan Province, a finding that could further solidify the nation's near-monopoly over these critical resources. The deposit, located in the Honghe region, is estimated to contain 470,000 tons of rare-earth elements (REEs), positioning it as China's largest known reserve of medium-to-heavy REEs. 
China has announced the discovery of a vast rare-earth mineral deposit in Yunnan Province, a finding that could further solidify the nation's near-monopoly over these critical resources. The deposit, located in the Honghe region, is estimated to contain 470,000 tons of rare-earth elements (REEs), positioning it as China's largest known reserve of medium-to-heavy REEs. -
China Vanke Faces $6.2 Billion Loss Amid Management Shakeup and State Oversight
China Vanke, once a pillar of stability in the country's turbulent property market, announced a projected net loss of $6.2 billion for 2024, marking the largest annual loss in the developer's history. The company also revealed a sweeping management reshuffle, with Chairman Yu Liang and CEO Zhu Jiusheng stepping down. The shakeup comes as the embattled developer grapples with mounting debt, falling sales, and a volatile real estate market. 
China Vanke, once a pillar of stability in the country's turbulent property market, announced a projected net loss of $6.2 billion for 2024, marking the largest annual loss in the developer's history. The company also revealed a sweeping management reshuffle, with Chairman Yu Liang and CEO Zhu Jiusheng stepping down. The shakeup comes as the embattled developer grapples with mounting debt, falling sales, and a volatile real estate market. -
South Korea Details Bird Strike and Crash Impact in Jeju Air Report to ICAO, U.S., France, and Thailand
South Korean authorities have submitted their preliminary findings on the Jeju Air crash that killed 179 people to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and aviation authorities in the United States, France, and Thailand. The report, released on Monday, provides early insights into the causes of the December 29 disaster, which has become the deadliest air accident in the country's history. 
South Korean authorities have submitted their preliminary findings on the Jeju Air crash that killed 179 people to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and aviation authorities in the United States, France, and Thailand. The report, released on Monday, provides early insights into the causes of the December 29 disaster, which has become the deadliest air accident in the country's history. -
South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol Indicted on Rebellion Charges Over Martial Law Decree
South Korea's political crisis deepened Sunday as prosecutors formally indicted impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol on rebellion charges linked to his brief declaration of martial law last December. The charges, which could carry a sentence of life imprisonment or even the death penalty, mark a historic moment as Yoon becomes the first sitting South Korean president to face criminal prosecution while in office. 
South Korea's political crisis deepened Sunday as prosecutors formally indicted impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol on rebellion charges linked to his brief declaration of martial law last December. The charges, which could carry a sentence of life imprisonment or even the death penalty, mark a historic moment as Yoon becomes the first sitting South Korean president to face criminal prosecution while in office. -
Chinese Courts Issue Death Sentences in Separate Attacks Targeting Japanese Citizens
Two separate courts in China have handed down death sentences to Chinese nationals convicted of brutal knife attacks on Japanese citizens. The incidents, which occurred in 2023, have drawn international attention and fueled concerns among Japanese expatriates in China. 
Two separate courts in China have handed down death sentences to Chinese nationals convicted of brutal knife attacks on Japanese citizens. The incidents, which occurred in 2023, have drawn international attention and fueled concerns among Japanese expatriates in China. -
South Korea Slams Trump’s ‘Nuclear Power’ Remarks on North Korea Amid Fears of Policy Shift
President Donald Trump's assertion that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is a "nuclear power" has drawn sharp criticism and unease from allies, including South Korea, while reigniting debates over the global approach to North Korea's nuclear ambitions. Speaking to reporters after his inauguration, Trump touted his relationship with Kim and addressed broader threats to U.S. security. 
President Donald Trump's assertion that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is a "nuclear power" has drawn sharp criticism and unease from allies, including South Korea, while reigniting debates over the global approach to North Korea's nuclear ambitions. Speaking to reporters after his inauguration, Trump touted his relationship with Kim and addressed broader threats to U.S. security. -
Putin and Xi Vow to Challenge U.S. Influence in ‘Multipolar World’ After Trump’s Inauguration
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping reaffirmed their nations' deepening partnership during a video call on Tuesday, just one day after Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th president of the United States. 
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping reaffirmed their nations' deepening partnership during a video call on Tuesday, just one day after Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th president of the United States. -
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol Formally Arrested Over Martial Law Declaration
South Korea's political crisis deepened early Sunday as President Yoon Suk Yeol was formally arrested following his controversial declaration of martial law last month. The Seoul Western District Court approved an arrest warrant for Yoon after an hourslong deliberation, citing concerns that he might destroy evidence. This marks the first time in South Korea's history that a sitting president has been taken into custody. South Korea's political crisis deepened early Sunday as President Yoon Suk Yeol was formally arrested following his controversial declaration of martial law last month. The Seoul Western District Court approved an arrest warrant for Yoon after an hourslong deliberation, citing concerns that he might destroy evidence. This marks the first time in South Korea's history that a sitting president has been taken into custody. -
China Faces Mounting Demographic Crisis as Population Declines for Third Consecutive Year
China's population shrank for the third straight year in 2024, marking another chapter in the country's worsening demographic challenges. The National Bureau of Statistics reported Friday that the population fell by 1.39 million to 1.408 billion, underscoring a steady decline that began decades ago but has accelerated in recent years. 
China's population shrank for the third straight year in 2024, marking another chapter in the country's worsening demographic challenges. The National Bureau of Statistics reported Friday that the population fell by 1.39 million to 1.408 billion, underscoring a steady decline that began decades ago but has accelerated in recent years.
