East Asia
The world’s most advanced economies and its most contested flashpoint sit side by side here. Technology leadership, demographic decline, and a strait that could redraw the global order — all in the same neighborhood.
-
May- 2026 -21 MayPower
China and Russia deepen strategic ties with 20+ agreements, challenging Western sanctions
On May 16–17, 2026, Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin signed two joint statements and over 20 bilateral cooperation documents in Beijing, deepening their strategic partnership. China–Russia bilateral trade reached a…
-
21 MayLife & Health
Metro Manila housing affordability crisis deepens as prices outpace incomes by 19.8x
Metro Manila ranks among the least affordable housing markets in the Asia-Pacific, with median condominium prices at 19.8 times the median annual household income of $8,957. Townhouses are 33.4 times…
-
20 MayCompass
Asian travellers now drive global tourism demand, reshaping routes and hotel rates
Outbound travel from China and India has exceeded pre-pandemic levels, and Eastern and Southeast Asia now account for 31.7% of global inspirational travel demand. This shift is behavioural, with shorter…
-
19 MayPower
Hong Kong Airport passenger traffic surges 19.6% as Middle East rerouting boosts hub status
Hong Kong International Airport handled 5.74 million passengers in March 2026, a +19.6% year-on-year increase, driven by a sharp rise in transfer and transit traffic as Middle East airspace disruptions…
-
Apr- 2026 -23 AprilCapital
UK airlines seek to suspend compensation rules as jet fuel crisis threatens summer flights
UK airlines have formally requested the Civil Aviation Authority suspend compensation rules for flight cancellations up to 14 days before departure, citing jet fuel shortages stemming from the seven-week closure…
-
22 AprilCapital
Asia-Pacific airlines cancel 1,100 flights, add $200 surcharges as jet fuel hits $200
Airlines across Asia-Pacific are implementing emergency flight cancellations and fuel surcharges as jet fuel prices approach US$200 per barrel — nearly triple the cost from earlier this year. Air New…
-
22 AprilCapital
Lufthansa cuts 100 weekly domestic German flights from 2026, impacting 20-30% of regional options
Lufthansa plans to cut up to 100 weekly domestic flights in Germany starting summer 2026, consolidating low-yield routes from Frankfurt and Munich to regional airports including Münster, Dresden, and Bremen.…
-
22 AprilCapital
Europe-Asia airfares jump 24% after Iran conflict closes airspace, rerouting flights
Economy fares on Europe-East Asia routes have surged 24% on average since the Iran war began February 28, 2026, with London-Melbourne tickets up 76% to £2,450 and Hong Kong-London up…
-
Feb- 2026 -24 FebruaryCompass
South Korea extends K-ETA visa waiver for Australians and Kiwis — until December 31, 2026
The South Korean government has extended its temporary exemption of the Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) for nationals of Australia and New Zealand until December 31, 2026. This simplifies entry…
-
24 FebruaryLife & Health
Japan’s departure tax triples in July 2026 — adds $55 per family
Japan's international departure tax, currently set at ¥1,000, will triple to ¥3,000 starting July 1, 2026. This increase applies to all travelers departing Japan on international flights. This change represents…
