Author: Via AP news wire
Chinese state media reported that a military history enthusiast stumbled upon confidential documents related to the country’s military in a stack of old papers he purchased for less than $1. The collector, a retiree named Zhang, recognized the sensitive nature of the documents and promptly reported them to security authorities. The content of the documents and whether any arrests were made remain undisclosed. However, two individuals connected to the second-hand book and magazine trade are reportedly being questioned. China’s complex state security system often blurs the line between public information and state secrets, making it challenging to determine what constitutes…
Taiwanese authorities are investigating how an alleged former Chinese naval officer sailed a small boat into a strategic river mouth that leads to the capital of the self-governing island republic. The small boat, piloted by a 60-year-old former officer in China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy surnamed Ruan, was detected off the coast and eventually interdicted as it began interfering with ferry traffic across the Tamsui River. This incident raises questions about whether it was an attempt to test Taiwan’s defense capabilities amidst increasing Chinese threats to conquer the island. The Taiwan Strait, separating Taiwan and China, is a crucial transit…
Get real-time breaking news alerts straight to your inbox by signing up for our free breaking news emails. South Korea has announced the restart of anti-North Korean propaganda loudspeaker broadcasts in border areas in response to recent North Korean campaigns of dropping trash on the South with balloons. In a national security meeting, the South Korean presidential office confirmed that the loudspeakers will be installed and begin broadcasts on Sunday. This move is expected to anger North Korea and may lead to retaliatory military actions. Following North Korea’s trash-carrying balloon campaigns towards the South, tensions between the two Koreas have…
China tightens security on 35th anniversary of Tiananmen Square crackdown As China marked the 35th anniversary of the violent crackdown on pro-democracy protests at Tiananmen Square, security was heightened with checkpoints and rows of police vehicles. The Chinese government has always suppressed any memory of the event, where troops and armed police clashed with protesters, resulting in an unknown death toll. The incident remains a sensitive and heavily censored topic in China, with any mention of it being swiftly erased from social media. Despite this, hundreds of tourists still visit the site annually. During a recent press briefing, a Chinese…
Tragic Fire in Indian Games Arcade Leaves 20 Dead At least 20 people have been killed in a devastating fire that broke out in a games arcade in Gujarat, India. The fire occurred at a park in Rajkot, with reports indicating that children are among the victims. Police commissioner Raju Bhargava confirmed the fire is now under control, but rescue operations are ongoing as more individuals may still be trapped. The park is privately owned, and negligence charges will be filed against the owner, Yuvraj Singh Solanki. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi…
Tragic Bus Accident in Indonesia Leaves 11 Dead and Dozens Injured For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails A tragic bus accident in Indonesia’s West Java province has claimed the lives of at least 11 people, mostly students, and left dozens injured. The incident occurred when a bus carrying 61 students and teachers, returning from a graduation celebration, lost control on a downhill road and collided with cars and motorbikes before crashing into an electricity pole. Nine individuals died at…
Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Flash floods caused by heavy rains and cold lava flows from Mount Marapi in Indonesia’s Sumatra island have led to the tragic deaths of at least 15 people with several others injured. The disaster struck Agam and Tanah Datar districts in West Sumatra province, destroying over 100 homes and buildings. The volcanic cold lava, known as lahar, triggered the flash floods as a river overflowed, engulfing villages and leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Rescue efforts are underway…
North Korea’s former propaganda chief, Kim Ki-nam, has passed away at the age of 94. Known for his role in building personality cults around the country’s leaders, Kim Jong-un visited his body and will lead the state funeral committee. Kim Ki-nam, a former secretary of the ruling Workers’ Party’s central committee, was praised for his dedication to defending the revolution’s ideological purity. He died after a year of battling age-related illnesses and organ dysfunctions. In South Korea, Kim Ki-nam was often compared to Nazi Germany’s propagandist Joseph Goebbels. He played a key role in diplomatic visits, including attending the funeral…