February 17, 2026

Nepal Political Parties Start Campaigning for March 5 General Elections

Nepal’s political parties officially began campaigning on Monday for the March 5 general elections as election restrictions ended. Voters total nearly 19 million, including over 900,000 new registrants.

February 17, 2026

Chinese Tourists Shun Japan Over Taiwan Row, Tourism Dips Sharply

Chinese visitors to Japan have nearly halved since late 2025 due to tensions over Taiwan. Travel alerts and political clashes have pushed Chinese tourists to choose other Asian destinations during Lunar New Year.

February 17, 2026

Okinawa's Anti-Base Alliance Faces Setback After Election Defeat

Okinawa's broad anti-base alliance, All Okinawa, suffered a tough election loss. Analysts suggest younger voters' changing priorities may have played a role. The alliance opposes a new US military base in Henoko and aims to reduce the US forces' impact on the prefecture.

February 17, 2026

Asia Highlights: Indonesia Visa Scrutiny, Filipino Assault in Singapore & Malaysia Boosts Missiles

Major Bali bust raises Indonesia visa concerns. Filipinos plan legal steps after assault in Singapore mall. Malaysia upgrades missiles amid sea tensions. Japan fights workplace pranks; Indonesia’s China-backed dam halted. Philippine jobs face AI threat, and Malaysia police catch wrong-way driver.

February 17, 2026

Bangladesh’s Tarique Rahman Sworn In as First Elected Leader Post-2024 Uprising

Tarique Rahman and lawmakers took oath in Bangladesh, marking an end to interim rule after 18 months. Rahman aims to revive economy and democracy.