Why China’s Training Center in Laos Will Not Change Vietnam’s Non-Aligned Foreign Policy

The Diplomat - Oct 13, 2026

Hanoi's best option to keep its western neighbors neutral is to resist further Chinese encroachment by political means.

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Number of deepfake sex videos up for review exceeds last year's figure in 8 months

Oct 17, 2026

Number of deepfake sex videos up for review exceeds last year's figure in 8 months

The number of deepfake sex crime videos pending review by a Korean media regulator has surpassed 17,000 as of August this year, already surpassing last year's total, data showed Saturday. The state-run Korea Communications Standards Commission has received 17,378 cases of sex crime videos using deepfake technology for review from January to August, according to data submitted to Rep. Lee Yeon-hee of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea. This represents a nearly 9.9 percent increase from last year's total of 15,808 cases. The number of videos sent for review had gradually increased from 1,913 in 2021 to 3,574 in 2022, 7,187 in 2023 and 23,109 in 2024 before falling to 15,808 cases in 2025. "With the number of reviews of deepfake sexual content already exceeding last year's annual total, it is essential to closely examine the current situation and response mechanisms," Rep. Lee said, calling for effective measures to prevent the spread of the content and protect victims.

Factory fire in Bucheon likely caused by oil vapor ignited by frictional heat: officials

Oct 17, 2026

Factory fire in Bucheon likely caused by oil vapor ignited by frictional heat: officials

A fire at a factory in Bucheon that left one firefighter dead and seven others injured was likely caused by an oil mist catching fire during a metal cleaning operation, officials said Saturday. The fire broke out at the four-story metalworking factory in Bucheon, just west of Seoul, on Friday before fire authorities fully extinguished the blaze some two-and-a-half hours later. One firefighter went into cardiac arrest, before he was pronounced dead while being treated at a hospital. Seven others were injured, including another fireman who sustained serious injuries. A joint team comprising firefighters, police, the National Forensic Service (NFS) and the Korea Electrical Safety Corporation conducted an on-site inspection on Saturday to determine the cause of the blaze. Investigators found that workers had been using paint thinner to clean metal parts at the time of the fire. Authorities suspect that vapors released as the thinner evaporated may have been ignited by a spark caused by static electricity, an electrical discharge or frictional heat. The work area in the factory reportedly lacke

How Taiwan’s new AI satellite system aims to speed up early warning against PLA moves

Oct 17, 2026

How Taiwan’s new AI satellite system aims to speed up early warning against PLA moves

Taiwan will acquire an AI-powered satellite imagery system capable of rapidly identifying People’s Liberation Army ships, aircraft and missile launchers, as it seeks to boost early-warning capabilities in the face of growing military pressure from Beijing. The NT$46.55 million (US$1.45 million) system will use artificial intelligence (AI) to analyse satellite images covering 100 sq km (38.6 square miles) within minutes, potentially cutting the time and manpower needed to track changes in PLA...

Lacson hits 3 minority senators over bid to oust Erwin Tulfo

Oct 17, 2026

Lacson hits 3 minority senators over bid to oust Erwin Tulfo

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson on Saturday questioned the motives of three minority senators who voted in favor of reconsidering a petition seeking to unseat Sen. Erwin Tulfo, saying their decision undermined justice and fairness. In a post on X, Lacson criticized the three senator-members of the Senate Electoral Tribunal (SET) who supported

Dancing Salaryman Pokes Fun at Japan’s Buttoned-Down Culture

Oct 17, 2026

Dancing Salaryman Pokes Fun at Japan’s Buttoned-Down Culture

Toru Utsumi has won more than a million fans on TikTok and Instagram with short, fancy-free videos.

Tourism Infra Authority, Ilocos Norte LGU to rehabilitate Paoay Golf Course 

Oct 17, 2026

Tourism Infra Authority, Ilocos Norte LGU to rehabilitate Paoay Golf Course 

SAN ILDEFONSO, Ilocos Sur — The provincial government of Ilocos Norte and the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) will rehabilitate the Paoay Golf Course. The plan is to restore it as a public-access recreational destination and boost local tourism. In a statement on Saturday, Gov. Cecilia Araneta-Marcos said she and TIEZA Chief Operating

Japan’s ‘Dancing Salaryman’ Can’t Stop Grooving

Oct 17, 2026

Japan’s ‘Dancing Salaryman’ Can’t Stop Grooving

Toru Utsumi, 60, works as a management consultant, but on his days off, he has become a global internet star — despite some local disapproval.

China’s embassy issues fresh Thailand travel alert over kidnappings, job scams

Oct 17, 2026

China’s embassy issues fresh Thailand travel alert over kidnappings, job scams

China’s embassy in Thailand has warned citizens to carefully plan their trips and pay extra attention to transport security following a string of high-profile kidnappings targeting Chinese nationals. Online influencers and artists were also advised to remain vigilant against high-paying job scams operating in Thailand in the latest such warning issued on Friday. There have been a number of high-profile incidents in recent months in which online celebrities and travellers were kidnapped in...

A Wayward Shark Becomes a Celebrity in South Korea

Oct 17, 2026

A Wayward Shark Becomes a Celebrity in South Korea

Stranded in a port waterway for weeks, the 10-foot fish has attracted more than a million spectators, while officials try to guide her back to open sea.

Sara Duterte denies Jollibee franchise ownership

Oct 17, 2026

Sara Duterte denies Jollibee franchise ownership

Vice President Sara Duterte denied claims that she owns a Jollibee franchise, accusing online news platform Rappler of publishing misleading reports about her business interests.

Most wanted man in Oriental Mindoro falls; ex-rebel turns himself in

Oct 17, 2026

Most wanted man in Oriental Mindoro falls; ex-rebel turns himself in

CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro — A man listed as Oriental Mindoro’s most wanted person was arrested, while a former communist rebel surrendered in Occidental Mindoro on Friday, Oct. 16, police said. In a report on Saturday, the Police Regional Office Mimaropa said the 48-year-old wanted man was nabbed at 6:10 p.m. in Barangay Pag-asa, Bansud,

'Pray for wealth': Seoul Buddhist temple becomes Gen Z hot spot

Oct 17, 2026

'Pray for wealth': Seoul Buddhist temple becomes Gen Z hot spot

When visited on Oct. 6, Bongeun Temple in southern Seoul's affluent Gangnam District was bustling with young people, just as rumors of its sudden rise as a hot spot among Gen Z suggested. Nearly half of the visitors appeared to be in their 20s or 30s. Mostly couples and groups of friends, they prayed before Buddhist statues and took commemorative photos, leisurely enjoying the tranquil autumn atmosphere of the temple grounds. Kim Yeo-reum, 25, who visited the temple with a friend, said she had taken a half-day off work to come on a weekday after hearing that the temple had become so popular that it was packed on holidays. “I even ran into an elementary school classmate here today for the first time since graduation,” she said. “We went to elementary school together in Yangju, Gyeonggi Province, which is quite far from Bongeun Temple, so I was surprised to see that so many people were coming here.” Bongeun Temple, with a history spanning more than 1,000 years, has emerged as a popular destination among younger generations. Its prime location in the heart of Gangnam has long made

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