Asia Pacific

After ‘duelling’ missile tests on the Korean peninsula, North Korea’s intentions are harder than ever to read

North Korea dominates headlines but neighbouring nations are also stockpiling arms

US says the weapon may have nuclear capabilities and poses ‘threats’ to neighbouring nations

Kim Yo Jong says military rehearsals are ‘undesirable self-destructive act’

Man aged 24 found guilty of secession and terrorism in landmark trial ruling

Just days before the opening ceremony a cancellation has not been ruled out 

Vow by Tokyo to protect neighbour in event of invasion marks historic policy shift by pacifist nation

More than ten million Australians put under lockdown as highly contagious new strain spreads

Complex geopolitics and costly negotiations may mean the deal will not rank as a post-Brexit benefit

In both countries new taxes were introduced to pay for comprehensive care

Authorities considering upping alert level as cluster of untraced domestic infections reported

Five Eyes allies at odds over Wellington’s decision to ditch aggressive stance to Beijing

And other stories from the stranger side of life

String of lawmakers hit by allegations amid renewed surge of #MeToo anger

A quarter of a million doses will not be delivered after continental export blockade

Complex modelling and the world’s longest lockdown have paved way for return to near-normal life

UK seeks to deepen ties with some of the world’s fastest-growing markets

Aung San Suu Kyi and other elected leaders detained as military seizes control

Use of pork gelatin as stabiliser in some jabs has caused controversy in Muslim community

Economic sanctions and global pandemic have left the isolated nation’s economy in tatters

Have you been paying attention to the year’s biggest events?

Veto on accepting overseas junk marks culmination of three-year reduction policy

Your guide to the best columns and commentary on Wednesday 25 November

And other stories from the stranger side of life

The radiation technology left soldiers vomiting and incapacitated without breaking no-live-shots rule

Your guide to the best columns and commentary on Friday 13 November

Your guide to the best columns and commentary on Wednesday 11 November

And other stories from the stranger side of life

Your guide to the best columns and commentary on Monday 2 November

Your guide to the best columns and commentary on Monday 19 October

Boris Johnson lays out plans for no-deal Brexit on 31 December

Pandemic is reversing two decades of progress in raising living standards

Your guide to the best columns and commentary on Thursday 8 October

Global bank has spent much of 2020 embroiled in fierce debate over territory’s sovereignty