Why is China holding military drills encircling Taiwan now? China wrapped a new round of live-fire military drills that encircled Taiwan, in a warning to what Beijing calls separatists across the Taiwan strait. Emily Feng
Chinese military stages drills around Taiwan to warn 'external forces' The drills came after Beijing expressed anger at U.S. arms sales, and a statement by Japan's prime minister saying its military could get involved if China were to take action against Taiwan. The Associated Press
Myanmar is set to hold phased elections. Here's why they're being called a 'sham' Myanmar's military rulers are holding a general election in phases starting Dec. 28 amid the country's civil war. The head of the U.N. says the vote will be anything but free and fair. Michael Sullivan
Thailand and Cambodia sign new ceasefire agreement to end border fighting In addition to ending fighting, the agreement calls for no further military movements by either side and no violations of either side's airspace for military purposes. The Associated Press
As elections approach, Myanmar's economy is in shambles Nearly five years after the coup, Myanmar is poorer, hungrier, and plagued by blackouts. Few believe the upcoming election will change anything. Patrick Winn
Nuclear submarine arms race heats up between North and South Korea North Korea's state media released photos Thursday of what it said was the hull of a nuclear submarine. Its leader denounced South Korea's plans to build its own subs as "an offensive act." Se Eun Gong
Smog in Delhi has triggered a ban on a beloved street snack As smog shrouds New Delhi, authorities have taken unpopular steps like banning a favorite street snack. Critics say its performative. Diaa Hadid
A final report on 20 years of Afghanistan Reconstruction finds billions in waste The U.S. poured billions of dollars into rebuilding Afghanistan for two decades. NPR's Mary Louise Kelly talks with John Sopko, the former Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction. Jeanette Woods
US announces massive package of arms sales to Taiwan valued at more than $10 billion The Trump administration has announced a massive package of arms sales to Taiwan valued at more than $10 billion that includes medium-range missiles, howitzers and drones, a move that is sure to infuriate China. The Associated Press
A Chinese man who filmed secret footage in Xinjiang risks deportation from the U.S. Guan Heng sailed to the U.S. by boat from the Bahamas after publishing footage he filmed of purported detention camps in China. He has been held in immigration detention since August. Emily Feng