Author: Verified News Online

AdvertisementUS-Asean relationsThis Week in AsiaPoliticsWhy Southeast Asia is wary of Trump’s ‘pay-to-play’ global peace boardNations are likely to try to avoid early commitment while steering clear of outright rejection to minimise US retaliation, analysts say
Reading Time:4 minutesWhy you can trust SCMPKolette LimandAidan JonesPublished: 2:30pm, 21 Jan 2026Southeast Asian countries invited to join Donald Trump’s proposed “Board of Peace” should think carefully before entering what looks like a “more exclusive version” of the United Nations Security Council with the US president in ultimate control, analysts caution.Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam are among about 60 countries that have reportedly received invitations, alongside South Korea and India.The initiative, presented by Trump as a new international body to promote global stability, was initially authorised by the United Nations Security Council to help oversee the Gaza peace plan and post-war reconstruction. But dra..

AdvertisementSouth KoreaAsiaEast AsiaSouth Korea’s ex-PM Han gets 23 years in prison for insurrection tied to martial lawA ‌judge said Han Duck-soo failed ⁠to hold a lawful cabinet meeting needed for ‌martial law under South Korean ‌rules
Reading Time:1 minuteWhy you can trust SCMPReutersPublished: 2:26pm, 21 Jan 2026Updated: 2:43pm, 21 Jan 2026A ‌South Korean ‍court on Wednesday sentenced former prime minister ⁠Han Duck-soo to ‍23 years in prison ‍for charges including ‌engaging in key action ‍of insurrection concerning ‍ex-president Yoon Suk-yeol’s short-lived ‌declaration of martial law ‍in December 2024.
The Seoul Central ‍District Court found Han guilty on the charge because ‌he was considered instrumental in setting ‍up the outward appearance of a cabinet meeting that worked to facilitate the martial law ‌declaration, ⁠a judge said.
Han, 76, is the first former cabinet minister to be handed a ruling by ‌a lower court on criminal charges directly related to martial ‌law.
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Love, Luxury and Obsession: Netflix’s 2026 Arabic Shows Are About to Take Over Your Screen Netflix has just unveiled its much-anticipated Arabic-language entertainment slate for 2026, sending fans across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) into a frenzy. The streamer’s new roster spans drama, reality TV, romance, horror and psychological thrillers, marking another bold push into regional storytelling that blends local flavor with global appeal. This comes as part of Netflix’s strategy to nurture original content from diverse voices while expanding its international footprint.The lineup includes returning favourites like Love Is Blind, Habibi and Dubai Bling, fresh original films such as From the Ashes: The Pit and Love in Slow Motion and new series including Chasing Shadows and Obsess. With several star casts and genre-hopping offerings, 2026 is shaping up to be Netflix’s most ambitious year yet for Arabic productions.Reality TV reloaded: Love Is Blind, Habibi returns for season 2
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The UAE MoD denied Yemen allegations, confirming full withdrawal of forces, weapons, and assets from Riyan Airport/Image: WAM The United Arab Emirates has firmly rejected recent claims made by the Governor of Hadramawt, Salem Al-Khanbashi, regarding supposed discoveries of weapons, explosives, and secret detention facilities at Riyan Airport in Mukalla, Yemen. The UAE Ministry of Defence described the allegations as completely unfounded, misleading, and lacking any factual evidence.According to the Ministry, the statements presented during the press conference attempt to misrepresent the UAE’s role in Yemen, damage the reputation of its armed forces, and cast doubt on a decade of military commitments and operations.Full withdrawal from Yemen
The Ministry emphasized that UAE forces officially concluded their withdrawal from Yemen on 2nd January 2026. This exit included the transfer of all equipment, weapons, and assets following established military protocols. The Ministry stated this ..

AdvertisementHong Kong societyHong KongSocietyHong Kong strives to be ‘fortress’ that safeguards digital security, I&T minister saysCity will respond to national initiatives, Sun Dong says, noting that today’s cyber warfare is a ‘full-spectrum contest’ that integrates AI
Reading Time:2 minutesWhy you can trust SCMPHarvey KongPublished: 2:28pm, 20 Jan 2026Hong Kong is striving to become a “fortress” that safeguards digital security, the city’s innovation and technology (I&T) minister has said, noting that cyber warfare is not just a confrontation of technologies but a “full-spectrum contest” that transcends geographical boundaries and integrates artificial intelligence (AI).
Speaking at a conference organised by the Digital Policy Office at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai on Tuesday, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry Sun Dong also said the city would actively respond to national initiatives.
Citing Chinese President Xi Jinping’s remarks during ..