AJA Newsbites is a curated roundup of major news and developments from across Asia, brought to you by members of Asia Journalist Association (AJA)
Lee Sang-ki, THE AsiaN, Korea
South Korean low-cost carriers are rapidly expanding routes to China as visa-free travel and rising independent tourism revive demand. South Korea and China recently increased weekly passenger traffic rights from 608 to 664 flights, the first such expansion in seven years. In the first half of 2026, passenger traffic on mainland China routes reached about 9.54 million, up 22.3 percent from a year earlier. Travelers in their 20s and 30s are emerging as a key market, attracted by Shanghai’s nightlife, food and shopping, as well as Chongqing’s distinctive urban scenery. Jin Air is resuming Qingdao and Yantai services and adding Yichang, while T’way Air and Eastar Jet are expanding Zhangjiajie flights. Air Busan, Aero K and Parata Air are also preparing new China routes. Higher fuel surcharges are making nearby China more attractive than long-haul destinations.
Norila Daud, Malaysia World News, Malaysia
At least 51 coordinated attacks involving improvised explosive devices, arson and armed raids were reported across Thailand’s three southern border provinces on the night of August 22.
According to the Internal Security Operations Command Region 4 (ISOC 4), the incidents were reported from about 8pm across 21 districts in Narathiwat, Pattani and Yala. A security spokesman said the attacks targeted government offices, civilians and infrastructure. Narathiwat recorded the highest number of incidents with 22, followed by Yala with 18 and Pattani with 11.
Two people were injured in Narathiwat, while no civilian injuries were initially recorded in Pattani and Yala. In Narathiwat, incidents were reported in Sungai Padi, Waeng, Rangae, Rueso, Yi-ngo, Tak Bai and Sungai Golok, among other areas, as reported by the New Straits Times. Pattani recorded incidents in Yarang, Yaring, Nong Chik and Sai Buri, while in Yala, eight incidents were reported in Yala town and six in Raman. Security personnel were deployed to the affected areas to secure the locations, assist residents and gather evidence.
Chhay Sophal, Cambodia News Online, Cambodia
Cambodia’s red corn prices have risen this year compared to last year as farmers enter the harvest season. During the July-to-August harvest period, prices have been slightly higher than a year ago.
However, farmers say the gains are offset by higher transportation costs driven by elevated oil prices, which they attribute to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the war between Ukraine and Russia. Cambodia’s corn cultivation season lasts just three and a half months each year.
Bob Iskandar, Indonesia Global News, Indonesia
Indonesia’s government debt reached IDR 10,293.69 trillion (approximately $630 billion) as of June 30, 2026, equivalent to 41.26 percent of gross domestic product, according to the Ministry of Finance. The figure increased by approximately IDR 373.27 trillion from IDR 9,920.42 trillion at the end of the first quarter.
Government debt remains dominated by government securities, which accounted for IDR 8,966.7 trillion, or 87.11 percent of total debt. Domestic and foreign loans contributed a further IDR 1,326.90 trillion. The increase highlights the importance of maintaining fiscal discipline as Indonesia continues to finance major national programs and development priorities. While the debt-to-GDP ratio remains below the country’s statutory ceiling of 60 percent, rising borrowing costs and global financial volatility could increase pressure on the state budget.
Bhanu Ranjan Chakraborty, Asia Journalist Association, Bangladesh
British High Commissioner to Dhaka Sarah Cooke met Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on August 23. The talks focused on his upcoming presidency of the UN General Assembly, UK humanitarian support for the Rohingya, and bilateral migration cooperation.
A statement from the British High Commission in Dhaka said Cooke discussed Rahman’s priorities as UN General Assembly President. The meeting also covered the UK’s support for the Rohingya community ahead of the ninth anniversary of the Rohingya crisis and the issue of bilateral migration cooperation.
Shakil Yamin Kanga, APNEC, Pakistan
A female passenger was allegedly mistreated by the crew of Fly Jinnah flight 9P 679 from Islamabad to Karachi. The woman reportedly objected to being seated between two men and asked the crew for a seat next to women or a separate seat. The crew reportedly insisted that she apologize to a fellow crew member and announced that the flight would not depart unless she did so. The confrontation continued for about half an hour.
Other passengers, as well as a senior journalist on board, condemned the crew’s behaviour and said the woman should simply be given another seat. Passengers and the journalist who protested were also reportedly threatened with being offloaded. The flight departed late.
Upon arrival in Karachi, Airport Security Force (ASF) personnel allegedly detained the senior journalist for approximately one hour. At the request of the foreign pilot, they reportedly made him delete a photograph of the incident and compelled him to write a statement. The journalist protested, saying that instead of taking action over the alleged mistreatment of a Pakistani woman, authorities were forcing him to write a statement according to their wishes.
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THE AsiaN Korean : 아자뉴스바이트 20260824 – 아시아엔 THE AsiaN
