Chris Casquejo News Today

One of the hottest food trends of the year in the U.S. is the ube, a purple yam native to the Philippines. VOA’s Chris Casquejo looks at the emergence of this colorful tuber.

A year after U.S. President Joe Biden first launched what's known as the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, negotiations have yielded what Washington is calling a landmark agreement. VOA’s Chris Casquejo reports.

Myanmar pardons more than 2,000 political prisoners. Japan and South Korea hold first bilateral finance ministers meeting in 7 years. US President Biden says commitment to Philippines is ironclad during meeting with Marcos. Leshan Giant Buddha draws crowds for May Day holiday.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy talk on phone. Islamic State terror group cell leader killed. US and South Korea declare enhanced partnership to deter North Korea. South Korean President Yoon ends White House visit on a high note.

US takes steps to protect marine life in the Pacific Remote Islands. US says Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin meeting won't bring end to war in Ukraine. US lawmakers question TikTok's CEO. Tokyo celebrates Japan's World Baseball Classic title.

Lab-leak COVID origin theory gains traction in the U.S. End of zero-COVID strategy leads to big gains in China manufacturing activity. Pacific Island countries show unity as Washington and Beijing compete for regional influence. NBA's James Harden surprises student paralyzed in university shooting.

Top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi meets with Russian leader Vladimir Putin. North Korea fires short-range missiles in retaliation for joint military drills. How Indonesia is resisting China's expansive South China Sea claims. Japan-born giant panda heads back to China.

The Philippines is forging closer military ties with the United States, granting U.S. forces access to an additional four military sites. As VOA’s Chris Casquejo explains, the enhanced partnership comes amid rising concerns over an increasingly aggressive China. Produced by Chris Casquejo

New Japan and Britain defense pact. China suspends issuing certain types of visas for travelers from Japan and South Korea. The White House explains why COVID tests are now required for travelers from China. New China and Ecuador free trade agreement. Clothing giant Uniqlo hikes wages in Japan.

China scraps COVID travel tracking app. Hong Kong pro-democracy publisher Jimmy Lai's national security trial postponed again. Indonesia's delicate balance in transitioning to clean energy. Elephants in Thailand have "World Cup" moments.