Southeast Asia

From the Philippines to Singapore, countries are worried the status quo could turn from tension to conflict. Southeast Asia especially feels the strain of living in the shadow of U.S.-China rivalry.

A U.N. official calls for new policies across East Asia to halt the soaring production of methamphetamines.

Harris participated in events on Thursday in Vietnam that elevated activists in a region known for its challenges and restrictions to human rights.

The vice president made the announcement during her trip to Southeast Asia. It's part of the Biden administration's push to strengthen its alliances in the region to counter China's influence

The decision was announced Friday in Manila by Philippines Defense Sec. Delfin Lorenzana and U.S. counterpart Lloyd Austin. U.S. military presence in the region is seen as a counterbalance to China.

The country had been seen as a success in handling the pandemic, but a recent surge in cases has made it the third-worst affected country in Southeast Asia. Vietnam is also seeing a rise in cases.

Starting Monday, the Southeast Asian country will open some schools and more businesses. It will also allow its citizens to travel domestically.

Health experts say low rates of testing and refusal to enact strict lockdowns have allowed the virus to infiltrate all 34 provinces of the archipelago nation.

Online sexual abuse is rising as countries close schools and impose various shutdown measures to contain the new coronavirus pandemic, children's rights advocates in Southeast Asia warn.