U.S. President Joe Biden has emphasized his administration's efforts to curb the flow of fentanyl, following agreements with China and Mexico. Despite these efforts, experts question the effectiveness of controlling production and export from abroad. Fentanyl, largely produced in Mexico with chemicals from China, is a significant challenge due to its potency and ease of trafficking. Biden's comprehensive approach is praised, but there are concerns that focusing on supply restriction could undermine harm reduction initiatives. Biden has called on Congress to classify fentanyl as a Schedule One drug, a move some advocates argue could lead to increased stigmatization and overdose risks.

Projects in Nepal, such as the Kathmandu-Terai Expressway, are stalled as India and China compete for influence through development projects and financing. Local residents express frustration over the lack of progress, while analysts note Nepal's delicate balancing act to remain neutral. The Pokhara International Airport, built by Chinese contractors, has yet to welcome international flights, allegedly due to India's reluctance. Politicians highlight Nepal's closer ties to India due to geography, history, and religion, but stress the importance of maintaining good relations with both countries.

In a historic trilateral summit, U.S. President Joe Biden, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. met to address China's aggressive maritime actions in the South China Sea. The leaders discussed China's 'gray zone' tactics, which threaten to trigger mutual defense treaties, and announced new maritime defense measures and infrastructure investments. The summit emphasized the importance of a rules-based international order and multilayered cooperation among allies. China's actions were criticized, while the U.S., Japan, and the Philippines reinforced their commitment to regional security.

Solomon Islands' upcoming election on April 17th is pivotal, with significant implications for its relationships with the US and China. Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare's OUR party, advocating closer ties with China, faces opposition from Matthew Wale's CARE Party, which criticizes the island's dependency on Chinese investment. The election results could indicate whether the US is losing influence in the region. While some islanders focus on domestic issues like education, experts highlight that rural areas may not benefit from Chinese investments concentrated in the capital.

Rohingya refugees are seeking housing on Galang Island in Indonesia, which previously housed Vietnamese refugees. Indonesian authorities are considering this proposal amidst local concerns. The island, now a memorial and tourist attraction, is at the center of a debate due to the recent influx of over 1,500 Rohingya refugees arriving in Aceh Province. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees provided data on the refugee numbers.

Pacific Island nations, including Niue, the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, the Maldives, and Palau, are advancing their ocean preservation goals with a new $500 million climate protection fund. The Blue Pacific Prosperity Initiative, announced at COP 28, has already raised $228 million to conserve 30% of the ocean. National Geographic's Pristine Seas program is aiding in setting up marine protected areas. Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. and Environment Minister Steven Victor emphasize the long-standing tradition of ocean conservation in the region, aiming to combat global warming and protect marine life.

Taiwan is increasingly attracting tech students from Southeast Asia, particularly from Vietnam and Indonesia, to address its high-tech talent shortage exacerbated by a declining birth rate. The island's government has launched a plan to significantly increase the number of foreign students by 2030, aiming to retain a majority for post-graduation employment. This initiative is part of Taiwan's broader strategy to bolster its technological workforce. The article also touches on U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to Beijing, U.S. aid to Taiwan, and political developments in Indonesia and India.

Three years into Myanmar's military rule, journalists are rebuilding newsrooms in exile to continue reporting on the conflict between the junta and the resistance movement. Outlets like Democratic Voice of Burma and Frontier Myanmar play a vital role in providing independent news, countering fake news and propaganda. Despite the challenges, these exiled journalists rely on a network of citizen journalists to obtain verified information. The article highlights the importance of these media organizations in maintaining the flow of truthful information amid the ongoing conflict.

China has set an ambitious economic growth target of 5 percent despite facing significant challenges such as a real estate crisis and slowing foreign investment. Premier Li Qiang emphasized the need for focused policies and concerted efforts to achieve this target. The annual session of China's parliament also saw an announcement to boost defense spending by about 7 percent. The mood at the meeting was upbeat, aiming to reassure foreign investors, although the cancellation of the traditional press conference left many questions unanswered. Chinese President Xi Jinping's focus on national security has caused concern among some foreign companies.

US President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping held a 'candid and constructive' call, discussing key issues such as joint counternarcotics efforts, military communication, and the risks of artificial intelligence. Biden reiterated concerns about Chinese interference in the upcoming US Presidential election, while Xi emphasized the need for attention to negative factors in the US-China relationship. The call follows their in-person meeting last year and aims to stabilize the complex bilateral relationship. Xi welcomed the upcoming visit to China by US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen.

The ube, a purple yam native to the Philippines, is becoming one of the hottest food trends in the U.S. The article explores the increasing popularity and appeal of this colorful tuber.

The United States, India's largest trading partner with $191 billion in trade for 2022, may see an increase in trade relations following Prime Minister Modi's visit, as the two countries continue to forge a closer relationship.

The Biden administration has announced a $6.6 billion grant to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company to build a third facility in Arizona, aiming to boost US semiconductor production to 20% of the global market by the end of the decade. This funding is part of the 2022 CHIPS and Science Act, which seeks to revitalize American manufacturing and address talent shortages in the semiconductor industry. The initiative is expected to create 25,000 jobs, though concerns remain about the availability of skilled workers. The article also touches on geopolitical and business developments in the Solomon Islands, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Myanmar.

The Philippines is strengthening its military alliance with the United States by allowing U.S. forces access to four additional military sites. This move is part of an enhanced partnership aimed at addressing rising concerns over China's increasing assertiveness in the region.

A Korean American TV news anchor in St. Louis, Missouri, shared her traditional holiday meal of noodles and received a racist message in response. This incident has led to a viral conversation highlighting anti-Asian racism.