NEW TAIPEI, Taiwan — For the past day, Win Win has been constantly checking social media, desperate for any news about her family in Myanmar’s Mandalay following Friday’s powerful earthquake. While working at a Taiwan restaurant, serving samosas and snacks, she tries to distract herself. "We spoke last night, but there’s been no contact today. I can’t get through. I’m so scared for them," said Win Win, a member of Taiwan’s estimated 50,000 Sino-Burmese community, speaking to Reuters on Saturday from an eatery in Little Myanmar, New Taipei, near the capital.

Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city and near the epicenter of the 7.7-magnitude quake, is home to a significant ethnic Chinese population, many with ties to Taiwan. The Taiwanese government has offered to send rescue teams, but as of now, there has been no response, according to Taiwan’s foreign ministry.

At a snack store in Little Myanmar, Yee Yu Nai anxiously scrolled through her phone for updates from Mandalay, where her sister lives. "I know their house is fine because it was newly built, but the street is severely damaged," she shared. Taiwan’s Myanmar community has deep historical roots, dating back to the end of China’s civil war in 1949, when Republic of China soldiers, after their defeat, fled to Burma before eventually resettling in Taiwan. In more recent times, others have migrated to escape repression and anti-Chinese sentiment.

Ethnic Chinese in Myanmar have long faced discrimination, particularly under General Ne Win’s rule after he seized power in 1962. He imposed restrictions on land ownership, banned Chinese-language education, and fueled anti-Chinese hostility, which culminated in violent riots in 1967. Another resident of Little Myanmar, who requested to be identified only by her family name, Huang, to protect her relatives still in Myanmar, voiced deep concerns about the country’s ongoing instability. "I just don’t think anyone is coming to save them," she said, fearing for her family in Mandalay.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.

A powerful earthquake struck central Myanmar on Friday, March 28, causing widespread panic in Yangon and Bangkok, Thailand’s capital. Eyewitnesses reported people rushing out of buildings in fear as the tremors were strongly felt in both cities. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake measured 7.7 in magnitude and occurred at a depth of 10 km. A strong aftershock followed soon after. The epicenter was located approximately 17.2 km from Mandalay, a city home to around 1.2 million people.

As of now, there have been no official reports on casualties or damage. A Myanmar Fire Services Department officer told Reuters that search operations had begun across Yangon to assess the situation. However, no confirmed details have been released yet. Social media posts from Mandalay showed collapsed buildings and streets littered with debris, though Reuters could not immediately verify these images. Witnesses in Yangon described people frantically running out of buildings, fearing further tremors.

In Bangkok, the tremors triggered panic among residents and tourists alike. Many hotel guests were seen fleeing onto the streets in bathrobes and swimwear, uncertain about the extent of the quake’s impact. Authorities in Myanmar are continuing their assessment of the situation, while neighboring regions remain on alert for potential aftershocks. The earthquake has raised concerns about possible structural damage and the need for immediate relief efforts.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.

BOAO, China — Pakistan and China are engaged in ongoing discussions to enhance security measures for Chinese nationals working in Pakistan, Islamabad’s ambassador to Beijing stated on Wednesday (March 26). Chinese citizens have frequently been targeted by separatist militants who accuse Beijing of supporting Pakistan in exploiting natural resources in Balochistan, a southwestern province where China has significant mining and port investments.

Ambassador Khalil Hashmi affirmed that ensuring the safety of Chinese nationals is Pakistan’s "national responsibility," and the government is making every effort to protect them. Speaking at the Boao Forum in Hainan, China, he noted that both nations collaborate closely on information sharing and the formulation of security protocols. "We regularly update our Chinese partners on the measures being taken. It remains a work in progress," he said.

China has urged Pakistan to allow its security personnel to safeguard thousands of Chinese citizens working there, frustrated by recurring attacks. This demand intensified following an October bombing at Karachi airport, which claimed the lives of two Chinese engineers returning to a power plant project.

Hashmi confirmed that discussions on this matter continue, emphasizing the strong mutual trust between both countries. He acknowledged the challenges posed by the security situation but expressed confidence in Pakistan’s ability to address the threats effectively. "It is a complex security environment," he said. "However, we have the capability to counter, combat, and eliminate these terrorist forces." With Chinese investments playing a crucial role in Pakistan’s economy, particularly under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), ensuring the safety of Chinese nationals remains a top priority for both nations as they work toward strengthening their strategic partnership.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.

The Dalai Lama has declared that his successor will be born outside China, a statement that intensifies the ongoing conflict with Beijing over Tibet’s future. In his new book, Voice for the Voiceless, set to be released on Tuesday, the 89-year-old Tibetan spiritual leader affirms that the institution of the Dalai Lama must continue after his passing. Previously, he had hinted that the lineage might end with him, but this marks the first time he has explicitly stated that his successor will be born in the "free world," beyond China's influence. The Dalai Lama, who fled Tibet for India in 1959 following a failed uprising against Chinese rule, has long opposed Beijing’s claim that it has the authority to select his successor. He insists that any Dalai Lama appointed by China will not be recognized. Meanwhile, China continues to label him a separatist and maintains that Tibet is an integral part of its territory. In his book, the Dalai Lama explains that his reincarnation must be able to continue his mission—advocating for universal compassion, leading Tibetan Buddhism, and representing the hopes of the Tibetan people. He acknowledges that his return to Tibet is unlikely given his age, but remains steadfast in his belief that the Tibetan struggle for freedom will persist beyond his lifetime. China has repeatedly pressured him to recognize Tibet and Taiwan as inseparable parts of its territory, an offer rejected by the Tibetan parliament-in-exile. Beijing has also dismissed his statements, calling him a political figure engaged in anti-China activities. Despite concerns about his health following knee surgery last year, the Dalai Lama has expressed confidence in the Tibetan government-in-exile, based in Dharamshala, to continue advocating for Tibet’s rights. He emphasizes that history has shown that a society cannot remain stable if its people are continuously oppressed, and he believes Tibetans’ aspirations for freedom will endure. His book, which recounts his decades-long interactions with Chinese leaders, will be published in multiple countries, including the U.S., U.K., and India. He has also indicated that he will reveal further details about his succession around his 90th birthday in July. Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.

Journalist Michael Safi traveled to northeast Syria to interview foreign Islamic State (IS) fighters imprisoned there. He found growing concerns about potential prison breaks due to shifts in the U.S. administration and cuts to USAID funding.Few detainees openly identify as IS members. While speaking with fellow journalist Will Christou, Michael met a former British surgeon from Leicester who claimed he had been deceived into entering Syria from Turkey. They also interviewed an Australian prisoner who acknowledged his IS affiliation and whose family had been unaware of his whereabouts for years.Kurdish forces managing these prisons are urging foreign governments to repatriate their detained nationals, but many refuse, choosing instead to distance themselves from the IS legacy. This includes not only captured fighters but also the women and children from former IS-controlled regions who remain in detention camps, despite hailing from various countries worldwide. Disclaimer:This Podcast is taken from The Guardian.

Western Sydney artist Khaled Sabsabi has spent over 30 years creating work that delves into themes of multiculturalism, racism, Arab identity, and spirituality. After applying four times to showcase his work at the prestigious Venice Biennale, Sabsabi had all but given up hope of being selected. However, this week, Creative Australia announced that he will represent Australia at the 2026 Venice Biennale, alongside curator Michael Dagostino. Speaking with journalist Nour Haydar, Sabsabi reflects on his journey as an artist, the sources of his inspiration, and how he navigates the complexities of today’s political landscape. Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.

For the past four years since the coup, Myanmar's people have endured ongoing violence and instability. Teresa Tang speaks with CNA's Leong Wai Kit to discuss life under military rule and the uncertain timeline for the long-promised election. Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

Li Jianxiong, once a successful marketing executive in Beijing, hit a breaking point that led him to embark on a wellness journey in the west. His experience coincided with many in China beginning to question the promises of the Chinese Dream. Written by Chang Che and narrated by Vincent Lai. Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.