Sri Lanka's economic crisis is the biggest test yet of China's massive Belt and Road Initiative. Many blame the country's economic collapse on a close relationship with Beijing. Between 2000 and 2020, China extended $12 billion in loans to the Sri Lankan government.

A US delegation met with Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss relations between the superpowers. Sanctions and spying as well as economic and geopolitical disputes have caused tensions for the two.

China's economic malaise is weighing heavily on east Asia as a whole, one of the world's key economic engines. But reforms in one sector could work wonders, the World Bank says.

Another independent news outlet has been targeted by police in India after reports of illegal funding. Journalists said their homes were raided and devices seized.

We look at reactions to the Republican Party's second presidential debate. Also: where is China's defence minister? He has not been seen in weeks, amid rumours of a corruption scandal revealing President Xi Jinping's grip over the military. Meanwhile, a Venezuelan prison raid reveals the life of luxury enjoyed by inmates. Finally, we look at what could be the world's most expensive underwear!

China's second-largest real estate developer is close to bankruptcy, leaving millions of property investors nursing heavy losses. Worst still, Beijing's post-COVID economic rebound will be further derailed.

China's Evergrande has announced that its founder is being investigated for "illegal crimes". It's the latest twist for world's most indebted property developer. We take a look at the rise and fall of Hui Ka Yan, who was once China's richest person. Next, we head to India to explore the impact of underground fires at coal mines in the east of the country. We see how fires have been burning for over a century, posing a threat to locals and the environment.

A visit of Nepalese PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal to China saw the two nations pledge to boost trade amid plans of new transport links through the Himalayas. But Dahal said Nepal would not join any security alliances.

Diplomats from Beijing, Seoul, and Tokyo have met to explore restarting regular three-way summits to foster regional cooperation. The initiative has been on hold for the past few years.

The Cook Islands and Niue have been recognized by the United States as "sovereign and independent states." The move appeared to be aimed at curbing further Chinese inroads into the Pacific region.

Malaysia intends to double the quantity of palm oil it exports to China, in an effort to counterbalance the EU's push to cut down on its own imports.

Starting on Saturday September 23, China is hosting the Asian Games, a major multi-sport event held every four years between the Olympics. The 19th edition, postponed from last year, brings together some 12,000 athletes from across the continent, competing in 40 sports over two weeks in the eastern city of Hangzhou. For the first time, e-sports are featured as an official medal sport event, with seven golds on offer. But a lot of attention is also focused on what's happening outside the tracks and arenas. FRANCE 24's Oliver Farry tell us more about the geopolitical aspect of the event.