Massive wildfires in Indonesia show no sign of letting up. The environmental disaster is turning into a pollution crisis across Southeast Asia, as toxic haze from the blazes spread to neighbouring countries. Also on the show: The much delayed Yalu River Bridge linking China and North Korea has finally opened after 12 years of delay. It's the latest sign of thawing relations between the two neighbours, strained for years due to Pyongyang's aggressive nuclear development. The four-lane bridge can significantly boost bilateral trade, but observers say North Korea's growing ties with Russia may have been a motive for Beijing. Meanwhile, as the conflict in the Middle East continues to disrupt maritime trade, South Korea has opened a new shipping route through the Arctic, made possible thanks to melting sea ice. Yuka Royer speaks with Jae Hyeok Lee, associate researcher at the Korea Institute for Maritime Strategy, about the geopolitical, economic and environmental implications of the exploitation. Finally, in an effort to reduce pedestrian accidents, some Asian countries have taken innovative steps to curb smartphone use while walking. But not all of them have been successful.









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