HONG KONG (REUTERS) – China’s cutting of some of its few communication links with the US military raises the risk of an accidental escalation of tension over Taiwan at a critical moment, according to security analysts, diplomats and US officials. China called off planned formal talks involving theatre-level commands, defence policy co-ordination and military maritime […]
ISLAMABAD (BLOOMBERG, REUTERS) – Top Taliban officials didn’t know al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri was hiding in Afghanistan, a spokesman said, and an investigation is underway to check the veracity of US claims he was killed in an American airstrike in capital Kabul over the weekend. “The government and the leadership wasn’t aware of what is […]
BEIJING – A recent scandal involving the disappearance of billions in deposits at several rural banks in the central Chinese province of Henan has highlighted the glaring lack of financial oversight in China. It also brought to light the local government’s controversial handling of the situation, from attempts to prevent protests to the violent disbandment […]
NUSA DUA, INDONESIA (REUTERS) – US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen condemned Russia’s “brutal and unjust war” in Ukraine and said Russian finance officials taking part in a Group of 20 (G-20) meeting in Indonesia on Friday (July 15) shared responsibility for the “horrific consequences” of the war. Dr Yellen, speaking at the opening session of […]
QUETTA, PAKISTAN (REUTERS) – Militants shot dead a kidnapped Pakistani army officer as his comrades were closing in to try to rescue him in the restive south-west province of Balochistan, the military said on Thursday (July 14). Lieutenant-Colonel Laeeq Baig Mirza was abducted late on Tuesday as he travelled back to the city of Quetta […]
HONG KONG (REUTERS) – A Catholic priest launched a three-day protest on Thursday (July 14) in sweltering heat outside a Hong Kong maximum security prison, demanding the release of activists and democratic politicians held under a sweeping national security law. Milan-born missionary Franco Mella, a longtime rights activist in the Chinese-ruled city, vowed to refuse […]
COLOMBO (NYTIMES) – Sri Lanka needs US$6 billion (S$8.4 billion) until the end of the year to buy fuel and other essential goods to stabilise its crumbling economy. The question is where that money will come from. One of its most steadfast patrons, India, has provided US$4 billion in credit and loans, which Sri Lanka has […]
BEIJING (REUTERS) – Chinese regional officials need to prepare for potential disasters and ensure relief in a timely manner as the flood season reaches a critical period, a government official warned on Friday (July 8) after months of torrential rains nationwide. China routinely faces heavy flooding during its summer, but record-breaking rain in some regions […]
KATHMANDU (REUTERS) – Bhutan will reopen for international tourists from September for the first time since the pandemic began more than two years ago, officials said on Thursday (June 30), as the tiny Himalayan kingdom looks to revive its economy. Wedged between China and India, the country with scenic natural beauty and ancient Buddhist culture, […]
Police work the scene where dozens of people were found dead in a semitrailer in a remote area in southwestern San Antonio, June 27, 2022. (ERIC GAY / AP) SAN ANTONIO, Texas – At least 51 migrants have died after being trapped inside a sweltering tractor-trailer truck found abandoned in Texas, authorities said on Tuesday, […]
SEOUL (REUTERS) – North Korean leader Kim Jong Un ordered a strengthening of the country’s defence capabilities, state media said on Friday (June 24), as he wrapped up a key party meeting with top military officials that came amid concerns about a potential nuclear test. The meeting has been closely watched due to growing speculation […]
COLOMBO (REUTERS, BLOOMBERG) – India’s top diplomat held talks with Sri Lanka’s president and prime minister on Thursday (June 23) as India signalled its willingness to go beyond the US$4 billion (S$5.6 billion) in loans, swaps and aid that it has already provided its cash-strapped neighbour. Sri Lanka is facing its worst economic crisis in seven […]