Rest of Asia
IMF says it reaches a staff level agreement with Pakistan to disburse $1.1b
Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund on Wednesday reached a staff level agreement which, if approved by its board, will disburse $1.1 billion for the debt-ridden South Asian economy, the global lender said..The funds are the final tranche of a $3 billion last-gasp rescue package Pa
South Koreans to wake up a year younger tomorrow
South Koreans will become at least a year younger from Wednesday as the nation adopts a new law to join the international standard of age counting
Cambodia election / Opposition party loses bid to overturn ban
Cambodia’s main opposition party yesterday lost a bid to overturn its ban from the upcoming elections, paving the way for long-serving leader Hun Sen to run a one-horse race. Last week, the National Election Committee (NEC) refused to register the
Asia water, energy supplies at risk
Climate-related disruptions to the crucial Hindu Kush-Himalayan water system are posing risks to economic development and energy security in 16 Asian countries, and concerted action is needed to protect regional water flows, researchers said yesterday.
South China sea / Philippines rebukes Beijing for ‘dangerous manoeuvres
The Philippines yesterday accused China’s coast guard of “dangerous manoeuvres” and “aggressive tactics” in the South China Sea, in another maritime confrontation between the two countries at a time of simmering geopolitical tension.
China flies drone around Taiwan
A Chinese uncrewed combat aircraft has flown around Taiwan, the island’s defence ministry said, showcasing Beijing’s ability to attack its fall-back east coast
China warns Taiwan leader over US visit
External pressure will not stop Taiwan engaging with the world, President Tsai Ing-wen said yesterday as she left for the United States, hitting a defiant note after China threatened retaliation if she met US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
N Korea tests new nuke-capable drone
North Korea yesterday claimed it had tested an underwater nuclear attack drone able to unleash a “radioactive tsunami”, as it blamed recent US-South Korea
Philippines orders probe after military plane crash kills 50
Philippine authorities ordered on Monday an investigation into the crash of an Air Force plane that overshot a runway killing 47 soldiers on board, three civilians on the ground and injuring dozens.
Kremlin says 'provocations' like UK warship episode demand tough response
A British warship's entry into what Moscow considers Russian territorial waters near Crimea last month is the kind of provocation that demands a tough response, the Kremlin said on Sunday.
Military plane crashes in Philippines, 17 reported dead
A plane carrying Philippine troops crashed and broke up in flames in the southern Philippines on Sunday with 92 people aboard, and media reported at least 17 people had been killed,
Afghan civilians take up arms as US-led forces leave
Gun in hand, 55-year-old Dost Mohammad Salangi recites poetry as he leads a small group of men to a look-out post high in the rugged hills of Parwan province, north of the Afghan capital Kabul.
North Korea sees 'propaganda value' in slimmer Kim, analysts say
A rare mention in North Korean state media of leader Kim Jong Un's health could be intended to head off speculation and play up shared sacrifice amid food shortages, analysts said.
Effect of Delta Variant: Moscow posts record deaths
Moscow yesterday recorded the worst daily coronavirus death toll so far for a Russian city, as countries across the Asia-Pacific region extended or reimposed restrictions to tackle fresh waves of infections.
N Korea rejects links to US envoy attacker
North Korea hit out at accusations that it may be behind a shocking knife attack on the US envoy to the South, branding the claims a "vicious" smear campaign by Seoul
NKorea fires missiles as US-S Korea drills begin
North Korea fires two short-range missiles into the sea as US-South Korea military exercises get under way