Asia

China, Malta to work together to promote China-EU ties; China’s Wang Yi heads to Russia

BEIJING, Sept 18 (Reuters) - China and Malta have agreed to work together to promote China-European Union cooperation, Chinese state media said on Monday. China hopes Malta would continue to…

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Japan says swarms of tourists defiling sacred Mt Fuji

By Mariko Katsumura FUJIYOSHIDA, Japan (Reuters) - On a grey, rainy Saturday a steady stream of tour buses arrive at a base station of Japan's Mount Fuji depositing dozens of…

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WHO chief pushes China for ‘full access’ to determine COVID’s origins – FT

Sept 17 (Reuters) - The chief of the World Health Organization urged Beijing to offer more information on the origins of COVID-19 and is ready to send a second team…

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UPDATED: North Korea’s Kim heads home from Russia’s Far East

Sept 17 (Reuters) - The train with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on board has left the railway station in Russian Far Eastern city of Artyom, wrapping up his…

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China to manage monkeypox as disease on par with COVID-19

BEIJING, Sept 15 (Reuters) - China plans to manage monkeypox in the same way it handles infectious diseases such as COVID-19 starting from Sept. 20, health authorities said on Friday,…

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UPDATED: China defence minister under investigation, being removed from post

By Yew Lun Tian and Yukiko Toyoda BEIJING/TOKYO, Sept 15 (Reuters) - Suspicion over the unexplained weeks-long absence of Chinese Defence Minister Li Shangfu deepened on Friday, as some media…

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Thai PM: ‘I don’t agree with recreational use’ of cannabis

BANGKOK, Sept 15 (Reuters) - Thailand's new Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin on Friday spoke out against the recreational use of cannabis, but said his administration would continue the policies supporting…

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Over 700 people tested for Nipah virus after two deaths in India’s Kerala state

By Rupam Jain India's Kerala state on alert after Nipah virus deaths Transmitted to humans from animals like pigs, fruit bats High mortality rate among those who contract the virus…

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India’s Kerala shuts schools and offices to curb deadly Nipah virus

By Rupam Jain NEW DELHI, Sept 13 (Reuters) - India's southern state of Kerala shut some schools, offices and public transport on Wednesday in a race to stop the spread…

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China says it has not banned purchase, use of foreign phone brands

BEIJING, Sept 13 (Reuters) - China has not issued a ban on the purchase and use of foreign phone brands, the Chinese foreign ministry said on Wednesday, in response to…

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Japan has five women in new govt line-up but still misses G7 average

By Kiyoshi Takenaka TOKYO, Sept 13 (Reuters) - Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida unveiled a fresh cabinet line-up on Wednesday that features five women, but falls short of female representation…

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China confirms Papal envoy’s visit for Ukraine talks

The Chinese foreign ministry said on Wednesday that Papal envoy Cardinal Matteo Zuppi will visit China for talks on resolving the conflict in Ukraine, despite the lack of formal bilateral…

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UPDATED: Putin and North Korea’s Kim discuss military matters, Ukraine war and satellites

Kim, Putin meet at Russia's new space launch station Putin says offers help on satellites Russia discussed military matters at talks U.S. and South Korea suspect arms deal for Russia…

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Taiwan reports 28 Chinese air force planes in its air defence zone

By Yimou Lee and Ben Blanchard TAIPEI, Sept 13 (Reuters) - Taiwan's defence ministry said it spotted 28 Chinese air force planes in its air defence zone on Wednesday morning,…

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UK, Japanese, Italian partners agree next steps for fighter jet

Britain's BAE Systems, Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, and Italy's Leonardo have agreed the next steps to deliver the concept phase of a next-generation combat aircraft, BAE Systems said on Tuesday.…

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North Korea’s Kim en route to Russia for talks with Putin

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has set off for Russia aboard a special train, a South Korean source said, as Pyongyang and Moscow on Monday confirmed a summit with…

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US and Vietnam ink historic partnership in Biden visit, with eyes on China

Upgrade allows U.S. to reach same tier as China, Russia U.S. sees Vietnam as crucial in its strategy to contain Beijing Partnership to boost cooperation on chips, rare earths Vietnam…

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UK PM Sunak raises concern over interference in UK democracy with China’s Li

Sept 10 (Reuters) - Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said he had raised his concern over any Chinese interference in Britain's parliamentary democracy during a meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang at a G20 summit in India, after the…

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UPDATED: G20 summit statement avoids condemning Russia for Ukraine war, calls for peace

G20 summit declaration avoids condemnation of Russia Documents calls for peace in Ukraine, and for all states to refrain from use of force for territory Document says Black Sea grain…

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Modi uses ‘Bharat’ for G20 nameplate, not India, amid name-change row

By Tanvi Mehta NEW DELHI, Sept 9 (Reuters) - Prime Minister Narendra Modi's placard at the opening of the G20 summit on Saturday referred to India as "Bharat", raising speculation…

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G20 admits African Union as permanent member at New Delhi summit

By Shivangi Acharya and Sarita Chaganti Singh NEW DELHI, Sept 9 (Reuters) - The African Union was made a permanent member of the G20, comprising the world's richest and most…

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G20: Xi Jinping’s snub of summit the latest in escalation of ambition between two assertive powers

It might be tempting to connect Xi Jinping’s refusal to attend the G20 summit in India with continuing border tensions. These reached a peak recently when China released an “official…

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North Korea unveils first tactical, nuclear-armed submarine

By Josh Smith and Soo-hyang Choi SEOUL, Sept 8 (Reuters) - North Korea has launched its first operational "tactical nuclear attack submarine" and assigned it to the fleet that patrols…

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Hong Kong’s heaviest rain in at least 140 years floods city streets, metro

By Tyrone Siu and Farah Master HONG KONG, Sept 8 (Reuters) - Torrential rain deluged Hong Kong on Friday leading to widespread flooding across the densely packed city, submerging streets,…

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China says 90 countries have confirmed attendance for Belt and Road Initiative

BEIJING, Sept 7 (Reuters) - China said on Thursday that 90 countries have confirmed attendance for its Belt and Road Initiative conference being held in October, The third Belt and…

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China wants to ban clothes that ‘hurt nation’s feelings’

A draft law banning speech and dressing "detrimental to the spirit of Chinese people" has sparked debate in China. If the law comes into force, people found guilty could be…

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World leaders talk trade, security in ASEAN-led summit

By Stanley Widianto and Kate Lamb JAKARTA, Sept 7 (Reuters) - World leaders were on Thursday set for a series of meetings on security and trade against a backdrop of…

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Is India changing its name to Bharat? G20 invite controversy explained

By Krishn Kaushik NEW DELHI, (Reuters) - Invites sent by Indian President Droupadi Murmu calling herself "President of Bharat" for a dinner on the sidelines of the G20 summit have…

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China bans govt officials from using iPhone for work -WSJ

Sept 6 (Reuters) - China has ordered officials at central government agencies not to use Apple's iPhones and other foreign-branded devices for work or bring them into the office, the…

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China to launch new $40 billion state fund to boost chip industry, sources say

China is set to launch a new state-backed investment fund that aims to raise about $40 billion for its semiconductor sector, two people familiar with the matter said, as the…

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North Korean leader Kim to meet Putin in Russia this month – NYT

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un plans to travel to Russia this month to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss the possibility of supplying weapons for the war in Ukraine,…

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Japan may seek to dissolve Moonies church in wake of Shinzo Abe killing

Japan’s government may ask courts to order the dissolution of the Unification church following the assassination in July last year of the former prime minister Shinzo Abe, according to multiple…

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Russia proposes joint navy exercise with N.Korea, China – Yonhap

SEOUL, Sept 4 (Reuters) - Russia's defence minister has proposed to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un that their countries hold a naval exercise, along with China, South Korea's Yonhap…

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Photo Story: Janamashtami festival in Mumbai

Indian college girls with their faces painted in blue and red and dressed as the Hindu goddess Kali pose for photographs during the Janamashtami festival celebrations at Shreemati Nathibai Damodar…

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Xi to skip G20 summit in India, China to send Li instead

By Martin Quin Pollard and Liz Lee BEIJING, Sept 4 (Reuters) - Premier Li Qiang will lead China's delegation at a G20 summit in New Delhi this weekend, China's foreign…

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Pope wraps up Mongolia trip, says Church not bent on conversion

By Philip Pullella ULAANBAATAR, Sept 4 (Reuters) - Pope Francis on Monday wrapped up a historic trip to Mongolia whose main purpose was to visit the miniscule Catholic community but…

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India PM urges UN to rethink priorities for the 21st century

By Arpan Chaturvedi and Rupam Jain NEW DELHI, Sept 3 (Reuters) - Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called on the United Nations to reform in line with 21st century realities…

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In overture to China, Pope sends greetings to a ‘noble’ people

ULAANBAATAR, Sept 3 (Reuters) - Pope Francis on Sunday sent greetings to China, calling its citizens a "noble" people and asking Catholics in China to be "good Christians and good…

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North Korea stages ‘tactical nuclear attack’ drill

By Cynthia Kim SEOUL, Sept 3 (Reuters) - North Korea conducted a simulated "tactical nuclear attack" drill on Saturday that included two long-range cruise missiles, state media reported on Sunday,…

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Indonesia offers ‘golden visa’ to entice foreign investors

JAKARTA, Sept 3 (Reuters) - Indonesia is introducing a golden visa scheme to attract foreign individual and corporate investors in an attempt to boost its national economy, a statement from…

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Pope, quoting Buddha, urges religious dialogue to fight fundamentalism

By Philip Pullella ULAANBAATAR, Sept 3 (Reuters) - Calling himself one of the "humble heirs" of ancient schools of wisdom and quoting the Buddha, Pope Francis on Sunday urged all…

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More LGBTQ rights could help Asia financial hubs draw global talent

By James Pomfret and Elaine Lies HONG KONG/TOKYO (Reuters) - In Hong Kong's highest court, five judges are deliberating whether to recognise same-sex marriages conducted overseas. Their decision, expected later…

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Rapidly aging South Korea prepares to open door for foreign maids

By Soo-hyang Choi SEOUL, (Reuters) - South Korea approved a Seoul city plan on Friday to let 100 foreign domestic workers into the country through a pilot programme aimed at…

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Whew! Japan had hottest summer on record

TOKYO, Sept 1 (Reuters) - Japan recorded its highest average temperature this summer in 125 years, the nation's weather agency said on Friday. Based on measurements at 15 locations around…

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Hundreds of flights cancelled in Hong Kong, China’s Guangdong as Typhoon Saola nears

HONG KONG, Sept 1 (Reuters) - Hundreds of flights were cancelled in China's Guangdong province and Hong Kong as Super Typhoon Saola moved closer to the mainland on Friday, forcing…

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UPDATED: Pope Francis begins low-key visit to Catholics in Buddhist Mongolia

By Philip Pullella ULAANBAATAR, Sept 1 (Reuters) - Pope Francis, who is sometimes received as a superstar on trips abroad, arrived in Mongolia on Friday to the joy of its…

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Super typhoon heads towards Hong Kong, China issues highest warning

BEIJING/ HONG KONG Aug 31 (Reuters) - China issued its highest typhoon warning on Thursday as Super Typhoon Saola, packing winds of more than 200 kph (125 mph), headed towards…

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With China on his mind, Pope visits tiny Catholic flock in Mongolia

Predominantly Buddhist Mongolia has just 1,450 Catholics Francis' policy is to draw attention to people on periphery Vatican has had difficult relations with China Mongolia seen as possible intermediary with…

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North Korea stages nuclear strike drill to protest allied exercises

By Soo-hyang Choi and Josh Smith SEOUL, Aug 31 (Reuters) - North Korea conducted a simulated "scorched-earth" nuclear strike on targets across South Korea, state media reported on Thursday, in…

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China, Britain make tentative steps to repair ties

UK foreign secretary Cleverly visits Beijing First visit by senior UK minister in five years China's Wang says both should move forward with 'respect' Cleverly says important to maintain lines…

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US B-1B bomber deployed for joint military drills with South Korea

By Hyunsu Yim SEOUL, Aug 30 (Reuters) - A U.S. B-1B bomber joined military drills by the United States and South Korea on Wednesday, the 10th such flight by an…

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China extends tax breaks for foreign workers until 2027

China will extend preferential tax policies for foreign nationals working in the country through to the end of 2027, the finance ministry said on Tuesday, in a boon to foreign firms struggling to…

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Taiwan warns of ‘sharp increase’ in tensions as Chinese planes cross median line

Taiwan's defence ministry warned on Tuesday of a possible "sharp increase" in military tensions after reporting renewed Chinese military activity including fighter jets crossing the sensitive median line of the…

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WATCH: Earthquake of magnitude 7.0 strikes Bali Sea, Indonesia

A strong earthquake of 7.0 magnitude struck deep in the sea north of Bali and Lombok islands in Indonesia early on Tuesday, the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) said, sending residents running out…

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North Korea reopens borders to citizens living abroad

Aug 27 (Reuters) - North Korea has approved the return of its citizens who were abroad after years of strict border restrictions during the COVID pandemic, state media reported…

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Japan says seawater radioactivity below limits near Fukushima

TOKYO, Aug 27 (Reuters) - Tests of seawater near Japan's Fukushima nuclear power plant have not detected any radioactivity, the environment ministry said on Sunday, days after authorities began discharging…

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Saudi Arabia considers Chinese bid for nuclear plant -WSJ

Saudi Arabia is considering a Chinese bid to build it a nuclear power plant, the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday, a decision that could derail U.S. plans in the…

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