TAIPEI, TAIWAN — As Laos hosts this year’s summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Beijing is calling for additions to its free-trade agreement with the regional forum that focus on smart cities, 5G, artificial intelligence and e-commerce. Ahead of the ASEAN summit, which began Sunday and ends Friday, Chinese state media have stepped up efforts to promote the benefits of what they call an …
China says Taiwan president increasing ‘hostility’
BEIJING — China has accused Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te of escalating “hostility” and pursuing independence, as the self-ruled island prepared to celebrate its National Day. China, which split with Taiwan at the end of a civil war in 1949, regards the island as part of its territory that must eventually be reunified, by force if necessary. Lai, who took power in May after his Democratic Progressive …
ASEAN holds summit in Laos as Thailand floats new plan for Myanmar
Vientiane, Laos — Southeast Asian leaders met in Laos on Wednesday for a summit expected to find ways of tackling a worsening civil war in Myanmar, with Thailand set to propose a new path for a political solution after a regional peace effort made scant progress. Chaos has prevailed in Myanmar since a 2021 military coup sparked a nationwide rebellion and a civil war that has …
Daughter of Singapore’s founding father dies at 69
SINGAPORE — The estranged sister of Singapore’s former Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong died on Wednesday at 69, after being diagnosed with progressive supranuclear palsy in 2020. The death of Lee Wei Ling, a doctor, was announced by her younger brother Lee Hsien Yang on Facebook. The siblings are the children of Singapore’s founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew and have been embroiled in a public …
US stresses desire for peaceful resolution of Taiwan disputes
WASHINGTON — A top U.S. official said the United States expects differences across the Taiwan Strait to be resolved peacefully and opposes any unilateral changes to the status quo as Taiwan prepares to celebrate the founding of the Republic of China on Thursday. The People’s Republic of China, or PRC, celebrates its national day on October 1, marking the founding of the country in 1949. Taiwan …
Jailed Chinese businessman’s daughter asks Xi Jinping to release her father
Washington — The daughter of imprisoned Chinese real estate tycoon Ren Zhiqiang has issued a public appeal to China’s leader, Xi Jinping, asking him to allow her father to seek medical care he needs after his health reportedly deteriorated during his time in jail. Ren, 73, is a former member of the Chinese Communist Party and chairman of the state-owned Huayuan real estate group. He was …
China state planner is ‘fully confident’ of achieving 2024 economic goals
BEIJING — China is “fully confident” of achieving its full-year economic and social development targets, with some funds from 2025’s budget being brought forward to support projects, chairman of the country’s economic planner Zheng Shanjie said on Tuesday. China stocks blasted to two-year highs after a slew of stimulus steps announced in recent weeks supported sentiment in early trade, but later retreated. Hong Kong shares also …
Turkish port becomes transit hub for people fleeing Lebanon
With most flights out of Lebanon canceled and ticket prices skyrocketing, a small port in Turkey is operating as an alternative route for people fleeing the country. VOA’s Onur Erdogan has more from Mersin province. Bezhan Hamdard narrates. …
On October 7 terrorist attack anniversary, Israel-Hamas war still rages
Monday marked the first anniversary of the October 7 terrorist attack that Hamas perpetrated on Israel. While reaffirming its staunch support for Israel, the United States lamented the civilian deaths caused by the ensuing war. VOA’s Veronica Balderas Iglesias has the story. …
North Korea’s Kim says he will speed up steps to become a nuclear superpower
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said his country will speed up steps toward becoming a military superpower with nuclear weapons and would not rule out using them if enemies attacked it, state media KCNA said on Tuesday. Kim made the comments in a speech on Monday at a university, which was printed in full by KCNA. He said he has no …
Philippines launches naval drills with allies as regional tensions simmer
SUBIC, Philippines — The armed forces of the Philippines, the United States and four other countries began joint naval exercises off the coast of the Philippines’ northern Luzon island facing Taiwan in a display of naval strength amid rising tensions with China. Called “Sama Sama,” which means togetherness, this year’s drills, which involve almost 1,000 sailors and personnel from Australia, Canada, France, Japan, the United States …
Europe braces for Chinese retaliation over EV import tariffs
London — The European Union is bracing for retaliation from China after the bloc voted last week to impose tariffs on the import of Chinese electric vehicles, or EVs, amid speculation that Beijing could seek to target individual European countries that voted for the measures. The EU is divided on the issue, with 10 member states in favor in Friday’s vote, five countries voting against the …
Senior member of Myanmar’s former ruling party dies
Bangkok — Zaw Myint Maung, a senior member of Myanmar’s former ruling party arrested during the 2021 military takeover, died Monday while serving a prison sentence that was considered politically motivated. He was 72. He was a close colleague of ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi and spokesperson of her National League for Democracy party. He had been a second vice president and chief minister of …
Understanding the Mideast conflict: A historical primer
Washington — The Middle East is on the brink. Just days after a massive missile attack on Israel, Iran is threatening more strikes. Israel, already battling Iranian-backed militias on two fronts, is vowing retaliation. The U.S. has deployed thousands of troops to the region. While no one is expecting all-out war, fears of a broader conflict are rising, keeping the region and the world on edge. …
A deadly year: How Israel-Hamas war affected media
The Hamas terror attack on Israel last October sparked a conflict that has become the deadliest in recent history for journalists and media workers. At least 116 of them – nearly all Palestinian — have been killed. VOA speaks with reporters who have covered the conflict and media analysts about why it is essential to have journalists on the ground who can work freely. Cristina …
Indonesia’s Prabowo wants gradual increase in debt-to-GDP, adviser says
Jakarta, Indonesia — Indonesia’s President-elect Prabowo Subianto will increase the country’s debt-to-GDP ratio level gradually, alongside efforts to boost tax revenues, his top adviser and brother Hashim Djojohadikusumo told a seminar on Monday. The increase may be within a range of 1 to 2 percentage points per year, he said, describing Indonesia’s current debt-to-GDP level of under 40% as “underleveraged.” Investors and rating agencies are closely …
Philippines, South Korea upgrade ties to strategic partnership
Manila, Philippines — Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos said on Monday his country and South Korea have upgraded bilateral ties to a strategic partnership, as he met visiting counterpart Yoon Suk Yeol for talks. The two leaders discussed various issues including the South China Sea and situation on the Korean peninsula, as well as signing memorandum of understanding agreements on coast guard cooperation and nuclear energy. Yoon …
Flight restrictions lifted in Iran
DUBAI — Flight restrictions have been lifted in Iran after conditions were deemed safe, state media reported on Monday, shortening the period of flight cancellations announced earlier by the Civil Aviation Organization. A spokesperson for the organization had earlier said that flights from all Iran’s airports would be canceled until 6 a.m. (0230 GMT) on Monday from 9 p.m. on Sunday. “After ensuring favorable and safe …