Reuters Asia Top

TOKYO (Reuters) – Japan has lodged a protest against Russia over the country’s decision to declare Sept. 3 a day of victory over “militaristic Japan” – a move it said would fan mutual antagonism, the top government spokesperson said on Monday. “The passage of this law could not only stir anti-Japanese sentiment among the Russian …

Japan protests Russia’s declaring Sept 3 as day of victory over ‘militaristic’ Japan Read More »

By Xinghui Kok SINGAPORE (Reuters) – Singapore drag performer Yeo Sam Jo has been feeling much more confident and safe heading off to shows in the full regalia of pink sequin dress, pearl necklace and heavy make-up. Change is afoot in the conservative city state with a softening of attitudes and growing tolerance of gay …

Singapore’s LGBT community feels safer as end of ban brings change Read More »

BEIJING (Reuters) – Trips for tourism in China during last week’s three-day Dragon Boat Festival climbed 32.3% from a year earlier to an estimated 106 million, 12.8% above the pre-pandemic level in 2019, the ministry of culture and tourism said. China’s tourism numbers are closely watched as a barometer of consumer demand in the world’s …

China Dragon Boat Festival tourism trips above pre-COVID levels -ministry Read More »

SYDNEY (Reuters) – Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Sunday that he would set the date for a China visit at an “appropriate time” as he stressed the importance of bilateral trade and expressed concerns about an Australian journalist detained in Beijing. Talks are under way about a visit by Albanese to China as …

Australian PM visit to China to be locked in at ‘appropriate time’ Read More »

By Ryan Woo BEIJING (Reuters) -Beijing topped 40 degrees Celsius (104F) on Saturday for a record third day as the Chinese capital sweltered in extreme heat, while uncommonly high temperatures for June grilled an area the size of California in northern China. At 1:51 p.m. (0551 GMT), the temperature measured by Beijing’s benchmark weather station …

Beijing sweats in extreme 40C-plus heat for record third day Read More »

By Asif Shahzad ISLAMABAD (Reuters) -Pakistan has changed its budget for the financial year starting on July 1, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar said on Saturday, including the latest fiscal tightening measures dictated by International Monetary Fund in a final effort to clinch a stalled rescue package. “Pakistan and IMF had detailed negotiations for the last …

Pakistan changes FY2024 budget as dictated by IMF to clinch stalled funds Read More »