Reuters Asia Top

By Lewis Jackson SYDNEY (Reuters) -China is set to resume imports of Australian timber from Thursday and talks are under way about a visit by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to Beijing, China’s ambassador to Canberra said on Thursday. The once A$600 million ($407 million) annual timber trade with China has been largely suspended since …

China to resume Australian timber imports, talks under way for PM visit Read More »

By Karen Lema BALABAC, Philippines (Reuters) – When the Philippine military chief addressed a small contingent of navy officers on a remote island in Palawan province near the disputed Spratly archipelago in the South China Sea, he reminded them their mission was to “ensure there is peace”. But he also told them they have a …

Philippines’ military chief visits remote islands near disputed Spratlys Read More »

By Kirsty Needham and David Brunnstrom SYDNEY/WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The United States and Palau agreed on Wednesday to renew a key strategic pact, part of U.S. efforts to shore up support among Pacific island states to counter competition from China, even as President Joe Biden called off a historic stop in the region. The two …

U.S. agrees to renew strategic pact with second Pacific island state Read More »

By Humeyra Pamuk and Patricia Zengerle WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. State Department on Wednesday said two top members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee can view a redacted version of a classified cable about the chaotic August 2021 U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan sought by the committee’s Republican chairperson. Michael McCaul earlier scheduled a committee meeting …

State Dept to allow two House members to view classified Afghanistan document Read More »

CANNES (Reuters) – Japanese director Hirokazu Kore-eda hopes to repeat his success at the Cannes Film Festival, five years after winning the top prize, with “Monster,” which breaks down the misunderstandings between a single mother and a teacher started by two schoolboys. “Monster” sees Kore-eda once again team up with actor Sakura Ando, who starred …

Japan’s Kore-eda angles for second Cannes win with ‘Monster’ Read More »

By Lucy Craymer WELLINGTON (Reuters) – New Zealand is set to deliver what it calls a “no frills” budget on Thursday as falling tax revenues squeeze coffers and inflation risks cap cyclone reconstruction efforts, constraining stimulus as the Labour government in an election year. Finance minister Grant Robertson has said the budget will focus on …

New Zealand set to deliver no frills budget as election looms Read More »

By Simon Lewis WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Myanmar’s military has imported at least $1 billion in arms and other material since it staged a coup in February 2021, a UN expert said on Wednesday in a new report that calls out Russia and China for aiding the junta’s deadly campaign to crush its opposition. Since the military …

UN expert says Russia, China sending deadly aid to Myanmar’s military Read More »