Reuters Asia Top

BANGKOK (Reuters) – Thailand’s election commission came under scrutiny on Monday after what a monitoring group said were widespread complaints in early voting, fuelling concern on social media about the competence of a body appointed under military rule. The People’s Network to Monitor Elections, an alliance of non-governmental organisations, said it received about 300 complaints …

Thai election agency criticised after snags in early voting Read More »

BEIJING (Reuters) – China’s defence minister on Monday told Pakistan’s navy chief that their militaries including their navies should “expand into new fields of cooperation” to bolster the capability of the two neighbours in safeguarding security in the region. Ties between the two militaries stretch back years, with their navies and air forces holding bilateral …

China seeks ‘new fields’ of cooperation with Pakistan military Read More »

BEIJING (Reuters) – China opposes any measures that use China-Russia relations as a pretext for the damage of trade cooperation, China’s foreign ministry said on Monday. In response to the European Union’s proposed sanctions on Chinese companies over accusations of them aiding Russia’s war machine, ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said if these sanctions come into …

China will safeguard its interests over EU sanctions Read More »

By Lucy Craymer WELLINGTON (Reuters) -The New Zealand Defence Force will get an additional NZ$748 million ($472.14 million) over four years, as the government tries to stop the loss of military personnel and ensure the country’s military can operate alongside allies and partners. Andrew Little said in a statement that the government would invest a …

New Zealand defence spending set to increase by around $472 million Read More »

SHANGHAI (Reuters) – China is ground zero for the price war in electric vehicles and the battleground is shifting to SUV-styled EVs, the largest segment of the market, dominated by Tesla Inc and BYD. The market, crowded with more than 90 models, is about to get even tighter with at least 20 new models of …

Analysis-Battle for China’s electric SUV market heats up at home and abroad Read More »

By Yew Lun Tian and James Pomfret BEIJING/HONG KONG (Reuters) – China’s increasing focus on its own security and intensifying rivalry with the United States threatens to turn its re-engagement with the world after years of COVID curbs into a new era of isolation from the West, analysts say. Since casting off pandemic controls that …

Analysis-China’s return to global stage checked by national security focus Read More »

SYDNEY (Reuters) – Australia and New Zealand on Sunday celebrated the coronation of King Charles III with 21-gun salutes in their capitals, after the countries’ leaders, both republicans, attended the coronation ceremony in London. King Charles is head of state in Australia, New Zealand and 12 other Commonwealth realms outside the United Kingdom, although the …

Australia, NZ mark King Charles’ coronation with 21-gun salutes Read More »

BANGKOK (Reuters) – Many Thais lined up on Sunday in long queues to vote early in parliamentary elections scheduled for May 14. More than 2 million Thais had registered for early voting out of 52 million eligible voters who are aged 18 and above, according to the country’s election commission. “I wish to see change …

Thai voters cast early ballots one week before election Read More »