Reuters Asia Top

BEIJING (Reuters) -China condemned on Tuesday a phone call between Czech President-elect Petr Pavel and Taiwan President Tsai Ing-Wen, saying he ignored Beijing’s repeated attempts at dissuasion. Monday’s call was a diplomatic breakthrough for the China-claimed island, which has no formal relations with Prague. “Czech President-elect Pavel ignored China’s repeated attempts to dissuade him and …

China raps Czech president-elect over Taiwan call Read More »

By Hyonhee Shin SEOUL (Reuters) -The defence chiefs of the United States and South Korea vowed on Tuesday to expand military drills and boost nuclear deterrence planning to counter North Korea’s weapons development and prevent a war. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was in Seoul for talks as Washington seeks to reassure a key Asian …

Defence chiefs of U.S., S.Korea vow to step up drills to counter North Read More »

By Hyunsu Yim SEOUL (Reuters) – South Korea’s prime minister suggested on Tuesday that COVID visa restrictions on travellers from China could be lifted earlier than scheduled if infections ease, as the travel and tourism sectors hope for a rebound in visitors. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo said Seoul could consider lifting the restriction on short-term …

S.Korea considers early easing of COVID visa curbs on travellers from China – Yonhap Read More »

(Reuters) -The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved loans of $4.7 billion to Bangladesh for disbursal starting immediately, making it the first to secure such funds out of three South Asian countries that applied last year amid economic trouble. The loans are a win for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina ahead of a general election early …

Bangladesh secures $4.7 billion from IMF as other South Asian countries see delays Read More »

By Tetsushi Kajimoto TOKYO (Reuters) – From inflation allowances to the reskilling of workers, firms in Japan are stepping up efforts to help employees fight rising prices and a labour crunch, even though some cannot afford pay hikes that do more than offset cost-push inflation. As annual “shunto” labour talks get into full swing, momentum …

Japan Inc strives to lure skilled workers as inflation, labour crunch bite Read More »

BEIJING (Reuters) – China said on Monday that the COVID-19 situation in the country was at a “low level”, and that fever clinic visits due to the coronavirus during the Lunar New Year dropped about 40% from before the week-long holiday “The overall epidemic situation in the country has entered a low level, and the …

China says COVID situation at ‘low level’ after holiday Read More »

By Dominique Vidalon and Marine Strauss PARIS (Reuters) – France and Australia on Monday unveiled plans to jointly manufacture ammunition for Ukraine as the two countries seek to shore up defence cooperation and move past a row over Canberra’s decision to ditch plans to buy French submarines two years ago. The relationship hit historic lows …

France and Australia to jointly build shells for Ukraine Read More »