Reuters Asia Top

By Ju-min Park and David Brunnstrom TOKYO/WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The United States and Japan on Friday voiced strong concern about China’s growing might in unambiguous terms and pledged to work together against attempts to destabilise the region. The comments from the two allies, in a joint statement that followed a virtual meeting of their foreign …

Japan and U.S. vow more defence cooperation to counter Chinese threat Read More »

BANGKOK (Reuters) – Thailand will extend the suspension of its quarantine waiver programme and bring in new restrictions after a jump in new coronavirus cases linked to the Omicron variant, the government’s COVID-19 taskforce said on Friday. New applications for Thailand’s “Test & Go” quarantine waiver scheme will not be approved until further notice to …

Thailand announces more coronavirus curbs after jump in cases Read More »

By Olzhas Auyezov ALMATY (Reuters) – Security forces appeared to be in control of the streets of Kazakhstan’s main city Almaty on Friday morning and the president said constitutional order had mostly been restored, a day after Russia sent troops to put down a countrywide uprising. However, fresh gunshots could be heard in the morning …

Kazakh president says constitutional order mostly restored Read More »

By Josh Smith SEOUL (Reuters) – In a letter to China, North Korea blamed “hostile forces” and COVID-19 risks for not being able to attend the upcoming Winter Olympics in Beijing and accused the United States of trying to prevent the Games’ success, state media said on Friday. It was unclear whether the letter from …

North Korea says won’t attend Beijing Olympics, blames COVID-19 and ‘hostile forces’ Read More »

TOKYO (Reuters) -Japan is to step up coronavirus restrictions in three regions that host U.S. military bases to stem a COVID-19 surge that some officials have said the bases have helped fuel. The restrictions, which authorities call “priority measures”, are being brought back for the first time since September, when Japan lifted emergency controls that …

Japan to declare COVID-19 curbs in 3 regions hosting U.S. bases Read More »

By Prak Chan Thul (Reuters) – Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen was met by an honour guard and red carpet in Myanmar on Friday, just as protests by coup opponents broke out in other parts of the country over fears his trip will provide more legitimacy to the junta. His two-day visit for talks with …

Cambodia PM gets red-carpet welcome in Myanmar as visit sparks protests Read More »