Reuters Asia Top

By Clare Jim, Claire Fu, Mei Mei Chu, Marius Zaharia and Antoni Slodkowski HONG KONG/SINGAPORE/BEIJING, Dec 6 (Reuters) – Homeowners at the complex destroyed in one of Hong Kong’s deadliest fires were incorrectly told the contractor that authorities blame for the blaze had a clean safety record, documents viewed by Reuters show.  Residents were given …

Hong Kong fire came after contractor safety breaches and a residents’ revolt Read More »

SYDNEY, Dec 6 (Reuters) – Australia on Saturday imposed financial sanctions and travel bans on four officials in Afghanistan’s Taliban government over what it said was a deteriorating human rights situation in the country, especially for women and girls. Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the officials were involved “in the oppression of women and …

Australia hits Afghan Taliban officials with sanctions, travel bans Read More »

WASHINGTON, Dec 5 (Reuters) – The 2026 World Cup will kick off on June 11 with joint-hosts Mexico playing South Africa at the Azteca Stadium – iconic venue of the 1970 and 1986 finals – followed by South Korea against a playoff winner after the complex draw was made on Friday. Mexico’s co-hosts the United …

Soccer-Mexico to kick off 2026 World Cup against South Africa, US get dream draw Read More »

By Trevor Hunnicutt WASHINGTON, Dec 5 (Reuters) – President Donald Trump aims to prevent conflict with China over Taiwan and the South China Sea by building up U.S. and allies’ military power, according to a new U.S. strategy document. The Trump administration laid out its approach to one of the world’s most sensitive diplomatic issues …

Trump unveils strategy to prevent China conflict over Taiwan Read More »

BEIJING, Dec 5 (Reuters) – Top Chinese and U.S. officials held a call on Friday to discuss trade, including ongoing efforts to implement an agreement to de-escalate their countries’ trade war. Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng had an “in-depth and constructive” video call with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, …

China’s vice premier holds ‘constructive’ call with Bessent and Greer Read More »

Dec 5 (Reuters) – The International Monetary Fund said on Friday that Sri Lanka had requested financial assistance of about $200 million to address the destruction caused by Cyclone Ditwah.  “The IMF remains closely engaged with Sri Lankan authorities during this challenging period; and is committed to supporting the country as it undertakes urgent efforts …

Sri Lanka requests about $200 million financial aid from IMF due to Cyclone Ditwah Read More »