Reuters Asia Top

BEIJING (Reuters) – China has complained to Germany after its foreign minister labelled President Xi Jinping a “dictator”, the Chinese foreign ministry said on Monday, calling the title “absurd” and an “open political provocation”. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock made the remarks in a live interview with Fox News last week when asked about Russia’s …

China complains to Germany after foreign minister calls Xi a ‘dictator’ Read More »

DUBAI (Reuters) – The United States and Iran are to free five detainees each under an exchange agreement that also involves the transfer of $6 billion of unfrozen Iranian assets from South Korea to accounts in Qatar. The deal removes one major irritant between Iran and the U.S., whose animosity dates back to the Central …

Timeline: U.S.-Iran relations from 1953 coup to 2023 detainee swap deal Read More »

By Greg Torode and Yew Lun Tian HONG KONG (Reuters) – The disappearance of Chinese Defence Minister Li Shangfu highlights the opaque and complex nature of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), diplomats and analysts say. Reuters reported on Friday that Li is under investigation over the corrupt procurement of military equipment during his previous role. …

Explainer-China’s military hierarchy under spotlight after defence minister disappears Read More »

By Devjyot Ghoshal, Napat Wesshasartar and Pasit Kongkunakornkul CHAI NAT, Thailand (Reuters) – After finishing her latest rice harvest, Sripai Kaeo-eam hurriedly cleared her fields and planted a new crop in late August — ignoring a Thai government advisory to restrict further sowing of the grain this year to conserve water. “This crop is our …

Soaring rice prices sow hope – and trouble – for indebted Thai farmers Read More »

By Ben Blanchard and Yimou Lee TAIPEI (Reuters) -Taiwan’s defence ministry on Monday urged China to stop “destructive, unilateral action” after reporting a sharp rise in Chinese military activities near the island, warning such behaviour could lead to a sharp increase in tensions. China, which views democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory, has in …

Taiwan urges China to stop ‘destructive’ military activities Read More »

BANGKOK (Reuters) – Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said on Monday his government will be rolling out more policies by the year’s end to lower living costs, including gradually reducing electricity prices and raising the minimum daily wage. To counter soft demand for Thai exports and low investor confidence, Srettha and his 11-party government have …

Thailand to roll out more populist policies this year – PM Read More »