Category: Asia & Pacific

‘Deeply Concerning War’: Australia, Indonesia Condemn Russia While Sending Message to Beijing

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Indonesian President Joko Widodo jointly denounced Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, noting its effects on the global economy through inflation, disrupted supply chains, and worsening food insecurity. Mr. Albanese welcomed Mr. Widodo to Australia on July 4 during the annual Australia-Indonesia leaders’ meeting in Sydney, where they deepened links between…


Australia to Ease Visa Rules to Boost Indonesian Ties

Business travel for Indonesians to Australia will be made easier in a bid to boost the economic partnership between the two countries following a deal struck between Anthony Albanese and President Joko Widodo. The pair met for talks in Sydney on Tuesday during the Indonesian president’s three-day visit to Australia. Visa changes, climate initiative funding and…


Plan to Pour Radioactive Waste From Fukushima Nuclear Plant Into Pacific Ocean Is Safe: IAEA

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has concluded that Japan’s plans to release radioactive water from the damaged Fukushima nuclear plant into the Pacific Ocean are consistent with international safety standards. In a report published on July 4 (pdf), the IAEA, a United Nations body, said that the findings followed a comprehensive assessment and safety review of…


Polish Climber Dies After Scaling Pakistan’s ‘Killer Mountain,’ Nanga Parbat

PESHAWAR, Pakistan—A Polish climber has died after scaling Pakistan’s Nanga Parbat, known as “killer mountain” for its dangerous conditions, local police and a mountaineering official said Tuesday. Pawel Tomasz Kopec had suffered breathing problems while descending the 8,126-meter (26,660-foot) mountain with two other climbers in harsh weather conditions, a local police official Zahid Hussain said….


China’s Defense Minister and Russia’s Navy Chief Meet for First Military Talks Since Wagner Revolt

BEIJING—China’s defense minister reaffirmed the country’s military relations with Russia during a meeting Monday with the head of Russia’s navy, the first formal military talks between the friendly neighbors since a short-lived mutiny by Russian mercenary group Wagner. Minister of National Defense Li Shangfu told Russian Adm. Nikolai Yevmenov that the Chinese regime hoped for…


New Zealand Beware of Complying With Dictatorship Demands

Commentary It seems that Chinese leader Xi Jinping is particularly sensitive to being described as a “dictator.” When U.S. President Joe Biden used the description, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) was outraged, with its mouthpiece, the Global Times calling it a vicious attack. If Biden had said that Xi was the “leader of a dictatorship,”…


Beijing Offers Bounties for 8 Human Rights Dissidents Living in US, Australia, UK

Hong Kong police are offering $1 million (US$127,650) bounties for information on eight human rights dissidents currently residing in the United States, UK, and Australia. On July 3, the National Security Department of the Hong Kong Police Force issued arrest warrants for the eight individuals, alleging they had contravened the National Security Law. The law…


Beijing Offers $120,000 Bounties for Human Rights Dissidents Living in US, Australia, UK

Hong Kong police are offering $1 million (US$127,650) bounties for information on eight human rights dissidents currently residing in the United States, UK, and Australia. On July 3, the National Security Department of the Hong Kong Police Force issued arrest warrants for the eight individuals, alleging they had contravened the National Security Law. The law…


Hong Kong Offers $120,000 Bounties for Human Rights Dissidents Living in US, Australia, UK

Hong Kong police are offering $1 million (US$127,650) bounties for information on eight human rights dissidents currently residing in the United States, UK, and Australia. On July 3, the National Security Department of the Hong Kong Police Force issued arrest warrants for the eight individuals, alleging they had contravened the National Security Law. The law…


Thai King Inaugurates Parliament as Move Forward Party Looks to Lead New Government

Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn inaugurated the opening of parliament on Monday, setting the stage for an attempt by the progressive Move Forward Party to form a government after its surprise election win six weeks ago. Move Forward won big support from youth voters and the capital Bangkok, campaigning overwhelmingly on social media on an anti-establishment…