Tag: Asia & Pacific

Argentine Soccer Star Lionel Messi Detained by Chinese Police at Beijing Airport Due to Visa Issue

Argentine soccer superstar Lionel Messi arrived in Beijing on June 10 ahead of a friendly game against Australia in Beijing’s Workers Stadium on June 15, but was detained by Chinese police at the airport for more than two hours due to a visa issue. This was Messi’s seventh visit to China, and hordes of fans…


Japan’s Prime Minister Announces ‘Last Chance’ to Reverse Declining Birthrate

Japan’s leader unveiled a plan on June 13 to reverse the country’s falling birthrate, warning that Japan has entered its “last chance” period to address the crisis and avoid facing a “shrinking” society. “Now is the last chance to reverse the downtrend in childbirth by the 2030s,” Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said at a…


US Concerned Over Possible North Korea Weapons Transfer to Russia

The United States has voiced concern over the potential transfer of additional weapons from North Korea to Russia as the communist state’s leader vowed “full support” for Russia amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. A State Department spokesperson confirmed that North Korea delivered infantry rockets and missiles to the Russian private military firm Wagner Group…


Japanese Teen Soldier Arrested After Shooting Leaves at Least 1 Dead

A teenage Japanese soldier allegedly opened fire with a rifle at an army training base on Wednesday, resulting in the death of at least one soldier and injuries to two others, according to local reports. Police arrested the suspected shooter, an 18-year-old Japan Self-Defense Force (SDF) recruit, on suspicion of attempted murder. The shooting happened…


US Needs to Lend More to IMF, Other Global Institutions to Bolster Influence: Yellen

The United States needs to have a greater leadership role in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and other international financial institutions to support impoverished countries and limit China’s influence, says Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen. Yellen appeared before the House Financial Services Committee, defending a proposal to bolster the government’s participation in the IMF’s New Arrangements…


New Zealand Property Downturn Appears to Be Near the Bottom

New Zealand’s residential housing price slump may be nearing its end, but experts are warning that there is still a period of uncertainty and volatility ahead. The latest data from Quotable Value’s (QV) House Price Index showed that falling home prices have slowed for the second month in a row. Over the three months to…


Cambodia Begins Construction of China-Funded Expressway Linking Vietnam

Cambodia has begun the construction of its second expressway, funded by a Chinese company, which will link the capital Phnom Penh with Bavet city on the eastern border with Vietnam. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen presided over a groundbreaking ceremony for the Phnom Penh-Bavet expressway on June 7, the second after the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville expressway—also…


US Says China Envoy Attempted to Use ‘Pressure Tactic’ on South Korea

The United States said that recent remarks by China’s envoy, in which he warned South Korea against betting on China’s loss in a rivalry with the United States, may have been intended as a “pressure tactic” on South Korea. During a press briefing at the White House on June 12, John Kirby, spokesman for the…


7 Die as Cyclone Barrels Towards Western India, Pakistan

AHMEDABAD/MUMBAI—Four boys drowned in rough seas off the western Indian financial hub of Mumbai on Tuesday as India and Pakistan began evacuating people from coastal areas, two days before a cyclone is expected to make landfall. Classified as a very severe cyclonic storm, Biparjoy is expected to land around Thursday evening between Mandvi in India’s…


Thailand’s PM Frontrunner Faces Election Probe Over Shares in Media Firm

Thailand’s polling body said Monday that it will investigate if front-running prime ministerial candidate Pita Limjaroenrat is qualified to run for office, which could derail his plan of forming a new government. The Election Commission said the probe will determine whether Pita ran in last month’s election despite being aware of his disqualification owing to…