World

In response to concerns sparked by China’s reported urea export restrictions, South Korea’s Ministry of Economy and Finance has reassured the public that the nation will not face a urea shortage crisis. The Finance Ministry emphasized the diversification of urea import sources over the past two years, contributing to price stability. Although China’s urea suppliers announced a reduction in export …

As the US looks at sealing Vietnam as its comprehensive strategic partner this Sunday, China has enhanced political trust between Beijing and Hanoi. Liu Jianchao, the Chinese Communist Party’s international department head, met with Vietnam’s ruling party leader Nguyen Phu Trong. Both sides agreed to solidify their mutual political trust and boost cooperation in meeting challenges. The US President Joe …

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol on Tuesday will embark on a trip to Indonesia for the 43rd ASEAN Summit continuing till September 7 before landing in New Delhi, India, for the G20 Summit from September 9 – 10, Yonhap News Agency reported. This will be the second consecutive year Yoon has attended both gatherings, highlighting the importance his administration places …

People in Taiwan woke up on Monday to persistent rainfall, floods and toppled trees as Typhoon Haikui made landfall and swept overnight across its central mountain ranges. Although Haikui had initially appeared to move through the island and out to sea, it made a second landfall early Monday in southwestern Kaohsiung – before it weakened to a severe storm. There …

A UK study suggests that blood clots in the brain or lungs, including brain fog and fatigue are some common symptoms of “long Covid”. Experts say it’s a combination of someone’s health before, the acute event itself and what happens afterwards that lead on to physical and mental health consequences.  According to the Department of Health and Aged Care, problems …

As Indonesia’s future capital, Nusantara, in East Kalimantan on the island of Borneo awaits construction completion and prepares to welcome its first residents within a few months, some nearby villagers have expressed concerns over eviction or displacement without compensation. Farmer Pandi from the village of Sepaku about 20 km away had a rude surprise earlier this year when stakes appeared …

Singapore and Vietnam explore greater air connectivity as the two ASEAN member states look to bolster their relationship. It appears Singaporean and Vietnamese carriers could soon ferry passengers and deliver goods to other destinations with more ease, by continuing on after transiting in either country. This is one of the key areas of collaboration that Singapore wishes to embark on …

Amid rising concerns over a declining national birthrate, China’s eastern county of Changshan is offering newlyweds a “reward” of $137 for brides who marry aged 25 or younger. It’s the latest in a series of measures to encourage young people across the country to get married. The cash reward is meant to promote “age-appropriate marriage and childbearing”. The notice also …

Tokyo’s embassy in Beijing has urged its citizens there to behave with caution and avoid speaking their native tongue “loudly unnecessarily”, while a number of Japanese companies continue receiving abusive calls in the wake of the Fukushima wastewater release. Beijing Accused Of Hypocrisy While Japan insists the treated radioactive water is safe – a view supported by the International Atomic …

Expressing deepening concerns over the risk of radioactive contamination, Chinese customs authorities announced on Thursday an immediate blanket ban on all aquatic products from Japan as Tokyo starts releasing treated radioactive water from the Fukushima power plant. The Japanese government signed off on the controversial release plan into the Pacific Ocean two years ago, with the UN nuclear watchdog greenlighting …