China encourages people-to-people exchanges with Laos (China Daily/ANN) -- China will increase people-to-people exchanges with Laos and welcomes the return of Lao students who are willing to resume their studies in China, Premier Li Keqiang said when meeting with Laotian Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on Saturday. ... More >>>

- Severe thunderstorms, possible hail forecast across inland NSW as flooding continues
(ABC) -- Flooding and thunderstorms are continuing across inland areas of New South Wales, with the wet weather not expected to clear until Monday afternoon.
... More >>>
- Democratic edge shrinks in Arizona Senate, governor races
PHOENIX (AP) -- Margins between Democrats and Republicans in key Arizona races narrowed considerably Wednesday as election officials chipped away at counting more than half a million mail ballots returned on Election Day and shortly before.... More >>>
- Foreign media follow smart city growth in S. Korea
The South Korean government has policies to support the country’s smart city innovation engine growth programme, to resolve urban problems, pursue sustainable growth, and promote digital economic development. ... More >>>
- China-Laos railway a vivid example of high-quality joint BRI construction between China and ASEAN countries: FM
(Global Times) -- Investment and procurement projects worth tens of billions of yuan have been signed at a China-Laos Railway development and promotion conference during the weekend, as the railway has become a vivid portrayal of the high-quality joint construction of the China-proposed Belt and Road initiative (BRI) between China and ASEAN countries, Zhao Lijian, spokesperson of China’s Foreign Ministry said on Monday. ... More >>>
- Malaysian GE2022 candidates going the extra mile to keep Covid-19 at bay
BENTONG, Pahang (The Star/ANN) – From gulping down cooling herbal drinks to conducting self-tests, Malaysia’s general election candidates and party workers are resorting to every measure available to keep Covid-19 at bay. ... More >>>
- Twitter users can soon get blue check for US$7.99 monthly fee
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- Twitter has announced a subscription service for US$7.99 a month that includes a blue check now given only to verified accounts as new owner Elon Musk works to overhaul the platform’s verification system just ahead of US midterm elections.... More >>>
- France had hottest month of October since 1945: Meteo-France
\ PARIS (Xinhua) -- October 2022 was the hottest month of October in France since 1945, with an average temperature of 17.2 degrees Celsius, ... More >>>
- Naga becomes Thailand’s official national mythological creature
(The Nation/ANN) -- A Cabinet meeting on Tuesday approved the Naga as Thailand’s national mythological creature in a bid to promote the study and conservation of history and culture and drive the creative economy using the creature as a symbol of Thai culture. ... More >>>
- Russia welcome back into grain export deal: UN official
UNITED NATIONS (Xinhua) -- The United Nations looks forward to welcoming Russia back in the fulfilment of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which Moscow has halted following an attack on the Russian Black Sea Fleet, UN relief chief said on Monday. ... More >>>
- Air Communication with Laos opened at Russia’s Vladivostok Airport
VLADIVOSTOK (Sputnik) -- The opening ceremony of air communication between the Russian eastern city of Vladivostok and the Laotian capital of Vientiane took place at the Vladivostok airport, a Sputnik correspondent reported on Saturday. ... More >>>
- 151 dead, 82 injured amid Itaewon Halloween crowd surge: officials
(The Korea Herald/ANN) -- At least 151 people died and more than 82 were injured in a crowd crush in Itaewon, Yongsan-gu, central Seoul, according to fire authorities at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday. The fire department began to receive reports of patients having difficulty breathing at 10:22 p.m. on Saturday. ... More >>>
- Italy’s new cabinet wins final confidence vote
ROME (Xinhua) -- The new Italian cabinet led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni won a confidence vote on Wednesday in the upper house of Italy’s parliament by a comfortable margin. ... More >>>
- Sunak takes over as UK prime minister amid economic crisis
LONDON (AP) -- Rishi Sunak became Britain’s third prime minister this year on Tuesday, tasked with taming an economic crisis that has left the country’s finances in a precarious state and millions struggling to pay their food and energy bills. ... More >>>
- Rishi Sunak, UK’s next PM, faces major economic problems
LONDON (AP) -- Former Treasury chief Rishi Sunak is set to become Britain’s first prime minister of color after being chosen Monday to lead a governing Conservative Party desperate for a safe pair of hands to guide the country through economic and political turbulence. ... More >>>
- Next UK prime minister: Sunak closes in after Johnson balks
LONDON (AP) -- Former Treasury chief Rishi Sunak is strong favorite to become Britain’s next prime minister within days — or even hours — after former leader Boris Johnson dropped out of the Conservative Party leadership contest. ... More >>>
- Xi Jinping elected general secretary of CPC Central Committee: communique
BEIJING (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping was elected general secretary of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) at the committee’s first plenary session held on Sunday, according to a communique. ... More >>>
- Truss faces clamor to quit amid UK government chaos                   
LONDON (AP) -- UK Prime Minister Liz Truss was hanging on to power by a thread on Thursday, after a senior minister quit her government with a barrage of criticism and a vote in the House of Commons descended into chaos and acrimony. ... More >>>
- EU proposes new measures to combat high energy prices
BRUSSELS (Xinhua) -- The European Commission has proposed a new package of measures aimed at improving stability in European gas markets. ... More >>>
- Russia, Asean countries adopting new payment systems
Russia and some members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) are in the process of adopting new payment systems after facing financial transaction difficulties as a result of ongoing sanctions against Russia. ... More >>>
- CPC vows to boost modernisation
(China Daily/ANN) -- The Communist Party of China has vowed to comprehensively advance national rejuvenation through ... More >>>
- Presidium of 20th CPC National Congress holds first meeting
BEIJING (Xinhua) -- The presidium of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) held its first meeting on Saturday afternoon at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. ... More >>>
- CPC sets stage for historic 20th Congress
(China Daily/ANN) -- The four-day seventh plenary session of the 19th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, which concluded in Beijing on Wednesday, decided that the Party’s 20th National Congress will open on Sunday, according to a communique issued after the meeting. ... More >>>
- Flood control expert team departs for Pakistan
(China Daily/ANN) -- A group of 11 Chinese experts has departed for Pakistan to assist in the country’s flood control efforts, according to the Ministry of Emergency Management. ... More >>>
- Japan needs a movement to support marriage among young people
A promotional photo for outdoor wedding receptions at Nemu Resort in Shima, Mie Prefecture. Fewer and fewer people are getting married in Japan, causing the number of births to decline. ... More >>>
- Thai police investigating CNN crew's coverage of attack that left more than 20 preschoolers dead
UTHAI SAWAN, Thailand (AP) -- Thai police are investigating a report that a CNN crew inappropriately entered the day care centre while reporting on the aftermath of the massacre in the building that left more than 20 preschoolers dead, authorities said Sunday. ... More >>>
- Russia ready to contribute to solution of global food problems - Putin
MOSCOW (TASS) -- Russia is ready to participate in solving global food problems and to help the poorest countries in particular ... More >>>
- Blast in Gangneung as missile veers inland
REPUBLIC OF KOREA (The Korea Herald/ANN) -- South Korea’s military will launch an investigation into the failed launch of its operational ballistic missile,
... More >>>
- US national debt exceeds US$31 trillion amid rising interest rates
WASHINGTON (Xinhua) -- The US national debt has surpassed US$31 trillion for the first time amid higher interest rates, raising concerns about fiscal sustainability.
The total public debt ... More >>>
- UN chief urges all countries headed to COP27 to prioritise climate action
UNITED NATIONS (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday called on all countries to make climate action the global priority. ... More >>>
- In Hurricane Ian’s wake, dangers persist, worsen in parts
FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) -- People kayaking down streets that were passable just a day or two earlier. Hundreds of thousands without power. National Guard helicopters flying rescue missions to residents still stranded on Florida’s barrier islands. ... More >>>
- CBM announced that importing of fuel may use Chinese currency
(Eleven Media/ANN) -- Central Bank of Myanmar (CBM) announced on September 30 that importing of fuel may use Chinese currency.... More >>>
- 129 dead after fans stampede to exit Indonesian soccer match
MALANG, Indonesia (AP) -- Panic at an Indonesian soccer match after police fired tear gas to stop brawls left 129 dead, mostly trampled to death, police said Sunday. ... More >>>
- People trapped, 2M without power after Ian swamps SW Florida
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) -- Hurricane Ian left a path of destruction in southwest Florida, trapping people in flooded homes, ... More >>>
- Pollution from Florida mining a concern with Hurricane Ian
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) --The polluted leftovers of Florida’s phosphate fertiliser mining industry, more than 1 billion tons in “stacks” that resemble enormous ponds, are at risk for leaks or other contamination when Hurricane Ian comes ashore in the state, environmental groups say. ... More >>>
- Japan gives former PM Shinzo Abe a final send-off
TOKYO (Straits Times/ANN) -- Former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe, a giant in diplomacy yet controversial at home, was given a final send-off in a state funeral attended by about 4,300 guests, including 700 from abroad, on Tuesday. ... More >>>
- Powerful typhoon leaves 5 rescuers dead in north Philippines
MANILA, Philippines (AP)  -- Typhoon Noru blew out of the northern Philippines on Monday, leaving five rescuers dead, causing floods and power outages and forcing officials to suspend classes and government work in the capital and outlying provinces. ... More >>>
- NASA delays moon rocket launch due to potential hurricane
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) -- NASA is skipping next week’s launch attempt of its new moon rocket because of a tropical storm that’s expected to become a major hurricane. ... More >>>
- China signs cooperation memorandum with Laos, Kazakhstan to establish yuan clearing arrangements
(Global Times) -- The People's Bank of China (PBC), China's central bank, announced on Tuesday that it has signed a cooperation memorandum with the ... More >>>
- South-east Asian coastal cities sinking fastest, could worsen impacts of sea level rise: Study
SINGAPORE (Straits Times/ANN) -- South-east Asian coastal cities are sinking the fastest globally, which could amplify the impacts - such as massive flooding - of imminent sea-level rise, a recent study has found. ... More >>>
- UN General Assembly highlights world’s to-do list to save global goals
UNITED NATIONS (Xinhua) -- The UN secretary-general and the president of the 77th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) on Monday joined world leaders and goodwill ambassadors in a global call to rescue the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and get back on track to building a better world that “leaves no one behind.” ... More >>>
- Storm hits southwest Japan, leaves 1 dead, another missing
TOKYO (AP) -- A tropical storm slammed southwestern Japan with rainfall and winds Monday, leaving one person dead and another missing, as it swerved north toward Tokyo. ... More >>>
- Xi attends restricted session of SCO Samarkand summit
SAMARKAND, Uzbekistan (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has attended here the restricted session of the 22nd meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). ... More >>>
- WHO warns future waves of COVID-19 infection as deaths drop
GENEVA (Xinhua) -- The World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Wednesday that future coronavirus waves are expected and that governments across the world need to remain vigilant and ready to respond to any threat that may emerge. ... More >>>
- 77th session of UN General Assembly opens
UNITED NATIONS (Xinhua) -- The 77th session of the UN General Assembly was declared open on Tuesday by new General Assembly President Csaba Korosi.
... More >>>
- King Charles in Belfast, queen’s coffin to return to London
EDINBURGH, Scotland (AP) -- King Charles was flying to Northern Ireland Tuesday on the latest leg of his tour of the nations that make up the United Kingdom, as thousands of people lined up through the night to pay their last respects to his mother’s coffin in Edinburgh. ... More >>>
- Emperor’s attendance at Queens Elizabeth II’s funeral planned in 1st overseas trip
JAPAN (The Yomiuri Shimbun/ANN) -- The government is making arrangements for the Emperor to visit Britain to attend the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, The Yomiuri Shimbun has learned. ... More >>>
- PM receives Minister - Head of Lao PM’s Office
HANOI (Vietnam News) -- Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính hosted a reception in Hanoi on Friday for Minister - Head of the Lao Prime Minister’s Office Mr Alounxay Sounnalath. ... More >>>
- Rescuers race against time to save lives at epicentre
(China Daily/ANN) -- Since the magnitude 6.8 earthquake shook Luding county, Sichuan province, at 12:52 pm on Monday, rescuers have been challenging their physical limits to reach disaster-hit areas to transfer the injured to hospitals and send relief materials, ... More >>>
- Childcare workers protest across the country, shutting down centres as they demand improved wages, conditions and respect
(ABC) -- Crowds are gathering in cities across the country as more than 1,000 childcare centres shut down and thousands of early childhood workers protest over pay and conditions. ... More >>>
- 66 dead, 248 injured as Sichuan quake rescue work continues
(Xinhua/China Daily) -- The death toll from the 6.8-magnitude earthquake that hit Luding county in Sichuan province on Monday has risen to 66, with damaged roads, aftershocks and rain hindering rescue work. ... More >>>
- China rushes team after quake jolts Sichuan county
(China Daily/ANN) -- A 6.8-magnitude earthquake jolted Luding county in Ganzi Tibetan autonomous prefecture in Southwest China’s Sichuan province at 12:52 pm ... More >>>
- Giant 1,800sq.m flag flown in HCM City to celebrate Vietnam’s National Day
HCM CITY (Vietnam News/ANN) -- An enormous Vietnam flag was flown into the sky by hot air balloon in HCM City on Thursday as a highlight of the city’s activities to celebrate the 77th anniversary of National Day (September 2, 1945 – 2022). ... More >>>
- Sri Lanka crisis would deepen if creditors disagree, IMF says amid China concerns
ECONOMYNEXT (The Island/ANN) -- Sri Lanka’s ongoing economic crisis would deepen if one creditor disagrees, a senior International Monetary Fund (IMF) official said amid concerns that China would not go along with Western creditors on debt restructuring on an equal footing.... More >>>
- COVID-19 hospitalisations, deaths may increase with colder weather: WHO
GENEVA (Xinhua) -- The World Health Organisation (WHO) warned on Wednesday that despite current downward trend in new COVID-19 cases, more hospitalisations and deaths are expected in the coming months as colder weather approaches. ... More >>>
- Mikhail Gorbachev dead at 91 after being diagnosed with serious illness - Central Clinical Hospital
(Sputnik) -- Gorbachev was the first and last president of the USSR and de facto the last head of the state from 1985 to the Soviet Union’s collapse in 1991. ... More >>>
- Europe’s economic woes to bring big changes
(China Daily/ANN) -- Germany’s economy may slip into recession this winter, as its inflation rate is expected to reach above 10 percent in the fall, according to the monthly report issued by the Deutsche Bundesbank, Germany’s central bank, on Aug 22. ... More >>>
- International aid reaches flood-ravaged Pakistan
ISLAMABAD (AP) -- International aid was reaching Pakistan on Monday, as the military and volunteers desperately tried to evacuate many thousands stranded by widespread flooding driven by “monster ... More >>>
- China relaxes its rules for cross-border travelers
(China Daily/ANN) -- China’s Customs authority said on Thursday that cross-border travelers will soon no longer need to report their COVID-19 nucleic acid test results, previous infection history and vaccination dates when going through Customs. ... More >>>
- Malaysia’s jailed ex-PM Najib may end up serving only eight years in prison, lawyers say
PETALING JAYA (THE STAR/ANN) -- Malaysia’s disgraced former prime minister Najib Razak may serve a much shorter period in prison ... More >>>
- Europe facing worst drought in 500 years: EU agency
BRUSSELS (Xinhua) -- Europe is experiencing its worst drought in at least 500 years, with almost two-thirds of the continent in a state of alert or warning, a European Union (EU) agency said here on Tuesday. ... More >>>
- Virus apathy threatens UK booster plan
(China Daily/ANN) -- Healthcare experts in the United Kingdom are concerned that a growing nonchalance about the novel coronavirus could dilute the nation’s next rollout of booster jabs, and let COVID-19 flare once again. ... More >>>
- Dockers begin strike at UK’s largest port
(China Daily/ANN)  -- Nearly 2,000 workers at the United Kingdom’s busiest container port began an eight-day strike over pay on Sunday. ... More >>>
- Heatwaves, severe droughts cause Europe searing pain
ROME (Xinhua) -- Historic heatwaves and droughts have set the tone for Europe this summer, which has been gripped by blistering heat, devastating forest blazes, little precipitation and dried up rivers and lakes. ... More >>>
- More than 35,000 cases of monkeypox reported worldwide
(China Daily/ANN) -- More than 35,000 cases of monkeypox and 12 deaths have now been reported to the World Health Organisation, from 92 countries and territories, the health agency said on Wednesday. ... More >>>
- EU’s economic outlook dimmed by inflation, energy crisis
BRUSSELS (Xinhua) -- Inflation across Europe has hit another record high and the months-long energy crisis shows no sign of abating, but weakening consumption and darkening economic prospect.
The European Union’s (EU) has asked its member states to cut energy demand, a move whose efficacy is in doubt. The bloc’s economic outlook, plagued by surging inflation and energy crisis, has become increasingly grim with lingering risks of recession. ... More >>>
- Ministry warns of increasing serious COVID-19 cases
Hanoi (Vietnam news/ANN) -- The Ministry of Health has warned of an increase in the number of new COVID-19 infections as well as critical cases.
Over the past week, Vietnam has recorded an average of 2,000 new COVID-19 patients each day. ... More >>>
- Fire at Cairo Coptic church kills 41, including 15 children
CAIRO (AP) -- A fire ripped through a packed Coptic Orthodox church during morning services in Egypt’s capital on Sunday, quickly filling it with thick black smoke and killing 41 worshippers, including at least 15 children. ... More >>>
- White paper gives clarity to reunification
(China Daily/ANN) – The recently published white paper clearly demonstrates the prospects of peaceful reunification of the two sides of the Taiwan Straits under the principle of “one country, two systems”, experts said. ... More >>>
- Party chief praises special relations with Laos in meeting with Vientiane leader
Hanoi (Vietnam News) -- Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trọng on Wednesday hosted a reception in Hanoi for Anouphap Tounalom, Chairman of the People’s Council of Laos’ capital of Vientiane. ... More >>>
- New Langya virus infects 35 people in China; experts studying whether it can spread between humans
BEIJING (The Straits Times/ANN) -- A new virus, which can be transmitted to humans from animals, has infected 35 people in Shandong and Henan provinces, according to a study by scientists from China, Singapore and Australia published in the New England Journal of Medicine. ... More >>>
- Heaviest rainfall in 115 years wreaks havoc on greater Seoul
(The Korea Herald/ANN) --  Record-setting heavy rain hit Seoul and surrounding areas on Monday night and Tuesday morning, wreaking havoc across the region. The rainfall -- the highest amount recorded in Seoul in 115 years -- left several dead and displaced hundreds. Severe flooding occurred in many parts of the capital, leading to significant infrastructure and property damage. ... More >>>
- Europe cautious over new vaccines
(China Daily/ANN) -- The head of the European Union’s medical regulation agency says she does not believe the COVID-19 pandemic is over and that ... More >>>
- ASEAN Reasserting Its Capacity to Act as One Even on Highly Controversial Issues, Professor Says
(Sputnik) -- August 8 marks the 55th anniversary since the creation of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), an intergovernmental organisation that promotes economic, security, political, educational, and cultural interaction between its 10 member states... More >>>
- Heavy rain kills seven, leaves six missing
(The Korea Herald/ANN) -- Record heavy rain in the Seoul area on Monday night and Tuesday morning left seven people dead and six others missing. .. More >>>
- S Koreans look the other way amid likely resurgence of new Covid wave
(The Korea Herald/ANN) -- South Koreans are not letting rising cases of Covid-19 get in the way of their summer plans, with travel and businesses already freed up by current policies... More >>>
- PM leaves it to Constitutional Court to decide his fate as PM
(The Nation/ANN) -- Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha reiterated on Monday that the Constitutional Court will decide when he will reach the eight-year limit of his premiership.. More >>>
- Thailand hits accelerator on extension of China-Laos railway
(The Nation/ANN) -- Officials from several Thai ministries will visit Vientiane later this month to discuss the Thailand extension of the China-Laos railway. The August 30-September 1 talks will focus on linking Vientiane with Nong Khai, Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob said on Sunday... More >>>
- Asean nations bolster climate commitments with renewed call for climate action within UN frameworks
(The Phnom Penh Post/ANN) – Asean diplomats renewed their commitment to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Paris Agreement and COP-15, especially the principle of shared responsibility ... More >>>
- Thailand steps up efforts for closer rail links with Laos and China
(The Nation/ANN) -- Several state organisations have received orders from the Transport Ministry to improve rail transportation between Thailand, Laos and China.
Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob said on Thursday after the meeting with the committee to connect railways between the three countries.... More >>>

- Firefighters partially surround deadly California fire
KLAMATH RIVER, Calif. (AP) -- Firefighters have gotten their first hold on California’s deadliest and most destructive fire of the year and expected that the blaze would remain stalled through the weekend. ... More >>>
- Hun Sen: ASEAN 5PC achieves little in Myanmar
(The Phnom Penh Post/ANN) -- Prime Minister Hun Sen said the current situation in Myanmar is seemingly worse than it was before the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus (5PC) was reached in April last year, with the ongoing crisis exacerbated by the recent execution of four opposition activists. ... More >>>
- UN chief welcomes 1st sailing of vessel from Ukraine’s Odesa under grain export deal
UNITED NATIONS (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday welcomed the first commercial vessel sailing from Ukraine’s Odesa under the Black Sea Grain Initiative brokered by the United Nations and Türkiye. ... More >>>
- ‘Active, fruitful’ negotiations expected as 55th AMM officially kicks off Aug 3
(The Phnom Penh Post/ANN) -- The 55th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) and Related Meetings are underway in Phnom Penh, with the official opening ... More >>>
- Asean keeps firm focus on recovery
(China Daily/ANN) -- Efforts to promote sustainable development as part of Southeast Asia’s recovery from the pandemic are likely to feature high on the agenda when foreign ministers from the Asean grouping meet in Cambodia next week. ... More >>>
- Vietnam enhances special relationship with Laos 
VIENTIANE (Vietnam News/ANN) -- Secretary of the Party Central Committee and President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) ... More >>>
- Call for urgent monkeypox response
(China Daily/ANN) -- Health authorities are running out of time in the battle to control the global monkeypox outbreak, according to experts who said funding, awareness and equitable access to vaccines are essential to prevent the spread of the virus. ... More >>>
- Long Covid poses a bigger problem, study shows
(The Nation/ANN) -- People who have recovered from Covid-19 may develop up to 62 underlying conditions that may last for many weeks or even months. ... More >>>
- Thailand declares national monkeypox alert after emergency meeting
(The Nation/ANN) -- Thailand on Sunday upgraded its monkeypox alert to the national level after an emergency meeting of health agencies and the public health minister. ... More >>>
- UN health agency chief declares monkeypox a global emergency
LONDON (AP) -- The expanding monkeypox outbreak in more than 70 countries is an “extraordinary” situation that qualifies as a global emergency, the World Health Organisation chief said Saturday, a declaration that could spur further investment in treating the once-rare disease and worsen the scramble for scarce vaccines. ... More >>>
- China, EU agree to jointly tackle global economic challenges
BEIJING (Xinhua) -- China and the European Union have agreed to make joint efforts to promote practical cooperation in the field of economy and trade, ... More >>>
- Raisi, Putin vow to expand Iran-Russia cooperation, ensure regional security
TEHRAN (Xinhua) -- Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin held talks here on Tuesday, agreeing to further strengthen bilateral relations and expand cooperation to ensure security in the region. ... More >>>
- Sri Lankan lawmakers prepare to vote on new president
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) -- The leader of Sri Lanka’s main opposition party withdrew his candidacy for president on Tuesday, throwing his support to another contender as lawmakers prepared to choose a successor to the ousted leader who fled the country last week. ... More >>>
- Sri Lanka seeks global support
(China Daily/ANN) -- Crisis-hit Sri Lanka needs a new functioning government to overcome its economic and political predicament, experts say. ... More >>>
- Singapore expects 4 to 6 million visitors in 2022
SINGAPORE (Straits Times) -- As global travel picks up, about four to six million visitors will be expected in Singapore this year, said the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) on Thursday (July 14).
In the first half of 2022, there were 1.5 million visitor arrivals - nearly 12 times more compared to the same period last year.
The top five visitor markets were Indonesia, India, Malaysia, Australia and the Philippines, accounting for over half the total visitor arrivals from January to June.
Visitors from Indonesia, India and Malaysia in particular, registered the highest year-on-year growth in numbers. ... More >>>
- Sri Lankan president flees the country amid economic crisis
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) -- The president of Sri Lanka fled the country early Wednesday, days after protesters stormed his home and office and the official residence of his prime minister amid a monthslong economic crisis that triggered severe shortages of food and fuel. ... More >>>
- Cooperation of Laos and China benefits both
(China Daily/ANN) -- Five years after President Xi Jinping was in Laos on a state visit, Sommano Pholsena, an old schoolmate of his, is happy to see the fruit of collaboration between the two countries. ... More >>>
- Japan’s ruling bloc set to secure majority of contested seats in upper house election
TOKYO (Xinhua) -- Japan’s ruling bloc of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and Komeito is set to secure a majority of seats contested in the House of Councilors election on Sunday, maintaining its majority in the upper chamber, Kyodo News exit polls showed. ... More >>>
- Sri Lanka president, PM to resign after tumultuous protests
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) -- Sri Lanka’s president and prime minister agreed to resign Saturday after the country’s most chaotic day in months of political turmoil, with protesters storming both officials’ homes and setting fire to one of the buildings in a rage over the nation’s severe economic crisis.
... More >>>
- Asean nations to benefit from US$134 million UK trust fund
South East Asian nations including Laos are set to benefit from a £107 million (about US$134 million) UK trust fund designed to finance climate-friendly infrastructure and leverage green growth opportunities.... More >>>
- Lao ambassador attends Economic and Trade Exchange Conference in China
Officials from Chongqing, China and Laos discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in culture, education, economy, trade and investment. ... More >>>
- Two key UK ministers resign in protest against PM’s leadership
LONDON (Xinhua) -- British Health Secretary Sajid Javid and Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak resigned on Tuesday in protest against ... More >>>
- Xi ‘set tone’ for future of ‘one country, two systems’
(China daily/ANN) -- President Xi Jinping’s speech during celebrations marking the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to the motherland cleared up any doubts about ... More >>>
- Xi confident in Hong Kong’s future of feats and glory
HONG KONG (Xinhua) -- President Xi Jinping on Friday expressed confidence in Hong Kong’s take-off toward “a splendid feat” with the solid implementation of “one country, two systems.”... More >>>