South Korea was in mourning Monday as investigators worked to determine the cause of a plane crash in Muen that killed 179 of the 181 people on board. Acting President Choi Sang-mok appeared on Monday at a memorial in Muan, about 290 kilometers south of Seoul, where he laid a wreath and bowed in respect … Read more
Seoul, South Korea – North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said he will impose the “toughest” anti-US policy, less than a month before Donald Trump takes over as US president, the country’s state media reported on Sunday. Trump’s return to the White House raises the prospect of high-profile diplomacy with North Korea. During his first … Read more
Seoul, South Korea – A North Korean soldier captured while fighting in Russia’s war against Ukraine has died of wounds, South Korea’s spy agency said Friday. Pyongyang has deployed thousands of troops to reinforce Russia’s military, including in the Kursk border area, where Ukraine made a sudden border incursion in August. One of those North … Read more
Tokyo— Japan’s government on Friday approved a record budget for the next fiscal year, boosting spending on social welfare and defense to deal with regional threats as the population ages. The $730 billion budget for the year through April 2025, approved by the Cabinet, includes $55 billion in defense spending. It also includes social security … Read more
Seoul, South Korea – South Korea’s spy agency said Friday it has confirmed that a North Korean soldier sent to support Russia’s war against Ukraine has been captured by Ukrainian forces. Pyongyang has deployed thousands of troops to reinforce Russian forces, including in the Kursk border area, where Ukraine made a sudden border incursion in … Read more
Beijing/Tokyo — Japan said on Wednesday that talks between the foreign ministers of China and Japan in Beijing paved the way for Japan to host China’s foreign affairs chief next year and reached a mutual agreement to hold security talks as soon as possible. Is. No details were given on when the events would take … Read more
Bangkok- New Vietnamese internet rules requiring Facebook and TikTok to verify users’ identities and hand over data to authorities came into force on Wednesday, in what critics say is the latest attack on freedom of expression in the Southeast Asian nation. Under “Decree 147”, all tech giants operating in Vietnam are required to verify users’ … Read more
Beijing— Efforts will continue in 2025 to stabilize and prevent further decline in China’s real estate market, China Construction News reported, citing a work conference held by the housing regulator on Tuesday and Wednesday. The report said that China will vigorously promote the reform of the commercial housing sales system, and expand the scope of … Read more
Hong Kong – Hong Kong on Tuesday stepped up security in the financial hub, imposing rewards of HK$1 million or $128,728 on six more pro-democracy campaigners accused of violating national security laws and revoking the passports of seven others. Hong Kong Security Secretary Chris Tang said six people based overseas, including Britain and the United … Read more
Bangkok- Thailand says regional talks held Friday on a stalled peace plan for Myanmar were “clear” but failed to reach agreement on a way forward. Members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, gathered in Bangkok to discuss a five-point consensus agreed to by the bloc in April 2021, two months after Myanmar’s … Read more