ASEAN News

North Korea has freed jailed American citizen Travis King to a third country, signaling a diplomatic breakthrough in a case keenly observed by world observers. The release follows diplomatic efforts and negotiations between the parties involved, and it highlights the difficulties of North Korean international relations. According to reports, Travis King, a US citizen who had been jailed in North …

Japan is keeping a careful eye on the spread of a novel coronavirus type known as EG5, which is gaining traction in the country. The development comes as health officials stay alert in their efforts to contain the virus’s spread and modify their response techniques to changing obstacles. The EG5 variety, which is distinguished by particular genetic alterations, has been …

Iran has declared the use of recently freed South Korean cash for the buying of non-sanctioned items, in a significant development aimed at boosting its economy and establishing foreign trade connections. The announcement comes as both countries aim to deepen bilateral ties and promote economic collaboration. According to a senior Iranian official who spoke on the condition of anonymity owing …

The Philippines Department of Agriculture has begun negotiations with Vietnam and India with the government expected to lower rice prices across the country. Philippines received lower export quotations from Vietnam and hopes to achieve the same with India.  Domingo Panganiban, Department of Agriculture (DA) Senior Undersecretary, said Vietnamese exporters have quoted rice prices that are $30 – $40 lower to …

LGBTQ+ people in Malaysia face discrimination as homosexuality remains illegal in the country. In the latest incident, owners or sellers of rainbow-coloured timepieces by Swatch could receive a prison sentence of up to three years, as the government strives to prevent the “spread of elements that are harmful or may be harmful to morals,” the interior ministry said in a …

In light of China’s expanding influence in the region, concerns have been raised over US President Joe Biden’s projected absence from the following meetings with Southeast Asian leaders in Jakarta. Although Biden has stated intentions to visit Vietnam and is planning to attend the G20 summit in India, it is becoming less probable that he will be present at the …

Vietnam hosted the ASEAN flag-hoisting ceremony in Hanoi to mark the bloc’s 56th founding anniversary.  Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son highlighted that ASEAN has constantly grown and become a central force in all regional processes. It demonstrates the vision of a community living in peace, stability, and prosperous development. Son said the image of Southeast Asia of solidarity, …

Philippine officials are thinking of extending the lower import tariffs on rice, corn, and pig past 2023 in response to the country’s continuously high inflation rates and supply-side difficulties. The existing reduced taxes, which will end this year, were implemented in 2021 to reduce inflationary pressure. However, officials are considering keeping the levies in place to mitigate inflationary pressures due …

A middle-aged woman in a full-face crash helmet, dark green jacket and black trousers made off with 37 necklaces in a gold shop robbery in Bang Sao Thong district on Friday evening. As shown in a security camera footage, the woman parked her motorcycle in front of Kittima gold shop at Muang Mai Bang Phli housing community at 5:52 pm …

Upholding its foreign policy “Neighborhood First”, India reiterated its food support to Myanmar, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka. Speaking at the United Nations Security Council open debate on famine and conflict-induced global food insecurity, Indian ambassador Ruchira Kamboj said India has always been proactive in assisting its partners in times of distress.  She highlighted that the country provided food aid even …