UN reports Myanmar junta killed 5,350 civilians since 2021 coup

SEOUL, September 19 (AJP) - The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has released a report stating that Myanmar's military junta has killed 5,350 civilians since the February 2021 coup. The report, based on interviews with victims and witnesses, also reveals that approximately 27,400 civilians have been arrested during this period. OHCHR spokesperson Liz Throssell disclosed that at least 1,853 people, including 88 children and 125 women, have d

September 19, 2024

Indonesia cuts interest rates for first time since February 2021

SEOUL, September 19 (AJP) - Bank Indonesia (BI) has reduced its benchmark interest rate from 6.25 percent to 6 percent, marking the first rate cut since February 2021. This decision, announced on Wednesday, surprised financial markets as most economists had predicted a rate hold ahead of the U.S. Federal Reserve's policy meeting. BI Governor Perry Warjiyo cited stable inflation within the target range, a strengthening rupiah, and the need to boost economic growth as reasons for

September 19, 2024

U.S. panel allows Nippon Steel to resubmit U.S. Steel buyout review

SEOUL, September 19 (AJP) - The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) has permitted Japan's largest steelmaker Nippon Steel Corp. to withdraw and resubmit its application for review of its proposed $14.1 billion acquisition of United States Steel Corp., Kyodo News reported on Wednesday. This development suggests that the Biden administration will not be able to block the deal, with a decision likely to come after the November U.S. presidential election. Th

September 19, 2024

Chinese carrier sails near Japanese islands, raising tensions

SEOUL, September 19 (AJP) - China's aircraft carrier Liaoning and two accompanying destroyers entered waters near Japan's southern islands on Wednesday, Japan's Defense Ministry reported. This incident marks the Chinese Navy's fourth occurrence this year. The Chinese vessels traversed the contiguous zone, an area extending 24 nautical miles from shore, between Okinawa Prefecture's Yonaguni and Iriomote islands. While not violating Japan's territorial waters,

September 19, 2024

Walkie-talkie explosions at Hezbollah funeral escalate tensions

SEOUL, September 19 (AJP) - On Wednesday, explosions occurred at a funeral for three Hezbollah members and a child who had been killed by exploding pagers the day before. Walkie-talkies, solar equipment, and other devices detonated during the event, leaving 20 people dead and over 450 injured, as reported by Lebanon's health ministry. Hezbollah and the Lebanese government have blamed Israel for Tuesday's initial attack, though Israel has not commented. A representative at

September 19, 2024

UN chief condemns attacks on civilian infrastructure

SEOUL, September 19 (AJP) - UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stressed the importance of preventing civilian infrastructure from being weaponized after a series of deadly explosions in Lebanon. These blasts, which occurred on Tuesday, targeted wireless communication devices used by Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group. The explosions killed 12 people, including two children, and injured nearly 2,800. Guterres, speaking from UN headquarters in New York, urged governments to

September 19, 2024

Top Chinese lawmaker advocates for stronger ties with Kyrgyzstan's parliament

SEOUL, September 19 (AJP) - Zhao Leji, who heads China's National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, met with Nurlanbek Shakiev, the Speaker of Kyrgyzstan's Parliament last week. Their discussions last Friday centered on enhancing legislative cooperation to support practical collaboration between the two nations. Zhao highlighted the significant progress in China-Kyrgyzstan relations, which have evolved into a comprehensive strategic partnership. He express

September 19, 2024

Trump to meet Indian prime minister next week

SEOUL, September 19 (AJP) - Former U.S. President Donald Trump plans to meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi next week. According to Reuters on Tuesday, the Republican presidential candidate made this announcement during a campaign event in Michigan, criticizing India as a "very big abuser" of trade relations with the U.S. However, he did not disclose specific details about the schedule or location of the meeting. While Trump criticized India's trade practi

September 19, 2024

Chinese official engages in extensive discussions on electric vehicle tariffs

SEOUL, September 19 (AJP) - China's Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian reaffirmed on Wednesday that China remains committed to resolving the electric vehicle (EV) tariff dispute with the EU through diplomatic channels. This statement came in response to inquiries about Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao's recent meetings with officials from key EU member states regarding the EV tariff issue. Lin criticized the EU's investigation into Chinese EVs as protect

September 19, 2024