Reuters: Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has warned he may use his executive power to suspend a legal safeguard against arbitrary arrest and detention, and was willing to use drastic measures and even go to jail to make his war on drugs a success. The former prosecutor, dubbed “the punisher” and elected on promises of a fierce campaign to stop crime… Read more »
Reuters: Japan and South Korea signed a preliminary pact to share and safeguard sensitive information on North Korea’s missile and nuclear activities on Monday, a move that had already prompted anger among opposition lawmakers in Seoul. The signing of the General Security of Military Information Agreement had originally been expected in 2012, but South Korea postponed it amid domestic opposition… Read more »
As the Islamic State continues to spread its message and ideology across the world, world leaders obviously missed the point where they could’ve stopped it when still small. However, on a regional basis, some areas, such as Southeast Asia, have not been heavily penetrated by ISIS activity and therefore are in a crucial time crunch to contain the activity before… Read more »
Over the last few weeks, there has been a lot of news coverage regarding North Korea and the nuclear test they conducted back in September. Citizens in not just the surrounding countries, but in the West as well, are nervous for North Korea’s encroachment on perfecting their nuclear capabilities. Besides the United States, the country that would be most affected… Read more »
BEIJING, Oct. 21 (Xinhua) — Financial cooperation will bring new growth momentum to Asian countries, given that although there have been visible outcomes in this field, the scale is limited, according to specialists. “The low-hanging fruit has already been picked in Asian regional cooperation after years of development,” said China’s Vice Finance Minister Shi Yaobin at a seminar held in… Read more »
MANILA, Oct. 25 (Xinhua) — Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte voiced aversion on Tuesday to the presence of foreign troops in the Philippines, saying the country’s constitution dictates that the Philippines pursue an independent foreign policy. At the news conference before departing for Tokyo where he is making a three-day visit, Duterte said his country does not have to “dovetail what… Read more »
VIENTIANE, Oct. 27 (Xinhua) — The economy of Laos will grow 7 percent next year thanks to the growth of energy sector, Lao Minister of Planning and Investment Souphanh Keomixay told the parliament. Industrial sector will grow by 8.9 percent and will contribute 37.2 percent of GDP, and the energy sector will undergo considerable growth, with several hydropower plants set… Read more »
TOKYO, Oct. 27 (Xinhua) — Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte wrapped up his visit to Japan on Thursday, seeking economic support from Tokyo but still vexing its long-time ally of U.S. with his blistering remarks. During Duterte’s three-day visit, Japan and the Philippines have agreed to enhance cooperation, with Tokyo in an apparent effort to woo Manila back to “the U.S.-Japan… Read more »
Indonesia has been hit by a spate of ISIS-inspired attacks mounted by different domestic militant groups since the start of the year. But the worrying trend is of more lone-wolf terrorists striking random targets in the name of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) militant group, said police chief Tito Karnavian. Speaking to reporters after a meeting at… Read more »
The death of Thailand’s beloved King Bhumibol, and the successive nomination of Prince Vajiralongkorn, has sent the nation into instability and discourse. The decision to delay the Prince’s crowning proves to say that the citizens are not yet over the king, and do not approve of the heir. In fact, rather than their prime minister and Legislative National Assembly immediately… Read more »