Latest Southeast Asia News
Concerned United Nations can only sidestep Myanmar crisis
BANGKOK (AP) — In his speech last week to open the U.N. General Assembly, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres bracketed Myanmar with Afghanistan and Ethiopia as nations where "peace and stability remain a distant dream.” He declared unwavering support for the people of...
Great Wall of Lights: China’s sea power on Darwin’s doorstep
ABOARD THE OCEAN WARRIOR in the eastern Pacific Ocean (AP) — It’s 3 a.m., and after five days plying through the high seas, the Ocean Warrior is surrounded by an atoll of blazing lights that overtakes the nighttime sky. “Welcome to the party!" says third officer...
Pastor reported killed, town abandoned in Myanmar fighting
BANGKOK (AP) — A Baptist pastor and three other men were killed and a town of 2,000 homes all but abandoned this past weekend in fighting in Myanmar’s western Chin State that escalated after a call for a nationwide uprising against the country’s military government, a resident said...
Tensions grow as US, allies deepen Indo-Pacific involvement
BANGKOK (AP) — With increasingly strong talk in support of Taiwan, a new deal to supply Australia with nuclear submarines, and the launch of a European strategy for greater engagement in the Indo-Pacific, the U.S. and its allies are becoming more assertive in their approach toward a rising...
Detained Australian economist appears in Myanmar court
BANGKOK (AP) — An Australian economist who was arrested when Myanmar’s military seized power in February made an appearance Thursday in a court in the capital Naypyitaw, where he will be tried for violation of the official secrets law, his lawyer said. Sean Turnell...
Indonesia leader lays out priorities for G-20 presidency
NEW YORK (AP) — Indonesia's leader said Wednesday that inclusiveness and a sustainable, green economy would be among his priorities when he assumes the G-20 presidency next year. In a recorded statement to the U.N. General Assembly, Indonesian President Joko Widodo...
Manila mayor, ex-scavenger and actor, to seek presidency
MANILA, Philippines (AP) — The popular mayor of the Philippine capital said Wednesday he will run for president in next year’s elections, the latest aspirant in what is expected to be a crowded race to succeed the controversial Rodrigo Duterte. Manila Mayor Isko...
Asian shares mostly lower after mixed trading on Wall Street
Asian shares were mostly lower on Wednesday after major indexes ended mixed on Wall Street. Benchmarks fell in Tokyo, Shanghai and Taiwan but rose in Sydney. Markets in South Korea and Hong Kong were closed for holidays. The Bank of Japan kept its...
ADB: Asia below pre-pandemic levels as variants slow rebound
Developing economies in Asia will likely grow at a slower pace than earlier expected due to prolonged COVID-19 outbreaks and uneven progress in vaccinations, the Asian Development Bank said in a report Wednesday. The regional lender lowered its outlook for economic...
AP PHOTOS: Behind barricades, Vietnam battles 'enemy' virus
VUNG TAU, Vietnam (AP) — The roadblocks and barricades make the streets of this southern Vietnamese city look like they did during the war that ended almost 50 years ago. But this time, the battle is being fought against the rampaging coronavirus. In Vung Tau, just...
