Latest East Asia News
China eases controls, gives no sign when 'zero COVID' ends
BEIJING (AP) — China is easing some of the world’s most stringent anti-virus controls and authorities say new variants are weaker. But they have yet to say when they might end a “zero-COVID” strategy that confines millions of people to their homes and set off protests and demands for...
N. Korea fires artillery near border in warning to S. Korea
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea fired about 130 artillery rounds on Monday into the water near its western and eastern sea borders with South Korea, the latest military action contributing to worsening relations between the neighbors. North Korea’s military said the firings...
Japan police arrest 3 teachers in nursery abuse case
TOKYO (AP) — Police have arrested three teachers at a nursery school in central Japan on suspicion they routinely abused toddlers, including hitting their heads, holding them upside down and locking them up in a bathroom, in a case that triggered outrage and allegations of a cover-up. ...
World shares mixed, oil higher after Russia price cap pact
World shares were mixed and oil prices rose Monday after the European Union and the Group of Seven democracies agreed on a boycott of most Russian oil and committed to a price cap of $60 per barrel on Russian exports. Germany's DAX slipped 0.3% to 14,490.99 and the CAC 40 in Paris...
Protesters near White House demand 'Free China!'
WASHINGTON (AP) — About 200 protesters lit candles and shouted “Free China!” two blocks from the White House on Sunday in a show of support for demonstrations in China calling for an end to severe anti-virus controls and for political change. Protesters in Freedom Plaza held up...
China reports 2 new COVID deaths as some restrictions eased
HONG KONG (AP) — China on Sunday reported two additional deaths from COVID-19 as some cities move cautiously to ease anti-pandemic restrictions following increasingly vocal public frustrations. The National Health Commission said one death was reported each in the provinces of...
World Cup Viewer's Guide: Neymar expected to play for Brazil
DOHA, Qatar (AP) — Welcome back, Neymar, at just the right time at the World Cup. Neymar seemed healthy in training before Monday's game against South Korea in the round of 16. The forward missed the final two matches of the group stage after injuring his right ankle in the opening...
Japan summons samurai spirit against Croatia at World Cup
DOHA, Qatar (AP) — Japan defender Yuto Nagatomo has told his teammates they'll need to show “samurai spirit” in Monday's round-of-16 match against Croatia at the World Cup. And they'll need another quality that Nagatomo learned playing for almost a decade in Italy, mostly with...
World Cup: Neymar set to return as Brazil faces South Korea
DOHA, Qatar (AP) — Neymar appeared to have fully recovered from his ankle injury and was expected to return to Brazil's starting lineup against South Korea in the round of 16 at the World Cup on Monday. A smiling Neymar trained with teammates Sunday in a practice session that was...
3 Chinese astronauts return to Earth after 6-month mission
BEIJING (AP) — Three Chinese astronauts landed in a northern desert on Sunday after six months working to complete construction of the Tiangong station, a symbol of the country’s ambitious space program, state TV reported. A capsule carrying commander Chen Dong and astronauts Liu...
