Tesla launches in Thailand, vying to compete with China EVs
December 7, 2022 GMTBANGKOK (AP) — Tesla has launched sales in Thailand, offering its popular Model 3 and Model Y at prices aimed at competing with rivals like China’s BYD.
The company staged a glitzy showcase of its plans Wednesday at Bangkok’s Siam Paragon mall.
East Asia Super League to begin with Champions Week in Japan
December 7, 2022 GMTHONG KONG (AP) — The World Cup venue in Okinawa will have a preview tournament run in March when the East Asia Super League tips off for Season 1 with its inaugural Champions Week in Japan.
EASL organizers on Wednesday said all eight qualified teams will contest Champions Week in Japan from March 1-5, with the championship match and the third-place playoff hosted by the Ryukyu Golden Kings at the stadium that will host games during the basketball World Cup starting Aug.
Saudis in off-field win before Japan, Koreans exit World Cup
December 6, 2022 GMTSEOUL, South Korea (AP) — Hours before Japan and South Korea endured painful second-round exits from the World Cup in Qatar, continental soccer rival Saudi Arabia had plenty to celebrate.
The All India Football Federation’s decision to pull out of the race to host the 2027 Asian Cup, announced while all the football focus in East Asia was centered on Japan and South Korea’s knockout games on Monday, left Saudi Arabia as the only candidate to host the continental championship.
US and Chinese defense chiefs meet amid strained relations
November 22, 2022 GMTSIEM REAP, Cambodia (AP) — The defense chiefs of the United States and China held talks Tuesday on the sidelines of a regional meeting in Cambodia to discuss strained bilateral relations and regional and global security issues, U.S.
China, US officials to attend Southeast Asia defense meeting
November 20, 2022 GMTBEIJING (AP) — The defense chiefs of rival powers China and the U.S. will both attend next week's expanded meeting of Southeast Asian security ministers in Cambodia, opening up the possibility the two will hold face-to-face discussions.
US VP Harris arrives in Thailand for Asia-Pacific summit
November 18, 2022 GMTBANGKOK (AP) — U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris arrived Thursday in Thailand, where she plans to affirm America's commitment to Southeast Asia and drive home the message that the region can count on the United States.
US, Japan, SKorea vow unified response to North Korea threat
November 13, 2022 GMTPHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — President Joe Biden and the leaders of Japan and South Korea on Sunday vowed a unified, coordinated response to North Korea's threatening nuclear and ballistic missile programs, with Biden declaring that the three-way partnership is “even more important than it's ever been” when North Korea is stepping up its provocations.
Southeast Asian leaders: region no proxy for any powers
November 13, 2022 GMTPHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — Indonesia's president vowed Sunday not to let Southeast Asia become the front lines of a new Cold War amid increasing tensions between the United States and China, saying as his country took over the chairmanship of the influential Association of Southeast Asian Nations that it would not become “a proxy to any powers.”
Biden pledges US will work with Southeast Asian nations
November 12, 2022 GMTPHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — President Joe Biden promised Saturday that the United States would work with a strategically vital coalition of southeast Asian nations, telling leaders that “we're going to build a better future that we all want to see” in the region where U.S.
Japan minister quits over execution remark, PM delays trip
November 11, 2022 GMTTOKYO (AP) — Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida delayed his departure for three upcoming summits in Southeast Asia on Friday to sack and replace his justice minister, who was widely criticized over a remark he made about capital punishment.
Australian PM wants to ask China’s Xi to lift trade barriers
November 11, 2022 GMTCANBERRA, Australia (AP) — Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Friday he would ask Chinese President Xi Jinping to lift billions of dollars in trade barriers in the event that the two leaders hold their first bilateral meeting.
S Korea leader criticized for banning broadcaster from plane
November 10, 2022 GMTSEOUL, South Korea (AP) — Journalist organizations say South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol attacked press freedoms when his office banned a TV broadcaster's crew from the media pool on his presidential plane this week for alleged bias in reporting.
Chinese premier announces new aid for close ally Cambodia
November 9, 2022 GMTPHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — Visiting Chinese Premier Li Keqiang announced a large development assistance package for Cambodia on Wednesday, oversaw the signing of 18 agreements on aid and cooperation, and attended the inauguration of a highway constructed with Chinese support.
Myanmar tops Asian summit’s agenda as global issues loom
November 9, 2022 GMTBANGKOK (AP) — Southeast Asian leaders convene in the Cambodian capital Thursday, faced with the challenge of trying to curtail escalating violence in Myanmar while the country’s military-led government shows no signs of complying with the group’s peace plan.
Australian PM hopes for meeting with China’s Xi at summit
November 9, 2022 GMTCANBERRA, Australia (AP) — Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Wednesday a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping would be a “positive thing” if one can be arranged on the sidelines of one of the leaders’ summits to be held in Southeast Asia this month.
AP PHOTOS: Total lunar eclipse in North America, East Asia
November 8, 2022 GMTThe second and final total lunar eclipse of the year graced the skies in some parts of the world Tuesday. The next one isn't until 2025.
WHERE IT WAS SEEN: Where skies were clear, the eclipse was visible throughout North America in the predawn hours, with prime viewing in the West, and across parts of East Asia, Australia and the rest of the Pacific after sunset.
At global summits, Biden aims to assert America’s leadership
November 6, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden will aim to assert America’s global leadership during his upcoming trip to Southeast Asia that will be shadowed by a verdict on his presidency after Tuesday’s elections.
Asian shares advance, shrugging off Wall Street retreat
November 1, 2022 GMTBANGKOK (AP) — Shares have advanced in Asia despite a retreat on Wall Street. Hong Kong jumped more than 3% and most other major indexes saw strong gains.
A private survey of manufacturers showed some improvement in the business outlook in China, helping to counter renewed concerns over COVID-19 outbreaks in some cities.
Biden to head to Cambodia, Egypt, Indonesia for summits
October 28, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden will make a week-long, three country trip next month for a quartet of summits—including one that could potentially put him in the same room as China's Xi Jinping and Russia's Vladimir Putin.
EU leaders weigh future of China ties as rivalry mounts
October 21, 2022 GMTBRUSSELS (AP) — European Union leaders on Friday weighed the future of their increasingly testy relations with China as President Xi Jinping was expected to be reappointed leader at the Communist Party congress taking place this week.
Indonesia gears up to start its first high-speed rail line
October 13, 2022 GMTBANDUNG, Indonesia (AP) — Indonesia is preparing to start Southeast Asia’s first high-speed rail service that will cut travel time between two cities from the current three hours to about 40 minutes.
Myanmar sentences Japanese journalist to prison on 2 charges
October 6, 2022 GMTBANGKOK (AP) — A court in military-ruled Myanmar has sentenced a Japanese journalist to serve seven years in prison after he filmed an anti-government protest in July, a Japanese diplomat and the Southeast Asian nation's government said Thursday.
US sanctions traders of Iranian oil as nuclear talks stall
September 29, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. on Thursday imposed sanctions on a group of firms it says have played a critical role in shipping sanctioned Iranian oil.
The State Department designated two Chinese companies, and Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control hit a network of companies based in Hong Kong, Iran, India and the United Arab Emirates.
Kishida opens diplomacy rush as Japan preps divisive funeral
September 26, 2022 GMTTOKYO (AP) — Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida held a series of meetings with foreign dignitaries Monday in what he's called “funeral diplomacy" the day before he hosts a controversial state-sponsored ceremony for former leader Shinzo Abe.
The AP Interview: Marcos wants to ‘reintroduce’ Philippines
September 24, 2022 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Looking to “reintroduce the Philippines" to the world, new President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ambitious plans for his nation on the international stage and at home — if, that is, the twin specters of pandemic and climate change can be overcome or at least managed.
Asian markets mixed after China promises economic support
September 6, 2022 GMTBEIJING (AP) — Asian stock markets were mixed Tuesday after China promised to speed up the rollout of policy changes to boost anemic economic growth.
Shanghai gained while Hong Kong declined. Tokyo and South Korea were unchanged at midday.
First Chinese-made high-speed train cars arrive in Indonesia
September 2, 2022 GMTJAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) — An initial set of Chinese-made train cars for Indonesia's first high-speed railway arrived in Jakarta's port on Friday.
The 142.3-kilometer (88.4-mile) railway worth $5.5 billion is being constructed by PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia-China, a joint venture between an Indonesian consortium of four state-owned companies and China Railway International Co.
Cambodia says it’s helping foreigners scammed by traffickers
August 19, 2022 GMTPHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — Cambodia on Friday said it is attempting to aid foreigners who have been victimized by human traffickers, after Taiwan said it is seeking to free more than 300 of its citizens who were lured to the Southeast Asian nation by organized crime groups.
Hong Kong seeks citizens caught in Southeast Asia scams
August 18, 2022 GMTHONG KONG (AP) — Hong Kong officials said Thursday they are seeking the return of citizens who traveled to Southeast Asia for jobs that entrapped them in scams and virtual slavery.
The victims, who also came from Taiwan and mainland China, took jobs in call centers that sought to cheat Chinese speakers into making payments on fabricated bills and government fees.
Germany flying 6 fighters 8K miles in 24 hours to Singapore
August 16, 2022 GMTBANGKOK (AP) — A group of German air force fighter jets landed in Singapore on Tuesday as part of a marathon bid to fly them some 12,800 kilometers (8,000 miles) from their home base to Southeast Asia in just 24 hours.
Dragons complete roster with 3 players from Chinese league
August 10, 2022 GMTMANILA, Philippines (AP) — The Bay Area Dragons have added three stars from the Chinese Basketball Association to complete a roster that already contains former NBA players Andrew Nicholson and Myles Powell and the aptly named Big Liu for the inaugural season of the revamped East Asia Super League.
Blinken: China military drills are ‘significant escalation’
August 5, 2022 GMTPHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Friday that China's military exercises aimed at Taiwan, including missiles fired into Japan's exclusive economic zone, represent a “significant escalation” and that he has urged Beijing to back down.
China stresses ties with Southeast Asia in Cambodia meeting
August 4, 2022 GMTPHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stressed his country's efforts to strengthen ties with Southeast Asian countries at a meeting Thursday with their foreign ministers, which came as Beijing seeks to expand its influence in the region.
Myanmar charges Japanese journalist with spreading fake news
August 4, 2022 GMTBANGKOK (AP) — A Japanese video journalist detained in Myanmar while covering a brief pro-democracy march has been charged with violating a law against spreading false or alarming news, the Southeast Asian country’s military government announced Thursday.
SE Asia urges US, China to avoid provocation over Taiwan
August 4, 2022 GMTPHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — The Association of Southeast Asian Nations is calling for calm in the Taiwan Strait, urging against any “provocative action” in the wake of a visit to Taipei by U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi that has infuriated Beijing.
Stopping Myanmar violence tops meeting of Asian diplomats
August 3, 2022 GMTPHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — Top Southeast Asian diplomats meeting in Cambodia's capital intensified efforts Wednesday to stop the escalating violence in Myanmar and to address other pressing — and often divisive — regional issues.
Myanmar violence, Ukraine war loom over ASEAN meetings
August 2, 2022 GMTPHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — Southeast Asian foreign ministers are gathering in the Cambodian capital for meetings addressing persisting violence in Myanmar and other issues, joined by top diplomats from the United States, China, Russia and other world powers amid tensions over the invasion of Ukraine and concerns over Beijing’s growing ambitions in the region.
US sanctions UAE, Hong Kong firms that ship Iranian oil
August 1, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. has sanctioned a United Arab Emirates-based firm and several Asian companies for facilitating the illicit sale of millions of dollars’ worth of Iranian oil for shipment to East Asia.
Blinken off to Asia, Africa as Russia, China tensions rise
July 29, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Secretary of State Antony Blinken is headed to Asia and Africa, the State Department said Friday, as the U.S. and rivals China and Russia intensify their battle for global influence amid deepening divisions over Taiwan and Russia's war in Ukraine.
One of Asia’s fiercest soccer rivalries has become one-sided
July 29, 2022 GMTSEOUL, South Korea (AP) — An Asian soccer rivalry unlike no other is starting to become one-sided.
South Korea has defeated Japan 42 times and lost just 16 matches. But Japan has won its last two matches against its regional foes by 3-0 score lines in the past 18 months, including a match this week in Japan.
Security Council condemns Myanmar executions of 4 activists
July 28, 2022 GMTUNITED NATIONS (AP) — The U.N. Security Council on Wednesday unanimously condemned Myanmar’s executions of four political prisoners and called for an immediate halt to all violence and “full respect for human rights and the rule of law.”
Japan calls for S. Korea’s steps to resolve row after talks
July 19, 2022 GMTTOKYO (AP) — Japan's foreign minister said Tuesday he expects South Korea to take appropriate steps toward resolving the countries' wartime disputes, warning that a mishandling especially of the issue of forced Korean laborers would cause “grave” consequences for their bilateral ties.
Reality check: filming starts ahead of Asian league’s launch
July 19, 2022 GMTMANILA, Philippines (AP) — Steve Nash will get a behind-the-scenes look at the talent in Season 1 of the East Asia Super League long before the competition starts or a spin-off reality TV series hits the screens.
Stars absent, but opportunities abound at East Asian event
July 18, 2022 GMTSEOUL, South Korea (AP) — The absence of Premier League golden boot winner Son Heung-min and other stars from South Korea and Japan gives local players a late chance at the East Asian Championships to stake their claims for a World Cup.
Blinken hits at ASEAN for lack of pressure on Myanmar
July 10, 2022 GMTBANGKOK (AP) — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is criticizing Southeast Asian nations for not doing enough to press Myanmar’s military government to return the country to the path of democracy following last year's power seizure.
Treasury sanctions Iranian petrochemical firms tied to Asia
July 6, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The Treasury Department said Wednesday that it has sanctioned a group of front companies and individuals tied to the sale and shipment of Iranian petroleum and petrochemical products to East Asia.
Australia FM stresses AUKUS will not create nuclear weapons
June 28, 2022 GMTPUTRAJAYA, Malaysia (AP) — Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong stressed Tuesday that her country's security pact with the U.K. and the U.S. will not create nuclear weapons, and said she hoped concerns that it may spark a regional arms race would dissipate over time.
Tokyo warned of power crunch as Japan endures heat wave
June 27, 2022 GMTTOKYO (AP) — People in Tokyo are sweating it out as the government warns of possible power shortages and urges greater efforts to conserve energy while Japan endures unseasonably hot temperatures.
Big Liu among first 10 recruits for Bay Area Dragons in EASL
June 22, 2022 GMTMANILA, Philippines (AP) — Liu Chuanxing has signed on as a foundation player with the Bay Area Dragons in the East Asia Super League after leaving his mark in Australia, where he was known as Big Liu.
India, ASEAN seek to boost ties amid US-China rivalry
June 16, 2022 GMTNEW DELHI (AP) — A special meeting of foreign ministers from India and Southeast Asian countries opened Thursday with co-chairs India and Singapore calling for a strengthening of ties amid Russia’s war in Ukraine and a heightened rivalry between the United States and China that threaten peace and stability in the region.
WHO: COVID-19 deaths rise, reversing a 5-week decline
June 16, 2022 GMTGENEVA (AP) — After five weeks of declining coronavirus deaths, the number of fatalities reported globally increased by 4% last week, according to the World Health Organization.
In its weekly assessment of the pandemic issued on Thursday, the U.N.
Japan, Australia to expand defense ties for regional order
June 15, 2022 GMTTOKYO (AP) — Japan and Australia's defense ministers on Wednesday vowed to step up their ties to support democratic values in the Indo-Pacific region and agreed to work more closely with Southeast Asia and the Pacific island nations where China is seeking to expand its influence.
Japan vows bigger security role in region to tackle threats
June 11, 2022 GMTSINGAPORE (AP) — Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced plans on Friday to boost his country's diplomatic and security role in the Asia Pacific to tackle what he described as growing threats in the region amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
US solar companies weigh challenge to Biden pause on tariffs
June 7, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. solar manufacturers say they are considering legal challenges after President Joe Biden declared a two-year pause for tariffs on solar imports from Southeast Asia.
Biden also invoked the Defense Production Act on Monday as the White House moved to jumpstart solar installations that have been slowed or abandoned amid a Commerce Department inquiry into possible trade violations involving Chinese products.
Biden orders emergency steps to boost U.S. solar production
June 6, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden ordered emergency measures Monday to boost crucial supplies to U.S. solar manufacturers and declared a two-year tariff exemption on solar panels from Southeast Asia as he attempted to jumpstart progress toward his climate change-fighting goals.
Rockets guard Jalen Green partners with new Asian league
June 2, 2022 GMTBRISBANE, Australia (AP) — Before Jalen Green joined the Houston Rockets, becoming the highest-drafted Asian American player in the NBA, he'd already experienced close up how passionate the people of the Philippines were about the game he loved to play.
1 billion pills seized: East, SE Asia hits ominous drug peak
May 30, 2022 GMTBANGKOK (AP) — The number of methamphetamine tablets seized in East and Southeast Asia exceeded a billion last year for the first time, highlighting the scale of illegal drug production and trafficking in the region and the challenges of fighting it, the U.N.
Russia and China block UN statement on Myanmar crisis
May 28, 2022 GMTUNITED NATIONS (AP) — China and Russia blocked the U.N. Security Council from issuing a statement Friday expressing concern at the violence and serious humanitarian situation in Myanmar and the “limited progress” on implementing a regional plan to restore peace to the strife-torn Southeast Asian nation, diplomats said Friday evening.
WHO: COVID deaths dropped by 21% last week but cases rising
May 19, 2022 GMTGENEVA (AP) — The number of coronavirus deaths globally dropped by about 21% in the past week while cases rose in most parts of the world, according to the World Health Organization.
In its weekly report on the pandemic released Thursday, the U.N.
Biden names envoy to SE Asia bloc, stressing US attention
May 14, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Friday announced he's nominating one of his top national security aides as ambassador to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, aiming to underscore his administration's commitment to the Pacific region.