China on Saturday increased tariffs on billions worth of United States (US) goods as it prepares to unveil a blacklist of "unreliable" foreign companies that analysts say aims to punish US and foreign firms cutting off supplies to telecoms giant Huawei.Beijing's move hits US$60 billion worth of US goods with new punitive tariffs ranging from five to 25 percent, and comes in retaliation for Washington raising duty on US$200 billion in Chinese goods to 25 percent.Washington and B

A Dutch birdwatcher held by Islamic State-linked militants was killed Friday during a firefight between his kidnappers and soldiers in the southern Philippines, according to the military, which said he was shot by his captors as he tried to escape.Ewold Horn had been held since 2012 by the Abu Sayyaf kidnap-for-ransom group and was fatally wounded as soldiers fought a 90-minute gun battle with the jihadists on their stronghold, Jolo island. The Dutch foreign ministry confirmed Horn d

The United States (US) warned China on Saturday against threatening its neighbours' sovereignty and said Washington is investing in new military technology to defend its Asian allies.Washington and Beijing have been vying for influence in the region, which hosts potential flashpoints such as the South China Sea, the Korean Peninsula and the Taiwan Strait.Ties between the two powers are once again taking centre stage at the weekend Singapore conference known as the Shangri-La Dialogue, wh

Enslaved, beaten, malnourished, and so desperate for water he had to collect condensation to drink: Rahmatullah left Indonesia seeking better prospects at sea – instead he endured a living hell. The global fishing industry is riddled with forced labour, anti-trafficking experts say, warning that consumers are unaware of the "true cost" of the seafood they buy in stores and restaurants.Exploited workers face non-payment, overwork, violence, injury, and even death.

Beijing warned Friday that the United States (US) should not underestimate China's military as the top defence officials from both countries met on the side-lines of a security forum.As Beijing and Washington vie for influence in a region hosting potential flashpoints such as the South China Sea, Korean Peninsula and the Taiwan Strait, acting US Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan met Chinese Defence Minister General Wei Fenghe for 20 minutes Friday.Chinese defence ministry spokesman Wu Q

An ultra-nationalist monk dubbed the "Buddhist Bin Laden" for his anti-Muslim vitriol said Wednesday he was not afraid of arrest as police pursued him on charges of stirring up unrest.Wirathu has long been the face of the country's hard-line Buddhist movement, notorious for espousing hate against Islam and particularly the long-persecuted Rohingya minority.A court issued an arrest warrant for the abbot late Tuesday under article 124(a), which targets anyone who "excites or

Eid-ul-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting. While Muslims in ASEAN share the Ramadan rituals of fasting, charity giving and Tarawih (additional) prayers, the celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr varies according to the region, culture and traditions passed down through generations.

At the time of his first bid to become India’s prime minister five years ago, Narendra Modi was seen by many in Mumbai as a reformer rising to slay crony capitalism, corruption and policy paralysis. It was the bureaucracy in New Delhi that had misgivings about the then chief minister of Gujarat state, known for his highly centralised style of working.By now, the political capital has accepted Modi as the boss man.

Former prime minister and close advisor to Thailand's revered royals Prem Tinsulanonda died early Sunday aged 98, a senior parliamentarian said, ending a decades-long career of unrivalled influence over Thai politics.Hailed as a stabilising force by allies but loathed by critics as a conservative underminer of democracy in the kingdom, Prem was a top aide to the late beloved King Bhumibol Adulyadej and helped cement the unshakeable bond between the monarchy and the military.Prem "pa

Thailand legalised the use of marijuana for medicinal and research purposes in December 2018, granting usage for patient treatment and research and industry activities only. The bill allows the use of cannabis or marijuana and kratom which is a local plant with opioid properties native to Southeast Asia region. Half a year into the new ruling, the number of patients who have applied for the medical marijuana amnesty is expected to exceed 50,000.