Japan, Britain to establish economic security dialogue

SEOUL, November 19 (AJP) - Japan and Britain have agreed to create a new ministerial-level framework focused on economic security and trade, marking Tokyo's second such arrangement following a similar agreement with the United States, officials announced on Monday. The agreement, reached during talks between Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, will bring together economic and foreign ministers from

November 19, 2024

Thailand's 'monkey city' grapples with mass escape of 200 primates from shelter

SEOUL, November 19 (AJP) - About 200 monkeys escaped from an aging enclosure at an animal shelter in Thailand's Lopburi province on Saturday night, raiding homes and a police station, forcing officers to quickly shut all doors and windows, according to news reports. Reports on Monday said around 60 monkeys have been recaptured so far, including 40 that returned to a nearby temple offering fresh fruits and vegetables. City authorities are repairing the damaged shelter and setting

November 19, 2024

Runners to take over Dubai for annual event this weekend

SEOUL, November 19 (AJP) - The annual Dubai Run will take over Sheikh Zayed Road this Sunday, offering 5-km and 10-km routes past some of the city's most iconic landmarks, including the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Opera, and Museum of the Future. As the final event of the Dubai Fitness Challenge, the run aims to promote an active lifestyle among residents and visitors. The 5-km route ends near Dubai Mall, while the 10-km route crosses Dubai Canal Bridge and concludes near DIFC Gate.

November 19, 2024

Israeli airstrike hits central Beirut amid escalating conflict

SEOUL, November 19 (AJP) - Israeli airstrikes targeted a neighborhood in the heart of Lebanon's capital late Monday evening, slamming into an area near the Parliament, several embassies and the UN headquarters. Lebanon's Health Ministry said at least five people were killed and 31 wounded. Since late September, Israel has dramatically escalated its bombardment of Lebanon, vowing to cripple the militant group Hezbollah and end its barrages into Israel. Over the past year, mor

November 19, 2024

BOJ governor hints at further rate hike amid inflation concerns

SEOUL, November 19 (AJP) - The Bank of Japan (BOJ) is considering additional interest rate increases to combat inflation risks and ensure sustainable economic growth, as market speculation grows over a potential December rate hike. "I think that gradually adjusting the degree of accommodation in line with the improvement in economic activity and prices will support long-term economic growth," BOJ Governor Kazuo Ueda said in a speech on Monday to business leaders in Nagoy

November 19, 2024

Pope calls for genocide investigation over Gaza attacks

SEOUL, November 18 (AJP) - Pope Francis has called for an investigation if Israel's attacks in Gaza qualify as genocide, according to excerpts from an upcoming book released on Sunday ahead of the pontiff's jubilee year. This is the first time the Pope has openly addressed allegations of genocide related to Israel's military campaign. He previously described Israel's attacks in Gaza and Lebanon as "immoral" and disproportionate, arguing they exceed the rule

November 18, 2024

Super typhoon Mayi strikes Philippines, marking sixth storm in a month

SEOUL, November 18 (AJP) - Super typhoon Mayi hit the Philippines' eastern province of Catanduanes before moving to Luzon island on Sunday, bringing winds of up to 240 kilometers per hour, with over 750,000 residents evacuated from vulnerable areas, civil defense authorities reported. Roberto Monterola, a disaster response official in Catanduanes, described the rain as light but said the winds were powerful, producing an eerie howling sound. Monterola also noted that storm sur

November 18, 2024

Former Japan governor wins reelection despite abuse claims

SEOUL, November 18 (AJP) - Motohiko Saito, the former governor of Japan's Hyogo Prefecture who was ousted over allegations of power abuse, has won back his position. Saito, 47, defeated his main rival, Kazumi Inamura, 52, the former mayor of Amagasaki city, on Sunday in a race that highlighted deep divisions within the region's political establishment. The election followed Saito's automatic removal from office in September after a unanimous no-confidence vote by th

November 18, 2024

Laos inflation soars past 30% as national debt weighs on economy

SEOUL, November 18 (AJP) - Laos is experiencing severe economic hardship with inflation rates surging from 23 percent in 2022 to 31 percent in 2023, with projections showing 25 percent for 2024, the Asian Development Bank reported on Sunday, as prices of basic necessities like rice, sugar, oil, and chicken have nearly doubled. The Southeast Asian nation's national debt has surpassed $13 billion, reaching 108 percent of GDP, largely due to Chinese loans funding the $6 billion Chi

November 18, 2024

Japan PM postpones Trump meeting over legal concerns

SEOUL, November 18 (AJP) - Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's planned meeting with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has been postponed due to legal restrictions. "We are considering holding a meeting as soon as possible at a time that is most convenient for both sides," Ishiba said on Saturday while attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in Peru. The Logan Act, which prohibits private citizens from conducting diplomatic negotiations with fore

November 18, 2024