PHOTOS: Farmers rally in Seoul, demanding urgent agricultural reforms

SEOUL, November 13 (AJP) - Hundreds of farmers rallied in front of the National Assembly in Seoul on Tuesday, demanding urgent reforms to agricultural policies. Led by the Korean Succession Advanced Farmers Federation (KSAFF), protesters called for greater attention to the agricultural industry, along with a range of support measures, particularly for young farmers, to tackle the challenges posed by Korea's declining rural population. They complained that rising farming and production

November 13, 2024

Japan's Ishiba to meet China's Xi at APEC summit

SEOUL, November 13 (AJP) - Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Chinese President Xi Jinping are set to hold their first summit meeting on Friday in Peru, marking their first direct talks since Ishiba took office in October. The meeting, as told by government sources on Tuesday, is scheduled on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum. Ishiba and Xi's summit comes amid tensions over China's military activities near Japan, including an airs

November 13, 2024

Thailand's central bank independence in focus as former finance minister nominated as chair

SEOUL, November 13 (AJP) - Thailand's central bank selection committee on Monday nominated former Finance Minister Kittiratt Na-Ranong, a key figure in the ruling Pheu Thai Party, as the next board chairman, pending cabinet and royal approval. The nomination has sparked protests over central bank independence, with four former BOT governors and 830 economists issuing statements opposing the appointment, news reports said. They submitted a petition with 50,000 signatures on Monda

November 13, 2024

Cairo International Film Festival returns with fresh lineup

SEOUL, November 13 (AJP) - The Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF) opened Monday with a renewed vision, expanded lineup, and new awards, marking its return after a one-year hiatus due to the Israel-Gaza conflict. Last year's cancellation, the third in CIFF's history, led to introspection and the appointment of Essam Zakaria as the new artistic director. The 45th edition, running from Nov. 13-22 at the Cairo Opera House in Egypt, features 194 films across 10 competition

November 13, 2024

China, Russia hold annual strategic security talks

SEOUL, November 13 (AJP) - China and Russia convened the 19th round of their annual strategic security talks in Beijing on Tuesday, discussing key issues of mutual concern related to strategic security. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that this year marks 75 years of China-Russia diplomatic relations, adding the two countries' relationship shows strong and stable progress amid changing global conditions. "We are grateful to our Chinese friends for their consistent

November 13, 2024

US maintains military support for Israel despite limited humanitarian access to Gaza

SEOUL, November 13 (AJP) - Eight international aid organizations said on Tuesday that Israel has not met U.S. demands to expand humanitarian access into Gaza, a region heavily affected by ongoing conflict, where experts warn that famine conditions may already exist in the northern areas. Despite this, the Biden administration announced on Tuesday that it would not restrict arms supplies to Israel, asserting that Israel, a close U.S. ally, has made limited yet notable progress in all

November 13, 2024

China adds two more days to public holidays

SEOUL, November 13 (AJP) - Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Tuesday issued a State Council decree announcing adjustments to the national holiday schedule, introducing an additional two days to certain public holidays. The Spring Festival holiday will now span four days instead of the previous three, with Lunar New Year's Eve newly added to the official break, according to the decree. The May Day holiday has also been expanded from a single day to two days, now officially including Ma

November 13, 2024

OPINION: Three reasons why Trump White House might not be disaster for Ukraine − in fact, it might tighten screws on Russia

SEOUL, November 13 (AJP) - Among the first world leaders to speak with Donald Trump following his election victory on Nov. 5, 2024 was Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Congratulating the U.S. president-elect, Zelenskyy expressed confidence in the "potential for stronger cooperation" between the two nations. Others are less sure. For many foreign policy observers, Trump's victory – together with his lukewarm attitude toward NATO, criticism of the amount of

November 13, 2024

Myanmar's power supply falls to half of demand amid civil conflict

SEOUL, November 13 (AJP) - Myanmar's Ministry of Electric Power and Energy reported on Tuesday that the country's current electricity supply has dropped to about 50 percent of demand, with daily power generation at 2,800 MW against a required 5,500 MW, despite total facility capacity of 7,248 MW. The sharp decline in power generation stems from widespread transmission line destruction due to fighting between military and resistance forces, reduced natural gas supplies under

November 13, 2024

Japan pushes winter COVID shots amid low senior vaccination rates

SEOUL, November 13 (AJP) - Japan's health ministry issued an urgent appeal for elderly citizens to receive COVID-19 vaccinations, as winter approaches with concerning signs of low immunization uptake among the vulnerable population. The initiative on Tuesday marks the first winter season since the end of Japan's universal free vaccination program in March, though individuals aged 65 and above remain eligible for shots at a reduced fee. Ministry data reveals that medical f

November 13, 2024