China's foreign trade shows strong growth, signaling stable Q4 outlook  

SEOUL, October 15 (AJP) - China's total trade in the first three quarters of 2024 reached 32.33 trillion yuan ($4.57 trillion), a record high and an increase of 5.3 percent from the previous year, according to the General Administration of Customs (GAC) on Monday. Authorities highlighted steady growth in foreign trade alongside an improving trade structure. While there are ongoing internal and external challenges, experts believe China's foreign trade is well-positioned for

October 15, 2024

US deploys THAAD in Israel to enhance air defenses against Iranian missiles

SEOUL, October 15 (AJP) - The U.S. has announced the deployment of a high-altitude anti-missile system (THAAD) and a military crew to Israel, aiming to reinforce its air defenses following a missile attack by Iran on Oct. 1. The Pentagon confirmed that President Joe Biden ordered the THAAD system to protect Israel from future missile threats, as many of the nearly 200 ballistic missiles launched by Iran were intercepted, though some hit central and southern Israel. Israel has yet

October 15, 2024

North Korea blows up parts of inter-Korean roads

SEOUL, October 15 (AJP) - North Korea blew up parts of the inter-Korean road connections, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said Tuesday. "North Korea blew up portions of the inter-Korean road connections north of the Military Demarcation Line (MDL) on the Gyeongui and Donghae lines around noon today," the JCS said in a text message to reporters. The two roads are part of previous inter-Korean cooperation projects, linking the two Koreas by land.

October 15, 2024

Thailand offers subsidies to boost tourism in flood-affected northern regions

SEOUL, October 15 (AJP) - Thailand's government is implementing measures to revitalize tourism in the flood-stricken northern regions, particularly Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. According to the Bangkok Post on Monday, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) plan to provide 400 baht (about $11) subsidies to 10,000 visitors to these areas starting Dec. 1. This initiative is part of a broader emergency response to support economic recovery in

October 15, 2024

Thai online multi-level marketing scam expands to 740 victims

SEOUL, October 15 (AJP) - A multi-level marketing scam in Thailand, centered around the Icon Group, has reportedly affected over 740 victims with losses totaling 266 million baht (US$7.5 million). According to the Bangkok Post on Monday, the scam's reach extends beyond Thailand, with victims emerging in Japan, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar, suggesting the scale of the fraud may continue to grow. The Icon Group allegedly lured participants with low-cost online marketing courses, the

October 15, 2024

Mounting international pressure on Israel over UN peacekeeper casualties in Lebanon

SEOUL, October 15 (AJP) - Israel has faced growing international criticism following attacks on UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon. Despite this, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated calls for UN forces to temporarily leave areas where Israel is conducting military operations against Hezbollah. The UN Security Council has expressed concern over these incidents, with the European Union condemning the attacks and rejecting Israeli claims that the UN is obstructing its mil

October 15, 2024

Japan's Ishiba calls for Asian security discussions

SEOUL, October 15 (AJP) - Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba directed the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) to initiate talks on bolstering security measures in Asia. The move comes amid heightened regional tensions, with China commencing large-scale military exercises around Taiwan. Ishiba, who heads the LDP, is reportedly considering proposals to revise the Japan-U.S. status of forces agreement and establish an Asian equivalent of NATO, sources said on Monday. "Pea

October 15, 2024

PHOTOS: Foreign students participate in traditional Korean coming-of-age ceremony

SEOUL, October 15 (AJP) - Eighteen foreign students participated in a traditional Korean coming-of-age ceremony at the National Folk Museum of Korea in Seoul on Monday. The ceremony, known as "gwanrye," involves rituals symbolizing the transition to adulthood in Korean culture. Students aged 15 to 21 took part in the event, wearing hanbok, traditional Korean attire. The event, part of the 2024 Korean Costume Culture Week, aimed to provide foreign students with a unique opportunit

October 15, 2024

VISUALS: Seoul exhibition showcases latest fashion tech trends

SEOUL, October 15 (AJP) - A fashion technology exhibition titled Look Play Keep is underway at Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) in Seoul. Four fashion tech companies are participating in the event, which runs from Sept. 27 to Jan. 31, featuring interactive experiences such as motion capture games and 360-degree photo booths. The event is hosted by the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Seoul Business Agency.

October 15, 2024

PHOTOS: Same-sex couples file lawsuit for marriage rights

SEOUL, October 15 (AJP) - Eleven same-sex couples announced their plans to file a lawsuit seeking the legalization of same-sex marriage during a news conference last Thursday. They argued that same-sex couples should have the same legal protections and benefits as heterosexual couples and called for the right to legally register their marriages.

October 15, 2024