Asian Correspondent Asia News

Philippines suspends oil, gas exploration in disputed waters

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — A Filipino-British company says the Philippine government has ordered the suspension of all exploration at an offshore oil and gas field because of an ongoing territorial dispute with China....

Afghan avalanches bury more homes in freezing north

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — An Afghan disaster official says three districts in a remote part of northern Afghanistan have been cut off by avalanches, just a week after nearly 200 people died when snow buried their homes in a valley not far from the capital, Kabul....

Australia expected to announce more troops bound for Iraq

CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — Australia is expected to confirm an increase in troop numbers to be sent to Iraq to help train Iraqi security forces to fight the Islamic State group....

China lists 14 generals snared in anti-corruption campaign

BEIJING (AP) — Chinese military prosecutors have released a list of 14 generals convicted of graft or placed under investigation in an accelerating nationwide anti-corruption drive....

Journalist jailed for online post freed from Burma prison

YANGON, Burma/Myanmar (AP) — A photojournalist who was arrested for mocking Burma's leaders on Facebook has been freed....

Foreign lease holders could face trouble in Thailand

Foreigners who hold long-term leases on property in Thailand were in for a shock last week, when a Phuket court ruled that formerly attractive secured leases are "not valid." Foreigners technically can't own land in Thailand, but they can sign a 30-year lease that can be renewed twice, for two more subsequent 30-year periods....

Pakistan police arrest parents refusing kids’ polio vaccine

PESHAWAR, Pakistan (AP) — Pakistani officials say hundreds of parents have been arrested in recent days because they refused to allow vaccinators to give their children the polio vaccine....

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Bangladesh arrests suspect in killing of American blogger

DHAKA, Bangladesh (AP) — Bangladesh security officials say they have arrested a leading suspect in the hacking death of an American blogger who wrote against religious extremism....

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Is new Australian poll a lifeline for Abbott or a death sentence?

A recent poll by Fairfax-Ipsos has revealed a shift amongst voter favour that on the surface seems to favour the incumbent but battling Prime Minister Tony Abbott. The national poll of 1406 voters could offer a lifeline at just the right moment for Abbott, who survived a potential leadership challenge three weeks ago....

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Britain’s Prince William takes on diplomatic role in China

BEIJING (AP) — Britain's Prince William is making the first official visit to mainland China by a senior British royal in a generation, testing his diplomatic mettle as the second in line to the throne....

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China’s manufacturing measure shows contraction for February

BEIJING (AP) — An index that measures China's manufacturing activity went up slightly in February but still shows contraction amid China's economy slowdown....

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US lawmaker urges Taiwan entry to crime-fighting Interpol

WASHINGTON (AP) — A Republican lawmaker who oversees U.S. policy toward Asia wants Taiwan to be admitted into international organizations such as Interpol....

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