China confirms person-to-person spread of new virus

The Chinese official investigating a pneumonia outbreak stemming from a new coronavirus says the disease can spread from person to person but can be halted with increased vigilance, as authorities on Tuesday confirmed a fourth death.
21 January 2020

SARS-like virus spreads in China, nearly 140 new cases

A mysterious SARS-like virus has killed a third person and spread around China -- including to Beijing -- authorities say, fuelling fears of a major outbreak as millions begin travelling for the Lunar New Year in humanity's biggest migration.
20 January 2020

7 killed, 3 missing in Indonesia bridge collapse

Seven people drowned and three others are missing after a bridge collapsed on Indonesia's Sumatra island, the disaster agency says.
20 January 2020

Facebook says technical error caused vulgar translation of Chinese leader's name

Facebook Inc blames a technical error for Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s name appearing as “Mr Shithole” in posts on its platform when translated into English from Burmese, apologising for any offence caused.
19 January 2020

China reports 17 new cases of mystery virus

China reports 17 new cases of the mysterious SARS-like virus, including three in a severe condition, heightening fears ahead of China's Lunar New Year holiday when hundreds of millions of people move around the country.
19 January 2020

Virus casts shadow over China's biggest festival

Health authorities are concerned that a virus originating in central China could spread when hundreds of millions of Chinese travel during next week's lunar new year festival, but residents said there were was little anxiety in the city at the epicentre.
18 January 2020

China, Myanmar ‘stand together’ despite Rohingya backlash

China and Myanmar ink dozens of mammoth infrastructure and trade deals after a meeting between President Xi Jinping and fallen rights icon Aung San Suu Kyi, as Beijing doubles down on its support for a government under fire for its treatment of Rohingya Muslims.
18 January 2020

Experts warn over scale of China virus

The true scale of the outbreak of a mysterious SARS-like virus in China is likely far bigger than officially reported, scientists have warned, as countries ramp up measures to prevent the disease from spreading.
18 January 2020

Japan confirms first case of coronavirus infection

A case of the mystery respiratory infection related to the potentially deadly SARS virus, which first emerged in China, has been confirmed in Japan, authorities said yesterday.
16 January 2020

‘One country, two systems’ can continue beyond 2047: HK leader

The principle that ensures Hong Kong enjoys freedoms unavailable in mainland China can continue beyond its 2047 expiry date as long as the city’s youngsters do not destroy it with “temporary misunderstandings,” Chief Executive Carrie Lam said yesterday.
16 January 2020

Risking lives to rescue horses in Philippine volcano 'no man's land'

The horses were still caked in grey ash as they stepped off the boat, lucky beneficiaries of a risky rescue mission to ground zero of the Philippines' Taal volcano eruption.
16 January 2020

Five killed as Sudan crushes revolt

Five people, including two soldiers, were killed as Sudanese troops crushed a rebellion launched by agents of the country’s long-feared security agency against a restructuring plan, officials and medics said yesterday.
15 January 2020

Japan envoy denounced for comments on Rohingya

Tokyo-based human rights activists yesterday decried recent remarks by Japan’s ambassador to Yangon, who told local media he did not think the Myanmar military committed genocide on the Rohingya Muslim minority in the country.
15 January 2020

Broadband, 2G internet partially restored in J&K

The Jammu and Kashmir administration on Tuesday evening allowed mobile Internet in parts of Jammu region and broadband in establishments providing essential services, days after the Supreme Court ordered a review of the curbs imposed in the Union Territory.
15 January 2020

PORTS, TRAINS, TRADE

A high-speed rail line to the east, a deep-sea port to the west, and a makeover for commercial heart Yangon -- Chinese leader Xi Jinping arrives in Myanmar on Friday laden with investment pledges worth billions which could reshape the country. Here are five of the main projects -- and some of the issues plaguing them:
15 January 2020

No case against Anwar Ibrahim: Malaysia

Malaysia’s solicitor general yesterday ruled out new charges against prime-minister-in-waiting Anwar Ibrahim over allegations that he sexually assaulted a former male aide, saying there was not enough evidence to proceed.
14 January 2020

BSF troops open fire at ‘drone-like objects’

Some “drone-like objects” were seen along the Indo-Pak border in Punjab’s Ferozepur, prompting BSF personnel to open fire at them, officials said here yesterday.
14 January 2020

‘Need to be frank’

Malaysia is concerned about India’s new curbs on imports of palm oil after a diplomatic row, Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said yesterday, but indicated he would continue to speak out against “wrong things” even if it costs his country financially.
14 January 2020

Pakistan court annuls Musharaff's death sentence

A Pakistan court annuls the death sentence handed to former military ruler Pervez Musharraf, ruling a special court which found him guilty of treason last year was unconstitutional.
13 January 2020

Rivals rally on final day before votes

Taiwan’s presidential rivals held massive rallies last night in a final push to convince voters on the eve of a closely watched election that looks set to infuriate China and send ripples far beyond its borders.
10 January 2020