Asia markets track Wall Street gains amid renewed U.S. rate cut hopes; Hong Kong stocks hit 9-month high
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Asian news from China
PR executive reportedly departs China’s Baidu after comments glorifying overwork draw backlash
HONG KONG (AP) — A top Baidu public relations executive has reportedly departed the Chinese technology company after she drew public outcry over her comments that were seen as glorifying a culture of overwork.
Singapore’s Scoot cancels several flights in May over shortage of spare parts
Budget airline Scoot has cancelled several flights in May due to a “variety of operational reasons”.
Philippines to tighten visa control for Chinese nationals in move expected to spark retaliation from Beijing
Analysts warn that the immigration policy should not be seen as Sinophobic as Manila had the right to filter visas. Authorities say the action was aimed at combating fraud, and in particular, a rampant offshore gaming sector that also preys on Chinese tourists.
South China Sea: Philippines at risk of attack if it hosts Beijing’s enemy in event of war, Cagayan governor says
The governor of a Philippine province has suggested that China will not hesitate to attack the Philippines if Beijing becomes involved in a conflict with forces being hosted by the Southeast Asian nation.
South China Sea: Philippines sounds alarm about coral reef damage related to Beijing’s reclamation activities
A marine resource assessment conducted in March showed many of Pag-asa’s coral reefs are severely degraded and unusually high piles of debris found around the island indicate that the damage is man-made, according to Professor Jonathan Anticamara of the University of the Philippines’ Institute of Biology.
Vietnam’s arrest of reformist labor official could disturb bid for better trade terms with the US
BANGKOK (AP) — A senior Vietnamese official with the country’s labor ministry was arrested for “deliberately disclosing state secrets,” police announced on Thursday, a development that analysts say could hurt Vietnam’s efforts to obtain more favorable trade terms for exports to the United States.