Thailand, China sign mutual visa waiver agreements
BANGKOK - Thailand and China agreed on Jan 28 to waive visa requirements for each other’s nationals to facilitate travel and tourism between the two countries, hurt by Covid-19.
Asian news from Taiwan
China orders a Japanese fishing boat to leave waters near Japan-held islands claimed by Beijing
BEIJING (AP) — China’s coast guard said Saturday its officers ordered a Japanese fishing vessel and several patrol ships to leave waters surrounding tiny Japanese-controlled islands in the East China Sea. It marked the latest incident pointing to lingering tensions between the sides.
Beijing steps up military pressure on Taiwan after the US and China announce talks
TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — China sent more than 30 warplanes and a group of navy ships toward Taiwan, the island’s defense ministry said Saturday.
Tuvalu’s prime minister reportedly loses his seat in crucial elections on the Pacific island nation
SYDNEY (AP) — Prime Minister Kausea Natano reportedly lost his seat in parliament in elections on the tiny Pacific island nation of Tuvalu.
China’s top diplomat at meeting with US official urges Washington not to support Taiwan independence
BEIJING (AP) — Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan that Washington should stand by a commitment not to support independence for Taiwan, during their high-level talks in the Thai capital, the Chinese foreign ministry said Saturday.
Taiwan issue biggest threat to China-U.S. ties, Wang says
BANGKOK (Reuters) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan held candid talks in Bangkok aimed at keeping in contact, both sides said, with Wang stressing that "Taiwan independence" posed the biggest risk to Sino-U.S. ties.
Taiwan: Next domino looks set to fall in Tuvalu
There is breaking news that suggests Tuvalu’s prime minister, Kausea Natano, has lost his seat in local elections. This sets the stage for Seve Paeniu and Enele Sopoaga to make a move for the prime ministership.
Tuvalu’s pro-Taiwan PM Kausea Natano loses seat in election keenly watched by Beijing, US
Prime Minister Natano had pledged to continue support for Taiwan, a diplomatic ally since 1979. Another leadership contender, Seve Paeniu, has said diplomatic ties should be reviewed, with the new government deciding whether Taiwan or Beijing can best respond to Tuvalu’s needs.