The U.S. defense chief has announced the delivery of nearly $30 million worth of weapons to the Philippines, which faces threats from Islamic State group-linked militants. ( read original story ...)
Philippines seen as economic laggard in ASEAN
The Philippines is set to become a laggard in Southeast Asia with the deepest economic contraction as it struggles to control the COVID-19 outbreak, according to Maybank Kim Eng. Maybank is now ... ( read original story ...)
World Bank further downgrades economic forecast for Philippines
The World Bank has downgraded its economic forecast for the Philippines this year following the still steep decline in output in the third quarter and the onslaught of devastating typhoons last month. ( read original story ...)
Philippines Receives $29 Million of Military Equipment From U.S. to Boost Defences
The Philippines has received 1.4 billion pesos ($29 million) worth of military equipment from the United States, its defence minister said on Tuesday, part of efforts to bolster the country's external ... ( read original story ...)
Japan Pulls Back From Cash Handouts in Covid-19 Response
Japan released an economic plan that is heavy on longer-term investments to reshape its economy rather than immediate spending to tide the country through the next months of the pandemic. ( read original story ...)
In Pakistan, a ‘Happy’ solution to curb crop burning takes off
A new effort by the Punjab government to tackle air pollution caused by rice stubble burning is taking off as machines – called Happy Seeders – are given to farmers at a subsidized cost. The ... ( read original story ...)
Nationwide farmers’ strike shuts down large parts of India
Protests against new agriculture laws hits transport, shops and markets across the country ... ( read original story ...)
India says it may approve vaccine in weeks, outlines plan
India’s health ministry announced Tuesday that some COVID-19 vaccines are likely to receive licenses in the next few weeks and outlined an initial plan to immunize 300 ... ( read original story ...)
China Threatens U.S. With ‘Stern’ Retaliation Over Hong Kong Sanctions
The State Department imposed the sanctions on 14 Chinese lawmakers over the clampdown on freedoms in Hong Kong. ( read original story ...)
Top Australian defence official says it’s ‘very legitimate’ to worry about China’s assertiveness
Defence department secretary Greg Moriarty is ‘particularly concerned about the militarisation of features in the South China Sea’ ... ( read original story ...)