ASXPAC

North Korea slams United States for pledging tanks to Ukraine

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SEOUL, Jan 28 (Reuters) – North Korea on Saturday denounced U.S. tank battle pledges to Ukraine, saying Washington was “further crossing the red line” to win hegemony through proxy warfare, reports the official KCNA media. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s powerful sister, Kim Yo Jong, made the remarks in a statement carried by KCNA, … Read more

In Beijing’s backyard, U.S. demonstrates its military might

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ABOARD THE NIMITZ, SOUTH CHINA SEA, Jan 27 (Reuters) – For a few hours under gray skies, dozens of fighter jets and helicopters roar on and off the flight deck of the aircraft carrier Nimitz, in a show of American military might in some of the most contested waters in the world. MH-60 Seahawk helicopters … Read more

Oil prices edge up on strong U.S. economic data, Chinese demand hope

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Jan 27 (Reuters) – Oil prices edged higher on Friday, extending for a second session on strong U.S. economic data and bolstering hopes that the reopening of China’s economy would boost demand. Brent crude futures gained 30 cents, or 0.3%, to $87.66 a barrel at 01:13 GMT, while U.S. crude rose 21 cents to $81.22 … Read more

Analysis: Southern Africa calls the tune as great power suitors queue up

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Russia and the United States on high-level visits to the region The region has historical ties to Russia but greater Western trade War in Ukraine intensifies geopolitical rivalry over Africa JOHANNESBURG, Jan 26 (Reuters) – South Africa and its neighbors were at the center of a struggle for influence this week as senior Russian and … Read more

Pakistan seeks U.S. help in unlocking $1.1 bln IMF loan – Dawn

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Jan 26 (Reuters) – Pakistan has asked for help from Washington to unblock a stalled International Monetary Fund program that would release $1.1 billion for its strained economy as the country rebuilds after the year’s devastating floods latest, the Dawn newspaper said Thursday. The IMF and Pakistan signed a $6 billion bailout package in 2019, … Read more

China tells U.S. to fix its own debt problems after Yellen Africa remarks

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WASHINGTON, Jan 24 (Reuters) – After U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen called China a “barrier” to debt reform in Africa this week, Chinese officials in Zambia had a pointed response: order at home. The Chinese Embassy in Zambia said on its website on Tuesday that “the greatest contribution the United States can make to the … Read more

California massacres heighten immigrants’ fears of U.S. gun violence

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HALF MOON BAY/MONTEREY PARK, California, Jan 24 (Reuters) – America was meant to be a haven for Jose Romero when he arrived two years ago to work on a California farm alongside other immigrants from Mexico and from China. Romero was killed Monday, shot by a gunman along with six other farm workers in Half … Read more

Exclusive: U.S. grants license to Trinidad and Tobago to develop Venezuela offshore gas field

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WASHINGTON/HOUSTON, Jan 24 (Reuters) – The U.S. Treasury Department has granted a license to Trinidad and Tobago to develop a major gas field located in Venezuelan territorial waters, a senior Biden administration official said on Tuesday. marking a further relaxation of certain sanctions. on Venezuela. The license, issued at Trinidad’s request and intended to bolster … Read more

Incoming U.S. envoy to Moscow met Russian counterpart in Washington, State Dept says

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WASHINGTON, Jan 24 (Reuters) – New U.S. Ambassador to Russia Lynne Tracy spoke to Moscow’s top envoy to Washington Anatoly Antonov on Tuesday, the State Department spokesman said. Ned Price. Tracy, a seasoned American career diplomat, was confirmed by the US Senate in December. She will leave for Russia in the coming days and should … Read more

U.S. says it will propose new Haiti targets for U.N. sanctions

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UNITED NATIONS, Jan 24 (Reuters) – The United States said on Tuesday it would propose new targets in Haiti for UN sanctions, a move widely backed by China as the Caribbean country battles cholera and severe food shortages compounded by widespread violence by criminal gangs. The 15-member UN Security Council agreed in October to impose … Read more