Asia (except ME & Indian SC)

BEIJING, May 14 (APP):Pakistan Ambassador to China, Moin ul Haque has advised Pakistani students studying in Chinese universities to focus on their studies and learn from China’s high-quality development and progress.

Speaking at ‘Students Forum’ held at the Pakistan Embassy in Beijing on Sunday, the Ambassador briefed the students about the significance of China-Pakistan bilateral relations and ongoing cooperation in diverse fields.

SHANGHAI/HONG KONG, May 15 (Reuters) - China's clampdown on its consultancy and due diligence sector has driven companies to review their operations after some tested the limits of the laws and Beijing's patience to meet surging demand as China emerged from its COVID-lockdowns.

These consultancies thrived by providing investors - from global hedge funds to private equity firms - access to industry experts and investigators who could obtain valuable corporate information.

BANGKOK, May 15 (Reuters) - Thailand's two main opposition parties agreed on Monday to form a ruling coalition after they trounced in a weekend election military-backed rivals that have controlled government for nearly a decade.

The Move Forward party and opposition heavyweight Pheu Thai dominated Sunday's ballot in a stunning rout of army-backed parties, but they could face challenges in mustering enough support, with parliamentary rules drafted by the military after a 2014 coup skewed in favour of its allies.

JAKARTA, May 15 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia recorded a trade surplus of 3.94 billion U.S. dollars in April, up from the previous month's 2.91 billion dollars, according to Statistics Indonesia (BPS) on Monday.

"Indonesia's trade balance has recorded surplus for 36 consecutive months since May 2020," said BPS Deputy for Statistical Methodology and Information Imam Machdi in a press conference.

The non-oil and gas sector contributed a surplus of 5.64 billion dollars but was offset in part by a deficit of 1.70 billion dollars in the oil and gas sector.

HANOI, May 15 (Xinhua) -- The mid-term session of the 13th Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee (CPVCC) opened in Hanoi on Monday, Vietnam News Agency reported.

Chaired by General Secretary of the CPVCC Nguyen Phu Trong, the session was scheduled to review the leadership of the 13th CPVCC's Political Bureau and Secretariat and to conduct a vote of confidence on the members.

BEIJING (AP) — A Chinese envoy was preparing Monday to visit Ukraine and Russia, but there appeared to be little chance of a breakthrough to end the 15-month-long invasion.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s government says it is neutral and wants to play a role as mediator, but has given Moscow political support. Beijing released a proposed peace plan in February, but that was largely dismissed by Ukraine’s allies, who insist Russian President Vladimir Putin’s forces must withdraw.

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol met with Japanese business leaders on Monday and called for expanded technology cooperation between the countries, which he described as a key element in broader efforts to improve relations.

Yoon has met twice with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in recent weeks, demonstrating their intent to overcome historical grievances that have strained ties for years and to strengthen cooperation in response to shared challenges, including a nuclear-armed North Korea and growing Chinese assertiveness in the region.

BANGKOK (AP) — Ballots tallied Monday showed voters in Thailand wanted change after nine years under a former general who took power in a coup, with the main opposition parties easily besting other contenders in the general election.

The opposition Move Forward Party outperformed even optimistic projections and appeared poised to capture almost all 33 House seats in the capital Bangkok. Along with the Pheu Thai Party, the favored opposition group, Move Forward campaigned for reform of the military and the monarchy.

BEIJING (AP) — China sentenced a 78-year-old United States citizen to life in prison Monday on spying charges, in a case that reflects the deterioration in ties between Beijing and Washington over recent years.

Details of the charges against John Shing-Wan Leung, who holds permanent residency in Hong Kong, have not been publicly released.

BEIJING, May 14 (APP):Pakistan Ambassador to China, Moin ul Haque has advised Pakistani students studying in Chinese universities to focus on their studies and learn from China’s high-quality development and progress.

Speaking at ‘Students Forum’ held at the Pakistan Embassy in Beijing on Sunday, the Ambassador briefed the students about the significance of China-Pakistan bilateral relations and ongoing cooperation in diverse fields.