From mini libraries to storage booths, China’s zero-COVID structures take on second lives

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BEIJING: With China’s dropping of its “zero-COVID” policy, makeshift quarantine centres and testing booths are being repurposed as mini-libraries, information points or even housing. Since Beijing suddenly abandoned its hardline virus control measures in December after almost three years, cities across China have been left with tens of thousands ofContinue Reading

Chinese officials visit Taiwan, a first since pandemic

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TAIPEI: A group of Chinese officials arrived in Taiwan on Saturday (Feb 18) on the first visit in three years, since the COVID-19 pandemic began, to attend a cultural event at a time of soaring military tensions across the Taiwan Strait. Taiwan’s government this week allowed the trip of sixContinue Reading

North Korea fires ballistic missile, says South Korea

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SEOUL: North Korea fired a ballistic missile toward the sea off its east coast on Saturday (Feb 18), South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said. Japan’s Coast Guard also said North Korea fired what could be a ballistic missile. The firing comes after North Korea threatened on Friday an “unprecedentedly persistent,Continue Reading

India lashes out at critics after BBC raids

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SYDNEY: India’s foreign minister on Saturday (Feb 18) hit out at “scaremongering” critics who claim the country’s democracy is being corroded, singling out billionaire George Soros – a popular target for right-wing ire. At an event in Sydney, S Jaishankar rejected accusations that multiple raids on the BBC’s India officesContinue Reading

Should Pakistan participate in SCO summit in Goa

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Pakistan-India relations have been at a dead end for years. Now, however, with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) meeting to take place in Goa in May, an intriguing debate has ensued: Should Pakistan participate? Can it breathe life into New Delhi-Islamabad ties? Chances for Pakistan-India Détente It is true that after […]Continue Reading