China’s super wealthy have earned a record $1.5 trillion in 2020, more than the past five years combined, as e-commerce and gaming boomed during pandemic lockdowns, an annual rich list said Tuesday.
AFP
Agence France Presse, founded in 1835, with bureaus in 151 countries and 200 locations. AFP's global network of journalists is an integral part of our partnership on breaking news content. AFP serves as the official Fact Checker for Facebook & TikTok, more info at FactCheck.Afp.com
Thai Police Use Water Cannons against Bangkok Protesters
Thai police used water cannons against protesters Friday night in central Bangkok, as the pro-democracy activists defied an emergency decree banning gatherings for a second night running.
China Warns Canada against Granting Hong Kongers Sanctuary
A top Chinese diplomat warned Canada Thursday against granting asylum to Hong Kong democracy protesters, adding that doing so could jeopardize the “health and safety” of Canadians living in the southern Chinese financial hub.
Japan to Release Treated Fukushima Water into Sea
Japan will release more than a million tons of treated radioactive water from the stricken Fukushima nuclear plant into the sea in a decades-long operation, reports said Friday, despite strong opposition from local fishermen.
The Story behind Thailand’s ‘Hunger Games’ Protest Salute
The three-fingered salute from “The Hunger Games” movies flashed by Thai protesters at the royal motorcade this week has become the primary symbol of resistance in the kingdom in recent years.
What is Thailand’s ‘Section 112’ Royal Defamation Law?
Thailand’s monarchy is protected by one of the world’s toughest defamation laws, making any criticism of the powerful King Maha Vajiralongkorn very risky inside the country.
1 Billion Streams: Teenage Sensation Produced Most Explosive Track on TikTok
A 17-year-old New Zealander whose TikTok anthem “Savage Love” has been viewed more than a billion times said Wednesday “it blows his mind” to have now topped the US Billboard singles chart.
Japan’s Top Olympic Swimmer Suspended for Extra-Marital Affair
Japan’s top Olympic swimmer Daiya Seto has been barred from competitions and official training until the end of the year as punishment for an affair exposed by a tabloid.
Indian Jewelery Chain Removes Ad after Vicious Backlash
One of India’s top jewellery retailers has withdrawn an advert featuring an interfaith baby shower after a vicious backlash on social media by Hindu hardliners who said it glorified “love jihad”.
French Museum Halts Genghis Khan Show after Chinese Pressure
A French museum won backing from scholars on Tuesday for its decision to halt an exhibition about Mongol leader Genghis Khan because of a censorship attempt by the Chinese government.
Stir-Crazy ‘Passengers’ Gobble up Tickets to Dine on Parked Singapore Jets
Tarmac meals have become an unlikely hit for coronavirus-battered Singapore Airlines, with hundreds of “passengers” paying the equivalent of a budget ticket just to dine inside grounded A380 jumbos.
India Claims Cow Dung Chip Protects against Radiation
An Indian government unit established to develop soaps and medicinal products from cow dung has branched out with a “chip” it claims can protect people from cellphone radiation.
Peru’s Machu Picchu Reopens for One Japanese Tourist
Peru’s best-known tourist site Machu Picchu has opened after months of coronavirus closure, but for just a single visitor — a Japanese man stranded in the country by the pandemic.
Hong Kong Scientists Say Anti-Microbe Drug Successful against Coronavirus
An affordable anti-microbial drug used to treat stomach ulcers and bacterial infections has shown promise in combatting the coronavirus in animals, scientists in Hong Kong announced Monday.
Taiwanese Detained in China ‘Confesses’ on State TV
A Taiwanese man detained in China and accused of “endangering national security” appeared on Chinese television Sunday evening, admitting to illegally filming military exercises in a city bordering Hong Kong during protests there last year.
NBA Returns to Chinese State TV after Year-Long Blackout
China’s state broadcaster ended a year-long blackout of NBA games on Saturday, citing “goodwill” from the US basketball competition following a row over Hong Kong pro-democracy protests.
Last Desperate Messages of Vietnamese Migrants Heard in UK Trial
“I am sorry. I cannot take care of you. I cannot breathe.” British jurors on Friday heard heart-wrenching phone messages left by a group of Vietnamese migrants who suffocated to death in a sealed truck container.
‘Cheer Up’: Giant Crane Out Carved in South Korea’s Rice Fields
Across a vast sprawl of paddy fields on South Korea’s southern tip, a giant crane made out of rice plants urges the country to “Cheer Up!” in the face of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Stolen $300M Scroll Written by Mao is Recovered but Cut in Half
A stolen poetry scroll written by Mao Zedong and valued at hundreds of millions of dollars has been recovered, Hong Kong police said Wednesday — but not before it was cut in half.
‘Smart’ Male Chastity Device Can be Remotely Locked by Hackers
A security flaw in an internet-connected male chastity device could allow hackers to remotely lock it — leaving users trapped, researchers have warned.