Japan may lift Tokyo state of emergency as early as next week: PM
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Thursday said that it was possible that a state of emergency in Tokyo and its surrounding regions could end as early as next week if the number of coronavirus infections continues to decrease.
Top Tokyo prosecutor offers to resign over reports of gambling
Japan’s justice minister on Thursday said that Tokyo’s top prosecutor had tendered his resignation earlier in the day following media reports that he had been gambling with acquaintances, flouting social distancing recommendations.
Rare online outrage in Japan forces Abe to delay controversial bill
Outbursts of political anger are rare in Japan. Street protests tend to be tame and some are led by the elderly. Government supporters have swamped online debate at times, and the Shinzo Abe administration has rarely listened to voices of dissent.
Russian, Turkish foreign ministers back Libya ceasefire in call: Moscow
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu backed an immediate ceasefire in Libya during a phone call on Thursday, Russia’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
China supports “improvement” of Hong Kong’s political system
China said on Thursday it supports improving the system and mechanism related to the constitution and basic law of Hong Kong and Macau, in comments likely to stir concern that it could take measures to tighten its grip on Hong Kong.
Indonesia reports 973 new coronavirus cases, biggest daily jump
Indonesia reported on Thursday its biggest daily jump in coronavirus cases, bringing the total confirmed number to 20,162 in the world’s fourth most populous country.
Indonesia’s COVID-19 battle faces crucial test over Eid holiday
Thousands of Indonesians made a late dash to leave Jakarta for their hometowns this week, even as authorities sought to stem the traditional mass exodus at the end of the Muslim fasting month to limit the spread of the coronavirus.
U.S. masses planes at Japan base to show foes and allies it can handle coronavirus
U.S. Air Force transport aircraft on Thursday massed at Washington’s key Asian military air transportation hub, Yokota Air Base in Japan, to show potential foes and allies it was ready for action despite the coronavirus emergency.
UK’s COVID-19 tracking system under fire amid warning of second spike
Britain’s system for tracing those with the novel coronavirus was under fire on Thursday as it grappled with the development of a tracking app and health workers warned the government that unless there was clarity it could suffer a second deadly wave.
New Zealand PM Ardern’s election prospects boosted by latest poll
New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s popularity has soared ahead of elections in September as a result of her handling of the coronavirus pandemic, a poll showed on Thursday.
