Thailand eyes limits on surgical mask exports as coronavirus cases rise
Thailand’s cabinet agreed measures on Tuesday that could lead to a reduction in the export of surgical masks to prevent shortages at home as health authorities try to contain the spread of the coronavirus.
Taliban accuses U.S. of delaying peace process after call for violence reduction
Afghanistan’s Taliban on Tuesday accused the United States of hampering peace negotiations in response to the top American diplomat’s comments that a reduction in violence was needed before a deal to end years of war could be struck.
Iran to execute man for spying for CIA: judiciary
A man sentenced to death in Iran for spying for the CIA and attempting to pass on information about Tehran’s nuclear program will be executed soon, authorities said on Tuesday, according to the semi-official Fars news agency.
Ukraine’s last planned plane from China to arrive in Kiev
The last planned Ukrainian flight from China before a ban over coronavirus is enforced was due to arrive in Kiev shortly with around 200 passengers on board, Ukraine International Airlines said on Tuesday.
North Macedonia hopes for NATO accession ratification in March
North Macedonia’s President Stevo Pendarovski said on Tuesday that he expects the procedure of ratification country’s membership in North Atlantic Treaty organization to be completed next month.
EU condemns U.S. decision to end ban on anti-personnel land mines
U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to relax restrictions on the U.S. military’s use of anti-personnel land mines was “completely unacceptable”, the European Union said on Tuesday in a rare formal criticism of Washington.
Cathay Pacific to cut 90% of flights to mainland China due to coronavirus
Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd plans to cut around 30% of its capacity over the next two months, including around 90% of its flights to mainland China, as it grapples with the coronavirus epidemic, its CEO said on Tuesday.
Thailand confirms six new coronavirus cases, including four Thais
Thailand confirmed six new cases of the new coronavirus on Tuesday, four of them Thai nationals and two Chinese, bringing the total to 25, the highest number outside China.
Electric future: Britain to ban new petrol and hybrid cars from 2035
Britain will ban the sale of new petrol, diesel and hybrid cars from 2035, five years earlier than planned, in an attempt to reduce air pollution that could herald the end of over a century of reliance on the internal combustion engine.
Coronavirus sends Asia’s social media censors into overdrive
Deluged by misinformation about the new coronavirus on social media, some Asian governments are fighting back with arrests, fines and fake news laws – something free speech advocates fear will entrench measures that can also silence dissent.
